The South Korean president's trip to China marked a significant diplomatic rapprochement between Seoul and Beijing after years of frostiness, but leaves fundamental strategic issues unresolved. Despite attempts to engage on the Pyongyang dossier, the Chinese government avoids any reference to denuclearisation. Economic agreements signed by Korean conglomerates on rare earths and strategic minerals
India has criticised a message of solidarity sent by the mayor of New York (of Indian origin) to the former researcher detained since 2020 for the Delhi riots. Respect for the independence of the judiciary emphasised. International organisations and legislators denounce the prolonged detention and call for a fair trial. Amnesty International: ‘Derailment of justice’.
Today's headlines: Indonesia blocks Grok chatbox due to risks of AI-generated pornographic content; Report says Jeju Air fatal plane crash in South Korea could have been avoided without concrete barriers near the runway; Malaysia's unemployment rate lowest in 11 years; Israel carries out 20 raids in Lebanon.
The “Donroe doctrine”, as enunciated by Trump, now corresponds perfectly with the principles of Putin's Russkij Mir: both the US and Russia assess the countries within their sphere of influence, be it the American double continent or the former Soviet Eurasian space, as countries to be controlled, conquered, invaded and exploited.
The authorities have cut off the internet throughout the country to obscure the demonstrations. Khamenei threatens those who “devastate the streets” to “please” Trump. In reality, discontent is much more deeply rooted and widespread, due to an increasingly devastating economic crisis. And alongside pro-rights and freedom slogans, monarchist nostalgia is also trying to make its way.
At the start of the new year, the pontiff met with diplomats accredited to the Vatican. The topics he touched included the "weakness of multilateralism," war "back in vogue”, and the threats to the rule of law. He spoke out against “diplomacy based on force" and the use of "ever more fluid" language that hinders dialogue. He expressed concerns for freedom of conscience and religion, noting that “a truly free society does not impose uniformity”. He also spoke out in defence of life, migrants, and appealed for peace in Myanmar.
