Thế giới toàn cảnh 18/11: Cây thông Giáng sinh tại Mỹ tăng giá vì thuế quan | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Military Equipment Export Restrictions: Germany's decision to lift restrictions on military equipment exports to Israel.
• LNG Transportation Agreement: Ukraine's deal with the US for liquefied natural gas (LNG) to ensure energy security.
• Christmas Festivities: Tivoli Gardens in Denmark opening for the Christmas season.
• Inter-Korean Military Talks: South Korea's proposal for military talks with North Korea.
• Border Crossing Reopening: Poland reopening two border crossings with Belarus.
• Sabotage Incident: Damage to a railway line in Poland attributed to sabotage.
• Migrant Boat Tragedy: Malaysia concluding search operations for missing migrants after a boat capsized.
• Eurozone Economic Forecast: European Commission's revised growth and inflation forecasts for the Eurozone.
• EU Economic Outlook: European Commission's Autumn Economic Forecast for the EU.
• Germany-China Cooperation: Collaboration on supply chain security, particularly rare earths.
• Dubai Airshow 2025: Exhibition showcasing aerospace and defense technologies.
• "Now You See Me 3" Box Office Success: The latest installment of the magic heist film franchise.
• Vietnam-Japan Friendship MV: A music video by the Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, sung in Vietnamese.
• Japan's GDP Decline: Japan's GDP contraction in Q3.
• Ukraine-France Defense Deal: Agreement for Ukraine to acquire Rafale fighter jets and other defense equipment from France.
• Ukraine's Winter Energy Security: Efforts to secure energy for Ukraine during winter, including LNG imports and infrastructure resilience.
• China's 3D-Printed Jet Engine: Successful test flight of a lightweight, 3D-printed turbofan engine.
• Christmas Tree Market Trends: Shift towards artificial Christmas trees in the US due to cost pressures.
• Agricultural Robotics: The use of robots like "Frasky" in vineyards for precision agriculture.
• US Stock Market Performance: Impact of tech stock performance and upcoming economic data on US markets.
• India's Trade Deficit: Record trade deficit in India attributed to reduced exports to the US.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Market in Latin America: Growth of EV sales driven by Chinese manufacturers.
• Lithium Demand and EU Strategy: Global demand for lithium, and the EU's plan for domestic production and recycling.
• AI and the Energy Sector: The role of Artificial Intelligence in transforming the global energy industry.
• ADIPEC 2025: International energy exhibition highlighting AI integration and sustainable energy solutions.

Germany Lifts Military Export Restrictions to Israel

Germany will lift its restrictions on military equipment exports to Israel starting from the end of November, following the stabilization of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This decision comes as humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza are being intensified. Berlin anticipates that the current situation will create opportunities for a long-term peace process in the region. After November 24th, Germany will revert to its standard procedure for evaluating export license applications for weapons to Israel, responding to developments on the ground.

Ukraine Secures US LNG for Winter Energy Security

Ukraine has reached an agreement for the transportation of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Ukraine, aiming to ensure energy security for the upcoming winter. This agreement was signed during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to Greece. The operationalization of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, connecting Greece and Bulgaria, will also facilitate gas transport along the Bulgaria-Romania-Moldova-Ukraine-Hungary-Slovakia corridor. This initiative will not only help Ukraine navigate the harsh winter but also contribute to food security and the resilience of the Balkan region and all of Europe, promoting supply diversification and reducing dependence on Russian gas.

Tivoli Gardens Opens for Christmas Season

Tivoli Gardens in Denmark, one of the world's oldest amusement parks, has opened its doors for the Christmas season, adorned with lights and featuring Santa Claus. This Copenhagen attraction, celebrating its 182nd anniversary, has become an annual festive tradition for many residents. Preparations for Christmas include over 1 million twinkling lights, more than 1,000 Christmas trees, and approximately 160,000 sparkling baubles. The Christmas festival at Tivoli runs from November 14th to January 4th.

South Korea Proposes Military Talks with North Korea

The South Korean Ministry of National Defense proposed military talks with North Korea following several incidents where North Korean soldiers allegedly crossed the military demarcation line. According to South Korean Deputy Minister of National Defense Policy Kim Hong-kyun, the aim is to prevent accidental clashes, reduce military tensions, and express hope for a positive response from Pyongyang. South Korea is also open to discussing the timing and location of such talks. This marks the first official proposal from Seoul for talks with Pyongyang since President Yoon Suk-yeol took office in June.

Poland Reopens Border Crossings with Belarus

Poland reopened two border crossings with Belarus, which had been closed due to strained relations between the two countries. The Polish Ministry of Interior stated that the government has responded to the expectations of citizens and businesses in the region, including transportation companies that suffered economic consequences from the border closures. The two crossings had been closed for several years due to the migration crisis and tensions with the Belarusian government.

Sabotage Incident on Polish Railway Line

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki declared that the damage to a section of the railway line on the Warsaw-Lublin route last Saturday was an act of sabotage. Initial investigations indicate that an explosive device caused the damage. Morawiecki affirmed that those involved in the incident will be apprehended. Previously, a train driver reported unusual signs on the railway line in the Gavolin district near Minsk Mazowiecki. A preliminary inspection revealed that a section of the track had been damaged.

Malaysia Concludes Search for Missing Migrants

Malaysian authorities announced the end of search operations for migrants missing in a boat capsizing incident 11 days prior off the coast of the Thailand-Malaysia border. A total of 36 bodies were recovered. The boat was carrying approximately 70 undocumented migrants and sank near Tarutao Island in Thailand while en route to Malaysia on November 11th. Rescue forces from both countries have since saved 14 survivors. Authorities confirmed that the operation could be resumed if new leads emerge.

Eurozone Economic Growth Forecast Revised Downward

The European Commission (EC) has lowered its economic growth forecast for the Eurozone for the upcoming year. The projected growth for 2026 is now 1.2%, down from the previously estimated 1.4%. New tariffs and trade barriers are exerting significant pressure on economic activity in Europe. The EC's report also slightly revised the inflation forecast for the bloc this year upwards to 1.9% from the previous estimate.

EU Economic Outlook: Growth Moderate, Inflation Near Target

The European Commission's Autumn Economic Forecast 2025 projects that the EU economy has exceeded expectations in the first nine months of the year and is expected to continue moderate growth. Overall bloc growth is projected at 1.4% this year and next, increasing slightly to 1.5% in 2027. Inflation in the EU is nearing the 2% target, and purchasing power is expected to improve with rising real wages. Other positive indicators include sustained service exports and a resilient labor market, with unemployment falling to 5.9%. The EU labor market has created an additional 380,000 jobs in the first half of this year. However, the EC warns of significant risks to growth prospects, including budget deficits in several member states projected to exceed 3% of GDP this year, and historically high global trade barriers. The EC anticipates that US trade policy regulations and responses from key partners like China will reduce global trade. The volatile global landscape necessitates Europe relying on its own efforts to drive growth, with member states urged to accelerate reforms, enhance competitiveness, and leverage the internal market.

Germany-China Cooperation on Supply Chains

China and Germany are prepared to cooperate to ensure the security and stability of supply chains, particularly for rare earth minerals, an area facing significant geopolitical pressure. This was affirmed by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and his German counterpart during a meeting in Beijing. Both countries committed to upholding multilateralism, opposing unilateralism and protectionism, and rejecting economic decoupling. China emphasized that differences should be resolved through peaceful dialogue and increased consultations to jointly address global challenges.

Dubai Airshow 2025 Showcases Aerospace Innovations

The Dubai Airshow 2025 commenced today in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, bringing together over 1,500 exhibitors and more than 450 leading global aerospace and defense experts. The civil aviation sector is featuring the debut of flying cars, air taxis, and autonomous devices in the Middle East. Technology displays include AI-powered flight control systems, robotic operational support, and intelligent air traffic management platforms. New generation fighter jets, long-range UAVs, tactical missiles, and integrated defense systems are also on display. The exhibition is expected to attract around 100,000 visitors over its five-day duration.

"Now You See Me 3" Achieves Box Office Success

The popular magic heist film franchise "Now You See Me," known in Vietnam as "Phi Vụ Thế Kỷ," has made a successful comeback in the North American market. The latest installment, "Now You See Me 3," topped the box office charts with over $2 million USD over the past weekend. The new film reunites audiences with the renowned magic group, the "Four Horsemen," and features spectacular magic performances and thrilling chases across European cities, continuing the franchise's success since 2013.

Vietnam-Japan Friendship Music Video

A special music video by the Governor of Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, sung in Vietnamese, titled "Blue Light Yokohama," celebrates the spirit of friendship between Vietnam and Japan. The song, a familiar tune for many Japanese generations, has been adapted and performed in Vietnamese by Governor Kuroiwa. The music video tells a story of pure love between a Vietnamese and a Japanese young couple overcoming barriers to build a Vietnam-Japan family. The MV has garnered 1.5 million views within two days of its release. Key features of the MV include classic J-pop melodies, Vietnamese lyrics, distinctive cultural imagery from both nations, and an embroidered scarf displaying the flags of Vietnam and Japan, symbolizing the deep friendship between the two countries.

Japan's GDP Contracts in Q3

Japan's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the third quarter of this year decreased by 1.8% compared to the same period last year. This marks the first GDP contraction for Japan in six quarters. Compared to the second quarter of 2025, Japan's exports declined by approximately 1.2%. This decline is attributed to disruptions in automobile shipments, with the negative impact of higher tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump becoming increasingly evident. The weak GDP data was released as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government prepares a new economic stimulus package to alleviate the burden of rising living costs for households.

Ukraine to Acquire Rafale Fighter Jets from France

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron signed a protocol today for Ukraine to acquire up to 100 Rafale fighter jets from France. President Zelenskyy described this as a historic event, marking Ukraine's first acquisition of this type of fighter jet, along with new generation air defense systems. At the Villa Coublay airbase in Paris, the French President welcomed his Ukrainian counterpart. According to the Élysée Palace, Ukraine will purchase new French defense equipment over the next 10 years, including approximately 100 Rafale aircraft with accompanying weaponry, new generation SAMP/T air defense systems, radar systems, AASM Hammer guided bombs, and various unmanned aerial vehicles.

Ukraine's Winter Energy Security: Challenges and Solutions

Long-term forecasts indicate that this winter in Ukraine and many parts of Eastern Europe is likely to be colder than average, with cold air masses from the Arctic and heavy snowfall in the first two months of next year. As Ukraine enters the fourth winter of the conflict, it faces continuous attacks targeting its energy infrastructure from Russia. These attacks, coupled with financial crises and battlefield pressures, are shaping what is expected to be a harsh winter for Ukraine. Ukrainian workers are racing to restore the power grid. The fighting not only affects the power grid but also disrupts the gas system, the primary source of heating for residents. On November 9th, Ukraine's state energy company, Naftogaz, announced that all state-owned thermal power plants had ceased operations following attacks that impacted the lives of about two-thirds of Ukraine's population. The water supply system in the Kyiv region was also disrupted. At times, the city of Kremenchuk in Ukraine experienced power and water outages, with only partial heating functioning. The transcript highlights the vulnerability of older infrastructure not designed for wartime conditions. In previous winters, with allied support, Ukraine managed to maintain its power grid against continuous Russian attacks. This year, Russia has adjusted its tactics, targeting not only the power grid but also Ukraine's natural gas infrastructure. With only one month until winter, Ukraine may have lost one-third or even more of its natural gas production capacity. Earlier in October, US media reported that 60% of Ukraine's domestic gas production capacity had been destroyed. Subsequently, Ukrainian officials stated they had restored half of the damaged capacity. An estimated 1.7 million Ukrainians will require humanitarian assistance during the 2025-26 winter. The European Union is considering mobilizing approximately 140 billion euros to support Ukraine by using frozen Russian assets as collateral. However, Belgium, where Russian assets are held, and Slovakia have expressed caution regarding the risks, leading to stalled negotiations. Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko warned that this winter will undoubtedly be much more difficult than all previous winters. The crucial question remains whether Ukraine can endure with sufficiently good conditions, or if the hardships of a cold winter will push them closer to a ceasefire agreement.

China's 3D-Printed Jet Engine Completes Test Flight

A miniature, ultra-lightweight turbofan jet engine developed in China, primarily manufactured using 3D printing technology, has successfully completed its first solo test flight. During the test, the engine powered a target drone for a 30-minute flight, reaching an altitude of approximately 6,000 meters at a speed of Mach 0.75, which is over 900 km/h. The engine operated normally and stably throughout the flight.

Christmas Tree Market Trends: Shift to Artificial Trees

According to the American Christmas Tree Association, 83% of families planning to display a Christmas tree this year will opt for an artificial tree. This is due to tariffs and supply chain pressures driving up prices. The CEO of Balsam Hill, a company specializing in artificial Christmas trees, stated that prices for artificial trees will increase by approximately 10% to 15% this year. Most artificial Christmas trees are imported from China. While production costs remain stable, import prices have risen due to tariffs imposed by former US President Donald Trump on Chinese goods. The increased prices have led some retailers to order less inventory, raising the risk of shortages by mid-December. In previous festive seasons, consumers could delay purchases hoping for discounts, but this year, that strategy may not be advisable.

Agricultural Robotics: The "Frasky" Robot in Italian Vineyards

In the vineyards of the Barolo region in Italy, robots are joining farmers. The "Frasky" robot, developed by the Italian Institute of Technology, demonstrates the potential of digitized crop management, automated care operations, and reduced reliance on manual labor in the future of agriculture. This is particularly relevant in the context of global agriculture facing labor shortages and climate change, increasing the demand for high-tech applications. Frasky operates by moving between vineyard rows, collecting image data, and creating a comprehensive digital map of the entire vineyard. This allows the robot to identify individual grape clusters and perform selective tasks such as monitoring health, detecting signs of disease, or precisely spraying treatments at the correct locations. The robot can monitor grape cluster health and selectively spray treatments instead of broad application, saving costs and protecting the environment. The system, equipped with a robotic arm, cameras, sensors, and GPS, enables Frasky to self-navigate, approach, and directly interact with each grape cluster. Its modular design allows for tool changes based on specific care needs and individual point interventions, significantly reducing the amount of active ingredients used and improving crop care efficiency. Frasky also addresses the issue of skilled labor shortages on large farms, where year-round care requires specialized expertise. The robot can simultaneously support multiple tasks, from observation and inspection to crop treatment, helping grape growers optimize resources. Large vineyards are experiencing a significant shortage of skilled labor, and robots can provide support throughout the care process, assisting growers in all activities. The trend towards automation is becoming increasingly important as European agriculture suffers an average annual loss of 28.3 billion euros due to extreme weather events. Technologies like the Frasky robot demonstrate how robots and artificial intelligence can help agriculture adapt better to climate change, while also reducing costs, increasing productivity, and minimizing environmental impact. The global smart agriculture market reached $11.67 billion USD last year and is projected to grow to $24 billion USD by 2030, reflecting a strong shift towards smart farming models. In this landscape, technological innovations like the Frasky robot exemplify how traditional agriculture can transform into automated, digitized, and precise models, opening up sustainable production opportunities for the future.

US Stock Market Reacts to Tech Sector and Economic Data

The US stock market was once again affected by a decline in technology stocks as Wall Street awaited the third-quarter earnings results of major tech corporations, including Nvidia, as well as the September jobs report. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 1.18% due to losses in the AI chip sector from Salesforce and Apple, pulling the blue-chip index lower. Both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq closed lower. Nvidia's stock dropped by approximately 3% ahead of its third-quarter earnings announcement, scheduled for after the trading session on Wednesday. Investors are concerned that the stock prices of Nvidia and other chip industry players are overvalued, leading to selling pressure.

India's Trade Deficit Widens to Record High

India's trade deficit in October widened to a record high of over $41 billion USD, as exports to the United States fell sharply for the second consecutive month following former US President Donald Trump's imposition of a 50% tariff. Exports decreased by nearly 12% compared to the same period last year, with a significant drop in shipments to the US, India's largest export market. US tariffs have had the most severe impact on labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, footwear, precious stones, and jewelry. Last week, the Indian cabinet announced relief measures worth over $5 billion USD for exporters, including collateral-free loans and other programs. Meanwhile, imports increased by over 16% compared to the same period last year, reaching a peak driven by domestic demand.

Electric Vehicle Sales Surge in Latin America

Electric vehicle (EV) sales are experiencing a strong boom in Latin America, even as major manufacturers like Tesla have not yet officially entered the market and previous import processes faced difficulties. The adoption rate of electric vehicles in Latin America has significantly increased this year. Some markets have seen substantial growth, with EVs accounting for over 9% of new vehicle registrations in Brazil as of October and 28% in Uruguay in the third quarter. This growth is primarily driven by Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Geely, and GWM, which are expanding their operations across South America with both gasoline and electric vehicles. China's strategy involves collaborating with reliable local importers to offer affordable models that cater to regional preferences.

Global Lithium Demand and EU's Self-Sufficiency Strategy

Global lithium demand is experiencing a significant boom and is projected to continue growing rapidly over the next decade. By 2030, global demand is estimated to increase five to sevenfold. The surge in lithium demand is primarily driven by two key sectors: electric vehicle production and energy storage systems. Although lithium prices have experienced fluctuations, including sharp declines in 2023-2024 due to temporary oversupply from China, the long-term trend indicates exponential demand growth. Europe currently imports almost all of its lithium, a dependence that poses supply chain risks. Consequently, the European Union has outlined plans to establish its own lithium circular economy. The goal is to extract 10% of domestic lithium demand, refine 40%, and recycle 25% by 2030. The EU is accelerating domestic lithium extraction to reduce reliance on imports from China, Australia, and South America, thereby supporting the green energy transition and electric vehicle battery production. This year, several projects have achieved significant milestones, with some commencing pilot production or receiving environmental permits. The Altmark project in northern Germany is identified as having the largest potential reserves in Europe to date, with an estimated 43 million tons of lithium carbonate, extracted from geothermal brine. The project is currently in its pilot phase and is expected to be commercialized by 2030. The Barroso project in Portugal is considered one of the EU's 47 strategic projects for critical raw material supply chains. With reserves of approximately 28 million tons, it extracts lithium from hard rock. Barroso is expected to become Europe's largest domestic lithium supplier upon commercial operation, significantly contributing to Europe's EV battery supply chain. The project has completed its feasibility study and is projected to commence operations in 2028. While these goals are ambitious, the EU faces numerous challenges in achieving a certain degree of self-sufficiency in lithium.

Challenges and Opportunities for EU Lithium Self-Sufficiency

Despite the EU's goal of meeting its internal lithium demand, complete self-sufficiency is unlikely in the short term due to several limitations. Firstly, lithium reserves within the region are limited and cannot compare to the vast resources in Australia, Latin America, or China. Secondly, Europe lacks sufficient refining capacity within the bloc, leading to the export of most ore for processing. Global price competition and environmental pressures from extraction projects are also slowing down progress. However, relative self-sufficiency is achievable. With the positive development of identified deposits combined with advanced recycling technologies, the EU could potentially meet 30% to 40% of its domestic supply by 2035. Furthermore, diversifying import sources and forming strategic partnerships with countries like the UK or allied nations with lithium resources can reduce geopolitical risks if Europe delays its reliance on Chinese refining, which would threaten climate goals and the bloc's industrial competitiveness.

AI Revolutionizing the Global Energy Sector

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the future of the global energy sector amidst rapidly increasing energy demand and the pressure to accelerate the transition to green and decarbonized energy for sustainable development. Recent reports from Middle Eastern media highlight trends observed at the International Energy Exhibition ADIPEC, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The exhibition, described as the world's largest energy event, signifies a convergence of the traditional energy industry and smart technologies, particularly AI, to enhance efficiency, energy security, and promote sustainable energy transitions. ADIPEC 2025 concluded with record-breaking achievements, including 35,000 cooperation agreements valued at $46 billion USD, a fourfold increase from the previous year, and nearly 240,000 attendees, a 17% increase from the prior year. The event saw broad participation from the entire energy ecosystem, from international energy corporations to technology and finance leaders and policymakers. Analyzing the relationship between AI and energy, The National suggests that while AI will likely lead to higher energy consumption, it will also improve energy efficiency and increase output. AI systems themselves are becoming less energy-intensive and thus more cost-effective. Simplified and energy-efficient models can be suitable for various applications. The direct value of AI in the energy sector stems less from generative AI and more from analytical AI, particularly proactive AI capable of understanding, interacting with, and controlling elements in the real world. Middle Eastern media also noted the strong integration of energy, technology, and investment at the exhibition, with a focus on AI and smart solutions, serving as a global, multi-sector platform to address sustainable development challenges and surging energy demands. For instance, at the exhibition, the UAE's Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) partnered with SLB, an oil and gas services provider, to implement an AI-based production optimization system across eight oil fields. This system aims to operate offshore or remote facilities and survey large, hazardous, or inaccessible areas using drones or robots, freeing up human resources for safer and more productive tasks. The world's first AI university, Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, introduced its K2 Think platform, an advanced open-source AI reasoning tool designed to help energy sector leaders make more accurate decisions across power systems, plants, and policies, focusing on AI reasoning rather than just data processing.