ერთი ახალი ამბავი

Keir Starmer Travels to China for Official Visit

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will officially visit the People’s Republic of China from January 28 to 31. On Thursday, he is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping.

Accompanying Sir Keir Starmer on the visit are Secretary of State for Business and Trade Peter Kyle and Economic Secretary to the Treasury Lucy Rigby. Around 50 British business and cultural leaders will also take part in the delegation.

The UK government has described the visit as one of the most significant steps in restoring relations with China. Starmer said that the UK’s approach to China had been inconsistent over the years, but added that, “despite the challenges, a strategic relationship with China is in the national interest.”

On the issue, the Beijing Ministry of Commerce stated that China places great importance on economic and trade cooperation with the United Kingdom and is ready to use this visit to strengthen political trust and deepen practical collaboration. According to a deputy minister, more than 100 companies from China and the UK have expressed interest in cooperation.

The visit is expected to cover issues such as human rights, the situation in Hong Kong, Xinjiang, the war in Ukraine, and China’s role in international security. Special attention will also be paid to the participation of Chinese companies in Britain’s critical infrastructure.

It should be noted that Sir Keir Starmer previously met President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro in November 2024, but this will be the first official visit to China by a British prime minister since 2018.

Author: Mariam Simsive

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Two of China’s highest-ranking generals have been removed from their positions

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

On January 24, 2026, Chinese authorities removed two senior military leaders from their positions. The move concerns Central Military Commission (CMC) members Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, both of whom played key roles at the highest levels of the People’s Liberation Army.

Zhang Youxia served as Vice Chairman of the CMC and was considered one of the most influential figures in the Chinese military. For years, he was regarded as a close associate of President Xi Jinping and played a significant role in military reforms and the modernization of the armed forces.

Liu Zhenli held the position of Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the CMC and was responsible for operational planning and overall combat readiness of the military.

According to the official version, the generals were removed due to “serious disciplinary violations,” and investigative procedures have been launched against them. However, Chinese authorities have not provided detailed information about the nature of the allegations. At this stage, it has not been officially confirmed whether the generals have been detained, although they have completely disappeared from the public sphere.

According to a report cited by The Wall Street Journal and referenced by The Straits Times, Zhang Youxia is suspected of leaking highly sensitive information related to China’s nuclear weapons program to the United States, as well as accepting large bribes in exchange for official decisions, including military promotions. The report is based on sources familiar with an internal briefing in Beijing. Chinese authorities have not publicly confirmed these specific allegations.

The latest update was released on January 26, when state media and international outlets reported that Beijing once again emphasized the importance of “party discipline and political integrity” within the military.

It remains unclear who will replace the dismissed generals and how this decision will affect China’s military structure and system of governance.

Two of China’s highest-ranking generals have been removed from their positions Read More »

China Discusses Global Economic Cooperation in Davos

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

On January 20 in Davos, within the framework of the World Economic Forum (WEF), He Lifeng, Vice Premier of China, presented the country’s key economic messages, centered on expanding open markets, deepening multilateral cooperation, and supporting sustainable global economic growth.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international non-profit organization that annually convenes government leaders, senior officials from international organizations, as well as representatives of the business community and academic circles, to engage in dialogue on pressing global economic and political issues.

In his special address, He Lifeng stated that China will continue to advance the opening-up of its economy and further improve market access for foreign businesses. According to him, the country will pursue a policy of high-level openness, enhance alignment with international standards, and ensure equal conditions and competitive business environment for both domestic and foreign enterprises.

The Vice Premier emphasized that China’s development “does not pose a threat, but rather represents an opportunity” for the global economy. He noted that Beijing stands ready to expand imports, a step that would creat broader economic opportunities for international partners and contribute to balanced global growth.

He Lifeng also addressed the challenges confronting the global economy, stressing that dialogue and cooperation are essential alternatives to protectionism and economic isolation, and remain among the key prerequisites for maintaining global economic stability.

Within the same forum, other leaders also addressed issues related to China’s role in the global economy. In particular, French President Emmanuel Macron stated in his address in Davos that global economic competition requires clear rules and fair frameworks in order for the international economic system to remain stable and predictable.

In this context, he referred to China as one of the key actors in the global economy and spoke more broadly about risks that may arise in international markets as a result of state support and industrial policies. According to Macron, such factors can affect the fairness of competition and create additional pressure on European industries, highlighting the need for clearer and more consistently applied international economic rules.

The French president also stressed that the response to global economic challenges should not be confrontation, but policies based on dialogue, cooperation, and rules-based international frameworks, which he described as essential for ensuring fair and predictable global economic relations.

At the same forum, Børge Brende, the President and CEO of the World Economic Forum, emphasized that in conditions of global uncertainty, “dialogue is not a luxury in times of uncertainty, it is a necessity”. He underscored the importance of cooperation in the face of economic fragmentation and geopolitical tensions.

Meanwhile, according to information released by the World Economic Forum, the Davos meeting will be held from January 20 to 24 and is expected to bring together up to 3,000 participants from 130 countries and international organizations.

 

Source:

China Global Television Network

The World Economic Forum

CNBC-TV18 

Author: Mariam Simsive

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China accuses foreign forces of covertly stealing sensitive geospatial data

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

China’s Ministry of State Security says foreign forces are covertly attempting to obtain and transfer the country’s sensitive geographic data, warning that such actions pose a threat to China’s national security.

According to the ministry, so-called “anti-China hostile forces” are using various methods, including covert mapping activities and the illegal collection and transmission of data, to gain information about China’s terrain, natural resources, and critical infrastructure.

The ministry says such geospatial data plays a significant role in economic planning as well as military and logistical operations, which is why any leakage is considered a serious security risk. It also highlights inadequate data protection practices that increase the risk of unauthorized access by foreign actors.

In recent years, the Chinese authorities have tightened legislation and oversight related to data security. Officially, Beijing says these measures are necessary to protect national security and regulate the digital space.

The warning was reported by South China Morning Post, which notes that Beijing views geographic and spatial data as a strategic resource and considers control over it a key component of its security policy.

Such statements from China fit into a broader context and reflect rising tensions with Western countries, particularly the United States, in the fields of security and technology.

Source: South China Morning Post

Author: Mariam Simsive

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The United States Warns China Not to Expand Its Influence in Latin America

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

The United States has sent a clear message to China to refrain from strengthening its political and economic influence on the American continent. Reuters reports this in connection with a U.S. operation carried out in Venezuela, as a result of which Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were detained on January 3.

According to senior U.S. administration officials, the operation related to Venezuela is part of a broader strategy aimed at limiting the growing influence of China and Russia in Latin America. As Reuters notes, Washington views the region as a key area of its national security and considers the strengthening of any competing power there a strategic challenge.

The report states that the United States is particularly concerned about China’s expanding economic involvement in Latin America, including in the energy sector. In recent years, China has become one of Venezuela’s main economic partners, especially in terms of oil exports and financial support. According to U.S. officials, this cooperation provides Beijing not only with economic leverage but also with political influence in the region.

Reuters writes that the steps taken in Venezuela serve as a direct signal to China that the United States will not allow the consolidation of geopolitical forces in Latin America that run counter to its interests. Officials emphasize that this is not about a single country, but about the entire region, where Washington seeks to maintain the traditional balance of influence.

The tightening of the U.S. position comes amid China’s active expansion of economic ties with Latin American countries through infrastructure projects, loans, and energy cooperation. The American side views this process as a long-term challenge and states that it will counter such moves through both diplomatic and security instruments.

Source: Reuters

Author: Mariam Simsive

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China has joined talks between Thailand and Cambodia

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

China has joined talks to end the escalating military action between Thailand and Cambodia. Since early December, China has been actively involved in negotiations aimed at halting the intensified military conflict between the two nations. On December 23, the Foreign Ministry’s Special Representative for Asian Affairs, Deng Zijun, concluded a six-day visit to Thailand and Cambodia, reaffirming China’s interest and commitment to ending the military conflict and stabilizing relations between the parties. In addition to this direct visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held separate telephone conversations with the Cambodian and Thai foreign ministers last week. 

The dispute between Thailand and Cambodia regarding the territory surrounding the Preah Vihear Temple has been a source of conflict for decades and has escalated alarmingly since July 2025. Reporting indicates that the fighting has claimed at least 60 lives and displaced more than half a million people.

Importantly, this visit represents China’s proactive attempt to play a significant role in stabilizing relations among Southeast Asian states. This marks a departure from its traditional foreign policy, which has largely maintained a “silent” and neutral stance regarding the territorial disputes of other countries. In an official statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed deep sorrow over the devastating consequences of the military actions and the high number of casualties, calling on both countries to end the conflict immediately. Furthermore, China positively evaluated the active involvement of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the peace talks, emphasizing its readiness to facilitate conditions and provide a platform for dialogue and negotiations between the two sides. China remains hopeful that both Cambodia and Thailand will work to restore mutual trust and peace along the border.

Notably, the United States was also actively involved in negotiations to end the military conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Furthermore, in October, Donald Trump included the temporarily suspended military confrontation among the eight conflicts he claimed to have ended. However, shortly after this statement, the confrontation between Thailand and Cambodia escalated once again. In response to Trump’s assertion and the renewed military hostilities, China criticized the United States for its superficial approach. ChinaDaily was highly critical of America’s “transactional mediation,” emphasizing that, unlike the U.S., China’s involvement is aimed at addressing the root causes of the issue and establishing a long-term peace framework. Additionally, the article highlights that in a conflict characterized by complex historical sensitivities, few parties can gain the necessary trust for success. According to the article, China is one such party, capable of resolving this conflict as successfully as its mediation between Iran and Saudi Arabia last year.

Author: Mariam Kapanadze

China has joined talks between Thailand and Cambodia Read More »

China’s Reaction to the U.S.–Venezuela Maritime Tensions

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

The growing tensions between the United States, Venezuela, and China highlight the “gaps” present in the international system. The ongoing crisis between Venezuela and the U.S. demonstrates how far a major power can go in enforcing sanctions beyond its own jurisdiction.

The contentious issue is Washington’s expanded maritime policy, which targets energy shipments linked to sanctioned countries. The U.S. considers its actions a legitimate part of its sanctions policy, including the confiscation of oil tankers in international waters near Venezuela. Representatives of the U.S. National Security Council noted that these measures aim to halt the illicit transportation of sanctioned oil. Critics, however, argue that these measures further blur the line between law enforcement and de facto maritime coercion, which could have serious implications for international maritime law.

On December 22, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning U.S. actions and describing the confiscation of a tanker linked to China as a “serious violation of international law.” The official Beijing stated that it opposes such unilateral measures carried out without U.N. authorization. At the same time, China expressed support for Venezuela’s appeal to the U.N. Security Council, where Washington’s actions were called “unilateral bullying” and a violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.

For Beijing, the severity of the issue is linked not only to Venezuela but also to the precedent it sets. Chinese officials and analysts view this case as an example of how economic pressure can escalate into physical control over trade routes, a scenario that could be repeated in other waters in the future.

Although the precedent occurred directly in the Caribbean, it has sparked debates in East Asia as well. Analysts believe that measures taken against energy shipments today could be replicated in other regions in the future.

It is noteworthy that despite its dissatisfaction, China is not engaging in direct confrontation with the U.S. Instead, it is adapting to the situation through indirect means. Specifically, there are changes in procurement, insurance, and shipping strategies. These adjustments highlight the efforts of actors dependent on energy imports to ensure the resilience of supply chains amid geopolitical tensions.

Author: Nia Kokhreidze

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U.S. Unveils Largest-Ever Arms Package for Taiwan as China Pushes Back

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

China’s Ministry of Defense says Beijing will step up military drills and take “firm measures” to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, following the United States’ announcement of an $11.1 billion arms sale package for Taiwan. If approved, the deal would be the largest of its kind in the history of U.S.-Taiwan relations.

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, the proposed package includes eight different categories of weapons, among them HIMARS multiple rocket launch systems, howitzers, Javelin anti-tank missiles, Altius loitering munitions (so-called kamikaze drones), as well as spare parts for other military equipment.

The arms package still requires approval by the U.S. Congress. However, given Taiwan’s strong bipartisan support on Capitol Hill, the decision-making process is expected to face few obstacles.

In separate statements, the Pentagon stressed that the assistance is aimed at strengthening asymmetric defense capabilities, focusing on smaller, mobile, and technologically advanced systems. U.S. officials argue this approach is key to maintaining peace and stability in the region. Washington says the arms deliveries will help modernize Taiwan’s military and preserve “credible defensive capabilities,” aligning directly with U.S. national, economic, and security interests in countering China’s influence.

These priorities are also reflected in the U.S. National Security Strategy published earlier this month, which highlights Taiwan’s strategic importance as a geographic linchpin dividing Northeast and Southeast Asia into two distinct strategic zones.

Adding to regional tensions, Taiwan’s president announced last month that the island plans to allocate an additional $40 billion in defense spending between 2026 and 2033. President Lai Ching-te stated that “there is no room for compromise when it comes to national security.”

Meanwhile, despite concerns sparked by President Donald Trump’s deal-focused foreign policy and a planned visit to Chinese President Xi Jinping next year, developments on the ground suggest the opposite direction. Republicans are planning to increase arms sales to Taiwan to levels that would exceed even those seen during Trump’s first term. This is further reinforced by Trump’s signing of an annual defense policy bill worth nearly $1 trillion. The legislation allocates $1 billion to the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative and authorizes U.S. forces to continue military training activities on the island.

At the same time, Taiwan’s democratically elected government firmly rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, insisting that decisions about the island’s future belong solely to the Taiwanese people. China, however, continues to refuse talks with President Lai, labeling him a “separatist,” and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over Taiwan.

Author: Sesili Adamia

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China supports Venezuela against US

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

Earlier this week, the US imposed a full blockade on all sanctioned oil tankers in Venezuelan waters. In addition, Washington has mobilized warships and troops in the region. According to Trump, the US is trying to limit Venezuela’s main sources of income in order to stop terrorism, drug smuggling, and trafficking.

On Wednesday, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil spoke by phone with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at his request. Beijing said it opposes “unilateral oppression” and supports the maintenance of territorial sovereignty and national dignity. Wang Yi did not mention the US or Trump in the phone call, although the minister said China opposes this violation of the UN Charter. Asked at a regular briefing on Thursday what role China would play in the ongoing conflict, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Beijing supports Venezuela’s request for an immediate Council meeting. Wang Yi did not comment on any future aid plans for Venezuela.

At the same time, Beijing is making great efforts to cooperate with its most important trading partner, the United States. After a long trade war, Trump and Xi Jinping reached a consensus in October to resolve the problems. Accordingly, when asked at the briefing about relations between Washington and Beijing, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson did not make a statement.

According to Tom Harper, a lecturer of international relations at the University of East London, China benefits from cooperation with Venezuela, while America’s dominance in Latin America, where China has been expanding its interests for the past 25 years, is detrimental. Caracas and Beijing have supported a multipolar international order since the rule of Hugo Chavez, which has been widely shared with Beijing’s growing political and economic power. China is one of the largest buyers of Venezuelan crude oil, accounting for 4% of China’s imports. In addition, China has opened credit lines to Venezuela under an oil-for-loans agreement. During his meeting with Xi Jinping in Moscow, Maduro called for further strengthening of trade and energy cooperation between the two countries.

Venezuela’s oil is important to China, which has recently been trying to diversify its natural resources to maintain its leadership in the production of cheap manufacturing and become independent from Middle Eastern oil. Trump’s military threat against Venezuela may be aimed at reducing China’s influence. It is also unclear whether China’s goal is to protect Latin America from the US. China’s ties to South American countries are linked to its political agenda, with China having persuaded El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras in recent years to renounce diplomatic recognition of Taiwan. China is driven by economic interests in the region and has been reluctant to form formal alliances with them. This attitude is likely to complicate relations between China and other countries in the region in times of crisis.

Author: Mariam Sanadze

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Jimmy Lai faces a possible life sentence

Newswire, ერთი ახალი ამბავი / /

Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy activist, was arrested in 2020 under a national security law imposed after the massive anti-government pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The law introduced 39 new national security crimes in addition to the already existing national security law imposed by Beijing on Hong Kong. Beijing and Hong Kong authorities depicted the law as essential for restoring the city’s stability after the 2019 protests, but democratic organizations and politicians have deemed it a tool to restrict any form of dissent in the future.

After this law came into effect, several civil society groups ceased functioning, and dozens of political opponents either emigrated to other countries or were jailed, as in the case of Jimmy Lai. Jimmy Lai was one of the first and most prominent figures arrested under the national security law. Since 2020, he has spent more than 1,800 days in a maximum-security prison, mostly in solitary confinement. 

When he was being arrested, police officers also raided Apple Daily’s office. The following year, authorities also arrested senior executives of Apple Daily under the national security law and froze $2.3 million of its assets, which eventually led to the shutdown of the newspaper. It was founded by Jimmy Lai in 1995, after the 1989 Tiananmen Crackdown, and published critical, pro-democracy articles, becoming one of the voices at the forefront of the protests. 

In 2022, Jimmy Lai was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison on charges of fraud. And this Monday, after a prolonged trial, a Hong Kong court convicted Jimmy Lai of national security offences, and he could face life in prison for “orchestrating conspiracies to encourage foreign governments to take action against Hong Kong or China”.

In the 885-page verdict, Jimmy Lai was accused of making “constant invitations” to the U.S and other foreign powers to act against China “under the guise of fighting for freedom and democracy”. Prosecutors cited specific examples, including calls for U.S sanctions against China and a New York Times opinion piece in which Jimmy Lai advocated for revoking student visas for the children of government officials as one of the means to punish China for its repression of Hong Kong. Beijing has called Lai “an agent and pawn of anti-China foreign forces”.  Prosecutors also highlighted Lai’s foreign contacts and his meetings with former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and then-Vice President Mike Pence during the 2019 protests.

US President Donald Trump said he had asked Chinese leader Xi Jinping to consider releasing Jimmy Lai, a request that is believed to have been made during their meeting in South Korea. The U.K. also called for the immediate release of Jimmy Lie, who holds British citizenship, and called Monday’s ruling “politically motivated persecution”. Several human rights groups and organizations have deemed this verdict as vivid proof of the deterioration of press freedom in Hong Kong. This decline is also reflected in global press freedom rankings, with Hong Kong falling to 140th place worldwide, according to Reporters Without Borders.

Author: Salome Markhvashvili

Jimmy Lai faces a possible life sentence Read More »

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