US 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.htmlChina'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.shtmlThe Ukrainian Ministry emphasized that Iran's actions pose a significant threat to regional security, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. The country is accused of violating international aviation laws after the downing of PS752, an incident for which Ukraine, Canada, Sweden, and the UK have submitted evidence to the International Court of Justice. The Ministry also highlighted Iran's ongoing support for Russia's aggression against Ukraine, further solidifying its status as a perpetrator in the eyes of the international community.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3946206-ukrainian-mfa-on-fifth-anniversary-of-uia-ps752-tragedy-impunity-encourages-irans-continued-violations-of-international-law.htmlThe Israeli military launched airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 22 Palestinians, including 10 people who died in a multi-storey house in Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood. The strikes also killed five people in the Zeitoun suburb and three others in Deir al Balah city. Meanwhile, US officials visited the Lebanese army headquarters to oversee the destruction of seized weapons and ensure compliance with the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon. Additionally, the European Union has provided over $246 million to Israeli institutions for research and innovation, including funding for artificial intelligence projects that have raised concerns about complicity in genocide due to their potential use against civilians in Gaza.
https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-palestinian-death-toll-hits-45936-amid-israels-war-on-gaza-18251411The Philippines is looking to strengthen its relationship with the United States, particularly under President-elect Joe Biden's administration, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. In an interview with CNA, Manalo expressed hope that the new administration will continue to support the country's development and security goals. He specifically mentioned the importance of US assistance in areas such as infrastructure development, economic growth, and maritime security, particularly in the South China Sea.
https://channelnewsasia.com/watch/cna-exclusive-philippine-foreign-minister-enrique-manalo-hopeful-us-alliance-will-stay-strong-4845851Japan's National Police Agency has linked over 200 cyberattacks on government agencies, businesses, and individuals in Japan to a Chinese hacking group called MirrorFace. The attacks, which occurred from 2019 to 2024, targeted sensitive information on defence, space, and advanced technology. The targets included the Japanese Foreign and Defence ministries, the country's space agency, politicians, journalists, private companies, and think tanks related to advanced technology. Experts have expressed concerns about Japan's vulnerability to cyber threats as it increases its defence capabilities and collaborates with other countries to strengthen its cybersecurity.
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3293940/japan-says-china-linked-hackers-mirrorface-targeted-defence-and-space-agencies?module=asia_latest&pgtype=sectionDanish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen expressed openness to cooperating with the US on Arctic issues, citing legitimate American interests in the region due to international events such as Russia's arming and China's growing interest. He urged calm amid rising tensions, noting that the Danish Realm is open to dialogue with the Americans to ensure their ambitions are fulfilled. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also downplayed the possibility of military force being used by the US in its pursuit of Greenland, calling for cool heads to prevail.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/denmark-says-open-to-dialogue-with-us-on-arctic/article69077976.eceSheikh Abdullah emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive peace agreement based on the two-state solution to achieve stability and security in the region. He highlighted the importance of concerted efforts to reach a permanent ceasefire and prevent conflict expansion, prioritizing civilian lives and humanitarian aid delivery. The UAE supports mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the US to broker a prisoner exchange agreement, which could lead to a permanent ceasefire and safe humanitarian aid delivery. Sheikh Abdullah underscored that building peace is key to establishing lasting stability and fulfilling the aspirations of the Palestinian people for comprehensive development and a dignified life.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-foreign-minister-discusses-escalating-humanitarian-crisis-in-gaza-with-israel-fmSheikh Abdullah emphasized the importance of prioritizing civilian lives and humanitarian aid in the region, citing the need for a permanent ceasefire and safe aid delivery into the enclave. He also expressed support for Qatari, Egyptian, and US mediation efforts to reach an exchange deal and highlighted the UAE's long-standing solidarity with Palestinians. Additionally, Sheikh Abdullah called for intensified international action to combat extremism, hatred, and racism, promoting values of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity instead.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/01/07/sheikh-abdullah-israel-gideon-saar/