Jan. 12: G7 finance ministers discuss rare earths
Finance ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations are set to meet in Washington, D.C., with rare earth supply chains high on the agenda, Reuters reported. Officials will discuss potential price floors for rare earth elements and other critical minerals vital to high-tech manufacturing and clean energy transitions.
Jan. 12 - 14: CCDI holds plenary session
The 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the Communist Party’s top anti-graft body, will hold its fifth plenary session. This follows a review by the Politburo Standing Committee of the commission’s work in 2025 and preparations for the upcoming meeting.
Jan. 13 - 17: Canadian prime minister visits China
Prime Minister Mark Carney will visit China from Jan. 13 to 17, marking the first visit by a Canadian leader since December 2017. China is Canada’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral goods trade reaching $118.7 billion in 2024. Exports to China totaled $29.9 billion, while imports stood at $88.8 billion.
Jan. 13 - 14: South Korean president visits Japan
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will travel to Japan for a two-day visit, marking the first trip by a South Korean leader since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office. The two leaders are scheduled to hold a summit and dinner in Nara.
Jan. 15: Atomic Energy Law takes effect
China’s Atomic Energy Law will enter into force on Jan. 15, establishing a legal framework for the development, security and international cooperation of the nuclear industry. The 62-article statute fills a legislative gap in the country’s foundational governance of the sector.
Jan. 16: New AIIB president takes office
Zou Jiayi will begin her five-year term as president of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), succeeding inaugural president Jin Liqun. A former vice minister of finance in China, Zou has played a significant role in fostering cooperation between China and major international financial institutions.
Jan. 16: Verdict due for former South Korean president
The Seoul Central District Court is scheduled to deliver a first-instance verdict in the case against former President Yoon Suk-yeol regarding allegations of obstruction of justice and destroying evidence related to encrypted communication records on Jan. 16. Yoon faces multiple charges, including spreading false information related to martial law declarations.
Jan. 16: Coking coal options start trading
Coking coal options will list on the Dalian Commodity Exchange on Jan. 16. The initial contracts cover futures from April 2026 through December 2026, with a maximum order size of 1,000 lots.
Jan. 17: U.N. High Seas Treaty enters force
The U.N. High Seas Treaty, designed to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, takes effect on Jan. 17, after being ratified by at least 60 countries. The agreement was finalized in 2023 after nearly two decades of negotiations.
