China

Ukraine's European allies have held private talks with the Trump team about supporting Ukraine. Officials expressed cautious optimism that the new US administration would not force Kyiv into premature negotiations with Russia.

Fuel prices in Ukraine are rising due to an increase in world oil prices from $74 to $82 per barrel. The reason was new US sanctions against Russian oil companies and tankers.

Chinese state-owned oil companies are buying crude oil from the Middle East and other regions in large quantities. This is due to fears of supply disruptions after new sanctions against Russia and Iran.

The Mexican government has developed a plan to reduce the trade deficit with China, which reached $105 billion in 2023. The plan calls for increasing domestic production and attracting investment to reduce dependence on Chinese imports.

Elon Musk will head the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and will get an office in the White House complex. The project is aimed at reducing government spending in the Trump administration.

Chinese officials are evaluating the option of selling TikTok's U. S. operations to Elon Musk if the company loses the lawsuit. A potential deal could include integration with the X platform and the use of data for xAI.

The Philippines discovered a 165-meter-long Chinese coast guard ship in its economic zone. In response, the country sent two vessels and lodged a diplomatic protest.

The US President announced the strengthening of American positions by strengthening alliances and putting pressure on adversaries. Biden emphasized the growth of US influence in the diplomatic, military, and economic dimensions.

India plans to ban the unloading of oil tankers that have been sanctioned by the United States for transporting Russian cargo. The country will look for alternative oil suppliers from the Middle East and other regions.

At the Guangzhou Shipyard, China is building new mobile docks modeled after D-Day. The barges will have retractable ramps for transporting heavy equipment and could be a key element in a potential invasion of Taiwan.

Tankers carrying 2 million barrels of Russian oil changed course and stopped off the coast of China after US sanctions. Shandong Port Group banned the sanctioned tankers from entering ports.

The President outlined the priorities for Ukrainian diplomats in 2025. These include strengthening military support, integration into the EU and NATO, sanctions against Russia, and the launch of the e-Consul.

Europe will need 10% more LNG in 2024 to make up for the shortfall after transit through Ukraine is halted. The situation may lead to price competition with Asian countries for gas supplies.

Brent crude oil exceeded $81 per barrel after the US imposed sanctions on the Russian energy sector. China and India are urgently looking for alternative sources of oil supply.

The US President met with the Prime Minister of Japan and the President of the Philippines to discuss security in the Indo-Pacific region. Particular attention was paid to threats in the South China Sea and economic cooperation.

Capri Holdings is looking for a buyer for its luxury brand Versace due to falling sales. The Italian fashion house Prada is considered a potential buyer, with an estimated deal value of up to $2.19 billion.

Chinese and Indian oil refineries are forced to reorient to oil supplies from the Middle East, Africa, and America. This is due to new US sanctions against russian companies and vessels.

Chinese officials report a decrease in the incidence of metapneumovirus in the northern provinces. The WHO has not received reports of unusual outbreaks, and experts emphasize that the virus has been around for decades.

Slovakia's prime minister announced guaranteed supplies of 3-3. 5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to the country. If the situation with gas transit through Ukraine does not change, he threatens to suspend aid and veto further support.

The United States imposed sanctions on 183 tankers transporting Russian oil to Asia. This will reduce oil supplies from Russia to China and India and force them to look for alternative suppliers.

An innovative subway train CETROVO 1. 0, made of carbon fiber composite materials, has been launched in Qingdao. The vehicle is 11% lighter than traditional models and consumes 7% less energy.

The Eagle S ship that damaged the Estlink 2 electric cable belongs to a Dubai-based company. It was discovered that 55 vessels of the Russian “shadow fleet” are registered in Dubai.

The US Supreme Court has begun hearings on a law to force the sale of TikTok due to national security threats. The Chinese company ByteDance has to sell the platform by January 19, or its operations in the United States will be terminated.

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.