Foreign ministers from Japan, China and South Korea reaffirmed the importance of denuclearization on the Korean peninsula and sought common ground in areas like aging, low birth rates, natural disasters and cultural exchange at a meeting that took place at a time of growing tensions. At a joint news conference after the talks, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya said he, his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and South Korea’s Cho Tae-yul agreed on the need to promote mutual understanding and tackle shared, multi-generational concerns to gain wider support for trilateral cooperation. Iwaya emphasized his concerns about North Korea' s nuclear and missile development and cooperation with Russia as regional threats, and stressed the importance of pursuing the North's full denuclearization under the U.N. Security Council resolutions. Iwaya reiterated Japan's condemnation of Russia's war on Ukraine, adding that there is no place in the world for unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force, a subtle message about China's growing assertiveness in the region. Wang said that China supports the formation of a mutual regional economy and proposed further efforts toward achieving an economic framework for the three countries. He said trilateral cooperation in a range of areas including technology, climate exchange and other issues will “serve as key driving force for East Asian cooperation.” Japan's leader calls for common ground ahead of key meeting with China and South Korea The meeting on Saturday focuses on plans for a trilateral leaders' summit later this year amid growing political and economic uncertainty at home and challenges from U.S. President Donald Trump. The three-way meetings are an accomplishment for Japan, which has historical and territorial disputes with both China and South Korea. An earlier trilateral meeting was held in South Korea last year. Cho, whose country chaired their leaders’ first summit after a four-and-half-year hiatus due to the pandemic, said the ongoing global crisis makes the trilateral cooperation more important than ever and it is important to maintain their positive flow. He said that their cooperation is especially important as the world faces tension and divisions, and that their cooperation in areas of common challenges will set a good model for global cooperation. Later Saturday, delegations from Japan and China were to meet separately to hold their first high-level economic dialogue since April 2019. Iwaya and Wang will also hold separate bilateral talks with Cho.

On Friday, the U.S. State Department imposed sanctions on an unspecified number of current and former Thai officials for their involvement in the deportation of at least 40 Uyghur men to China, despite concerns that they could face imprisonment or even death. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate imposition of visa restrictions on those responsible for or complicit in the deportations. Although no Thai officials were named, the specifics of the visa restrictions were not detailed, but they could include denial of entry into the U.S. Uyghurs in Thailand fear deportation, persecution in China “We are committed to countering China’s efforts to pressure governments into forcibly returning Uyghurs and other groups to China, where they are subjected to torture and enforced disappearances,” Rubio stated. On Saturday, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had repeatedly clarified to concerned countries that China assured the men’s safety and that Thailand would monitor their well-being. “Thailand has a long-standing tradition of humanitarianism, particularly in assisting displaced persons from various nations for over half a century, and will continue to do so,” the ministry stated. Thailand’s ministers of defense and justice announced a trip next week to visit the men in China, with several Thai journalists invited to accompany them. The Uyghurs, a Turkic and predominantly Muslim ethnic group native to China’s far western Xinjiang region, have long clashed with Beijing over discrimination and the suppression of their cultural identity. In response, the Chinese government initiated a harsh crackdown on the Uyghurs, which some Western governments classify as genocide. In 2014, Thai authorities detained more than 300 Uyghurs fleeing China. By February of this year, 48 Uyghurs remained in Thai detention when authorities proceeded with their deportation, despite appeals from Thai lawmakers and international officials to halt the process. Rubio denounced the deportation “in the strongest possible terms,” stating that “Uyghurs have endured persecution, forced labor, and torture” in China. House China panel turns focus to plight of Uyghurs The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, in Facebook posts, reported that 40 Chinese nationals who had been “smuggled” were repatriated to Xinjiang on a chartered flight and had “all returned home and reunited with their families after more than 10 years.” The embassy shared photos of the reunions, depicting scenes of families gathering over naans, nuts, and fruits. Rubio, a longtime critic of Beijing, was sanctioned twice by the Chinese government in 2020 for his advocacy of Uyghur rights and support for the people of Hong Kong.

A 21-member Bangladesh Friendship Delegation, consisting of leaders from eight political parties, including the BNP, returned home on Thursday afternoon after an 11-day visit to China, carrying a message of strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing cooperation between the two countries. The delegation, led by BNP Standing Committee member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport around 1:20pm on a Southern China Airlines flight. According to Chinese authorities, the visit was part of their strategy to strengthen multiparty relations with Bangladesh following the political changes in August. The delegation also included three student leaders involved in the July-August mass uprising, along with two scholars and two journalists. During the 11-day visit, the delegation held meetings with central and provincial leaders of the CPC in Beijing, Shaanxi and Yunnan. Moyeen Khan raises concerns over BCIM corridor’s strategic impacts, seeks China’s attention They also participated in discussions on Bangladesh-China relations, China’s modernisation and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In addition to the political discussions, the delegation visited various industries, including AI technology, automobile manufacturing plants, solar and hydropower companies, an innovative agricultural project, a flower auction trading centre, a museum, a model village, Jiaotong University, the Great Wall of China, coffee and tea gardens, historical sites, factories and a hospital designated for treating Bangladeshi patients. During the discussions, CPC leaders assured that China’s cooperation with Bangladesh would continue to grow in various fields in the coming years. Chinese Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC), Sun Haiyan, conveyed a message that China could be one of Bangladesh’s most trusted and special friends. During a meeting with the Bangladeshi delegation at the IDCPC office in Beijing, she also expressed China’s desire to assist Bangladesh in returning to its path of rapid development. The delegation included five leaders from the BNP and its associated organisations: BNP Legal Affairs Secretary Kayser Kamal, General Secretary of Jatiyatabadi Krishak Dal Shohidul Islam, General Secretary of Jubo Dal Nurul Islam Nayon, General Secretary of Swechchhasebak Dal Razib Ahsan, and General Secretary of Chhatra Dal Nasir Uddin. Seven leaders from other political parties also joined the delegation, including Revolutionary Workers Party General Secretary Saiful Huq, Jatiya Dal Chairman Syed Ehsanul Huda, Executive Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon Abul Hasan Md Shahidul Islam Rubel, National People’s Party Chairman AZM Fariduzzaman, Nationalist Democratic Movement Chairman Bobby Hajjaj, General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad Muhammad Rashed Khan, and Joint Secretary General of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Maulana Ataullah Amin. BNP to sign Teesta water management deal with China, if elected: Moyeen Khan Other delegation members are Dr Moyeen Khan’s wife Advocate Roksana Khondker, Dhaka University’s International Relations department Prof Lailufar Yasmin, two journalists—UNB Special Correspondent Abdur Rahman Jahangir and Diplomatic Correspondent for Dainik Amader Somoy Md Arifuzzaman Mamun—and Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) researcher Md Nahiyan Shajid Khan, along with student leaders Ahsan Zonaed, Rafi Salman Rifat, and Md Reaz Hossain.

China has issued a strong warning to the United States, declaring its readiness to fight "any type" of war after retaliating against President Donald Trump's increasing trade tariffs. Tensions between the world’s two largest economies have escalated, with Washington imposing new tariffs on all Chinese goods. In response, Beijing swiftly introduced counter-tariffs of 10-15% on American agricultural products. The Chinese embassy in Washington took to social media platform X to deliver a firm message: "If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we're ready to fight till the end." Trump says 25% tariffs on Mexican, Canadian imports from Tuesday This rhetoric is among the strongest from China since Trump took office, coinciding with the annual National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing. Military Spending Increase China’s Premier Li Qiang announced on Wednesday that the country would increase its defence budget by 7.2% this year, the same figure as the previous year. He cautioned that "changes unseen in a century were unfolding across the world at a faster pace." The move signals Beijing’s efforts to assure its people that China’s economy can withstand the impact of a trade war. Officials are keen to project an image of stability and peace, contrasting it with the US, which Beijing accuses of involvement in conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Strategic Considerations Despite the tough rhetoric, China appears to be treading carefully. Beijing is mindful of Trump’s trade policies, which have also affected US allies such as Canada and Mexico. By not escalating tensions too far, China could be seeking to strengthen ties with other global partners. In his NPC address, Premier Li emphasised China’s commitment to opening up its economy and attracting foreign investment. China keeps its economic growth target at 'around 5%' despite a looming trade war While China has previously called for military preparedness, including President Xi Jinping’s directive last October for troops to be combat-ready during Taiwan military drills, this does not necessarily indicate a willingness to go to war. US-China Relations at a Crossroads The Chinese embassy in Washington's post also quoted a foreign ministry statement rejecting US accusations regarding fentanyl trafficking. "The fentanyl issue is a flimsy excuse to raise US tariffs on Chinese imports," a ministry spokesperson said. "Intimidation does not scare us. Bullying does not work on us. Pressuring, coercion or threats are not the right way of dealing with China," he added. The increasingly fraught US-China relationship remains one of the most critical geopolitical flashpoints. The embassy’s statement has gained widespread attention, potentially reinforcing the stance of China hawks in Trump’s administration who view Beijing as Washington’s foremost economic and security challenge. Initially, Beijing had hoped for a more cooperative relationship under Trump. The two leaders had engaged in cordial discussions, with Trump inviting President Xi to his inauguration and later describing a "great phone call" before taking office. However, a scheduled follow-up call last month failed to materialise. Economic Challenges for Beijing Xi Jinping’s administration is already contending with multiple domestic challenges, including sluggish consumer spending, a property crisis, and rising unemployment. In response, China has pledged to inject billions of dollars into its faltering economy. These measures were outlined during the NPC, a legislative gathering where policies are formally approved. Trump criticises USAID funding for India, sparks diplomatic tensions

A recently declassified report suggests that China possesses significantly larger thorium reserves than previously estimated. The radioactive metal, already known to exist in abundance within China, could be the key to an almost limitless energy supply. The study, completed in 2020, indicates that China’s thorium deposits surpass earlier projections by several magnitudes. Experts believe this discovery could transform global energy production and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. A Beijing-based geologist, speaking anonymously to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), emphasized the importance of the findings. “For over a century, nations have fought wars over fossil fuels, yet a vast energy source has been right beneath our feet,” the geologist said. “Every country has thorium. Imagine cargo ships powered by compact reactors traveling for years without refueling.” Thorium, a silver-colored metal, can generate 200 times more energy than uranium. Unlike conventional uranium reactors, thorium molten-salt reactors (TMSRs) are compact, do not require water cooling, cannot melt down, and produce minimal long-lived radioactive waste. In 2023, China approved the construction of the world’s first TMSR power plant in the Gobi Desert. Expected to generate 10 megawatts of electricity, the pilot project aims to be operational by 2029. North Korea says it performed cruise missile tests, days after it vowed to respond to US threats The report also highlights the potential of thorium found in mining waste. Just five years’ worth of waste from an iron ore site in Inner Mongolia contains enough thorium to power U.S. households for over a thousand years. The Bayan Obo mining complex alone could yield around one million tonnes of thorium, potentially supplying China’s energy needs for 60,000 years. “These thorium resources in tailings remain completely untapped,” wrote the study’s lead researcher, senior engineer Fan Honghai, from the National Key Laboratory of Uranium Resource Exploration-Mining and Nuclear Remote Sensing in Beijing, as reported by SCMP. The national thorium survey identified 233 thorium-rich zones across China, concentrated in five key regions from inland Xinjiang to coastal Guangdong. These deposits, primarily magmatic and hydrothermal, are often found alongside rare earth elements. In provinces like Fujian and Hainan, monazite-rich coastal sands contain easily extractable thorium. Despite its potential, significant challenges remain. Extracting thorium from rare earth ores requires substantial amounts of acid and energy, generating large volumes of wastewater. Additionally, concerns exist regarding the possible weaponization of thorium by-products, though experts argue these materials are not viable for nuclear weapons. China’s thorium research aligns with advancements in nuclear propulsion technology. The country recently unveiled the KUN-24AP, the world’s first thorium-powered nuclear container ship design, and is also exploring thorium reactors for lunar bases—highlighting the metal’s role in future energy solutions. China begins repatriation of over 1,000 online scam workers from Myanmar via Thailand “The demand for thorium in nuclear power and propulsion sectors presents both opportunities and challenges for its exploration and utilization in China,” Fan and his team noted in the report. Due to national security concerns, China’s total thorium reserves remain classified. However, the latest findings suggest the country could be sitting on an almost limitless supply of clean energy. The report was published in the Chinese journal Geological Review. Source: South China Morning Post (SCMP)

The Chinese AI model, DeepSeek, has skyrocketed to global prominence, becoming the most downloaded app on Apple’s App Store since its release on January 20. Initially captivating AI enthusiasts, it soon grabbed the world’s attention, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling it a “wake-up call” for American companies to focus on innovation. What sets DeepSeek apart is its cost-effective design—built at a fraction of the cost of leading models like OpenAI’s, thanks to fewer advanced chips. This development sent shockwaves through the market, causing Nvidia to lose nearly $600 billion in market value, marking the largest single-day loss in U.S. history. Tech stocks slide as Chinese rival threatens AI industry; Nvidia falls 17%  Strategic Implications DeepSeek raises questions about the efficacy of Washington’s tech sanctions on China, particularly its export ban on advanced chips. Undeterred, China has doubled down on AI, with President Xi Jinping emphasizing its strategic importance as the country pivots from traditional manufacturing to advanced tech industries. What Is DeepSeek? At its core, DeepSeek is an AI chatbot similar to ChatGPT, powered by the R1 model with 670 billion parameters, making it the largest open-source language model to date. It rivals OpenAI’s models in mathematics, coding, and reasoning while adhering to Chinese government censorship. Despite its capabilities, DeepSeek operates on a modest budget of $6 million, significantly less than the billions spent by competitors. This was reportedly achieved by combining a stockpile of Nvidia A100 chips with cheaper alternatives. The Visionary Behind DeepSeek DeepSeek’s founder, Liang Wenfeng, a Zhejiang University alumnus with expertise in electronic engineering and finance, launched the company in December 2023. Known for his innovative approach, Liang previously led China’s first quant hedge fund, High-Flyer, and has long advocated for China to close the innovation gap with the U.S. Global Repercussions DeepSeek’s rise challenges the notion that massive budgets and cutting-edge chips are essential for AI advancement. Analysts suggest this could disrupt the business models of U.S. tech giants like OpenAI. The uncertainty triggered a tech sell-off on January 27, with the Nasdaq falling over 3% and Nvidia losing its top valuation spot to Apple and Microsoft. Trump says Microsoft is one of the companies eyeing TikTok China’s Reaction While the Chinese government has remained silent, state media is hailing DeepSeek as a symbol of the nation’s growing technological prowess. Experts warn, however, that such developments could fuel “tech isolationism,” as China emphasizes self-reliance. DeepSeek’s emergence signals a transformative moment for the AI industry, reshaping global tech dynamics and challenging the U.S.’s dominance. With input from agencies

China and India will be requested to ensure that planned dams on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh and near the Tibet border are constructed without compromising Bangladesh’s interests, said Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan. “We have formally sought information from China regarding their hydropower project near Tibet. They assured us that lower riparian countries will not be adversely affected. However, we have sought further data through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,”she said responding to a journalist’s question after attending a board meeting at the River Research Institute’s circuit house. Rizwana, US Charge d’Affaires discuss critical environmental challenges Padma and Teesta rivers are already experiencing reduced water flow and if the Brahmaputra’s flow is reduced, the riverine nature of Bangladesh will face severe challenges, she said. Syeda Rizwana shared directives given to the River Research Institute to expand its scope and visibility. Among these are identifying pollution levels in industrial zones and pinpoint GPS locations of contamination in major rivers around Dhaka. “This approach will reduce reliance on external funding for tackling river pollution. The institute has also been instructed to assess the ecological impacts of sand extraction from rivers,” she added. Following the briefing, the adviser inspected the institute’s operations. Among those present were River Research Institute Director General SM Abu Huraira, Water Development Board Director General Tahmidul Islam, Shipping Ministry Secretary Mohammad Yusuf, and Faridpur Deputy Commissioner Kamrul Hasan Molla. Adviser Rizwana urges unified global action to tackle climate change China recently approved the construction of the world’s largest dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet’s Medog County, near the border with India. The project, described as China's most ambitious, was officially announced in 2020. In response, Indian officials began exploring the possibility of building a counter-dam to address potential disruptions caused by China's project.

Vice President Han Zheng, who will represent China at Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, is a key adviser to President Xi Jinping. Han, a seasoned figure in Chinese politics, rose from humble beginnings working on a collective farm and in factories to becoming one of the country’s most influential leaders, reports AP. China’s choice to send Han instead of its usual ambassador to Washington seems to be a deliberate message, indicating its openness to improving ties with the U.S., while ensuring Xi remains insulated from potential criticism if relations deteriorate. As Trump returns to the White House, families brace for mass deportations A number of contentious issues between the two countries involve trade, with Trump threatening high tariffs on Chinese imports. Relations have also been strained over technology and China’s assertive territorial claims in the South China Sea. Like many young Chinese, Han was sent to the countryside during the Cultural Revolution as part of Mao Zedong’s “learn from the peasants” campaign. Upon returning to the cities, many found work in state-run industries. At 70, Han advanced through the ranks in Shanghai during the 1980s and 1990s, a period when China’s economy was rapidly growing. He held both Communist Party and managerial roles in the chemical and rubber industries, eventually catching the attention of senior leaders. His career trajectory led him to district-level governance, then mayor of the city, and later party secretary, after his predecessor was involved in a financial scandal. Xi had briefly held this position, providing Han with an opportunity to build a connection with him before Xi assumed China’s leadership. In 2017, Han reached the pinnacle of Chinese political power by joining the Politburo Standing Committee, and after one five-year term, he was appointed vice president, a role Xi has enhanced with new responsibilities as a key adviser and envoy. Eight years ago, stars avoided Trump's inauguration. This time it’s different Throughout his career, Han has displayed a talent for diplomacy, particularly in handling unrest in Hong Kong and attending international events such as the United Nations General Assembly. On Sunday, Han met U.S. Vice President-elect J.D. Vance and business leaders, including Elon Musk, in Washington, just ahead of the inauguration.

China has carried out the executions of two men involved in deadly attacks that claimed dozens of lives in November, raising concerns about a rise in "revenge on society crimes," according to state media reports on Monday, reports AP. Fan Weiqu, 62, was executed after ramming his car into a crowd outside a sports stadium in Zhuhai, southern China, killing at least 35 people. This attack was the deadliest in the country in over ten years. Police stated that Fan was angered by his divorce settlement. Southeast Asian foreign ministers seek breakthrough in Myanmar conflict and South China Sea disputes In a separate incident, 21-year-old Xu Jiajin killed eight people and injured 17 others in a stabbing spree at his vocational school in Wuxi, eastern China. Authorities revealed that Xu, frustrated with his failed examinations and unsatisfactory internship pay, carried out the attack. He was also executed on Monday, as reported by CCTV. The killings prompted Chinese President Xi Jinping to call for local governments to implement measures to prevent such "revenge on society crimes." The death sentences for both men were handed down by the intermediate people’s courts in Zhuhai and Wuxi in December and later approved by the Supreme People’s Court. China's economy grows 5% in 2024 China is believed to carry out more executions annually than the rest of the world combined, though the exact figures remain a state secret. While executions were traditionally carried out by gunshot, lethal injections have been increasingly used in recent years.

China's economy grew at an annual rate of 5% in 2024, meeting Beijing's "around 5%" growth target, though slower than the previous year. This performance was driven by robust exports and recent stimulus measures, reports AP. Americans to experience economic pain from Trump tariffs: Canada The government reported Friday that the economy accelerated in the fourth quarter, with a 5.4% growth rate from October to December. Export activity surged as businesses and consumers sought to preempt potential tariff increases by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Chinese goods. “The national economy was generally stable, with steady progress and notable achievements in high-quality development,” the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) stated. The report credited timely implementation of policy measures for boosting public confidence and facilitating a significant economic recovery. Manufacturing played a key role in the growth, with industrial output rising 5.8% year-on-year. Retail sales of consumer goods increased by 3.5% annually, while exports grew 7.1% and imports rose 2.3%. Germany's economy shrinks again Despite these gains, China's economy faces challenges, including weaker consumer spending, deflationary pressures, and a struggling property sector, historically a major growth driver. The economy grew at 5.2% in 2023, and experts anticipate a further slowdown in coming years. According to Zichun Huang of Capital Economics, recent policy easing helped the economy regain momentum in the last quarter of 2024. Huang noted, “Increased fiscal spending should continue to support activity in the near term, though growth is likely to slow in 2025 due to potential U.S. tariff hikes and structural imbalances.” China’s aging and declining population adds to its economic pressures. The population dropped for the third consecutive year in 2024, reaching 1.408 billion—a decline of 1.39 million from the previous year. Rising living costs, coupled with stagnant wages, have led many young Chinese to delay or forgo marriage and parenthood, exacerbating demographic challenges. Some analysts question the accuracy of China’s official growth figures. Cornell University economist Eswar Prasad remarked, “The official growth target’s exact achievement is doubtful, given widespread indicators of weak economic activity and financial stress.” He cited low domestic demand, deflationary pressures, and an unfavourable global environment as major hurdles. President-elect Trump has pledged to increase U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports, while the outgoing Biden administration recently tightened restrictions on exports of advanced semiconductors and technologies to China, aiming to maintain the U.S. lead in innovation. In response, China’s government has introduced various stimulus measures, including reducing bank reserve requirements, lowering interest rates, and advancing budget allocations for infrastructure projects. Authorities have also instructed banks to support indebted property developers. Fu Linghui, NBS spokesperson, emphasised the importance of boosting consumption and domestic demand in 2025. “With coordinated efforts between existing and incremental policies, economic recovery momentum is building, consumer demand recovery has accelerated, and favourable conditions for moderate price rebounds are increasing,” Fu said. To revive domestic demand, Beijing has expanded a trade-in programme for consumer goods and raised salaries for millions of government employees. However, economists stress the need for broader structural reforms to enhance productivity and reduce reliance on construction and export manufacturing. Concerns persist about private sector confidence, which has been shaken by years of unpredictable policy changes. Additionally, weak social safety nets, declining housing prices, and subdued stock market performance have dampened household spending. “China needs a comprehensive and well-coordinated policy package to revitalise growth,” Prasad advised. Such measures should combine substantial monetary and fiscal stimulus with reforms to rebuild private sector confidence and support long-term economic sustainability.