CMG: Top 10 international news stories in 2025

China Media Group (CMG) on Sunday released the top 10 international news stories of 2025.

Here is the roundup:

1. China's head-of-state diplomacy steers global peace and development

On September 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) while chairing the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" Meeting in north China's port city of Tianjin. Together with the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, the four initiatives proposed by Xi, injected strong momentum into building a community with a shared future for humanity.

2. China holds massive parade to mark 80th anniversary of WWII victory

China held a military parade in Beijing on September 3 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. The event reaffirmed China's commitment to peaceful development amid global uncertainty. Countries and regions around the world also held commemorative events marking the anniversary.

3. Gaza conflict continues amid ceasefire efforts

By the end of 2025, a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip appeared to be holding. However, observers noted that continued arms supplies and diplomatic positions by the United States contributed to prolonged fighting and a worsening humanitarian crisis. In June, U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, alongside Israeli attacks, triggered a 12-day escalation, despite indirect talks between Washington and Tehran.

4. Russia-Ukraine conflict

Russia and Ukraine remained locked in cycles of fighting and negotiations, as shifts in U.S. policy widened divisions between Washington and its European allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on December 26 he would consider a referendum on a peace plan if Russia agreed to a ceasefire of at least 60 days, while Russian officials said Kyiv's proposal differed sharply from plans discussed between Moscow and Washington.

5. SCO and BRICS expand membership, boosting solidarity and influence of Global South

The 17th BRICS Summit was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from July 6 to 7. This summit and the recent expansion of BRICS, which now includes Indonesia as its newest member and ten additional partner countries, reflects a significant step towards strengthening cooperation among emerging market economies. Leaders at the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Member States of the SCO, which concluded on November 18, also voiced support for a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice and win-win cooperation. 

6. Extreme weather events intensify worldwide as China announces its 2035 NDCs

Extreme weather events intensified worldwide. In September, China announced its new Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with ambitious targets for 2035, including reducing economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 7 to 10 percent from peak levels. China also aims to increase the share of non-fossil fuels in total energy consumption to over 30 percent by 2035 and to expand the installed capacity of wind and solar power sixfold from 2020 levels. China's move demonstrates its commitment to green development and provides leadership for global climate governance.

7. U.S. tariff measures draw global criticism

The United States' expanded use of tariffs triggered widespread criticism, with observers warning that such measures undermine WTO rules and disrupt global trade. Amid severe disruptions to global trade and widespread pessimism permeating market expectations, the Chinese economy has delivered a robust start to 2025. It has maintained steady momentum amid signs of recovery, signaling a commitment to high-quality development while injecting much-needed confidence into a world economy fraught with uncertainty.

8. Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on China's Taiwan

Remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on November 7 regarding China's Taiwan region drew strong opposition in China and concern among segments of Japanese society. The international community has also voiced serious concern over historical revisionism and security risks in the Asia-Pacific region.

9. U.S. National Security Strategy prioritizes Western Hemisphere

The newly released U.S. National Security Strategy in November marks a strategic shift toward a revived "Monroe Doctrine," prioritizing U.S. primacy in the Western Hemisphere, stepping up military deployment in Latin America. Experts warned the U.S. National Security Strategy positions the country for global thuggery.

10. U.S. federal government shutdown hits record length as social divisions deepen and political violence rises

The U.S. House of Representatives on November 12 passed a Senate-approved spending package, ending the congressional deadlock that led to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. However, bipartisan power struggles show no sign of alleviating. Governance paralysis has heightened public discontent and exposed structural problems in the U.S. political system.