Pandas and ping-pong: Macron meets Xi in rare visit 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.

Venezuela has condemned the European Council's renewed sanctions, labeling them as futile and indicative of the EU's lack of autonomy in global affairs. The Venezuelan government, led by Nicolás Maduro, argues that these sanctions do not contribute to resolving the ongoing crisis in the country.

The European Union has imposed sanctions on two rival traders in the Russian oil market, a significant move aimed at disrupting the clandestine operations that have financially supported Moscow's ongoing military actions in Ukraine. This action reflects the EU's commitment to countering Russia's influence amid the ongoing conflict.

Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old pro-democracy media mogul in Hong Kong, was convicted on national security charges, including conspiracy to publish seditious material and collusion with foreign forces. The verdict, delivered by a court without a jury, has drawn international condemnation from governments and rights organizations, highlighting concerns over the erosion of democracy and press freedom in the territory.

Ukraine peace talks are intensifying as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with European and U.S. officials in Berlin to discuss security guarantees amid ongoing tensions with Russia. The discussions aim to establish a framework for Ukraine's security in light of the conflict that has persisted since 2014.

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.

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.