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News Reports

Current Operations

• National Guard continues LA wildfire response Army News 21 Jan 2025 -- U.S. Army Sgt. Ricardo Hernandez watched from a cross street as sporadic traffic passed on the Pacific Coast Highway near Pacific Palisades. The late afternoon sun glinted off his sunglasses as a man on a bicycle rode up to his location.

Defense Policy / Programs

• ALCOAST 021/25 SSIC 1000 SUBJ: LEADERSHIP NOTIFICATION TO USCG WORKFORCE US Coast Guard 21 Jan 2025 -- "Under my statutory authority as the Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security I have relieved Admiral Linda L. Fagan of her duties as Commandant of the United States Coast Guard."
• New Officials Sworn-in at the Department of Defense DoD 21 Jan 2025
• Trump Names Acting Secretary of Defense, Designates Acting Service Secretaries DoD News 21 Jan 2025 -- President Donald Trump named Robert Salesses as acting secretary of defense pending the confirmation of Pete Hegseth for the position. Salesses assumed the functions and duties of the office at 12:01 p.m. yesterday.
• Illinois Guard Unit to Support U.S. Army Europe and Africa Army News 21 Jan 2025 -- The Illinois Army National Guard's 634th Brigade Support Battalion Forward Logistics Element was activated Jan. 20 for deployment to Africa and Europe.
• First F-15E Strike Eagles equipped with Advanced EPAWSS system arrive at Liberty Wing US Air Force 21 Jan 2025 -- Two F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft equipped with the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System, or EPAWSS, arrived at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Jan. 16, 2025, marking the delivery of the first F-15E Strike Eagles integrated with one of the world's most advanced electronic warfare suites.
• Philippines, U.S. Partner in Maritime Cooperative Activity in South China Sea US Navy 21 Jan 2025 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Navy conducted a bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) in the South China Sea, Jan. 17-18, 2025.
• USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) departs Naval Station Norfolk US Navy 21 Jan 2025 -- The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) departed Naval Station Norfolk for a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 20.
• U.S. Seventh Fleet Opens New Navigation, Seamanship and Shiphandling Trainer (NSST) Facility US Navy 21 Jan 2025 -- Adm. Fred Kacher, commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet, opened the new Navigation, Seamanship, and Shiphandling Trainer (NSST) facility at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Yokosuka, Japan, Jan. 16, 2024.
• VSFB achieves historic milestone with 51 launches in 2024 United States Space Force 21 Jan 2025 -- Vandenberg Space Force Base has revolutionized west coast space and test launch with an historic 51 launches in 2024 from the United States Space Force's West Coast Spaceport and Test Range. This achievement was driven by the base's commitment to innovation, revising practices and procedures and close partnerships with launch and test mission partners.
• Zelenskyy: Ukraine would need at least 200,000 peacekeepers for ceasefire VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that if a ceasefire deal were enacted with Russia, "at least 200,000 European peacekeepers" would need to be on the ground in Ukraine to defend the Eastern European country against a possible attack by Russia.
• Zelenskiy Counting On Trump For Peace Deal, Welcomes Call To Hike NATO Spending RFE/RL 21 Jan 2025 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he hopes U.S. President Donald Trump will bring about a "just" end to Russia's war against his country and that he supports the new administration's push for increased defense spending by NATO nations.
• Ukraine and Albania Concluded Bilateral Security Agreement President of Ukraine 21 Jan 2025
• Agreement on security cooperation and long-term support between Ukraine and the Republic of Albania President of Ukraine 21 Jan 2025
• The President and the Chancellor of Germany Discussed Strengthening Ukraine's Air Defense and Establishing Unity Centers President of Ukraine 21 Jan 2025
• We Need a United European Security and Defense Policy - President at the Forum in Davos President of Ukraine 21 Jan 2025
• Norway Increases Support for Mine Clearance in Ukraine Government of Norway 21 Jan 2025 -- Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) is a global leader in using mine detection dogs and is clearing large areas in Ukraine of mines and explosives. Norway is increasing its support for this work by NOK 164 million in 2025.
• China's CH-YH1000 transport drone completes taxiing test ahead of planned maiden flight Global Times 21 Jan 2025 -- China's CH-YH1000 unmanned transport aircraft on Monday completed a full-load taxiing test under full working conditions in Zhanghe Airport in the city of Jingmen, Central China's Hubei Province. The next step will involve its maiden flight following optimizations, the drone's maker said on Tuesday.
• Supporting Australian Industry to join AUKUS submarine supply chains Australia DOD 21 Jan 2025 -- The Albanese Labor Government is investing an additional $262 million to support local defence industry uplift and develop Australia's AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine supply chain.
• DRDO conducts Scramjet Engine Ground Test India PIB 21 Jan 2025 -- Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), a Hyderabad-based laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has taken the initiative in developing a long-duration Supersonic Combustion Ramjet or Scramjet powered Hypersonic technology
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: Rs 1,561 crore contract inked with Heavy Vehicles Factory, AVNL for 47 T-72 Bridge Laying Tanks for Indian Army India PIB 21 Jan 2025 -- Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Heavy Vehicles Factory, a unit of Armoured Vehicle Nigam Limited, for the procurement of 47 Tank-72 Bridge Laying Tanks (BLT) for the Indian Army at a total cost of Rs 1,560
• North Korea reiterates it has 'no intention' of abandoning nuclear program Radio Free Asia 21 Jan 2025 -- North Korea reiterated that it had no intention of giving up its nuclear program, blaming the United States for "creating tension" on the Korean peninsula, after the U.S. President Donald Trump described the country as a "nuclear power."
• Iran Army employs Cobra helicopters, Fajr-5 missiles in northeast drill IRNA 21 Jan 2025 -- The Iranian Army's Ground Forces have showcased their operational capabilities during a large-scale military exercise held in the northeastern city of Taybad.
• Iran Army ready to thwart terrorist threats, will crush enemy's delusion of grandeur: Cmdr. Press TV 21 Jan 2025 -- A senior commander of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army says the country's armed forces are fully ready to thwart any hostile actions against the country "at any scale or level."
• Iran to join Pakistan-hosted upcoming AMAN-25 naval exercise IRNA 21 Jan 2025 -- The Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, has said that Iranian naval forces have been invited to the Pakistani-hosted upcoming AMAN-25 naval exercise, and Iran will participate.
• Iran to participate in intl. naval drills hosted by Pakistan: Military chief Press TV 21 Jan 2025 -- Iran's top military official has said the country would participate in international naval exercises that would be hosted by the Pakistani Navy and is scheduled to go underway next month.
• Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry Opening Speech at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference UK MOD 21 Jan 2025 -- The Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, Minister of State for Defence Procurement and Industry, Opening Speech at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference, Farnborough
• First British-made Boxer vehicles ready for Army UK MOD 21 Jan 2025 -- British soldiers are set to benefit from 623 new state-of-the-art Boxer armoured vehicles, as the first fully British-made Boxer was unveiled at the International Armoured Vehicle Conference today in Farnborough.
• European Peace Facility: Council adopts the third assistance measure in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces EC/CEU 21 Jan 2025 -- The Council today adopted a third assistance measure under the European Peace Facility (EPF) worth €60 million to the benefit of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).
• Joint Statement by the Quad Foreign Ministers US Dept. of State 21 Jan 2025 -- The text of the following statement was released by the Secretary of State of the United States, the Foreign Minister of Australia, the External Affairs Minister of India, and the Foreign Minister of Japan.
• Rubio meets Quad ministers on first day as US secretary of state, signals focus on China VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived at the State Department on Tuesday to a warm reception, marking his first visit since being sworn in as the United States' top diplomat.
• Rubio hosts 'Quad' foreign ministers after being sworn in Radio Free Asia 21 Jan 2025 -- Secretary of State Marco Rubio hit the ground running in his new job on Tuesday, hosting the foreign affairs ministers of Australia, Japan and India only hours after being sworn-in as America's new top diplomat by Vice President J.D. Vance.
• Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Wong US Dept. of State 21 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar US Dept. of State 21 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya US Dept. of State 21 Jan 2025
• Secretary Marco Rubio Remarks at His Swearing-In US Dept. of State 21 Jan 2025
• Secretary Marco Rubio Remarks to Employees US Dept. of State 21 Jan 2025
• Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio with Craig Melvin of NBC Today US Dept. of State 21 Jan 2025
• Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio with George Stephanopoulos of Good Morning America US Dept. of State 21 Jan 2025
• Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio with Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil, and Nate Burleson of CBS Morning US Dept. of State 21 Jan 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 21, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 21 January 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 21 Jan 2025

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• PM Netanyahu Speaks with IDF Chief-of-Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi Israel - Prime Minister 21 Jan 2025
• Israeli army chief to quit, taking responsibility for Oct. 7, 2023, security failure VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- Israel's army chief Herzi Halevi said Tuesday he would resign on March 6, accepting responsibility for the massive security failure on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants from Gaza carried out a cross-border terror attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and capturing 250 hostages.
• Israel's army chief resigns over Oct. 7 failure IRNA 21 Jan 2025 -- The Israeli army chief of staff has announced his resignation over security and intelligence failure to prevent a surprise attack by Palestinian resistance groups on October 7, 2023.
• Israeli military chief of staff resigns over October 7 failures Press TV 21 Jan 2025 -- The Israeli army's chief of staff has announced his resignation over the military's failure to prevent Operation al-Aqsa Storm against the occupied territories in October 2023.
• Statement by PM Netanyahu Israel - Prime Minister 21 Jan 2025
• Netanyahu assures Smotrich of extensive attacks on West Bank if he doesn't resign: Reports Press TV 21 Jan 2025 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assured his Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that attacks on the Palestinians in the West Bank will continue.
• PM Netanyahu Speaks with British PM Keir Starmer Israel - Prime Minister 21 Jan 2025
• PM call with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel: 21 January 2025 Gov.UK 21 Jan 2025
• Aid trucks enter Gaza, as officials hope ceasefire holds VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- Aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt at a cautious pace, as Egyptian officials tried to assess the pulse of a Gaza cease-fire agreement, amid hopes it would hold and be reinforced in the coming days, despite concerns that developments on the West Bank might cause it to fray.
• Gazans return to devastation; 400,000+ homes destroyed or damaged Press TV 21 Jan 2025 -- New images from Gaza show scenes of total devastation wrought during Israel's 15 months of horrific bombardment, while a UN report says over 436,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged across the narrow coastal enclave.
• Hamas says 4 Israeli women to be released in return for 200 Palestinians Press TV 21 Jan 2025 -- Israel is expected to release 200 Palestinians in exchange for four female Israeli soldiers, a Hamas media official says.
• Gaza's interior authorities say to deploy across Gaza as soon as ceasefire takes effect People's Daily 21 Jan 2025 -- Gaza's Hamas-run interior ministry said Saturday in a statement that its security forces will begin deploying across the Gaza Strip as soon as the ceasefire-for-hostage release deal takes effect on Sunday.
• Ceasefire in Gaza brings hope, but West Bank faces escalating violence UN News 21 Jan 2025 -- The crisis in Gaza continues to remain acute, with UN humanitarians reporting critical shortages of water, food and efforts to deliver vital aid to the war-torn region. Meanwhile, escalating violence in the West Bank has further deepened concerns over civilian safety and access to assistance.
• 'An awful lot of time': UN warns long road ahead to rebuild life in Gaza Press TV 21 Jan 2025 -- The United Nations says the reconstruction of war-torn Gaza will demand "an awful lot of time," even as humanitarian aid begins to flow into the region following a truce agreement between Israel and Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.
• Trump lifts sanctions on violent settlers as Israelis attack West Bank towns Press TV 21 Jan 2025 -- US President Donald Trump has canceled an executive order that slapped sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers involved in violent attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
• Gaza truce must turn into sustainable solution: Iran's envoy IRNA 21 Jan 2025 -- The ceasefire agreement in Gaza must be transformed into a permanent and sustainable solution, Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN says.
• Aid surging into Gaza 'at scale' but massive needs remain: OCHA, WHO UN News 21 Jan 2025 -- Aid is entering Gaza "at scale" in line with the ceasefire agreement that has seen Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners released and families reunited, but massive needs remain across the devastated enclave, UN humanitarians said on Tuesday.
• Gaza ceasefire deal must become sustainable solution: Iran's UN envoy Press TV 21 Jan 2025 -- Iran's ambassador and permanent representative to the UN has commended the Palestinian nation and their resistance against Israel after the ceasefire agreement came into effect in Gaza, emphasizing, however, that the deal must be converted into a permanent solution.
• It is hoped that US will act as an effective guarantor for comprehensive implementation of Gaza ceasefire agreement: Chinese envoy Global Times 21 Jan 2025 -- The three-phase ceasefire agreement should be implemented continuously and comprehensively, and we hope that the US, as a guarantor, will provide effective support for this, said Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, during the Security Council's open debate on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on Monday.
• Turkey may resume trade with Israel if Gaza ceasefire 'permanent': Turkish official Press TV 21 Jan 2025 -- Turkey may resume trade with Israel if a lasting peace is established in Gaza, says a Turkish economic official, following the truce agreement between Israel and Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.
• Ceasefire in Gaza - Germany continues its assistance Germany Federal Foreign Office 21 Jan 2025 -- Now that the ceasefire in Gaza is in effect, there is hope at last that the humanitarian situation will improve. In order to alleviate this suffering, Germany has repeatedly and significantly increased its humanitarian assistance. Read on to find out more.
• Hamas leader in West Bank: Netanyahu wants to continue war to stay in power IRNA 21 Jan 2025 -- Zaher Jabarin, chairman of Hamas Political Bureau in the West Bank, said that Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister of the Zionist regime, wants the war to continue in order to remain in power.
• Hamas, Islamic Jihad call for mobilization against Israel in West Bank IRNA 21 Jan 2025 -- Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have called for the mobilization of the Palestinian people to counter the ongoing Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank.
• 8 Palestinians killed, 35 injured in Israeli raid on Jenin: Health officials IRNA 21 Jan 2025 -- At least eight Palestinians have been killed and dozens more injured as Israeli military forces raided the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank, health officials said.
• Israel launches deadly attack on Jenin; Hamas calls for 'mobilization' Press TV 21 Jan 2025 -- Israeli forces have killed at least eight Palestinians and injured 35 others in an attack on the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, prompting Hamas to call for full mobilization of Palestinian youths against the occupation forces.
• Palestinian Popular Resistance Committees thank Iran for supporting Palestine IRNA 21 Jan 2025 -- The spokesman of the Popular Resistance Committees in Gaza has expressed his gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran for its unwavering support for the Palestinian people.

Other Conflicts

• Syrian Kurds look for continued US support under Trump VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- Kurdish groups in Syria are expressing hope for continued support from the United States as President Donald Trump begins his second term in office.
• More funds for facilities underscore gov't protection of territories Philippine News Agency 21 Jan 2025 -- The allocation of PHP3.03 billion in funds to beef up the country's infrastructure in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) highlights government efforts to protect the country's vast territories, a ranking naval official said on Tuesday.
• Taliban free 2 Americans in prisoner swap with US VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- Taliban authorities in Afghanistan announced Tuesday the release of two American nationals as part of a prisoner exchange for one of their members, who was held in the United States on narcotics-terrorism charges.
• 'Lives Are In Danger': Afghans Devastated By Trump's Refugee Resettlement Suspension RFE/RL 21 Jan 2025 -- Humayun Bayat was looking forward to moving to the United States in early February to begin a new chapter in his life.
• Myanmar junta and insurgents sign ceasefire brokered by China Radio Free Asia 21 Jan 2025 -- A rebel army in northeastern Myanmar has agreed to a ceasefire with the junta after talks mediated by neighboring China, which is keen to see an end to Myanmar's turbulence, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
• Gov't forces kill 2 Naxals in India's Chhattisgarh People's Daily 21 Jan 2025 -- Two Naxals were killed and a paramilitary trooper wounded on Monday in a fierce gunfight in central Indian state of Chhattisgarh, police said.
• Launch of the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for Mali - $771.3 million required to provide life-saving assistance and protection services to 4.7 million people UNOCHA 21 Jan 2025 -- The Government of Mali and humanitarian partners have announced the launch of the 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for Mali.
• Over 20 killed in clash between security forces, Islamic State fighters in Somalia VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- Over 20 people were killed and more than 10 others wounded during two days of fighting between Islamic State fighters and security forces from Somalia's Puntland region, officials said Tuesday.
• Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Colombia UN Secretary-General 21 Jan 2025

News Reports

• Trump's UN nominee touts peace through strength on world stage VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- President Donald Trump's nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations told senators at her confirmation hearing Tuesday that she will promote his doctrine of "peace through strength" on the world stage if she is confirmed.
• From Ukraine To The Pacific, Trump Administration Faces New Threats From China-Russia Partnership RFE/RL 21 Jan 2025 -- Attacks on strategic undersea telecom cables off the coast of Taiwan are not new, but when one was suspected of being severed off its northern coast by a Chinese-owned ship in early January, it fit a growing pattern.
• Trump repeat of need to take control of Greenland raises concerns, stirs debate VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his assertion Monday that the United States needs to take control of Greenland from Denmark in the interests of "international security."
• US withdrawals from WHO, Paris Agreement met with regret, calls for reversal VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- United Nations agencies say the imminent U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization and Paris climate agreement will have serious consequences for global health and efforts to slow down climate change.
• Trump orders include withdrawing from WHO, halting US foreign aid VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump issued a series of executive actions after taking office Monday, including moving to withdraw from international health and climate bodies and directing a suspension of U.S. foreign aid.
• Donald Trump inaugurated as US president again VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- Republican Donald Trump was inaugurated again Monday as the 47th U.S. president, calling for a "revolution of common sense" and vowing to quickly order sweeping policy changes, including the deportation of millions of undocumented migrants living in the United States back to their home countries.
• Donald Trump sworn in as 47th US president, starts second term Global Times 21 Jan 2025 -- Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th US president on Monday, becoming the second president to serve nonconsecutive terms. According to the NBC News, Trump plans to sign more than 50 executive orders - and possibly more than 100 - on the first day of his second presidency.
• Trump sworn in as 47th U.S. president People's Daily 21 Jan 2025 -- Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol at noon on Monday, beginning his second term as he returns to the White House after four years.
• Denmark dismisses Trump's latest Greenland claims Press TV 21 Jan 2025 -- Denmark has dismissed President Donald Trump's latest remarks about the US acquiring Greenland through economic or military intervention.
• WHO comments on United States' announcement of intent to withdraw WHO 21 Jan 2025
• UN regrets US exit from global cooperation on health, climate change agreement UN News 21 Jan 2025 -- UN agencies responded on Tuesday to President Trump's executive orders ending US membership of the World Health Organization (WHO) and its adherence to the Paris Climate Agreement, highlighting the massive potential negative impact on public health and efforts to curb global warming.
• Asian leaders congratulate Trump, though talk of tariffs has some worried Radio Free Asia 21 Jan 2025 -- Asian leaders sent their congratulations to Donald Trump on Tuesday, the day after his inauguration as the 47th U.S. president, though some expressed concern over a vow in his inauguration address to use tariffs to benefit Americans.
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna: We will continue reinforcing our alliance with the USA Estonia MFA 21 Jan 2025
• Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Rubio's clear foreign policy positions are the basis for successful cooperation Estonia MFA 21 Jan 2025
• Security Council debates growing terrorism threat in Africa UN News 21 Jan 2025 -- Africa tragically remains the epicentre of global terrorism, and more action is required to implement international commitments to combat this scourge, the UN Deputy Secretary-General told the Security Council on Tuesday.
• 'African-led, African-owned Solutions Must Take Lead in Tackling Terrorism across Continent', Deputy Secretary-General Tells Security Council Debate UN Security Council 21 Jan 2025 -- Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed's remarks to the Security Council open debate on "Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Countering Terrorism in Africa", in New York today:
• With Terrorism at 'Tipping Point' in Africa, Security Council Speakers Call for Development-Driven Solutions UN Security Council 21 Jan 2025 -- Africa remains the epicentre of global terrorism, with Sub-Saharan Africa accounting for 59 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide, the Security Council heard today, as speakers engaged in a day-long open debate to outline counter-terrorism initiatives that address the interconnected relationship among security, development and human rights.
• The UK is committed to working with African partners to build resilience against threats from terrorism: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 21 Jan 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Counterterrorism in Africa.
• Putin vows to consolidate China ties after Trump inauguration Press TV 21 Jan 2025 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to strengthen relations and develop strategic partnership with China.
• Russia and China Working to Ensure Indivisible Security in Eurasia - Putin Sputnik 21 Jan 2025 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin held a video conference with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to discuss Eurasian security and bilateral relations.
• Telephone conversation with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi President of Russia 21 Jan 2025 -- Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's statement and answers to media questions following talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Moscow, January 21, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jan 2025
• ForeignForeign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, Moscow, January 21, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jan 2025
• Russia: Special Rapporteur appalled by prison sentences to punish Navalny lawyers OHCHR 21 Jan 2025 -- The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, Mariana Katzarova, today urged authorities to end the severe crackdown on the legal profession in Russia and stop endangering the lives and safety of lawyers.
• UN rights expert calls for end to Russia's crackdown on lawyers UN News 21 Jan 2025 -- A UN independent human rights expert on Tuesday called for an end to Russia's severe crackdown on the legal profession, condemning the prison sentences handed down to three lawyers las

• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on January 21, 2025 PRC MofA 21 Jan 2025
• Chinese FM responds to inquiry on whether to drop sanctions against Rubio Global Times 21 Jan 2025
• Beijing changes Rubio's Chinese name, perhaps to get around travel ban Radio Free Asia 21 Jan 2025 -- Beijing has changed the rendering of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's name in Chinese, sparking speculation that officials might want to get around their own travel ban, in an apparent olive branch to President Donald Trump, analysts said on Tuesday.
• US should heed 'voice of reason', says Chinese FM on TikTok tariff threat Global Times 21 Jan 2025 -- In response to a question about US President Donald Trump telling ByteDance it must hand over half of TikTok to a US company or Trump will levy 100 percent tariffs on China, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that the US should earnestly listen to the voice of reason and provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory business environment for market entities from all countries.
• Chinese FM responds to reported Trump's plan to investigate China trade practices, hold off immediate China tariffs Global Times 21 Jan 2025 -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry (FM) spokesperson on Tuesday emphasized China's willingness to enhance dialogue and communication with the US to properly manage differences, calling on the US to meet China halfway to foster the stable, healthy and sustainable development of bilateral economic and trade relations.
• US should listen to rational voices, provide a fair business environment, Chinese FM says on 75-day extension of TikTok ban Global Times 21 Jan 2025 -- In response to a question on US President Donald Trump's signing an executive order to delay the TikTok ban by 75 days, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that TikTok has been operating in the US for many years and is very popular among American users. It has played a positive role in promoting domestic employment and boosting consumption in the US.
• China seeks more cooperation with US as Trump takes office VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- China has urged the United States to focus on managing bilateral relationships through cooperation instead of confrontation as U.S. President Donald Trump kicks off his second term in office.
• President Xi Jinping Has Virtual Meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin PRC MofA 21 Jan 2025 -- On the afternoon of January 21, President Xi Jinping had a virtual meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
• Talks with President of China Xi Jinping President of Russia 21 Jan 2025 -- Vladimir Putin held talks, via videoconference, with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.
• China, Russia should consolidate, expand bilateral relations: Xi Global Times 21 Jan 2025 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Tuesday that China and Russia should consolidate and expand bilateral relations and push for in-depth development of practical cooperation.
• China's position on issues related to the Panama Canal is consistent and clear, Chinese FM spokesperson responds to Trump's claims Global Times 21 Jan 2025 -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded on Tuesday to questions regarding US withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and the WHO, as well as the US President Donald Trump's claims about the Panama Canal.
• Thailand must immediately halt deportation of 48 Uyghurs to China: UN experts OHCHR 21 Jan 2025 -- The Government of Thailand must immediately halt the possible transfer of 48 Uyghurs to the People's Republic of China, UN experts* said today, warning that the group was at real risk of torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment if they are returned.
• UN experts urge Thailand to halt deportation of 48 Uyghurs to China Radio Free Asia 21 Jan 2025 -- U.N. experts on Tuesday urged Thailand to halt the deportation of 48 Uyghurs held on immigration charges to China, where they would likely face torture, and treat nearly half of the group's members for "serious health conditions."
• Beijing reiterates commitment to developing stable ties with Washington People's Daily 21 Jan 2025 -- Beijing reiterated its commitment to developing a stable, healthy and sustainable relationship with Washington, ahead of the inauguration on Monday of United States President Donald Trump.
• Shenzhou-19 crew successfully completes second series of extravehicular activities Global Times 21 Jan 2025 -- Taikonauts of the Shenzhou-19 manned spaceflight mission crew successfully completed their second series of extravehicular activities (EVAs) at 1:12 am on Tuesday, which lasted approximately 8.5 hours, the Global Times learned from the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA.) The agency also outlined plans consisting of three major missions for 2025.
• China launches five new satellites People's Daily 21 Jan 2025 -- China on Monday launched a CERES-1 carrier rocket with five satellites onboard.
• Taiwan's Legislature passes 2025 government budget with 7% cuts CNA 21 Jan 2025 -- Taiwan's 2025 central government budget cleared the legislative floor with cuts of nearly 7 percent on Tuesday, after months of political wrangling between ruling party and opposition lawmakers.
• Despite change in venue, Taiwan present at Trump's inauguration CNA 21 Jan 2025 -- Taiwan's delegation of lawmakers to U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration did not attend the swearing-in ceremony in the Capital Rotunda due to space limitations, but it was still present at nearby locations to be part of the event.
• Tariffs, defense demands keys for Taiwan in Trump's new term: Experts CNA 21 Jan 2025 -- Now that Donald Trump has begun a new term as America's president, analysts highlighted his policies on tariffs, trade, and defense and general disdain for allies as things to watch for Taiwan in the coming year.
• Taiwan eyes further trade, economic ties with U.S. under Trump: FM CNA 21 Jan 2025 -- Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) on Tuesday congratulated United States President Donald Trump on his inauguration, and expressed the hope that the existing bilateral partnership based on shared values and interests would stay strong.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 21 Jan 2025
• President Lai congratulates Trump on inauguration CNA 21 Jan 2025 -- Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) extended his congratulations to Donald Trump via social media on Tuesday, following his inauguration as president of the United States.
• Trump calls North Korea 'nuclear power,' Seoul disagrees Radio Free Asia 21 Jan 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump described North Korea as a "nuclear power," raising the prospect of a change in the long-held U.S. policy of denying North Korea recognition as a nuclear weapons state and insisting that it abandon its weapons program.
• North Korea grants party membership to its fallen soldiers in Ukraine war Radio Free Asia 21 Jan 2025 -- North Korea is posthumously granting membership in the Korean Workers' Party to its soldiers killed in action in Russia's war with Ukraine -- a perk that will benefit their surviving families, residents in the country told Radio Free Asia.
• Yoon attends constitutional court hearing of impeachment trial in person Global Times 21 Jan 2025 -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the constitutional court's hearing of his impeachment trial on Tuesday, denying all charges relevant to his martial law imposition. It marked the first time in the country's modern history that an impeached president attended the court hearing in person, Xinhua reported.
• IAEA chief urges Iran, Trump admin. to reach 'understanding' over nuclear issue IRNA 21 Jan 2025 -- Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has said Iran and the Donald Trump administration need to reach "an understanding" regarding Tehran's nuclear program.
• Belarus's Lukashenka Is Trying To Win Over Gen Z On TikTok RFE/RL 21 Jan 2025 -- "What's wrong with that cow?" Belarus's hard-line President Alyaksandr Lukashenka asks a deeply-uncomfortable-looking official. "[It's] barely alive."
• Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on President Trump administration's decision to put Cuba back on the US list of state "sponsors" of terrorism Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 21 Jan 2025
• Indus Waters Treaty, 1960 — Decision by the Neutral Expert on his competence India MEA 21 Jan 2025 -- The Neutral Expert has issued a press release on 20th January 2025 on his competence to address certain issues related to projects under the Indus Waters Treaty.
• Extraordinary Press Conference by Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan 21 Jan 2025
• World News in Brief: Hostilities in northeast Syria, response plan in Mali, Uyghur deportations in Thailand UN News 21 Jan 2025 -- The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued an alert on Tuesday over intensifying hostilities in the northeast in recent days.
• Report: No maritime piracy in Asia in 2024 Philippine News Agency 21 Jan 2025 -- The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) on Tuesday reported that there was not a single incident of piracy in Asia waters in 2024.
• Indonesia seeks to counter global rivalries as full BRICS member, pushes for UN reform VOA 21 Jan 2025 -- Indonesia's admission this month to the BRICS developing-country bloc, started by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, marks an expansion of the group to Southeast Asia.