In 2025, China’s trade surplus hit a record high of nearly $1.2 trillion, fueled by a 5.5% increase in exports, totaling $3.77 trillion, and flat imports. Despite a 20% drop in exports to the U.S. due to tariffs, China’s manufacturers expanded into other global markets, especially Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe. Strong demand for items like computer chips and cars, with auto exports surging 21%, bolstered these exports. Economists anticipate exports will continue to drive growth in 2026, though internal factors like decreased domestic demand may slow future growth.
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French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France is now supplying Ukraine with two-thirds of its intelligence, surpassing the United States in this capacity. This shift suggests a change in the dynamics of Western support for Ukraine, potentially indicating a scaled-back U.S. military relationship. The exact scope of Macron’s claim and the specifics of the intelligence being provided remain unclear, as neither the French government, the Pentagon, nor Ukrainian intelligence agencies have commented further. Macron’s statement aligns with his broader goal of positioning France as a leading regional military power, especially given the context of potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
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The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world’s largest, is preparing for the restart of a reactor, defying local public opinion. Despite being offline since the Fukushima disaster, Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) aims to reintroduce nuclear energy to boost electricity supply and meet emissions targets. However, the plan is met with strong opposition from nearby residents, who raise concerns about safety, evacuation plans, and the potential for another Fukushima-style incident. Residents also express distrust of Tepco and the government, citing issues like ineffective evacuation plans, seismic risks, and the nuclear industry’s influence. As Japan attempts to revive its nuclear energy sector, the restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa represents a significant challenge amid ongoing scrutiny and local resistance.
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Italy to send 378 industrial boilers to heat Ukraine amid energy crisis and freezing temperatures. Okay, so here’s the deal, the situation in Ukraine is dire. The lack of gas and electricity has left homes without heat, and when temperatures plummet to -10 degrees Celsius or even lower, things get really nasty, really fast. Without heat, water pipes freeze and burst. Imagine water pouring everywhere, turning homes, especially those concrete panel structures – the “Khrushchevka” style buildings – into uninhabitable messes. It’s not just a matter of inconvenience; it’s a financial nightmare. Repairs become nearly impossible, and even if power and gas are eventually restored, the investment required to get these homes back to livable conditions could be astronomical.… Continue reading
According to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the US views its power as more important than international law, believing multilateral solutions are irrelevant. Guterres noted a clear conviction by the US that prioritizes its own influence, sometimes disregarding international norms. He expressed concern over the UN’s struggle to enforce its charter, particularly with major powers wielding greater leverage. Guterres criticized the UN Security Council, suggesting its structure is outdated and ineffective, with veto powers furthering individual interests.
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Germany and France ‘will not be blackmailed’ with US tariff threat, finance ministers say, and it’s a stance that echoes a sentiment of defiance and a willingness to stand united against pressure. It’s as if a collective breath is being held across the Atlantic, waiting to see if these bold words will translate into concrete actions. There’s a feeling that this could be a pivotal moment, a potential reshaping of alliances and a reevaluation of relationships.
It’s clear there’s an underlying frustration with certain behaviors. It’s as though the US is attempting to leverage its economic power to dictate terms, and the response from Germany and France is a clear “no.”… Continue reading
The United States’ threat to impose a 10% tariff on eight European countries for opposing U.S. control of Greenland has been met with strong condemnation. A joint statement from several European nations voiced concerns that these threats would damage transatlantic relations. These European leaders stated they would engage in dialogue based on sovereignty and territorial integrity while also expressing readiness to defend themselves against coercion. The announcement drew criticism from domestic sources and European allies, who also questioned the legality and implications of the tariffs.
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Ukrainian forces are successfully repelling a new wave of Russian assaults across the front lines, as stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky. Despite facing numerically superior and heavily armed Russian forces in harsh conditions, Ukrainian troops, supported by drone swarms, mortars, and artillery, are holding their ground and inflicting significant casualties. Successful defensive actions were reported in multiple sectors, including Hulyaipole, Kupyansk, and Orikhiv. The AFU General Staff reported intense combat with numerous engagements, while Ukrainian units such as the 414th Unmanned Systems Forces Brigade “Madyar’s Birds” successfully repelled Russian attacks.
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On January 16, 2026, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a new partnership, signifying a significant change in Canada-China relations. A key component of this partnership is the commitment to visa-free travel for Canadian citizens entering China, aimed at bolstering tourism, education, and cultural exchange. The agreement also includes cooperation in areas like public safety, global governance, and climate action, alongside trade concessions such as preferential tariffs for electric vehicles and reduced canola seed tariffs. These measures are designed to enhance bilateral ties and foster mutual economic benefits.
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European leaders are working to ease tensions with the United States regarding the future of Greenland, as former President Donald Trump intensifies his threats to impose tariffs on several European nations. Trump’s actions, which stem from concerns about the island’s strategic importance, have been met with condemnation from figures like British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who advocate for diplomatic solutions. To address the escalating crisis, international meetings will occur during the World Economic Forum in Davos, followed by a summit in Brussels. These efforts aim to prevent a trade war and protect European interests.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood