# tensions
This week
29th January 2023 - 2nd February 2023
# Nuclear Weapons
US says Russia is not complying with last remaining nuclear treaty
Moscow announced in early August that it was suspending US inspections of its military sites, which were part of the New START treaty.
Last month
January 2023
# Lima
Protesters stream into Peru’s capital demanding resignation of president
The protests follow a weeks-long movement to demand Dina Boluarte’s resignation, the dissolution of Congress, and immediate elections.
Last year
2022
# Western Balkans
Serbs start removing barricades in easing of tensions in Kosovo
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced removal of the barricades following calls by the EU and the US to de-escalate tensions.
# Western Balkans
Tension soars as Kosovo shuts main border crossing with Serbia
The EU and the US have called on both countries to “refrain from provocations, threats, or intimidation”.
# Pyongyang
North Korea fires two ballistic missiles into Sea of Japan, Seoul's military says
It comes days after the country announced a successful test of a solid-fuel motor for a new weapons system.
# tensions
North Korean missile may have had range to hit US mainland, Japan says
The intercontinental ballistic missile is believed to have landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone this morning.
# CETA
Divisions emerging between Govt parties over amending legislation to ratify CETA
The Supreme Court ruled that ratifying CETA currently was unconstitutional.
# tensions
North Korea fires four ballistic missiles into the sea
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the missiles flew around 130 kilometres toward the North’s western sea.
# tensions
China’s President Xi Jinping calls for military growth amid tension with US
The Communist Party congress comes amid a painful economic slump and tension with Washington and Asian neighbours over trade, technology and security.
# tensions
China says troops 'remain on high alert' as two US warships sail through Taiwan Strait
It is the first transit since China staged unprecedented military drills around the island following the visit of US Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
# tensions
China’s military drills appear to simulate attack, says Taiwan
China launched live-fire military drills following US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taiwan earlier this week.
# tensions
China will 'not hesitate to start war' if Taiwan declares independence, Beijing warns US
China’s defence minister made the comments during his first face-to-face meeting with his US counterpart in Singapore.
# Temple Mount
Jerusalem on high alert ahead of Israeli 'flag march'
Hamas warned against marchers passing through the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, saying it would use “all possibilities” to confront them.
# Kyiv Embassy
Department of Foreign Affairs says 145 Irish citizens now registered with embassy in Ukraine
The department said that this number “may rise further over the coming days”.
# ukraine crisis
Kremlin urges US to 'stop escalating tensions' as NATO flags Russian troop build-up in Belarus
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg raised concerns about Russian troop buildup in Belarus.
# tensions
Vladimir Putin accuses West of 'ignoring Russia's fundamental concerns' about Ukraine
The Russian president was speaking last night.
# ukraine tensions
US offers no concessions in response to Russian demands over Ukraine
But Antony Blinken said the written response also contains “serious” offers for a diplomatic path to de-escalate soaring tensions.
# tensions
Taoiseach: Ireland 'not politically neutral but militarily neutral' as Ukraine travel advice is updated
Irish people are now advised against non-essential travel to Ukraine.
Irish people are now advised against non-essential travel to Ukraine.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that Russia's massing of troops the Ukrainian border was not justified.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said he was "not aware" of plans for the use of Irish airspace for the transport of troops or weapons to Ukraine.
# ukraine tensions
US puts troops on alert over Ukraine as Biden calls European allies
NATO also said it was sending jets and ships to bolster its eastern flank.
# Explainer
Explainer: What's the latest with Russia-Ukraine tensions and is an invasion likely?
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Ukraine today ahead of talks with Russia on Friday.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Ukraine today ahead of talks with Russia on Friday.
Moscow has been accused of massing tens of thousands of troops near its border with Ukraine in preparation for an invasion.
The conflict in eastern Ukraine has so far left more than 13,000 dead.
# tensions
North Korea fires second suspected ballistic missile in less than a week
The early-morning launch came as the UN Security Council met in New York to discuss last week’s test.
All time
# Explainer
Explainer: What's happening on the Russia-Ukraine border and how likely is an invasion?
Nearly 100,000 Russian troops have massed on the Ukrainian border in recent weeks.
# tensions
UK Brexit minister due in Paris for talks on fishing row as France releases impounded trawler
The meeting comes a day after a French court released a British trawler impounded for a week.
# tensions
Taoiseach says Poland’s challenge of EU’s legal foundations went ‘too far’
Several EU officials insisted that there would be no ganging-up against Poland.
# tensions
Covid vaccine stand-off between Chicago mayor and police union sparks dueling lawsuits
A judge has banned a police union president from making public statements on the city’s Covid-19 policy.
# tensions
Taiwan wants political status quo not China’s path, says president
Tsai Ing-wen also firmly rejected Chinese military coercion in a speech to mark the country’s National Day.
# tensions
China's Xi vows 'reunification' with Taiwan
Self-governed Taiwan, which has never formally declared independence, lives under the constant threat of invasion by China.
# tensions
North Korea warns UN to ‘think of the consequences’ of criticising missiles work
Pyongyang resumed missile tests in September after a six-month hiatus.
# tensions
Taiwan rebukes China over record fighter jet incursion
Beijing marked its National Day on Friday with its biggest aerial show of force against Taiwan to date.
# tensions
Kim Jong Un’s sister warns of ‘complete destruction’ of South Korean ties
Kim Yo Jong criticised the South Korean president for describing North Korean weapons demonstrations as a provocation.
# tensions
Ex-minister Johnny Mercer blasts ‘distrustful, awful environment’ of British government
The former British Army officer has stood down as veterans minister.
# tensions
Kelly accuses Donnelly of 'incompetence' during heated row in Dáil over Covid vaccine roll-out
Donnelly told the Dáil he is “reluctant” to give specific estimates on vaccine deliveries.
# tensions
NI Executive adjourns for the night with no agreement on new coronavirus restrictions
Northern Ireland’s lockdown is due to end at midnight tomorrow.
# tensions brewing
'Whose streets? Our streets': Anti-Trump protesters gather outside White House
Scattered protests also took place from Seattle to New York City, but across the US there were no signs of widespread unrest.
# tensions
Emergency decree bans gatherings of four or more as pro-democracy protests escalate in Thailand
In a rare move, protests in Thailand have also targeted the monarchy in recent days.
# tensions
Statues of Roosevelt and Lincoln toppled during Columbus Day protests in the US
Disquiet over Columbus Day was witnessed in several US and Latin American cities.
# tensions
North Korea accuses South Korea of intrusion to find official’s body
South Korea denied the North’s accusation.
# tensions
Kim Jong Un apologises for 'disgraceful' shooting of South Korean fisheries official
The official was shot dead on Tuesday by North Korean soldiers.
# tensions
Australian journalists flee China over arrest fears
The reporters were forced to take refuge with Australian diplomats.
# tensions
Explainer: Why the UK is facing a clash with China over Huawei and 5G
The Chinese tech giant’s equipment is to be stripped from the UK’s 5G network by 2027.
