The United States announced sanctions against twenty-four officials from mainland China and Hong Kong under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act. In a statement (State Dept.), Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted a recent effort by China’s National People’s Congress to overhaul Hong Kong’s electoral system, an action he said “denies Hong Kongers a voice.”
 
The United States has previously sanctioned Chinese officials under the act, but the latest move significantly widens (NYT) the group targeted. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said the sanctions reveal (AP) the United States’ “sinister intention to interfere in China’s internal affairs” and that China will take steps to defend its interests. Tomorrow, Blinken and U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan are set to meet with China’s top diplomat, Yang Jiechi, and its foreign minister, Wang Yi, in Alaska. It will be the first in-person, senior-level talks with China since President Joe Biden took office.

In a landmark ruling, the Sapporo District Court found (Kyodo) that the government’s failure to recognize same-sex marriages violates the right to equality and is unconstitutional. However, the court did not grant plaintiffs compensation for psychological damage.
 
This CFR Backgrounder compares policies on same-sex marriage around the world.

A UN report estimates that more than 228,000 children (UNICEF) under five years old died due to pandemic-related disruptions of services last year in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Additionally, the number of unwanted pregnancies grew, and other health indicators worsened.
 
Afghanistan: A government delegation departed Kabul (TOLOnews) for Moscow, where officials will participate in a one-day peace conference tomorrow. Taliban representatives and U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad will also attend.
 
CFR’s Center for Preventive Action explains the Afghan peace negotiations.

In a new report, UN experts called the 2011 arms embargo on Libya “totally ineffective” and pointed to “extensive, blatant” violations (AFP) by UN member states, private mercenaries, and others. They also said several participants at UN-led talks in November were offered bribes to vote to elect interim Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah.
 
Lebanon: The Lebanese pound plunged to a historic low (National) against the U.S. dollar as protests continue over rising prices and poor living conditions. Fuel needed to generate electricity is expected to run out (Reuters) by the end of the month.

Gunmen killed at least fifty-eight people (AP) who were returning home from a livestock market in southwestern Niger. The unknown attackers also burned down granaries that held food. The government announced three days of national mourning.
 
Gambia/Germany: Germany’s federal prosecutor said German police apprehended (Reuters) a Gambian man, identified as Bai L., who is believed to have aided crimes against humanity while serving in the elite guard of former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif accused British Prime Minister Boris Johnson of “hypocrisy” after Johnson said the United Kingdom will increase its cap on nuclear warheads and expressed concern (Al Jazeera) about Iran developing a nuclear weapon. Russia said the UK’s move will harm global stability (Independent).
 
Brussels: The European Commission is expected to today propose a certificate that would allow European Union citizens to travel to other countries in the bloc without quarantining. Travelers would have to prove they had been vaccinated, tested negative for COVID-19, or recovered from the disease, the Financial Times reports.

More than 450 organizations urged countries to reject an unratified 2019 deal between the EU and the South American trade bloc Mercosur to create a free trade zone. They cited environmental and other concerns (AFP, Buenos Aires Times). Meanwhile, ratification has stalled in Europe.
 
Chile: The country administered at least one dose (LAHT) of a COVID-19 vaccine to more than five million people, reaching the milestone more than two weeks ahead of schedule. Chile launched a mass vaccination campaign early last month and has the world’s fastest inoculation rate.
 
Think Global Health examines where COVID-19 is the leading cause of death.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence published a report (RFE/RL) that found Russia carried out so-called influence operations to boost former U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s chances of winning the 2020 presidential election and harm President Biden’s campaign. The report also alleged that Iran carried out an influence campaign to undermine Trump’s reelection. Russia denied the allegations.