Briefly

CHINA

FM to visit UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan

Foreign Minister Wang Yi is set to begin a five-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan on Friday. During his visit, Wang will hold talks with the foreign ministers of these countries to exchange views on bilateral relations, the situation in the Middle East, and other major issues of mutual concern, Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said on Thursday. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan are key members of the Arab League. Next year, China will host the second China-Arab States Summit. During the tour, Wang will discuss preparations for the summit with relevant officials, Guo told a daily news briefing.

EUROPE

EU, UK reach $2.5b fishing deal for 2026

The European Union and Britain have reached a deal allowing their fleets to catch fish worth a total of $2.5 billion in 2026, both parties said on Wednesday. In the commission's eyes the deal, which also involves European Economic Area member Norway, "holds particular significance as the stocks covered comprise the bulk of the EU's shared resources with third countries in the Northeast Atlantic". Angela Eagle, UK's environment minister, said the deal's quotas "will help recover important stocks to healthy and productive levels whilst also giving fishing communities the opportunities they need to thrive". Many Atlantic fish stocks, including cod, whiting, haddock, sole and plaice, have come under increasing pressure in recent years.

UNITED STATES

Militarized zone in California announced

The US administration announced plans on Wednesday to add another militarized zone to the southern border — this time in California — as part of a major shift that has thrust troops into border enforcement with Mexico like never before. The Department of the Interior said it would transfer jurisdiction along most of California's border with Mexico to the Navy to reinforce "the historic role public lands have played in safeguarding national sovereignty." The Interior Department described the newest national defense area in California as a high-traffic zone for unlawful crossings by immigrants. But the Border Patrol arrests along the southern US border this year have dropped to the slowest pace since the 1960s amid President Donald Trump's push for mass deportations.

Agencies - China Daily