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Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison under national security convictions, as Japan’s conservatives secured a projected supermajority in a landslide election and Portugal elected Socialist candidate António José Seguro as president. 

Elsewhere, Syria and Saudi Arabia agreed multibillion-dollar reconstruction projects, suspected sabotage disrupted Italy’s rail network at the start of the Winter Olympics, and Saudi Arabia condemned attacks in Sudan while blaming unnamed foreign involvement. 

Read more below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇭🇰 Hong Kong media mogul Jimmy Lai jailed for 20 years under security law: A Hong Kong court sentenced pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai after convictions for foreign collusion and seditious publication, following more than five years already in detention. Western governments and rights groups urged his release, while authorities said the case was unrelated to press freedom.

2️⃣ 🇸🇾🇸🇦 Syria and Saudi Arabia sign multibillion-dollar reconstruction deals: The two countries agreed investment projects across aviation, telecoms, energy and real estate, including $2bn from a Saudi-backed fund to develop two airports in Aleppo and launch a joint airline. Officials framed the deals as rebuilding efforts, though one analyst said their short-term economic impact may be limited.

3️⃣ 🇮🇹 Italy rail network hit by suspected sabotage as Winter Olympics begin: Authorities reported three incidents involving fires, severed cables and a rudimentary explosive device targeting northern rail infrastructure, causing major travel disruption. Police said no group had claimed responsibility as services were gradually restored.

4️⃣ 🇸🇦🇸🇩 Saudi Arabia condemns RSF attacks and blames foreign interference in Sudan war: Riyadh denounced attacks in Kordofan that reportedly killed dozens and accused unnamed external actors of supplying weapons and fighters, without identifying them. The statement followed reports of drone strikes on civilians and aid convoys and calls from Sudan’s government for accountability.

5️⃣ 🇯🇵 Japan conservatives secure supermajority in landslide election victory: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition was projected to win up to 328 of 465 lower house seats, regaining control and strengthening its legislative power after losing its majority in 2024. The campaign centred on stimulus and tax relief pledges, amid financial concerns and tensions with China.

Major Story

🇺🇸🇨🇳 US alleges secret China nuclear tests

The United States accused China of conducting a concealed nuclear explosive test in 2020, with a senior official claiming Beijing used methods to obscure seismic detection and carried out at least one yield-producing test in June of that year. China did not directly address the specific allegation but said it acts responsibly on nuclear matters, rejected what it described as false narratives, and blamed the United States for escalating the arms race. 

The accusations emerged as the last remaining treaty limiting US and Russian strategic nuclear deployments expired, leaving both countries without binding constraints for the first time in decades and prompting Washington to push for a new agreement that includes China. Beijing reiterated it would not join negotiations at this stage and has previously said its arsenal is far smaller, while the United States maintains projections that China’s warhead count will grow significantly. Diplomats described the claims as new and concerning, though details remain limited, and the broader arms control environment is described as uncertain as discussions over future agreements continue.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇹🇭 Thai PM claims election win as conservatives lead early results: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said his party was ahead with about 194 of 500 seats counted, well in front of the reformist opposition on 116, though no party was projected to secure a majority. A constitutional reform referendum held alongside the vote showed early support of around 65%.

2️⃣ 🇺🇸🇺🇦🇷🇺 US pushing for Ukraine war deal by June as attacks continue: Volodymyr Zelensky said Washington wants a settlement within months and proposed new talks in the US, though there was no comment from Moscow or Washington and previous negotiations produced no breakthrough. Meanwhile, Russian strikes on energy infrastructure caused blackouts and damage across multiple regions.

3️⃣ 🇮🇱🇺🇸 Netanyahu to meet Trump as Iran nuclear talks continue: Israel’s prime minister is set to discuss recent US-Iran negotiations in Washington, saying any deal must address ballistic missiles and regional support networks. Iranian officials said enrichment and missile capabilities are non-negotiable and warned of retaliation if attacked.

4️⃣ 🇷🇺🇺🇦 Russia blames Ukraine for attempted assassination of general: Moscow said a suspect arrested in Dubai had been instructed by Ukrainian intelligence to carry out the attack, though no evidence was presented. Kyiv denied involvement after General Vladimir Alekseev was shot and wounded in Moscow.

5️⃣ 🇵🇹 Portugal elects Socialist candidate Seguro president in landslide: Antonio José Seguro secured about 66% of the vote with most ballots counted, defeating far-right rival André Ventura, who took 34%. The largely ceremonial role carries powers including dissolving parliament, and he will take office in March.

6️⃣ 🇵🇰 Pakistan arrests four over deadly mosque bombing as ISIL claims attack: Authorities said an Afghan national alleged to be the mastermind was among those detained after a suicide blast killed more than 30 and injured over 160. Officials accused foreign actors without presenting evidence, while India and the Afghan Taliban rejected involvement.

7️⃣ 🇷🇺🇺🇦 NATO jets scrambled as Russia launches major strike on Ukraine energy sites: Poland closed parts of its airspace as missiles and drones targeted multiple Ukrainian power plants and substations, triggering emergency outages across several regions. Damage details were reported by Ukrainian authorities and monitoring channels.

8️⃣ 🇬🇧🇸🇦 Prince William to visit Saudi Arabia on politically sensitive trip: The three-day visit will include stops in Riyadh and AlUla and a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, following months of preparation. Discussions are expected to cover investment and energy transition, as rights groups raised concerns over restrictions in the country.

9️⃣ 🇮🇱🇦🇺 Israeli president arrives in Australia after Bondi attack: Israeli president Isaac Herzog began a four-day visit to meet survivors and families, attend community events and hold talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and other leaders. The trip has prompted tight security, planned protests and mixed reactions within the community.

1️⃣0️⃣​​🇬🇧 UK says nearly 60,000 migrants and foreign criminals removed since 2024: The Home Office said over 58,500 people have been removed or deported since July 2024, with enforced removals up 45% and deportations of foreign offenders rising 32%, and pledged further action including visa sanctions and legal changes to limit appeals. Planned measures include restricting appeal routes, scaling back asylum costs and ending hotel use by the end of the Parliament. (UK Home Office)

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