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On January 13th, just before the Biden administration's departure from office, the U.S. announced a global export control on AI chips. Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and 18 other countries were exempted, while China, Russia, Iran, and others faced a total ban. This move has been strongly condemned by China's Ministry of Commerce and has sparked backlash from several U.S. chip companies. AI chip giant NVIDIA criticized these measures, arguing that they would only undermine America's leadership.

A week before the end of the Biden administration, the U.S. imposed a strict three-tiered export control system for AI chips. The first tier includes Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and 18 other key allies, allowing these countries unrestricted access to U.S. AI chips. The third tier covers countries like China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Russia, Iran, and North Korea, where the U.S. has banned the export of advanced AI chips. The second tier includes other nations, which will face restrictions on the total computing power of chips they can acquire, primarily aimed at preventing countries like China and Russia from obtaining advanced technology.

The first tier includes the U.S. and 18 key allies: Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. The third-tier restricted countries include China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Russia, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Syria, and about 23 other countries. Most other countries fall under the second tier, requiring prior authorization to purchase advanced AI chips.

According to reports, the measures are designed to prevent China from obtaining advanced AI chips through third-party countries, particularly those in the Middle East. Despite the U.S. Department of Commerce offering a 120-day consultation period for industries to adapt, American companies are dissatisfied with the policy.

NVIDIA's Vice President of Government Affairs, Finkel, criticized the regulations, stating that they would not enhance U.S. security but instead would weaken competitiveness and waste America’s technological advantage. Many U.S. chip companies believe the new rules will hinder economic growth. Following the announcement, global stock markets generally declined.

Since late December, South Korea has been grappling with the simultaneous spread of two A-type influenza viruses, "H1N1" and "H3N2." The medical consultation rate has reached an eight-year high, and the number of pneumonia-related deaths has surged, exacerbating the strain on funeral facilities. Crematoriums and funeral halls are overwhelmed, forcing many families to extend funeral durations.

Experts attribute the flu outbreak to a sudden drop in winter temperatures and increased human gatherings. Many infected individuals are experiencing high fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing, with cases progressing to pneumonia. The elderly and those with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable. The South Korean government has urged citizens to get vaccinated and maintain personal hygiene, but vaccine supply and vaccination rates remain inadequate.

In addition, the overloaded funeral facilities in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, have highlighted deficiencies in public emergency response capabilities. South Korean funerals traditionally follow a "three-day funeral" system: the first day involves preparing the body and setting up the memorial, the second day for encoffining, and the third day for cremation. However, due to limited crematorium availability, many families have been forced to extend funerals to the fourth day or seek facilities in nearby cities such as Sejong. These locations, however, are also overwhelmed. Experts recommend the government urgently expand medical and funeral resources and strengthen measures to monitor and control virus transmission.

The head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) stated, "During the COVID-19 pandemic, almost no one contracted influenza, so many individuals and communities lack immunity, leading to the concurrent outbreaks of 'H1N1' and 'H3N2'." Alarmingly, reports suggest that the peak of the flu season has not yet arrived, raising concerns that infection and death tolls may continue to rise.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of Syria, met with Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati in Damascus on January 12. The meeting aimed to improve the long-standing strained relations between the two nations and focused on enhancing security and cooperation along their shared border.

According to AFP, this marks the first visit of a Lebanese prime minister to Damascus since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011. It is also the first visit by a foreign head of government to Syria since December last year, when former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown by rebel forces. In December, Syrian rebels launched a swift offensive, capturing Damascus on December 8 and ending the decades-long Assad family rule.

For years, successive Lebanese government officials avoided visiting Syria, primarily due to the involvement of Hezbollah, a Lebanese political and military organization, which supported Assad's government during the civil war. On January 9, Lebanon’s parliament elected a new president, with Commander-in-Chief of the Army Joseph Aoun winning in the second round of voting, finally ending a more than two-year presidential vacancy.

Sharaa expressed his desire to open a new chapter in Syria-Lebanon relations. He stated that the two nations will establish a long-term strategic partnership, emphasizing their significant shared interests. Sharaa noted that now is an opportunity to foster positive ties between the two peoples and expressed hope that President Aoun would bring stability to Lebanon.

Mikati, on the other hand, emphasized that bilateral relations should be based on "mutual respect, equality, and sovereignty." After the meeting, Mikati revealed that both sides agreed to cooperate in securing the land border and prioritizing the demarcation of shared land and maritime boundaries. Sharaa’s efforts have prompted EU foreign ministers to consider easing sanctions on Syria in discussions planned for late January.

Greenland's Prime Minister, Múte B. Egede, recently reiterated that the long-term goal of his government is to achieve complete independence from Denmark. He emphasized that Greenland aspires to become a fully sovereign state rather than depend on other major powers, including the United States. His remarks have drawn significant international attention and highlighted the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape of the Arctic region.

In an interview, Egede stated that while Greenland's ultimate aim is full independence, the process requires a stable economic foundation and respect for international commitments. As an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland currently relies heavily on Danish financial support, which accounts for approximately a quarter of its GDP annually.

"We don’t want to rush into independence only to end up dependent on another country," Egede stressed. He noted that Greenland’s government is actively promoting economic diversification, focusing on industries such as fisheries, mining, and renewable energy. Among these, rare earth mineral extraction is particularly critical, as it not only strengthens Greenland’s economy but also has the potential to reduce global dependence on China for rare earth supplies.

With the intensification of global warming, the Arctic’s significance has grown, as new shipping routes and rich natural resources make Greenland a focal point of competition among major powers. In 2019, former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed the idea of "purchasing Greenland," a suggestion that was strongly rejected by both Denmark and Greenland but underscored the island's strategic importance.

In response, Egede made it clear: "We respect our international partners, including the United States, but Greenland is not for sale. Our future lies in deciding our own destiny." Currently, the United States maintains the Thule Air Base in Greenland, further emphasizing its geostrategic importance. Despite maintaining friendly relations with Washington, Egede underscored that Greenland’s foreign policy should prioritize its own interests.

Egede’s government has adopted a pragmatic approach, advocating for gradual steps toward independence while maintaining cooperative ties with Denmark. He stated, "This is not about hostility toward Denmark. We share a long historical connection. Our future independence will be built on mutual respect."

As global interest in the Arctic region continues to grow, Greenland finds itself at a crossroads of opportunity and challenge. For Egede, his vision is clear: to establish a fully independent Greenland, recognized as a sovereign state within the international community, while preserving its cultural identity and avoiding entanglement in global geopolitical rivalries.

President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office on January 20. However, last year, he was found guilty on 34 charges related to the hush money case by a Manhattan jury. On January 11, the sentencing was held at the New York State Supreme Court. Judge Merchan of the New York State Supreme Court stated that, due to presidential immunity, Trump would be "unconditionally released." This also confirmed that Trump would be the first former U.S. president with a felony conviction in history.

Before the 2016 election, Trump had falsified business records to pay adult film star Stormy Daniels $130,000 in hush money. All 34 charges related to this case were found to be valid. The sentencing was originally scheduled for November 26 of last year, but it was postponed indefinitely after Trump won the U.S. presidential election. However, it was later announced that the verdict would be delivered on January 11, with Trump attending via video conference.

Judge Merchan declared: "This court rules that the only legal judgment that can be made without infringing upon the nation's highest office (the presidency) is unconditional release." He also wished Trump "smooth sailing in his second term."

In response to the ruling, Trump described it as "a disgrace to the system," accusing those involved of trying to damage his reputation and asserting that he had been treated unfairly. He indicated that he would appeal the decision to the fullest extent.

Washington, D.C., January 10, 2025 – The state funeral of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter took place today at the National Cathedral, with thousands of mourners attending the solemn ceremony. Carter passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, marking the end of an era in American history.

Five former U.S. Presidents were present at the ceremony, paying their respects to the 39th President of the United States. Current President Joe Biden, along with former Presidents Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton, attended the service and offered condolences to the Carter family.

Carter's remains were placed at the altar of the National Cathedral, with a group of U.S. Marines carefully carrying the casket. Memorial services were also held across the country, with citizens gathering in major cities to honor the late leader.

Carter, who served as President from 1977 to 1981, was renowned for his commitment to human rights, peace agreements, and environmental policies. During his presidency, he brokered the historic Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel in 2002, which earned him the Nobel Peace Prize the same year. His foreign policy, social reform initiatives, and later humanitarian work with the Carter Center made him a key figure on the global stage.

Though Carter's presidency was relatively brief, his post-presidential years were marked by continuous dedication to charitable work and public service. His efforts to combat global poverty and disease, along with his focus on health and education worldwide, earned him widespread admiration and numerous awards.

Today's state funeral also marks the closing of an important chapter in American politics. Numerous political leaders and citizens expressed their gratitude and respect for Carter, reflecting on his lifelong dedication to serving both his country and the world.

Carter's family, including his wife Rosalynn Carter and several children, were also present at the ceremony and shared heartfelt reflections on the life of this great man.

The state funeral not only marked the farewell to a former president but also symbolized the deep remembrance of a leader known for his honesty, integrity, and unwavering commitment to moral values.

The Eastern and Central United States has been struck by the largest winter storm in a decade, bringing heavy snowfall and extreme cold weather. The storm has caused widespread disruption to land and air travel, power outages, and made cleanup efforts even more difficult.

The winter storm spread from the Central Plains to the Eastern Seaboard, affecting areas such as Wichita, Kansas, and Washington, D.C., with ice and snow covering the ground. This has led to numerous road closures, traffic disruptions, and at least five fatalities due to traffic accidents.

According to the power outage tracking website PowerOutage.us, as of this morning, over 190,000 households remain without power from Missouri to Virginia. Temperatures in these areas are below freezing, further complicating the daily lives of residents. The National Weather Service's Louisville office has warned that cold air will continue to gather after the storm, with some regions possibly experiencing extreme low temperatures below -18°C (0°F) by tomorrow night.

The blizzard has caused widespread flight cancellations and delays, with multiple airports forced to close, resulting in chaos for air travelers. As the storm weakens, air traffic is gradually resuming, and even the severely impacted Kansas City airport has reopened.

Washington, D.C. has recorded several inches of snow, a rare occurrence in recent years. Federal offices and schools remain closed today, further affecting the local population.

In hard-hit Louisville, Kentucky, Mayor Craig Greenberg has urged residents to avoid non-essential travel, as authorities work to clear highways and major roads.

This winter storm not only presents the most severe challenge the region has seen in a decade but also serves as a reminder for local residents to prepare for extreme weather in advance.

On January 6, McDonald's announced the cancellation of certain diversity and inclusion policies, including no longer requiring suppliers to commit to specific diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals, and withdrawing from external assessments. The company's diversity committee will also be renamed.

This move comes as the latest example of businesses reevaluating their policies following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 ruling that universities cannot use affirmative action in admissions. The decision prompted many companies and institutions to reconsider their programs supporting minority groups.

Affirmative action was initially designed to address America's historical racial discrimination by increasing educational opportunities for African Americans and other minority groups. However, Chief Justice John Roberts, in his ruling, noted that many schools had overly relied on race as an admissions criterion, neglecting individuals' abilities to overcome challenges and develop skills.

McDonald's decision may be influenced by the incoming Trump administration. Trump has been a strong critic of DEI initiatives, and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance proposed a bill in the Senate last year to end federal DEI programs.

McDonald's emphasized that it remains committed to promoting diversity and has already met its goals since 2021, including gender pay equity across positions and ensuring that 30% of its leadership positions are held by minority groups.

According to reports, McDonald's is not alone in this shift. In 2024, other brands such as Ford, John Deere, Lowe's, Harley-Davidson, and Jack Daniel's also adopted similar policies, moving away from DEI targets, reflecting a strong backlash against political correctness in American society.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation as Liberal Party Leader, Ending Nearly a Decade in Power

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on the 6th that he would step down as leader of the Liberal Party, marking the end of nearly ten years of governance. However, he stated he would remain in office until the party selects a new leader. During a press conference in Ottawa, Trudeau expressed his hope that the next election would offer Canadians a real choice, acknowledging that he may no longer be the best option.

Reflecting on his tenure, Trudeau highlighted efforts to support the middle class, including tax reductions for low-income citizens, implementing a national childcare program that reduced daycare costs for some Canadians to an average of 10 CAD per day (approximately 228 TWD), advancing reconciliation with Indigenous communities, and addressing climate change. He expressed regret over failing to fulfill his promise to reform the electoral system (first-past-the-post) but emphasized that his love for Canada was his greatest driving force.

Over the past two years, public dissatisfaction with high living costs and housing shortages has led to a decline in Trudeau’s approval ratings. Polls indicate that the Liberal Party is trailing behind the Conservatives ahead of the October election, fueling internal pressure for his resignation. Last December, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned due to political differences, further compounding Trudeau's challenges. The Canadian Parliament is set to recess until March 24.

Trudeau, 53, was first elected as a Member of Parliament in 2008, became leader of the Liberal Party in 2013, and assumed the office of Prime Minister in 2015. He led the Liberal Party out of its lowest point and gained international recognition for his political pedigree and charismatic image. Liberal Party Members of Parliament are scheduled to hold a caucus meeting on Wednesday, during which key contenders for leadership are expected to emerge. The winner will become the next Prime Minister.

U.S. President-elect Trump, set to take office on January 20, received Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on January 4 during an unannounced visit to Florida. Meloni, who posted a photo of the two on social media, emphasized their readiness to collaborate closely.

Meloni's trip, kept under wraps by Italian officials, saw her travel from Rome directly to Trump’s private Mar-a-Lago estate. Trump was joined by high-ranking members of his incoming administration, including Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor nominee Mike Waltz, and Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent. The prominent lineup highlighted Trump’s regard for Meloni as a significant European ally.

Given her conservative credentials and the stability of her right-wing coalition in Italy, Meloni is viewed as a strong potential partner for Trump. Her close ties with billionaire Elon Musk, a key Trump ally during the election, further cement her strategic importance. U.S. commentators believe Trump might see Meloni as a bridge to improve relations with other European leaders.

One pressing matter likely influencing Meloni’s swift visit is the detention of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala in Iran. Tehran reportedly seeks to exchange Sala for Mohammad Abedini Najafabadi, an Iranian drone expert arrested in Milan earlier this month at the U.S.'s request. Abedini faces charges of organized crime, export law violations, and support for terrorist organizations. A Milan court is currently deliberating whether to extradite him to the U.S.

Trump, who will officially take office later this month, has already hosted leaders from three nations at Mar-a-Lago, with Meloni being the fourth. Expressing his enthusiasm, Trump remarked, “I stand here with an extraordinary woman, the Prime Minister of Italy. She has truly taken Europe by storm!”