Early Bird: Czech Republic is becoming increasingly indebted, estimates confirm. China has changed its tactics for a possible occupation of Taiwan.
New military operations confirm that China is expanding its presence in the South China Sea and around Taiwan. The country has long been striving to annex the island. The national debt of the Czech Republic, which is composed of government debts and mainly arises from the accumulation of state budget deficits, is estimated to have increased once again. According to preliminary data from early January, it has reached a record 3.678 trillion crowns.
China Masks Drone Flights in Possible Preparation Against Taiwan
A large Chinese military drone has been flying over the South China Sea in recent months, transmitting false signals to appear as a different aircraft, including a Belarusian cargo plane and a British Typhoon fighter jet. Military attachés and analysts studying these Chinese actions believe it represents a significant shift in China's tactics in the contested area. Furthermore, Beijing might be testing deceptive techniques in preparation for an invasion of Taiwan. These operations represent a new and sophisticated element in China's expanding presence in the South China Sea, noted the server Ceskenoviny.cz.
The Value of National Debt is Increasing
The Ministry of Finance will release the final amount of the Czech national debt as of the end of last year today. According to preliminary data from early January, the debt reached a record 3.678 trillion crowns, while at the end of 2024 it amounted to 3.365 trillion crowns. The debt ratio was at 43.2 percent of the gross domestic product according to the preliminary data. This year, the indebtedness of the Czech Republic is expected to deepen further. The draft state budget for this year anticipates a debt of 3.991 trillion crowns by the end of 2026, reported the portal Ceskenoviny.cz.
Clinton stated she has no information on Epstein
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told the U.S. House of Representatives oversight committee that she has no information on the criminal activities of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. She does not recall ever meeting him. She urged lawmakers to ask the current Republican president Donald Trump about the financier. According to her, the head of the White House should testify under oath, wrote the television server CNN.
Afghanistan Claims It Has Launched Attacks Against Pakistan
Afghanistan has launched attacks on Pakistani military positions in response to last week's Pakistani airstrikes. The Pakistani army claims to have killed at least 70 fighters. Afghanistan rejected this claim, stating that civilians, including women and children, were killed. The 2,611-kilometer border between the two countries is known as the Durand Line, which Afghanistan has not yet formally recognized, reported Al Jazeera.
Kenyan Police Arrest Man Accused of Recruiting Fighters for Russia's War in Ukraine
Police in Kenya have arrested a man who was promising locals skilled work in Russia. The recruits ultimately found themselves on the frontlines in Ukraine. Festus Omwamba was arrested on suspicion of human trafficking in the northern Kenyan town of Moyale, near the Ethiopian border. Local police spokesman Michael Muchiri stated that Omwamba attempted to flee Kenya after returning from Russia. The Kenyan government announced last week that more than a thousand Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine. At least 89 Kenyans are still on the frontlines, 39 are hospitalized, 28 are missing in action, and others have returned home. One Kenyan has died, reported the agency AP.
Sources: AP, CNN, Al Jazeera, Ceskenoviny.cz
