Intercontinental news

Here are some recent news stories from around the world:

Asia

• China's economy grows 6.1% in 2020, beating expectations (BBC)
• India's economy contracts 7.3% in 2020, worst performance in 40 years (Al Jazeera)
• North Korea conducts largest-ever military parade, showcasing new missiles and tanks (The New York Times)

Europe

• UK and EU reach post-Brexit trade deal, avoiding tariffs and quotas (The Guardian)
• France and Germany agree to coordinate economic policies to counter US and China (Reuters)
• Russia's Sputnik V vaccine approved for emergency use in several European countries (The Moscow Times)

Africa

• South Africa's economy contracts 7.1% in 2020, worst performance since 2009 (Business Day)
• Ethiopia's government and Tigray rebels agree to ceasefire, ending months of fighting (Al Jazeera)
• Nigeria's president signs bill to establish new police force, aimed at tackling corruption and crime (Premium Times)

Americas

• US and China agree to phase out tariffs on each other's goods (The Wall Street Journal)
• Brazil's economy grows 1.2% in 2020, despite COVID-19 pandemic (G1)
• Mexico's president announces plan to reform country's constitution, aiming to reduce corruption and increase transparency (El País)

Middle East

• Iran's supreme leader says country will never negotiate with US, amid tensions over nuclear program (The New York Times)
• Saudi Arabia and the UAE agree to normalize relations with Israel, in major diplomatic breakthrough (The Times of Israel)
• Turkey's president says country will not recognize Israel's sovereignty over Golan Heights (Anadolu Agency)

Oceania

• Australia's economy grows 2.4% in 2020, despite COVID-19 pandemic (The Australian)
• New Zealand's government announces plan to increase funding for mental health services (Stuff.co.nz)
• Papua New Guinea's government and opposition parties agree to form coalition government (The National)

These are just a few of the many news stories from around the world.