Chinese Aircraft Carrier Group Sails Through Taiwan Strait

China says one of its aircraft carrier groups sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Monday, on its way to routine drills in the South China Sea.

It comes amid heightened tension between Beijing and Taipei in recent months.

Patrick Fok reports from the Chinese capital.

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Hong Kong hospitals to step up security after COVID-19 patient escapes isolation ward

Hong Kong's health authorities are tightening security at the city's hospitals, after a 63 year old COVID-19 patient escaped from an isolation ward.

The patient's disappearance sparked a two day manhunt, before he was arrested and returned to hospital. 

Richard Kimber reports.

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Pressure mounts on Trump to ban all flights from UK

Canada has become the latest country to ban all air travel to-and-from the UK because of the new variant of Covid-19 that has seen several European countries take similar steps.

The Governor of New York is now urging President Trump to either ban or restrict air travel between Britain and the USA.

Our Washington Correspondent Simon Marks reports.

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Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York, where six daily flights are still landing from the UK, said he’s urging the White House to take action.

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No breakthrough for Brexit talks as MEPs refuse to ratify deal this year

Intensive negotiations on the post-Brexit trade deal have continued over the weekend, but differences still remain on the key sticking points. 

Members of the European Parliament had previously set a deadline of Sunday for an agreement can be reached, in order for it to be approved by the end of the transition period on December 31st. 

Lucy Hough has more from Brussels. 

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Trump denies he has plan to implement martial law in parts of the USA

President Trump is denying reports that he's considering the imposition of martial law in the  country's swing states in a bid to overturn the outcome of the US Presidential election.

The President on Twitter called the reports "fake news", despite the fact that there is mounting evidence that a crisis meeting at the White House on Friday turned into what some officials are describing as a "shouting match" over the proposal.

John Bolton, the President's former National Security Adviser, spoke on CNN.

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In an appearance on CNN Senator Mitt Romney from Utah urged Americans not to panic over the reports of the possible imposition of martial law.

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Growing number of European countries close doors to travelers from UK

A growing number of European countries are closing their airports and borders to flights and travelers from the UK after Prime Minister Boris Johnson disclosed that a new variant of Covid-19 taking root in the southeast of Britain is 70% more transmissible than the original virus.

Belgium, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands are among those countries closing their doors to people from Britain.

These passengers were hoping to board some of the last planes out of Luton Airport heading to destinations in Europe.

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The Port of Dover is being closed to freight and passengers leaving the UK for 48 hours.

Eurotunnel's Shuttle service has also been suspended.

Rod McKenzie with the Road Haulage Association in the UK.

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AUSTRALIA: Sydney heads into lockdown as Christmas looms.

Australia's biggest city, Sydney has gone back into lockdown as Covid-19 rears its' ugly head again in the northern beaches area of the city.
Arthur Stevens reports from Melbourne

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Tanzania Nationalizes nearly $30 million in Diamonds

Tanzania's government has officially nationalized a $29.5 million diamond consignment seized three years ago in a case highlighting a tug-of-war with economic saboteurs.

Isaac Lukando reports

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UNICEF says can ship 850 tonnes of Covid vaccines per month in 2021

The United Nations Children's Fund — UNICEF — says it can transport as many as 850 tonnes of Covid-19 vaccines per month next year, if those quantities become available. 

The goal is to make sure Covid vaccines reach more than 90 low- and lower-middle-income countries.  

Here's Liling Tan on that mammoth undertaking.

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California COVID surge threatens to overwhelm hospitals

California has recorded more than 100,000 coronavirus cases in just 48 hours and intensive care bed capacity dropped to 0% in large parts of the state.

The state has rapidly become the epicenter of the worsening coronavirus epidemic in the US.

Ira Spitzer has more from San Francisco.

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US grapples with largest hack on US government

President Donald Trump is yet to comment on what is being described as
the worst-ever hack on the US government.

US Intelligence agencies believe the cyber attack came from Russia.
The Kremlin has denied any involvement.

Kate Fisher reports from Washington

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UK PM hopes to avoid third nationwide lockdown

The British Prime Minister has urged people forming "Christmas bubbles" to minimise contact with those from outside their households. 

Boris Johnson asked the public to take personal responsibility in preventing the spread of Covid-19 amongst loved ones during the festive season as he hopes to avoid a nationwide lockdown. 

Hannah Simpson reports from London, 

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Stimulus talks expected to continue into weekend

Negotiations over a $900 billion coronavirus stimulus package are
expected to carry on into the weekend.

Lawmakers are believed to be approaching a consensus but Democrats are
pushing for more local and state relief.

William Denselow reports from New York.

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US to be 'more forceful' confronting China and Russia with naval units

The US military plans to be more forceful confronting China and Russia with its maritime units, according to a new report.

Signed by the heads of the Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard, the report calls Moscow and Beijing 'determined rivals' of the US.

Ira Spitzer has more from San Francisco

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US Vice-President gets Covid vaccine on live TV

US Vice President Mike Pence has received a Covid-19 vaccine live on
television, saying afterwards he "didn't feel a thing".

But it comes as the country continues to reach new records, with a
million cases recorded in just five days.

US correspondent Nick Harper reports.

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Brexit talks in "final few hours" says EU

Brexit trade negotiations are in their final "few hours", according to the EU's chief negotiator.

In a speech to the European Parliament on Friday, Michel Barnier said discussions had reached a "moment of truth" and told Downing Street the time had come "when decisions need to be taken."

Hannah Simpson has more details from London. 

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Germany prioritises the elderly for Covid-19 vaccines

It's been another day of disappointing coronavirus milestones for Germany, as the country officially recorded its highest ever number of new infections in one day.

Over 30,000 new cases were officially reported, as well as 813 deaths. The disappointing data coming as the country ramps up efforts to begin mass vaccinations.

Trent Murray reports from Berlin

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FORMER BURUNDI PRESIDENT BUYOYA SUCCUMBS TO COVID-19

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The former president of Burundi, Pierre Buyoya, has died in France of Covid-19 at the age of 71. Buyoya twice served as president of one of the smallest - and poorest- countries in Africa.

 

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Tanzania to resume oil, gas negotiations after a yearlong stall

The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation says it is optimistic that Host Government Agreement negotiations between the government and International Oil and Gas Companies on the Liquefied natural gas are set to resume in January 2021.

 

Daniel Kijo reports.

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Brits braced for tough new restrictions in bid to fight third wave

Millions more Brits are about to be plunged into some of the toughest restrictions the country has seen since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Some 38 million people in England are bracing themselves to enter Tier Three- the highest level of rules governing freedom of movement, as the UK battles fears over a surging third wave of infections.

Nina-Maria Potts reports:

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