British Prime Minister is set to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss major global issues such as the war in Ukraine and efforts to address illegal immigration. The meeting aims to promote cooperation and joint action on these challenges.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/940206-starmer-macron-plan-meeting-to-discuss-global-challengesMalaysia has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) imports from China and Indonesia, citing unfair trade practices. This move is part of a broader effort by the Singapore government to address longstanding issues in its relationship with Malaysia, according to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Meanwhile, Indonesia has joined the BRICS bloc as a full member, marking a significant step in President Prabowo Subianto's global ambitions. However, this move may also pose risks for Indonesia's economy. In other news, the Philippines has announced that it will remain vigilant on prices despite meeting its target, while Malaysia and Singapore are exploring opportunities to develop the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/asean/progress-longstanding-issues-key-priority-singapore-malaysia-ties-2025-pm-wongThe 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=sectionJapanese and Indonesian officials are considering a joint development of naval ships, according to recent discussions between Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and his Indonesian counterpart Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in Jakarta on January 7, 2025. The talks took place as part of efforts to strengthen defense cooperation between the two countries.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250108/p2g/00m/0in/007000cNorth Korean officials are demanding recognition of their country's strategic position as a condition for engaging in dialogue with the Trump administration, according to Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/world/north-koreas-kim-says-new-missile-will-deter-rivalsThe Philippines' current strategy of allying with the US against China is seen as a risk that could lead to devastating consequences, including escalating tensions between superpowers. The country's approach is compared to Ukraine's entry into NATO, which has heightened conflict with Russia. A proposed alternative strategy involves building alliances with non-nuclear neighbors not in rivalry with China, aiming to promote world peace and avoid fueling an arms race in Asia.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/09/opinion/columns/how-to-defend-our-nation-and-keep-asias-peace/2033342Mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the US have been engaged in talks between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict in Gaza, but progress has been slow. The negotiations, which resumed in Doha, have been ongoing for months with no resolution in sight. Despite previous optimism that momentum was returning to the talks following Donald Trump's election victory, the process has stalled due to issues such as new conditions set by Israel and obstacles raised by Hamas.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/mediator-qatar-confirms-technical-meetings-on-gaza-truce-ongoing/article69073848.eceDanish 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.ece