International News 07 January 2026
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China Imposes Export Controls on Dual-Use Goods to Japan Amid Rising Tensions
China has imposed immediate restrictions on exports to Japan of so-called dual-use goods that could potentially be used for military purposes, further escalating tensions between Asia’s two largest economies. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that all exports of dual-use items for defense-related purposes to Japan are now prohibited, without detailing specific products. The move follows remarks made last year by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, which Beijing described as “incorrect” and as implying possible military intervention in the Taiwan Strait, a stance China says violates the One China principle. The export curbs are widely seen as a political signal, adding pressure on Tokyo after Japan refused to retract its statements and reiterated that its policy toward China and Taiwan remains unchanged. Items classified by China as dual-use include aerospace components, graphite and its derivatives, and certain metal alloys such as tungsten-nickel-iron. As of now, the Japanese government has not issued an official response. The decision underscores growing strategic frictions in the region, particularly as Japan expands its defense spending and takes a firmer stance on regional security issues linked to China and Taiwan.
Trump Administration Plans Talks with U.S. Oil Executives on Venezuela Production Boost
The Trump administration plans to meet U.S. oil company executives this week to discuss reviving and expanding Venezuela’s oil production following the U.S.-led operation that ousted President Nicolas Maduro, according to sources familiar with the plan. The talks are seen as key to Washington’s ambition to bring major American oil companies back to Venezuela after nearly two decades, during which U.S.-led operations were nationalized. However, executives from Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillips said they have not yet held discussions with the White House on Venezuela, contradicting President Trump’s claim that he had spoken with all major oil firms. Analysts caution that boosting Venezuela’s oil output would take years and require billions of dollars in investment due to deteriorated infrastructure, political uncertainty, weak legal frameworks, and ongoing U.S. sanctions. Currently, Chevron is the only major U.S. oil company still operating in Venezuela, while Exxon and ConocoPhillips exited after nationalization disputes. Despite the challenges, investor optimism has risen on expectations that a political shift in Caracas could reopen access to the world’s largest proven oil reserves, lifting U.S. energy stocks even as the oil embargo on Venezuela remains in place.
Vietnam’s Economy Surges in 2025 on Strong Exports and Domestic Demand
Vietnam’s economy posted robust growth in 2025, with gross domestic product expanding 8.02%, up from 7.09% in 2024, according to preliminary government data cited by Reuters. Growth accelerated in the fourth quarter, when GDP rose 8.46% year-on-year, the strongest quarterly performance of the year. The expansion was supported by a 17% jump in exports to about US$475 billion, a 9.2% rise in industrial output, and solid domestic demand, with retail sales increasing 9.2%. Inflation remained manageable, with consumer prices up 3.48% in December. Trade dynamics played a central role, as Vietnam recorded a record trade surplus with the United States. Exports to the US surged to US$153 billion in 2025, pushing the surplus close to US$134 billion, despite a 20% US tariff imposed since August. Vietnam remains a key hub in global supply chains for electronics, textiles, and footwear, hosting major multinationals such as Samsung, Apple, and Nike, while imports from China hit a record US$186 billion. Looking ahead, the government aims to rebalance growth toward domestic consumption and infrastructure spending and has set an ambitious target of at least 10% annual growth for 2026–2030, following an average growth of 6.25% over 2021–2025.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/melesat-ekonomi-vietnam-tumbuh-802-di-2025#google_vignette