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Biden’s Final Diplomatic Push at APEC and G20 Amid Rising Concerns over Future U.S. Policy
President Joe Biden faces the challenge of reassuring international partners uncertain about the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy as Donald Trump, with his assertive “America First” agenda, prepares to assume the presidency again. As Biden heads to Peru and Brazil for key economic summits, he faces questions from leaders anxious about potential shifts in U.S. commitments to global cooperation on climate, trade, and security.
Biden’s itinerary includes two influential summits—the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima and the Group of 20 (G20) meeting in Rio de Janeiro. Amid talks focused on trade and sustainable development, the president’s primary mission will be to strengthen alliances and reassure U.S. allies, who watched the U.S. pull out of pivotal international agreements during Trump’s first term.
The APEC summit, which unites 21 economies across the Asia-Pacific region, is set to emphasize free trade and economic cooperation. While Biden will highlight partnerships strengthened during his administration, especially with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Philippines, doubts about continuity loom large. At a trilateral meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Biden aims to underscore that recent strides in regional security and economic cooperation are lasting.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan previewed Biden’s strategy, stating the president intends to remind leaders that “America’s allies are vital to America’s national security.” He emphasized that Biden will make clear that these alliances “multiply our capability” and contribute to shared causes—positioning U.S. alliances in the Asia-Pacific as an enduring commitment, despite the impending administration change.
At APEC, Biden will also hold what is expected to be his final meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as the two leaders grapple with deepening complexities in U.S.-China relations. With Trump already appointing prominent China critics to key positions, Biden’s dialogue with Xi is likely to focus on ensuring stable diplomatic channels as the U.S. potentially adopts a more adversarial stance. Trump’s previous administration saw tariffs, trade barriers, and military posturing become central to U.S.-China policy, and Biden’s more cooperative approach could face significant changes.
China, meanwhile, is positioning itself as a symbol of stability, with Xi promoting Beijing’s infrastructure investment across Latin America, a region critical to his vision of expanding Chinese influence. Xi is set to inaugurate a $1.3 billion megaport in Peru, showcasing China’s economic commitments to Latin American nations and reinforcing Beijing’s message of reliable leadership. Chinese state media emphasizes that Xi’s recent engagement in 11 Latin American countries contrasts with U.S. foreign policy shifts, signaling China’s intent to capitalize on perceived U.S. inconsistencies.
As Biden arrives in Rio, he plans to emphasize American leadership on global poverty, climate change, and labor rights. The G20, representing the world’s largest economies, offers a platform for Biden to advocate policies targeting shared global challenges. While in Brazil, he will endorse President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty initiative, aiming to accelerate efforts to end hunger by 2030.
However, many of Biden’s initiatives may have limited longevity under a Trump administration, particularly in areas like climate policy. Biden’s stop in Manaus—the first by a sitting U.S. president in the Brazilian Amazon—will include discussions with Indigenous leaders on rainforest conservation, underscoring his administration’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Yet, Trump’s previous skepticism toward international climate agreements casts doubt on the durability of Biden’s green agenda.
Biden’s farewell tour ultimately underscores the uncertainty facing U.S. allies, many of whom viewed his administration as a stabilizing counterbalance to the previous administration’s policies. As Josh Lipsky of the Atlantic Council notes, Biden is expected to reinforce that “American engagement around the world” is an enduring ideal. According to Lipsky, Biden believes that “not one election or one president can undercut” the U.S.’s global role.
While Biden’s message is intended to project confidence, analysts caution that, for many leaders, the reality is more complex. Victor Cha, president of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, suggests that Biden’s counterparts are likely to respond with “lamenting, speculation, [and] guessing” as they try to anticipate Trump’s policy moves.
As he heads back to Washington, Biden leaves behind a mixed legacy of achievements and challenges, with a U.S. policy landscape on the brink of a significant shift. Amid Xi’s bids to expand Chinese influence in Latin America and a Trump administration poised to recalibrate U.S. priorities, Biden’s trip may serve as a final reminder to allies of the value of American diplomacy, even as questions about its future linger.
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Macron and Saudi crown Prince forge partnership, call for Lebanon elections
French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed a strategic partnership on Monday, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen ties and address pressing regional conflicts. Their focus extended to Lebanon, where they emphasized the urgent need for long-delayed presidential elections to foster stability and reform.
Macron’s visit to Riyadh comes at a pivotal moment, not only for France’s domestic politics but also for Middle Eastern geopolitics. After meeting the Crown Prince, widely regarded as Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Macron announced an agreement aimed at bolstering collaboration in critical sectors such as defense, cultural exchange, energy transition, and mobility between the two nations.
The partnership reflects what the French presidency describes as a “very close relationship,” with this visit marking the first state trip by a French president to Saudi Arabia since 2006. Macron’s entourage included representatives from major French corporations, including TotalEnergies, EDF, and Veolia, as well as tech startups specializing in artificial intelligence and quantum physics, underscoring the economic dimensions of the visit.
Both leaders pledged to promote de-escalation across the Middle East, including reinforcing a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. In their joint statement, Macron and Prince Mohammed stressed the importance of holding Lebanese presidential elections, seen as a crucial step to stabilize a country facing political paralysis and economic catastrophe.
Lebanon’s challenges have drawn heightened international attention, with Macron pushing for increased Saudi support for the Lebanese army and efforts to rebuild the country’s governance structures.
Macron’s visit coincides with escalating violence in the Middle East. The leaders called for a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict and reiterated their support for a two-state solution, advocating separate Israeli and Palestinian states.
In Syria, renewed clashes have heightened tensions, adding urgency to the region’s broader instability. Macron’s efforts to mediate peace between Israel and Lebanon have positioned France as a key player in regional diplomacy.
Saudi Arabia’s approach to Israel also remains a central issue. While discussions about normalizing ties with Israel in exchange for enhanced U.S. security guarantees have paused, the Crown Prince reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to Palestinian statehood as a prerequisite for any recognition of Israel.
As Macron engages in high-stakes diplomacy, his administration faces turmoil at home. France’s minority government, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, is bracing for a possible no-confidence vote after bypassing parliamentary approval to pass a social security budget bill. A political crisis of this scale could further strain Macron’s position as he navigates foreign and domestic challenges simultaneously.
This partnership and joint call for Lebanon’s elections are being closely watched for their impact on both regional diplomacy and France-Saudi relations. While no major defense deals, such as the sale of Rafale fighter jets, were finalized during the visit, ongoing discussions signal the potential for deeper economic and strategic ties.
Macron’s trip highlights his ambition to position France as a stabilizing force in the Middle East while also securing economic partnerships to bolster his domestic agenda amid significant political pressures.
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South Korea troops try to storm parliament after martial law declared
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law late Tuesday night, igniting political turmoil and public unrest. The declaration, accompanied by a fiery address accusing opposition forces of undermining the nation’s constitutional order, marked the first imposition of martial law in South Korea since 1980.
On Wednesday, live broadcasts captured South Korean troops attempting to storm the National Assembly, a dramatic display of the military’s newfound authority under martial law. Images showed parliamentary staff attempting to repel soldiers with fire extinguishers, while demonstrators outside the building chanted slogans such as “Withdraw emergency martial law!” The military’s martial law command quickly announced sweeping measures, including a ban on parliamentary activities, restrictions on political parties, and control over media operations.
President Yoon justified the imposition of martial law as a necessity to counter what he described as “pro-North Korean anti-state forces” among domestic political opponents. Accusing opposition parties of hijacking the parliamentary process, he framed the move as essential to protecting democracy and national stability. Notably absent from his address was any mention of a specific threat from North Korea, despite its persistent role as a central focus in South Korean security.
The declaration sent ripples through South Korea’s economy, with the Korean won plummeting against the U.S. dollar. The central bank and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok swiftly convened emergency measures to stabilize financial markets. Meanwhile, opposition figures, including former President Moon Jae-in, condemned the declaration as an existential threat to South Korea’s hard-won democracy. Moon urged the National Assembly and the public to resist what he described as an attack on democratic institutions.
The United States, a close ally of South Korea, has expressed concern over the unfolding crisis. A White House spokesperson confirmed ongoing communication with the South Korean government and emphasized close monitoring of the situation. The U.S. maintains a significant military presence in South Korea, with 28,500 troops stationed in the country, though the U.S. military command has not yet commented on the developments.
The imposition of martial law is a stark reminder of South Korea’s authoritarian past, which it moved beyond in the 1980s to establish itself as a robust democracy. As the political and economic ramifications of this decision unfold, all eyes are on how South Korea’s institutions and citizens will respond to this sudden reversal of democratic norms. Whether this marks a temporary measure or a deeper shift toward authoritarianism remains to be seen.
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In Puntland’s rugged mountains, ISIS builds a dangerous foothold
Amid the stark beauty of Puntland’s Al Miskat and Al Madow mountain ranges, a shadowy war is escalating. ISIS, once a marginal threat in the Horn of Africa, is quietly transforming these rugged landscapes into a stronghold. The group’s expansion is marked not just by its presence but by a strategic infrastructure that hints at long-term ambitions.
In recent months, intelligence has spotlighted fortified bases in key locations like Moqoro, Dhabanado, and Sido, strategically positioned along the Balade Valley, a lifeline for the nearby port city of Bosaso. From these positions, ISIS has created a network of roads that interconnect tactical locations such as Hantara on the Indian Ocean, Habley Valley, and the village of Tajij. This mobility is critical to the group’s growing reach and operational strength.
A Relentless Enemy and a Challenging Landscape
For Puntland’s security forces, the battle is as much against the terrain as the insurgents. The mountains, cloaked in dense vegetation and riddled with steep cliffs, provide ISIS with natural defenses. Coupled with the harsh climate of Puntland’s dry season, military operations are hampered by logistical and environmental challenges.
“The enemy has an intimate knowledge of the land, while the weather works against us,” a Puntland military spokesperson admitted on November 27. Yet, the resolve to push ISIS back remains steadfast.
Economic Fallout and Community Responses
The insurgency is already rippling through Puntland’s economy. In Bosaso, the region’s commercial hub, businesses face extortion threats from ISIS, forcing some to shut down. This economic strain has fueled local resentment, but fear remains a barrier to unified community action.
Puntland’s Vice President Ahmed Elmi recently appealed to residents during a town hall meeting, urging cooperation with security forces to curb ISIS’s influence. While officials publicly downplay the threat, many observers recognize the severity of the situation.
A Broader Regional Threat
The implications of ISIS’s entrenchment in Puntland extend beyond Somalia. Analysts warn that the group’s growth could destabilize the Horn of Africa, a region already burdened by piracy, clan conflicts, and Al-Shabaab’s enduring presence. Puntland, often lauded for its relative stability, now finds itself as a frontline in a larger conflict.
The Need for International Support
Experts agree that tackling ISIS in Puntland requires more than local efforts. A coordinated approach involving regional allies and global partners is essential to dismantle the group’s infrastructure and curb its ambitions. For Puntland’s government, the challenge is to adapt its military strategies to counter an enemy skilled in guerrilla tactics and fortified by the unforgiving terrain.
As ISIS solidifies its grip on Puntland’s mountains, the stakes are rising—not just for Somalia but for the entire Horn of Africa. The time for decisive action, both local and international, is now.
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China bans exports to US of gallium, germanium, antimony in response to chip sanctions
China has escalated its trade tensions with the United States by imposing bans on the export of critical minerals, including gallium, germanium, antimony, and other high-tech materials. These elements are vital for semiconductor manufacturing, renewable energy technologies, and military applications. The move is a direct response to the U.S. tightening export controls on semiconductor technologies and targeting Chinese firms with sanctions.
Key Materials Affected
Gallium & Germanium:
Essential for semiconductors, military hardware, and solar panels.
China produces over 80% of the world’s supply of these rare materials.
Antimony:
Used in flame retardants, batteries, and defense applications.
Super-hard materials:
Includes synthetic diamonds used in industrial cutting tools and protective coatings.
Strategic Context
China’s Objectives
By controlling exports of these materials, China seeks to:
Pressure the U.S. into reconsidering its semiconductor export restrictions.
Retaliate against the U.S.’s attempts to stifle China’s technological and military advancements.
U.S. Actions
Earlier, the Biden administration added 140 Chinese firms to the entity list, restricting their access to advanced chip-making tools.
The U.S. cited national security concerns, arguing that China’s advancements in AI and chips could bolster its military capabilities.
Economic and Geopolitical Implications
For the U.S.
Vulnerability: The U.S. relies heavily on China for gallium and germanium (50% of its supply).
Supply Chain Diversification: Efforts are underway to tap domestic resources and develop alternative sources in allied countries like Canada and Australia.
Price Surge: Prices for restricted materials like antimony and gallium have risen sharply, straining industries reliant on these inputs.
For China
Global Criticism: Western industries and governments have condemned the move as destabilizing global supply chains.
Economic Risks: As a key player in global supply chains, China’s restrictions could alienate trading partners and accelerate efforts to decouple.
For Global Markets
Supply Chain Disruptions: Restrictions on gallium and germanium may delay production in high-tech sectors, including renewable energy and defense.
Market Realignment: Nations may invest in mining and refining capacities to reduce dependency on China, altering global trade dynamics.
Broader Trade War Implications
This standoff between the U.S. and China reflects a deepening technological cold war where both nations aim to secure dominance in semiconductors and critical technologies. By leveraging rare materials essential to the tech industry, China has signaled its willingness to weaponize its dominance in natural resources to counter Western sanctions.
However, prolonged restrictions may accelerate global moves toward supply chain diversification, potentially undermining China’s long-term economic leverage. Both nations risk mutual economic harm and further fragmentation of global trade networks in pursuit of strategic objectives.
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US to block sale of cutting-edge, chip-making equipment to China
The Biden administration has implemented stricter export controls targeting China’s semiconductor industry, aiming to restrict access to advanced chip-making technologies and high-bandwidth computer memory crucial for producing cutting-edge semiconductors. Announced Monday by the U.S. Commerce Department, the measures block the sale of 24 types of manufacturing equipment and three software tools needed for producing “advanced node” chips—semiconductors essential for AI, machine learning, and military applications.
The U.S. also added 140 Chinese entities to its export blacklist, requiring American businesses to obtain licenses to trade with them. These sanctions align with broader efforts to curtail China’s technological advancements in areas that could threaten U.S. national security.
The U.S. aims to prevent China from incorporating advanced AI into military hardware, cyberweapons, and surveillance systems. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the administration’s commitment to impeding adversaries from weaponizing advanced technology. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan noted that safeguarding U.S. technological superiority is a collaborative effort with allies and partners.
China denounced the sanctions as “economic coercion” and accused the U.S. of undermining global trade norms and supply chain stability. The Chinese Embassy in Washington warned of necessary countermeasures to protect its interests.
Experts believe the restrictions will hinder China’s ambition to achieve a self-reliant semiconductor industry, as building advanced chips requires an intricate supply chain heavily dependent on global inputs. Stephen Ezell, a global innovation policy expert, highlighted that the controls would increase costs and complicate China’s semiconductor production efforts. However, U.S. firms face potential revenue losses from diminished access to the Chinese market.
The U.S. is encouraging semiconductor production in allied nations like India and Malaysia to offset losses and reduce dependency on China for critical technologies. The sanctions mark another step in the escalating tech rivalry between the U.S. and China, emphasizing the geopolitical significance of semiconductor dominance.
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Finnish telecom outage sparks investigation
A major disruption to internet services was reported in Finland following two cable breaks on a connection between Finland and Sweden, operated by Global Connect. The company announced the outages Monday evening, clarifying that no undersea cables were involved.
On Tuesday, Global Connect reported that one cable had been repaired and most services restored, with efforts ongoing to fix the second break. Finnish authorities, along with the telecom provider, are investigating the cause. Transport and Communications Minister Lulu Ranne emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the issue, noting its seriousness.
Undersea Cable Cuts in the Baltic Sea: A New Front in Geopolitical Tensions
This disruption follows recent breaches in two undersea fiber optic cables in the Baltic Sea connecting Finland, Germany, Sweden, and Lithuania. That incident, still under investigation, raised suspicions of sabotage, highlighting vulnerabilities in critical communication infrastructure.
While the current outage has yet to be linked to malicious activity, the timing has heightened concerns over the security and resilience of Nordic and Baltic communication networks.
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Guinea stadium crush kills 56 people after disputed refereeing decision
A stadium crush in Nzerekore, southeast Guinea, has left 56 people dead after a controversial refereeing decision incited violence during a soccer match. The tragic event unfolded during the final of a tournament honoring Guinea’s military leader, Mamady Doumbouya. Violence erupted in the 82nd minute following a disputed red card. Fans began throwing stones, prompting police to respond with tear gas, creating panic and a deadly crush at the stadium exits.
Eyewitness Amara Conde described horrifying scenes, with people, including children, trampled in the chaos. Videos showed fans scrambling over walls to escape, and numerous victims, many of them minors, were later retrieved from the scene.
The tournament has drawn criticism from opposition groups, who accuse authorities of using such events to consolidate political support for Doumbouya, who seized power in a 2021 coup. Former President Alpha Conde condemned the event’s poor organization, particularly in a country already marked by political unrest.
Human Rights Watch also released a report criticizing the junta for cracking down on opposition and delaying promised elections. With Doumbouya’s transitional government showing little progress toward organizing elections, frustration among the populace continues to grow.
This disaster adds to a troubling history of stadium tragedies in Africa. The Confederation of African Football, alongside FIFA, has been working to improve safety standards in stadiums across the continent to prevent such incidents. However, the Nzerekore tragedy underscores the need for better event management and crowd control measures.
An investigation into the incident has been promised, with hopes for accountability amid the mounting grief and anger.
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Somalia secures $145.6 million debt relief from France
The Somali government has announced a historic debt forgiveness agreement with France, amounting to $145.6 million. This move marks a significant milestone in Somalia’s ongoing efforts to implement economic reforms and secure debt relief.
The agreement was finalized on Monday and signed by Somalia’s Finance Minister, Bihi Egeh, and French Ambassador to Kenya and Somalia, Arnaud Suquet.
“Today, we finalized the debt relief process with the Government of France totaling $145.6 million,” Minister Egeh stated. He noted that the agreement follows Somalia’s successful completion of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative in 2023 and the Paris Club agreement earlier this year.
The minister expressed gratitude to France, highlighting the nation’s support as pivotal in advancing Somalia’s financial stability and development goals.
France joins a growing list of countries, including Denmark, Japan, and the United States, that have recently forgiven Somali debts. These developments are part of a broader initiative overseen by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
As a result of these efforts, Somalia has become eligible for over $4.5 billion in debt relief, significantly reducing its financial burdens. This achievement represents a critical step in Somalia’s journey toward restoring fiscal health and fostering long-term economic growth.
Debt relief is expected to strengthen Somalia’s ability to focus on essential development initiatives, such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education. By alleviating the debt burden, Somalia can channel resources toward sustainable growth, financial resilience, and improved living standards for its citizens.
This agreement with France underscores the importance of international cooperation in supporting nations emerging from financial crises, while reinforcing Somalia’s commitment to economic reform and global partnerships.
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