The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Pathways Alliance, Enserva, Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (EPAC), and Canadian Association of Energy Contractors (CAOEC) have formed a joint working group to mitigate the impact of potential US tariffs on Canadian oil and natural gas exports. The group represents over three-quarters of Canada's oil and natural gas production and hundreds of businesses across the country, making up a significant part of the energy industry's supply chain. They are working with federal and provincial policymakers to develop solutions to avoid or mitigate the risk of US tariffs, which could impact $150 billion worth of annual trade between the two countries.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/14/tmt-newswire/globenewswire/canadian-energy-associations-united-in-fight-against-us-tariff-threat/2038125The Canadian government has announced a shift in its international trade policy, focusing on reciprocity as a requirement for all federal spending and policies, following a threat of tariffs from the US. According to Jack Cunningham, an assistant professor at Trinity College at the University of Toronto, Canada has several options to retaliate against the US, but must carefully consider the potential impact on its own economy due to the close trade ties between the two countries.
https://globalnews.ca/news/10955750/jagmeet-singh-trump-retaliatory-tariffs/China's exports are expected to remain strong in the short term due to businesses attempting to stock up on goods before potential tariffs increase, according to Zichun Huang of Capital Economics. This is attributed to China's weak real effective exchange rate and its growing global market share, which has allowed it to maintain a competitive edge in international trade.
https://apnews.com/article/china-trade-december-exports-imports-2d3e72e833b82de057237d7d01d98378China is concerned that the satellite-based communication system Starlink could be used by Taiwan or US forces in a potential conflict scenario, according to Ben Lewis, a defense analyst specializing in PLA development and Taiwan security issues. This concern is evident in Chinese media reports specifically mentioning Starlink as a threat, indicating its perceived significance in such a scenario.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/china-us-space-rivalry-has-a-new-beat/Labour's Net Zero drive may hand China significant power over the UK's energy supplies due to its reliance on parts made by firms controlled by Beijing, according to Sir Richard Dearlove, a former head of MI6. This concern arises from the fact that all Chinese industry is ultimately answerable to the Communist Party leadership. The issue has been highlighted in the context of recent agreements worth £600 million between the UK and China, which were unveiled during a high-level economic meeting led by Rachel Reeves.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14277813/Ex-MI6-boss-Labour-Net-Zero-China.htmlThe construction of Israeli settlements on the West Bank is considered illegal under international law, leading to periodic clashes between Palestinian resistance fighters and Israeli authorities as well as the Palestinian Authority's security forces. The ongoing occupation has sparked tensions in the region, with the Palestinian Authority ruling much of the West Bank.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2025/01/12/palestine-israeli-settlers-continue-attacking-palestinians/1501736709920/Pakistan's National Logistics Cell (NLC) has partnered with DP World, a global logistics company, to boost Pakistan's logistics industry. The partnership aims to create employment opportunities, increase trade volume, and help local businesses compete globally. Under the agreement, modern logistics parks are being constructed in Pakistan, and container movement from Jebel Ali Port to Karachi and other regional countries has begun. This collaboration is expected to introduce world-class practices in supply chain management, providing new growth opportunities for businesses by solving existing problems. The partnership will also promote innovation in mobility, highlight Pakistan's status as a regional trade hub, and bring direct foreign investment, creating thousands of job opportunities through strengthened infrastructure and connectivity.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1271570-nlc-and-dp-world-announce-partnership-to-develop-pakistan-s-logistics-sectorGerman authorities have conducted extensive investigations into drone sightings near military installations and defense companies, citing concerns that they may be related to Russia's war in Ukraine. The investigations included helicopter deployments but so far, police have been unable to identify who was operating the drones.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/01/13/german-police-probe-drone-sightings-over-military-facilities-a87594Dozens of countries will gather in Oslo on Wednesday for a meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, aiming to find a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The meeting is expected to be attended by Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa and UN envoy Tor Wennesland, among others. Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasized the need for a two-state solution that guarantees self-determination, security, and justice for both Palestinians and Israelis. Over 80 countries and organizations are set to participate in the meeting, although no official Israeli delegation has been announced.
https://www.jordantimes.com/news/world/norway-host-talks-mideast-two-state-solution