Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo are planning to convey to President-elect Donald Trump the urgent need for the US to remain committed to upholding the rule of law in the Asian region, where security concerns have become increasingly severe. The US, Japan, and the Philippines have been building an alliance to deal with China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea and East China Sea. Iwaya emphasized that a constructive commitment from the US is important not only for the region but also for the US itself. The two countries are concerned about a major escalation of tensions between Chinese and Philippine forces, which could draw in the US, and are urging China to ease its aggressive actions in the disputed waters.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250115/p2g/00m/0in/048000cJan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, has called on Israel to immediately lift restrictions on aid and humanitarian agencies in Gaza to prevent famine-like conditions. He emphasized that access to shelter, food, and medical care is essential for those in need. The US, Germany, UK, and other nations have been urged to ensure that all crossings remain open to allow a steady flow of aid into the region. In response, US President Joe Biden announced that a surge of humanitarian assistance will be sent to Gaza, aiming to increase access to vital supplies for innocent people.
https://apnews.com/article/un-gaza-ceasefire-humanitarian-aid-palestinians-israel-cfb07cfde1e4f3c2f62537a12d2eb5a5Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Tetsuya Iwaya expressed concern over increasing tensions in the South China Sea, citing a legitimate concern for regional peace and stability. He stated that Japan would continue to assist the Philippines in enhancing its maritime security and safety capabilities, particularly in modernizing patrol craft and surveillance systems. The Philippines has been involved in tense confrontations with China over disputed waters in the past year, despite an international tribunal ruling against China's claim. Iwaya also discussed strengthening a trilateral partnership between Japan, the US, and the Philippines to address regional security concerns, including maintaining good communication with the incoming Biden administration.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/world/asia/japan-philippines-vow-to-boost-security-ties-over-china-concernThe Japanese government has announced plans to purchase two Aegis Ashore missile defense systems from the US for approximately $1 billion each, in a move aimed at bolstering its defenses against North Korean missiles. The deal is expected to be finalized by the end of March and will see the systems installed on land-based sites in northern Japan. The Aegis Ashore system uses advanced radar technology and can track and intercept ballistic missiles. The purchase is part of a broader effort by Japan to strengthen its defense capabilities, particularly in light of North Korea's growing missile program.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/01/16/japan/us-missiles-japan-sale/Japan, the United States and South Korea have pledged to strengthen their cooperation in combating cyber threats from North Korea. According to a recent agreement, the three countries will share intelligence and best practices to disrupt and dismantle North Korean hacking groups. The move comes as a response to increasing cyberattacks emanating from North Korea, which has been linked to several high-profile hacks targeting Japanese companies such as Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corp. and Mitsui & Co.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250115/p2g/00m/0in/001000cRwandan President Paul Kagame has rejected allegations made against his government, instead pointing to the international community's failure to address grievances faced by Rwandan refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He specifically cited persecution from DRC authorities and the lack of accountability for perpetrators of genocide, including the FDLR rebels who fled into the Congo after committing atrocities in Rwanda in 1994.
https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/africa/kagame-rebels-in-congo-rwanda-4888538EU foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas expressed confidence that the US will continue to support Ukraine, but noted that the EU is prepared to take a leading role if the new administration were to change its stance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is increasing military spending and deploying soldiers from North Korea to bolster his forces, with Kallas warning that it would not be in America's interest for Russia to become the world's strongest power.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-defense/3948673-ukraine-latest-weekly-digest-for-january-612-2025.htmlUnited Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a surprise visit to Kyiv, Ukraine on Thursday to sign a "100-year accord" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This move is seen as an effort by Starmer to strengthen support for Ukraine ahead of Donald Trump's return to the White House next week.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/01/17/world/americas-emea/uks-starmer-to-ink-100-year-pact-during-ukraine-visit/2039975Labour Party leader Keir Starmer is set to sign a long-term agreement with Ukraine, aimed at strengthening security and economic ties between the two countries. The "100-year partnership" treaty will focus on bolstering cooperation in the Black Sea and Baltic regions, as well as promoting cultural exchange. This move comes as a response to Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to draw Ukraine away from its allies, which Starmer has deemed a strategic failure.