Taiwan unveils first domestically built submarine

21 Sept 02:53 Key points summarised by AI

Taiwan unveiled its first domestically built submarine, the 'Hai Kun' (Narwhal), a significant milestone in its efforts to bolster defenses against China.
President Tsai Ing-wen hailed the achievement as overcoming 'Mission Impossible,' emphasizing the vessel's role as a 'magical weapon in asymmetric warfare' against China's larger navy.
Expected to be operational by 2025 after sea trials, the submarine, equipped with US combat systems, aims to disrupt potential Chinese encirclement and attacks, despite Beijing dismissing the strategy as 'idiotic nonsense'.

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.