Taipei [Taiwan], December 21 (ANI): Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) said that nine Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels were detected operating around Taiwan until 6 am (local time) on Saturday. Of the nine People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, six aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and southeastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Also Read | PM Modi in Kuwait: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Arrives in Country, Becomes First Indian PM To Visit Gulf Nation in 43 Years (See Pics). In response to China's action, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor Beijing's activity. In a post on X, Taiwan's MND stated, "9 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." Also Read | PM Modi Kuwait Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wins Hearts by Agreeing To Meet Retired Indian Foreign Service Officer Mangal Sain Handa. So far in December, Taiwan detected 331 Chinese military aircraft and 220 ships, Taiwan News reported. Since September 2020, China has intensified its use of gray zone tactics by increasing the number of military aircraft and naval vessels operating around Taiwan. According to Taiwan News report, gray zone tactics are considered "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force." The recent pattern of escalated manoeuvres by China around Taiwan have raised concerns over regional stability as Beijing continues to assert its claims over the island. The Taiwan-China issue is a complex and longstanding geopolitical conflict centred on Taiwan's sovereignty. China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and insists on the "One China" policy, which asserts that there is only one China, with Beijing as its capital. Meanwhile, Taiwan, supported by a significant portion of its population, continues to maintain its independence. On December 12, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte criticised China's stance towards Taiwan and said that "China is bullying Taiwan, and pursuing access to critical infrastructure in ways that could cripple societies." The remarks by Rutte came while delivering a speech at Carnegie Europe think tank in Brussels on December 12. He also sounded the alarm over China's increasing military and technological advancements, warning of their implications for global security. He said, "We need to be clear-eyed about China's ambitions. China is substantially building up its forces, including its nuclear weapons - with no transparency and no limitations. From 200 warheads in 2020, China is expected to have more than 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030. Its space-launch investments are skyrocketing. China is bullying Taiwan, and pursuing access to our critical infrastructure in ways that could cripple our societies" (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)

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CHECK OUT: Education is Your Right! Don’t Let Social Norms Hold You Back. Learn Online with LEGIT. Enroll Now! Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology and the Stock Market. Dangote Refinery has entered into an agreement with MRS to distribute petrol at a price of N935 per litre through its retail outlets across the country. The Group's Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, revealed this in a statement issued on Saturday, December 21, 2024. PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! Dangote Refinery revealed on Thursday that it has reduced the price of petrol for marketers from N970 to N899.50 per litre, aiming to alleviate transportation expenses during the festive season. The company announced that its collaboration with MRS to offer petrol at N935 per litre has commenced in Lagos and will roll out nationwide on Monday. Aliko Dangote, founder and president/chief executive of the Dangote Group, was quoted as saying in a statement on Saturday: “To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.” Read also Marketers send message to Dangote refinery over new petrol price Dangote urged other oil marketers, including NNPC Retail and others, to collaborate with the company to ensure Nigerians benefit from high-quality petrol at affordable prices. He emphasized the company's commitment to providing Nigerians with reliable access to petroleum products that are beneficial for their vehicles, health, and finances. Mr. Dangote also praised President Bola Tinubu for the positive outcomes of the naira-for-crude swap arrangement, which he noted has contributed to reduced petroleum prices in the country. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their continued support and acknowledged the government's role in fostering a conducive environment for the growth of the domestic refining sector PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! Source: Legit.ngAI will force tech investors to become macro aware

has said he "made mistakes" but continue to insist "everything was consensual" after he was found liable of assaulting a woman who accused him of rape in a Dublin hotel six years ago. Disgraced McGregor, 36, has been ordered to pay Nikita Hand more than £200,000 in damages. Speaking on X, formerly known as Twitter, McGregor said: "People want to hear from me, I needed time. I know I made mistakes. Six years ago, I should have never responded to her outreaches. Come and join The Daily Star on , the social media site set up by ex-Twitter boss Jack Dorsey. It's now the new go-to place for content after a mass exodus of the Elon Musk-owned Twitter/X. Fear not, we're not leaving , but we are jumping on the bandwagon. So come find our new account on , and see us social better than the rest. You can also learn more about The Daily Star team in what Bluesky calls a . So what are you waiting for?! Let's "I should have shut the party down. I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most in the world. That’s all on me. As much as I regret it, everything that happened that night was consensual and all the witnesses present swore to that under oath. "I have instructed my legal team to appeal the decision. I can’t go back and I will move forward. I am beyond grateful to my family, friends and supporters all over the world who have stayed by my side. That’s it. No more. Getting back to the gym - the fight game awaits!" Want to keep up with all of the latest sport news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Off the Ball email newsletter! From darts, boxing and UFC, to snooker, F1 and golf, get it all in your email inbox. Simply , then provide your email address and that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top football stories. You can also sign up for our Daily Star Football email for all the latest transfer news and breaking stories, Hand, 35, said she believed she would always win her case against the UFC star. The hair colourist added she has received supportive calls, texts, emails and messages after she was awarded damages and her daughter doesn't have to grow up in a world where she has to "shut up and say nothing". Speaking outside the court on Friday (November 22), Hand said: "I am overwhelmed by the support I have received from everybody. I want to thank my legal team and my three barristers, they have been amazing from start to finish. "I want to thank the justice, the jury and all the witnesses. I want to thank the doctors, nurses and everyone at the sexual assault unit at the Rotunda assault unit, especially my own doctor. "I want to thank the rape advice centre, I want to thank all the guards and the ambulance crew. I want to thank the men and women who have supported me throughout this trial. For every person who reached out to me, a card, email, everything, it has not gone unnoticed. Thank you, I really appreciate it so much."Syrian government services come to a 'complete halt' as state workers stay home

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The Prime Minister said the season was a time to remember the importance of “being there for one another”, including in “the more difficult times”. He also expressed hope for “peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story” amid spiralling conflict across the region. The message comes after a challenging first five months in office for the Labour Government and against the backdrop of a flatlining economy and rising inflation. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, people will be travelling up and down the country. Heading home, visiting relatives and loved ones to celebrate together the hope and joy of this special season. “It’s a time to remind ourselves what’s really important. Family. Friendship. And fellowship between all people. “Being there for one another – in these celebrations, as well as the more difficult times.” To our military and veterans, the whole nation thanks you for the sacrifices you make to keep us safe. My government will serve you as you have served your country. I wish you and your families a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) The Prime Minister sought to strike an optimistic note following another year of political upheaval for Britain, which saw Labour win a landslide victory after a surprise election called by Rishi Sunak in the summer. After taking office in July, the new Government made a series of unpopular decisions as ministers confronted the realities of creaking public services and strained national finances. As well as dealing with the economic inheritance, Sir Keir said he needed to fix a “broken society” which manifested itself in summer riots across the country after the Southport knife attack. Sir Keir said: “This Christmas, I will be hoping for peace, particularly in the Middle East as the birthplace of the Christmas story. “I’ll be looking towards a better, brighter future for every person and celebrating the joy and wonder that Christmas brings. “So, from my family to yours, I hope you have a very merry Christmas.” The message comes after revised official figures released on Monday indicated that UK gross domestic product (GDP) showed no growth between July and September. Downing Street defended the Government’s record so far when asked about the data, telling reporters: “We had to take those tough decisions to lay the foundations of growth such that we can then deliver the higher living standards over this Parliament that people want to see.” The Prime Minister also used his message to thank those spending Christmas serving others, including in the NHS and emergency services, the armed forces, churches and charities. “I know that this is not an easy time for everyone, and my thoughts are with all those who are lonely this Christmas. “Having a tough time, missing a loved one. You are not alone,” he said. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch said Christmas was a time to reflect on “all that’s happened in the year” and “support all of those people who need our assistance”. “I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country,” the Tory leader said. “For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going. “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year. “Sometimes we have amazing years. “Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficult years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together. “But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.” She added: “And I’m looking forward to 2025. “I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come.” Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: “This year, I’ve had the chance to spend time with some amazing young carers. “Incredible young people who will spend this Christmas doing what they do all year round; looking after loved ones who are ill or disabled. “Carers embody the Christmas spirit of love, selflessness and generosity. “So I hope we can all take some time to think of them, and keep them in our hearts. “And wish them – and everyone – a Christmas full of peace, joy and love.”

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