China has announced the suspension of exports of dual-use goods to Japan following heightened bilateral tensions triggered by Japan’s comments on the Taiwan issue. In a statement issued on Tuesday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said the restriction applies to products usable in both civilian and military sectors. The ban covers items such as drones and certain rare earth materials used in semiconductor production. Exports to Japanese military users or for purposes that could enhance Japan’s military capability are prohibited. The ministry also warned that individuals or entities violating the restrictions would face legal action.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested the decision, calling it “completely unacceptable and deeply regrettable.” Tokyo accused Beijing of violating international norms and targeting Japan specifically. Japan has urged China to immediately withdraw the export suspension.

The move underscores escalating friction between the two Asian powers, with trade and security dimensions now intersecting over the sensitive Taiwan issue.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over a recent dramatic operation by the United States in Venezuela, warning that it constitutes a clear violation of a fundamental principle of international law. The statement was reported from Geneva on Tuesday by AFP, where the UN said the incident raises serious concerns about international law and state sovereignty.

At a press conference in Geneva, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, stated that any threat or use of force by one state against another’s territorial integrity or political independence is contrary to international law. She added that such actions could undermine global stability and the international law-based order.

The UN’s remarks highlight growing apprehension about the implications of unilateral military or coercive actions, emphasizing the need to uphold international legal norms and respect for national sovereignty.

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has criticized the United States for its recent operation in Venezuela, calling it a disregard for a fundamental principle of international law. Speaking to reporters in Geneva, OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said that no state should threaten or use force against another country's territorial integrity or political independence.

The criticism followed an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, where several US allies opposed President Trump's military action. France took one of the clearest positions against the move, with its deputy permanent representative Joy Dharmadhikari stating that the detention of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro by the US violated the principles of peaceful dispute resolution and non-use of force. China also reiterated its opposition for the fourth consecutive day, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressing readiness to work with regional countries to maintain peace and stability.

Historically, Maduro has considered China a close ally, a factor that may influence future diplomatic alignments in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s second term is increasingly defined by his assertive foreign policy. Following a dramatic night raid in Caracas that captured Venezuela’s president and his wife, Trump invoked the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, rebranding it as the 'Donro Doctrine' to reaffirm U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. In the days since, Washington has issued warnings or threats toward five other countries or territories.

Trump expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing national security and competition with Russia and China, though Denmark and Greenland firmly rejected the idea. He also warned Colombia’s leftist president Gustavo Petro over alleged drug cartel ties, hinted at possible U.S. action, and criticized Mexico for failing to curb narcotics and illegal migration. Regarding Iran, Trump threatened severe retaliation if protesters were killed amid ongoing unrest, while in Cuba he suggested no intervention was needed, claiming the island was collapsing economically after losing Venezuelan oil support.

The developments underscore Trump’s renewed emphasis on U.S. assertiveness abroad, raising tensions with allies and adversaries alike as his administration signals a more interventionist posture.

The Trump administration is preparing to reopen the United States embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, according to a senior State Department official who spoke to Anadolu Agency on Monday, January 5. The official said the plan remains in its early stages and no final decision has been made. President Trump confirmed a day earlier that the matter is under consideration.

The US embassy in Caracas was closed in 2019 after Washington recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela’s legitimate president, rejecting Nicolás Maduro’s 2018 re-election as invalid. The move marked a major diplomatic break between the two countries.

The renewed embassy plan follows a US overnight military operation on January 2 that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas and his transfer to New York. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, appeared in court on January 5 on charges of arms and drug trafficking, which they denied.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken to a Manhattan federal court on Monday after being transferred from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. According to the report, they were brought before U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein around noon local time, where the detailed charges against Maduro were to be read. The couple arrived under tight security after being flown in by helicopter, and witnesses observed Maduro walking with a limp.

The development follows a late-night operation on Friday in Venezuela, during which U.S. special forces reportedly arrested Maduro. Both he and his wife face charges in the United States related to cocaine importation and illegal possession of weapons. They have been held at the Brooklyn detention facility since their capture.

The court appearance marks the beginning of formal legal proceedings against the Venezuelan leader in the United States, with further hearings expected as the case progresses.

Israeli forces carried out a large-scale detention campaign across the occupied West Bank, arresting numerous Palestinians including a journalist and a teenager, according to Middle East Eye citing local media on Monday. More than 25 people were detained from the Aida refugee camp north of Bethlehem, while journalist Anas Ikhlavi was taken from his home in Idhna near Hebron. A 15-year-old boy, Yazan al-Aloul, was also arrested during a raid on the Nur Shams refugee camp near Tulkarm. Additional arrests occurred in Qalqilya, Ramallah, and Tubas.

Residents described the operations as extensive house searches and intimidation tactics. The report noted that Israeli forces regularly conduct night raids in the West Bank, detaining Palestinians during each operation. Since the Gaza war began in 2023, such raids and arrests have increased significantly.

Over the past two years, more than 21,000 Palestinians have been detained in the West Bank, with around 9,250 currently held in Israeli prisons, including 350 children and about 50 women. Human rights groups allege that many detainees face physical and psychological abuse, including torture, starvation, denial of medical care, and solitary confinement.

The Government of Bangladesh has expressed concern over the recent United States military intervention in Venezuela and the removal of President Nicolás Maduro. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, Bangladesh said it has been observing the developments in Venezuela with concern. The statement emphasized that disputes between nations should be resolved through diplomatic dialogue.

The ministry reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unwavering commitment to the United Nations Charter and international law. The concern follows a late-night operation on Friday in which US special forces reportedly conducted a sudden raid in Venezuela and arrested President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro and his wife have been charged in the United States with cocaine importation and illegal possession of weapons, and they are currently being held at a Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

Bangladesh’s statement underscores its preference for peaceful resolution of international disputes and adherence to global legal frameworks.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of a second round of attacks on Venezuela if the country fails to cooperate with Washington. He made the statement on Sunday while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. When asked whether he had spoken with Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez, Trump said his administration was working with those who had just been sworn in, adding that the U.S. was effectively in charge.

Earlier, Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez called for building a “balanced and respectful” relationship with the United States. Her appeal came after U.S. forces carried out an attack in Caracas that led to the capture of leftist leader Nicolás Maduro. Rodríguez emphasized that establishing a respectful partnership between the two nations was a priority.

The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between Washington and Caracas following the U.S. military action and leadership transition in Venezuela, with both sides signaling sharply different approaches to future relations.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Iran of a strong response if more protesters are killed during ongoing demonstrations over rising living costs. At least 20 people have died in the unrest, which has intensified across Iran. Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump said the United States is closely monitoring the situation and would deliver a harsh blow if Iranian authorities resume killing civilians, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded Monday, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and hardline U.S. officials of encouraging terrorism and violence through their remarks on Iran’s internal affairs. The ministry’s statement added that what it called the “Zionist entity” is waiting for any opportunity to undermine Iran’s national unity.

The warning to Iran came shortly after a U.S. special forces raid in Venezuela that led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife on charges of cocaine importation and illegal weapons possession. Both are being held at a detention center in Brooklyn, New York.

The European Union has called on all sides to remain calm and avoid further escalation following a US operation in Venezuela. In a statement posted on social media platform X, EU foreign and security policy representative Kaja Kallas urged restraint and emphasized the need for peace amid rising tensions.

The statement reaffirmed the EU’s support for the Venezuelan people’s right to determine their own future. It stressed that reflecting the will of the people is the only path to resolving the current crisis and restoring democracy in the country.

According to the report, the United States detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife at midnight on Friday. Maduro, accused of drug trafficking and terrorism, is being held in a New York prison and is expected to appear in court on Monday.

France has declared its solidarity with Denmark following a renewed threat from US President Donald Trump to claim Greenland as part of the United States. The French Foreign Ministry announced the position on Monday, with spokesperson Pascal Confavreux telling broadcaster TF1 that no country’s borders can be changed by force. He emphasized that Greenland belongs to its people and to Denmark, and that only they have the right to decide its future.

The statement came after Denmark’s prime minister urged Trump to stop threatening Greenland, a call that the US president dismissed by reiterating his belief that Greenland should belong to the United States. The issue has drawn further concern in Europe following a US military attack in Caracas and the detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which European leaders viewed with alarm. France’s foreign ministry said international law was not respected during the US operation in Venezuela.

Confavreux added that France condemns the rise of “the law of the strongest” and will not yield to it, reaffirming France’s duty as a permanent member of the UN Security Council to oppose any violation of the UN Charter.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, currently held in a Brooklyn prison, are scheduled to appear in a U.S. federal court in Manhattan on Monday. According to U.S. officials, the couple faces charges related to drug and arms trafficking. Maduro has consistently denied the allegations since they were first brought against him.

The arrests followed a special midnight operation last Friday in Venezuela, during which U.S. forces detained Maduro and Flores before transferring them to New York. They have since been held in a detention facility in Brooklyn pending court proceedings. The case marks a significant escalation in U.S. legal action against Venezuela’s leadership.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump warned Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, that failure to cooperate with Washington could result in severe consequences. In an interview with The Atlantic on Sunday, Trump stated that Rodríguez’s fate could be worse than Maduro’s if she does not act in alignment with U.S. expectations.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to stop making threats about taking control of Greenland. Her remarks came after Katie Miller, wife of Trump aide Stephen Miller, posted a map on social media showing Greenland in U.S. flag colors with the caption “soon.” Frederiksen said there is no justification for the United States to claim any of the three territories under the Danish Kingdom and emphasized that Denmark, as a NATO member, includes Greenland within the alliance’s security framework.

Frederiksen noted that Denmark already has a defense agreement with the United States granting access to Greenland and that her government has increased investment in Arctic security. She urged Washington to stop threatening a close ally whose people have clearly stated they are not for sale. Hours later, Trump reiterated aboard Air Force One that the U.S. needs Greenland for national security and that Denmark cannot prevent it.

The dispute follows the U.S. appointment of a special envoy to Greenland in December 2025, which angered Denmark. Most of Greenland’s 57,000 residents oppose becoming part of the United States despite some support for eventual independence from Denmark.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not believe Ukraine carried out an attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence, despite Moscow’s claims. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump stated that he doubted the reports of such an incident and noted that no one was certain whether the published accounts were true. Russia’s defense ministry had earlier released a video alleging that Ukraine launched a drone strike on a Putin residence in the Novgorod region, though it reported no damage or casualties.

The allegation surfaced as diplomatic efforts intensified to end the nearly four-year-long Russia-Ukraine war. At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was visiting Florida for a meeting with Trump. Russian officials criticized Ukraine for being ungrateful in peace efforts, while Kyiv and its Western allies denied any involvement in the alleged attack. Trump added that U.S. assessments also found no evidence linking Ukraine to the incident.

Zelensky accused Russia of continuing heavy bombardments into the new year, with Ukrainian authorities reporting air raid sirens nationwide and at least two deaths in the Kyiv region. European leaders are expected to meet in France to discuss a U.S.-backed peace proposal that Zelensky said is nearly complete.