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📰 China’s nuclear arsenal grows

📰 China’s nuclear arsenal grows

and Musk backs AfD

Ross Crabtree
December 24, 2024

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In the last week, Ethiopia and Somalia have resolved a key dispute over Ethiopia’s port access, and Israel has launched an extensive campaign targeting military assets in Syria. Meanwhile, a Pentagon report highlights China’s rapid nuclear expansion, and controversy erupts in Germany as Elon Musk endorses the right-wing AfD party.

In Russia, a high-ranking general has been killed in a bombing, Canada’s Prime Minister faces calls to resign, and tensions escalate between Turkey and Syrian Kurds.

More below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣🇪🇹 Ethiopia: Ethiopia and Somalia have agreed to resolve their dispute over Ethiopia’s port deal with Somaliland after talks mediated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara. Both nations committed to respecting each other’s sovereignty and reaching mutually beneficial agreements, ensuring Ethiopia’s access to the sea under Somalia’s control. It remains unclear whether Ethiopia has abandoned its earlier deal with Somaliland, which had caused tensions.

2️⃣🇮🇱 Israel: The Israeli Air Force and Navy carried out over 350 strikes across Syria in a 48-hour campaign, targeting military assets left by the fallen Assad regime to prevent their acquisition by hostile forces. The IDF reported destroying 70-80% of Syria’s strategic military capabilities, including missiles, fighter jets, naval vessels, and chemical weapons sites. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s defensive stance but warned Syria’s new regime against threats or collaboration with Iran or Hezbollah.

3️⃣🇨🇳 China: A Pentagon report estimates that China will possess 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030, with its current stockpile exceeding 600 after adding at least 100 warheads this year. The report highlights China’s advancements in intercontinental ballistic missiles and stealth fighter production, alongside corruption challenges within its military leadership. China’s navy, the world’s largest, now has over 370 ships, with further military expansion and modernization underway despite logistical limitations for power projection beyond the South China Sea.

4️⃣🇷🇺 Russia: General Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s radiological, chemical, and biological defense forces, was killed along with his assistant in a bomb blast in Moscow. Ukraine’s SBU intelligence service claimed responsibility for the attack, calling Kirillov a legitimate target for his alleged use of banned chemical weapons in Ukraine. Russia’s investigative committee has opened a criminal case, labeling the incident a “terrorist” attack.

5️⃣🇨🇦 Canada: Dozens of Liberal MPs, including 51 from Ontario, have called for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign following the abrupt departure of his deputy, Chrystia Freeland. Freeland’s resignation, citing Trudeau’s handling of Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, has thrown the Liberal minority government into crisis, with the NDP announcing plans to oust Trudeau when parliament resumes in January. Many MPs fear Trudeau’s leadership could become a liability in the next election, but some suggest he should be given the chance to step down on his own terms.

Major Story

🇺🇸🇩🇪 Elon Musk Endorses Germany’s AfD, Prompting Backlash

Elon Musk has sparked controversy by endorsing Germany’s right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on his social media platform X. Musk posted that “Only the AfD can save Germany,” drawing praise from AfD leader Alice Weidel, who thanked him and highlighted her opposition to Germany’s mainstream political stance. Musk’s comments coincide with rising support for the AfD, which polls suggest could secure 19% in February’s elections, following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government.

The AfD, classified as a suspected extremist organization by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, is known for its nationalist and anti-immigration policies. Despite its growing popularity, Germany’s mainstream parties have refused to collaborate with the AfD, citing its controversial history, including ties to Nazi-era ideology.

Musk’s endorsement has drawn sharp criticism from German political figures. CDU Member of European Parliament Dennis Radtke called Musk’s comments a “threat to democracy,” and SPD’s Alex Schaefer labeled them “completely unacceptable.” FDP leader Christian Lindner cautioned Musk against supporting a party that opposes freedom and democracy. Chancellor Scholz defended Musk’s right to free expression but noted that this includes “the freedom to be wrong.”

This endorsement adds to Musk’s engagement pattern with right-wing and populist leaders globally, including in Argentina, the UK, and Brazil. Musk has previously questioned criticism of the AfD, calling its policies “common sense.” German political leaders remain unified in rejecting any collaboration with the AfD.

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Other News

1️⃣🇹🇷 Turkey: U.S. officials report that Turkey is amassing forces near Kobani, Syria, signaling a potential cross-border operation against American-backed Syrian Kurds. Kurdish officials warn President-elect Donald Trump of catastrophic consequences, including the displacement of over 200,000 civilians, and urge him to dissuade Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The buildup follows the collapse of U.S.-brokered cease-fire talks and the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which has intensified Turkish operations against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces.

2️⃣🇰🇷 South Korea: Impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol failed to appear before the corruption investigation office (CIO) after being summoned over charges of insurrection and abuse of power related to his martial law declaration on December 3. Yoon denies the insurrection charges and has vowed to fight them in court, though his legal team stated they will comply with the investigation. The CIO is considering issuing an arrest warrant, while the constitutional court deliberates whether to uphold his impeachment, with a preliminary hearing set for December 27.

3️⃣🇵🇰 Pakistan: Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer revealed that Pakistan is developing long-range ballistic missiles capable of striking targets beyond South Asia, potentially including the United States, labeling it an “emerging threat.” The U.S. has imposed new sanctions on Pakistan’s missile program, citing concerns over powerful rocket engines, which Islamabad dismisses as biased. This development underscores deteriorating U.S.-Pakistan relations, with Washington questioning the motives behind Pakistan’s missile advancements amid its close ties to China.