20.01.2025 – WEEKLY BRIEFING

Reymonta
5–7 minutes
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  • China, Sri Lanka agree more investment and economic cooperation – 15.01.2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with newly elected Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Beijing, where the two leaders signed 15 agreements to boost economic and technological cooperation, aligning China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Sri Lanka’s 2030 digital economy blueprint. As Sri Lanka’s largest bilateral lender, China plays a key role in the country’s debt restructuring process, critical for securing further IMF disbursements. While Dissanayake welcomed Chinese investment, he has also sought to diversify partnerships, recently signing energy and security agreements with India. The cooperation aims to support Sri Lanka’s recovery amid ongoing economic challenges.

  • Israel, Hamas reach ceasefire deal designed to end 15-month Gaza war – 15.01.2025

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and a deal to exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, following months of negotiations led by Egypt, Qatar, and supported by the U.S., just before Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. The 15-month war, which began with a deadly Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, has killed over 46,000 people in Gaza and displaced hundreds of thousands. The agreement, driven by U.S. pressure and recent Israeli assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, may ease criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu over the initial security failures.

  • Xi to Trump, ‘USA should deal with Taiwan issue with caution – 19.01.2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump held a telephone conversation, marking their first interaction since 2021. During the discussion, Xi congratulated Trump on his re-election and emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation and respect in China-U.S. relations, noting shared interests and the potential for partnership despite differences. Both leaders expressed a commitment to enhancing bilateral ties and addressing global challenges. They discussed trade, fentanyl, TikTok, the Taiwan issue, and international matters such as the Ukraine crisis and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A strategic communication channel was agreed upon to facilitate ongoing dialogue on key issues.

  • More than 80 people killed in Colombia as truce between rebel groups collapses – 19.01.2025

The collapse of a fragile truce between Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc) has led to at least 80 deaths and displaced thousands in the northeastern region, which is a key area for the country’s cocaine production. The escalating violence, fueled by competition for control of the cocaine trade, has forced at least 5,000 people to flee their homes, with many seeking shelter in schools converted into emergency facilities. The violence has caused numerous casualties, including civilians and former combatants, and has created a dire humanitarian crisis. The government, under President Gustavo Petro, had aimed to bring armed groups to the negotiating table for peace but has made little progress, with the latest conflict in Catatumbo further undermining the “Total Peace” strategy. Tensions between the groups, particularly between the ELN and Farc dissidents, had been mounting for years, and the collapse of the truce is seen as a major setback for peace efforts.

  • First U.S. H5N1 Death Sparks Urgency: Scientists Warn That Bird Flu Is Mutating Faster Than Expected – 19.01.2025

Researchers at Texas Biomed have identified nine mutations in an H5N1 bird flu strain isolated from a human in Texas, making it more effective at replicating in human cells and causing severe disease. In studies with mice, this human strain showed greater replication efficiency and higher levels in brain tissue compared to a strain found in dairy cattle. Despite the mutations, FDA-approved antiviral treatments remain effective. The team continues to investigate what enables H5N1 to infect a wide range of mammals and why it has varying impacts across species. To reduce the risk of mutations and transmission to humans, researchers advocate for a “One Health” approach, including eradicating the virus in dairy cows through stricter quarantine measures and thorough decontamination practices.

  • Bank of Japan poised to raise rates to highest in 17 years – 20.01.2025

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is expected to raise its short-term interest rates to 0.5% on Friday, marking the first increase since July 2024, unless there are significant disruptions in the financial markets following U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. This rate hike would reflect the BOJ’s intent to gradually increase interest rates from the current 0.25%, aiming for a level around 1%, which is considered optimal for Japan’s economy. In addition, the BOJ is likely to revise its inflation outlook, based on expectations of rising wages, aligning with its 2% inflation target. The BOJ has prepared markets for this action through clear communication from Governor Kazuo Ueda and other officials. The decision follows hints of tightening from the BOJ’s December meeting, and attention now turns to Ueda’s post-meeting briefing for insights into the future pace of rate hikes.

  • Los Angeles will face another round of fire-fueling Santa Ana winds this week – 20.01.2025

Southern California continues to battle deadly wildfires fueled by severe drought and Santa Ana winds, with red flag warnings in effect across Los Angeles and Ventura counties due to low humidity and strong gusts expected to peak at 100 mph in some areas. The Palisades Fire, which has burned 23,713 acres, is 56% contained, while the Eaton Fire is 81% contained at 14,021 acres. Thousands remain under evacuation orders, and 27 deaths have been reported. Governor Gavin Newsom mobilized additional resources, but criticism has arisen over local preparedness and recent budget cuts affecting the fire department. The fires have destroyed thousands of homes, and FEMA has provided over $32 million in assistance to survivors.

  • TikTok restores US service after Trump says “we have to save it” – 20.01.2025

TikTok began restoring its services in the U.S. after President-elect Donald Trump announced that he would revive access to the popular short-video sharing app once he took office. In a rally before his inauguration, Trump revealed plans for a joint venture that would allow TikTok to continue operating, despite national security concerns raised by U.S. officials over its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. The app had ceased functioning for U.S. users the previous Saturday, as a law aimed at shutting it down was set to take effect. However, Trump’s executive order extended the deadline for the law’s enforcement, giving time to negotiate a deal that would protect national security while keeping TikTok available. While some Republican senators opposed the move, insisting ByteDance must comply with a sale to meet legal requirements, the law provides the incoming administration with broad authority to regulate or block other Chinese-owned apps. TikTok’s restoration comes amid heightened U.S.-China tensions, but the Chinese government has expressed hope that the U.S. will offer a fair business environment for foreign companies.

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