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Daily Briefing

China's economy shows a patchy recovery in 2023, UN chief says parties to the Gaza war are "trampling" on international law, and US allies worry about an American turn toward isolationism.

Plus, how one officer class offers a glimpse into Russia's military.

By Edson Caldas

Today's Top News

Trump speaks on stage during a rally ahead of the New Hampshire primary election. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz

US NEWS

As Donald Trump strengthens his lead in the race for the Republican nomination, some US allies are worried about an American turn toward isolationism, a shift that would reflect an electorate largely focused on domestic issues. Follow the latest on the elections and sign up to the On the Campaign Trail newsletter.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's aide asked for the ambulance picking up the Pentagon chief to keep its lights and sirens off during a New Year's Day call to 911, according to audio of the call obtained by Reuters. Austin's subsequent hospitalization was kept secret for days, including from President Joe Biden.

WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

U.N. chief Antonio Guterres said that parties to the war in Gaza were "trampling" on international law. Describing the conflict as "gut-wrenching," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for a Palestinian state with a government structure "that gives people what they want and works with Israel to be effective."
Argentina's President Javier Milei will also address the global elite in Davos. The trip marks Milei's first overseas tour since he took office last month following a rapid ascent for the relative political newcomer. Listen to Victoria Waldersee on what sort of reception he can expect. And here is the latest from the forum.

IN OTHER NEWS

Pakistan said Iran has violated its airspace resulting in the death of two children, hours after Iranian state media said missiles targeted two bases of militant group Jaish al Adl. Islamabad warned that the incident could have "serious consequences" and was "completely unacceptable."
Protests against the far-right Alternative for Germany party are gaining momentum in the wake of a report that two party members joined a meeting to discuss plans for the mass deportation of citizens of foreign origin. Some protests have been attended by officials like Olaf Scholz and Annalena Baerbock.
The number of study permits Canada issued to Indian students fell sharply late last year after India ejected Canadian diplomats who would process the permits and fewer Indian students applied due to a diplomatic dispute over the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada, a top Canadian official told Reuters.

Business & Markets

China's economy grew 5.2% in 2023, slightly more than the official target, but the recovery was far shakier than many analysts and investors expected. Adding to concerns over China's longer-term growth prospects, the country's population fell for a second consecutive year in 2023.
More manufacturers are seeking to fly their products as attacks on Red Sea shipping force them to find alternate routes, logistics firms say, a potential boon for a sector dealing with muted post-pandemic demand and overcapacity. Here is how companies are responding to attacks on ships in the Red Sea.
Britain's annual rate of consumer price inflation sped up for the first time in 10 months in December, increasing to 4.0% from a more-than-two-year low of 3.9% recorded in November. The figures bucked expectations among economists in a Reuters poll for a further decline in CPI to 3.8%.
BP interim boss Murray Auchincloss was named permanent CEO four months after the energy giant was rocked by the sudden resignation of Bernard Looney over undisclosed relationships with employees. Auchincloss, 53, headed BP's finances under Looney since 2020.
Japan Airlines named its first female president, a former cabin attendant who rose through the ranks to senior management, taking a deeply symbolic step in a country struggling to close a vast gender gap at work. Mitsuko Tottori, who joined JAL in 1985, will become president from April 1.

How one officer class offers a glimpse into Russia's military amid Ukraine war

Cadets during their first year at the Ryazan academy. The image was posted in 2011 on the VK social media account of one of the cadets who was present.

On June 25, 2016, a new class of officers graduated from the Ryazan paratroop academy. Nearly eight years on, as Russia wages war on Ukraine, Reuters traced all but one of the class of 2016. Their stories offer a window on Russia's secretive military, which doesn't share data on casualties or the strength of its forces.

Read the special report.

And Finally...

Athletes present team outfits for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier

A dozen French Olympic athletes took to the catwalk of Paris Fashion Week to parade their Stephane Ashpool-designed kit for this year's Olympics. The kit included the athletes' village uniform, featuring a 1990s vibe, as well as the training and competition outfits that will be provided by French brand Le Coq Sportif.

Read more: 'Chic, elegant, bright' - French athletes parade kit for 2024 Olympics

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