The Philippines has accused China of intimidating its fishermen at Scarborough Shoal, a disputed area in the South China Sea, after Beijing deployed its largest coast guard vessel into Manila's maritime zone. The move is seen as an escalation of tensions between the two countries, which have overlapping claims in the busy waterway. Jonathan Malaya, a spokesperson for the Philippines' National Security Council, called the presence of the Chinese vessel "illegal" and "unacceptable", saying it was intended to intimidate Filipino fishermen and deprive them of their livelihood. China's embassy in Manila maintains that the shoal is its territory and its actions are lawful.
https://channelnewsasia.com/asia/philippines-alarmed-after-china-sends-monster-ship-disputed-scarborough-shoal-4856451A Chinese military delegation is visiting Japan as part of efforts to improve relations between the two countries, led by a visit from members of the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army and senior Japanese defence officials. The exchange visit comes ahead of Donald Trump's return as US president and is taking place from Monday through Friday.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/14/world/asia-oceania/japan-hosts-chinese-military-delegation-in-rare-visit/2038306The Philippines has accused Chinese ships of using intimidation tactics to discourage Filipino fishing vessels from operating near the Philippine coast. The Chinese ships, including a 165-metre "monster ship", have been deployed as close as 111km west of Luzon island this year, prompting the Philippine Coast Guard to deploy its own vessels to pressure them to move further away. The Philippines has vowed not to back down in the face of what it sees as intimidation tactics, while China's foreign ministry has maintained that its coast guard patrols are lawful and necessary to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/asia/philippines-alarmed-by-chinese-ships-moving-closer-to-shoreThe Czech Republic has completed a project to reduce its dependence on Russian oil imports, with Prime Minister Petr Fiala announcing that the country can now meet all of its oil needs from Western sources. The government invested over 1.5 billion Czech koruna ($61 million) to double the capacity of the Italian TAL pipeline to 8 million metric tons per year, which will fully cover the country's oil requirements. This move comes as part of a broader effort by the EU to reduce its reliance on Russian energy imports following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Czech Republic is now one of only three remaining EU member states still receiving oil from Russia, with Orlen Unipetrol refiner announcing plans to stop importing Russian oil in the second half of the year.
https://apnews.com/article/czech-russia-oil-dependence-druzhba-pipeline-fiala-83262012fed2f32bd285d8a976dd8fa6The Canadian government is bracing for potential economic consequences from US President-elect Donald Trump's tariffs on imported goods. Ontario Premier Doug Ford warned that the tariffs could cost the province up to 500,000 jobs. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called an emergency meeting of his cabinet on the day of Trump's inauguration to discuss the issue.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/local-spotlight/A Republican congressman has introduced a bill that would enable President Trump to pursue the acquisition of Greenland. The move is seen as a step closer to making Trump's long-held ambition to buy the island a reality. The bill, which was introduced by Representative Matt Gaetz, would amend the 1959 Alaska Statehood Act to include Greenland in the list of territories that can be acquired by the US government. This comes after Trump reportedly expressed interest in purchasing Greenland from Denmark last year, with some estimates suggesting it could cost up to $1 billion.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14280117/Trumps-MAGA-allies-Congress-help-one-step-closer-trying-buy-Greenland.htmlHamas and Israel are negotiating a ceasefire agreement, which includes a proposed buffer zone along the Gaza border. The width of the buffer zone is still unclear, but Hamas wants it to return to its pre-October 7 size of 300-500 meters from the borderline, while Israel is requesting a much wider area of 2,000 meters. Under the terms of the agreement, residents of northern Gaza would be allowed to move freely north of the strip, but with unspecified "security arrangements" in place. Additionally, Palestinian prisoners captured by Israel who are deemed responsible for killing Israelis would not be released into the West Bank, but rather to the Gaza Strip or abroad as part of agreements with foreign countries. The agreement also includes a significant increase in humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, where international bodies have warned that the population is facing a severe humanitarian crisis.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/gaza-truce-deal-possible-this-week-hamas-likely-to-release-33-israeli-hostages-in-phase-1-7468295#pfrom=home-ndtv_topscrollIsrael's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told the Security Council that Hezbollah is attempting to regain strength and rearm with the assistance of Iran, posing a threat to Israel and regional stability. According to Danon, since the 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah began on November 27, there have been several attempts to transfer weapons and cash to Hezbollah through the Syria-Lebanon border and via air and sea routes. The Lebanese government and international community are being urged to focus on curbing these smuggling efforts.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/at-un-israel-accuses-hezbollah-of-trying-to-rebuild-with-irans-help-7468003The Kremlin has expressed skepticism about a strategic partnership agreement between the US and Armenia, with Dmitry Peskov stating that the US has never played a stabilizing role in the region. Despite this, officials announced that the two countries are set to sign an agreement later today, which will be discussed by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Washington. The partnership is expected to build on existing ties between the two nations, including annual joint military exercises and trade agreements.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/941571-kremlin-us-undermining-stability-in-caucasus-through-partnership-with-armenia