Xi Jinping hosts Macron on rare trip with a global leader outside Beijing

French First Lady Brigitte Macron has issued an apology after facing backlash for using a derogatory term to describe feminist activists who interrupted a performance by comedian Ary Abittan, who has been accused of rape. Macron expressed regret if her comments hurt women but maintained that her remarks were intended as private.

China has reported its first annual investment decline in 30 years, with economic data for November indicating deepening domestic issues. Retail sales have grown at their slowest pace in three years, and investment has sharply slowed, reflecting increased caution among consumers and businesses. This downturn comes despite a record trade surplus of $1.08 trillion, highlighting a significant gap between exports and imports.

European leaders have expressed readiness to lead a 'multinational force' in Ukraine as part of a US-backed peace initiative aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict with Russia. This proposal was discussed during a recent meeting in Berlin, where leaders from the UK, France, Germany, and other nations emphasized the need for a coalition to support Ukraine's military capabilities and secure its airspace.

France announced that the lumpy skin disease affecting cattle is under control, despite ongoing protests from farmers who are blocking highways and dumping manure in response to the government's handling of the outbreak. The disease, spread by insects, causes blisters in cattle and buffalo, leading to reduced milk production and economic losses, although it poses no risk to humans.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has requested a delay in the final vote on the EU-Mercosur trade deal due to significant protests from cattle farmers in France. These protests have arisen in response to the government's culling of livestock affected by lumpy skin disease, which farmers fear could lead to a surge of cheap imports undermining their market position.

A mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney resulted in at least 15 fatalities, prompting heightened security measures in France for upcoming celebrations. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez ordered increased police and intelligence presence to protect the Jewish community amid an already high terror threat in the country.

The European trucking industry faces significant challenges in achieving zero emissions targets, with only 10,000 of the 6 million trucks in the EU being electric, primarily used for short routes. The industry body has expressed dire concerns about the current trajectory as the European Commission considers relaxing electric vehicle targets.

Jimmy Lai, a prominent pro-democracy media mogul in Hong Kong, has been convicted in a high-profile national security trial for lobbying foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China. The trial, which was conducted without a jury, has raised serious concerns regarding judicial independence and media freedom in the region.