The annual Zigong International Lantern Festival has kicked off in China, featuring over 200 handmade lanterns. This year's festival is dedicated to the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese zodiac.
The Pentagon plans to reduce its role in deterring North Korea, transferring primary responsibility to South Korea. This could lead to a reduction in American troops on the Korean Peninsula.
Beijing demonstrated restraint at the World Economic Forum, contrasting with Washington's aggressive rhetoric. China aims to become a predictable partner for the EU, attracting Western investment and benefiting from the cooling relations between the US and the European Union.
A Taiwanese expert called on Ukraine to apologize for helping China build up its military power. This was in response to Zelenskyy's criticism of the supply of Taiwanese microchips to the Russian Federation.
Donald Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Ottawa's stance on Arctic defense projects and its trade policy. He insists on US control over Greenland for a missile defense system.
Proposals are being discussed to increase NATO's presence in the Arctic and grant the US sovereign claims to specific areas of Greenland. This would limit Russia's and China's access to mineral extraction on the island.
The agreement between the US and NATO regarding Greenland involves the deployment of American missiles and an increased NATO presence in the Arctic. This aims to deter Russian and Chinese interests, as well as to end US threats of tariffs on Europe.
ByteDance announced the completion of a deal to create the TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC. This will allow the app to avoid a complete ban in the United States, and the data of 200 million American users will be controlled by US investors.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te initiated talks with Kyiv on strengthening technology export controls after Zelenskyy's statement. Taiwan seeks to establish intelligence sharing to prevent microchips from reaching the aggressor.
Global oil prices are stable due to a weak dollar and optimism in financial markets, which offsets fears of a fuel surplus. Chinese stimulus and US GDP growth support the market, despite IEA forecasts of a significant surplus in 2026.
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi held talks with Eric Trump in Davos, offering investments in the Port of Berbera. The meeting took place in the presence of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk stated that the company expects to receive approval for the use of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in Europe and China as early as next month. This decision could be key to increasing the company's software revenue amid a general slowdown in electric vehicle sales.
Global prices for precious metals are rapidly rising amid geopolitical instability. On January 22, gold crossed the $4917.65 per ounce mark, and silver and platinum also set new records.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine could help Greenland with the Russian threat by sinking Russian ships if it were a NATO member. He emphasized that Ukraine has the experience and weapons to do so.
The Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), Alexus Hrynkevych, stated that there are no plans for a mission in the Arctic. NATO will strengthen security in the region amid cooperation between China and Russia.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos that Europe must strengthen its unity and competitiveness. This is necessary to counter a new era of "great power politics" that has upended transatlantic relations.
NATO Secretary General Rutte emphasized the importance of focusing on Ukraine and defending against adversaries. He called Russia the main adversary of NATO, also noting China's growing power.
Donald Trump and Mark Rutte discussed Greenland; the plan involves respecting Danish sovereignty. The US will strengthen its military presence and deploy missile defense systems in the Arctic.
Western experts are discussing the possibility of Iran using Russia's Kalinka electronic warfare system against the Starlink satellite network. Russia developed it as a countermeasure against space-based internet systems after the invasion of Ukraine.
The Federal Court of Canada has overturned a government order to liquidate TikTok's Canadian division. The case has been sent back to Industry Minister Mélanie Joly for reconsideration, allowing the platform to continue operations.
US President Donald Trump's campaign to take control of Greenland has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers. Congress may try to curb the president's territorial ambitions.
Brent and WTI crude futures fell on Wednesday. This was due to an expected increase in US oil inventories, which outweighed a temporary production halt in Kazakhstan and threats of US tariffs over Greenland.
The Russian Far East, China, and Japan are suffering from extreme winter conditions caused by the strongest snowfall in 60 years and an Arctic cyclone. The bad weather has led to massive disruptions in transport and paralyzed the life of entire regions.
The UK government has approved China's construction of Europe's largest embassy in London, despite espionage concerns. The decision was made in hopes of improving relations with Beijing.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated in Davos that Russia poses an obvious, albeit potential, threat in the Arctic. He emphasized that Canada is expanding its navy and air force to defend against Russian threats.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that President Trump can impose 500% tariffs on countries buying Russian oil without Senate approval. He also highlighted Europe and China's purchases of Russian oil.
Donald Trump criticized the UK's decision to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, calling it a "great folly. " He linked it to ambitions for Greenland and called on Denmark to "do the right thing."
In 2025, Japan welcomed over 40 million foreign tourists for the first time, reaching 42. 7 million. At the same time, in December, the number of Chinese visitors decreased by 45%.
EU leaders will hold an emergency summit in Brussels on Greenland, starting at 8:00 PM Kyiv time. This follows Trump's statement about the US's desire to control Greenland for security reasons.
The media also quoted the Danish Foreign Minister, who stated that Donald Trump "will never be able to achieve" his goals through pressure.
