2025 was a rollercoaster year for global events 🌏✨. Here are the top 10 stories that shaped our world:
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Diplomacy for peace: China ramps up global governance
At the SCO Plus meeting in Tianjin this September, President Xi announced the Global Governance Initiative, joining his development, security, and civilization plans. These four initiatives aim to spark international cooperation and build a shared future for humanity.
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80th anniversary WWII parade in Beijing 🎉
On September 3, China held a massive parade to mark 80 years since the WWII victory, reaffirming its commitment to peaceful development amid uncertainty. Commemorations also took place worldwide.
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Gaza conflict and ceasefire hopes
By late 2025, a fragile ceasefire in Gaza seemed to hold, but continued arms flows and diplomatic standoffs, including US strikes on Iranian sites in June, kept tensions high and worsened the humanitarian crisis.
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Russia-Ukraine: ongoing clashes and talks
As fighting and negotiations cycled, Ukrainian leader Zelenskyy proposed a 60-day ceasefire referendum, while Russia said the plan differed from earlier Moscow-Washington discussions.
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BRICS and SCO expand, boosting the Global South
This July in Rio, BRICS welcomed Indonesia plus ten partners, while SCO heads of government backed a new kind of international relations based on mutual respect and win-win cooperation.
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Extreme weather spikes as China unveils 2035 climate goals 🌦️
With record storms worldwide, China announced ambitious 2035 targets: cut net greenhouse emissions 7–10% from peak, raise non-fossil energy to over 30%, and sextuple wind and solar capacity.
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US tariff moves draw global pushback 📈
Expanded US tariffs sparked criticism for undermining WTO rules and disrupting trade. Meanwhile, China’s economy kicked off 2025 with steady growth, boosting global market confidence.
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Japan PM's remarks on Taiwan region stir debate
In November, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on China’s Taiwan region drew criticism from China and concern from Taiwan authorities, reigniting talks on historical narratives in the Asia-Pacific.
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US prioritizes Western Hemisphere in new security strategy
November saw the US unveil a National Security Strategy echoing a modern Monroe Doctrine, shifting focus to Latin America and raising questions about regional militarization.
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Record US government shutdown ends amid political strife ⚖️
After the longest shutdown in US history, Congress passed a spending bill on November 12, but deep partisan rifts remain, highlighting systemic challenges in Washington.
Which story resonated with you? Share your thoughts below! 💬
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
