The United States has reaffirmed its support for Taiwan's defence capabilities, emphasizing its commitment to strengthening regional security efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. This commitment was reiterated by the White House, which highlighted various forms of security assistance provided to Taiwan, including Foreign Military Financing and International Military Education and Training programs. The US President, Joe Biden, has identified the Indo-Pacific as a crucial region for both the country's and the world's future.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/us-reaffirms-support-for-taiwans-defence-capabilities-strengthening-regional-security-efforts/Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized the significance of a strategic partnership between her country and the US, highlighting its potential to enhance economic and security ties between the two nations.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/941014-japan-india-australia-boost-diplomatic-ties-with-new-trump-administrationBangladesh's Advisor to the Interim Government, Muhammad Yunus, has expressed deep concern about border tensions with India. This comes after Bangladesh alleged that India was constructing fences at five locations along their shared border in violation of a bilateral agreement.
https://indiatoday.in/india/story/bangladesh-foreign-secretary-indian-envoy-pranay-veryma-expresses-deep-concerns-border-tensions-2663719-2025-01-12Over half of major Japanese firms have taken concrete measures in preparation for a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, according to a Kyodo News survey. The survey found that 53% of the 114 companies polled had drafted manuals, planned evacuations and stockpiled inventory in anticipation of such an event. Companies such as Toyota Motor Corp. and ANA Holdings Inc. were among those surveyed. The growing tensions between China and Taiwan are seen as a high-risk factor for businesses, with 54% of firms saying they have been impacted by the heightened tensions. Firms cited concerns over disruptions to sea and air shipments and instability in the semiconductor supply chain as their top worries.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250112/p2g/00m/0bu/006000cThe Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has added demands to its election manifesto calling for a limit on Chinese firms' involvement in German seaports and digital networks. The party's delegates approved motions stating that key infrastructure, including seaports, should remain under local control and rejecting the expansion of digital infrastructure with Chinese companies, which are deemed to be under the control of the Chinese Communist Party.
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3294390/german-far-right-party-wants-limit-chinese-firms-role-ports-and-digital-networks?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsThe US-China Track II Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence and National Security was hosted by the Brookings Institution and Tsinghua University, with Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest describing AI as a "brilliant but dangerous tool". The dialogue has met secretly 11 times since 2019 to discuss the uses of AI in national security. Forrest praised a recent agreement between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to establish a human-controlled system for nuclear use, citing it as an example of how AI can be used safely. The panel discussion included experts from both countries who discussed the importance of keeping humans in control of AI decision-making, particularly in conflict zones where technology can strip away empathy and lead to poor decisions.
https://www.smh.com.au/technology/no-harm-to-citizens-forrest-facilitates-historic-us-china-talks-on-ai-nuclear-security-20250112-p5l3pb.htmlMalaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim met with renowned economist Jeffrey D. Sachs of Columbia University before embarking on a three-day official visit to the UAE. The two discussed sustainable development, green energy and Malaysia's role as Asean chair, as well as implementing a more liberal foreign policy to attract investors. Sachs is a globally recognized expert in sustainable development and has held various high-profile positions, including president of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and co-chair of the Council of Engineers for Energy Transition.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/01/12/anwar-meets-economist-jeffrey-sachs-discusses-green-energy-aseanSyrian rebels led by a lightning insurgency ousted President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, ending his family's decades-long rule. The international community responded by severing ties with Assad and imposing sanctions on his government, as well as its allies Russia and Iran, due to alleged war crimes and the production of Captagon, an amphetamine-like stimulant worth billions of dollars. With Assad out of power, Syria's new authorities hope for international investment to rebuild infrastructure and revitalize the economy.
https://apnews.com/article/syria-war-diplomacy-sanctions-saudi-conference-3c9280884435f1dd21c092c392a8eab9German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated that sanctions against individuals responsible for serious crimes during Syria's civil war should remain in place. She emphasized the need for a swift benefit from the transition of power, announcing an additional €50 million in aid to support Syrians with food, emergency shelter and medical care.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/fidan-meets-arab-eu-diplomats-for-talks-on-syria-204603