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News Reports

Current Operations

• Background Briefing on DOD Actions Responding to President Trump's Executive Order on Securing our Border DoD 22 Jan 2025
• DOD Orders 1,500 Troops, Additional Assets to Southern Border DoD News 22 Jan 2025 -- The Defense Department is sending 1,500 active-duty service members and additional air and intelligence assets to the southern border to augment troops already conducting enforcement operations in that region, Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses announced this afternoon via a statement to the media.
• Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses Statement on DOD Actions Responding to President Trump's Executive Order on Securing our Border DoD 22 Jan 2025 -- "On Monday, to protect the security and safety of United States citizens, President Trump declared that a national emergency exists at the southern border of the United States. The President directed me to take all appropriate action to support the activities of the Secretary of Homeland Security in obtaining complete operational control of the southern border of the United States."

Defense Policy / Programs

• Strengthening Deterrence in the East: Poland Provided Logistic Support Army News 22 Jan 2025 -- Since the start of hostilities between Ukraine and Russia in 2014, including the Russian seizure of the Crimean Peninsula, the U.S. military has steadily increased its presence in NATO countries along Europe's eastern flank, sending regionally aligned forces (RAF) to these areas to bolster commitments with NATO allies and deter aggression.
• US freedom of navigation operations 'unsuccessful,' study says Radio Free Asia 22 Jan 2025 -- So-called freedom of navigation operations, or FONOPs, that the U.S. Navy has been carrying out against China's extensive maritime claims in the South China Sea, have proved ineffective and even risk escalating tensions, Australian research found.
• Deputy Secretary General: stepping up NATO-EU cooperation is essential NATO 22 Jan 2025 -- NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska addressed the European Defence Agency (EDA) annual conference "New Horizons in EU Defence" in Brussels on Wednesday (22 January).
• What's Stopping NATO Countries From Boosting Defense Spending? RFE/RL 22 Jan 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump expects Washington's NATO allies to spend more on bombs and bullets.
• Spanish-led Multinational Brigade in Slovakia welcomes Romanian first contingent NATO Allied Joint Force Command (JFC) Brunssum 22 Jan 2025 -- The Spanish led Multinational Task Force Brigade deployed in Slovakia held an official ceremony to formalize the integration of an anti-tank defence section from the Romanian Armed Forces. With this incorporation, Romania officially establishes its participation in this joint mission.
• Russian Defence Minister discusses military and political situation in Central Asia with President of Uzbekistan Russia MoD 22 Jan 2025 -- President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomed Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Andrei Belousov who has arrived to the Republic with an official visit.
• Russia and Uzbekistan sign strategic partnership programme in military field for 2026-2030 period Russia MoD 22 Jan 2025 -- The 2025 plan for the cooperation between Russian and Uzbek defence ministries and the programme for the strategic partnership between the two countries in the military field for the period of 2026-2030 have been signed on Wednesday in Tashkent.
• Russia and Uzbekistan to sign strategic partnership programme in military sphere for 2026-2030 Russia MoD 22 Jan 2025 -- The 2025 plan for the cooperation between Russian and Uzbek defence ministries and the programme for the strategic partnership between the two countries in the military field for the period of 2026-2030 will be signed on Wednesday in Tashkent, said Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov.
• Trump to Putin: End 'ridiculous' war against Ukraine VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump emphatically told his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, on Wednesday to "STOP this ridiculous War!" against Ukraine or the United States would soon impose new "high levels" of taxes, tariffs and sanctions on any Russian exports to the West.
• Trump Warns Putin For Third Time To End 'Ridiculous' Ukraine War RFE/RL 22 Jan 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump, calling out his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin by name, warned Moscow it faces new "high" tariffs, taxes, and sanctions if it doesn't quickly end its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
• Could Trump Cut A Deal With Putin And Leave Ukraine In The Cold? RFE/RL 22 Jan 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump wields significant influence over the next phase of the war in Ukraine, but how he plans to use it remains an open question.
• Trump threatens Russia with more sanctions if Ukraine war doesn't end Press TV 22 Jan 2025 -- Donald Trump has threatened Russia with tariff hikes and more sanctions if Moscow does not agree with a Ukraine ceasefire deal.
• President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Spain Discussed Military Assistance to Ukraine and Increased Sanctions Against the Russian Federation President of Ukraine 22 Jan 2025
• Defense Support and Security Guarantees: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with Dick Schooff President of Ukraine 22 Jan 2025
• Military Assistance and Investments in Ukraine's Arms Production: President Met with Prime Minister of Sweden President of Ukraine 22 Jan 2025
• Strengthening Ukraine's Positions and Security Guarantees: President Met with Prime Minister of Croatia President of Ukraine 22 Jan 2025
• Multilateral Experts Group Initiates Joint Actions to Further Counter the Shadow Fleet and its Maritime Risks Estonia MFA 22 Jan 2025 -- A Joint Readout by the United States, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom following recent engagements.
• U.K. Warns Putin: 'We See You' After Ship Chased From British Waters RFE/RL 22 Jan 2025 -- Britain warned Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin that "we know what you're doing" after the Royal Navy tracked what it called a "Russian spy ship" traveling through U.K. waters, amid rising concerns of potential sabotage by Russia-linked vessels.
• Royal Navy tracking Russian spy vessel in the Channel to keep UK safe UK MOD 22 Jan 2025 -- The UK will also contribute maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft to bolster a NATO response after damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea
• Defence Secretary oral statement on Russian Maritime Activity and UK Response - 22 January 2025 UK MOD 22 Jan 2025 -- Oral statement to Parliament
• Trump Threatens Putin With Fresh Sanctions If He Refuses Peace Talks RFE/RL 22 Jan 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened Russia with additional sanctions if President Vladimir Putin does not agree to enter into peace talks to end the war in Ukraine, while he also called on Chinese leader Xi Jinping to help end the conflict.
• PLA Navy commissions first Type 054B frigate, making breakthroughs in stealth, combat command and firepower integrated control Global Times 22 Jan 2025 -- The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's first Type 054B frigate, the Luohe, was officially commissioned on Wednesday. The 5,000-ton-class warship features advancements in stealth, combat command systems and integrated firepower control.
• Chinese company unveils supersonic plane prototype that can fly at Mach-4 Global Times 22 Jan 2025 -- A Chinese company working on a commercial transport plane capable of flying at Mach-4, twice the speed of the Concorde - unveiled the prototype of its next-generation supersonic aircraft, the Global Times learned on Wednesday.
• Taiwan's record budget cuts raise concerns over defense readiness Radio Free Asia 22 Jan 2025 -- Taiwan's opposition parties, which control the legislature, have forced through a 6.6% cut in the 2025 budget, which the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, or DPP, described as a "hostile" attempt that poses an "unprecedented" security risk.
• Taiwan urged to boost defense spending during Trump's second term CNA 22 Jan 2025 -- Taiwan's former top envoy to the United States and a defense expert called on Taiwan's government Wednesday to increase its defense spending to prove the country's mettle to Donald Trump, who has begun a second term as U.S. president.
• New drone radio production line will boost advanced Defence manufacturing in SA Australia DOD 22 Jan 2025 -- The Albanese Government is building Australia's future, advancing a cutting-edge radio communications production line in South Australia through the DEF129 Uncrewed Aerial Systems project.
• Albanese Government building Australia's future through investment in critical Defence technology Australia DOD 22 Jan 2025 -- The Albanese Government is building Australia's future, providing a financial boost to two local companies to support the rapid development of technology to degrade integrated air and missile defence systems (IAMD) of potential adversaries.
• Defence: Speech by High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas at the Annual Conference of the European Defence Agency European External Action Service (EEAS) 22 Jan 2025
• Six Brand-New HIMARS Rocket Launchers Are Soon on Their Way to Estonia Estonia CDI 22 Jan 2025 -- The U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin handed over six newly manufactured HIMARS multiple launch rocket systems to Estonia at its headquarters in Arkansas. These rocket systems will be integrated into the Estonian Defence Forces' arsenal this summer.
• The Defence Minister's Speech at Oslo Military Society, 20 January 2025 Government of Norway 22 Jan 2025
• The cooperation between Lithuania and Germany enhances security of the whole region, says Minister of National Defence D. Šakalienė Lithuania MND 22 Jan 2025 -- Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė met with Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius in Lithuania today. Ministers discussed relocation of the German brigade capabilities to Lithuania, acquisition of the Leopard 2 tanks, security of the Baltic undersea critical infrastructure, our commitment to step up the multinational operations mandate to include the NATO operation Kosovo Force (KFOR), and assistance to Ukraine.
• A look at the Defence news 13 - 19 January Netherlands Ministry of Defence 22 Jan 2025
• Philippines Hosts Regional Seminar to Highlight Urgent Need for Transparency and Cooperation to Address Ballistic Missile Proliferation in Asia Philippines DFA 22 Jan 2025 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines, in partnership with the Fondation pour la Recherche Stratégique (FRS), is hosting a two-day regional seminar on "Ballistic Missile Developments in Asia: Reducing Risk Through Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs)" on 22-23 January 2025 in Manila.
• Pakistan Assumes Command of Combined Maritime Forces' Combined Task Force 151 US Navy 22 Jan 2025 -- The Pakistan navy assumed command of Combined Maritime Forces' counter-piracy focused task force during a change-of-command ceremony, Jan. 22.
• Trump admin affirms importance of trilateral with PH, Japan Philippine News Agency 22 Jan 2025 -- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has affirmed the United States' commitment to sustaining its trilateral cooperation with the Philippines and Japan under the administration of President Donald Trump.
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Manalo US Dept. of State 22 Jan 2025
• Rubio: US foreign policy will focus on core national interests VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- New U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that core national interests will be at the heart of American diplomacy as President Donald Trump embarks on his second four-year term in the White House.
• Priorities and Mission of the Second Trump Administration's Department of State US Dept. of State 22 Jan 2025 -- "Serving as America's 72nd Secretary of State is the highest honor of my professional life. President Trump has given me a clear direction to place our core national interest as the guiding mission of American foreign policy. Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must be justified with the answer to three simple question"
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Canadian Foreign Minister Joly US Dept. of State 22 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan US Dept. of State 22 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono US Dept. of State 22 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with the Rightful President of Venezuela González Urrutia and Venezuelan Democratic Opposition Leader Machado US Dept. of State 22 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with ROK Foreign Minister Cho US Dept. of State 22 Jan 2025
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud US Dept. of State 22 Jan 2025

Defense Industry

• Contracts For Jan. 22, 2025

Other Conflicts

Ukraine Conflict News


• 22 January 2025 - Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General United Nations 22 Jan 2025

Operation Iron Swords / Operation Al-Aqsa Flood

• Israel says it will control Rafah crossing during ceasefire's first stage VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Wednesday that Israel will remain in control of the Rafah crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt throughout the first phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
• Senior Hezbollah official assassinated by unknown gunmen IRNA 22 Jan 2025 -- A senior Hezbollah official, Sheikh Muhammad Hamadi was assassinated by unknown gunmen in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley region on Tuesday.
• Senior Hezbollah official assassinated in Lebanon's Western Beqaa district Press TV 22 Jan 2025 -- A source in the Lebanese Internal Security Forces says a high-ranking official with the Hezbollah resistance movement has been shot and killed by unknown assailants in the country's Western Beqaa district on the border with Syria.
• Lebanon: Food insecurity deepens following conflict, new report reveals UN News 22 Jan 2025 -- Nearly a third of Lebanon's population is facing acute food insecurity following the escalation of hostilities in late 2024, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis released on Wednesday.
• Food insecurity deepens in Lebanon following conflict, new report shows WFP 22 Jan 2025 -- Nealy a third of Lebanon's population is facing acute food insecurity following the escalation of conflict in late 2024 and the impact of hostilities on agriculture and the economy mean recovery is likely to be slow, according to a new food security assessment.
• Secretary Rubio's Call with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu US Dept. of State 22 Jan 2025
• Trump's UN ambassador pick: Israel has 'biblical right' to occupy West Bank Press TV 22 Jan 2025 -- President Donald Trump's pick for the United States ambassador to the United Nations has become the latest administration nominee to voice the belief that Israel has "biblical" dominion over the occupied West Bank.
• Hamas emerged victorious in Gaza war: Iran official IRNA 22 Jan 2025 -- A member of the Expediency Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran has said that the Palestinian resistance movement emerged victorious in the Gaza war and stands ready to confront the occupying Israeli regime in due time.
• Saudi Arabia stresses prevention of any conflict in region IRNA 22 Jan 2025 -- The foreign minister of Saudi Arabia has stressed the importance of preventing the start of any war in the region, as the regional countries have "feared since the start of Israel's war in Gaza," last October.
• Israel's raids in Jenin have displaced 2,000 families: UNRWA Press TV 22 Jan 2025 -- The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) says Israel's deadly raids on the refugee camp of Jenin in the occupied West Bank have displaced at least 2,000 families since mid-December.
• 'Death machinery': UN warns Israel's genocide could spread to West Bank Press TV 22 Jan 2025 -- The United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Palestinian territories has warned that Israel's genocidal acts may spread from Gaza to the West Bank, amid an ongoing large-scale military operation in the occupied city of Jenin.
• West Bank Paying Price for Gaza Peace Deal - Jenin Governor Sputnik 22 Jan 2025 -- Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the launch of the Iron Wall "counter-terrorism operation" in the West Bank under the pretext of strengthening security.
• Iran humiliated Israel with successful missile strikes: Islamic Jihad Press TV 22 Jan 2025 -- The Islamic Jihad has commended Iran's successful retaliatory strikes against Israeli targets that saw the Islamic Republic firing hundreds of missiles towards strategic and sensitive targets deep inside the occupied Palestinian territories last year.
• Iraq's Nujaba warns will resume anti-Israeli retaliatory strikes if Gaza attacked Press TV 22 Jan 2025 -- An Iraqi anti-terror group has warned Israel of resumption of its operations against strategic positions deep inside the Israeli-occupied territories in case the occupying regime opts to re-launch its military onslaught against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Other Conflicts

• In Syria, top UN envoy highlights international backing for political transition UN News 22 Jan 2025 -- The UN Special Envoy for Syria on Wednesday emphasised the strong international consensus that is emerging in support of the country's political transition since the fall of the Assad regime last month.
• Navy: 'Surface action groups' deployment boosts patrol of PH waters Philippine News Agency 22 Jan 2025 -- The Philippine Navy (PN) has begun the deployment of "surface action groups" or multiple naval vessels as part of intensified efforts to protect the country's maritime territories.
• PH continues close monitoring of CCG vessels in PH EEZ Philippine News Agency 22 Jan 2025 -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has relieved BRP Gabriela Silang with the 44-meter multi-role and response vessel, BRP Suluan, to continue monitoring the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 3304 illegally operating off the coast of Zambales.
• Islamic State claims killing of Chinese national in Afghanistan VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- Taliban authorities in northeastern Afghanistan said Wednesday that a gun attack resulted in the death of a Chinese national, while his local interpreter escaped unharmed.
• Aid group urges halt to expulsion of Afghan refugees over dire conditions VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- A global humanitarian agency warned Afghanistan's neighbors Wednesday against expelling millions of refugees in the coming months, citing the country's unpreparedness due to decades of conflict, economic devastation, and climate-related challenges.
• Trump order suspending refugee resettlement affects US Afghan allies, says advocacy group VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- President Trump's executive order suspending the U.S. refugee program would affect the resettlement of thousands of Afghans who helped the U.S. during the war in Afghanistan, an advocacy group said.
• 2 U.S. Men Freed In Afghanistan In Exchange For Taliban Serving Life In California RFE/RL 22 Jan 2025 -- U.S. officials and media confirmed the release of two Americans held in Afghanistan in exchange for a Taliban man imprisoned for life in California on drug and terrorism charges.
• FACT SHEET: President Donald J. Trump Re-designates the Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization The White House 22 Jan 2025
• DESIGNATION OF ANSAR ALLAH AS A FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION The White House 22 Jan 2025
• Release of ship's crew, 'a step in the right direction': UN Yemen envoy UN News 22 Jan 2025 -- The UN Special Envoy for Yemen and the head of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on Wednesday welcomed the release of the crew of a commercial ship held by Houthi rebels for more than a year.
• Yemen frees crew of British-owned vessel after Gaza ceasefire IRNA 22 Jan 2025 -- Yemen has released the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a British-owned vessel linked to the Israeli regime, which it seized in November 2023 shortly after the start of the war in Gaza.
• Yemen releases crew of UK-owned ship after Gaza ceasefire Press TV 22 Jan 2025 -- Yemen says it has released the crew of the British-owned cargo ship Galaxy Leader, which was seized in support of Palestinians shortly after Israel launched its campaign of genocide in the Gaza Strip in October 2023.
• Dozens of Myanmar junta soldiers defect to Karen rebel army Radio Free Asia 22 Jan 2025 -- More than 40 soldiers fighting for Myanmar's junta have defected to ethnic Karen insurgents since August, rebels said Wednesday, most of whom were forcibly recruited as part of the military regime's conscription program.
• Two-thirds of residents flee Myanmar beach town as rebels battle junta troops Radio Free Asia 22 Jan 2025 -- Some two-thirds of residents of a beach resort town in Myanmar's heartland have fled their homes amid fighting between junta troops and ethnic Rakhine rebels, sources in the region told RFA Burmese on Wednesday.
• Myanmar crisis: Civilians killed in airstrikes as Rohingya risk dangerous journeys UN News 22 Jan 2025 -- The security situation in Myanmar continues to remain highly volatile, with intensified airstrikes across multiple regions leading to dozens of civilian casualties, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Wednesday.
• 14 armed rebels killed in central India People's Daily 22 Jan 2025 -- Indian security forces shot dead at least 14 armed rebels called "Naxals" in the country's central state of Chhattisgarh, confirmed federal Home (Internal Security) Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday.
• Sudan: Concern for civilians over likely offensive on El Fasher OHCHR 22 Jan 2025 -- Comment by UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Seif Magango on likely RSF offensive on Sudan's El Fasher
• Support for Haiti needed now 'more than ever', Security Council hears UN News 22 Jan 2025 -- Haiti is showing signs of progress on the political front despite serious setbacks in terms of security, the Special Representative and Head of the UN office in the country, BINUH, told the Security Council on Wednesday.
• As Gang Violence, Organized Crime Grip Haiti, Security Council Hears Calls for Security Boost, Aid Increase, Political Progress UN Security Council 22 Jan 2025 -- Despite several positive political developments in Haiti, a worsening security situation — compounded by organized crime — has resulted in death, displacement and crisis in the country, senior United Nations officials told the Security Council today, urging international support to make progress on these intertwined fronts.
• Restoring stability to Haiti is essential to peace and security in the region: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 22 Jan 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Haiti.
• Colombia: Catatumbo killings highlight fragility of peace process UN News 22 Jan 2025 -- The recent deadly violence in Colombia's Catatumbo region has highlighted the ongoing challenges in consolidating peace, eight years after the signing of the 2016 Final Peace Agreement, the UN Security Council heard on Wednesday.
• Dialogue 'Central Axis in Construction of Peace' in Colombia, Special Representative Tells Security Council UN Security Council 22 Jan 2025 -- Amid one of the deadliest waves of violence in Colombia since the signing of the 2016 Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, speakers in the Security Council today underscored the urgency of implementing the accord's security guarantees.
• The UK condemns the violence between the ELN and EMBF in Colombia: UK statement at the UN Security Council UK FCDO 22 Jan 2025 -- Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

News Reports

• Russia's Arctic militarization behind Trump's focus on Greenland VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- A blizzard whips the Danish, Greenlandic and Faroe Islands flags above the Joint Arctic Command headquarters overlooking the harbor of Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
• Trump revokes humanitarian parole for migrants from 4 countries VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- U.S. President Donald Trump ended on Monday a humanitarian parole program that benefited Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, and Haitians.
• Trump's WHO, climate orders bring challenges and opportunities for Africa, China VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- On inauguration day, U.S. President Donald Trump signed executive orders that set in motion the country's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Treaty as well as from the World Health Organization.
• Trump signals aggressive stance as US races China in AI development VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- Before he had been in office for 48 hours, President Donald Trump sent a clear signal that to outpace China, his administration will be pursuing an aggressive agenda when it comes to pushing the United States forward on the development of artificial intelligence and the infrastructure that powers it.
• Panama lodges complaint at UN over Trump canal threats Press TV 22 Jan 2025 -- The Panamanian government has complained to the United Nations over US President Donald Trump's "worrying" threats to seize the Panama Canal after more than two decades of the Central American country's control over the interoceanic waterway.
• A day after inauguration, Trump threatens to hit EU with tariffs, takes aim at China Press TV 22 Jan 2025 -- US President Donald Trump reiterates his previous stance by pledging to hit the European Union with tariffs, while adding that a 10 percent duty on Chinese imports could be implemented as soon as February 1.
• Gitanas Nausėda congratulated U.S. President Donald Trump on assuming office President of the Republic of Lithuania 22 Jan 2025 -- On Tuesday, President Gitanas Nausėda sent a letter on behalf of Lithuania and its people, congratulating Donald Trump on assuming the office of the 47th President of the United States of America.
• Prime Minister's Office to begin publishing overviews of Russian information influence activities targeting Finland Finnish Government 22 Jan 2025 -- The first publicly available overview of information influence activities targeting Finland sheds light on Russia's rhetoric and means of exerting influence.
• Active early phase of cable investigation to be completed Police of Finland 22 Jan 2025 -- The active early phase of the criminal investigation into the cable damage is about to be completed. The focus of the investigation is on the assessment of possible intent and related facts.
• Israeli sources: Shin Bet director to resign IRNA 22 Jan 2025 -- Zionist sources announced that the Director of Israel's Security Agency (Shin Bet) Ronen Bar is likely to resign.
• Estrada urges swift passage of 'modernized' anti-espionage law Philippine News Agency 22 Jan 2025 -- Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Wednesday urged the swift passage of a bill amending the country's outdated espionage laws following recent reports of alleged Chinese spies being apprehended by authorities.
• BI says alleged Chinese spy traveled in, out of PH since 2015 Philippine News Agency 22 Jan 2025 -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday said it has forwarded to concerned government agencies the details of the supposed Chinese spy that allegedly conducted espionage activities in key military and civilian infrastructure in the country.
• AFP looking into circumstances of espionage suspects' activities Philippine News Agency 22 Jan 2025 -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it is looking into the circumstances regarding the activities of the Chinese national and two of his Filipino cohorts who were earlier arrested in Makati City for alleged espionage activities.
• US lawmakers warn of 'emboldened' terror threat VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- Top Republican lawmakers are calling for U.S. security agencies to quickly change course under President Donald Trump to better confront threats from terror groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaida.
• Meeting on economic issues President of Russia 22 Jan 2025 -- The President held a videoconference meeting on economic issues.
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks following talks with Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Jeenbek Kulubayev, Moscow, January 22, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Jan 2025
• Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's opening remarks during talks with Foreign Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Jeenbek Kulubayev, Moscow, January 22, 2025 Russia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 22 Jan 2025
• Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning's Regular Press Conference on January 22, 2025 PRC MofA 22 Jan 2025
• Beijing's lack of clarity about Rubio sanctions sparks speculation in China VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- Beijing's lack of clarity about whether it will lift sanctions previously placed on Marco Rubio — the new U.S. secretary of state and a China hawk — has sparked speculation on Chinese social media about whether Rubio will become the first American diplomat in his position who can't visit China.
• Chinese FM responds to change in official translation of Marco Rubio's surname Global Times 22 Jan 2025 -- In response to a question about whether the recent change by the Chinese side in the official translation of the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's surname, using the characters 鲁 (lǔ) 比 (bǐ) 奥 (ào) instead of the earlier official translation using 卢 (lú) for the first syllable, indicates that he is no longer under sanction by China, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that she had not noticed it but would look into it. She added that what was more important was his English name.
• China urges US to stop wrongful practice of misusing sanctions over cybersecurity: FM spokesperson Global Times 22 Jan 2025 -- Responding to media questions regarding the US Treasury Department's recent announcement of imposing sanctions against certain Chinese companies and individuals for their alleged involvement in a hyped hack attempt by "Salt Typhoon," a so-called China-linked hacker group, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday that China opposes the Biden administration's accusations and arbitrary sanctions without credible evidence.
• Trump says China tariffs could begin Feb. 1 Radio Free Asia 22 Jan 2025 -- The first round of promised U.S. tariffs on imports from China could begin as early as next week, President Donald Trump said Tuesday. He also unveiled plans for levies on goods arriving in America from Mexico, Canada and even the European Union.
• China braces for potential trade war after Trump threatens to impose tariffs VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- China is bracing for potential tariffs after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to slap a 10% duty on Chinese imports as early as Feb. 1.
• No winner in a trade or tariff war: FM Global Times 22 Jan 2025 -- In response to a question regarding US President Donald Trump's plan to impose new tariff on Chinese exports to the US, starting February 1, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday that "We believe that there's no winner in a trade or tariff war, and we firmly uphold our national interests."
• Chinese FM responds to Quad foreign ministers' China-related remarks Global Times 22 Jan 2025 -- Responding to an inquiry concerning the meeting of Quad's foreign ministers on Tuesday (US time) during which they claimed that China seeks to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday that China has always advocated that cooperation among countries should not target third parties.
• Cash-strapped Chinese take the slow train home for Lunar New Year Radio Free Asia 22 Jan 2025 -- Ordinary Chinese are taking to trains, planes and automobiles amid the Lunar New Year travel rush that will see hundreds of millions head home to usher in the Year of the Snake, but the economic downturn is biting deep, sending many to the bottom of the ladder.
• Xi holds talks with Putin, calls for guiding China-Russia ties toward greater heights Global Times 22 Jan 2025 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping talked with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a video meeting on Tuesday, as the two leaders hailed bilateral ties in their first interaction in 2025. Xi called on the two sides to consolidate and expand bilateral relations and push for in-depth development of practical cooperation.
• Xi speaks with Putin, calling on China, Russia to uphold int'l fairness, justice People's Daily 22 Jan 2025 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said he is willing to work with Russian President Vladimir Putin to continue guiding bilateral relations towards a new height in the new year.
• Beijing open to steady, healthy Washington ties People's Daily 22 Jan 2025 -- Beijing is ready to work with Washington to promote the "steady, healthy and sustainable" growth of China-United States relations for the benefit of both countries and the world, a top Chinese envoy said after the new US administration took office on Monday.
• Chinese Embassy says it despicable for UK to shelter HK anti-China criminals Global Times 22 Jan 2025 -- The Chinese Embassy in the UK said it is despicable for the UK to shelter criminals in response to UK foreign officials' meeting with four anti-China individuals seeking to destabilize Hong Kong who are wanted by the Hong Kong police. The embassy said that four individuals' egregious actions seriously endanger national security, severely undermine the fundamental interests of Hong Kong, and have a serious impact on the One Country, Two Systems which is a bottom line that must not be crossed.
• Ex-general indicted for planning armed overthrow of government CNA 22 Jan 2025 -- The Taiwan High Prosecutors Office said Wednesday that a former Taiwanese general and five others have been indicted for allegedly accepting funds from the Chinese Communist Party to assist in overthrowing Taiwan's government.
• Ministry of National Defense Press Release on "Chinese Communist Party Conducting Joint Combat Readiness Patrols" ROC MND 22 Jan 2025
• Trump's U.N. envoy pick pledges to advocate for Taiwan's int'l participation CNA 22 Jan 2025 -- United States' nominee for ambassador to the United Nations Elise Stefanik, who is currently a member of the House of Representatives, has pledged to work toward Taiwan's maximum meaningful participation in international organizations.
• PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC MND 22 Jan 2025
• Iran's Zairf, Qatar FM discuss regional developments, including Gaza IRNA 22 Jan 2025 -- Iran's Vice-President for Strategic Affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif has met with Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani to discuss developments in West Asia, including in Gaza and Syria.
• Iran not a 'security threat' to any country: Zarif IRNA 22 Jan 2025 -- Iran's Vice President for Strategic Affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif, says Iran does not pose a security threat to any country, emphasizing that if the Islamic Republic had intended to develop nuclear weapons, it would have done so long ago.
• Iran's oil output to rise by 40,000 bpd with new desalination plant in Ahvaz IRNA 22 Jan 2025 -- Iran's oil production capacity is set to rise by 40,000 barrels per day (bpd) following the launch of a desalination plant in the country's southwest, Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has announced.
• JCPOA can serve as platform for negotiating 'new deal' with Iran: IAEA chief IRNA 22 Jan 2025 -- Rafael Grossi, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has suggested that the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) could serve as a framework for negotiating a new agreement with Iran.
• Iran to finish land purchases for Russia-funded rail link in early 2026: Official Press TV 22 Jan 2025 -- Iran is racing against time to complete land purchases for a key railway project along the Caspian Sea coast that is planned to be built using Russian funding.
• Iran says Swiss national who committed suicide in jail had photographed military sites IRNA 22 Jan 2025 -- Iran's Judiciary spokesman, Asghar Jahangir, has announced that a Swiss national who took his own life while incarcerated in Iran had been arrested for photographing restricted military sites.
• Swiss national who died in jail took photos of military sites: Iran's Judiciary Press TV 22 Jan 2025 -- Iran's Judiciary says a Swiss national who took his own life in an Iranian jail earlier this month had photographed military sites before being arrested on suspicion of espionage.
• Iran to launch 'Kowsar 1.5' satellite into orbit in 2025 IRNA 22 Jan 2025 -- Iran is set to launch an advanced version of its domestically developed Kowsar satellite into orbit in the first half of the upcoming Persian calendar year, starting on March 21.
• In Belarus, Lukashenka's Regime Is Punishing Critics By Taking Their Children Away RFE/RL 22 Jan 2025 -- In Belarus, Vasyl and his family have recently been put on an official list of families in a "socially dangerous situation," a status that could result in him and his wife losing their parental rights and their children being sent to state orphanages.
• EU Parliament Condemns 'Sham' Belarusian Elections RFE/RL 22 Jan 2025 -- The European Parliament condemned Belarus's upcoming presidential election in a resolution that refers to the process as a "sham" while slamming the regime of authoritarian ruler Alyaksandr Lukashenka.
• Parliamentary Assembly rapporteur warns "So-called presidential elections in Belarus set to be a sham" EC/CEU 22 Jan 2025 -- "The so-called presidential elections arranged in Belarus for 26 January 2025 are set to be a sham that, again, deny the right of the Belarusian people to participate in free and fair elections," says Parliamentary Assembly 's General Rapporteur for a Democratic Belarus, Ryszard Petru (Poland, ALDE).
• Belarus: UN experts alarmed about widespread in absentia trials OHCHR 22 Jan 2025 -- A group of independent human rights experts* today expressed concern about the growing practice in Belarus of conducting trials in absentia and without basic fair trial guarantees, which can result in lengthy prison sentences, deprivation of property and housing, or even the death penalty.
• Working together for an open, strong and successful Europe Germany - Federal Government 22 Jan 2025 -- Russia's war against Ukraine, the shift to the right in Europe and the future role of the USA: Europe faces a number of major challenges. It is precisely in times like these that Europe depends on the Franco-German partnership, said Federal Chancellor Scholz in his press statement in Paris.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with premiers on the Canada-U.S. relationship and internal trade Prime Minister of Canada 22 Jan 2025 -- Canada and the United States are friends, partners, and allies. Together, we have built the world's closest and most integrated economies and supply chains, created millions of good jobs for people in both countries, and operated the longest and most secure border on Earth. Canadians and Americans understand the profound importance of the ties that unite our two countries when it comes to our shared economic prosperity and continental security.
• "Europe Was, Is, and Will Be Great"— Prime Minister Tusk Presents the priorities of Poland's EU Council Presidency Republic of Poland 22 Jan 2025 -- At the beginning of the year, Poland assumed the six-month Presidency of the EU Council under the guiding theme "Security, Europe!". On Wednesday, Prime Minister Donald Tusk introduced the presidency's priorities during a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. In his address, the Prime Minister urged MEPs to act with courage.
• President Rumen Radev Discusses European Integration of the Western Balkans with EU Special Representative President of the Republic of Bulgaria 22 Jan 2025 -- President Rumen Radev held a call with EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and the Western Balkans, Miroslav Lajcak.
• Albares defends the importance of Spain's foreign policy in Davos Spain MFA 22 Jan 2025 -- The Minister took part in a panel on the Middle East, stating that Spanish diplomatic action has its own identity and coherence
• China, Mekong countries agree to combat scam centers, arms trafficking Radio Free Asia 22 Jan 2025 -- The six Mekong River countries are working together to combat online scamming and arms dealing in the interests of their security, China's embassy in Myanmar said, as authorities renew efforts to tackle a problem that is causing growing alarm across the region.
• Secretary-General's Special Address at the World Economic Forum [followed by Q&A session with Børge Brende, President and CEO of the World Economic Forum] UN Secretary-General 22 Jan 2025
• At Davos, Guterres slams backsliding on climate commitments UN News 22 Jan 2025 -- The world's political and business elite present in Davos on Wednesday faced an uncompromising address from UN chief António Guterres as he rounded on a lack of multilateral collaboration in an "increasingly rudderless world" at risk from two existential dangers: climate change and unregulated Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• World News in Brief: Gaza aid surge, El Fasher update, aid to Somalia, justice in Belarus UN News 22 Jan 2025 -- The UN and partners are "seizing every opportunity" provided by the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to support civilians, providing a surge in aid alongside storage capacity, repair work, lifesaving services and damage assessments.
• Nigeria's new BRICS partner status sparks economic optimism, debate VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- Nigerian authorities said this week that the nation's new partnership status with the BRICS bloc could unlock critical opportunities in trade, investment and agriculture.
• Georgia's Zourabichvili says US shouldn't back government that is result of 'rigged elections' VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- Last December, Georgia's parliament chose Mikheil Kavelashvili, a close ally of ruling Georgian Dream party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, as the country's new president. He replaced Salome Zourabichvili, who had won the presidency in 2018 in a popular vote. Zourabichvili was the country's fifth president.
• Gabon dispatches government ministers to encourage voter registrations VOA 22 Jan 2025 -- Civilians in Gabon are being encouraged this month to register to vote in presidential elections scheduled for August 2025, as ordered by transitional President General Brica Clotaire Oligui Nguema.