World News: Trump nominee Pam Bondi vows to uphold Justice Dept independence

This is the World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe.

In the U.S., President-elect Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, Pam Bondi, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, vowing to maintain the Justice Department's independence.

Bondi, who previously served as Florida's Attorney General from 2011 to 2019, said she will not allow politics to influence her decisions and that her duty is to uphold the rule of law.

While Democratic senators expressed concerns about her close ties to Trump, particularly her role as his lawyer during his 2020 impeachment trial, and her comments related to the 2020 election, Republican senators voiced confidence in her confirmation.

Bondi also emphasized that her overriding objective would be to keep Americans safe and get back to basics.

In China, the Ministry of Commerce issued a statement denouncing recent U.S. trade restrictions, particularly those targeting China's semiconductor industry.

It said the Biden Administration's expansion of export controls, were economic coercion and a violation of international trade rules.

The commerce ministry spokesperson added that such measures disrupt global supply chains and harm the interests of both Chinese and American companies.

This follows the U.S. Commerce Department's recent addition of several Chinese tech firms to its export control list, aiming to limit China's access to advanced semiconductor technologies.

In South Africa, a police operation has retrieved at least 78 bodies from an illegal gold mine.

Hundreds of miners had been trapped for months in the mine in Stillfontein, with the police trying to force them out by cutting off food and water.

The operation also rescued 246 survivors from the mine, with many of the survivors in such bad condition from lack of food and water that they were unable to walk.

The South African government's harsh measures to attempt to curb illegal mining have drawn criticism from human rights groups and community members.

Over in Bulgaria, people dressed in masks and costumes to celebrate a festival that dates back 200 years.

This annual New Year's festival, called Surva, aims to ward off evil spirits and ensure good health and prosperity.

Surva is celebrated every January in villages across Bulgaria, and incorporates rituals that are Christian and pagan.

While the festival's official opening is scheduled for the evening of January 24 at Krakra Square in Pernik,

villagers began celebrating with activities such as bonfire dances early this week.

Choi Chi Hee, Arirang News.