On January 3, 2023, Ecuador’s President Guillermo Lasso announced that a free trade agreement had been reached with China. The deal has reached between the two countries after negotiations of 1 year which started in February, 2022. The Chinese and Ecuadorian delegations were successful in concluding negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) after four rounds of negotiations and numerous technical meetings. The current deal is anticipated to improve exports and the industrial sector’s growth in the South American nation. On a social media site, Lasso made announcement “Good news to start 2023. The negotiation between China and Ecuador has been successfully concluded.” According to Lasso, with the agreement, Ecuadorean firms will have cheaper access to machinery and materials as well as preferential access to the largest market of the world i.e. China for the exports. Earlier, Lasso announced in September 2022 that his government had reached a second agreement to reduce interest rates and extend the terms of $4.4 billion in debt held with two Chinese state-affiliated banks which have been providing loans to Ecuador since 2010. The Chinese side has also confirmed the deal and said that the discussions for a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between China and Ecuador have gone well.

The Ecuador’s production ministry said in a statement as a response to the deal, “This trade agreement will allow preferential access for 99% of Ecuador’s current exports to China, especially agricultural and agro-industrial products such as shrimp, bananas, roses and flowers, cocoa and coffee.” Through the Free Trade Agreement, Ecuador’s exports will have easier access to a market with more than 1.4 billion consumers, which will not only increase exports, jobs but will also boost economic growth and investment. With estimated annual bilateral commerce of more than $10 billion. Ecuador is an important business partner for China in Latin America. Their collaboration spans a variety of industries, including mining, transportation, energy and electricity. In the first half of 2022, China was Ecuador’s top non-oil trading partner, according to the Ecuador trade ministry. Once the agreement will be signed formally, Ecuador will join Chile, Peru and Costa Rica as the fourth nation in Latin America to establish a free trade agreement with China. The U.S. is alarmed by the improving relations between the two nations and China’s expanding regional influence. Therefore, the U.S. wants to improve ties with Ecuador and is seeking options in Latin America to attain regional influence.

Tsai Ing-wen, the President of Taiwan, stated on 28 December 2022 that in order to protect regional security, Taiwan and Japan should work together with other democracies. She also made clear that Taiwan wishes to strengthen security relations and develop ties with Japan when she met with the delegation at the Presidential Office in Taipei.
The President added, “The nation would also engage in closer cooperation with democratic countries such as Japan, the US, and European nations. It wants to serve the common goals of maintaining peace and security and achieving free trade and economic prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region”.

National Defense Plan

Taiwan is considering creating a civilian militia and is required to support its reservist system under the national defense plan. The delegation’s leader, Japanese lawmaker Hiroshige Seko, praised the new defense strategy. Moreover, the new strategy calls for higher spending on the purchase of weaponry. Also, it emphasizes the acquisition of next-generation missile weapons, demonstrating Taiwan’s determination to assume control of its own defense.
Seko asserted that Tokyo has made it clear in its most recent national defense paper that it will not accept unilateral alterations to the “status quo” in the Taiwan Strait.
Moreover, the two sides also reviewed Japan’s revision of three crucial national security texts in light of China’s growing threats. This demonstrated Tokyo’s ability to respond to “contingencies” involving Taiwan.

Additionally, Seko emphasized that Japan recently amended its National Security Strategy and made a commitment to considerably raise defense spending. It seeks to increase its military capability, readiness, and ability to react to regional events.
The lawmaker expressed his hope that in the future, “we will further uphold the free and open Indo-Pacific advocated by former Prime Minister Abe, including India, Australia, and other like-minded countries, and do our best to unite and maintain peace and stability in the region.”
According to Seko, Japan listed Taiwan as a “very significant partner” in the strategy paper that was adopted on December 16.

Drones were sent into North Korea’s air space by South Korea on December 26, 2022. After the leadership, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent five unmanned aerial vehicles into its airspace. This led to an unprecedented tit-for-tat military action by South Korea. Drones were exchanged as Kim Jong Un kicked off a significant political meeting to decide on security, economic, and political policy for the upcoming year.

The first drone crossed the border at 10:25 in the morning and returned after traveling for roughly three hours, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. Four more were seen, but they later disappeared off radar. In addition, fighter jets and military helicopters were dispatched by South Korea’s military in response.

In this regard, the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea reported that South Korea afterwards sent manned and unmanned reconnaissance assets into North Korea and border regions to perform reconnaissance and take pictures of military installations.

Furthermore, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said the incursion showed the need for South Korea to bolster its defenses. At a cabinet meeting, Yoon underlined, “We were planning to establish a drone unit for surveillance on North Korea’s major military facilities. But with South Korea’s response to North Korea, we will expedite the establishment of the drone unit as much as possible”.

South Korea Military Budget

According to the country’s Defense Ministry, South Korea would spend 560 billion won ($441 million) on improving its drone defenses. According to the country’s recently released budget, until 2027, South Korea plans to spend 331.4 trillion won ($261 billion) on defense, with an average yearly growth of 6.8 percent.
Moreover, President Yoon declared that regardless of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, any provocation by the country must be addressed with immediate action.
However, these actions raise the likelihood of the first significant violent conflict in years. In 2010, Yeonpyeong, a South Korean border island, was heavily bombarded by North Korea.
In 2022, Kim Jong Un launched a record-breaking 70 ballistic missiles, updating his arsenal to make the weapons more easier to hide, quicker to deploy, and harder to knock down. South Korea, on the other hand, has stated that it anticipates Kim will conduct a nuclear bomb test soon.

According to the chief of IMF, 2023 is going to be a tough one. He says 2023 to be tougher for global economy than 2022. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief has warned that this year would be more difficult than 2022 for the majority of the global economy because of the sluggish growth in the United States, the European Union, and China. IMF’s October drop of its global GDP outlook from 2.9 percent to 2.7 percent due to factors such as the conflict in Ukraine and significantly rising interest rates, keeping this in view these remarks were passed. Although there are concerns about China’s longer-term trajectory, Georgieva stated that she predicted China’s growth to improve before the end of the year. According to Georgieva, the conflict in Ukraine has deeply upset the EU, with half of the bloc anticipating a recession this year. However, the head of the IMF noted that the US economy has distinguished itself for its durability and may completely avoid contraction this year. 2023 will be a challenging year for most of the global economy as the primary drivers of global growth, the United States, Europe, and China, all see diminishing activity. Many analysts and investors are concerned that a U.S. recession is inevitable in 2023 due to geopolitical concerns, energy market imbalances, consistently high inflation numbers, and rising interest rates. The chance of a recession has increased throughout 2022 as a result of the Federal Reserve raising interest rates in an effort to combat inflation.

Considering reducing exposure to volatile stocks and increasing cash holdings may help. Cash may not be the most exciting play, but it reduces market risk and provides financial flexibility if a recession creates potential buying opportunities in 2023. Countries face a high risk of instability if there is political instability. The important factors in determining the countries’ instability are undergoing political transitions constraints on ruling elites and the degree of public participation in polity. So, in order to overcome inflation, states should also take diplomatic steps also help. The whole world is together in this phase of recession and can altogether stop it from the economic depression through various diplomatic efforts.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has had a significant impact on the energy crisis in Europe. The crisis has been caused by a combination of factors, including the disruption of natural gas supplies from Russia, the closure of nuclear power plants in Ukraine, and the increasing demand for energy in Europe. Economic sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United States, which have had a significant impact on the energy sector in both countries. In particular, the sanctions have led to a disruption of natural gas supplies from Russia to Ukraine and Europe. Russia is the largest supplier of natural gas to Europe, providing around 30% of the continent’s total gas supply. This has resulted in a significant disruption to the energy supply in Europe, with some countries having to resort to alternative sources of energy. The crisis has also been exacerbated by the closure of several nuclear power plants in Ukraine. The closure of these plants has resulted in a significant reduction in the country’s energy production, which has had a knock-on effect on the energy supply in Europe.

The increasing demand for energy in Europe has also contributed to the energy crisis. As the population of Europe continues to grow, so does the demand for energy. This has led to a shortage of energy in some parts of Europe, with some countries having to resort to alternative sources of energy. The energy crisis in Europe has had a significant impact on the economy of the region. Many countries have had to increase their energy prices in order to make up for the shortfall in energy supply. This has had a negative impact on businesses and consumers, as well as on the environment. The energy crisis in Europe has been caused by a combination of factors, including the disruption of natural gas supplies from Russia, the closure of nuclear power plants in Ukraine, and the increasing demand for energy in Europe. It is essential that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is resolved in order to prevent further disruption to the energy supply in Europe.

Due to impacts of climate change, the year 2022 has experienced devastating weather events in the form of a terrible flood that drowned a third of Pakistan, one of the three costliest hurricanes to ever hit the United States, severe droughts in Europe and China, a famine in Africa brought on by a drought, and fatal heat waves around the world. The year is ending and the world once again witnessed an extreme weather i.e. deadly winter storm in North America which took lives of dozens of people. Forecasters referred to the icy winter storm that hit the United States as a “bomb cyclone” and it produced travel chaos, life-threatening flooding, flash freezing, and blizzard conditions in many parts of the country. Thousands of homes and businesses across the United States lost power due to the increased demand as a result of “bomb cyclone” storm, which is being considered as one of the most violent in recent decades. It has caused fatal car accidents on frozen roads and exposure to extreme storm, thousands of US flights were also cancelled, according to the data. In “one of the greatest extents of winter weather warnings and advisories ever” the National Weather Service (NWS) reported that more than 200 million people were under some type of winter alert.

It is anticipated that the prolonged extreme cold, blizzards and catastrophic winter storm conditions that have affected most of the United States, Canada, and even spread down to northern Mexico, will be an expensive event for many years. Given the wide geographic footprint of the cold and storm, which spread from Canada down to as far as northern Mexico, the overall effects and costs of the extreme winter weather event are anticipated to be relatively significant. At this point, it is far too early to conclude any precise estimates of losses, but according to some sources, this could be one of the most expensive winter weather outbreaks in the past ten years. The weather conditions have become unprecedented which are influencing people and their well-being at highest levels. Undoubtedly, climate change and global warming has played their role in it, but the fact of human activities in climate change cannot be denied. The climate change, a non-traditional threat, has impacted human security on a global scale. The situation of weather events and climate change demands attention from authorities at local, national and international level. In addition, result-oriented approaches and policies are needed in order to deal with climate crisis efficiently as humanity cannot tolerate and adapt to the extreme weather conditions as a new normal.

Introduction

Spain has made a significant step toward improving relations with Venezuela with the appointment of a new ambassador on 28th December, 2022. Since the tensions between two nations erupted in 2020, Ramon Santos has been named as the first ambassador to the Spanish mission in Venezuela, which depicts a new era of bilateral and diplomatic ties between the two countries. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Abares emphasized the significance of Spain’s ties with the Latin American nation in his remarks regarding the decision, claiming that Spanish representation in Venezuela is unquestionably required. The hint was already given for the appointment of the ambassador at the start of November when the talks between the nations improved.

Background

Spain and Venezuela have maintained bilateral relationships and diplomatic ties ever since the Treaty of Peace and Friendship was signed in 1845, the year the South American nation gained its independence. The two nations’ unique connection has been maintained consistently despite going through numerous significant crises as a result of a number of political disputes that seriously threatened common interests and understanding. However, the relations deteriorated in context of the generally regarded as fake elections in November 2020 that also caused extreme poverty. To protest, Spain withdrew its former ambassador, Jess Silva. But now, Santos, who has served as the acting head for diplomatic mission in Caracas since November 2021, is appointed as the newest ambassador two years later. A foreign ministry spokesperson has said in a statement that the government of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wants to ensure that the upcoming 2024 presidential election in Venezuela is “more democratic and allows the opposition to play the role it was unable to exercise at the time.”

Crisis in Venezuela

For more than ten years, Venezuela has been gripped by a serious national crisis. Hugo Chavez’s “economic war” that actually began in 2010 evolved under Nicolas Maduro’s leadership into a political, socioeconomic, and humanitarian crisis of unexpected magnitude in 2020. Due to this, the once prosperous Latin American nation suffered from hyperinflation, famine, shortages of essential goods, widespread emigration, high crime and death rates. The international community is actively participating in Venezuela’s development of peace and prosperity. The European Union (EU), which carefully assessed the dire situation and made every effort to advance peace and democracy in Venezuela. Spain, a member of the EU, is particularly concerned about the situation in Venezuela as the Venezuelan crisis has affected the internal politics of Spain. Apart from this, the Venezuelan community is the fourth largest ethnic group in Spain, the presence of migrants in Spain is one of the major concerns of the Government. The appointment of a new ambassador by Spain is a positive step but in order to ensure sustainable peace process in Venezuela, both the countries should make efforts and play their due role that is required for good relations, political stability and economic prosperity.

On 12 December 2022 in Kabul, Afghanistan, a terrorist attack occurred on a hotel building having a majority of Chinese nationals. In this incident, five Chinese nationals were injured and some Afghan security officers were killed. The government of Afghanistan reported that a branch of the ISIS extremist group in Afghanistan claimed responsibility for the attack.
This incident was of great concern to the Chinese government. Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the terrorist attack and told the Afghan government to take steps to protect Chinese nationals in Afghanistan.

In response to this incident, Wang Wenbin, the Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson, said that the Chinese side considers the terrorist activity unacceptable. Wang emphasised that China vehemently opposes terrorism in all its manifestations. Furthermore, he noted that the Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan immediately complained to the Afghan interim administration following the attack. The embassy asked them to take all necessary steps to identify and save Chinese people.
Additionally, the Chinese embassy urged the Afghan side to fully investigate the attack and punish those who are guilty. They also demanded that security measures for Chinese nationals and institutions in Afghanistan be greatly enhanced.
We extend our condolences to the members of the Afghan security forces who lost their lives in this incident, as well as our sympathies to those who were hurt, Wang said. It was also reported that China applauds the Afghan security forces’ prompt response to the attack and their attempts to save Chinese nationals.

In this regard, China pays great attention to Afghanistan’s security situation. They assist Afghan efforts to protect national security and stability, as well as to combat all forms of terrorism and violence.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson asked the Afghan interim government to act quickly to protect Chinese citizens, organisations, and projects in Afghanistan.
Furthermore, the task force of the Chinese Embassy in Afghanistan also came to the site of the incident. Together with the Afghan side, they carried out rescue operations, provided medical attention, and located housing for the injured.

On December 9, 2022, a clash broke out between Indian and Chinese forces in the Tawang area of Arunachal Pradesh, a state in far-northeast India that is claimed by China. Since the tragic clashes of June 2020, when Chinese and Indian soldiers fought in hand-to-hand combat in the Galwan Valley of Ladakh, this incident is considered to be the first between the two countries.
The Indian army said on 12 December 2022 that this clash had resulted in injuries, making it the most serious event along their disputed Himalayan frontier since the soldiers from the two major countries were killed and captured in June 2020. They believe that People’s Liberation Army PLA forces approached the border in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian army’s statement further emphasised that local commanders met to discuss the conflict as both parties swiftly evacuated the region.

Rajnath Singh, the Defence Minister of India, while addressing the Indian Parliament, accused Chinese troops of entering Indian Territory. He claimed that China is “unilaterally altering the status quo.”
The spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang Wenbin, on the other hand, emphasised that he had no details while responding to India’s charges. He described the border situation as “stable”.

“Through diplomatic and military channels, the two sides have consistently maintained effective communication on border-related matters”, Wang emphasised.
Additionally, the incident resulted in the deaths of twenty Indian and four Chinese soldiers. Tens of thousands of soldiers from both countries were deployed along the Line of Actual Control, supported by artillery, tanks, and fighter jets.
However, China and India, for a long time, have had a variety of conflicting claims along their border, which stretches nearly the entire Himalayan range. During the deadly, high-altitude struggle between the two countries in 1962 over the disputed territories, Arunachal Pradesh was taken over by China before being returned to India. Arunachal Pradesh, according to China, is a part of South Tibet.

Japan, Britain, and Italy said that they will work together to create a next-generation fighter jet, opening the door for potential future collaboration with allies like the United States. By 2035, the new jet, which is expected to be completed, is anticipated to combine international research into cutting-edge air warfare technologies, from stealth capability to cutting-edge sensors. During a time when “threats and hostility are rising” globally, the three nations said in a joint statement that the ambitious endeavor will accelerate our advanced military capabilities and technology edge.

Their declaration was joined by a bunch of pictures showing a craftsman’s impression of the smooth new planes going by Mount Fuji and over London and Rome. However the three nations are as of now emptying billions of dollars into innovative warrior stream improvement, endeavors that will meet up under the joint task, called the Worldwide Battle Air Programme.”We share desire for this airplane to be the focal point of a more extensive battle air framework that will work across numerous spaces,” the assertion said. That incorporates “future interoperability with the US, with NATO and with our accomplices” in Europe, Asia and around the world, it made sense of. The US Division of Safeguard said it upheld the undertaking in a different joint proclamation with Japan’s protection ministry.”We have started significant cooperation through a progression of conversations on independent frameworks capacities, which could supplement Japan’s next warrior program among different stages,” the US-Japan explanation said. The declaration accompanies Japan ready to make the biggest update to its security system in many years. The public authority intends to increase guard spending – a disputable move in a country whose constitution limits military ability to apparently self-defensive measures. Be that as it may, the conflict in Ukraine, rehashed rocket dispatches from North Korea and developing tension from China have assisted form with supporting for a greater financial plan. A Japanese guard service official said the new warrior stream meant to surpass the capacities of existing models like the US’s F-35.

While the all out cost has not been finished, it won’t be borne exactly similarly between the three nations, the authority added. Japan’s Nikkei business day to day said that organizations Mitsubishi Weighty Enterprises, BAE Frameworks and Leonardo would administer the new undertaking, which is Tokyo’s second joint improvement after its SM-3 rocket made with Washington. The undertaking is the most recent high-profile illustration of partnered nations teaming up on an impromptu premise to foster protection hardware. Such moves demonstrated disputable last year, notwithstanding, when the US grabbed a worthwhile agreement to supply Australia with submarines from under French noses and sent off another US-UK-Australia collusion in the Pacific, named AUKUS.