📸 US Representative Jared Moskowitz

U.S. President Donald Trump met with several newly appointed ambassadors at the White House.

Among them was Tom Barrack, nominated as U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye.

Barrack:

“As one of the world’s oldest civilizations, the host nation seeks your vision for peace, prosperity, and security.”

Trump responded:

“It’s a good place, and its leader is good too.”

Türkiye has demanded an explanation from Greece on this footage.

Greek officials are reportedly displeased and plan to hold both the cadets and the school leadership accountable.

“You don’t show strength with slogans,” a source told Kathimerini.

Interesting: U.S. B-2 Bombers Arrive at Diego Garcia, More En Route

Two U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit strategic bombers from the 509th Bomb Wing have arrived at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

Two additional B-2s—departing from Whiteman Air Force Base—are currently crossing the Pacific, also heading to Diego Garcia.

The deployment is likely aimed at preparing for potential strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen or serving as a show of force toward Iran.

CIA Director Ratcliffe:

I'm convinced that they [Ukrainians] will fight with their bare hands if they have to, if they don't have terms that are acceptable to an enduring peace.

Turkish Bayraktar TB3, the world’s first UCAV capable of taking off and landing on short-runway ships, successfully hit a 6x6 meter target over the sea from a distance of over 50 km using Roketsan’s new UAV-122 supersonic missile.

The target was laser-designated by a Bayraktar TB2 UAV in flight.

Bayraktar TB3 launched the missile and destroyed the target with pinpoint accuracy.

This marks the first successful test of coordinated target engagement between two UCAVs.

62% of French support boycotting U.S. products and services.

Source: Ifop poll published by Libération

Turkish MFA sources:

In the meeting between Fidan and Rubio, both sides clearly expressed political will to remove obstacles to cooperation in the defense industry.

Fidan and Rubio emphasized the importance of engagement with the Syrian regime and reaffirmed their commitment to stability in Syria and the fight against terrorism.

U.S. authorities are moving to deport Rumeysa Öztürk, a graduate of Columbia University Teachers College and a doctoral student at Tufts University, due to her involvement in nonviolent anti-Israel activism and participation in the boycott movement targeting Israeli products.

These actions by the U.S. government raise serious questions about the state of freedom of expression within the country.

U.S. authorities appear to be unresponsive to appeals when matters concerning Israel are at issue.

Is this the 'Great America' that Trump envisioned and claimed was making a resurgence?

NEW: Russia's new ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev will leave for his post in Washington on Wednesday, Russian state TASS news agency reported, citing unnamed diplomatic sources.

The U.S. has blacklisted over 70 Chinese entities, targeting efforts to advance China's AI chips, hypersonic weapons, and military tech.

This marks the Trump administration's first major export control move, aimed at closing previous loopholes and reinforcing tech restrictions. China has condemned the action, calling it political and abusive.

Named Entities Added to the Blacklist:

• Inspur Subsidiaries (Taiwan)
• Beijing Academy of Artificial Intelligence (BAAI)
• Zhipu AI (listed earlier in January 2025)
• Henan Dingxin Information Industry
• Nettrix Information Industry
• Suma Technology
• Suma-USI Electronics
• 10 Additional Entities in China, South Africa, and UAE

Source: FT, Reuters

Former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said Germany’s decision to ramp up defense spending is a “game changer” but warned there are risks when it comes to how it’s implemented.

Source: Bloomberg

China swoops in to replace Asian USAID projects axed by Trump

The U.S. withdrew support from two major aid projects in Cambodia focused on child literacy and nutrition for children under five. Within a week, China’s international aid agency announced it would fund similar programs.

China's response signals its readiness to expand soft power by stepping into developmental voids left by Western countries.

Source: Bloomberg

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce made a statement on the meeting between US Secretary Rubio and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed cooperation on key issues in security and trade.

The Secretary requested Türkiye’s support for peace in Ukraine and the South Caucasus. He appreciated Türkiye’s leadership in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS and reiterated the need for close cooperation to support a stable, unified, peaceful Syria that is neither a base for international terrorism nor a pathway for destabilizing Iranian activities.

The Secretary also noted recent advancements in bilateral trade and encouraged even greater economic partnership moving forward.

The U.S. has deployed the Typhon missile system to the Philippines, putting major Chinese military and industrial targets within striking range.

China has reacted angrily, calling it a provocation and threatening retaliation.

The move is a key test of Trump’s Indo-Pacific deterrence strategy and has raised fears of escalation.

The extent of the system's influence in the Philippines:

• Tomahawk missiles (1,200-mile range): Can strike radar systems and command centers in Guangzhou and Nanjing.
• SM-6 missiles (150–290-mile range): Capable of targeting ships, aircraft, cruise missiles, and potentially hypersonic threats.

Source: WSJ

NEW: Fierce clashes broke out between Somali army and Al Shabab militants in Masaajid Ali Gaduud, located in the Middle Shabelle region. The fighting began when the militant group launched an assault on a military base in the area.

Trump:

I think that Russia wants to see an end to war, but it could be they're dragging their feet.

I've done it over the years.

China's Foreign Ministry urged the U.S. to abandon its "hegemonic mentality" after being labeled the top military and cyber threat.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun accused the U.S. of spreading the "China threat" theory to contain Beijing and called for an end to support for Taiwan independence.