Commentary: Would Asia welcome trade deals that exclude China?

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A Alliance ON A FAIRER Business

People in Asia was now trying to lessen China’s presence in the manufacturing industry. Suppliers and policymakers in this country are concerned that Chinese overcapacity did overflow their household areas with cheap imports as markets in the West shut themselves to Chinese goods.

However, these nations ‘ opportunities aren’t always in line with one another. They are competing with one another to take the place of Taiwanese suppliers in particular industries, for instance. Some would want to” cheat” any final agreement by doing so as much as possible with Chinese goods, or by assembling goods for a lower-than-us price in factories on the mainland.

To bring these various passions up, something else will be required. It’s unclear what the US has to sell if both support and business are on the board.

Trump believes that having access to US consumers is much of a vegetable, but the benefits of that business may not be as promising for nations that are locked in a race against one another and Beijing. After all, if China is ordered to leave their supply stores, it may cause too much of an increase in their costs to enter the US marketplace.

A coalition for fairer business may require customized strategies for each of these nations. He needs his employer to play on, even if Bessent can figure it out. Any agreement will necessitate Trump’s eagerness to tussle over the details and respect for these nations ‘ freedom.

Trump has promised to communicate with “more than 75” nations, according to him, who allegedly reached out to the US. He will have to acknowledge that the majority of his Eastern partners aren’t trying to defraud the US in any such negotiations.

After Xi’s trip to Vietnam, the president claimed the meeting’s goal was to” try to figure out, how do we screw the United States of America”; however, for a change of heart seems unlikely.

A business partnership that excludes China, guarantees that US local laws and higher standards won’t make its producers unprofitable, and establishes new provide chains that include US workers will be beneficial.

Trump actually requires a cooperative effort with supporters across the Pacific Ocean in order to accomplish his goals. A trans-Pacific relationship, if you will.

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Commentary: With Southeast Asia hard hit by Trump tariffs, here’s what ASEAN can do next

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WHAT ASEAN DOES NEXT

The next phase of ASEAN’s reaction will need to consider these international interests. It can help to complete a command vacuum in internationalism. There are two concepts that ASEAN now practises that can guide behavior and assistance.

Second, if ASEAN does what’s in its objectives consistent with its principles, that may contribute to global efforts to protect the rules-based international trading system.

That includes avoiding retribution that would just take more economic problems, using actions consistent with laws and organizations ASEAN has committed to, and continuing to work as a group. Deviating from those guiding rules perhaps understand ASEAN.

Second is to guard and practise ASEAN importance. ASEAN is not only key to its East Eastern member states, it is key to broader Eastern cooperation. ASEAN should use its importance, or chance losing it.

ASEAN may find willing companions in its own place. The foreign ministers of China, Japan and South Korea met a few days before the news of Mr Trump’s taxes, agreeing to simultaneously listen to US taxes and “to improve the deployment of RCEP”, referring to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, the 15-country free trade agreement that was created and is led by ASEAN.

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Commentary: Is the Russian air force coming to Indonesia?

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STRANGER Items

Additionally, Prabowo wants to improve diplomatic ties with Russia, including in terms of defense. Prabowo, who serves as president-elect and minister of defense, has traveled to Russia four occasions, most recently in July 2024. Sergei Shoigu, the former head of the Soviet security government and former head of Russia’s defense, traveled to Jakarta in February 2025. &nbsp,

According to Janes, Russia requested the use of the atmosphere base on Biak Island both at that appointment or immediately afterward.

There is intriguing evidence that there may be a connection between the new Janes story and the 2017 explore by Russian tactical bombers to Biak.

It was not clear why Indonesia had agreed to host the refueling vision, as previously noted. But, at the time, Russia and Indonesia were negotiating the price of 11 Su-35 fighter jets for US$ 1.14 billion. Russia may have requested access to Manuhau Air Base as part of that agreement ( Vietnam has a similar agreement for naval and air deployments to Cam Ranh Bay ). &nbsp,

The Su-35 agreement was signed in 2018 but fell apart three years later, supposedly as a result of the danger of US restrictions. However, the purchase of Russian warrior jets may now be resumed under Jokowi. Did Moscow push the envelope by offering Indonesia a refund on the plane in exchange for the right to land on Biak?

In the end, it was always unlikely that Indonesia would accept Russia’s ask according to independence issues and Indonesia’s foreign plan principles. However, strange items have occurred.

Ian Storey is a senior colleague at the Yusof Ishak Institute’s ISEAS. This commentary initially appeared on the Fulcrum blog of the Yusof Ishak Institute’s ISEAS- Yusof Ishak Institute.

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Commentary: Talk of two-term limit on Malaysia’s PM tenures comes at an interesting time for Anwar

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Significant benefits for Anwar are achieved by establishing a two-term maximum for the best company. When political support is established, it would not need to go through a complicated and drawn-out process. It would also not require any financial commitment.

It has the potential to gain significant support both within and outside the coalition because, if anything, it increases the chances that more parliamentarians will have a chance to hold the top position. Some Rm leaders have supported it beyond the wide support of PH.

The criticism has responded to a variety of these ideas. According to PAS head Hadi Awang, the action is “against God’s will,” and parliamentarian Syahir Suleiman has demanded that any constitutional amendments also require that the primary minister become a Muslim.

This defiance is most likely a result of the awareness that a transformation of this nature might open the door for Anwar. However, PAS ‘ status is undermined by the fact that it has repeatedly backed this exact reform in the past.

This change is likely to lead to a gain for Anwar. No one would mistake Anwar for running for a second phrase given Malaysia’s current run of damaged perfect governmental terms and his difficult path to becoming prime minister.

If Anwar were to manage this change to the rules and get the following election, it might leave him with a delicate exit, which would be his most obvious advantage over Mahathir.

Francis E. Hutchinson is the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s Senior Fellow and Program Coordinator. The ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s site, Fulcrum, originally contained this remark.

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Commentary: Myanmar military’s ‘ceasefire’ follows a pattern of generals exploiting disasters

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USING A FIG Plant OF Validity

The latest crisis comes as the junta is again attempting to push for votes. Only a day before the disaster, Myanmar’s military commander Min Aung Hlaing confirmed ideas for a December nationwide ballot and called on opposition parties to attend.

But the proposed vote in Myanmar is frequently seen as a face-saving method for both the Myanmar martial and, I may say, an global community that has done much of any significance to stop the civil war. In this environment, elections would let the commanders to support their 2021 power get with a fig leaf of legitimacy.

The entrenched civil war that was sparked by that military takeover – a revolution that ended a 10-year trial with restricted democracy – derailed the government’s original plan to return to complete control of the country.

Four years of fighting a broad-based antagonism that includes ethnic minority groups like the Karen National Union, Kachin Independence Army, Arakan Army ,Ta’ang National Liberation Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, People’s Defense Force and Bamar People’s Liberation Army has taken its toll on the defense.

It has lost regional power in many parts to the various opposition parties. Globally, it has become more isolated through punishment, and its largest trading partner, China, concerned over volatility on its borders, has slowed opportunities as it tries to sing all sides of the conflict.

In desperation, the generals have resorted to forced conscription for foot soldiers, while looking to Russia for arms and investment.

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Commentary: Batam struggles to up the ante as Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone rises

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BATAM’S Fall

Only in 1990 did the island start to take off as part of the Singapore-Johor-Riau ( SIJORI ) campaign along with its sister island Bintan. By utilizing its territories ‘ comparative advantages and good connection, this tripartite initiative courted foreign investment. &nbsp,

Beyond worldwide campaign, the reform of limiting laws, especially those relating to equity thresholds and the ownership of business estates by secret sector operators, was the catalyst for investment in Batam. A number of electrical and electronics companies with offices in Singapore were established in the form of sponsors based in Singapore.

As politicians struggled to contain the effects of the Asian financial crisis of 1997, the SIJORI battle lost steam. However, the majority of the manufacturing activities that occurred in the 1990s continued to exist in the different SIJORI regions, demonstrating the financial potential of these cross-border systems.

Batam and Bintan’s economic fortunes were boosted even more in 2002 when the US-Singapore free trade agreement’s Integrated Sourcing Initiative made it possible for items purchased from the territories to be included in Singapore’s customs place for sale to the US. In 2009, all of Batam and a portion of Bintan became free trade zones (FTZ), allowing duty-free industry and goods.

In the following 20 years, Batam concentrated on its market as an export-focused gateway of production, much like Johor in the north. But, as major business relations crises hit the island, its appeal began to wane.

Many of the region’s electrical and electronics manufacturers emigrated as a result. Increased expense in the shipping and repair sectors was able to mitigate the impact. According to Batam’s FTZ standing, this wave, in turn, subsided according to overcapacity and selling heheuristics on the local market.

Batam’s economy is recovering after COVID-19 caused a decline in commerce. The island’s economy experienced a 2.5 % growth in 2020, but it returned to 4.8 % in 2021 and oscillated between 6.5 % and 7 % between 2022 and 2024. Thermal board, power generation, and silicon producers have all made investments in Batam. Apple’s commitment to spend US$ 1 billion to create AirTags on the island is its most notable accomplishment.

Its market has been further diversified by budding service industries like film and animation as well as data centers. SEZs that focus on the online market, health, and aerospace maintenance, repair, and procedure sectors should ideally help these green shoots and another target sectors. The Johor-Singapore SEZ also has a reputation for some of these businesses.

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Commentary: In Myanmar, war doesn’t pause even for an earthquake

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THE SMELL OF DEATH

Beyond its urgent appeal for help- which prompted responses from countries including China, India, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand- the coup has declared a year of national mourning start Mar 31.

Region, the earthquake’s core, has received scant interest compared to Naypyidaw and Mandalay, Myanmar’s operational and cultural capital, both however under coup control.

Region, though even junta-held, lies next to locations controlled by opposition forces, especially the Women’s Army Makes under the National Unity Government.

People say the scent of decomposing body has filled the streets. But studies indicate that people, relief staff and local companies in Region are being prevented from carrying out successful rescue and relief operations.

The presence of the 33rd Light Infantry Division in Sagaing has made access to the city really hard, if not difficult, according to people on the ground.

” The defense is conducting safety checks outside, making it impossible for them to enter”, Dr Wai Zan, who works at the Sagaing General Hospital, told the New York Times.

International advertising has been denied admittance, leaving the world depend on member journalists who continue to send out information, photos and videos to shed light on the tragedy fallout.

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Commentary: Made in Vietnam or a backdoor for Chinese exports?

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China certainly plays a little larger role in some of these places. According to one significant research, direct Chinese exports from third countries are higher in corporate sectors. Asian solar panels last year faced heavy import taxes because they had too much Chinese content. Given that China controls the world’s solar panels provide bars, that judgment is probably correct. And if we only consider the boost in Vietnam’s exports to America since 2018 as opposed to the overall figure, the estimated reveal that reflects direct Chinese information grows by about 40 %.

Chinese investment in production is also being made in Vietnam. announced opportunities in 2023 totaled nearly US$ 12 billion. However, this dropped again to US$ 3 billion in 2024. In addition, funding from other countries has increased by about US$ 10 billion yearly, with South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan all making an average US$ 7 billion investment in recent years. Therefore, the trade picture appears to be similar to the investment picture, suggesting that future Asian exports will be heavily influenced by Chinese companies but also by even more from partners, particularly advanced Asia.

What can be the verdict? China has undoubtedly contributed significantly to Vietnam’s skyrocketing export to the United States. However, China is not the principal theme. The more significant role is being played by Vietnam itself and another supply chain partners. Additionally, Vietnam can slowly reduce its reliance on foreign inputs, including those from China, using the appropriate policies to leverage this and growing expense inflows to move up the price chain.

In other words, Vietnam is assisting in the growth of US supply stores away from China. The question is whether the Trump administration sees benefit in this or whether it is only interested in returning production to America.

Roland Rajah is the chairman of the same coverage research center, while Ahmed Albayrak works as an associate research scientist at the Lowy Institute Indo-Pacific Development Centre. This commentary first appeared on The Interpreter, the Lowy Institute’s site.

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Commentary: What a slap, sandwich and socks say about Malaysia today

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Earlier this month, a resigned Indonesian civil servant was accused of deliberately injuring a non-Muslim gentleman who was eating in a store during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The incident’s videos quickly became popular, sparking a new conversation in Malaysia about tolerance, cultural coexistence, and religious sensibilities.

It was the most recent incident in a long line of unrelated situations that have sparked nationwide outcry.

Two incidents involving the convenience store network KK Super Mart have sparked a significant public reaction in the past year alone.

In the first, it was discovered that a few socks containing the word” Allah” were being sold at several KK Super Mart locations last year, which led to three petrol bomb attacks on its stores and legal action against its owners. The boots were discovered as part of a much larger package from China, with KK Super Mart claiming that it did not put the offending style into fee.

In the second incident, a KK Super Mart store at Universiti Malaya was charged in January with selling halal-style ham and cheese sandwiches to individuals. The business was painted red and covered in red after pictures of the hamburgers were posted online. After tests revealed that the “ham” was poultry ham, and no pork, and that its supplier had done the halal labeling.

Political figures, most notably Muhamad Akmal Saleh, the youth leader of the United Malays National Organization ( UMNO ), amplified both incidents. According to Mr. Akmal, his deeds show a determination to “defending” Islam and Malaysia. Reviewers claim that he was stoking disagreements and using the problems for political gain.

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Commentary: The search for missing plane MH370 is back on – here’s what it’ll involve

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These underwater technologies work together to provide geophysical assessments, underground exploration, and search and recovery.

Cameras and lighting on the cars may be used to identify potential target. When a target of interest is identified using sonar, the cars would become programmed with missions that were intended to operate significantly closer to the bottom. This may enable them to record images of the target area for identifying them.

Because the area covered by each image is considerably smaller than that covered by radar, making a search for this would only be conducted when a goal of interest has been identified, so it would require much stiffer survey tracks.

SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN ROBOTICS

Ocean Infinity has significantly improved its sea automation and data analysis capabilities since its past research in 2018. It has demonstrated its ability to deploy several cars at depths of up to 6, 000 meters at once.

Because each vehicle has its own piece of the bottom, the coverage area is considerably increased. This will make the designated hunt area more effectively and comprehensively surveyed.

When the vehicles are returned on board, the data that the vehicles have collected may be combined to create detailed maps of the research areas.

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