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  • Xi congratulates To Lam on reelection as General Secretary of CPV Central Committee

    Xi congratulates To Lam on reelection as General Secretary of CPV Central Committee

    In a significant diplomatic exchange, Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended formal congratulations to To Lam on his re-election as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee. This gesture underscores the continuing commitment to bilateral relations between the two neighboring socialist nations.

    The congratulatory message, delivered on January 23, 2026, emphasizes the strategic importance both countries place on maintaining strong party-to-party connections and advancing their comprehensive cooperative partnership. President Xi expressed confidence that under To Lam’s continued leadership, Vietnam would achieve further accomplishments in its national development agenda.

    This diplomatic communication occurs within the broader context of China-Vietnam relations, which have historically balanced cooperation with occasional tensions, particularly regarding South China Sea claims. The exchange follows established protocols for such leadership transitions within communist parties and reflects the institutionalized nature of inter-party relations between the two countries.

    Analysts note that such congratulatory messages serve multiple diplomatic purposes: reinforcing political solidarity, maintaining open communication channels, and signaling continuity in foreign policy approaches despite leadership changes. The timing of this exchange coincides with both countries’ ongoing efforts to navigate complex regional geopolitics while pursuing economic development goals.

  • Iran Guards chief says ‘finger on trigger’, warns US against ‘miscalculations’

    Iran Guards chief says ‘finger on trigger’, warns US against ‘miscalculations’

    In a sharply worded statement marking Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Day, Commander General Mohammad Pakpour delivered a formidable warning to the United States and Israel, asserting that Iranian forces maintain their “finger on the trigger” and stand prepared to execute orders from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The declaration comes amidst ongoing regional tensions and follows widespread domestic protests that shook the clerical establishment in late December.

    General Pakpour explicitly cautioned both nations against strategic “miscalculations,” urging them to draw lessons from historical experiences and specifically reference the 12-day conflict in June where Washington supported Israeli military actions. This confrontation resulted in significant losses for Iran’s military leadership, including the death of Pakpour’s predecessor, Hossein Salami, in an Israeli strike that demonstrated profound intelligence capabilities against the Islamic Republic.

    The Iranian government has recently provided its first official casualty figures from the protest suppression, claiming 3,117 fatalities. Authorities categorized 2,427 as “martyrs”—including security personnel and innocent bystanders—while labeling the remainder as “rioters” allegedly backed by foreign powers. However, international human rights organizations contest these figures, suggesting the actual death toll may exceed 20,000 and attributing most casualties to direct fire from security forces.

    Meanwhile, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Israeli President Isaac Herzog characterized the Ayatollah’s regime as “fragile” and expressed that regime change represents the only viable future for the Iranian populace. The Revolutionary Guards, sanctioned as a terrorist organization by multiple nations including the United States, Canada, and Australia, face continued scrutiny for their alleged frontline role in suppressing domestic dissent while maintaining external defensive postures.

  • Trump says US ‘armada’ moving towards Iran amid renewed threats

    Trump says US ‘armada’ moving towards Iran amid renewed threats

    In a significant escalation of military posturing, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of a substantial naval force toward Iranian waters on Thursday. The declaration came following his return from diplomatic engagements at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

    Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump revealed that Washington is closely monitoring Tehran’s activities as U.S. naval assets advance toward the region. ‘We have substantial naval resources moving in that direction as a precautionary measure,’ Trump told journalists. ‘While I would prefer no escalation, we are maintaining vigilant surveillance of their actions.’

    The naval deployment includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln accompanied by multiple guided-missile destroyers, according to unnamed U.S. officials who briefed Reuters. These vessels, originally stationed in the Asia-Pacific theater, began their repositioning last week amid deteriorating relations.

    The administration is reportedly considering additional defensive measures, including enhanced air defense systems to protect American installations throughout the Middle East from potential Iranian counterstrikes.

    This military mobilization follows earlier U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities in June, operations that drew widespread international criticism for allegedly violating established international legal frameworks. The latest deployments substantially expand America’s military capabilities in the region.

    Tensions have intensified following months of civil unrest across Iran, which Tehran claims was instigated by foreign interference. Trump has repeatedly threatened intervention, accusing Iranian authorities of lethal violence against protesters.

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has acknowledged that ‘several thousand’ citizens perished during recent nationwide demonstrations. While Trump asserted that nearly 840 executions were canceled following U.S. warnings, Iranian officials reported the confirmed death toll had exceeded 5,000, including hundreds of security personnel.

    The President issued unequivocal warnings regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions: ‘Should they attempt to reactivate their nuclear program, we will respond with even greater force than previously demonstrated.’

    The protests originated in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar on December 28th as economic demonstrations before evolving into broader antigovernment movements across the nation.

  • Ryan Wedding, ex-Olympic snowboarder and FBI fugitive, arrested, US media report

    Ryan Wedding, ex-Olympic snowboarder and FBI fugitive, arrested, US media report

    In a significant international law enforcement breakthrough, Ryan Wedding—a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder who ascended to become one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives—has been apprehended and now faces extensive criminal charges for masterminding a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking network. The 44-year-old’s arrest concludes an intensive multi-year manhunt across international borders.

    US authorities have disclosed that Wedding allegedly operated under the protection of Mexico’s notorious Sinaloa drug cartel while evading capture. Federal officials accuse him of directing one of the most substantial cocaine distribution operations in recent history, with an estimated annual import of 60 metric tons of cocaine into Los Angeles alone.

    The criminal enterprise, which spanned North America and multiple other countries, reportedly generated approximately $1 billion annually and stood as Canada’s primary cocaine supplier. Wedding now faces a comprehensive list of charges including witness tampering, intimidation, murder, money laundering, and large-scale drug trafficking.

    According to court documents, Wedding’s criminal career escalated dramatically following his release from US federal prison in 2011, where he had served time for cocaine distribution. Authorities allege he ordered dozens of murders internationally, including the killing of a federal witness in his own case, which prompted the FBI to offer a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.

    Law enforcement officials have drawn comparisons between Wedding and infamous Latin American drug lords Pablo Escobar and Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán, highlighting the scale and brutality of his alleged operation. The FBI had documented multiple aliases for Wedding including ‘El Jefe,’ ‘Giant,’ and ‘Public Enemy.’

    The FBI is scheduled to conduct a detailed press conference in California to provide further information regarding the international operation that finally led to Wedding’s apprehension.

  • Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder on the FBI’s ‘Most Wanted’ list, has been arrested

    Ryan Wedding, a former Olympic snowboarder on the FBI’s ‘Most Wanted’ list, has been arrested

    In a significant law enforcement breakthrough, Ryan Wedding—a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder who ascended to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list—was apprehended Friday in Mexico following an extensive multinational manhunt. The 44-year-old athlete-turned-alleged-crime-boss faces severe charges including multinational drug trafficking and orchestrating the murder of a federal witness.

    Wedding is accused of masterminding a sophisticated narcotics network that utilized semitrucks to transport cocaine across international borders between Colombia, Mexico, Southern California, and Canada. Operating under aliases including “El Jefe,” “Public Enemy,” and “James Conrad Kin,” his criminal enterprise allegedly employed extreme violence to maintain operations, including multiple homicides tied to drug activities.

    The arrest, confirmed by anonymous sources familiar with the investigation, culminates years of pursuit by international authorities. The U.S. Department of Justice had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture and conviction.

    According to federal indictments, Wedding orchestrated the January assassination of a witness in Medellín, Colombia, to prevent extradition to the United States. Prosecutors allege he and accomplices used Canadian website “The Dirty News” to publish the victim’s photograph before the fatal restaurant shooting.

    The former Olympian, who represented Canada at the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, previously served a prison sentence for cocaine distribution conspiracy in 2010. He additionally faces separate drug trafficking charges in Canada dating to 2015.

    FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to formally announce the arrest at a California press conference Friday morning, marking the conclusion of one of the bureau’s highest-profile fugitive investigations.

  • Could trilateral talks yield a breakthrough in Ukraine-Russia war?

    Could trilateral talks yield a breakthrough in Ukraine-Russia war?

    In a significant diplomatic development, representatives from Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have convened for unprecedented trilateral discussions, marking the first such meeting since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This groundbreaking dialogue represents a potential turning point in the protracted conflict that has reshaped global security architecture.

    The high-level meeting brings together key stakeholders at a critical juncture in the nearly two-year conflict, suggesting possible behind-the-scenes diplomatic maneuvering that may pave the way for more substantive negotiations. While specific agenda items remain confidential, the very occurrence of this tripartite engagement indicates a potential willingness among parties to explore diplomatic channels alongside military operations.

    International observers are closely monitoring these talks for indications of potential compromise areas, including security guarantees, territorial considerations, and humanitarian arrangements. The participation of Washington as both a major military supporter of Ukraine and a global superpower adds considerable weight to the proceedings, potentially creating conditions for confidence-building measures that could de-escalate tensions.

    This diplomatic initiative occurs amid evolving battlefield dynamics and increasing international pressure for conflict resolution. The involvement of all three principal actors simultaneously distinguishes this effort from previous bilateral contacts and suggests a recognition that sustainable peace requires addressing the concerns of all major parties involved in or affected by the conflict.

  • China’s first reusable liquid rocket test offshore platform set for operation

    China’s first reusable liquid rocket test offshore platform set for operation

    China is poised to activate its pioneering offshore infrastructure dedicated to testing reusable liquid-propellant rockets, marking a transformative advancement in the nation’s commercial spaceflight capabilities. Situated at the Oriental Aerospace Port in Haiyang, Shandong Province, this facility represents China’s sole commercial maritime launch base and is currently undergoing final construction preparations.

    According to a China Media Group report, the platform is scheduled to commence trial operations around February 5, 2026, preceding the country’s inaugural maritime launch and recovery attempt of a commercial liquid rocket during the Chinese New Year period. This strategic initiative addresses the fundamental commercial space challenge of achieving cost-effective, frequent orbital access through rocket reusability.

    The technical sophistication of the facility is evident in its specialized infrastructure. A hydraulic erector system featuring four large cylinders will maneuver rockets weighing hundreds of tonnes from horizontal to vertical positioning. Critical safety systems include a 17-meter-deep flame trench designed to redirect exhaust plumes exceeding 3,000 degrees Celsius during ignition, complemented by an advanced water deluge system for thermal management and acoustic suppression.

    This development builds upon Haiyang’s established launch legacy, having successfully executed 22 sea launches deploying 137 satellites using solid-fuel rockets. The transition to liquid propulsion systems signifies a substantial technological leap, offering superior payload capacity and the reusability essential for scalable satellite constellation deployments.

    The platform integrates within a comprehensively planned zone featuring propellant storage facilities for liquid oxygen, liquid nitrogen, kerosene, and methane, supporting next-generation rocket operations. This infrastructure forms a crucial component of Shandong’s expanding aerospace ecosystem, encompassing launch services, rocket manufacturing, and satellite applications across multiple cities.

    This progress aligns with China’s three-year (2025-2027) action plan to enhance commercial space development, integrating it within national space strategy while fostering innovative productive forces. Recent data from the China National Space Administration reveals substantial growth in commercial space activities, with 50 commercial launches conducted in 2025—representing 54% of China’s total space missions—and 311 commercial satellites deployed, accounting for 84% of all Chinese satellites launched that year.

  • Danish PM visits Greenland for talks after Trump climbdown

    Danish PM visits Greenland for talks after Trump climbdown

    In a significant diplomatic development, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen concluded crucial talks in Nuuk with Greenlandic leadership following the de-escalation of U.S. territorial ambitions toward the autonomous Arctic territory. The high-level meetings occurred against the backdrop of withdrawn acquisition threats from President Donald Trump, who instead agreed to a nebulous ‘framework’ for future negotiations through NATO mediation.

    The diplomatic confrontation reached its peak when Trump abruptly abandoned his aggressive stance toward Greenland after intensive discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. While specific details remain undisclosed, the arrangement purportedly satisfies American strategic interests while respecting Denmark’s territorial sovereignty. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the framework centers on modernizing the existing 1951 defense pact that already permits U.S. military presence on the island with prior notification.

    Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen clarified that no formal agreement had been finalized, characterizing the arrangement merely as ‘a framework for future agreement’ that replaces ‘drastic ideas about needing to own Greenland’ with negotiated solutions. Both Danish and Greenlandic officials have emphatically declared sovereignty protection as their non-negotiable ‘red line’ in forthcoming discussions.

    The geopolitical tension has paradoxically strengthened the relationship between Denmark and Greenland despite historical colonial grievances. Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized that no international agreements could be valid without direct involvement from Nuuk authorities, echoing Frederiksen’s consistent position on self-determination matters.

    Analysts observe that Trump’s aggressive posture has temporarily unified Greenland’s political spectrum, causing independence advocates to prioritize solidarity with Denmark amid external pressure. This unexpected diplomatic episode has accelerated security discussions while highlighting the Arctic region’s growing strategic importance in global power dynamics.

  • Luxury watchmaker designs $1.5m model with Indian billionaire’s statue

    Luxury watchmaker designs $1.5m model with Indian billionaire’s statue

    Luxury watchmaker Jacob & Co has unveiled an extraordinary timepiece in India, creating a horological tribute to Vantara – the private wildlife sanctuary operated by Asia’s wealthiest individual Mukesh Ambani’s family. The spectacular watch features a meticulously hand-painted miniature sculpture of Anant Ambani, the billionaire’s youngest son, positioned at the center of the dial.

    Crafted with exquisite artistry, the jewelled masterpiece showcases sculpted figures of a lion and Bengal tiger surrounding Anant’s seated figurine. While Jacob & Co maintains discretion regarding pricing, industry experts from Watchopea estimate the timepiece’s value at approximately $1.5 million (£1.1 million, 137 million rupees).

    The Vantara center, spanning over 3,500 acres in Gujarat’s Jamnagar region, functions as a private wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility housing more than 2,000 species including elephants, big cats, and numerous endangered animals. Although privately owned by Anant Ambani and inaccessible to the public, the sanctuary garnered significant attention last year following allegations regarding animal acquisition practices. However, a Supreme Court-appointed investigative team subsequently found no substantiating evidence of misconduct.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated Vantara in March 2023, with the facility later serving as a venue for Anant Ambani’s widely publicized pre-wedding celebrations in 2024. These extravagant events attracted global celebrities including Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, tech magnates Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, former UK prime ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, and Ivanka Trump with Jared Kushner.

    Jacob & Co’s social media announcement described the creation as embodying ‘stewardship and responsibility,’ incorporating 397 precious stones comprising diamonds, green sapphires, garnets, and various rare gems. According to executives from Ethos Watches, Jacob & Co’s Indian retail partner, the timepiece remains unavailable in stores with no official pricing released to the public.

  • A Myanmar military airstrike on a village sheltering displaced people killed 21, rebels say

    A Myanmar military airstrike on a village sheltering displaced people killed 21, rebels say

    BANGKOK (AP) — A military airstrike conducted by Myanmar’s armed forces has resulted in the deaths of 21 civilians and left 28 wounded in Hteelin village, Kachin state, according to reports from ethnic rebel groups and local media outlets. The attack occurred Thursday afternoon in a region where displaced persons had sought refuge from ongoing conflict.

    Colonel Naw Bu, spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), confirmed that a jet fighter targeted a compound where mourners were conducting prayer services for the deceased. The strike also hit a displacement camp, educational facility, and local marketplace. Approximately 500 civilians, including internally displaced residents, were present in the village during the bombardment. Among the injured victims is an infant, with several individuals reported in critical condition.

    The incident coincides with scheduled electoral activities in the northern township of Bhamo, where the final phase of Myanmar’s military-organized election process is set to occur this weekend. Independent verification remains challenging due to widespread internet blackouts and cellular service disruptions throughout the region. Kachin-based media organizations have circulated photographic and video evidence depicting casualties and structural damage resulting from the attack.

    Myanmar has experienced prolonged political instability since the February 2021 military coup that ousted the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Subsequent suppression of peaceful protests prompted armed resistance movements, with current estimates indicating over 7,700 fatalities resulting from security force operations.

    The military administration has intensified aerial campaigns against pro-democracy forces and ethnic minority guerrilla groups, including the KIA, which maintains loose alliances with various resistance militias. Despite election preparations in 61 townships nationwide, KIA representatives assert that voting in Bhamo remains impossible due to their control over the urban center.

    International observers and critics have denounced the three-stage electoral process as fundamentally flawed, citing the exclusion of major political parties and systematic suppression of dissent nearly five years after military seizure of power.