Tensions are rising between Tajikistan and the Taliban, with both sides accusing each other of carrying out attacks in Afghanistan. The situation has prompted Russia and Pakistan to urge the two parties to cool off their rhetoric, as they are concerned about conflict on the border. Meanwhile, France is seeking to strengthen its ties with Tajikistan, which it sees as a key partner in addressing regional security concerns related to Afghanistan. In other developments, China's military is increasing its combat readiness at bases in Central Asia, while India and Pakistan are navigating their complex relationship amidst a thaw in relations between the two countries. The US may also be considering intervening to secure the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan from detention.
https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/tajikistan-and-the-russian-scheme-to-pay-taliban-to-target-americans-in-afghanistan/US President-elect Donald Trump plans to use the International Economic Emergency Powers Act to implement a new tariff programme, which could include tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese goods and 25% on Canadian and Mexican imports. The move is reportedly being considered as a national emergency measure, although it has not yet been confirmed.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1270090-trump-mulls-national-economic-emergency-declaration-to-allow-for-new-tariffs-reportThe global financial markets are experiencing a significant downturn due to concerns over inflation risks and the policies of US President Donald Trump. The Federal Reserve's minutes from its December meeting highlighted potential inflation risks, leading to a net outflow of $582 million from Bitcoin ETFs and $159 million from ether ETFs. Meanwhile, XRP has surged 300% since November amid optimism for Trump's crypto-friendly policies, with some analysts predicting another 40% surge. Bitfinex Derivatives is relocating its services to El Salvador after obtaining a license to operate under the country's crypto-friendly framework. The global bond market is also experiencing a selloff, with yields reaching multi-year highs in the US, UK, and Eurozone due to inflation risks and concerns over Trump's tariff threats. In Asia, central banks are facing challenges as the strong US dollar devalues their currencies, raising import costs and complicating their economic strategies.
https://www.coindesk.com/daybook-us/2025/01/09/crypto-daybook-americas-turmoil-across-the-pond-as-bitcoin-defends-93-k-after-300-b-wipeoutUS-China relations are likely to deteriorate under President-elect Donald Trump's return to office, despite both sides acknowledging that conflict would be detrimental and divert attention from domestic concerns. In his second term, Trump plans to impose new tariffs on Chinese goods in an attempt to pressure China into a revised economic agreement. This move could lead to a managed decoupling of the US-China relationship, increasing the risk of global economic disruption and crisis.
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3293836/trump-will-put-us-and-china-back-collision-course?module=opinion&pgtype=section#commentsIncoming US President Trump has vowed not to back down from threats made against several countries, including Canada, Greenland, and Panama. In a press conference on Tuesday, he threatened military action to secure the Panama Canal and Greenland, and previously stated that he would impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports when he takes office on January 20. This move could have severe consequences for Canada, which relies heavily on exports to the US, sending 75% of its goods across the border. In response, officials in Canada are preparing to retaliate, potentially sparking a trade war between the two nations.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/584104-snowballs-chance-in-hell-canada-will-merge-with-us-trudeauTurkish-backed factions in northern Syria have been fighting with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Islamist-led rebels. The conflict has resulted in mounting casualties despite US efforts to establish a truce in the Manbij area. Turkish authorities have threatened a military operation against Kurdish forces unless they accept Ankara's conditions for a "bloodless" transition after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad. In response, Turkey's imprisoned Kurdish rebel leader has expressed willingness to work with authorities towards peace. The US has called for a resolution that includes the departure of "foreign terrorist fighters", including those affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is considered a terrorist organisation by several countries.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/nearly-37-killed-in-north-syria-clashes-between-pro-turkey-kurdish-forces-in-manbij-region-war-monitor/article69080029.eceDuring a visit to the US, UAE Minister Al Zeyoudi highlighted the country's growing tech ecosystem and its opportunities for US companies looking to scale their operations and access high-growth markets. The UAE has invested $35 billion in the US, with bilateral non-oil trade reaching $28.3 billion in the first nine months of 2024, a 46.2% growth from the same period in 2019. Al Zeyoudi met with C-suite executives from leading tech companies such as Accenture and Qualcomm to discuss advanced technology partnerships. The UAE is also expanding its trade ties through its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) programme, which aims to foster greater connectivity with strategic global markets.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/business/2025/01/09/uae-us-to-boost-cooperation-in-technology-and-innovationThe Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has announced that the Co-Lead Nations of the eight Capability Coalitions have been working with Ukraine to develop roadmaps aimed at optimizing security assistance and defense capabilities through 2027. The roadmaps, which were developed in collaboration with Ukraine, are designed to enhance interoperability between Ukraine and NATO, support the development of Ukraine's defense capabilities, and deter potential threats.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3946736-participants-of-ramstein-meeting-approve-eight-roadmaps-to-support-ukraine-through-2027.htmlUkrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to discuss cooperation on key areas, including military assistance. The two leaders discussed preparations for future meetings and the approval of roadmaps for eight areas of cooperation, which will outline strategic goals and needs until 2027. The documents will focus on areas such as air defense, artillery, armored vehicles, drones, air force, and maritime security.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/940370-ukraine-and-the-us-discussed-strategic-military-cooperation