China
The Danish government has sent messages to the Trump team about its willingness to discuss increased security in Greenland. Denmark emphasizes that the island is not for sale, but is open to dialogue about expanding the U.S. military presence.
The majority of the US Supreme Court justices are inclined to support the law banning TikTok because of its ties to China. The ban could take effect on January 19, 2025, if ByteDance does not sell the app.
The USA is imposing sweeping sanctions against the Russian oil industry, including 180 vessels and leading companies. Against the backdrop of these restrictions, global oil prices have risen to their highest level since October.
In 2024, the global average temperature exceeded the threshold of 1. 5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time. The record warming is caused by anthropogenic changes and the El Niño phenomenon.
Brent and WTI crude oil prices rose by 0. 9% due to low temperatures and growing demand for fuel. Over the past three weeks, Brent has risen by 6% and WTI by 7%, also affected by sanctions against Russia and Iran.
The Japanese government imposed new sanctions against Russia, freezing the assets of 45 individuals and organizations. Starting January 23, the export of 335 goods, including motorcycles and specialty vehicle components, will also be banned.
Xi Jinping will send a representative to Trump's inauguration instead of attending in person. The Chinese envoy will hold talks with the US president-elect's team to reduce tensions between the two countries.
The director of the Panama Canal rejected Trump's accusations of Chinese control over the waterway. He also criticized the idea of preferential tariffs for American ships, calling it a violation of international treaties.
The United States plans to impose new sanctions on the Russian economy and Chinese organizations that support Russia. The Biden administration seeks to strengthen Ukraine's position before possible negotiations with Russia.
US President-elect Donald Trump has serious intentions to acquire Greenland from Denmark after his inauguration on January 20. He is considering using diplomatic and economic pressure to expand US influence.
Trump's advisors warned Denmark that the purchase of Greenland is serious for US national security. Trump does not rule out military action and threatens tariffs if Denmark does not agree.
The Danish Foreign Minister said that Greenland may gain independence, but will not become part of the United States. This statement was made after Trump did not rule out a forceful seizure of the island.
The Chinese currency fell to 7. 33 yuan per dollar, reaching its lowest level since September 2023. Experts attribute the drop to Trump's possible imposition of 60% tariffs on Chinese goods.
Ukraine has improved its position in the Henley Passport Index 2025, rising to 30th place with 148 visa-free destinations. Singapore topped the ranking with access to 195 countries, ahead of Japan and European countries.
Panamanian authorities have declared their inviolable sovereignty over the inter-oceanic canal in response to Trump's threats. Experts and locals called the idea of American control over the canal “remote and absurd.
The French Foreign Minister announced the possibility of lifting EU sanctions on transactions with Syrian state institutions. The decision will depend on how the new leadership handles the transition of power.
The number of recalls due to software in cars has increased from 6% to 15% over the past 5 years. Tesla, Ford, and other manufacturers are increasingly relying on software updates to improve the functionality of cars.
Shandong Port Group has banned tankers under US sanctions from entering its ports in Shandong province. This could affect oil imports from Russia, Venezuela and Iran, which account for 17% of China's total oil imports.
Trump's transition team is preparing an executive order to withdraw the United States from the global climate agreement. The EU warns that this could deal a serious blow to global efforts to combat climate change.
A powerful 6. 8-magnitude earthquake hits Tibet, killing 126 people and injuring 188. Rescuers have evacuated more than 400 people, but the search is complicated by extremely low temperatures.
The hMPV metapneumovirus spreading in China is not new and does not pose a serious threat. According to the WHO, the virus has a very low mortality rate and causes symptoms similar to the common cold.
Mark Zuckerberg has announced large-scale changes in content moderation on Meta platforms. The company is abandoning fact-checking services and introducing a “community notes” system to expand freedom of speech.
The 6. 8-magnitude earthquake in the mountainous region of Tibet killed 126 people and injured 188. The epicenter was located in Tingri County, and 49 aftershocks were recorded after the main shock.
The 7. 1 magnitude earthquake in the mountainous region of Tibet killed 106 people and injured 174. The disaster damaged nearly 3,000 homes and was felt in neighboring countries, including Nepal, Bhutan, and northern India.
Scotland Yard is investigating Prince Andrew's use of the pseudonym “Andrew Inverness” when registering companies. His investment company Urramoor Limited filed for liquidation after years of losses.
A 7. 1-magnitude earthquake in the holy city of Shigajie has killed 53 people and injured 62 others. Chinese authorities have launched a large-scale rescue operation in the region, where power and water have been cut off.
Donald Trump has reacted to Justin Trudeau's decision to resign by suggesting that Canada join the United States. Trudeau is leaving office amid falling ratings and economic problems in the country.
Bloggers cannot fly out of Bali due to flight cancellations. The reasons cited are an outbreak of the virus in China and a possible volcanic eruption, although the airport is operating normally.
The Government of Brazil has announced the official accession of Indonesia to BRICS as a full member. The decision was made on the basis of consensus after the presidential elections in Indonesia.
A Chinese vessel flying the flag of Cameroon is suspected of damaging an undersea communications cable off the coast of Taiwan. Taipei has asked South Korea for help in investigating the incident as the vessel is heading to the port of Busan.