7 'hot' world events in the past 24 hours

(Baonghean.vn) - 80,000 people protested against Trump's decision on Jerusalem in Indonesia; South Korea and the US conducted an exercise to eliminate North Korea's weapons of mass destruction; Argentina's naval commander lost his position due to the missing submarine incident; ... are the international news highlights of the past 24 hours.

1. Protests against Trump's decision on Jerusalem in Indonesia

About 80,000 people gathered at the national monument in Jakarta, Indonesia, on December 17 to protest Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The number of people participating in the "Protect Palestine" rally at the National Monument in Jakarta increased from 40,000 at 8am on December 17 to 80,000, according to the Strait Times, quoting Argo Yuwono, a spokesman for the Indonesian police. The rally ended shortly after noon.

Many protesters wore white, waved flags and carried signs with slogans such as "peace, love and freedom for Palestine".

This is the largest protest in Indonesia after US President Donald Trump announced on December 6 that he would recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to this city. The protest was organized by the Indonesian Council of Wise Men (MUI) and Muslim groups.

2. South Korea and the US practice eliminating North Korea's weapons of mass destruction

US and South Korean soldiers during a joint exercise in Yeoncheon, northeast of Seoul. Source: AFP/TTXVN

Yonhap news agency, citing multiple military sources on December 17, said that South Korean and US forces conducted a joint exercise from December 12-15, simulating the situation of infiltrating North Korea and eliminating weapons of mass destruction in the event of a conflict.

The exercise, dubbed “Warrior Strike,” was conducted at the Stanley base north of Seoul and other locations, involving hundreds of soldiers from both sides.

Several senior officers from both sides, including Chairman of the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff Jung Kyung-doo and Commander of US Forces Korea Vincent K. Brooks, visited Stanley base and observed the activity.

3. Argentine Navy Commander Loses His Job Over Missing Submarine

Admiral Marcelo Srur, commander of the Argentine Navy. Photo: El Cronista.

Argentina fired its navy commander, a month after the submarine ARA San Juan and 44 sailors went missing.

Argentina's Defense Ministry has recommended the dismissal of Admiral Marcelo Srur amid an investigation into the disappearance of the ARA San Juan submarine, an Argentine military official told AFP on December 16.

Local media reports that Argentine President Mauricio Marci is poised to retire nearly the entire naval command. At least two senior naval officers have been dismissed in connection with the ARA San Juan incident.

4. Australia arrests suspect of spying for North Korea

North Korean weapons appear at a parade in the capital Pyongyang. Photo: Reuters

Australian police have arrested a 59-year-old Australian man on charges of spying for North Korea by acting as a broker for Pyongyang's weapons program.

“This is unlike anything we have ever seen on Australian soil. It is black market 101,”Fox Newsquoted Mr. Neil Gaughan, Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, said on December 17.

The suspect is the first person to be charged under Australia's Weapons of Mass Destruction Act and faces up to 10 years in prison. However, Mr Gaughan said the investigation was ongoing and new charges could be forthcoming.

5. UN Security Council considers rejecting any decision on Jerusalem

Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli troops after the US decision on Jerusalem. Photo: Reuters

The United Nations Security Council is considering a draft resolution that would reject any decision on the status of Jerusalem.

The one-page resolution, drafted by Egypt, was circulated to the 15 Security Council members on December 16, according to Reuters. The draft does not mention the United States or Donald Trump. Diplomats said the draft has broad support but is likely to be vetoed by the United States.

The draft “affirms that any decisions and actions which purport to have altered the character, status or demographic composition of the city of Jerusalem have no legal effect, are null and void and must be rescinded in accordance with relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.”

6. US President prepares to announce new national security strategy

US President Donald Trump speaks at the White House on December 6. Source: AFP/TTXVN

Reuters news agency quoted two senior US officials as saying that on December 18, US President Donald Trump will announce a new US national security strategy based on his "America First" policy and, among other things, will make clear that China is a competitor of the US.

President Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping but also asked Beijing to increase pressure on North Korea over its nuclear program and change trade practices to be more favorable to the United States.

The unnamed officials stressed that the national security strategy, which will be introduced in President Trump's speech, should not be seen as an effort to contain China, but instead will offer a clear view of the challenges posed by China.

7. Romania holds funeral for last King

King Mihai I of Romania. Photo: Xinhua.

Romania's last king was buried next to Queen Ana, who died on August 1 last year.

King Mihai I passed away at the age of 96 in Switzerland on December 6, after undergoing surgery to treat leukemia and cancer.

He abdicated in 1946 and lived in exile in Western countries for decades and has not appeared in public since 2016 when he fell seriously ill.

Romania has only had a king 5 times in its history, with King Mihai I reigning twice, from 1927-1930 and 1940-1947./.

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