A Chinese court has sentenced former city official Yang Youlin to death after finding him guilty of accepting more than 2.2 billion yuan, about $325 million, in bribes over a 30-year period.   According to TheCable, Yang held several senior positions in Nanjing between 1993 and 2023, including executive deputy director of the Nanjing Economic and Technological Development Zone, director of the Jiangning District Construction Bureau, and general manager of the Jiangning Economic and Technological Development Group. The court convicted him of bribery, embezzlement, misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power, and money laundering. Judges found that Yang exploited his official positions to manipulate engineering contracts, business operations, land transfers and financial transactions in exchange for cash and property worth more than 2.214 billion yuan, making it one of China’s largest bribery cases. The court also ruled that between 2014 and 2016, Yang worked with others to embezzle 12 million yuan in government funds. He was further found guilty of paying more than 25 million yuan in bribes to other officials, diverting 15 million yuan in public funds for private business ventures, and causing 23 million yuan in direct economic losses through illegal land fee refunds and unauthorised property demolitions. In addition, prosecutors said Yang attempted to launder one million yuan in criminal proceeds through a company under his control in 2023. Although the court acknowledged that Yang provided information which helped uncover other crimes, qualifying as a form of meritorious service, it ruled that the scale of the offences, the serious harm caused, and the enormous financial losses made him ineligible for a reduced sentence. Yang pleaded guilty and expressed remorse during public hearings held in March and April. The court handed down a consolidated death sentence, stripped him of his political rights for life, and ordered the confiscation of all his personal assets.

Japanese carmaker Toyota has announced a $3.6 billion investment in its manufacturing plant in San Antonio, Texas, as it moves production of its mid-size Tacoma pick-up truck from Mexico to the United States.   According to AFP, as published by Channels Television, the investment will fund the construction of a second assembly line at the Texas facility, creating more than 2,000 jobs and increasing the plant’s annual production capacity by 150,000 vehicles. Toyota said the expansion is intended to strengthen its US manufacturing footprint and improve its locally based production system. The new assembly line is expected to begin operations in 2030. The announcement follows Washington’s recent decision not to renew a North American trade pact with Mexico and Canada under its previous terms, increasing uncertainty for businesses operating across the region. In November, Toyota announced plans to invest up to $10 billion in the United States over the next five years. The latest investment forms part of that broader strategy. The move also comes as US President Donald Trump continues to impose higher tariffs on imported automobiles, steel and aluminium, prompting several global automakers to increase production within the United States. For years, Toyota and other international car manufacturers have relied on production facilities in Mexico to benefit from regional trade agreements, including the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Although the USMCA remains in force for another decade, Washington said last week that the agreement will now undergo annual reviews, a decision analysts believe could affect future investment planning. Following the announcement, Toyota shares rose 1.3 per cent during morning trading, while Japan’s benchmark Nikkei index fell 1.2 per cent.

NATO allies unveiled defence contracts worth billions of dollars at the alliance’s summit in Ankara, Turkey, as European leaders sought to demonstrate stronger military commitments and ease tensions with United States President Donald Trump over security and defence.   According to AFP, as published by Channels Television, the two-day summit comes a year after NATO members agreed to increase defence spending to five per cent of GDP following pressure from Trump. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said member states were delivering on those commitments by boosting military budgets and taking greater responsibility for Europe’s security. Ahead of the main leaders’ meeting, NATO announced several major defence projects, including contracts for drones, aerial refuelling aircraft and surveillance systems designed to strengthen Europe’s defence capabilities. Rutte said the agreements, worth billions of dollars, would improve security, support economic growth and create hundreds of thousands of jobs across member countries. The announcements come after Trump criticised European allies for restricting the use of US military bases during operations against Iran, accusing them of failing to fully support Washington. European leaders are hoping to avoid a diplomatic clash with Trump during the summit, amid concerns that divisions could weaken NATO’s unity. Diplomats believe Trump’s relationship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and continued engagement with Rutte could help maintain a constructive atmosphere. European nations are also exploring a possible naval mission in the Strait of Hormuz, led by France and the United Kingdom, to support regional security following heightened tensions involving Iran. However, officials say any deployment will depend on the stability of the current US-Iran agreement. The summit also reflects Washington’s push for Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defence, following recent US decisions to reduce some military assets assigned to NATO operations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to secure a commitment from European allies to provide at least €70 billion in military assistance to Kyiv annually throughout 2026 and 2027. Zelensky is also scheduled to meet Trump during the summit as he seeks additional support for Ukraine’s air defence and renewed pressure on Russia to return to peace negotiations. The summit continues in Ankara with defence spending, European security and support for Ukraine dominating discussions.

The Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has led a peaceful road walk in Ikeja, calling for improved security across Nigeria and an end to kidnappings and violence.   According to Channels Television, the march began and ended at the Chapel of Christ the Light in Alausa, attracting clergymen, Christian faithful and concerned citizens advocating for peace, unity and national development. Participants carried placards bearing messages including “Pray for Nigeria”, “No to Schoolchildren Abductions”, “Release the Oyo Schoolchildren Now!”, “Nigeria Must Succeed”, and “No to Terrorism”. Addressing participants before the rally, Lagos CAN Chairman, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, said the demonstration was aimed at promoting peace and urging Nigerians to reject violence, especially during the election year. He called for the unconditional release of kidnapped victims, particularly schoolchildren, and appealed to politicians to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process. Adegbite also urged Christian and Muslim leaders to work together in promoting national unity and to avoid statements capable of inflaming political tensions. He stressed the need for collective prayers for a safer Nigeria and warned against actions that could undermine the country’s stability. The Special Adviser on Christian Affairs to the Lagos State Governor, Very Rev. Bukola Adeleke, also appealed to Nigerians to reject violence and terrorism while praying for the nation’s leaders. He encouraged citizens to offer constructive criticism of government policies responsibly, noting that positive achievements should also be acknowledged alongside areas requiring improvement. Personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) monitored the event to ensure the rally remained peaceful.