Author: France 24

German auto giant Volkswagen has announced the completion of a new R&D centre in its hub in Hebei, eastern China, saying that for the first time in the company’s history, new cars can be developed from start to finish outside Germany.  The company is hoping to win back its share in the world’s largest auto market. Also in the segment, the UK government has backed a plan for a third runway at London’s Heathrow airport, moving the long-running project forward. 

French actor Lucas Bravo, revealed to the public by his performance in “Meily in Paris”, is back on screen with “The Seduction”, a fresh take on “Dangerous Liaisons”. He told us about his own art of seduction.

Hamas on Tuesday handed over a body believed to be that of a hostage to the Red Cross, the Israeli military said. The remains will be taken to Israel for forensic testing and identification.

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is set for a spell on the sidelines after the team confirmed he suffered a left calf strain during Friday’s game against the Golden State Warriors. ESPN reported the 21-year-old centre is expected to miss “a few weeks”.

The EU and the US have restarted their trade negotiations to try and settle sticking points left unsolved in their tariff deal reached in July.  The US side called on the EU to reconsider its digital rules and find “a balanced approach” if it wanted Washington to lower import duties on steel and aluminium. Plus, global talks on protecting wildlife and ensuring sustainable trade kicked off in Uzbekistan. The EU wants to tighten restrictions on eels trade, something Japan is vehemently against. 

One of the reggae artists who brought the genre to the world has passed away aged 81. Jimmy Cliff’s widow announced on social media that he had died following a seizure and pneumonia. The Grammy Award winner worked with artists ranging from The Rolling Stones to Kool and the Gang. FRANCE 24’s culture editor Marjorie Hache looks back at Cliff’s career and how he broke out as an international music star. 

An Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s Dahieh suburb killed at least five and wounded dozens, targeting Hezbollah commander Ali Tabtabai. The attack sparked panic and raised tensions ahead of the Pope’s visit, with Lebanon and Hezbollah condemning it as a ceasefire violation.

LOSC beat Paris FC (4-2) thanks to brace from Olivier Giroud. Lille go up to 4th in the standings.

The European Commission triggered a political meltdown this week with proposals to loosen some of the EU’s landmark digital regulations. The package, announced on Wednesday as part of a push to boost European innovation, drew condemnation from privacy advocates and lawmakers who accuse the Commission of capitulating to pressure from Washington and Big Tech.

New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani visits the White House, a work by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo sets an auction record, Miss Mexico has the last laugh at the Miss Universe pageant and France’s young Beaujolais Nouveaux wines get their annual moment to shine: here’s a look at the week’s most striking images.