Warsaw Thousands of protestors march in Warsaw against a controversial law proposed by the Sejm that would allow the Polish government to discipline judges that question their reform policies. Critics say the law would undermine the independence of the judiciary, and risks Poland's membership in the European Union.
Politics of Northern Ireland Following a deal brokered by the British and Irish governments, the Northern Ireland Executive is restored with Democratic Unionist Party leader Arlene Foster as First Minister and Sinn Féin deputy leader Michelle O'Neill as deputy First Minister, ending three years of political deadlock. The previous government had collapsed in 2017 as the result of a renewable energy scandal involving Foster.
Presidential candidate The governing Democratic Progressive Party retains its majority in the Yuan, albeit with fewer seats. Most of the seats lost are taken by third parties instead of the KMT.
Taiwanese voters head to the polls to elect a president and a new session to the Legislative Yuan. Incumbent pro-independence President Tsai Ing-wen defeats anti-independence challenger Han Kuo-yu in a landslide victory by more than 20%.
Saudi Arabia–United States relations More than a dozen Saudi military cadets are to be expelled from the United States, following a review by the Department of Defense in the aftermath of a shooting at Naval Air Station Pensacola last month by a Royal Saudi Air Force member.
United Kingdom–United States relations The U.S. State Department rejects an extradition request from the Home Office for the unlawful killing of Harry Dunn, describing it as "highly inappropriate" and "establish[ing] an extraordinarily troubling precedent".
North Korea–United States relations After U.S. President Donald Trump sends birthday wishes to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, North Korea state media says that "although Chairman Kim Jong-un has good personal feelings about President Trump, they are, in the true sense of the word, 'personal'", and that it is not enough to resume denuclearization talks. It further stated that the country would not be led on the basis of Kim's feelings.
Winter Storm Isaiah Winter Storm Isaiah brings widespread heavy snowfall and freezing rain to the midwestern and southern United States, killing at least 12 people.
Battle of Chinagodrar The death toll from the attack on Niger's armed forces on Thursday rises to over 89 Niger soldiers.
War in Afghanistan Two United States troops are killed and another two troops injured by a roadside bomb. The Taliban later claim responsibility.
Iraqi protests (2019–present) Hundreds walk the street in mourning after popular journalist Ahmad Abdessamad and his cameraman were killed by unidentified gunmen the night before.
5+5 Libyan Joint Military Commission Forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar say they accept a ceasefire starting on 12 January, conditional on their rivals' acceptance.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel announces she will hold peace talks in Berlin to help end the Second Libyan Civil War. Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Government of National Accord leader Fayez al-Sarraj express support for the peace initiative.
Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 The British ambassador to Iran, Robert Macaire, is arrested during anti-government protests, after attending a vigil and then, according to BBC, getting his hair cut. According to Tasnim News Agency he was arrested "on suspicion of organising, provoking and directing radical actions". U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab states the arrest is in "flagrant violation" of international law. More than an hour later, Macaire is released from custody.
Vigils in Iran that were held for the victims subsequently turn into protests. According to Twitter videos, hundreds of protesters in Tehran call for the resignation of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps admits it mistakenly shot down the Ukraine International Airlines plane as it took off from Tehran, killing all 176 aboard.