SOUTH AFRICA: China and South Africa signed a framework agreement for a new trade deal today, as Africa’s leading economy looks to other options following high import tariffs imposed by the US. 

The deal, expected to be finalised by the end of March, aims to grant duty-free access for South African fruit and other goods to China while enhancing Chinese investment opportunities. 

It comes amid a significant diplomatic fallout with the Trump administration, which has applied 30 per cent duties to some South African goods and barred the nation from G20 meetings this year.

PHILIPPINES: A tropical storm set off flooding and a landslide in the southern Philippines today, leaving at least eight people dead and displacing more than 28,000 residents. 

Storm Penha stranded more than 7,400 passengers at seaports and trapped families in flooded homes, forcing emergency rescues. 

The unusually wide storm hit the disaster-prone archipelago ahead of the typical summer season, when fewer systems are expected.

NORWAY: Crown Princess Mette-Marit apologised today for the situation she has put the royal family in, as she faces renewed scrutiny over her contacts with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 

The royals’ embarrassment is compounded by an ongoing criminal trial of the Crown Princess’s son for crimes including sexual assault. 

It also comes as former prime minister Thorbjorn Jagland faces an investigation into whether he received gifts, travel or loans from Epstein while in power.

GREENLAND: Canada and France announced plans to open diplomatic consulates in the capital of Greenland today, showing support for Nato ally Denmark after US efforts to secure control of the Arctic territory. 

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand travelled to Nuuk for the inauguration, which officials say will boost cooperation on climate change and Inuit rights. 

The initiative follows US President Donald Trump’s January threats of tariffs against Denmark over Greenland, though technical talks on an Arctic security deal began last week.