The UK's Foreign Secretary James Reeves has visited China amidst strained relations between the two countries due to spying allegations, China's support for Russia in the Ukraine war, and a crackdown on civil liberties in Hong Kong. During his visit, Reeves urged Beijing to stop providing material and economic aid to Russia and raised concerns about human rights in Hong Kong. The delegation included senior officials from the Bank of England and major financial services firms such as HSBC and Standard Chartered. This trip is part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's efforts to strengthen ties with China, their fourth-largest trading partner.
https://www.trtworld.com/business/uk-and-china-restart-economic-dialogue-after-years-of-strained-relations-18252661British finance minister Rachel Reeves has begun a visit to China as the UK's borrowing costs soar to a 17-year high. The trip aims to revive dialogue and cooperation between the two economies, particularly in areas such as trade and investment. Reeves will meet with her Chinese counterpart He Lifeng for economic and financial talks, and is expected to discuss avenues for cooperation including financial services. The visit comes as the UK government faces pressure to address its financial crisis, but a spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Reeves' trip was not being cancelled.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/uk-finance-minister-begins-china-visit-amid-government-bond-crisisIndian Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia on Monday (January 13) to sign a bilateral agreement on the Hajj pilgrimage. During his trip, he will meet with several high-ranking officials, including Saudi Arabian Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah and Prince Khalid Al Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Advisor to King Salman. Rijiju will also discuss joint ventures in the defence sector with Saudi Arabia's Transport and Logistic Services Minister Saleh Al Jasser. The Indian government is seeking an additional 10,000 quota for this year's Hajj pilgrimage, which has a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rijiju-embarks-on-five-day-visit-to-saudi-arabia-to-sign-agreement-for-hajj-pilgrimage/article69088535.eceRomania's energy sector is developing its renewable sources, particularly wind and photovoltaic power plants, with batteries playing a crucial role in achieving a national energy balance. The country's battery factory exports to the European Union, Latin America, and Africa. In a visit to Bucharest, European Commission Executive Vice-President Stephane Sannino met with Romanian officials, including Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu and Senate President Ilie Bolojan, and visited the National Institute for Aerospace Research and Development (INCAS).
https://www.actmedia.eu/daily/european-commissioner-for-industry-tells-bucharest-eu-support-for-battery-investments-will-continue/112002Russia's energy ministry stated that the country will continue to pursue major oil and gas projects despite sanctions imposed by the US and UK. The measures target Russia's energy sector, including oil giant Gazprom Neft, in an attempt to reduce Russian revenues from energy. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said the sanctions would deal a significant blow to Moscow, while Russian officials described them as an attempt to destabilize world markets ahead of US President Joe Biden's term ending.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/moscow-vows-to-continue-oil-and-gas-projects-despite-us-sanctions-13851947.htmlRussia is closely monitoring the situation with Greenland after US President-elect Donald Trump suggested that he may take control of the territory from Denmark. This development has heightened geopolitical tensions in the Arctic region, where climate change is rapidly altering the landscape. The statement by Trump has sparked concern among international leaders, particularly Russia, which has a significant interest in the region due to its strategic location and natural resources.
https://www.voanews.com/a/russia-observing-greenland-situation-as-europe-cautious-on-trump-remarks/7931954.htmlMoldova's energy crisis has sparked a geopolitical standoff between Russia and Ukraine. Russia may be trying to use the crisis as leverage to boost support for pro-Russian forces in Moldova ahead of its parliamentary elections, according to analyst Alexander Lord. However, this strategy is seen as "risky" by Lord, as it could reinforce Moldova's determination to diversify away from Russian gas supplies and integrate into the EU's energy system. The crisis has also led to a dispute between Moldova and Transnistria, with Moldova offering humanitarian aid including help sourcing gas from European markets, which was rejected by Transnistrian leader Vadim Krasnoselsky. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered to provide coal instead of gas to prevent a worsening humanitarian crisis in Transnistria, but this move could weaken Russia's influence on the region.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/10/everything-depends-on-moscow-in-separatist-transnistria-residents-await-end-to-sweeping-energy-crisis-a87566The investigation into the ownership of companies involved in the Russian gas trade reveals that some entities are registered in countries with lax regulations, such as Dubai, India, and small island states. This allows for easier concealment of true ownership relationships. The investigation also notes that Europe received a record amount of Russian liquefied gas last year, despite US sanctions on Russia's energy sector, which have targeted hundreds of tankers in the so-called "shadow fleet".
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-economy/3947566-dubai-emerges-as-key-hub-for-russias-shadow-fleet-media.htmlSingapore has been ranked as the country with the most powerful passport globally, according to the Henley Global Passport Index. The ranking is a testament to Singapore's robust international relations and efficient consular services. Japanese citizens have slipped one position to second place, while Indonesian citizens rank 66th, enjoying visa-free access to 76 destinations. Neighboring Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam have lower rankings, with varying levels of visa-free travel access.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1962299/worlds-most-powerful-passports-2025-singapore-leads-indonesia-ranks-66th