Israel scores victories at U.N.
Israel and the US blocked on Monday a Palestinian attempt to gain observer status for the year on the UN-linked Conference on Disarmament (CD), arguing that only states are eligible for this privilege.
China
China forcing Christians to replace Jesus with Communist posters; turning pulpits into game rooms
The Communist government of China is continuing forcing Christians to replace posters of Jesus Christ with Communist leaders, and is turning pulpits into entertainment venues.
Trump Administration to Roll Out New Missile Defense Plan
The Trump administration will roll out a new strategy Thursday for a more aggressive space-based missile defense system to protect against existing threats from North Korea and Iran and counter advanced weapon systems being developed by Russia and China.
‘Many Christians Are Being Killed’: World’s Worst Persecutors Revealed, 60,000 Christians in Concentration Camps
North Korea again tops the list of the 50 most dangerous countries to follow Jesus Christ. The 2019 World Watch List released Wednesday by Open Doors USA highlights where action is desperately needed to protect Christians.
China’s 2018 trade surplus with U.S. highest on record going back to 2006
China’s trade surplus with the United States rose to $323.32 billion last year, the highest on record going back to 2006, Reuters calculations based on customs data showed on Monday.
Biblical site tied to Ark of the Covenant unearthed at convent in central Israel
A massive 8th century BCE man-made platform discovered at a Catholic convent in central Israel may have served as an ancient shrine to the Ark of the Covenant, said leading Tel Aviv University archaeologist Israel Finkelstein. Unearthed at Kiriath-Jearim, the shrine gives potential new insight into the political machinations of the sibling kingdoms of Judah and Israel.
Christian persecution expected to increase in 2019; believers facing ‘modern-day jihad’
The persecution of Christians around the world is expected to increase in 2019, with a watchdog group sharing particular concern for believers in Nigeria, China, and India.
Ex-national security advisor to ‘Post’: Israel needs to review China deals
In news stories that were scarcely noted last year, Prof. Avi Shimhon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s top economic advisor, and Meir Ben Shabbat, Israel’s National Security Advisor, were reportedly instructed to develop a mechanism to assess the threat of strategic investment by external actors in Israel’s critical infrastructure. Their task was described as a run-of-the-mill bureaucratic one. But it was clear that Israel’s leadership was reassessing foreign strategic investment in the state, including Chinese plans for the reconstruction and operation of the state’s largest seaport in Haifa.
North Korea leader visits China after warning of alternate path to U.S. talks
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is visiting China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, only days after warning he may take an alternative path if the United States does not ease sanctions and pressure on his isolated country.
Bolton tells Netanyahu of U.S. concern with Chinese presence at Haifa Port
National Security Adviser John Bolton raised US concerns on Sunday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over China’s creeping role in Israel’s critical infrastructure, particularly its upcoming management of Haifa Port, a frequent dock for the US Sixth Fleet.
US, China officials headed to Japan for trade talks Monday
China and the U.S. will commence trade talks in Beijing early next week as both countries work to put an end to yearlong trade tensions that have left global markets unstable, according to a report published late Thursday.
China’s Xi says Taiwan independence would be disaster, calls for peaceful ‘reunification’
Taiwan independence would lead to ‘disaster’, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday, pledging efforts for peaceful ‘reunification’ with the self-ruled island but warning China would not renounce the use of force.
Trump Hails ‘Big Progress’ Towards China Trade Deal
President Donald Trump reported ‘big progress’ in trade talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, providing an optimistic start to what could be a make-or-break year for ties between the world’s two largest economies.
Mattis quits at Pentagon over policy clashes with Trump
Jim Mattis has resigned on principle as Pentagon chief after President Trump decided to slash U.S. troop presence in Syria and Afghanistan, citing in a letter the need for ‘a Secretary of Defense whose views are better aligned’ with the president’s.
Three Underground Churches Shut Down in China Since September
In China, Rongguilli Church, Early Rain Covenant Church, and Zion Church have all been victims in recent months of President Xi Jinping’s attempts to control the spread of underground Christianity.
‘Thousands’ of EU diplomatic cables hacked, says report
Hackers allegedly linked to China were able to access thousands of sensitive EU diplomatic cables for more than three years, according to a New York Times report.
U.S., China face off again at World Trade Organization
China and the United States have traded barbs again at the World Trade Organization, with the U.S. ambassador accusing China of theft of technology and an envoy from Beijing retorting that the U.S. was “finger-pointing.”
China Closes Megachurches Before Christmas
A week after Chinese pastor in China released his viral letter on faithful disobedience amid a government raid on his church, Communist authorities once again shut down worshippers from Early Rain Covenant Church in Chengdu—one of the most prominent unregistered churches in the country—as well as Rongguili Church in Guangzhou—one of its first underground Christian communities.
Pentagon’s new strategy means balancing act in Africa for U.S. special ops
The Pentagon’s decision to draw down 10 percent of its counterterrorism operations in Africa comes as Russia and China are aggressively ramping up efforts to expand their influence on the continent.
Israel fills vacuum in terror fight as U.S. reduces troop levels
Israel is moving quickly to fill a security vacuum in Africa as the United States reassigns forces from the terror-plagued continent to focus on rivals such as China and Russia.