President Biden blocked the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel on January 3, citing national security concerns. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) did not reach a unanimous decision, leading Biden to make the final call.
Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel filed a lawsuit on January 6, arguing that Biden's order and the CFIUS review violated constitutional due process and procedural requirements. They are seeking to invalidate the order and request a re-examination of the acquisition plan.
Nippon Steel's lawsuit against the U.S. government is unprecedented, as it marks a rare instance of a Japanese private company directly challenging the U.S. President and government. This reflects the high stakes and contentious nature of the acquisition plan.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on January 6 due to declining support rates, pressure from within and outside his party, and challenges such as housing price inflation and economic issues. His approval rating had dropped to 22%, the lowest since he took office.
Trudeau faced challenges such as rising housing prices, inflation, and criticism over his handling of economic issues. Additionally, his government struggled with internal dissent, including the resignation of the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister over disputes regarding U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports.
A joint investigation team, including the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, obtained an arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol on charges of leading an insurrection. However, the warrant could not be executed due to resistance from the Presidential Security Service. The team has requested an extension of the warrant's validity.
Syria's interim government, led by Foreign Minister Sheibani, is seeking support for the country's reconstruction following the collapse of the Assad regime. Sheibani has visited Gulf countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to secure aid and advocate for the lifting of U.S. economic sanctions, which hinder reconstruction efforts.
Japanese startups showcased innovative products at CES, including a motorized prosthetic leg that reduces strain during movement, AI-integrated robots that respond to user actions, and smart glasses with lenses that automatically adjust to the user's vision. These products highlight Japan's focus on advanced robotics and assistive technologies.
The fishing boat accident off Kashima Port in Ibaraki Prefecture occurred when the boat capsized, likely due to an imbalance caused by a large catch of fish. Two crew members died, and three others were thrown into the sea and remain missing. The boat sank after capsizing.
North Korea announced the successful test launch of a new hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile on January 6. The missile was fired from near Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan, as confirmed by South Korea's military.