World 24/7: Merkel's successor has been found; Ukraine opens military exercises

Ukraine practicemilitary battle amid stalemate with Russia:Ukraine on December 3 began a series of military exercises in provinces under martial law, training first-class reserve forces to ensure combat readiness. The exercises will be conducted at brigade level for 15 days and at training centers for 20 days. In the photo: Ukrainian soldiers fire artillery during military exercises at the training center of the Ukrainian Ground Forces near Honcharivske in the Chernihiv region, Ukraine on December 3. Photo: Reuters

The Ukrainian parliament on November 26 gave the green light to the implementation of President Petro Poroshenko's decree to impose martial law in a series of provinces bordering Russia. The order takes effect from 2 p.m. on November 26 to 2 p.m. on December 26. President Poroshenko announced on December 3 the transfer of military units to deal with "a significant increase in Russian armed forces along the border and in Crimea". In photo: Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko shakes hands with soldiers as he inspects military exercises at the training center of the Ukrainian Ground Forces. Photo: Reuters

CDU Party (Germany) elects Merkel's successor:During the national party congress of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) on December 7, a vote was held to elect a new leader to replace Angela Merkel. Ms. Merkel announced in October that she would step down as CDU chairwoman but would remain German chancellor until the end of her current term in 2021. This is considered a safe move by Ms. Merkel after a series of negative reactions to the decision to open the border to refugees in 2015. Photo: Reuters

Secretary General of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, officially became Angela Merkel's successor as party leader when she received 51% of the votes at the party congress in Hamburg on December 7, winning a narrow victory over her opponent Friedrich Merz. The new CDU chair was elected from the votes of 1,001 delegates. With the victory on December 7, Ms. Kramp-Karrenbauer is likely to become a candidate for the position of German chancellor in the next general election taking place in October 2021. Photo: Reuters

Protests continue despite French government concession to postpone fuel tax hike:The atmosphere was tense and violent on the streets of France on December 8 as the "Yellow Vests" demanded more concessions from the government, even though President Macron's administration had previously canceled the fuel tax hike to appease the anger of the protesters. The French government's decision to increase fuel prices had sparked anger among the people and led to the "Yellow Vests" protest movement across Paris. In the photo: Protesters on the Champs Elysees on December 8. Photo: Reuters

CRS riot police detain a protester in a street near Saint Lazare train station. Photo: Reuters

The level of violence between police and Yellow Vest protesters on December 8 is said to be unprecedented in recent decades. French police arrested hundreds of people and fired tear gas at the crowd after the fourth wave of "Yellow Vest" protests caused all activities in the center of Paris to be canceled. In the photo: CRS riot police arrest a protester on a street near Saint Lazare train station. Photo: Reuters

Huawei CFO arrested in Canada at the request of the US:Ms. Meng Wanzhou - Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Chinese technology corporation Huawei, was arrested on December 1 in Vancouver, Canada at the request of US authorities and may be extradited to the US, according to Canadian Justice Department spokesman Ian McLeod. Ms. Meng was arrested on suspicion of violating US sanctions against Iran. Photo: jqknews

The Supreme Court of British Columbia, Canada, said on December 7 that Meng Wanzhou, chief financial officer of Huawei, was accused of "conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions" and could face more than 30 years in prison if convicted and extradited to the US. Ms. Meng will be detained until December 10, when her bail hearing will resume. Reporters gathered outside the Supreme Court of British Columbia on December 7. Photo: Reuters

Israel may expand anti-tunnel operations into Lebanon:The Israeli military said on December 4 it had discovered Hezbollah attack tunnels dug across the border from Lebanon to Israel and had launched an operation to destroy them. However, an Israeli minister said on December 7 that the country was ready to take action in Lebanon against Hezbollah cross-border tunnels if necessary. Pictured: Israeli drilling equipment next to the border with Lebanon, near the Lebanese village of Kfar Kila, December 4. Photo: Reuters

Funeral of former President George HW Bush:Former US President George HW Bush was brought back to Washington at noon on December 3, on Air Force One. Bush's coffin lay in state under the Rotunda at the US Capitol. This is a ceremony for "the most outstanding citizens" of the United States. The funeral on December 5 will be held at the National Cathedral in Washington. US President Donald Trump declared December 5 a national day of mourning, allowing federal agencies to close and requiring flags to be flown at half-mast for 30 days. Photo: Reuters

The flag-draped casket of former President George HW Bush passes through Magnolia, Texas, along the route from Spring to College Station, Texas, USA. Train 4141 carried the body of Bush Sr. to its final resting place on December 6, ending a week of national remembrance for the passing of the 41st US president. The train car was specially designed with two open doors on both sides so that people could see the casket as the train passed. Photo:Reuters