Xi Jinping Meets with Grenada Prime Minister
On the morning of January 13, President Xi Jinping met with Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Mitchell extended sincere condolences to the Chinese government and people for the earthquake in Dingri, Tibet. Xi Jinping expressed his gratitude, noting that the earthquake occurred in a high-altitude area in southwest China, and that China completed rescue and temporary resettlement in the shortest possible time and would also commence reconstruction promptly. He stated that the Chinese government is confident and capable of achieving victory in earthquake relief. Xi Jinping pointed out that in recent years, China-Grenada relations have developed steadily, with mutual respect and equal treatment, continuously consolidated political mutual trust, fruitful practical cooperation in various fields, and deepening people-to-people friendship. China is willing to work with Grenada to strengthen the synergy of their development strategies, promote more fruitful China-Grenada cooperation, and better benefit the people of both countries. Xi Jinping emphasized that maintaining and developing China-Grenada relations serves the fundamental interests of both countries and their peoples. Both sides should summarize the successful experience of the past 20 years since the resumption of diplomatic ties and draw a new blueprint for the long-term, high-level development of China-Grenada relations. China supports Grenada in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and is willing to strengthen exchanges of governance experience with Grenada and deepen friendly exchanges in various fields. China's development will bring new development opportunities to all countries, including Grenada, and China is willing to provide assistance for Grenada's economic and social development within the framework of South-South cooperation, creating new highlights in bilateral cooperation in areas such as new energy, green and low-carbon development, and the digital economy. China supports Grenada in enhancing its capacity to address climate change and prevent and mitigate disasters, and is willing to continue promoting the international community's attention to the concerns and demands of small island developing states on climate change issues. Both sides should also strengthen personnel exchanges and enhance cooperation in culture, education, tourism, and other fields to further promote people-to-people bonds. China advocates an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalization, and is willing to work with Grenada to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Xi Jinping noted that China has always attached great importance to its relations with Caribbean countries and is willing to continue providing assistance within its capacity for the economic and social development of countries in the region, deepening the comprehensive cooperative partnership between the two sides. Mitchell thanked China for its timely assistance after Grenada was hit by a super hurricane in July last year. Mitchell stated that Grenada-China relations have deepened over the past 20 years. Grenada firmly adheres to the One-China principle, and China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. Grenada has benefited greatly from its relationship with China and looks forward to continuously strengthening cooperation with China. The Communist Party of China adheres to a people-centered development philosophy, leading China to achieve great development achievements and setting an example for developing countries. Grenada is willing to learn from China's experience in governance. China is a leader of the Global South, consistently upholding the equality of all countries, regardless of size, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, acting consistently in international affairs, and playing an increasingly important role. Grenada is willing to stand firmly with China, implement the three major global initiatives, and safeguard world peace and stability. Wang Yi attended the meeting.
Li Qiang Holds Welcoming Ceremony for Grenada Prime Minister
On the afternoon of the 13th, Premier Li Qiang held a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing for Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell's official visit to China. State Councilor and Secretary-General of the State Council Wu Zhenglong and others attended the welcoming ceremony. The military band played the national anthems of Grenada and China. Afterwards, Li Qiang accompanied Mitchell to review the Guard of Honor of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.
Li Qiang Holds Talks with Grenada Prime Minister
Following the welcoming ceremony, Li Qiang held talks with Mitchell. Li Qiang stated that over the past 20 years since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Grenada, both sides have always treated each other with mutual respect and equality, maintained close high-level exchanges, and continuously expanded practical cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries. President Xi Jinping's meeting with Prime Minister Mitchell has drawn a new blueprint for the deepened development of China-Grenada relations in the next stage. China is willing to work with Grenada to maintain the sound momentum of bilateral relations, consolidate political mutual trust, firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, continuously expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and promote bilateral relations to a new level. Li Qiang pointed out that China is willing to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with Grenada, guided by high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, deepen traditional areas of cooperation such as agriculture, infrastructure construction, and medical and health care, and actively explore creating more cooperation highlights in emerging fields such as new energy, the digital economy, and the blue economy. Both sides should continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in tourism, culture, education, media, and other fields. China is willing to help Grenada and other Caribbean countries enhance their capacity to address climate change. China is willing to work with Grenada to promote the continuous deepening and practical implementation of the building of a community with a shared future between China and Latin America and the Caribbean, jointly safeguard the interests of the Global South, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Mitchell stated that Grenada highly appreciates China's adherence to the principles of mutual respect and equality in developing state-to-state relations and will continue to firmly uphold the One-China principle. Grenada supports the three major global initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping and is willing to learn from China's governance experience, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation and multilateral coordination with China in areas such as economy, trade, humanities, and climate change, and promote the continuous deep development of bilateral relations. After the talks, the two prime ministers jointly witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas such as Belt and Road cooperation, economy, trade, and green development. Wu Zhenglong attended the above events.
Zhao Leji Meets with Grenada Prime Minister
Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met with Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell in Beijing on the afternoon of January 13. Zhao Leji stated that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Grenada. President Xi Jinping met with Prime Minister Mitchell this morning (January 13) and together drew a new blueprint for the development of China-Grenada relations in the new era. China is willing to work with Grenada to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, be good friends with shared aspirations, companions on the path of common development, and good partners through thick and thin, to better benefit the people of both countries. The National People's Congress of China is willing to maintain friendly exchanges with the Parliament of Grenada, strengthen exchanges of experience in legislation, supervision, and governance, and create a sound legal environment and consolidate the public opinion foundation for deepening friendly cooperation between the two countries. Mitchell stated that Grenada attaches great importance to developing relations with China, firmly adheres to the One-China principle, is willing to learn from China's successful development experience, deepen cooperation with China in various fields, strengthen exchanges between legislative bodies, and achieve common development. Ding Zhongli attended the meeting. On the morning of January 13, Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell visited Tiananmen Square and laid a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes.
Zhao Leji Meets with Kazakh Senate Speaker
On the morning of the 13th, Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, met with Speaker of the Senate of Kazakhstan Maulen Ashimbayev in Beijing. Zhao Leji stated that China and Kazakhstan are good neighbors who stand together, good friends who highly trust each other, and good partners who achieve each other's success. Last year, President Xi Jinping and President Tokayev made new arrangements and plans to promote China-Kazakhstan relations to a higher level, broader scope, and deeper层次. China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to implement the important consensus of the two heads of state and promote new progress in the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership. He expressed hope that the legislative bodies of the two countries will strengthen exchanges and cooperation to provide legal guarantees for the joint construction of the "Belt and Road" and practical cooperation in various fields between the two countries. Ashimbayev stated that under the guidance of the two heads of state, Kazakhstan-China relations have entered a "golden period" of rapid development. The Senate of Kazakhstan is willing to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning with the National People's Congress of China in areas such as legislation and play an active role for legislative bodies in deepening bilateral relations. Hao Mingjin attended the meeting.
Wang Huning Meets with Kazakh Senate Speaker
Wang Huning, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), met with Maulen Ashimbayev, Speaker of the Senate of Kazakhstan, in Beijing on the 13th. Wang Huning stated that China and Kazakhstan have always upheld the principles of mutual respect, good-neighborliness, solidarity, and mutual benefit. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Tokayev, China-Kazakhstan relations have entered a "fast lane" of development, and cooperation in various fields has pressed the "accelerator button." China is willing to work with Kazakhstan, guided by the consensus of the two heads of state, to elevate China-Kazakhstan relations to a new level in the new year. The National Committee of the CPPCC is willing to strengthen exchanges and interactions with relevant Kazakh institutions to better serve their respective national development and the development of bilateral relations. Ashimbayev stated that Kazakhstan highly identifies with the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind. The Senate of Kazakhstan is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with the National Committee of the CPPCC to jointly promote the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, and make positive contributions to the development of bilateral relations. Shi Taifeng, Wang Dongfeng, and others attended the meeting.
National Science and Technology Work Conference Held in Beijing; Ding Xuexiang Attends and Speaks
The National Science and Technology Work Conference was held in Beijing on the 13th. Ding Xuexiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Central Science and Technology Commission, attended the conference and delivered a speech. Ding Xuexiang pointed out that the 20th CPC National Congress clearly proposed building a strong scientific and technological nation by 2035, and General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the National Science and Technology Conference, making important arrangements for science and technology work in the new era and on the new journey. We must deeply understand the decisive significance of the "Two Establishes," strengthen the "Four Consciousnesses," firm up the "Four Confidences," and achieve the "Two Maintenances," further unify our thinking, understanding, and actions, solidly promote the construction of a strong scientific and technological nation, and turn the grand blueprint into reality step by step. Ding Xuexiang emphasized that it is necessary to accurately grasp the overall layout of China's scientific and technological work, adhere to the national "one game of chess," strengthen the management of major scientific and technological projects with clear division of responsibilities, and carry out key core technology breakthroughs with a new nationwide system. We must spare no effort in organizing and implementing major scientific and technological tasks, strengthen the building of national strategic scientific and technological forces, and enhance the capacity for systematic breakthroughs. We must promote the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, improve the multi-level science and technology financial service system, and build a system and mechanism that supports comprehensive innovation. We must strengthen central-local coordination and build high-level international and regional science and technology innovation centers. We must deepen scientific and technological open cooperation and build mutually beneficial scientific and technological partnerships. Science and technology management cadres should improve their political ability and professional level, combine enthusiasm for work with a scientific attitude, and creatively implement the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee. Responsible comrades in charge of science and technology work from various provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, relevant departments and units of central and state organs, and representatives from the scientific and technological community attended the conference.
Publicity Department Urges Media to Organize 2025 "New Year基层" Activities
Recently, the Publicity Department of the Central Committee issued a notice requiring all localities and news units to closely adhere to the general tone of strengthening confidence, gathering popular support, and warming hearts, carefully organize and carry out the "Spring Festival Go to the Grassroots" activity, mobilize a large number of journalists to go deep into the grassroots for interviews, continuously enhance their legwork, eyesight, brainpower, and writing skills, thoroughly publicize the remarkable achievements in high-quality economic and social development in various regions, fully display the vibrant and joyful scenes of the motherland and the people celebrating the Spring Festival, and actively create a festive atmosphere full of vitality, joy, and harmony. The notice emphasized that major news units at the central and provincial levels, as well as their new media platforms, should uniformly set up a "Spring Festival Go to the Grassroots" column on important pages/time slots and on the homepage/first screen of their new media platforms, launching high-quality works that are vital and empathetic, making news reports lively, plain, and rich, truly narrowing the distance with the public, and achieving effective communication.
China's Goods Trade Imports and Exports Grow 5% in 2024, Concluding Year with Strong Foreign Trade
Today (January 13), the State Council Information Office held a press conference on the "Achievements of China's High-Quality Economic Development" series. Relevant officials from the General Administration of Customs introduced the overall foreign trade performance for last year. In 2024, China's import and export of goods trade reached a new high. According to customs statistics, in 2024, China's total import and export value of goods trade was 43.85 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 5%. Among them, exports reached 25.45 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 7.1%; imports reached 18.39 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.3%. Since a package of incremental policies and measures to promote stable foreign trade growth was introduced in September last year, it has effectively driven foreign trade in the fourth quarter to a record quarterly high of 11.51 trillion yuan, with the growth rate increasing by 0.4 percentage points compared to the third quarter. Especially in December, the import and export scale exceeded 4 trillion yuan for the first time, and the growth rate increased to 6.8%, marking a successful conclusion for the whole year's foreign trade. In 2024, China's market diversification steadily advanced. China's total imports and exports with Belt and Road participating countries reached 22.07 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.4%, accounting for 50.3% of China's total import and export value. Among them, imports and exports with ASEAN reached 6.99 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9%, making them each other's largest trading partner for five consecutive years. During the same period, China's imports and exports with the EU and the US increased by 1.6% and 4.9% year-on-year, respectively.
China's Auto Production and Sales Reach New High in 2024
The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers today (January 13) released the latest data, showing that China's automobile production and sales both exceeded 31 million units in 2024, reaching another historical high. Among them, automobile exports reached 5.859 million units, a year-on-year increase of 19.3%, further solidifying China's position as the largest automobile exporter. The latest data also shows that in 2024, China's new energy vehicle production and sales reached 12.888 million and 12.866 million units respectively, a year-on-year increase of 34.4% and 35.5%. New energy vehicle sales accounted for 40.9% of total new car sales. The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers stated that China introduced a series of combined policies in 2024, especially the "trade-in" program for automobiles, which significantly boosted automobile consumption.
Earthquake Relief Efforts Intensify to Ensure Livelihoods of Affected People
The earthquake relief efforts for the 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Dingri County, Tibet, are being intensified, with all parties fully coordinating the temporary and transitional resettlement work and accelerating the restoration of production and life in the disaster-stricken area. Today (January 13), strong winds and temperature drops hit the epicenter, and all parties are racing against time to accelerate the construction of prefabricated houses. As of 6 PM yesterday, a total of 2,198 sets of prefabricated houses had been built in the disaster area. Reporters visited Quluo Township in Dingri County, which was severely affected. Residents from four villages have successively moved into the prefabricated houses, which are equipped with electricity and heating facilities. Water supply and internet access are expected to be fully restored within two to three days. Currently, additional warehouses have been set up in the disaster area, storing over 160,000 blankets, over 40,000 heating devices such as stoves, over 50,000 kilograms of staple food, 139 tons of meat, and 486 tons of vegetables and fruits to meet the living needs of the affected people. The Ministry of Emergency Management has coordinated a total of 103 teams and over 2,300 personnel from central state-owned enterprises, state-owned enterprises, and social forces, along with 1,123 sets of various types of equipment, to accelerate post-disaster reconstruction work. The Tibet Military Command has dispatched over 1,200 officers and soldiers, clearing over 1,500 square meters of debris and disinfecting over 29,000 square meters. In Cuoguo Township, Dingri County, a newly built "tent school" by the Tibet Military Command opened today. Since the earthquake, various forces from central to local levels have provided assistance to the earthquake-stricken area, ensuring the powerful, orderly, and effective conduct of earthquake relief work. Currently, 407 people have been rescued, and over 47,500 people have been properly resettled.
News Feature: Go For It! Tashi Delek!
Currently, Gadang Village in Changsuo Township, Dingri County, Tibet, which was severely affected, has entered the transitional resettlement phase, with post-disaster recovery and reconstruction progressing simultaneously. The laughter of children has also returned to the village. Upon entering the village, we were drawn to a group of children playing football. This simple football field was built by rescue workers using local materials for the children. To provide a place for children to play after the disaster, the rescue team not only built a football field but also set up a small art studio, which has become the children's favorite place in the resettlement area. During the drawing process, we noticed that all the children's paintings were, without exception, related to their recent experiences; they drew the people and events that left the deepest impression on them in recent days. The children also showed great curiosity towards the reporters. They followed us wherever we went, and some even asked us to teach them how to shoot. The children expressed their wishes to our cameras. Before leaving, the child who had just learned how to shoot with us volunteered to record this scene.
Domestic News Briefs
The nation takes multiple measures to cultivate and strengthen the data labeling industry. Today (January 13), the National Development and Reform Commission, the National Data Administration, and other departments issued the "Implementation Opinions on Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Data Labeling Industry," systematically planning the data labeling industry for the first time from 13 aspects. China will leverage its massive data scale and rich application scenarios to deepen the application of artificial intelligence in urban governance, intelligent manufacturing, and other fields. The state approved and released a batch of high-quality and high-yield new crop varieties. Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs announced a new batch of national variety approvals. Among them, 251 rice varieties were rated as high-quality Grade 2 or above, accounting for 57%; a batch of high-density new corn varieties were approved, increasing planting density by 1,000 plants per mu; and four high-oil, high-yield soybean varieties and five high-protein varieties were newly approved. These new varieties provide strong support for large-scale yield increases of grain and oil crops. China Development Bank provided over 380 billion yuan in new financing to support urban village renovation last year. From the China Development Bank, it was learned that in 2024, CDB added 381.7 billion yuan in special loans for urban village renovation, supporting 723 urban village renovation projects in cities such as Jinan, Zhengzhou, and Wenzhou, optimizing the housing supply structure in these cities and improving people's livelihoods. Mandatory national standard for electric bicycles officially released today. From the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, it was learned that the mandatory national standard "Technical Specifications for the Safety of Electric Bicycles" was released today (January 13). The new standard clarifies that the total mass of plastics used in electric bicycles should not exceed 5.5% of the total vehicle mass and requires features such as Beidou positioning and communication. The new standard will be officially implemented on September 1. Beijing to start construction of 160 major municipal projects in Q1. From the Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission, it was learned that in the first quarter of this year (2025), Beijing will promote the start of construction of 160 major municipal projects. The projects cover high-end, sophisticated and advanced industries, infrastructure, livelihood improvement, and urban renewal. Among them, 38 are key municipal projects with a total investment of over 290 billion yuan. Shuangliu Yangtze River Bridge enters main cable erection phase. Today (January 13), the Shuangliu Yangtze River Bridge entered the main cable erection phase. The bridge has a total length of 1,630 meters, with a main span of 1,430 meters. The north bank is located in Xinzhou District, Wuhan City, and the south bank is in Huarong District, Ezhou City. Upon completion, the project will further optimize the highway network structure of the Wuhan metropolitan circle ring road. Qinghai Golog 330 kV Second Line Project put into operation. The Golog 330 kV Second Line Project in Golog Prefecture, Qinghai Province, was completed and put into operation yesterday (January 12). The project passes through four counties in two prefectures, Hainan Prefecture and Golog Prefecture. The average altitude along the route is 3,700 meters, involving 224 kilometers of new lines and 487 iron towers. After the project is put into operation, it will benefit over 200,000 pastoral residents. Yunnan Guanlei Port officially opens international passenger function. From Kunming Customs, it was learned that today (January 13), the first batch of inbound and outbound passengers successfully cleared customs at the Yunnan Guanlei Port, marking the official opening of the international passenger function of Guanlei Port and a new step forward for cross-border passenger and cargo transport on the Lancang-Mekong "Golden Waterway." CMG holds departure ceremony for Harbin Asian Winter Games前方報道团. China Media Group (CMG) held the departure ceremony for its frontline reporting team for the Harbin Asian Winter Games today (January 13). As the exclusive all-media broadcaster for mainland China and Macau, CMG will provide global 4K standard public signals for the opening and closing ceremonies and events, as well as relevant media services, and will apply leading 8K technology to the production of public signals for events such as short track speed skating and figure skating. This is the first time in CMG's history to undertake the host broadcaster service for a winter multi-sport international event. The 3rd CMG China TV Drama Annual Ceremony held. The 3rd CMG China TV Drama Annual Ceremony, hosted by China Media Group, was held in Beijing last night (January 12). A total of 21 honors were awarded, including "Annual Blockbuster Drama," "Annual Breakthrough Actor/Actress," and "Annual Overseas Communication Drama." The "Film and Television Cultural Tourism Consumption Integration Year" activity was also launched, aiming to promote deeper integration of film, television, and cultural tourism to stimulate internal consumption momentum. The ceremony will be broadcast on CMG platforms during the Spring Festival.
Russia Claims Control of Two More Settlements, Ukraine Reports Strike on Russian Command Post
On January 12, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Russian forces had taken control of two settlements in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. Over the past day, Russian forces struck military airfield infrastructure in Ukraine and concentrations of Ukrainian troops and equipment in 139 areas. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated on the same day that Ukrainian forces repelled some Russian attacks in the directions of Kharkiv, Pokrovsk, and other areas. The Ukrainian military also claimed to have conducted high-precision strikes on Russian command posts in the Donetsk region. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on January 12 that stopping natural gas transit through Ukraine would deprive Europe of about 13.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas supply, putting pressure on European energy prices and affecting the EU's competitiveness. Fico also said that if the situation does not change in the coming weeks, he will take measures against Ukraine, including vetoing EU aid to Ukraine. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said on January 12 that the new round of US sanctions against Russia poses new challenges to energy supplies for Central European countries. The Hungarian government will consult closely with regional partners to minimize the impact of sanctions on rising energy prices.
Israeli Army Attacks Multiple Locations in Gaza Strip and West Bank, At Least 28 Palestinians Killed
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated on January 12 that Israeli troops continued ground operations in the Beit Hanoun area of the Gaza Strip and engaged in fierce combat with Palestinian militants. According to data released by the Gaza health department on January 12, 28 Palestinians died in Israeli military operations over the past day. The IDF also stated on January 12 that its forces attacked the town of Dura, south of Hebron in the West Bank, marking the third consecutive day of Israeli attacks on the area. The IDF claimed to have arrested more than 25 people in the West Bank over the past week. Lebanon hit by airstrikes, Israel says it targeted Hezbollah militant sites. The Israeli military stated today (January 13) that Israeli Air Force jets struck Hezbollah militant targets in various parts of Lebanon, including rocket launch sites and weapon transport routes along the Lebanon-Syria border. According to Lebanese media reports, Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes on parts of the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon near the Syrian border.
California Wildfires Spread, Burning Over 160 Square Kilometers
On January 12, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's office confirmed that the death toll from the Los Angeles wildfires had risen to 24. Currently, four wildfires surrounding Los Angeles County have burned over 160 square kilometers, and 150,000 residents are under evacuation orders. On January 12, a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department official said that 29 people had been arrested for looting in evacuation zones, violating curfews, etc., including some who impersonated firefighters to steal in the disaster area. According to US media reports, there have also been multiple incidents of drone interference with disaster relief efforts in the wildfire-stricken areas. In one instance, a firefighting aircraft was damaged and grounded after colliding with a drone, and the FBI is investigating the incident.
International News Briefs
Iran launches new air defense drills near nuclear facilities. According to Iranian media reports on January 12, Iran's army air defense forces launched a new round of air defense drills on the same day in the western and northern parts of the country, near the Fordow and Arak nuclear facilities. The report stated that as part of the air defense drills code-named "Power," this round of exercises simulated a fully realistic battlefield environment, with Iranian missile and radar forces, electronic warfare units, and electronic intelligence and reconnaissance command jointly performing offensive and defensive drill missions. The "Power" air defense drills were jointly participated by the Iranian army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The first phase of the drills was held on January 7 near the Natanz nuclear facility in Isfahan province. Canadian Foreign Minister does not rule out any countermeasures against US tariff threats. According to Canadian media reports on January 12, regarding the threat by US President-elect Donald Trump to impose additional tariffs on Canadian products, Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly said in an interview on the same day that she would not rule out any countermeasures, including cutting off energy exports to the United States. The report also stated that Canada is preparing a list of US products that could be subject to Canadian tariffs. Croatian President Milanović wins re-election. Croatia held the second round of presidential elections on January 12. Preliminary vote counts show that incumbent President Zoran Milanović, representing the Social Democratic Party and other center-left parties, won re-election with over 70% of the votes. The first round of the Croatian presidential election was held on December 29, 2024, with none of the eight candidates securing more than half of the votes.
Avalanche Occurs in Northern Italy
On January 12, an avalanche occurred in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Rescue workers said the avalanche killed three skiers and injured two others, who were taken to the hospital for treatment. The avalanche occurred on the eastern slope of Punta Valgrande in the Alps, a peak 2,850 meters above sea level, located on the border between Italy and Switzerland.