Trump has prioritized breaking China’s stranglehold on the global supply of rare earths ever since the world’s number two economy sharply restricted who could buy them after the United States imposed widespread tariffs last spring. The Trump administration has invested hundreds of millions of dollars and even taken stakes in several companies. Now the president is again pitching the idea that wresting control of Greenland away from Denmark could solve the problem.
mandag 12. januar 2026
Greenland’s harsh environment and lack of infrastructure have prevented rare earth mining
Greenland’s harsh environment, lack of key infrastructure and difficult geology have so far prevented anyone from building a mine to extract the sought-after rare earth elements that many high-tech products require. Even if President Donald Trump prevails in his effort to take control of the Arctic island, those challenges won’t go away.
Trump has prioritized breaking China’s stranglehold on the global supply of rare earths ever since the world’s number two economy sharply restricted who could buy them after the United States imposed widespread tariffs last spring. The Trump administration has invested hundreds of millions of dollars and even taken stakes in several companies. Now the president is again pitching the idea that wresting control of Greenland away from Denmark could solve the problem.
Trump has prioritized breaking China’s stranglehold on the global supply of rare earths ever since the world’s number two economy sharply restricted who could buy them after the United States imposed widespread tariffs last spring. The Trump administration has invested hundreds of millions of dollars and even taken stakes in several companies. Now the president is again pitching the idea that wresting control of Greenland away from Denmark could solve the problem.
China and EU agree on steps to resolve EV imports dispute
China and the European Union said Monday they have agreed on steps toward resolving their dispute over the bloc’s imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles. A “guidance document” released by the EU on Monday gives instructions for Chinese EV manufacturers on making price offers for battery EVs, including minimum import prices and other details. The EU had imposed tariffs of up to 35.3% on Chinese EV imports in 2024 following an anti-subsidy investigation.
The EU said that minimum import prices must be set at a level “appropriate to remove the injurious effects of the subsidization.” Chinese EV manufacturers’ plans for investments within the EU will also be considered, it said.
“The European market is open to electric vehicles from all around the world, provided that they have come here according to that level playing field,” said European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill. “If those conditions are met, then we can look at price undertakings in a serious way.”
The EU said that minimum import prices must be set at a level “appropriate to remove the injurious effects of the subsidization.” Chinese EV manufacturers’ plans for investments within the EU will also be considered, it said.
“The European market is open to electric vehicles from all around the world, provided that they have come here according to that level playing field,” said European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill. “If those conditions are met, then we can look at price undertakings in a serious way.”
India and China Woo Neighbors With Naval Power
India is set to deploy naval vessels for training in Southeast Asia, following a similar move by its military rival, China, as both powers strengthen ties with regional nations. India's Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday that four ships assigned to the First Training Squadron will be sent on a long-range mission as part of an officers' training course, during which they are scheduled to visit Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.
As part of efforts to sustain its military presence overseas, China, which operates the world's largest navy, deployed three vessels for "far-sea comprehensive training" from November 15 to December 22, making port calls in Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.
As part of efforts to sustain its military presence overseas, China, which operates the world's largest navy, deployed three vessels for "far-sea comprehensive training" from November 15 to December 22, making port calls in Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.
China Stages Naval War Game With BRICS Allies
China and its allies in BRICS—a group the East Asian power formed with 10 other countries, including Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa—staged a naval exercise on Friday to enhance their ability to safeguard trade routes and economic activities at sea.
The multilateral drill, code-named "Will for Peace 2026" and scheduled to conclude on January 16, was led by China and conducted in South African waters. It focuses on joint maritime safety operations, interoperability drills and maritime protection serials.
The Chinese military said the war game aims to further deepen cooperation among participating nations and enhance their ability to tackle maritime threats jointly.
The multilateral drill, code-named "Will for Peace 2026" and scheduled to conclude on January 16, was led by China and conducted in South African waters. It focuses on joint maritime safety operations, interoperability drills and maritime protection serials.
The Chinese military said the war game aims to further deepen cooperation among participating nations and enhance their ability to tackle maritime threats jointly.
China Reacts to Trump’s Subtle Warning to Xi
China's Foreign Ministry has responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's statement that he'd be "very unhappy" if Beijing attacked Taiwan.
"Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. How to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese ourselves," ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters at a Friday news conference. "This is China's internal affair that brooks no external interference."
Taiwan's government, officially the Republic of China, fled the Chinese mainland after its defeat by communist forces in 1949 and functions as a sovereign state with its own elected government, military and diplomatic relations.
"Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. How to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese ourselves," ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters at a Friday news conference. "This is China's internal affair that brooks no external interference."
Taiwan's government, officially the Republic of China, fled the Chinese mainland after its defeat by communist forces in 1949 and functions as a sovereign state with its own elected government, military and diplomatic relations.
How China Is Using AI To Win Future Wars
China is accelerating its push to integrate artificial intelligence into military operations, aiming to gain a decisive edge over the United States in the event of a future Pacific conflict with its strategic rival—such as over Taiwan. U.S. officials warn that Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to be capable of moving against the island democracy by 2027.
Analysts say Beijing aims to boost the PLA’s capabilities, using AI to enhance battlefield awareness and decision-making, while leveraging advances from civilian sectors into military applications through its well-established civil-military fusion pipeline.
Experts caution that achievements such as drone swarms could gradually erode U.S. naval and air dominance in the region.
Analysts say Beijing aims to boost the PLA’s capabilities, using AI to enhance battlefield awareness and decision-making, while leveraging advances from civilian sectors into military applications through its well-established civil-military fusion pipeline.
Experts caution that achievements such as drone swarms could gradually erode U.S. naval and air dominance in the region.
søndag 11. januar 2026
Torbjørn Færøvik: How Presidents Fall - Elections, Illness, and the Constitution
My dear neighbor says she’s burning to throw a sponge cake in Donald Trump’s face. I warn her against doing so. She makes the best sponge cakes imaginable, with loads of cream and fresh strawberries on top. And he doesn’t deserve that. Give the cake to me instead!
Earlier I wrote about the possibility of sending Trump to where the pepper grows. But do we really wish India and Indonesia such harm? Surely we can show at least a little mercy, even in difficult times.
So what options do we have—or more precisely, what options do Americans have—to remove Trump?
How Will China’s New Export Controls Impact Japan?
Tensions between China and Japan have entered a new and more volatile phase following Beijing’s decision to impose export controls on certain dual-use goods destined for Japan.
On January 6, China prohibited dual-use goods, including some rare earth elements, from being exported to Japan with immediate effect, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce. Duel-use goods are technologies, products, or software with both military and civilian uses. They include advanced materials, precision machinery, semiconductors, and chemical components that are essential to modern economies but can also enhance military capabilities.
By restricting such exports to Japan, China is signaling its willingness to weaponize its dominant position in certain supply chains. This is particularly significant given the deep economic interdependence between the two countries: China is Japan’s largest trading partner, and Japanese firms remain deeply embedded in Chinese manufacturing and technology ecosystems.
On January 6, China prohibited dual-use goods, including some rare earth elements, from being exported to Japan with immediate effect, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce. Duel-use goods are technologies, products, or software with both military and civilian uses. They include advanced materials, precision machinery, semiconductors, and chemical components that are essential to modern economies but can also enhance military capabilities.
By restricting such exports to Japan, China is signaling its willingness to weaponize its dominant position in certain supply chains. This is particularly significant given the deep economic interdependence between the two countries: China is Japan’s largest trading partner, and Japanese firms remain deeply embedded in Chinese manufacturing and technology ecosystems.
Britain is in talks with NATO to counter Russia and China in the Arctic
Britain is discussing with NATO allies how it can help beef up security in the Arctic to counter threats from Russia and China, a government minister said Sunday. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the talks are “business as usual” rather than a response to recent threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to take over Greenland.
Trump said Friday that he would like to make a deal to acquire Greenland, a semiautonomous region of NATO ally Denmark, to prevent Russia or China from taking it over. “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” Trump said Friday.
Greenland, with a population of around 57,000, is defended by Denmark, whose military is dwarfed by that of the U.S., which has a military base on the island. Denmark’s prime minister has warned that a takeover would threaten NATO. The U.K. agrees with Trump that Russia and China are increasingly becoming more competitive in the Arctic Circle, Alexander said.
Trump said Friday that he would like to make a deal to acquire Greenland, a semiautonomous region of NATO ally Denmark, to prevent Russia or China from taking it over. “We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not,” Trump said Friday.
Greenland, with a population of around 57,000, is defended by Denmark, whose military is dwarfed by that of the U.S., which has a military base on the island. Denmark’s prime minister has warned that a takeover would threaten NATO. The U.K. agrees with Trump that Russia and China are increasingly becoming more competitive in the Arctic Circle, Alexander said.
Myanmar: Second phase of vote opens in junta-run election
The second phase of a military-run election in Myanmar began on Sunday.The general election is the first to be held in Myanmar in five years after the country's powerful army — known as The Tatmadaw — grabbed power in 2021. The coup deposed the government of pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been in prison ever since.
Democracy watchdogs, as well as the US, EU and other Western powers, has dismissed the election — which is being held in the shadow of a brutal civil war — as a sham designed to entrench the military's rule under General Min Aung Hlaing.
Democracy watchdogs, as well as the US, EU and other Western powers, has dismissed the election — which is being held in the shadow of a brutal civil war — as a sham designed to entrench the military's rule under General Min Aung Hlaing.
For Germany and India, forging closer ties won't be easy
Top German politicians have a new favorite travel destination: India. Following the recent visit by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Chancellor Friedrich Merz is heading to New Delhi on Sunday with a larger delegation.
The reasons for Germany's heightened interest in the world's most populous country (India has about 1.45 billion people) are both economic and geopolitical: According to a prognosis from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development , the Indian economy will grow significantly more than China's this year. Germany, meanwhile, has been stuck in recession for almost three years.
Germany is also desperately looking for skilled workers — and is finding more and more of them in India. Meanwhile, Indians have become the largest group of foreign students at German universities.
The reasons for Germany's heightened interest in the world's most populous country (India has about 1.45 billion people) are both economic and geopolitical: According to a prognosis from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development , the Indian economy will grow significantly more than China's this year. Germany, meanwhile, has been stuck in recession for almost three years.
Germany is also desperately looking for skilled workers — and is finding more and more of them in India. Meanwhile, Indians have become the largest group of foreign students at German universities.
lørdag 10. januar 2026
Taiwan conflict ‘catastrophic’ for China: US report
Conflict with Taiwan could leave China with “massive economic disruption, catastrophic military losses, significant social unrest, and devastating sanctions,” a US think tank said in a report released on Monday. The German Marshall Fund released a report titled If China Attacks Taiwan: The Consequences for China of “Minor Conflict” and “Major War” Scenarios.
The report details the “massive” economic, military, social and international costs to China in the event of a minor conflict or major war with Taiwan, estimating that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could sustain losses of more than half of its active-duty ground forces, including 100,000 troops.
The report details the “massive” economic, military, social and international costs to China in the event of a minor conflict or major war with Taiwan, estimating that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) could sustain losses of more than half of its active-duty ground forces, including 100,000 troops.
Trump Gives China a Propaganda Win in Latin America
The Trump administration's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife after a lightning raid early Saturday morning and its ensuing push to assert control over the country is a reminder of Washington’s determination to assert its interests in its hemisphere while serving to sideline its Chinese rival—at least for now—one analyst says.
Since the attack, which Venezuelan officials say killed at least 80 people, including civilians, President Donald Trump has threatened further action if the new acting leader, Maduro’s former No. 2 Delcy Rodriguez, does not cooperate with a range of U.S. priorities, including building out oil infrastructure.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials have also made it clear U.S. officials insist the move is not about seizing Venezuela’s vast petroleum reserves but about keeping the country free from the control of U.S. adversaries, including longtime Venezuelan partners such as China, Russia and Iran.
Since the attack, which Venezuelan officials say killed at least 80 people, including civilians, President Donald Trump has threatened further action if the new acting leader, Maduro’s former No. 2 Delcy Rodriguez, does not cooperate with a range of U.S. priorities, including building out oil infrastructure.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials have also made it clear U.S. officials insist the move is not about seizing Venezuela’s vast petroleum reserves but about keeping the country free from the control of U.S. adversaries, including longtime Venezuelan partners such as China, Russia and Iran.
Beijing’s long game in a post-Maduro Venezuela
The capture of Nicolás Maduro by American special forces has provided the world with its most jarring image of the new Washington realism. For the Trump administration, the pre-dawn raid in Caracas is a matter of law enforcement and hemispheric security. For Beijing, the event is being framed not through the lens of a personal rivalry but as a defining moment for the international order.
While the immediate reaction from the Chinese foreign ministry was a predictable condemnation of “hegemonic acts,” a closer look at China’s behavior reveals a response that is strikingly pragmatic and legally focused.China is currently performing a delicate diplomatic balancing act. It has signaled that its primary interest is not the restoration of a fallen strongman but the preservation of a stable, predictable global system in which sovereignty remains the ultimate currency.
While the immediate reaction from the Chinese foreign ministry was a predictable condemnation of “hegemonic acts,” a closer look at China’s behavior reveals a response that is strikingly pragmatic and legally focused.China is currently performing a delicate diplomatic balancing act. It has signaled that its primary interest is not the restoration of a fallen strongman but the preservation of a stable, predictable global system in which sovereignty remains the ultimate currency.
What Stephen Miller Gets Wrong About Human Nature
If you want to know a political leader’s governing philosophy, you could cut through a lot of bluster by just asking them who their guy is: John Locke or Thomas Hobbes? Anyone who’s taken Poli Sci 101 will understand what this means. The 17th-century philosophers each offered a picture of human nature in its rawest form, and they came to different conclusions. Locke, whose ideas were central to the birth of modern democracy, thought that people were capable of reason and moral judgment. Hobbes, on the other hand, believed that we were vicious creatures who needed to be protected from ourselves by a powerful king. Whether a leader is Lockean or Hobbesian really does set the table for the kind of government they want.
Farewell, forever wars, hello empire? The week that changed the world
In January 1899, the American gunboat USS Wilmington set out on an expedition to Venezuela, steaming up the Orinoco River toward the country’s interior. On board was an American diplomat, Francis Loomis, the US envoy to Venezuela. The mission was to show the flag, explore commercial opportunities – including routes to supply gold-mining operations – and display a little firepower.
An article in Naval History described how Loomis liked to demonstrate the ship’s Colt machine guns to local officials.
“This gun, firing some 500 shots a minute, produced a vivid impression here,” Loomis wrote in a report. “I made a point of having this gun fired anytime there were any army officials on board.”
An article in Naval History described how Loomis liked to demonstrate the ship’s Colt machine guns to local officials.
“This gun, firing some 500 shots a minute, produced a vivid impression here,” Loomis wrote in a report. “I made a point of having this gun fired anytime there were any army officials on board.”
fredag 9. januar 2026
Torbjørn Færøvik: En bløtkake midt i fleisen stanser ikke Donald Trump. Men hva annet kan gjøre det?
Min elskverdige nabo sier hun brenner etter å kaste en bløtkake i fleisen på Donald Trump. Selv advarer jeg henne mot å gjøre det. Hun lager nemlig de beste bløtkaker som tenkes kan, med masse krem og friske jordbær på toppen. Og det fortjener han ikke. Gi heller bløtkaken til meg!
Tidligere har jeg skrevet om muligheten av å sende Trump dit peppern gror. Men vil vi folket i India og Indonesia så vondt? Litt barmhjertighet må vi da kunne vise, selv om vi lever i en vanskelig tid.
Så hvilke muligheter har vi, eller mer presist amerikanerne, til å fjerne Trump?
US has right to take over any country for its resources: Miller
“Belligerent” was how one Democratic lawmaker described a diatribe given by top White House adviser Stephen Miller on CNN Monday evening regarding the Trump administration’s right to take over Venezuela – or any other country – if doing so is in the interest of the US.
To Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), however, Miller was simply providing viewers with “a very good definition of imperialism” as he described the worldview the administration is operating under as it takes control of Venezuela and eyes other countries, including Greenland, that it believes it can and should invade.
“This is what imperialism is all about,” Sanders told CNN‘s Jake Tapper. “And I suspect that people all over the world are saying, ‘Wow, we’re going back to where we were 100 years ago, or 50 years ago, where the big, powerful countries were exploiting poorer countries for their natural resources.’”
To Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), however, Miller was simply providing viewers with “a very good definition of imperialism” as he described the worldview the administration is operating under as it takes control of Venezuela and eyes other countries, including Greenland, that it believes it can and should invade.
“This is what imperialism is all about,” Sanders told CNN‘s Jake Tapper. “And I suspect that people all over the world are saying, ‘Wow, we’re going back to where we were 100 years ago, or 50 years ago, where the big, powerful countries were exploiting poorer countries for their natural resources.’”
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