The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has taken measures to boost its cybersecurity following a reported hacking incident by China on sensitive government data. The AFP is working closely with ally partners and has put its cyber and intelligence command on high alert to prevent threats to national security, according to Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/09/news/national/afp-beefs-up-cybersecurity-measures/2033396British Columbia's Minister Eby is planning a trip to Washington D.C. with other Canadian premiers to meet with US decision makers about proposed tariffs imposed by the president-elect. The tariffs, which include an increase on lumber exports from British Columbia, are expected to lead to higher prices for Americans, particularly in energy and electricity costs, affecting both residential and commercial customers.
https://globalnews.ca/news/10946455/bc-premier-david-eby-press-conference-latest/North Korean President Kim has launched a new missile that could potentially threaten US forces in Japan and further targets if it reaches speeds between 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers. The launch was condemned by US Secretary of State Blinken, who stated that North Korea is receiving military equipment and training from Russia. South Korean officials believe that North Korea may have had technical cooperation with Moscow on the new missile technology. This comes as South Korea grapples with political turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law last month, which he claimed was necessary to protect against "North Korean communist forces".
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/north-koreas-kim-says-new-hypersonic-missile-will-deter-rivals/article_51a1c360-30ab-5855-9b46-a75b326c23c1.htmlUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed at a press conference in Seoul that Russia is planning to collaborate with North Korea on advanced space and satellite technologies, in exchange for military supplies from Pyongyang to aid Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3946212-ukraines-fm-urges-isolation-of-russia-north-korea.htmlCanadian cabinet ministers are taking seriously US President-elect Donald Trump's threat of economic tariffs, which he has tied to demands for increased border security from both Canada and Mexico. International Trade Minister Mary Ng stated that the Canadian government will respond to the threats by protecting its economy, as tariffs would harm not only Canadian jobs but also the country's position as a top customer of the US.
https://globalnews.ca/news/10948442/donald-trump-tariffs-canada-ministers/China and Congo have agreed to accelerate the development of a high-level community with a shared future, setting an example for China-Africa cooperation in the new era. This decision was made during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The two countries will prioritize the implementation of the "10 partnership action plans" and create a three-year development plan for the forum, including a timetable and roadmap. They also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting international fairness and justice.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1326492.shtmlChina's foreign minister, Qin Gang, emphasized that the country is committed to upholding global stability and security. He stated that China has taken steps to promote peace and certainty in the world, particularly during a time of economic recovery. This stance was made clear as he pushed back against accusations from Western countries, including the US and UK, who have accused China of manipulating international organizations for its own gain.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202501/1326508.shtmlEuropean countries are struggling to meet their defense spending targets set by NATO, with some nations such as Germany and France facing challenges in increasing their budgets due to political uncertainty. The Czech Republic has announced it will reach the target of 2 percent for the first time, while Norway recently achieved 2.1 percent. Other countries like Italy and Spain are significantly below the target. German foreign policy expert Ralf Stegner has expressed skepticism about the US's demand for a significant increase in defense spending, citing the need for parliamentary approval. The US, despite not having the highest percentage of GDP spent on defense, carries a large share of the burden due to its economy size.
https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-tells-allies-spend-5-percent-gdp-defense-nato/Qatari capital Doha is mediating negotiations between Israel and Hamas with Egypt and the US. Witkoff, a representative, expressed hope for progress by the time Trump takes office, warning that failure to release hostages would lead to chaos in the Middle East. The conflict has resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, and displaced nearly all of Gaza's population, leaving much of its territory in ruins.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/israel-hamas-ceasefire-trump-envoy-heads-to-qatar-says-well-have-some-good-things-to-announce-13851081.html