10 outstanding international events of 2015

(Baonghean) - Let's review with Bao Nghe An newspaper the international events that were the focus of attention for the media and public opinion worldwide in the past year.

1- Earthquake in Nepal

Nepal is suffering its worst natural disaster in 80 years. Photo: Internet.

On April 25, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal. Approximately 9,000 people died and 23,000 others were injured in the country's worst natural disaster in 80 years. Six months later, on October 26, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake shook a wide area stretching from Afghanistan to Pakistan and even into India, killing at least 400 people and injuring over 1,000 others.

2 - The migration crisis in Europe

Over 1 million migrants crossed the sea to Europe in 2015. Photo: Internet.

The most unprecedented and severe crisis since World War II is a common comparison used to describe the current migration crisis in Europe. Against the backdrop of ongoing conflict and instability in both the Middle East and North Africa, hundreds of thousands of refugees continue to seek refuge in Europe, leaving the continent struggling to cope, address the consequences, and stem the ever-increasing influx of people. It is estimated that in 2015, over 1 million people risked their lives crossing the Mediterranean to reach the EU, peaking during the summer months – the ideal time for migration.

3 - A historic nuclear agreement was reached between Iran and the P5+1.

Iran and the P5+1 reached a historic nuclear agreement, opening a new chapter in international relations. Photo: Internet.

On July 14th, in Vienna, Austria, Iran and the P5+1 group of six world powers (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Germany) finalized a historic agreement on Iran's nuclear program. Under this agreement, Tehran will not develop nuclear programs in exchange for the lifting of sanctions imposed on the country for the past 30 years. The agreement is considered to open a new chapter in international relations and has received widespread approval from many countries around the world.

4 - Liquid water discovered on Mars

Scientists believe that water created this geological formation on Mars. Photo: Internet.

In a press conference on September 28, the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced a significant discovery in space science: water on Mars exists not only in the form of ice but also in liquid form. Where this water came from and how much water remains on Mars is still a "great mystery" to scientists. However, this discovery further strengthens the hypothesis that there is potential for life – including human life – to exist on an extraterrestrial planet.

5 - Reaching an agreement on the TPP

The TPP is predicted to be a major playing field offering many opportunities but also numerous challenges for economies. Photo: Internet.

On October 5th, trade ministers from the countries participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations reached a final agreement on the world's largest free trade agreement. The TPP comprises 12 members: Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Canada, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, the United States, and Japan, accounting for 40% of global GDP and 30% of global merchandise trade. It is predicted to be a major playing field offering numerous opportunities but also significant challenges for the Vietnamese economy.

6 - Terrorism in Paris

A victim of the Paris terrorist attacks receives assistance from the police. Photo: Internet.

November 13th was the bloodiest day in French history since World War II. 132 people were killed and more than 350 injured in a series of coordinated terrorist attacks carried out by Islamic State (IS) militants. Following the attacks, the French President declared a nationwide state of emergency. Never before had the specter of IS been so haunting, and the keyword "terrorism" once again sparked heated debate in many countries and regions.

7 - Türkiye shoots down Russian fighter jet

Relations between Russia and Turkey deteriorated rapidly after Ankara shot down a Moscow fighter jet. Photo: Internet.

On November 24, Türkiye shot down a Russian Su-24 fighter jet. Ankara claimed that Moscow's aircraft had violated its airspace for 17 seconds, while Russian President Putin criticized Turkey's actions as a "stab in the back" and "complicity with terrorism." The incident rapidly worsened Russia-Turkey relations, leading to a series of sanctions imposed by Moscow on Ankara, causing significant economic and diplomatic damage to both sides.

8 - The Chinese Yuan joins the international currency basket.

When the yuan officially joins the SDR, China will achieve a major breakthrough in the global financial system. Photo: Internet.

On November 30, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that the Chinese yuan was eligible for inclusion in the international currency basket, also known as Special Drawing Rights (SDR). Accordingly, from October 1, 2016, the international currency basket will include five official reserve currencies: the US dollar, the euro, the British pound, the Japanese yen, and the yuan. According to financial experts, the official inclusion of the yuan in the SDR will mark a major breakthrough for China in the global financial system.

9 - COP21 reaches agreement to “save” the Earth

Leaders welcomed the success of COP21. Photo: Internet.

On November 30th, the 21st Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) officially opened in Paris. After many days of intense marathon negotiations, on December 12th, COP21 reached a historic agreement between 195 countries and territories, officially effective from 2020 and including key points: maintaining global warming at no more than 2 degrees Celsius by 2100, continuing all efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius; from 2020, developed countries must provide a minimum of $100 billion in financial support to implement the agreement, with this amount to be adjusted in 2025; a five-year review mechanism starting in 2023 to inform countries to "update and strengthen" their commitments;…

10 - Formation of the ASEAN Community

The last day of 2015 marked a significant milestone in the formation of the ASEAN Community. Photo: Internet.

On December 31st, the ASEAN Community was officially established with the participation of 10 Southeast Asian member states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. With three main pillars – the Political-Security Community, the Economic Community, and the Socio-Cultural Community – the ASEAN community promises to become a region with immense economic potential for development.

Thu Giang

(Synthetic)