30.12.2024 – WEEKLY BRIEFING

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5–8 minutes
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  • Australia approves extradition of former U.S. Marine for alleged training of Chinese military pilots – 23.12.2024

Former U.S. Marine pilot Daniel Duggan will be extradited from Australia to the United States over allegations that he illegally trained Chinese military pilots in 2010 and 2012 without obtaining the required license, with the approval of Australia’s Attorney General Mark Dreyfus ending Duggan’s nearly two-year fight against extradition. Duggan, who renounced his U.S. citizenship after immigrating to Australia, has been in maximum-security detention since his arrest in 2022 at his New South Wales home; he denies the charges, which could lead to up to 60 years in prison if convicted. His wife, Saffrine Duggan, expressed disappointment with the Australian government for failing to protect their family.

  • China and Japan agree to talks on security issues as they seek to mend ties – 25.12.2024

China and Japan have agreed to establish talks on security issues to improve relations strained by territorial disputes and Japan’s discharge of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. During his first visit to China as Japan’s Foreign Minister, Takeshi Iwaya held candid discussions with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who agreed to visit Japan next year for economic dialogue on topics like environmental cooperation and healthcare. The talks addressed Japan’s concerns over China’s military activities near disputed islands, as well as broader territorial issues. Japan announced relaxed visa requirements for Chinese visitors, while Iwaya called for lifting China’s ban on Japanese seafood imports and resolving trade barriers on beef and rice. Both sides emphasized people-to-people exchanges and improving communication through a proposed security dialogue, aiming to foster mutual understanding despite lingering tensions.

  • Israel strikes Houthi rebels in Yemen’s capital while the WHO chief says he was meters away – 27.12.2024

Israel launched new airstrikes on Yemen on Thursday, targeting the Houthi-controlled capital Sana and several ports, while World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that the bombardment occurred near him as he prepared to board a flight in Sana, injuring a crew member. The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted infrastructure allegedly used by Iran-backed Houthis for smuggling weapons and facilitating the entry of Iranian officials. The attacks followed ongoing Houthi missile launches toward Israel, with one hitting a playground in Tel Aviv earlier, injuring 16 people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment to countering Iran and its proxies, while U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the escalating violence. Meanwhile, an Israeli strike in Gaza killed five journalists, whom Israel accused of being militants; their deaths added to the toll in a conflict that has devastated Gaza and displaced thousands. The war continues to exacerbate the region’s humanitarian crisis, with widespread destruction, hunger, and a massive displacement of civilians.

  • Fico threatens to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine – 28.12.2024

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has warned of possible retaliatory measures, including cutting electricity supplies to Ukraine, if Kyiv stops Russian gas transit to Slovakia after the current contract expires on January 1. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced plans not to renew the deal, accusing Fico of aiding Russia by purchasing its gas. Fico argued that ending the transit would increase energy costs for Slovakia and the EU, while Ukraine has offered its own gas production as an alternative. Slovakia and Hungary have sought EU support to extend the deal, but the EU declined to mediate. Fico’s pro-Russian stance has drawn criticism, with Zelenskyy accusing him of undermining European unity.

  • North Korea’s Kim vows the toughest anti-US policy before Trump takes office – 29.12.2024

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to implement the “toughest” anti-U.S. policy, criticizing the U.S. as the “the most reactionary state that regards anti-communism as its invariable state policy.” and accusing its security alliances with South Korea and Japan of forming a “nuclear military bloc.” He outlined plans to strengthen North Korea’s military capabilities and soldier resilience. Kim’s statements come ahead of Donald Trump’s return to the White House, which may revive U.S.-North Korea diplomacy, though experts believe immediate summit talks are unlikely due to ongoing global conflicts and North Korea’s support for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

  • Jimmy Carter: Nobel-winning humanitarian and ex-US president dies aged 100 – 29.12.2024

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, left a significant legacy through his charity, The Carter Center. His efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease in Ghana and other regions of Africa earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. Carter was dedicated to promoting human rights, peace, and improving lives, as reflected in his work monitoring elections and addressing suffering caused by diseases like Guinea worm. He had been in hospice care since February 2023, following a cancer diagnosis in 2015. Carter holds the record as the longest-lived U.S. president.

  • Georgia’s New President Sworn in Amid Political Showdown – 29.12.2024

Georgia’s political crisis escalated with the inauguration of Mikhail Kavelashvili, a conservative loyalist, as president, following protests against the October elections, which opposition parties claim were rigged. Outgoing president Salome Zurabishvili, who declared Kavelashvili “illegitimate,” continued to lead protests demanding a re-run of the elections. The demonstrations have been fueled by accusations that the ruling Georgian Dream party is shifting the country away from the West and toward Russia. The unrest, marked by clashes with police, has drawn international attention, with some U.S. lawmakers supporting Zurabishvili as the legitimate leader. However, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has ruled out fresh elections.

  • The Taliban say they will close all NGOs employing Afghan women – 30.12.2024

The Taliban have announced a ban on all national and foreign NGOs in Afghanistan employing women, threatening to revoke their licenses if they fail to comply. This follows previous restrictions on female employment and education, as well as limitations on women’s presence in public spaces. The Taliban deny obstructing aid work, though reports indicate increasing interference with female humanitarian workers. Separately, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has decreed that building windows must not overlook areas where women might be visible, requiring modifications to existing and new buildings to ensure compliance.

  • Jetliner skids off runway and bursts into flames while landing in South Korea, killing 179 – 30.12.2024

A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 jetliner crashed while attempting to land in Muan, South Korea, killing 179 of the 181 people onboard in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. The crash occurred after the plane, arriving from Bangkok, skidded off the runway with its landing gear apparently undeployed, striking a concrete wall and bursting into flames. Investigators are examining possible causes, including hydraulic failure and bird strikes, as the crew had issued a distress signal before the accident. South Korea declared a national mourning period, and Jeju Air expressed deep apologies, pledging full cooperation with the investigation.

  • South Korea investigators request arrest warrant for Yoon over martial law – 30.12.2024

South Korean investigators have requested an arrest warrant for suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol over his brief declaration of martial law on December 3, marking the first time an incumbent president faces such action. Yoon, impeached by parliament and suspended from presidential powers, is accused of insurrection, a charge exempt from presidential immunity. His lawyers argue the martial law declaration was within his authority and call the arrest request unfair. The martial law, which involved armed troops entering parliament, was swiftly overturned by a parliamentary vote, sparking national and international concern. A Constitutional Court trial is underway to decide Yoon’s fate, with a decision expected within 180 days. The next hearing is scheduled for January 3.

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