'Closing the book' of planet-shaking events in 2016

(Baonghean) - 2016 has ended with countless changes all over the world. From politics to security, from economics to sports, health, ... every field has recorded outstanding events, which have been covered by the media.

1 - Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

2016 opened with the news that Pyongyang had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb on January 6, marking a new step forward in its nuclear program. Since then, North Korea has conducted several other missile tests, straining its already tense relations with neighboring South Korea and pushing security on the peninsula to the brink of danger.

Most recently, on December 11, there was information that North Korea is in the process of achieving an intercontinental ballistic missile carrying nuclear weapons, capable of reaching the United States.

North Koreans dance to celebrate the success of the ruling Workers' Party's first congress in 36 years. 2016 marked new developments in Pyongyang's nuclear program. Photo: Reuters.

2 - The shocking Panama Papers

The Panama Papers - a leak of information in early April - has partly revealed the connection between many influential people in the world and offshore financial companies, thereby hiding their real assets or serving tax evasion schemes.

11.5 million documents with the participation of 100 newspapers and 400 reporters in 80 countries exposed 215,000 offshore shell companies and 14,153 clients linked to the law firm Mossack Foseca to evade taxes, including more than 140 politicians and celebrities.

This is considered a channel for governments to refer to and investigate and verify necessary cases.

The shocking Panama Papers document leak is believed to involve many famous people. Photo: Internet.

3 - Brexit - divorce after 43 years of love

In the referendum on whether to leave or remain in the European Union (EU) held on June 24, 2016, 52% of British people agreed with the option of ending the relationship of more than 4 decades with the powerful 28-member bloc.

Immediately, the global financial and oil markets were shocked, Prime Minister David Cameron resigned and gave way to the “Iron Lady” Theresa May. The deadline for the UK to complete the Brexit story is October 2018, and all parties are trying to promote this process.

Although many people consider Brexit to be "a market still crowded even when the wife is absent", the EU still has to take it seriously to avoid a domino effect in the context of a comprehensive crisis and widespread populism.

British Prime Minister David Cameron and his family leave Number 10 Downing Street on their final day in office after Brexit. Photo: Reuters.

4 - Olympic-sized sporting event

The 2016 Rio Olympics, which took place in mid-August, ended successfully, offering sports lovers around the world world-class and eye-catching competitions. This may not be an Olympic season with as much investment as previous ones, but in the midst of a chaotic crisis and limited budget, the efforts of host Brazil are very commendable.

The 2016 Rio Olympics took place at a time when the Zika epidemic, which causes microcephaly in newborns, was breaking out and spreading rapidly. Fortunately, no unfortunate cases occurred, although some athletes announced that they would not participate in the competition because of fear of Zika.

The 2020 Olympics will take place in Japan's capital Tokyo.

Jamaica's Usain Bolt - Olympic legend competes in the 100-meter race at the Rio Olympics. Photo: Reuters.

5 - Race to the White House

The US election on November 8, 2016 has made Donald Trump the 45th President of the United States on January 20. The fierce two-horse race between the Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and the Republican candidate Donald Trump has always been the focus of the US and world media.

Although Hillary Clinton did not win, according to many opinions, she has achieved quite a few successes, especially when she became the first woman representing a political party to run for the position of White House owner and Commander-in-Chief of the United States.

Despite losing the election, Hillary Clinton still made history as the first woman to become a presidential candidate representing a political party. Photo: Reuters.

6 - Cuban leader Fidel Castro passes away

Fidel Castro - symbol of the Cuban and Latin American revolutions, beloved leader of the Cuban people and peace-loving people around the world, passed away at the age of 90 on the evening of November 26 in Santiago de Cuba.

Fidel Castro led Cuba for five decades and was the world's third longest-serving head of state, after the Queen of England and the King of Thailand, foiling hundreds of assassination plots by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and several other organizations.

In recognition of his contributions, Time Magazine in 2012 voted Castro one of the 100 most influential people of all time. Many countries, including Vietnam, declared a national funeral to commemorate the man who had become a monument in world history.

The remains of leader Fidel Castro on his final journey through the localities of Cuba amid the people's endless grief. Photo: Daily Express.

7 - The fight against IS is getting more and more fierce

2016 also witnessed new and optimistic developments in the war against terrorism, especially on the front against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria. The Iraqi army stepped up the campaign to retake Mosul, and by December 10, 93% of Aleppo territory was controlled by the Syrian government, and the battle situation gradually came to an end.

Most recently, the US also announced the dispatch of 200 more experts and bomb disposal specialists to help Syria retake Raqqa - the city considered the key stronghold of IS. Under the new US President, people expect that fighting terrorism will continue to be the top priority in the foreign policy of the world's number 1 power.

The fight against IS has been accelerating with many optimistic signs. Photo: Foxnews.

Thu Giang