A beluga whale that became stranded in France’s Seine river had to be put down, ending a dramatic rescue mission that captivated world audiences. Officials say vets took the decision as the four-metre (13ft) mammal was being moved in a refrigerated truck. Overnight, rescuers spent nearly six hours lifting the 800kg (1,763lb) whale from the river using a crane and nets. They had planned to release the animal in the sea but its health deteriorated after failing to eat. “It is with heavy
China has withdrawn a promise not to send troops or administrators to Taiwan if it should take control of the island, an official document shows, apparently signalling a decision by President Xi Jinping to grant less autonomy than previously offered. The release on Wednesday of China’s latest white paper on self-ruled Taiwan follows days of unprecedented military exercises by Chinese forces near the self-governed island, which Beijing claims as its territory. The new position paper reaffirms
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