Taiwan rolls out ‘crisis guide’ as island braces for disasters and China threats

On November 22, 2025, armed men kidnapped at least 315 students and teachers from St Mary's co-educational school in Niger State, Nigeria, marking the second mass abduction within a week. This incident follows a previous attack in Kebbi State where 25 girls were abducted from a secondary school, raising alarm over the escalating security crisis in the region.

A Western company's attempt to establish a rare-earths mine outside of China's influence has failed, highlighting Beijing's dominance in the global rare-earths supply chain. This failure underscores the challenges faced by Western entities in securing critical resources that are essential for various technologies.

Ukraine peace talks were a focal point at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, where the absence of the United States, Russia, and China raised concerns about the effectiveness of ongoing diplomatic efforts. Carney highlighted that the U.S. peace plan for Ukraine requires significant revisions, with experts labeling it a 'disaster.'

Tensions between China and Japan have escalated following remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, suggesting a military response if China attacks Taiwan. In retaliation, China has canceled flights to Japan, suspended concerts, and banned imports of Japanese seafood, reflecting the deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two nations.

At COP30 in Belem, disputes over phasing out fossil fuels threaten to extend the UN climate summit beyond Friday. The latest draft deal by Brazil omitted any mention of fossil fuels, drawing criticism from France, Germany, and Colombia, while China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and India rejected it outright. UN Secretary-General António Guterres remains optimistic that a compromise can be reached.

Rare earth elements are not as rare as their name suggests; the main challenge lies in their processing and refining, where China currently holds a dominant position in the market. The U.S. is seeking to enhance its capabilities in this sector through federal support and technological advancements.