China has launched a corruption probe into Admiral Miao Hua, head of the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission. This follows a string of high-profile purges in the military under Xi Jinping, targeting corruption and disloyalty, especially within the elite Rocket Force. Miao, a close ally of Xi, is the latest senior official to face scrutiny amid efforts to transform the People’s Liberation Army into a world-class force. The news comes a day after China’s Defence Minister Dong Jun had been placed under investigation for corruption which the ministry dismissed as “sheer fabrication”.
PAKISTAN SUFFERS VIOLENT PROTEST AND SECURITY LOCKDOWN
Pakistan witnessed violent clashes as thousands of protesters defied lockdowns, internet blackouts and barricaded road to demand the release of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Security forces used tear gas and mass arrests to disperse demonstrators near Islamabad’s red zone. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Khan’s party, accused the government of excessive force, while authorities warned of harsher measures. Doctors at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences confirmed five deaths, including four security officials and one civilian The unrest follows accusations of unfair elections and constitutional changes that granted government increased power to select superior court justices and pick those judges to hear political cases.
IRAN HINTS AT NUCLEAR SHIFT IF SANCTIONS RETURN
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi warned that renewed UN sanctions could prompt Iran to reconsider its nuclear strategy, potentially advancing toward weaponization. While reaffirming Iran’s nuclear expertise, he stressed it is not currently part of the nation’s security plan. Araghchi accused European nations of pursuing confrontation despite Iran’s proposals for cooperation. He mentioned a International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) meeting where European nations supported a resolution condemning Iran for its lack of cooperation. Iran wishes for ‘dignified resolution through cooperation’ but admitted domestic unrest over Iran’s nuclear engagement with the West.
TRUMP PUSHES TARIFFS, MEXICO PROMISES ACTION
President-elect Donald Trump announced a breakthrough after a phone call with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, stating Mexico agreed to curb migration into the U.S. Trump had threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Mexican goods if the country failed to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Sheinbaum emphasized collaboration while rejecting border closures, advocating for human rights in migration policy. Sheinbaum hinted at retaliatory measures if tariffs were enacted, but both leaders framed their discussion as productive. His proactive stance on these issues before taking office signals his intent to tackle U.S. border security aggressively.
FRANCE QUESTIONS ICC WARRANTS FOR NETANYAHU
France declared Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu immune from ICC prosecution, citing international law for non-member states like Israel. The ICC recently issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot emphasized judicial authority over immunity matters, sparking backlash. Amnesty International condemned France’s stance, urging compliance with ICC obligations. Green Party leader Marine Tondelier accused France of favouring Netanyahu. Concurrently, France co-brokered a ceasefire in Lebanon, securing an Israeli withdrawal and a Lebanese military deployment. This cautious approach underscores France’s balancing act between justice and diplomatic engagement.
