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The latest breaking news and stories on France, a country in western Europe known as a semi-presidential republic, and the world’s seventh largest economy. Also covering France’s relationship with China and Europe, plus commentary and updates on France’s economy, politics, society and social issues.
Capital
Paris
Head of State
President Emmanuel Macron
Emmanuel Macron
Head of Government
Prime Minister Michel Barnier
Elon Musk looks on as US President Donald Trump speaks at the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Washingto in November. Photo: AFP
European Union

EU hits Musk’s X with US$140 million fine, risking Trump’s ire

US Vice-President J.D. Vance fired a warning against ‘attacking’ US firms through ‘censorship’ before the penalty was even made public.

China-France relations

France poised to get 2 giant pandas in 2027 after Macron’s visit to China

China-France relations

China and France agree to work together on nuclear issues as Macron visit ends

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China-Japan relations

Beijing rebuffs Takaichi, Macron-Xi talks, key economic meeting

This week: China rejects Takaichi’s Taiwan climbdown, Macron visits Xi in Beijing, US deepens Taiwan ties, PBOC slams stablecoins. Next week: economic planning meeting, November trade and inflation data, Hong Kong Legco elections and more.

Image: Shutterstock
China-EU relations

As Macron eyes China deals to revive industry, trade shows tables have turned

China once exported cheap goods to Europe – now, French leader urges its firms to transfer tech expertise.

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China-France relations

Macron bypasses EU in bid to boost France-China ties

French President Emmanuel Macron left Ursula von der Leyen in Europe, as European leaders sidestep the EU and seek to boost bilateral ties with China.

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China trade

Explainer | As China’s companies become industry leaders, where in the world are they going?

Across numerous sectors, China’s firms are setting up shop worldwide – and gaining ground on their well-entrenched competitors.

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Vehicles are seen loaded on a cargo ship for export at Wuhu Port, Anhui province. Photo: Getty Images
China-France relations

China and France should ‘understand and support each other’, Xi tells Macron

The pair meet in Beijing for ‘candid and fruitful’ talks followed by the signing of 12 deals covering everything from nuclear power to pandas.

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China-France relations

Macron begins China visit with EU trade ties and Ukraine war high on the agenda

The French president lands in Beijing on the first leg of a tour where he is expected to meet his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

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Extreme weather

Asia’s floods kill over 1,000, lay bare human cost of climate inaction

From Indonesia’s deadliest disaster since 2018 to a state of emergency in Sri Lanka, Asia reels from a week of climate-fuelled destruction.

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People walk past the ruins of houses in a village affected by heavy flooding in Batang Toru, Indonesia’s North Sumatra province, on Wednesday. Photo: AP
China-EU relations

Explainer | From pandas to nuclear power: what Macron wants from his trip to China

The French president is coming to Beijing with a large delegation looking to do business. Here are the key areas to watch for potential deals.

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French President Emmanuel Macron arrives in Beijing for a three-day visit to China on Wednesday. Photo: EPA
Chanel

Chanel’s Métiers d’Art 2026 show was an ode to New York City life

It’s not the first time the French maison has presented a collection in the US – this time, Matthieu Blazy took guests, including ambassadors Margaret Qualley and A$AP Rocky, underground.

Diplomacy

Editorial | Macron faces a tough but necessary balancing act as he visits China

While trade disagreements have hampered ties between Beijing and Paris, Macron’s trip is important for the development of economic and political ties.

AirAsia

AirAsia boss says ‘bizarre’ Airbus glitch a ‘good warning’ to industry

Tony Fernandes urged planemakers to test software properly and not to ‘rush’ amid the pressure to meet delivery and revenue targets.

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AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes. Photo: Reuters
Chanel

Q&A | A chat with Chanel’s president of fashion Bruno Pavlovsky

Chanel lands in New York and unveils a short video starring ambassadors Margaret Qualley and A$AP Rocky – Pavlovsky tells us more.

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Margaret Qualley stars in a short film directed by Michel Gondry for the Chanel métiers d’art 2026 collection, revealed in New York on December 2. Photo: Handout
Ukraine war

Zelensky reinforces European support as he eyes Trump talks on US deal

Ukrainian president met Macron in Paris to sound out allies on the US blueprint for peace, which was drafted without input from Kyiv or Europe.

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Europe’s refugee crisis

Illegal migrants to UK face clothing and mouth searches for phones, SIM cards

The Home Office says the new powers are needed to gather intelligence quickly on criminal gangs suspected of smuggling migrants.

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Africa

African nations push for recognition of colonial crimes and reparations

The economic cost of colonialism in Africa is believed to be staggering, with some estimates putting the cost of plunder in the trillions.

French troops in Algiers in 1956. The North African nation of Algeria suffered some of the most brutal forms of colonial rule. Photo: AP
Style Edit

Style Edit: Louis Vuitton’s cruise 2026 in Macau – its first show in the city

The collection, by artistic director of women’s collections Nicolas Ghesquière, was shown at The Londoner Hotel after being launched earlier this year in Avignon, France.

China consumption

Why do Chinese no longer feel the need to boycott Japanese products?

A seismic shift in the market has resulted in people preferring Chinese fashion, locally branded appliances and domestically made cars.

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Music

Video killed the radio star and now streaming has killed MTV across Europe

MTV Music, MTV Hits and its 80s and 90s music shows will be shut down in the UK and other European countries in the coming months.

The MTV Logo is seen onstage during the MTV Video Music Awards. Photo: AFP
Ukraine war

Russian drone strike kills 1 near Kyiv amid flurry of peace talks

A child was among the 11 wounded during the attack on Vyshgorod, regional governor said.

A fire burns at a residential building after a Russian attack in Vyshgorod, outside of Kyiv early on Sunday. Photo: AP
Paris

France charges fourth suspect in daring Louvre jewel heist

All four suspects believed to have carried out the robbery have now been arrested and charged, but he stolen jewellery is still missing.

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Taiwan

Hong Kong fire, Trump calls in Japan-China row, Macron visit

This week: Hong Kong fire kills at least 128, Trump speaks to Xi and Takaichi amid Japan-China row, Bessent says Xi and Trump may meet four times in 2026. Next week: France’s Macron visits China, EU economic security doctrine, November factory activity, and more.

China-EU relations

Macron wants ties based on Europe being ‘a major partner of China’, source says

French president aims to establish framework for relations ‘that serves mutual interests’ during China trip, according to Elysee source.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in China next week. Photo: EPA-EFE
China-EU relations

EU’s von der Leyen won’t go to China with French President Macron

The absence of an EU leader from talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping would represent a break with recent tradition.

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French President Emmanuel Macron (left) will be heading to China without European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Photo: AFP
Crime

France catches one of two escapees in bedsheet prison break

Two inmates, including an attempted murder suspect, fled prison by sawing through cell bars and using bedsheets in an ‘old-fashioned’ escape.

Nato

Macron says France to restore voluntary military service amid Russia threat

The voluntary military service for 18 to 19 year olds will be limited to mainland France and overseas territories, not for operations abroad.

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