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France
France
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
Ukrainian soldiers fire the BM-21 Grad MLRS at an undisclosed location in Donetsk region, eastern Ukraine, on January 24, amid the Russian invasion. Photo: EPA/24th Mechanised Brigade Press Service
The Philippines

Filipino’s death fuels concern over coercive recruitment in Ukraine war

Observers say the case of John Patrick reflects human exploitation and the structural pressure on Russia’s manpower resources.

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China-EU relations

‘Mother of all trade deals’: EU pivots to India in historic trade shake-up

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Luxury in China

As LVMH returns to growth, is the slump in China’s luxury market finally over?

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Spain

Spain busts cocaine trafficking ring that used ‘floating bases’ at sea

Spain seizes 10 tonnes of drugs and arrests 105 suspects, while Portugal intercepts a record haul from a ‘narco-sub’.

A semi-submersible craft carrying cocaine that was intercepted off the Azores archipelago by Portuguese authorities. Photo: Forca Aerea Portuguesa via AFP
Style Edit

Style Edit: APM Monaco’s bejewelled winter race night

The jewellery brand celebrated its latest creations in its Hiver and Yummy collections at a night at the races at Hong Kong’s Happy Valley.

European Union

Opinion | Trump has laid bare the ‘Scramble for Europe’

Faced with an aggressive Trump administration, an unapologetic Russia and a rising China, European efforts towards strategic autonomy may be too little, too late.

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China-EU relations

European leaders say the quiet part out loud: order no longer constrains power

EU leaders appear to have finally accepted they are facing a new era of great power competition – the question now is how they respond.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong’s foreign, mainland Chinese firms hit record high as gold deal hailed

John Lee highlights ‘unprecedented achievements’, unveils landmark pact to develop gold trading ecosystem, including clearing platform with Shanghai.

Insurance

AXA becomes second insurer to redomicile from Bermuda to Hong Kong

At least three other local insurers, including local unit of Canada’s insurer Sun Life, are planning the same move, industry players say.

Russia

Russian shadow tanker’s Indian captain, crew in French custody

The Grinch is suspected of belonging to Russia’s sanctions-busting ‘shadow fleet’ for the vessel’s failure to fly a flag.

The Grinch oil tanker, intercepted by French navy in the Gulf of Fos-sur-Mer, in Martigues, France, on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
Emmanuel Macron

Macron pushes forward France’s social media ban for under 15s

France’s health watchdog said that 90 per cent of children between 12 and 17 use smartphones daily to access the internet.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron wearing sunglasses as he waits for Lebanon’s Prime Minister prior to their meeting at the Elysee presidential palace in Paris, on Friday. Photo: AFP
China-EU relations

Germany’s Merz talked tough on reform. Will stark car slump force action?

Export slide matched by import upward swing comes amid divisive debate on how German industry can deal with China’s manufacturing prowess.

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Indonesia

Indonesia’s defence deal with Bosnia signals Asian middle power’s clout

The deal is in line with Jakarta’s goal to pursue an ‘active and free’ foreign policy beyond its Western partners.

United States

Editorial | Trump’s antics at Davos further erode trust in US leadership

No exaggeration to say Trump is openly using US power to upend both the world economy and the global order.

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US President Donald Trump at a meeting with Nato’s secretary general on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21. Photo: AFP
World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos

Watch Trump showcase his ‘Board of Peace’ in Davos

Donald Trump has extended invitations to dozens of nations and hinted at the board’s future role as conflict mediator - with him as chairman.

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US President Donald Trump speaking in Davos, Switzerland on Thursday. Photo: AP
European Union

Macroscope | Why Europe struggles to stand up to Trump

Despite being equipped with powerful tools in its economic arsenal, Brussels lacks the leverage needed to keep Washington in check.

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ICBMs

Past nuclear weapon tests linked to 4 million premature deaths globally: report

Norwegian People’s Aid details a deadly legacy of tests since 1945 that continue to sicken and claim lives.

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United States

Trump’s freewheeling Davos speech stirs unease among global audience

Harsh rhetoric from the US leader at forum combined threats towards allies with praise for traditional adversaries during a 70-minute talk.

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US President Donald Trump walks with the president and CEO of the World Economic Forum, Borge Brende, during World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
European Union

Explainer | What is the ‘trade bazooka’ the EU may use against Trump’s Greenland threats?

Under pressure from the US president, the bloc is considering measures that could inflict billions of dollars of losses on American firms.

United States

Trump lays out Greenland-Arctic deal framework, pauses February tariffs

In his speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos, the US president vowed not to invade Greenland while slamming Nato and Europe.

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World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos

Duel in Davos: Macron’s ‘Top Gun’ shades charm internet, get mocked by Trump

The French leader’s US$770 sunglasses, which he wore as he criticised the US president, have sparked a flood of social media memes.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron wears sunglasses as he attends the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
Donald Trump

Huge lines, laughs and gasps as Trump addresses Davos

Trump stuns Davos with jabs at Greenland, Nato, Canada’s Carney, and France’s Macron, as attendees liken the chaotic scene to a rock concert.

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People use their mobile phones as Donald Trump walks across the stage before addressing the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
China exports

How China is rethinking export-led growth as global trade walls rise

Protectionism is forcing a shift towards balancing exports with outbound investment, analysts say.

US-Asean relations

Foot in the door or trap? Risks of Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ for Southeast Asia

Nations are likely to try to avoid early commitment while steering clear of outright rejection to minimise US retaliation, analysts say.

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Donald Trump

Trump could lead his Board of Peace for life after leaving White House

Donald Trump’s signature diplomatic initiative is drawing resistance from fellow leaders who see it as an undisguised challenge to the UN.

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US President Donald Trump after speaking with reporters at the White House on Tuesday. Photo: AP
The Philippines

‘Game changer’: Philippines eyes French boost for maritime defence

The project is expected to significantly expand the coastguard’s fleet at a time of growing operational demands in Philippine waters.

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Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Cabra sails during a maritime drill in disputed waters of the South China Sea in June 2025. Photo: EPA-EFE
World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos

Macron urges Europe to hit back against Trump’s threats

French president advocates use of the EU’s anti-coercion mechanism against US tariffs, as he warns of moving ‘towards a world without rules’.

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Canada

Canada models response to US invasion as Trump posts ‘takeover’ map: report

As Trump hints at making Canada the ‘51st state’, a report reveals a theoretical defence strategy to resist US forces if necessary.

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