Top 10 world stories of the year

World hails 19th CPC National Congress

The world congratulated the Communist Party of China for the success in holding its 19th National Congress from Oct 18 to 24.

The Party received more than 1,340 congratulatory telegrams and letters from more than 450 major political parties in 165 countries after the congress, which established Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and embarked on a new journey of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The congress underlined China's wisdom in handling international relations, an achievement hailed around the world.

Victory declared in war against Islamic State

The war against the Islamic State group was declared over as Iran, on Nov 19, and Iraq, on Dec 9, announced they had defeated IS in their countries. However, analysts said this did not mean the extremist group had been eradicated from the Middle East.

In July, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared full liberation of Mosul, the IS de facto capital. The recapture signaled the collapse of IS and a turning point in the three-year anti-terrorism war.

At its peak, IS controlled vast expanses of territory on both sides of the Iraq-Syria border. Thousands of lives were lost, and homes and centuries-old artifacts in the two countries were destroyed as the group fought to conquer and retain territory.

Mugabe steps down as Zimbabwe's leader

Robert Mugabe, 93, was forced to resign as Zimbabwe's president on Nov 21, ending his 37-year rule. After deposing Mugabe, the ruling Zanu-PF party chose the vice-president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as the country's second president since it became independent in 1980. Mugabe fired Mnangagwa, 75, for allegedly coveting the presidency, which triggered a military takeover of the government.