Asia form world's biggest trade bloc, a China-backed group excluding U.S. [UPDATED]

14 Sept 12:30 Key points summarised by AI

Fifteen Asia-Pacific economies officially formed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), establishing the world's largest free trade bloc.
The China-backed RCEP deal notably excludes the United States, which had withdrawn from a rival Asia-Pacific trade grouping (TPP) under the Trump administration.
RCEP is poised to cement China's economic influence in Southeast Asia, Japan, and Korea, positioning Beijing to significantly shape the region's trade rules.
Comprising 30% of the global economy and population, the bloc aims to progressively lower tariffs across its member nations, fostering deeper regional integration.
The U.S. remains absent from both RCEP and the successor to the TPP, leaving the world's largest economy out of two major trade groups in the fastest-growing global region.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

19 Oct 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.