QWorld: Italy, New Zealand PMs Resign; Trump-China Conflict & More

Read the top headlines from around the world.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister John Key (left) and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. (Photo: AP)

1. Italy's Renzi Announces Resignation After Referendum Rout

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has said he will resign after suffering a crushing defeat in a referendum on constitutional reform, tipping the euro zone's third-largest economy into political turmoil.

2. Trump Tweets About China After Pence Downplays Call with Taipei

President-elect Donald Trump complained about Chinese economic and military policy on Twitter, showing no signs of a conciliatory approach after a phone conversation with Taiwan's president raised hackles in Beijing.

3. In Surprise Announcement, New Zealand PM Key Says to Step Down

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, who won praise for his economic stewardship after the global financial crisis, unexpectedly announced his resignation, saying it is time to leave politics after more than eight years in power.

4. Rebels Defiant as Syrian Army Nears Aleppo's Old City

Syria's army and allied militia advanced towards rebel-held areas of Aleppo's Old City in an attack, which a military source had predicted will be over in a matter of weeks.

5. Army Denies Dakota Pipeline Permit, in Victory for Native Tribes

The US Army Corps of Engineers said it turned down a permit for a controversial pipeline project running through North Dakota, in a victory for Native Americans and climate activists, who have protested against the project for several months.

6. Austrians Roundly Reject Far Right in Presidential Election

Austrian voters roundly rejected a candidate vying to become the first freely elected far-right head of state in Europe since World War Two, halting at least temporarily the wave of populism sweeping Western democracies.

7. Uzbekistan's Interim Leader Expected to Win Presidential Election

Uzbekistan's Prime Minister and Interim President Shavkat Mirziyoyev looks likely to win a presidential election by a landslide and become the second leader of Central Asia's most populous nation since independence.

8. Israeli PM to Discuss 'Bad' Iran Deal with Trump, Kerry Stresses Settlements

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he will discuss with Donald Trump the West's "bad" nuclear deal with Iran after the US president-elect enters the White House.

9. California Loft Fire's Toll Rises to 33, with More Victims Expected

A fire that devastated an Oakland, California loft building during a weekend dance party, has taken at least 33 lives and the toll will likely rise, authorities said, as criminal investigators join recovery teams at the charred ruin.