In Geopolitics Today: Monday, January 9th
Sweden to Prioritize Defence Cooperation During EU Presidency, China Eases Ban on Australian Coal Imports, and other stories.
Sweden to Prioritize Defence Cooperation During EU Presidency
Sweden has prioritized defence and deepening collaboration among European Union member states in defence capabilities and joint military procurement during its half-year rotating presidency of the EU, which began on January 1st.
The country aims to strengthen European defence readiness, military capacities and the collective defence of Europe using EU-made weapons and military equipment acquired through joint procurement arrangements. Sweden is also said to be focused on achieving a more meaningful level of pan-EU collaboration in cybersecurity and strengthening the EU's cyber defence capabilities by establishing a common cyber defence policy.
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Russian Involvement in Nord Stream Sabotage a Doubt
In the aftermath of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipeline attacks, western government officials have rejected allegations of Russian involvement in the sabotage. This assessment is based on the lack of evidence found pointing to Russian perpetrators and the fact that repairing the pipelines would be in Russia's interests.
It has been suggested that Moscow could have used the Nord Stream pipelines in the case of an emergency, and that European countries may import large quantities of Russian pipeline gas in the future due to the need for cheap gas in key branches of European industries. Some officials in Berlin are now reportedly questioning the involvement of Russia in the attacks.
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China Eases Ban on Australian Coal Imports
China has allowed four large coal importers to resume purchasing Australian coal after an unofficial ban that had lasted for more than two years. This decision comes as China looks to strengthen its energy security and as demand for winter heating rises.
The move is seen as a sign of improving relations between China and Australia. The China Energy Investment Corporation has already placed an order for Australian coal and the first cargo is expected to be loaded as early as this month. Despite committing to global efforts to reduce emissions, China has also significantly increased its coal production in recent months, with daily production reaching a record high in November 2022.
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UN Security Council Extends Syrian Cross-border Aid Agreement
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously extended a humanitarian aid operation into northwest Syria by six months. The operation, which has been in place since 2014, allows the UN and its partners to deliver food, medicine and other supplies to rebel-held areas of the country via Turkey.
The US and its allies had warned that failure to extend the operation would be catastrophic for the millions of Syrians who rely on it. The council vote was 15-0 in favour, with Russia surprising analysts by approving the resolution. Since 2014, the UN has delivered aid through four border crossings, but two in Turkey, one in Jordan and one in Iraq, have been closed, leaving only the Bab al-Hawa crossing on the Syrian-Turkish border.
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Pakistan Against Another Ceasefire with TTP
Pakistan's National Security Council has announced that it will take strong action against “any and all entities” that resort to violence in the country. This statement comes as terror attacks have increased and the group known as the Tehreek-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ramped up attacks on security forces.
Islamabad has previously tried to engage with the TTP and offered to rehabilitate its fighters, but these efforts have been unsuccessful. The TTP has also reportedly been offered a ceasefire, but given the statement issued it is unlikely Pakistan will agree to this. Instead, Islamabad is expected to increase pressure on the Afghan Taliban with the help of the United States and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan may also ramp up counterterrorism operations in tribal areas where concerns about the TTP's return are increasing.