Donald Trump's pick for secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has indicated that the US will continue to support the AUKUS submarine pact, describing it as a "blueprint" for other partnerships to counter China's economic and military advances in the Indo-Pacific. Rubio made this statement during his Senate confirmation hearing, suggesting that the deal is a model for how the US can create consortium-like partnerships with allied nations to address global challenges. This is seen as a strong sign of support from a senior member of the incoming Trump administration, which could reassure Australia and the UK about the pact's future.
https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/trump-s-cabinet-pick-says-aukus-a-blueprint-for-other-us-pacts-20250116-p5l4qg.htmlUS Senator Marco Rubio has stated that the US should officially end the war, citing concerns over civilian casualties. He referenced a statement made by former President Donald Trump, who expressed a desire to halt the loss of life in Ukraine. The issue is likely to be discussed in future talks on Ukraine's neutrality and potential easing of sanctions against Russia.
https://www.fakti.bg/en/world/942137-marco-rubio-ukraine-s-problem-is-not-that-there-is-no-money-but-that-there-are-no-ukrainiansUS Senator Marco Rubio has expressed optimism about the potential for historic opportunities in the Middle East during his confirmation hearing as Donald Trump's pick for secretary of state. He highlighted the importance of a six-week transitional period proposed by the Biden administration to bring stability to the region, and expressed hope for an imminent ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war. Rubio also signaled that the new Trump administration will adopt a tougher stance against Iran and take a more antagonistic approach to international institutions, citing the deterrent effect of American strength as a key factor in diplomacy.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/us/2025/01/15/marco-rubio-confirmation-hearing-senate/US Senator Marco Rubio, nominated as Secretary of State by President-elect Donald Trump, expressed concerns about China's influence on the Panama Canal during his confirmation hearing. He stated that Chinese state-linked companies operate ports at both ends of the canal, which handles around 5% of global trade and is crucial for US military operations and economic interests in the region. Rubio argued that while sovereignty over the canal has not been transferred to a foreign power, China effectively controls it through its companies, posing a threat to US national security.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3294940/marco-rubio-us-secretary-state-nominee-echoes-trumps-panama-canal-china-concern?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionUS Secretary of State Antony Blinken downplayed concerns about President Joe Biden's administration's stance on China's growing influence in the Panama Canal, stating that the focus should be on diversifying supply chains. However, Senator Marco Rubio expressed concern that Chinese companies could potentially take control of surrounding ports and impede US transit through the canal. This issue has been raised as a serious matter by Rubio, who noted that it is not a joke.
Senator Marco Rubio expressed concerns that China's influence in Panama poses a threat to the US' national interest and security due to Chinese companies controlling ports on either side of the Panama Canal. Rubio suggested that the terms under which the canal was turned over to Panama may have been violated, as Chinese companies are not independent entities but rather controlled by the Chinese government. He warned that this could be used as a "choke point" in a moment of conflict, posing an economic, national security and defense problem for the US. Rubio's concerns were echoed by President-elect Trump, who has demanded that the US retake control of the canal and give preferential treatment to US ships.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14289279/marco-rubio-trump-panama-canal-control.htmlPoland's government has accused Russia and its ally Belarus of engaging in hybrid warfare against Western countries, including Poland, in retaliation for their support of Ukraine. This alleged aggression includes a plot to place incendiary devices on cargo planes headed to North America, as well as fomenting a migration crisis on the EU's eastern border with Belarus. The Polish government has also cited acts of sabotage, such as arson attacks sponsored by Moscow, as evidence of Russia's involvement in these activities.
https://www.voanews.com/a/poland-s-leader-accuses-russia-of-planning-acts-of-terror-against-airlines-around-the-world-/7937704.htmlThe Dutch Minister has highlighted a loophole in current sanctions, where low-quality chips are being exported to legitimate countries before eventually ending up in Russian weapon systems. He emphasized the need for action to strengthen sanctions, citing Russia's military efforts and economic struggles as evidence that existing measures are effective.
https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-polytics/3949012-netherlands-fm-we-need-to-block-russias-access-to-foreign-components-for-weapon-production.htmlRussian forces launched a missile strike on Kramatorsk, Ukraine's Donetsk region, injuring eight people including two children. The attack targeted "critically important facilities" of gas and energy infrastructure that support Ukraine's military industrial complex. In response to the strike, Ukraine's Air Force said it shot down 30 missiles and 47 drones, while 27 drones failed to reach their target. The Russian Defence Ministry accused Ukraine of firing multiple Western-made missiles at Russia's Bryansk region, claiming it would not go unanswered. Ukrainian forces struck targets as far as 1,100 kilometres inside Russia, targeting oil storage, refinery, chemical and ammunition plants. The attack is part of a larger pattern of Russian forces targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which has plunged the country into darkness during winter months.
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2025/01/15/ukraine-introduces-preventive-power-cuts-after-massive-russian-missile-attack