The soft-power image makers in Beijing ride plushy dolls and YouTube influencers to win hearts abroadhttps://www.wsj.com/world/china/labubu-youtube-influencers-gen-z-7271596a
China’s official gauges of factory, services and construction activity unexpectedly slipped into contraction at the start of 2026, signaling a cooling in economic growth.https://www.wsj.com/world/china/chinas-pmi-falls-in-january-5d41194b
An agreement to pause strikes on energy infrastructure would be the first tangible result from a renewed push for peace in Ukraine.https://www.wsj.com/world/zelensky-voices-support-for-u-s-backed-energy-truce-with-russia-1aeadb27
Moscow has proposed a de facto one-year extension of limits on long-range nuclear weapons after a strategic arms treaty lapses next week, but the president has yet to commithttps://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/trump-faces-high-stakes-choice-as-final-nuclear-pact-with-russia-expires-6dedebb1
President Trump said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil and boost American purchases.https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/u-s-will-cut-tariffs-on-india-to-18-in-trade-deal-trump-says-6045d0f3
Capgemini announced the move after criticism of a contract to identify and find immigrants in the U.S.https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/french-firm-to-sell-division-that-helps-ice-track-immigrants-4c284600
The move marks a generational power shift in Abu Dhabi, one of the world’s largest state-backed investors.https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/shake-up-elevates-u-a-e-crown-prince-into-260-billion-sovereign-wealth-role-7a665fa0
In an interview with the Journal, Kristian Harpviken says the prize is inherently “complicated.”https://www.wsj.com/world/under-pressure-from-trump-nobel-peace-prize-director-defends-awards-independence-e4e5722e
U.S. allies are growing increasingly disenchanted and insulted by the country’s aggressive foreign policy strategy.https://www.wsj.com/world/how-america-first-risks-becoming-america-alone-6592701a
The president has asked aides for quick and decisive options that don’t risk a long-term war in the Middle East. The ideal option would hit the regime hard enough that it has no choice but to accede to U.S. nuclear demands and lay off dissidents, officials said.https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/trumps-armada-is-getting-in-place-now-he-must-decide-what-to-do-with-iran-93007d5a
The ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Schitt’s Creek’ star was a singular zany talent who valued the transformative power of wigs.https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/television/catherine-o-hara-dies-actress-74b8505d
The U.S. departs from more than 60 global organizations. Call it an excellent start.https://www.wsj.com/opinion/a-whos-who-of-groups-to-quit-018a5063
A court ruling should put to rest Trump’s claim that China is running the canal.https://www.wsj.com/opinion/china-loses-a-foothold-in-panama-381af4fd
In the event of regime change, the world should be ready to secure Iran’s uranium and reactors.https://www.wsj.com/opinion/the-nuclear-threat-after-tehran-falls-7d66aa47
The Commission said it was investigating whether the wind-turbine company received foreign backing that would give it an unfair advantage in the EU.https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/eu-launches-foreign-subsidies-probe-into-chinas-goldwind-49143d71
The threat of China and U.S. weapons underpin the island’s reliance on Washington.https://www.wsj.com/world/asia/taiwan-doubles-down-on-u-s-partnership-even-as-americas-alliances-fray-a37f8120
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged the U.K.’s former Ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson and former Prince Andrew to cooperate with U.S. authorities.https://www.wsj.com/world/uk/epstein-scandal-sends-shockwaves-through-the-british-establishment-fd83a16d
A flurry of diplomatic activity reflects concerns that military action could destabilize the region.https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/middle-east-pushes-for-iran-u-s-meeting-to-head-off-attack-f54a7b19
The world’s richest man has repeatedly become entangled in the four-year conflict as his Starlink is key to Ukrainian military communications.https://www.wsj.com/world/musks-spacex-restricts-starlink-for-russian-drones-766133e4
Only a handful of Palestinians made it through the crossing as security screenings took longer than expected, causing delays.https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/gazas-border-with-egypt-reopens-but-few-palestinians-make-it-across-14e00458