China’s 5% target ambitious but likely out of reach – Asia Times
Beijing’s decision to set a 5 % GDP growth goal for 2025 is strong, but achieving it will be a huge problem.  ,
The levers of China’s economy, including consumer spending, private funding, and exports, are not moving in sync despite promises of signal, and the impact of structural issues may cause growth to fall short of expectations.
A record-high deficit target of 4 % indicates that the government is prepared to invest more money into the system, but that alone won’t be enough to rekindle speed.  ,
The real estate market is still teetering on a long descent, regional federal loan is rising, and buyer confidence is still recovering from years of doubt. The private sector is hesitant to spend or grow despite politicians ‘ pledges to lower interest rates and increase profitability.  ,
Beijing may find itself relying on state-led investment, an old rulebook with confirmed declining returns, if domestic demand recovers.
The muffled response from the Chinese stock market underscores the lack of faith in the results-oriented actions. The CSI 300 index hardly moved since the announcement, indicating that owners have already invested in Beijing’s passions but are still unsure whether they are feasible.  ,
Bond yields dropped in response to anticipation for more monetary easing, but historically, easy money has failed to lead development. A rise in customer confidence and private-sector dynamism, neither of which can be engineered immediately, are what China certainly needs.
Exports, when a trusted force for economic growth, are in jeopardized by rising geopolitical tensions and declining global demand. Important industries are under stress as a result of the growing trade conflict with the US, and the general decline in global consumption results in fewer opportunities for foreign growth.  ,
Trump’s most recent 10 % cover tariff on Chinese exports, which was announced this year, looms ominously over the nation’s manufacturing industry, adding to the problem.
The prospect of additional tariffs ( Trump threatened 60 % blanket tariffs on the campaign trail ) would only add to supply chain disruptions and further dampen foreign demand because Chinese exports are already struggling to maintain competitiveness.  ,
Yet the announcements of two 10 % tariffs are likely to hurt producers and make it even more difficult for China to rely on trade to counteract domestic economic weakness.
The labor demographics in China also pose a growing concern. A declining work pressure and an aging population added pressure to productivity and prospects for long-term growth.
Some of these problems could be resolved with technological advancement and automation, but they require time- and sophisticated structural changes to make China’s economy more self-sufficient.  ,
The administration’s efforts to boost the market through manufacturing incentives and infrastructure projects may give the economy a boost in the short run, but they do little to tackle the deeper issue of weak customer demand.
Foreign investment, which was historically a key factor in China’s economic development, is beginning to decline.  ,
International businesses are more anxious to expand their presence in China because of geopolitical tensions, an unexpected regulatory environment, and problems over intellectual property protection.
Without greater investor trust, the nation runs the risk of becoming more isolated, which would impede its ability to grow economically and technologically.
China’s bill issue is also getting worse. Local governments, which are already deeply obliged, have limited fiscal resources to support economic growth, and worries about hidden obligations are rising.
However, the Chinese economy’s long-standing real estate industry is still in turmoil, with some developers struggling to stay afloat. The effects of efforts to stabilize the home market have so far been scant, and consumer sentiment is still fragile.  ,
If the departmental crisis gets worse, it may cause even more household wealth and spending to decline.
Having said that, a 5 % economic development goal is not doable, but it necessitates a level of economic power that is already beyond our ability.  ,
Beijing may be willing to follow its plan, but without a fundamental change, growth runs the risk of being fueled by unsustainable government spending more than true economic development.  ,
The second-largest economy in the world is under increasing stress, and achieving its lofty goal will require more than just policy guarantees; it will also call for a fundamental transformation that Beijing, to be honest, has yet to offer.
Malaysia signs deal with British chip giant Arm to bolster semiconductor ambitions
” RED CARPET” Rafizi Ramli, the minister of Malaysian economy, stated that the partnership would enable Arm and Malaysia to “build a complete supply chain in advanced industries like AI (artificial intelligence ) data servers, autonomous vehicles, IoT ( internet of things ), robotics, and others.” He claimed that theContinue Reading
Summer storms due in Greater Bangkok starting Friday
PUBLISHED: 5 Mar 2025 at 18: 32
People of Bangkok and the surrounding area are being advised to be on the lookout for summer winds that are forecast for two weeks starting on Friday.
The Meteorological Department issued a warning in a speech on Wednesday on the possibility of rain and strong winds to Greater Bangkok on Friday and Saturday.
More than a number of provinces are anticipated to be hit by stormy weather, including rain and gusts, including the capital and opposite provinces.
The wind firm forecasts storms for the lower portion of the northwestern area, about half of the northern area, and some central and eastern regions from Thursday to Friday, according to the wind firm. Therefore, it added, the troops did move south to Greater Bangkok, followed by Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon on Saturday.
The ministry said that the winds did not anticipate a negative impact on north tourist destinations like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Mae Hong Son.
Thai ministers plan China trip to check on Uyghurs
Deputy Prime Minister reiterates the government’s state that no other nation wanted prisoners besides China.
PUBLISHED: 5 Mar 2025 at 18: 22
On March 18, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai may attend the Xinjiang region of China to check on the condition of the 40 Tamils who were detained it after 11 years in Thailand.
Mr. Phumtham also reaffirmed the government’s assertion that the Uyghurs ‘ relocation to China strictly complied with legal standards. The February 27 incident attracted a lot of foreign criticism.
While the Thai authorities has maintained that no nation has offered to take the prisoners, Reuters reported on Wednesday that Canada, the United States, and Australia have contacted Thailand over the past ten years regarding doing so. According to the report, Thai government refused to respond to the calls out of concern for infuriating China.
Mr. Phumtham, who is also the defense minister, once more stated that Thailand had unfavorably accommodated the Tamils for 11 years. The government requested refugee status from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees ( UNHCR ) within the first few years.
About 170 of the original 350 illegal immigrants who entered Thailand were released to Turkey in July 2015, but the organization merely accepted people, babies, and the elderly. About a week later, 109 people, primarily men, were deported to China. Their movements are currently mysterious. The remainder were detained in Thailand’s emigration confinement.
Mr. Phumtham claimed to have told “powerful states” that Thailand had two choices: returning these people to their country of origin or transferring them to a neighboring nation where they would be willing to settle.
No country, he claimed, had fully agreed to take them in despite emotions of love for the Uyghurs.
He explained that Thailand had a legal obligation to return these people because China had identified them as its members with factual names. He continued, adding that since the UNHCR not officially recognized them as refugees, they were still considered to be illegal immigrants.
Mr. Phumtham affirmed that the Taiwanese authorities would never have returned citizens to China if they had been subject to torture or harm, and that it had also provided written claims regarding human rights protections.
In consequence, he claimed, he made the decision last week to return 40 Muslim men along with Pol Col Tawee and Maris Sangiampongsa, according to him.
Court annuls 50-year-old regulation on student hairstyles
According to the court, police was harmful to individuals ‘ well-being.
PUBLISHED: 5 Mar 2025 at 18: 06
A contentious 50-year-old Education Ministry rule that heavily restricted student hair styling was removed by the Supreme Administrative Court.  ,
The judge’s decision is final, as it was made public on Wednesday. It puts an extremely contentious problem that had caused arguments between teachers, students, and parents.
The court ruled in favor of the repeal of a 1975 rules that the government had immediately implemented because it violated the constitution’s protections for personal freedom and was out of contact with a rapidly changing society.  ,
According to the court, the protection of the law had a negative effect on individuals and was in contravention of the rules of the Child Protection Act 2003.
The ministry-supervised school regulations for male and female students in tolerable hairstyles are the regulation’s guidelines. Kids were required to cut their hair small and had no access to hair or beards. Women were not permitted to grow their hair below their lips or apply any makeup at all.
Its goal was to train them to get great people for the country as a whole, good boys and girls for their parents and teachers.
The rule was based on a 1972 military dictatorship ruling get governing hairstyles considered appropriate for students.
The prosecutor argued that the government rules in dispute and the defense regime’s order may be regarded as being in the best interests of the students.
23 individuals who petitioned the Administrative Court in 2020 to have the 1975 rules reversed are seen by the judge’s last ruling as a success.
Since 2024, the government has allowed for some flexibility in scholar hairstyles and even clothing codes. The government will then leave the decision to regulate wigs up to individual schools, according to the court ruling. Some universities leave it to the parents to determine, while others entrust it to the school board or a meeting of teachers and parents.
Although the judge’s decision officially buried the issue, Bad Student’s comments on their social media accounts were not entirely positive. Advertisements claimed that educators who had long haired pupils were still in use in schools.
On the X consideration of Bad Student, C-disc wrote,” Those old-style instructors may continue to violate the rights of the body of children as long as there is no consequence.”
The Office of the Administrative Court’s Facebook page stated in a comment that” Thai training is extremely focused on clothing rather than on , giving students abilities to use in the future and preparing them for the demands of the global business.”
A loosely organized student activist party called” Bad Student” demands more freedom in schools and schools. It began as a fresh organization calling for the military regime to be overthrown and a subsequent government under General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who presided over the 2014 military coup and eventually became prime minister.
Man to be charged for suspected involvement in importing 154 replica guns without permit
A 44-year-old man will face charges in court for his alleged involvement in the importation of 154 replica firearms into Singapore without a permit, according to the police on Wednesday ( Mar 5 ). The police learned about duplicate weapons being sold on an online marketplace on May 11, 2023,Continue Reading
US ‘concerned’ over Thai tech crime law
Minister acknowledges the potential impact of large systems, but promises that protection will continue.
PUBLISHED: 5 Mar 2025 at 17: 06
According to Prasert Jantararuangtong, the minister of digital economy and society, the United States has expressed concern about a new type of Thailand’s emergency order on tech violence, noting that it might have an impact on modern programs.
Following a letter from the US embassy regarding the draft, Mr. Prasert stated that the concerns did not prevent the law from being enforced on Tuesday.
A draft amendment to the order, which stipulates that banks and mobile operators must be jointly held accountable for consumer damage caused by engineering crime, was approved by the cabinet on January 28.
Additionally, the updated laws includes regulations for websites and social media platforms.
Mr. Prasert stated that he is aware that several of the most well-known digital platforms used everyday by Thais are based in the US and that they are used for searching for information, entertainment, or e-commerce.
He claimed that the government intends to hold a gathering with all parties to the law to foster understanding.
” Mobile operators and the Thai Bankers ‘ Association expressed concerns about the amended law and want to see the final details of the draft,” said Mr. Prasert.
In order to avoid campaigning during the writing process, the ministry has stated it won’t make the final changes to the draft public until enforcement begins.
The Council of State, the government’s legal expert body, is now reviewing the draft article.
The government had previously stated that it anticipated the draft’s publication in February’s Royal Gazette.
When the new regulations are put into effect, they should help to reduce damage to the people and stop engineering crimes and scams, according to Mr. Prasert.
Since Thailand cut electricity and online access to murder centers across the border in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, the minister said the damage caused by online swindlers has been significantly reduced, from about 100 million baht per day to 33 million as of March 2.
The draft article contains 16 reports and five essential points. The former include joint responsibility for injuries that occur if the specified methods are not followed by financial institutions, mobile service providers, and social media platforms.
Additionally, telecom service providers have a responsibility to immediately stop using SIM accounts in connection with crimes.
The article also makes it easier for patients to receive refunds and gives officials more authority to take legal action against platforms involved in these crimes. Additionally, the order raises the civil penalties for specific data reporting.
Contractor jailed 4 weeks for filming woman in shower during renovation works at her home
A 35-year-old renovation contractor who filmed a woman taking a shower at her home was given a four-week jail term on Wednesday ( Mar 5 ).  ,
Indonesian Tee Wen Jun entered a guilty plea to voyeurism.
On Sep. 23, 2024, he had been putting the toilet in the victim’s kitchen and living room to work on the floor.  ,
A glazed glass partition wall at the time separated the kitchen’s bath.  ,
When Tee allegedly heard a shower coming in the door, he claimed to be using the restroom. Before filming the sufferer, who cannot be identified due to a joke purchase, over the separation wall, he first opened the toilet door and stepped on it.  ,
When the sufferer, a 25-year-old person, spotted the mobile phone above her in the middle of her bath, screamed and yelled for her father.  ,
The victim’s father confronted the accused, insisting on checking on his mobile phone after hearing his sister’s cries.  ,
Tee disputed any wrongdoing and gave his telephone to the testimony to check it. The victim’s husband alerted his brother-in-law to call the police after discovering a picture of his family taking a shower in the toilet.  ,
The trial requested five to seven weeks in jail. Asran Samad, an assistant public prosecutor ( APP ), claimed the video showed the woman taking a shower in her own home, which should be a” safe environment.”
Despite the fact that this was the accused’s second offense and that he had entered a guilty plea, APP Asran claimed that Tee was the subject of overwhelming information and that the prey had already been able to catch him without thinking twice.
The court will decide whether Tee’s attorney, Patrick Chow, will enter the sentence.  ,
Through a judge interpreter, Tee inquired in Mandarin about whether a gag order may apply to the case and whether the media would release his details.  ,
District Judge Cheng Yuxi responded that the joke attempt may only apply to the sufferer and any information that allows her to identify her.  ,
Tee may have faced jail time for up to two years, a fine, and/or be caned for pornography.  ,
Nigerian overstayers arrested, implicated in cocaine smuggling
PUBLISHED: 5 Mar 2025 at 16: 41
Two African men have been detained in Bangkok after a person caught trying to smuggle cocaine into Japan made them responsible for drug trafficking.
Both men were found to get overstayers and are currently facing immigration issues in addition to their drug-related reported offenses.  ,
Ihejimba Bright Chimezie and Azubuike Chdiebere David were detained on Tuesday when multiculturalism and cocaine command officers searched a apartment building on Navamin-Ram Intra street in the Kannayao area, according to Pol Maj Gen Phanthana Nuchanart, deputy director of the immigration commission, on Wednesday.  ,
Initial offenses for overstaying their visa were brought against them, and they were turned over to immigration attorneys for quick legal actions.
A Thai lady who had ingested 59 tiny packets of the drug, totaling about 700 grams, had previously been detained by Chinese police. According to Pol Maj Gen Phanthana, the methamphetamine had a value of about 2.1 million ringgit.
One of two African men in Bangkok who was reportedly involved in illegal drugs was the woman who told investigators that she had been in a relationship with him.
According to Pol Maj Gen Phanthana, Chinese officials had pleaded with Thai authorities for their assistance, who had led to the men’s arrest.  ,
The inspection is advancing.
Immigration received the two suspects from Nigeria for constitutional actions. ( Photo provided/Wassayos Ngamkham )
Ex-teacher who force-fed children water in Kinderland preschool pleads guilty
A former Kinderland preschool teacher at the time admitted to abusing four children under her care on Wednesday ( Mar 5 ) in Singapore.
The prosecutor was informed of Lin Min, 35, who allegedly forced two of them to consume fluids and dealt with them aggressively when they refused.
Parents of these two toddlers noticed that their children had nightmares in which they would say “no” or “bye bye lao shi (teacher )”.  ,
After the incidents ‘ videos were made available online, the circumstance became the subject of 2023’s information. After that, a few situations involving another teachers from the same school network started to occur.  ,
Lin has since been suspended from the institution and prohibited from working in the daycare industry.
Three other crimes of similar character were brought up when she admitted guilt on three counts of ill-treating a baby. The four kids in question ranged in age from one to three.
Due to a court-imposed joke purchase protecting their names, the patients cannot be identified.  ,
In June 2023, Lin allegedly forced one victim, a lady who was nearly two years older, to lay down and pour water into her mouth.
Her steps were videoed by a different instructor.  ,
Lin noticed that the child had stopped drinking water. Lin leaned the jug toward the girl’s face in an effort to give her water, but she turned the girl away.  ,
Lin therefore grabbed her around the mouth and demanded that she consume her water.  ,
As Lin raised her voice, the woman cried. The girl was gradually pushed until she lay on the floor by Lin. Lin finally pushed the woman’s lips shut before pouring liquid into it. The child may be snorting water while she was choking.
Before the school made the announcement, the kid’s parents were untrained in what transpired. They observed the victim saying “no” and “bye bye lao shi (teacher ), which would indicate that she desired the teacher to leave.  ,
An unhappy Lin also made an attempt to get a child, who was then two years old, to drink fluids in June 2023.  ,
The boy regularly screamed and struggled to get up despite being manhandled by her to lie on the floor.  ,
Lin grabbed the boy’s face and held his head backwards as he brought the water bottle near to his lips to give him water on another event in the same month.  ,
The school provided additional information about the victimization, but the boy’s parents were unaware of it.  ,
Eventually, they afterward reported to the police that they had observed that their child did not like neighbors touching him around his head and back during examinations.  ,
He may experience nightmares where he would declare,” no no, I don’t like.”  ,
Lin persisted, even though Deputy Public Prosecutor Jotham Tay claimed there was an obvious ingredient of violence in his actions because the children had been distressed.  ,
Mr. Tay disagreed with the defense, who called the situation an “overzealous worry.”  ,
It was obvious that Lin, at times, was not at all concerned with the well-being of kids, he said.
Additionally, according to Mr. Tay, it had been challenging for children to report quite happenings because their parents had not been made aware of them until they had been made aware of them.  ,
Kalidass Murugaiyan, Lin’s attorney, set Lin’s case apart from earlier court cases in which defendants had acted intentionally. Lin had not been acting out of hatred or cruelty, he claimed.  ,
His buyer, a professor in the care industry, was aware of the dangers of thirst in young kids, according to Mr. Kalidass.  ,
She misjudged, she made the wrong choice, and she will be paying a lot for it. We simply recommend that the rate not be too high, according to Mr. Kalidass.
To take into account the facts in this case, District Judge John Ng adjourned sentencing until Mar 13.  ,
Lin may be imprisoned for up to eight years and/or subject to fines of up to S$ 8, 000 ( US$ 6, 000 ) for abusing a child.  ,