APEC leaders, including Trump, agree on free trade

13 Sept 19:57 Key points summarised by AI

APEC leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, issued their first joint statement since 2017, pledging to work towards free, open, and non-discriminatory trade and investment to revive coronavirus-battered economies.
The COVID-19 pandemic eclipsed past trade disputes, shifting APEC's focus to accelerating economic recovery, developing affordable vaccines, and refraining from protectionist measures to keep markets open.
Leaders adopted the Putrajaya Vision 2040, a new 20-year growth vision, aiming to build an "open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful region" by 2040, while also agreeing to deepen regional integration towards a massive free trade agreement.

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.