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The U.S. Defense Department’s annual report on China’s military power, released this week, says the PLA is accelerating modernization, but it still faces several operational challenges in executing a rapid and decisive invasion of Taiwan. Click here for the full story in Mandarin. 

Iran’s Ministry of Science has announced that universities are allowed to hold virtual classes until the end of the year, citing "weather conditions." However, some observers have called this move a form of "soft martial law," while others interpret it as an "unofficial nationwide strike." Click here for the full story in Persian.

During his first press conference as president-elect, Donald Trump mentioned U.S.-China relations, stating, "China and the United States can together solve all of the problems of the world." The remark quickly trended on Weibo, sparking discussions among Chinese netizens. Click here for the full story in Mandarin.  

Leaders of 12 European countries agreed at a meeting in Tallinn to expand sanctions against Russia's "shadow fleet" that is used by Moscow to sell oil and evade Western sanctions. Several European states imposed new policies on Russian vessels transiting through European waters to curb Russia's ability to use profits from illicit oil sales to fund its war in Ukraine. Click here for the full story in Russian.  

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov said that a conflict between Russia and NATO is possible within the next decade. VOA Russian spoke to experts who agreed that Belousov is most likely voicing the Kremlin's true intentions, and that the West should treat these statements seriously. Click here for the full story in Russian.

According to a recent report, Miami is among the 10 cities in the United States with the highest cost of living. The expenses that most affect family budgets are mortgages or rent, and vehicle financing. Click here for the full story in Spanish.

A new UNICEF report found that gang violence in Haiti forced more than 22,000 people to flee their homes. The United Nations agency expressed concern about the future for Haiti's youth who are now living on the street or in shelters. Click here for the full story in Creole.  

After the rebels led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham toppled the Assad rule in Syria earlier this month, Christians in the capital’s historic Old Damascus neighborhood are trying to understand whether HTS will interfere with their lifestyles, holy days, celebrations and commemorations. Click here for the full story in Turkish.  

ICE recorded 271,484 deportations in its fiscal year ended September 30, nearly double the figure from the same period a year earlier 

Earthquake destroyed two reservoirs that supply Vanuatu's capital

Researchers say warming oceans threaten world’s reefs

Plaintiff Gisele Pelicot hailed for her courage in going public

Recent revelations of more network penetrations have produced warnings from government agencies, but relatively little preventative action 

Initiative includes construction of airport, port, key economic zone, all focused on fostering growth, attracting investment 

With a Democratic Senate, Biden’s support necessary to sign package into law

Amnesty report finds evidence of spyware on dozens of phones of Serbian activists, journalists 

Though Somalia has secured troops from four AU nations to compensate for Ethiopia’s absence, a recent diplomatic breakthrough has reopened the door for involving Ethiopia's military

Growing hostility that started under Bolsonaro presidency continues to affect media covering municipal elections

Migration flows from Latin America to the United States slowed in 2024. New policies in pass-through countries and promises of mass deportations from the incoming U.S. administration are reshaping migration dynamics.​ Veronica Villafane reports.