‘Tactical move’: China’s WTO gambit over US tariffs more about optics than outcomes

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SHIFTING Techniques

Experts claim that China’s most recent reply to Trump’s taxes is a calculated change from its strategy in 2018, when Beijing imposed punitive tariffs after Washington fired the first shot.

A full-blown business battle ensued, hurting consumers and businesses in and beyond the country’s leading two economy, with its influence still lingering now.

This day, China has held off, although officials have warned that” related measures” will be taken to protect the country’s rights and interests.

Roberts from the Atlantic Council stated that Beijing is attempting to avoid a clear intensification with the US, especially given that it struggles with local monetary issues like poor consumer spending and concerns about local debt.

Imports and investment is only spur economic growth, according to Roberts, and I believe that this is a sign that China does not want this to increase further. They aren’t ready to engage in a cool conflict with the US at this time.

According to Olson of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, going down the WTO path and halting retribution is a “tactical shift” that allows China to determine how Trump’s tariffs affect Canada and Mexico.

According to researchers, it also leaves Beijing with some room to negotiate a deal with Trump while also preventing the worst US taxes.

Weeks before Trump took office, he had what he described as a “good, friendly” telephone contact with Xi, who the businessman-turned-president invited to his opening.

When asked if he could reach a deal with China over fair business practices, Trump said in an interview with Fox News on January 23 that he could do so. The US leader then followed up by saying he would “rather not” use tariffs against China, but called it ( tariffs ) a” tremendous power”.

Trump said in a statement to reporters at the Oval Office on February 3 that the proposed 10 % blanket tariffs on Chinese goods would only be” an opening salvo.”

” If we can’t create a bargain with China, then the taxes would be very, very substantial”, he said.

In light of this, watch carefully what Trump and Xi will be having in store for the upcoming meeting.

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Actress Sora Ma’s new home filled with memories of late husband, including his vinyls, art and a gold basin

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In the latest&nbsp,# JustSwipeLah&nbsp, event, host&nbsp, Jernelle Oh&nbsp, visits past Mediacorp artist Sora Ma’s fresh apartment, where she lives with her&nbsp, five-month-old child, Skye.

Ma’s husband&nbsp, died unexpectedly&nbsp, last month, two weeks before their son was born.

Around the house, there are images of the 41-year-old’s late father, and his interests and layout preferences serve as reminders of how much time they spent together.

Whether Ma stays in a condominium or an HDB was not made public. &nbsp,

Oh’s attention was drawn to the rubber record set that was sitting on an uncovered table. &nbsp,

Ma shared:” Actually I still have many more]records ]. This is my father’s selection”.

She added that there were about 1, 000 more of these files, a variety that frightened Oh.

” He loved buying documents since he was a girl. Even though he has passed away, I will also keep the things that should be for him. I might be able to share things with my infant when he is older about the stuff his father used to like.

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Safe air in most Thai provinces

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A helicopter is used to put out forest fire in the eastern province of Trat on Monday. (Photo: Jakkrit Waewkhlaihong)
On Monday, a plane is flying over Trat province’s northeast region to stop forest fires. ( Photo: Jakkrit Waewkhlaihong )

People in 41 of Thailand’s 77 provinces can breathe freely on Tuesday morning while parts of the North, the Central Plain, and the East still have risky levels of ultrafine dust, according to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency ( Gistda ).

Gistda’s report on the levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and less in diameter ( PM2.5 ) at 8am showed no red levels ( hazardous to health ) of the ultrafine dust nationwide.

Over the past 24 hrs, air pollution levels ranged from 38.6 to 72 microgrammes per square meter in 36 provinces, all of which were unhealthy. The healthy level is 37.5µg/m³.

The highest PM2.5 level ( 72µg/m³ ) was recorded in Sukhothai, followed by 67.8µg/m ³ in Trat, 67.4 in Phrae, 66.7 in Kamphaeng Phet, 58.1 in Lampang, 58 in Uttaradit, 57.2 in Phitsanulok, 55.8 in Nan, 52.5 in Tak, 48.5 in Phayao, 48.2 in Pathum Thani, 47.9 in Nakhon Nayok, 47.4 in Ayutthaya, 47 in Sing Buri, 46.8 in Chachoengsao, 46.6 in Uthai Thani, 46.1 in Prachin Buri, 45.8 in Ang Thong, 45.7 in Saraburi, 45.5 in Lamphun, 45.5 in Chon Buri, 44.8 in Phetchaburi, 44.7 in Nakhon Sawan, 43.8 in Phichit, 42.3 in Suphan Buri and Chanthaburi, 41.6 in Lop Buri, 40.7 in Chai Nat, 40.6 in Ratchaburi, 40.3 in Kanchanaburi, 40 in Samut Songkhram, 39.9 in Rayong, 39.5 in Prachuap Khiri Khan, 39.1 in Chiang Rai, 38.9 in Bangkok and 38.6 in Samut Prakan.

16 provinces had mild air quality, with PM2.5 levels ranging from 25. 1 to 35. 2 g/m3.

In descending order of PM2.5 degrees, they were Pattani, Yala, Nakhon Pathom, Chiang Mai, Nonthaburi, Chaiyaphum, Phetchabun, Phuket, Narathiwat, Sa Kaeo, Songkhla, Nakhon Ratchasima, Trang, Phangnga, Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Twelve regions had fine weather, represented in natural levels of PM2.5 ranging from 17.1 to 24.9µg/m³.

In descending attempt, they were Surat Thani, Khon Kaen, Phatthalung, Satun, Ranong, Krabi, Mae Hong Son, Loei, Chumphon, Buri Ram, Nong Bua Lam Phu and Si Sa Ket.

Thirteen counties in the Northeast had really good air quality, with PM2.5 amounts ranging from 7.8 to 14.7 g/m3.

In descending attempt, they were Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Surin, Kalasin, Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Bueng Kan and Amnat Charoen.

On Tuesday night, the Gistda air quality image shows various regions ' levels of color.

On Tuesday night, the Gistda air quality image shows various regions ‘ levels of color.

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Narumon re-elected Kla Dharma leader

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PUBLISHED: 4 Feb 2025 at 07: 57

Narumon: Voted in for second term
Narumon: Voted in for next word

Narumon Pinyosinwat, minister of agriculture and participation, has been re-elected as the group’s president. The Kla Dharma Party has pledged to not be the side’s lackey.

At its quarterly council on Monday, Kla Dharma people picked Mr Narumon to lead the party for a second word and MP for Kamphaeng Phet, Phai How, as the new group secretary-general.

Capt Thammanat Prompow, a former agriculture minister commonly seen as the group’s father, was named deputy adviser.

Before the current government was formed, Kla Dharma, with 20 MPs, fought with the Palang Pracharath Party ( PPRP ) in a disagreement with PPRP leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon. The PPRP was expelled while Kla Dharma joined the state and received government votes.

Kla Dharma, nevertheless, was accused of secretly operating as a unit of another party, a guide to the decision Pheu Thai Party, given Capt Thamanat’s close relationships to its authority.

Capt. Thamanat defended the group as a steadfast independent entity on Monday, insisting that it was strengthening its political skills to become a power to reckon with.

” Kla Dharma is Kla Dharma. We dare to do as we think, plan and pass choices”, he said.

Capt. Thamanat cited Kla Dharma as the reason some candidates won over the weekend’s provincial administrative organization ( PAO ) president and member elections.

He claimed that the individuals were supported by the group and proceeded to win the election even though they ran as politicians.

However, Ms Narumon said that with a fresh 11-member professional table, Kla Dharma may increase its social activities.

The celebration is even placing a premium on the 2027 general election as it looks to start branch operations and recruit members across the country in order to meet the legal requirements for running as a political party.

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Queensland floods devastation ‘incredible’, state premier says

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Flooding in Australia has inflicted “incredible” carnage on populations across north Queensland, the country’s premier has said, yet though problems are easing faster than predicted.

Thousands of people who have been forced to leave their homes are scheduled to return on Tuesday, but it is feared that hundreds of homes and firms have been flooded.

” It’s a disaster that’s going to test the resolve of people”, Premier David Crisafulli told the ABC.

Parts of the region have been battered by nearly 2m ( 6.5 ft ) of rain since Saturday, prompting ongoing flood warnings and blackouts, but the premier said weather conditions had been “really kind” in recent hours.

In Townsville, citizens woke to grey skies but merely rain, and the information that predicted inundation levels did never materialise. It stood out in striking contrast to the recent storms that have battered the area.

People who had been told to leave six Townsville suburbs may include “dodged a bullet,” according to the premier, who before predicted up to 1,700 homes were in danger due to the easing conditions.

However, further north in the position, poor communication and ruined roads are making it difficult to determine the extent of the damage in the cities of Ingham and Cardwell.

” The more information that comes through, the more it appears that is real devastation”, said Mr Crisafulli who grew up in Ingham.

He claimed,” I’ve seen pictures of waters in businesses that I never in my wildest dreams thought I would notice water in stores in the large part of town.”

More than 8, 000 properties remain without electricity, according to the state’s energy supplier, and the partial collapse of a crucial highway continues to hamper efforts to enable some of the hardest-hit areas.

Crisafulli claimed that the recovery process may “take some time.”

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A thirst for power: China’s water grid shapes its future – Asia Times

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China’s subsequent approval of a large hydropower dam has received a lot of media attention, but little has been written about the nation’s following significant water management strategy, which is the creation of a national water grid.

Will it become the long-awaited alternative to the region’s water problems, or is it another optimistic walk destined to work clean?

In many ways, China’s story is shaped by its connection with fluids. Its creek systems, geography, and hydraulic conditions have played an important role in the government’s advancement.

Assisting frequently point out that these problems were essential to the development of China, the Chinese culture, and the Chinese individuals. This long-standing relationship between China and its waters serves as the context for understanding the country’s contemporary liquid management issues.

Water is a significant tool and a symbol of strength in Chinese history. The role that water plays in maintaining political security has long been understood by Chinese leaders. Yu the Great of the Xia Dynasty, who is said to have tamed the Yellow River, is credited with over 4, 000 decades in this regard.

More recently, water leadership has remained key to China’s development objectives, as evidenced by Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “ecological society” idea and a reserve he published on ocean governance.

The design of a nationwide water network is the most recent development in China’s water management. This initiative aims to promote more equitable access to water across the nation and tackle water shortage in northern China. The national water grid system known as the sanzhong siheng is connected to the South-North Water Transfer Project ( SNWTP).

” Sanzhong” refers to the SNWTP’s three routes:

  • the northeast route, via the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal,
  • the mid way, from the Danjiangkou Reservoir in Hubei to Beijing and Tianjin, and
  • the questionable northern road.

” Siheng” refers to the four eastern-flowing river: Haihe, Yellow, Huaihe and Yangtze.

Onw essential part of the three” sanzhong” – the eastern route – has not yet been built. The eastern route is still in the planning stages despite the construction of the middle and eastern routes.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau will serve as the eastern route’s main channel for the 17 billion cubic meters of water that will flow from the Yangtze River to the Upper Yellow River each year. However, the size and complexity of this equipment project make it unlikely that it will be completed, adding a threat to the entire strategy.

The purpose of the ocean network is to address China’s essential water challenges. Despite holding around 6 percent of the nation’s water resources, &nbsp, the country now faces major water challenges mainly due to water quality concerns, inconsistent water distribution, and a per capita water availability below world average.

These problems are worsened by competing liquid needs from industrialisation, agricultural demands and quick urbanization.

The country’s national water network has issues and implications for China. It truly reflects Beijing’s rely on large-scale infrastructure projects to resolve water issues.

This engineering-driven technique, rooted in Chairman Mao Zedong’s conviction that “man must destroy nature”, has led China to undertake on more than 100 escape jobs in the past century alone. Although these projects represent a concerted effort to address water scarcity, they also highlight the drawbacks of relying solely on engineering to solve complex environmental issues.

Concurrently, China’s national water grid aims to further secure the water supply to the northern region.

The Chinese central government’s solution to the region’s water scarcity – &nbsp, large-scale hydro-engineering projects– has reshaped water distribution, easing scarcity in northern China. But has come at a high price. The North China Plain’s water supply is dependent on the SNWTP.

For example, Beijing, which remains vulnerable to drought, sources over 70 percent of the city’s water from this inter-basin transfer project. &nbsp,

Such reliance on a single source poses risks to long-term water security, especially when climatic or infrastructure changes become unpredictable. In light of this, the national water grid can support the efforts being made to supply this rapidly industrialized and urbanized arid region with water.

Major challenges remain. Climate change impacts – in particular, severe and disruptive extreme weather events– are one of the biggest concerns. Estimates predict that China’s efforts to manage the national grid effectively will cost over US$ 47 billion annually. The national water grid’s resilience will likely need more frequent adjustments as a result of climate change.

Equally concerning is the question of financing. It’s unclear how China will finance such ambitious infrastructure projects because local governments are caught in a vicious cycle of high debt, declining revenues, and government debt projected to account for nearly 150 percent of GDP by 2030.

The continued focus on supply-side solutions, particularly via engineering projects to redistribute water, is another major concern. This approach can lead to unintended consequences, such as water shortages downstream from diversion projects.

Water in the downstream Han River has been reduced as a result of the Danjiangkou Reservoir’s transfer of water to the north. These difficulties highlight the limitations of concentrating solely on supply-side measures without considering issues relating to water efficiency or consumption.

Beijing should think about adopting a more balanced approach to ensure a resilient water management system as well as investing in demand-side initiatives to increase water efficiency and reduce consumption. By balancing supply-side solutions with demand-side measures, China can create a more sustainable and resilient water management system.

A comprehensive strategy that addresses both supply and demand issues is required in addition to the national water grid, which is a bold step toward securing China’s water future. Only then can the nation effectively conserve its water resources.

Genevieve Donnellon-May is a researcher at Oxford Global Society and a fellow at the Indo-Pacific Studies Center. She was chosen as a young leader for the 2023 Pacific Forum and serves on the Modern Diplomacy advisory board.

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Money Talks Podcast: A guide to taking on loans in Singapore

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Andrea Heng, number: &nbsp,
When can I tell when borrowing is a wise decision versus a wise decision? &nbsp, &nbsp,

Jenn Ong, brain of financial at GXS Bank: &nbsp,
Well, but you think about the prospect price. &nbsp, &nbsp,

I’ll give you an example, a broken home sink, you need to resolve it. Now, are you saying that,” Oh, I don’t have the funds, I don’t have the means, so I’m going to live with a broken fall”? No. &nbsp, &nbsp,

So you must get out a mortgage because the other option is simply unattainable. There are therefore topics that you should consider. What is the ideal time to apply for a loan? &nbsp, &nbsp,

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Trump sows uncertainty – and Xi Jinping sees an opportunity

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42 days ago
Laura Bicker

China journalist

Reuters U.S. President Donald Trump meets with China's President Xi Jinping. They are both wearing suits, and standing very close to one another. Behind them, the flags of their countries and a white sign saying 2019Reuters

China is hiding its anger with the United States by imposing an additional 10 % tax on all of its products.

Both Canada and Mexico have pledged to retaliate, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has already announced a 25 % levy on more than$ 100 billion ( £81 billion ) of American goods.

After reaching separate agreements with each of their leaders, US President Donald Trump has agreed to temporarily halt tariffs of 25 % on imported goods from both nations.

Beijing, however, has held its fireplace – for now.

Beijing declared that it was” not scared of a business combat” in 2018, when Trump introduced the first of many rounds of tariffs on Chinese imports. This day, it urged the US to speak and “meet China halfway”.

This doesn’t mean the news won’t be stingy. It will, mainly because the 10 % tax is an addition to the numerous tariffs he imposed on tens of billions of dollars of goods in his first name.

And the Taiwanese government’s subdued comment is primarily because it doesn’t want to fear its inhabitants, when many are now concerned about the sluggish economy.

However, that country’s business is no longer as dependent on the US. Beijing has strengthened its business agreements with countries in South America, South America, and South East Asia. It is now the largest trading partner of more than 120 places.

According to Chong Ja Ian from Carnegie China, the more 10 % may not provide the liquidity Trump wants.

” China may believe that it can possibly withstand 10 %- therefore, I think Beijing is playing it awesome. Because if it’s not that big a deal, there’s no reason to get a duel with the Trump administration unless there’s a real advantage to Beijing”.

Xi’s ‘ win-win’ as America flees

President Xi Jinping may have another motivation, as well: he might discover a chance here.

Trump is causing section in his own garden by threatening to impose tariffs on everyone in the EU, all in his first week. His behavior may leave another US supporters wondering what lies ahead for them.

In comparison, China will want to seem a quiet, steady and perhaps more interesting global trade partner.

” Trump’s America-first plan will bring challenges and risks to nearly all countries in the world”, says Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Centre.

A disintegration of US leadership and credibility does gain China, according to the US-China strategic competition perspective. Beijing may undoubtedly try to make lemonade, but it’s doubtful that things will go well for China on the intergovernmental level.”

Xiqing Wang / BBC A port terminal in Cambodia shows pink and yellow containersXiqing Wang / BBC

As a leader of the world’s second-largest economy, Xi has made no secret of his ambition for China to lead an alternative world order.

He has traveled extensively since the Covid pandemic’s end, and he has supported significant international organizations like the World Bank and contracts like the Paris environment accords.

This is seen in Chinese state media as welcoming nations from all over the globe and fostering closer relationships with them.

Before that, when Trump halted US funding to the WHO in 2020, China pledged additional funds. Expectations are high that Beijing may step in to fill America’s shoes again, following Washington’s exit from the WHO.

China may wish to bridge the gap despite the economic downturn, which is causing for chaos in some nations and organizations that have long relied on US funding.

On his first day back in office, Trump froze all foreign assistance provided by the US, which is by far the world’s biggest aid donor. Hundreds of foreign aid programmes delivered by USAID ground to a halt. Some have since restarted, but aid contractors describe ongoing chaos as the future of the agency hangs in the balance.

John Delury, a scholar of modern China and Professor at Yonsei University in Seoul, says Trump’s ‘ America First ‘ philosophy was more weaken Washington’s status as a world head.

The mixture of taxes on big business partners and the melting of foreign aid sends a text to the Global South and the OECD that the US is not engaged in international cooperation, he tells the BBC.

As America retreats from the world, President Xi’s unwavering message of “win-win” globalization takes on a whole new meaning.

Beijing has been looking for a chance to upend the American-led world order of the past 50 years in its bid for global governance, and Trump 2.0’s uncertainty may just be one of them.

New alliances

Mr. Chong says,” I’m a little less certain about whether it really gives Beijing a key advantage… of that.

” Many US allies and partners, especially in the Pacific, have a reason to work with Beijing, but they also have reasons to be wary. That’s why we’ve seen Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Australia move closer together, in part because of the apprehensions they harbour towards China”.

There is “gathering momentum” for a possible trilateral relationship among Australia, Japan and South Korea, motivated by” the impact of a second Trump administration”, according to The Australian Institute of International Affairs.

National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea A navy blue Chinese ship firing a water cannon towards a larger white and red Philippine vessel. They sit in the sea, no land is visible. Two other vessels can be seen in the distanceNational Task Force for the West Philippine Sea

All three are concerned about China’s assertiveness in the South China Sea, along with the Philippines. They are also concerned about a potential conflict over Taiwan, which Beijing views as a breakaway province that will eventually be a part of the nation.

Taiwan has long been one of the most contentious issues in US-China relations, with Beijing decrying any alleged Taipei support from Washington.

Washington may find it challenging to respond to indications of Chinese aggression when Trump repeatedly threatens to buy or annex Canada.

The majority of the nations in the area have negotiated an economic balance with China through a military alliance with Washington.

But now, wary of Beijing and usure of the US, they could create new Asian alliances, with neither of the world’s biggest powers.

Calm before the storm

Trump made the tariff announcement over the weekend as Chinese families drew inspiration from the God of Fortune to celebrate the new year.

As most workers leave for their hometowns during the biggest holiday of the year, bright red lanterns are currently glinting over deserted Beijing streets.

China’s response has been far more muted than Canada or Mexico’s. The Commerce Ministry announced its intention to file a lawsuit and use the World Trade Organization to lodge grievances.

But this poses little threat to Washington. Since Donald Trump- in his first term at the WTO- blocked the appointment of judges to handle appeals, the dispute settlement system has effectively been shut down.

As the holiday season draws to a close and party officials go back to Beijing to do their work, they must make decisions.

After the two leaders had what Mr. Trump called” a great phone call,” the Trump administration may want to keep the relationship stable in recent weeks have encouraged officials.

China is remaining calm for the time being, perhaps in the hopes of striking a deal with Washington to stop further tariffs and stop the world’s two largest economies from becoming too dependent.

Some people think this won’t last because both Republicans and Democrats now see China as the nation’s greatest threat to both foreign policy and economic growth.

” Mr Trump’s unpredictability, his impulsiveness and recklessness will inevitably lead to significant shocks in the bilateral relationship”, says Wu Xinbo, professor and director at the Centre for American Studies at Fudan University.

” Additionally, his team contains quite a few hawks, even extreme hawks on China. Over the next four years, the bilateral relationship will unavoidably experience significant disruption.

China is undoubtedly concerned about its relationship with the US and the harm a trade war might cause to its sluggish economy.

It will also be looking for ways to influence the world both externally and internally using the current political pendulum.

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