A final round of the planet-shaking events of 2016.

(Baonghean) - 2016 has ended with countless changes around the world. From politics to security, from economics to sports, health, etc., every field recorded outstanding events that attracted significant media attention and coverage.

1 - Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

2016 began with Pyongyang's announcement on January 6th that it had successfully tested a hydrogen bomb (H-bomb), marking a new step in its nuclear program. Following this, North Korea conducted numerous other missile tests, further straining already tense relations with its neighbor South Korea and pushing security on the Korean Peninsula to the brink of collapse.

Most recently, on December 11th, there were reports that North Korea is in the process of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear weapons and 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 Panama Papers: A Shocking Discovery

The Panama Papers – the leak that occurred in early April – partially revealed the connections between many influential figures around the world and offshore financial companies, thereby concealing their true assets or facilitating tax evasion schemes.

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

This is considered a channel for governments to consult and conduct investigations and verifications in necessary cases.

The Panama Papers leak, a shocking leak of documents, is believed to involve many prominent figures. Photo: Internet.

3 - Brexit - A divorce after 43 years of marriage

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 their relationship of more than four decades with the powerful 28-member bloc.

Immediately, global financial and oil markets were shaken, Prime Minister David Cameron resigned and handed over the reins to the "Iron Lady" Theresa May. The deadline for Britain to complete Brexit is October 2018, and all parties are working to push the process forward.

Although many have commented that Brexit is a case of "the show goes on even without the main event," ultimately, the EU must 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 left 10 Downing Street on their last day in office following Brexit. Photo: Reuters.

4 - Olympic-scale sporting events

The Rio 2016 Olympics, held in mid-August, concluded successfully, offering sports fans worldwide world a series of world-class and spectacular competitions. While this may not have been the most financially funded Games of the past, amidst the ongoing financial crisis and limited resources, the efforts of host nation Brazil are highly commendable.

The Rio 2016 Olympics took place at a time when the Zika epidemic, which causes microcephaly in newborns, was spreading rapidly. Fortunately, no serious cases occurred, although some athletes announced they would not compete due to fear of Zika.

The 2020 Olympics will take place in Tokyo, the capital of Japan.

Jamaican athlete Usain Bolt, an Olympic legend, competes in the 100-meter race at the Rio Olympics. Photo: Reuters.

5 - The Race to the White House

The US election on November 8, 2016, made Donald Trump the 45th President of the United States, who will be elected on January 20. The fierce two-way race between Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton and Republican candidate Donald Trump has always been the focus of American and international media attention.

Although Hillary Clinton did not win, many believe she achieved considerable success, especially as the first woman representing a major political party to run for the presidency and Commander-in-Chief of the United States.

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

6 - Cuban leader Fidel Castro dies

Fidel Castro, the symbol of the Cuban and Latin American revolution, the 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, thwarting hundreds of assassination attempts by the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and other organizations.

In recognition of his contributions, Time magazine named Castro one of the 100 most influential people of all time in 2012. Many countries, including Vietnam, have declared national mourning periods to commemorate this iconic figure who has entered world history.

The remains of leader Fidel Castro on his final journey through the Cuban countryside, amidst the immeasurable grief of the people. Photo: Daily Express.

7 - The fight against IS is becoming increasingly fierce.

2016 also witnessed new and optimistic developments in the fight against terrorism, particularly on the fronts against the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria. The Iraqi army intensified its campaign to retake Mosul, and by December 10th, 93% of Aleppo territory was under the control of the Syrian government forces, gradually bringing the outcome of the war to a close.

Most recently, the US also announced the deployment of an additional 200 experts and bomb disposal specialists to assist Syria in retaking Raqqa – a city considered a key stronghold of ISIS. Under the new US president, it is expected that counter-terrorism will continue to be a top priority in the foreign policy of the world's leading superpower.

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

Thu Giang