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Canada Plays China Card in Preparation for Trump Trade Fight

None from FPOST

Canada’s deputy prime minister highlighted her country’s tougher approach to Chinese exports, seeking to gain favor with Donald Trump and his key advisers ahead of his return to power in Washington.

Behind a potential Honda and Nissan tie-up, the existential threat posed by Chinese EVs

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Zelenskiy Welcomes Trump Effort But Warns of Hasty Ceasefire

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy welcomed the possibility of Donald Trump initiating an effort to end Russia’s war, but warned against pushing for a ceasefire agreement that could easily unravel.

Terror Threat? NYC Now Deploys "Largest Military Presence In Subways Since 9/11 Aftermath"

1734624300 from ZEROHEDGE

Terror Threat? NYC Now Deploys "Largest Military Presence In Subways Since 9/11 Aftermath" New York Gov. Kathy Hochul beefed up the number of New York National Guard members patrolling NYC subway stations, marking the largest military presence in the city's subway system since the aftermath of 9/11. This heightened security measure coincides with mounting public hysteria over unidentified drones in NJ-NY airspace and the rising threat of terrorism.    On Wednseday, Gov. Hochul told reporters that 250 additional Guard members will join the already deployed 750 Guard members to combat rapes, murders, and robberies that plague NYC's subway system. In March, when we heard about the initial deployment, we asked... Terror Threat? NYC Mobilizing 1,000 National Guard Troops In Subways https://t.co/OKN0DiUeMt — zerohedge (@zerohedge) March 7, 2024 "This marks the largest military presence in the city's subway system since the aftermath of 9/11," local paper Gothamist noted.  Really need rifles to combat criminals in the subway? Seems like there has been an ongoing terror threat.  BREAKING: New York National Guard and State Police have arrived at NYC Subways after the governor deployed them to combat a big increase in violent crime Perhaps if New York prosecutors weren't soo busy going after Donald Trump, they could spend their time locking criminals up pic.twitter.com/4wWbzgogzY — George (@BehizyTweets) March 6, 2024 The governor said, "I've heard from many people that the presence of the National Guard has made not just a physical difference, but a psychological difference in how they feel about safety. When people see a person in uniform, NYPD, MTA, transit, even our national Guard, they feel more secure than why it's a deterrent to those who would break our laws and threaten other riders," adding, "They see that sense of security that if they have a problem, there's someone there to help." Hochul credited the increased military presence, first deployed in March, with making riders feel safer...  Sure, increasing the number of Guard members to combat subway crime might make sense. But why not simply beef up NYPD patrols? Or the threat is much larger than NYPD officers can handle. There must be something the government is failing to tell folks in NYC - just like the feds went weeks with keeping the public in the dark about mystery drone flights in the region. The most alarming issue NYC faces comes from disastrous Biden-Harris' open borders that flooded NYC with upwards of 200,000 unvetted migrants, some of whom may be pre-trained terrorists.  In the short term, the threats to the homeland are rising, as described by Dr. Mahmut Cengiz, an Associate Professor and Research Faculty with Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center and the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University:  "Radicalized Hamas members may increasingly look to Al-Qaeda as a more viable destination for their operations, given Al-Qaeda's growing capabilities and its strategic ties to Iran. This shift could significantly strengthen Al-Qaeda's position in the region, making it an even more formidable threat to Western and Israeli interests in the future."  While Hochul claims beefing up the Guard's presence to the highest levels since the aftermath of 9/11 is merely to combat crime, the expanded deployment is likely a response to a more significant threat than drug addicts and rapists, considering Democrats have transformed America into a "terrorist playground" with open borders.  Tyler Durden Thu, 12/19/2024 - 11:05

IMF In Talks With Argentina on Loan to Succeed $44 Billion Deal

1734624029 from BLOOMBERG

Argentina is seeking a new program with the International Monetary Fund to succeed its current $44 billion deal, a step forward in resolving one of the Washington lender’s most problematic agreements.

Zelensky open to allowing transit of non-Russian gas through Ukraine

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Putin, Zelenskiy Rule Out Renewal of Key Gas Deal for Europe

1734623602 from FPOST

The leaders of Russia and Ukraine both ruled out the renewal of a key gas transit deal for Europe, sending futures surging.

North Korean hackers stole $1.6b crypto this year

1734623271 from CryptoNWS

North Korea’s cyber operations hit new heights in 2024, with hackers linked to the regime stealing $1.6 billion in cryptocurrency, according to a report from Chainalysis.  This marks a sharp increase from the $660.5 million stolen in 2023 and underscores…

Israel unleashes airstrikes on ports and capital in Yemen

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Why is energy giant Iran facing gas shortages?

1734622904 from OIL&GAS

… the biggest reserves of natural gas and crude oil in the world, holding … the second-largest proven gas reserves and … energy mix — balancing coal, natural gas, oil and renewables — Iran relies overwhelmingly …

Security guarantees without US not ‘sufficient’ for Ukraine, says Zelenskyy

1734621126 from FT

Ukrainian president continues to push for Nato membership after meeting European leaders in Brussels

UK’s Starmer Says He Opposes Trade Tariffs in Signal to Trump

1734621009 from BLOOMBERG

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he’s not a fan of tariffs, a signal to Donald Trump that his UK government will oppose any move by the president-elect’s incoming US administration to erect trade barriers.

Burkina Faso Junta Releases French Nationals Accused of Spying

1734620978 from BLOOMBERG

Burkina Faso released four French nationals, who were accused of spying and detained for over a year after Morocco intervened, the country’s state news agency said on Thursday.

US has spent $100 billion on Ukraine – Blinken

1734620765 from RT

The bulk of the money was allocated to the US defense industry, the secretary of state has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Putin Says He's Ready to Meet Trump 'At Any Time'

1734620666 from BLOOMBERG

President Vladimir Putin speaks during his annual televised news conference about a potential meeting with US President-elect Donald Trump, recent Ukrainian strikes on Russia, its military bases in Syria and gas exports. (Translated from Russian to English) (Source: Bloomberg)

G-7 Considering Options to Harden Price Cap on Russian Oil

1734620620 from BLOOMBERG

Group of Seven nations are exploring ways to toughen the price cap on Russian oil as they seek to better target Moscow’s ability to fund its war against Ukraine, according to people familiar with the matter.

Paraguay cracks down on illegal BTC mining

1734620435 from MINING

… mining Paraguay intends to crack down on illegal block reward miners … the licensed miners. The country’s Mining and Crypto … could significantly dent the miners’ operations. The Chamber … mining facilities. It’s not all smooth sailing for block reward miners …

Is Taiwan a factor in US decision to finally start moving marines from Okinawa to Guam?

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Move has been in the pipeline for over a decade, but Washington has only just agreed to start relocating its first troops stationed in Japan.

Is global trade transforming?

1734620400 from ALJAZEERA

Geopolitical tensions, climate change and technology are changing the way goods and services are moved across borders.

Cold Snap Exposes Iran's Energy Infrastructure Woes

1734620400 from OILPRICE

Despite sitting atop the world's second-largest natural gas reserves, energy shortages have become a feature of winters in Iran. Iran grapples with air pollution all year, but air quality significantly worsens during winter when power plants are forced to burn low-quality heavy fuel oil -- mazut -- to compensate for the lack of gas. A rare cold snap in recent weeks has exposed the extent of Iran's struggles to meet the rising demand for gas, with school classes forced to go online and government offices ordered shut to conserve energy. Highlighting…

EU research money flows to Israel amid war on Gaza

1734620061 from ALJAZEERA

Israeli organisations, some linked to the military, have received more than $250 million in EU funding.

Tariff threats cast a shadow over US reliance on Canada for the majority of its oil imports

1734619922 from OIL&GAS

… . increasingly relies on Canadian crude oil to meet domestic demand and … U.S. imports like crude oil or softwood lumber risk exacerbating … . Oil prices have been mostly stable throughout 2024 and the OPEC cartel … likely be at the gas pump and higher gasoline …

Americans rush to buy cars and appliances before Trump’s new tariffs

1734619893 from WASHPOST

Americans are stocking up on cars, appliances, electronics and other big-ticket items before the Trump administration’s tariffs on imports take hold. But economists say the sudden jump in demand could raise prices and reignite inflation.

Xi Jinping lays out 3 expectations for Macau as new leader set to take reins

1734619569 from SCMP

President urges city to embrace reforms, attract a broad pool of talent and increase its presence on the global stage.

Panic Hits Markets in Brazil

1734619288 from BLOOMBERG

Brazil’s financial markets are in the cross-hairs as investors lose faith in the government’s ability to contain a deepening fiscal crisis. The selloff that sent the real plunging to a record low is engulfing everything from stocks to local-currency debt to dollar bonds, with traders even piling into hedges against a sovereign default. Bloomberg News' Giovanna Bellotti Azevedo speaks with Scarlet Fu on "Bloomberg Markets." (Source: Bloomberg)

From Gaza to the Arctic: A Palestinian filmmaker caught between two worlds

1734619126 from ALJAZEERA

Mohamed Jabaly finds himself stateless in Norway when the Gaza border suddenly closes.

UN chief says Israeli air strikes in Syria must stop

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US Weighs Sending Officials to Syria for Talks: Blinken

1734618784 from BLOOMBERG

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US is considering sending American officials into Syria to press for a smooth political transition. “We’ve been in direct contact, and we’re also looking at getting people on the ground in Syria,” Blinken said in an interview with David Gura on “Bloomberg Surveillance.”

Antony Blinken on Syria, Israel, Transition to Trump Administration

1734618768 from BLOOMBERG

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the political transition in Syria, movement on a potential cease fire in Gaza, the transition to the Trump administration, and the prospect of normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Blinken spoke with David Gura on “Bloomberg Surveillance.” (Source: Bloomberg)

UK mulling deploying troops to Ukraine – The Times

1734618710 from RT

Defense Secretary John Healey is reportedly not ruling out sending instructors to train Kiev’s forces in their home country Read Full Article at RT.com

Appeasement or punishment: What will the US show tyrants?

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The signal that the civilized world expects to see from the United States is peace through strength

Mauritius Threatens Clampdown on Foreign-Exchange Speculation

1734617951 from BLOOMBERG

The new governor of the Bank of Mauritius warned currency dealers he was watching them, as he announced steps to improve dollar liquidity in the local market.

The IMF Just Improved El Salvador’s Bitcoin Law

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In return for a loan deal with the IMF, El Salvador had to give up some of its pro-bitcoin policies. It only made the Bitcoin law better.

Putin denies Russia was defeated in Syria

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President plays down Moscow’s military support for Assad regime and claims Kremlin ‘achieved our goals’

Apple sued by Democratic Republic of Congo for illegal mining

1734617439 from MINING

… over the region, with mining operations often the central driving … ‘artisanal’ or illegal mines. Illegal mines make huge profit According … at a time. Such mining operations are long-term projects … illegal taxes imposed on local mining activities. This kind of …

Putin Signals No Rush to End Ukraine War in Marathon TV Appearance

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The Russian president appeared in no hurry to seek an end to the war despite President-elect Donald Trump’s vow to secure a speedy resolution.

Putin says he pulled Russia back from the edge of the abyss

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Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of acts of genocide in Gaza over water access

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Brainard Touts Supply Chain Recovery, Warns Trump of China Ploys

1734616800 from BLOOMBERG

The Biden administration is calling on Donald Trump’s team to continue work on bolstering supply chains and moving key strategic industries back to the US, saying hard-fought progress since the pandemic could evaporate if fresh risks emerge.

Trump, Musk Threaten US Shutdown, Putin Annual Press Conference | Bloomberg The Pulse 12/19/24

1734616398 from BLOOMBERG

With a month to go before he returns to the White House, Donald Trump is shaking up Washington again, trashing House Speaker Mike Johnson’s plan for a deal to avoid a government shutdown before the holidays. In Russia, President Vladimir Putin has addressed the nation in an annual end-of-the-year press conference. It comes just days after a Russian general was assassinated in Moscow, which Ukraine has claimed responsibility for. Today's guests: Laura Cooper, Nuveen Global Investment Strategist; Khaled Salmeen, Adnoc Downstream Industries Head. (Source: Bloomberg)

Starmer’s aides held Trump team talks on US trip

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Morgan McSweeney and Jonathan Powell met incoming chief of staff and security adviser

Blinken Says US Weighs Sending Officials Into Syria for Talks

1734616014 from BLOOMBERG

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US has received positive signs from the rebel group that swept Bashar al Assad from power in Syria, and is considering sending American officials into the country to press for a smooth political transition.

Turkiye refutes US claims of ceasefire with Syrian Kurdish fighters

1734615692 from ALJAZEERA

Ankara vows to continue operations in northern Syria as fears grow over an assault on the Kurdish-held town of Kobane.

EU and Zelensky Discuss Ukraine Natural Gas Transit

1734615600 from OILPRICE

European Union leaders are discussing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky the transit of Russian natural gas to the EU via Ukraine as the end of the current transit deal expires on December 31. The EU leaders and Zelensky are meeting in Brussels to negotiate alternatives to Russian gas deliveries. The gas transit deal for Russian flows to Europe via Ukraine expires on December 31, 2024. Ukraine has said multiple times that it would not pursue talks about renewing the agreement with Russia. The EU officials and the Ukrainian president are…

German lawmakers back plan to protect supreme court against meddling by authoritarians, extremists

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President Xi meets former chief executives of Macao SAR

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President Xi meets former chief executives of Macao SAR

Xi lauds work of Macao SAR's executive, legislative, judicial organs

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Xi lauds work of Macao SAR's executive, legislative, judicial organs

How US-China economic warfare could play out, China’s nuclear arsenal: SCMP daily catch-up

1734615008 from SCMP

From a superpower showdown to an arsenal that raises US ‘concerns’, here’s a round-up from today’s China and economy coverage.

China’s Niche Metals Export Ban Lifts Prospects for Canada Firms

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China’s move to ban exports of niche metals to the US is creating opportunities for Canadian producers — though tariff threats by the incoming Trump administration may limit their prospects.

Christmas in Damascus is different this year, after al-Assad’s fall

1734614927 from ALJAZEERA

The ancient Old City comes alive with lights, music and joy, Syrians talk about their their hopes now al-Assad is gone.