China is taking advantage of the upcoming regime change in Washington to exploit European countries' concerns about a second term for President Donald Trump, according to Matej Simalcik, executive director of the Central European Institute of Asian Studies. China's approach aims to influence EU foreign policy by leveraging its relationships with certain member states, potentially blocking unanimous decisions on key issues. This shift in diplomatic strategy is seen as more sophisticated than China's previous "wolf warrior diplomacy" during Trump's first term, according to Chen in Japan.
https://www.voanews.com/a/china-reaches-out-to-us-allies-ahead-of-trump-s-inauguration/7939122.htmlChina has rejected a report by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) that accused China's shipbuilding industry of being "actionable" under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. The Ministry of Commerce stated that the investigation was driven by domestic political purposes and aimed to hinder China's development, posing a threat to the multilateral trade system. China has been the world's largest shipbuilder for over a decade, with the US Trade Representative Katherine Tai citing its dominance as a barrier to revitalizing US industries. The Ministry of Commerce urged Washington to stop blaming China for its domestic industrial-development problems.
https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3295226/china-rejects-us-allegations-targeting-its-world-leading-shipbuilding-industry?module=top_story&pgtype=section#commentsThe National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has raised concerns among lawmakers due to its alleged violation of foreign ownership laws. The company is owned by Synergy Grid of the Philippines (SGP), which holds a 60% stake, and State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), which owns 40%. Lawmakers are worried that this could give China excessive influence over the country's energy supply, including the possibility of a "kill switch" to turn off power across the archipelago. Analysts dismiss the likelihood of such a switch but point out concerns about limited skill transfers to Filipino engineers and a lack of operational transparency, which could leave the country vulnerable to undue foreign influence over critical infrastructure.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3295082/chinese-stake-philippine-power-grid-operator-raises-concerns-about-security-skill-transfers?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionChina's Vice-President Han Zheng will attend the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump as a special representative, according to China's foreign ministry. The move is seen as an effort by Beijing to "enhance dialogue" with the new administration and maintain a stable relationship between the two countries. This comes after Trump broke with precedent by inviting Xi Jinping to the ceremony, despite their history of tension over trade issues, including a bitter trade war in which Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese imports.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/international/china-says-vice-president-attend-trump-inaugurationChina's spokesperson expressed willingness to work with the new US government to improve communication and manage differences, aiming for a stable and sustainable relationship between the two countries. This comes as the US has imposed tariffs on Chinese imports under former President Trump, who also threatened further measures due to concerns over unfair trade practices and China's role in the fentanyl crisis in the US.
https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/china-says-vice-president-to-attend-donald-trumps-inauguration-7492794A maritime standoff has occurred in the South China Sea, where a Chinese coast guard ship, CCG 3304, is reportedly shadowing an Indian coast guard ship, ICGS Shaunak, as it returns from a goodwill visit to Japan. Meanwhile, another Chinese vessel, CCG 5901, also known as the "Monster Ship", is engaged with the Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Gabriella Silang east of Scarborough Shoal.
https://www.eurasiantimes.com/chinese-coast-guard-ship-shadow-indian-coast/Cuba has released 553 prisoners, including many who were arrested for participating in anti-government protests in July 2021. The releases are part of a deal with the US to remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Maricela Sosa, vice president of the Supreme Court, announced that 127 detainees had been granted early release, while others remain behind bars. Analysts say Cuba may be stalling for time in hopes that the incoming Trump administration will uphold the deal and secure the releases of the remaining prisoners. The releases have caused anguish for families still waiting for news of their loved ones, with some expressing gratitude for a "new chance in life."
https://www.firstpost.com/world/a-new-start-cuba-frees-opposition-leader-ferrer-126-other-prisoners-as-part-of-biden-deal-13853740.htmlCyprus has seen a significant drop in new asylum applications, with 6,769 filed in 2024, a 41% decrease from the previous year. This decline has allowed authorities to process outstanding applications more quickly and provide support to those who qualify for international protection. The number of arrivals by boat, particularly from Lebanon, has also dropped to zero due to increased patrols and cooperation with neighboring governments and European and international authorities. However, Cyprus has been criticized for breaching the rights of migrants, including a recent ruling by the European Court of Human Rights that found the country had violated the right of two Syrian nationals to seek asylum.
https://www.firstpost.com/world/over-1000-syrians-withdraw-asylum-bids-in-cyprus-plan-return-after-assads-fall-13853920.htmlCyprus' Foreign Minister, Shambos, has visited Syria as part of her country's initiative to act as a mediator between Middle Eastern countries and the European Union. She met with officials in Syria and Lebanon who expressed gratitude for Cyprus' involvement, citing its proximity to the region and shared cultural, religious, and social attributes that enable it to facilitate regional insights. Shambos emphasized that any reborn Syria must be led by Syrians, but that the country's religious leaders are seeking support from the EU to ensure minority protection under an inclusive constitution. This effort is seen as crucial for regional stability and security, particularly given Cyprus' close proximity to the region and its shared cultural ties with neighboring countries.
https://apnews.com/article/cyprus-syria-lebanon-religious-leaders-christian-maronite-armenian-church-34a5c4f0312ef1433309b9125ae96701