World | Deutsche Welle

Japan's growing engagement with Taiwan angers China Relations between Tokyo and Beijing are worsening over Taiwan, yet China may be exercising restraint and waiting for the right moment to hit back. Bangladesh: Political unrest casts shadow over elections As Bangladesh heads toward a general election in early 2026, internal turmoil and external tensions present a major challenge. From coup to ballot box: Guinea votes Following the 2021 coup and a divisive constitutional reform, elections are being held in Guinea. The frontrunner in the vote is junta leader Doumbouya, but experts criticize that opposition parties have been suspended. Kosovo: Will elections break the political gridlock? Kosovo hasn't had a functioning parliament since the February 2025 election. All attempts to form a governing coalition have failed. It's hoped fresh elections will provide a way forward, but many voters are skeptical. What interest do China and Russia have in Venezuela? US president Donald Trump continues to ratchet up pressure on Venezuela. There is also a geopolitical element to the conflict. What interests do China and Russia have in the country? Trust issues: Could there be more 'Islamic State' supporters in Syrian army? The attack on US troops by a Syrian security forces member who was a supporter of the extremist "Islamic State" group in mid-December has consequences well beyond the four deaths that resulted. Japan: TEPCO's nuclear restart plan sparks angst Japan wants to boost nuclear power generation to slash its reliance on imported fossil fuels. The public is torn between energy needs and security risks. Ryanair faces massive fine in Italy over 'abusive strategy' Italy's competition authority AGCM claims the budget airline blocked payment methods and mass-deleted accounts to manipulate travel agencies and force them into partnerships. Ryanair has pledged to appeal the fine. North Korea's Kim Jong Un, daughter open luxury resort Five new hotels were opened in Samjiyon, near the Chinese border, with Kim Jong Un praising the "rising status" of North Korea's people. Mexican plane carrying burn victims crashes in Texas Several people were killed when a Mexican navy plane, flying a medical mission, went down on approach to Galveston in the southern US. Call of Duty co-creator Vince Zampella dies in LA car crash Influential game developer Vince Zampella, one of the creative minds behind the popular Call of Duty franchise, died after the Ferrari he was driving reportedly crashed into a concrete barrier in northern Los Angeles.