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Diplomatic and economic momentum marked today's headlines: trilateral talks aimed at advancing a peaceful settlement in Ukraine resumed in Abu Dhabi, while Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz used a Gulf visit to deepen ties and explore new partnerships; both moves underline continued international diplomatic engagement. Economic signals were mixed but forward-looking — the US unveiled a multilateral plan to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals with participation from over 50 countries, and Taiwan’s TSMC announced it will produce more advanced 3nm chips in Japan to support AI growth, steps that together signal supply‑chain diversification and industrial upgrading. Germany’s manufacturing sector showed signs of recovery as factory orders jumped in December, and Australia’s Parliamentary Budget Office released projections around the long‑term fiscal impact of the capital gains tax discount, prompting policy debate on distributional effects. On the cultural front, Robbie Williams celebrated record‑breaking success with his Britpop album, while global appetite for Korean snacks — notably dried seaweed — continues to expand, spotlighting the commercial reach of Korean culture. Closer to home, Japan’s weather agencies warned of heavy snowfall over the weekend that may affect travel and voting schedules, giving residents time to prepare. Together these items reflect a mix of diplomatic outreach, industrial strategy, fiscal conversation and cultural vitality shaping the current international news cycle.