World News for December 29, 2025

  1. China Launches Massive Live-Fire Drills Around Taiwan

    China has conducted its most extensive military exercises around Taiwan under the name “Justice Mission 2025,” deploying warships, fighter jets, artillery, and coastguard forces to encircle the island, simulate blockades of major ports, and perform live-fire strikes. These drills serve as a stern warning to Taiwan’s government and external supporters, amid heightened tensions in the region. Source: Reuters

  2. Trump and Zelenskyy Meet at Mar-a-Lago to Discuss Ukraine Peace Deal

    U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at his Florida resort for talks on ending the Russia-Ukraine war, with both sides reporting progress on security guarantees for Ukraine (potentially lasting 15 years) while acknowledging remaining thorny issues like territorial disputes. Trump described the discussions as productive, bringing them “a lot closer” to an agreement. Source: Reuters

  3. Trump Hosts Netanyahu to Discuss Gaza Ceasefire and Potential Iran Actions

    U.S. President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago to advance the Gaza ceasefire plan, including calls for Hamas to disarm and the establishment of transitional governance. Trump also expressed openness to supporting another Israeli strike on Iran amid ongoing regional concerns. Source: Reuters

  4. U.S. Pledges $2 Billion in Humanitarian Aid Under New UN Delivery Model

    The United States announced a $2 billion pledge for humanitarian assistance to millions facing hunger and disease in over a dozen countries in 2026, using a new mechanism to distribute aid following significant cuts under the Trump administration. Notably, Yemen and Afghanistan are excluded from this funding track. Source: Reuters

  5. North Korea’s Kim Jong Un Oversees Long-Range Cruise Missile Launches

    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test-firing of long-range strategic cruise missiles, aimed at demonstrating nuclear capabilities and readiness against perceived threats. This comes amid speculation of further tests around the New Year period. Source: Reuters

  6. Global Stock Markets Ease but Set for Double-Digit Gains in 2025

    U.S. stocks dipped slightly from record highs amid a holiday-shortened week, while global indexes are on track to close 2025 with strong double-digit gains despite challenges like tariff wars, geopolitical tensions, and central bank policies. Gold also fell from recent peaks. Source: Reuters

  7. Train Derailment in Mexico Kills at Least 13, Injures 98

    A train derailment on Mexico’s Interoceanic Corridor near Nizanda in Oaxaca state resulted in at least 13 deaths and 98 injuries, with authorities investigating the cause of the incident on this key Pacific-Gulf coast railway line. Source: Reuters

  8. South Korea’s Exports Surpass $700 Billion for the First Time in 2025

    South Korea achieved a record-breaking export total exceeding $700 billion this year, driven by strong performance in key sectors, as announced by the trade ministry. Source: Reuters

  9. Border Tensions Escalate Between Thailand and Cambodia

    Diplomats from Thailand and Cambodia began talks in China to resolve their ongoing border dispute, following recent clashes that included airstrikes and casualties on both sides. Source: ABC News

  10. More Than 3,000 Migrants Died Trying to Reach Spain in 2025

    The number of migrants who perished attempting to reach Spain by sea exceeded 3,000 this year, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Mediterranean migration routes. Source: Euronews

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