Govt ‘still pursuing’ Land Bridge project

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PUBLISHED: 24 Mar 2025 at 17: 09

An artist's interpretation of a deep-sea port in the land bridge project. (Photo supplied)
The area gate project’s deep-sea interface is interpreted by an artist. ( Photo provided )

Suriya Jungrangreangkit, the secretary of travel, confirms that China and other Middle Eastern nations are interested in the Land Bridge venture that connects the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea.

Mr. Suriya, who is also a deputy prime minister, stated on Monday that the state is still working toward the 1 trillion-baht premier project.

The minister recently held an international show to show potential investors how the venture is being promoted.

Middle Eastern and Chinese firms have expressed interest in the region. Dubai Port World, according to him, was just one of them, and it clearly indicated a willingness to bid.

A Southern Special Economic Development Zone ( SEC ) Bill has been created in accordance with Mr. Suriya’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning ( OTP).

Prior to a public hearing and established conference involving stakeholders scheduled for next month in Bangkok and Surat Thani, the costs was posted on the OTP site for 30 days as required by law.

The Ministry of Transportation will receive the SEC act for evaluation once all the feedback has been compiled. &nbsp,

The state anticipates submitting the invoice to the case for consideration in May before passing it to parliament.

Mr. Suriya is assured that the SEC Bill may be approved and put into effect this year, opening the door to the buying process the following year.

According to him, conversations have already taken place between the state and buyers.

According to Mr. Suriya, this will help determine the Terms of Reference ( TOR ) needed to ensure that both foreign and Thai investors are drawn to the bidding process.

The state is committed to implementing the Land Bridge, which will connect two seaports, modernize maritime transportation, and boost Thailand’s profitability in the world economy.

It will follow a PPP ( Public-Private Partnership ) model, allowing the private sector to make investments in management and construction during a 50-year concession.

The whole project will be under the control of the exclusive market, including turning Chumphon Port into a contemporary deep-sea interface to bridge the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

In addition, it involves upgrading Ranong Port to a cargo vessel dock and creating a business hub for the Andaman-centric South Asian ships through the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation ( Bimstec) model, as well as with the Middle East and Africa.

The SEC Bill is crucial, in the opinion of the OTP, for establishing the principal body responsible for growth planning, land use management, and professional zoning.

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As Hong Kong hosts finance, sports and arts events, some say the city is getting its groove back

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Additionally, some businesspeople are hesitant to accept the greater power Beijing officials have over the city.

They don’t think the decades-old “one country, two systems” approach to governance also gives rise to freedom, particularly since a Hong Kong national security law was passed a year ago.

The controversial law, which is also known as Article 23, targets crimes like crime, the theft of state secrets, spying, destroy, sedition, and “external interference.”

There is still hope.

Hong Kong’s once-red-hot property sector is still reeling from a protracted collapse, but its Hang Seng standard has experienced a double-digit rise since Donald Trump took office on January 20, making it the world’s best performer.

Hong Kong operates out of a worldwide brokerage. It’s a good position to do business, according to Oliver Weisberg, CEO of Blue Pool Capital, a multi-strategy investment firm based in Hong Kong.

He was speaking on Monday during an Is Hong Kong Up section. focused on access to the Greater Bay Area, care, employment opportunities, and the state’s education industry.

Goodwin Gaw, his co-panelist, claimed that the American media portrays Hong Kong as having a false image.

Hong Kong is a difficult place to keep investment conferences because it is difficult to get attendees to be focused with you, according to the chair, handling primary, and co-founder of Gaw Capital Partners, one of Asia’s largest real estate private equity firms.

Gaw praised Hong Kong’s natural environment as much as his strong ties to mainland China and its tax-haven position.

He stated in an interview with CNA that the world’s investment in China is the simplest glass. Additionally, Hong Kong is a gateway for Chinese businesses to get international capital.

Hong Kong may have never left, but ( It only needs a little cleaning and shining. ”

SOME STRIKE OTHER CRIMEOUS TONE

Despite the looming effects of price threats and industry wars originating from the Trump administration, other observers expressed more caution in their opinions of Hong Kong’s coming and current.

According to Steve Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors, new American tariffs have been “explicitly applied to both China and Hong Kong, ” with products from both regions then being subject to the same customs attention and trade restrictions.

Washington’s distinction between the two is still ambiguous. A recent example is when CK Hutchison, based in Hong Kong, sold power of two Panama Canal docks to a US-led party, according to Okun.

Businesses and investors should use this as a warning to get a tougher stance to reduce Foreign influence and power. Hong Kong’s political frailty will get worse if this pattern persists. ”

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Censure debate underway, Opposition slams PM

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Paitongtarn is accused of being influenced by her father, being incompetent, and avoiding paying taxes.

PUBLISHED: 24 Mar 2025 at 11: 24

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinwatra makes a reply during the House no-confidence debate on Monday. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
During the Monday House no-confidence conversation, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinwatra responds. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill ( Photo )

The discussion about Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s reported lack of ability, tax evasion, and understanding of influence from her father, Thaksin Shinawatra, who cannot be held accountable, started on Monday morning.

The opposition’s and People’s Party chief Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut claimed that Ms. Paetongtarn lacked the knowledge and the intention to resolve regional problems.

The government’s 10,000-baht handout scheme has failed to stimulate the economy, he claimed, and national issues like great energy prices, great electricity prices, and the spread of aggressive blackchin tilapia remain unresolved.

Mr. Natthaphong made reference to the transfer of Ms. Paetongtarn’s parents, Thaksin Shinawatra, who he claimed was expressing nation-visions.

The criticism president claimed that there is a chief outside the program who works outside Government House without having to accept responsibility because he is not subject to any controls.

Although the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund both warned that the 10, 000-baht flyer policy would not be effective in stimulating the economy, the prime minister continued, according to Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon, head of the Palang Pracharath Party.

He claimed that the Thai marine resources and country were in danger as a result of the prime minister’s international affairs policies regarding the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2001 with Cambodia.

He claimed that the president’s support of leisure complexes with legalized casinos would threaten the nation, hurt the nation, and encourage illegal activities, including money laundering.

Gen. Prawit added that a member of Ms. Paetongtarn’s community had convened sessions of political party officials to explain the formation of the government at the family home. The primary president’s parents, Thaksin Shinawatra, was the subject of the PPRP.

Gen. Prawit remarked,” The land is never a practice area for amateurs.”

Following that, Ms. Paetongtarn recently defended Gen Prawit’s assertions.

Without paying any estate tax, which could have been as much as 218.7 million, Ms. Paetongtarn’s elder siblings, aunt, aunt, and mother received shares in various companies for about 4.43 billion ringgit from them, according to the People’s Party’s Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, according to the Speaker.

He claimed that Ms. Paetongtarn claimed her relatives had purchased the stock but not that she had issued nine bank notes. &nbsp,

Nevertheless, he claimed that the bank records didn’t have any interest rates or repayment dates.

Through government welfare programs, the avoided inheritance taxes would have provided for some poor children and seniors. According to the People’s Party MP, it was approximately 14 % of the entire inheritance taxes collected nationwide next year.

If a tax evader be permitted to be prime minister in public? Mr. Wiroj posed a query.

Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut opens the censure debate at parliament on Monday morning. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

On Monday night, opposition head Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut formally begins the censure controversy in the parliament building. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill ( Photo )

Palang Pracharath Party leader Gen Prawit Wongsuwon speaks briefly on the same occasion. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

General Prawit Wongsuwon, the president of the Palang Pracharath Party, speaks recently during the discussion. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill ( Photo )

People's Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn seriously accuses Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of tax evasion. (Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)

Premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra is accused of duty evasion by Women’s Party MP Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn. Pattarapong Chatpattarasill ( Photo )

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UNDP urges Thais to unite for a sustainable future

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Kanni Wignaraja, UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific.
UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, Kanni Wignaraja.

A UN official has urged Thailand’s government, private sector, and areas to work together to ensure the village’s long-term prosperity.

The Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme ( UNDP ), Kanni Wignaraja, stated in a press conference that these diverse social networks must work together to ensure inclusivity.

She also offered her thoughts on Thailand’s efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ), noting that the country still faces challenges in achieving specific objectives, such as those relating to biodiversity and the well-being of particular populations.

Next month, Ms. Wignaraja traveled to Thailand to take part in the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development 2025, which took place between February 25 and February 28 at the UN Conference Center in Bangkok.

She also had the opportunity to meet with a number of officials, business leaders, and members of local neighborhoods.

She emphasized how women and girls are disproportionately affected by environmental decay and waste, and that Thailand, like many other places in the Asia-Pacific area, faces challenges in the SDGs relating to climate action, nature protection, and gender equality.

Women and girls are frequently the hardest strike when you combine the problems of climate change and natural disasters with the effects of environmental degradation, waste management troubles, and waste, she said.

” These problems affect women and girls throughout their entire life, and they manifest in issues like training, job, and equal give.”

She emphasized that all industries may contribute to a coordinated effort to promote equitable growth, particularly when it comes to addressing the negative effects on women and girls.

Ms. Wignaraja even urged Thailand to make use of its rich diversity by adopting policies like sustainability-linked financing to ensure investments prioritize the planet and people, such as those who work in social protection or those who are among the elderly, women, and girls.

When working with the leasing plan, it is crucial to consider the sustainability link financing. But you list the organic assets, and you specify where the ecology indicators are and how much it would cost to borrow them. Therefore, whether you are borrowing as a single family, as a micro-enterprise, or as a larger number at the federal level, she said.

She emphasized the value of working with the government and the private business to bring about long-term change. She urged particularly large corporations to taking responsibility for their impact on the environment and work to restore Thailand’s normal resources.

According to Ms. Wignaraja, “large companies have a huge responsibility not to damage the planet and its natural resources, nor to regenerate and enhance Thailand’s natural assets.” She even urged micro- and bankers to get involved in these combined ventures.

She said that government policies should be focused on people’s needs and incomes. This strategy ensures equal and sustainable growth.

Ms. Wignaraja traveled to Phetchaburi during her time there, where she witnessed the filing of a declaration of intent to promote bioeconomy expenditures that benefit both people and the planet.

With collaborations between the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning ( ONEp ), Krungthai Bank, and UNDP’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative, Phetchaburi has become a model for public-private investments in biodiversity. The state also has a World Heritage site called Kaeng Krachan National Park and is a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy.

She cited Phetchaburi as an illustration of how regional governments, businesses, and governments worked together to promote environmental protection while promoting economic growth. The state’s hospitality and shellfish farming initiatives have resulted in diverse growth at the neighborhood level.

Thailand is a fantastic example of how connecting the dots between sectors you promote success while ensuring sustainability, according to Ms. Wignaraja, noting that each state’s special perspective offers an option for development and improvement.

Through the Thailand Policy Lab, Thailand has developed novel ways to involve people in the policy process. The test, which was developed by the National Economic and Social Development Council in cooperation with the UNDP, aims to promote participation in addressing the country’s difficult challenges, particularly as Thailand transitions into an upper-middle-income state.

She continued,” I can see Thailand’s renewed interest and strong commitment to advanceing the sustainable development agenda.” It’s crucial that policies put people’s needs at the center, taking into account intersectionality and changing experiences, even though the SDGs are being localized in Thailand. By doing this, we make sure that everyone involved in the development of a sustainable future, including local governments, local governments, and international partners.

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Politics trumps economic reform pledge in PM Anwar’s US0 million ‘bailout’ of debt-laden Sapura Energy

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ESCUE Dynamics

In exchange for RM1.1 billion that would then be used to pay contractors, subcontractors, and other service providers, Sapura Energy will issue debt equipment known as transferable convertible loan information, which would carry an annual interest rate of 2 %, to the Ministry of Finance in return for RM1.1 billion that would then be used to pay vendors, subcontractors, and other service providers.

The arrangement of Sapura Energy’s exceptional loan will enable the bank’s main lenders, the state-controlled economic institutions Maybank, RHB, and CIMB, to carry out a reform of its outstanding debt.

A director of one of the businesses involved in the financial practice, who declined to be identified because he is not permitted to speak to the media on the grounds of banking secrecy, said,” The offer is not good for the lenders because they will need to take hair on outstanding debts that will need to be amortized in their book.

Banks are referred to as getting less than they are owed, or” cut”.

” But there was no way to carry out a restructuring without the ( government ) injection. The director declined to provide information on the size of the write-off that financial institutions would be required to make under the debt restructuring plan.” With this, Sapura Energy does have a fighting chance to become financially viable once more,” said the director.

However, two additional bankers who were involved in the proposed restructuring noted that Sapura Energy’s debt burden will be decreased from RM10 billion to RMRM5.2 billion following the restructuring exercise, which could take up to six months and require shareholder and regulatory approvals. &nbsp,

Former STOCKMARKET DARLING

Sapura Energy once reigned supreme dominance over the stock market. &nbsp,

The business merged in 2012 between Mokhzani Mahathir, the second son of businessman Shahril Shamsuddin and Mokhzani Mahathir, the result of which the company quickly expanded and expanded internationally, gaining clients like Petrobras of Brazil. &nbsp,

After Saipem SpA of Italy, Sapura Energy was ranked as the second-largest integrated oil and gas services provider in the world at its peak.

Then came the 2014 drop in oil prices, which hit the business that had relied on local financial institutions to fund its rapid expansion. Mokhzani sold his stake in Sapura Energy in 2017 after mounting financial losses.

Shahril remained in charge of the business, but a financial turnaround was unsuccessful due to the high costs involved in paying off the group’s enormous debt.

PNB decided to increase its stake to 40 % in 2018 from roughly 7 % when it issued a new share issue to raise additional funding as Sapura Energy’s financial woes grew. &nbsp,

Although the PNB investment was only about RM2.67 billion, it hasn’t been enough to stop Sapura Energy’s losses, setting the stage for the financial rescue last week.

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UK-Thai ties at a ‘pivotal moment’

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As the countries commemorate this year’s 170th celebration of their political relationships, the business relationship between the United Kingdom and Thailand is crucial.

Matt Western, the UK Trade Envoy to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, made this announcement while recently traveling to Thailand for the UK-Thailand Investment Conference.

The meeting focused on strengthening trade and investment relations between the two nations, with an emphasis on developing new industries and maximizing opportunities presented by subsequent agreements.

He urged both nations to take advantage of this opportunity to boost bilateral industry and investment in the new locations. Both nations signed the Strategic Partnership Roadmap in 2024, bringing their assistance to a proper degree. Trade, purchase, and regional cooperation are all covered by this agreement.

Additionally, Pichai Naripthaphan, Thailand’s commerce minister, and Douglas Alexander, the UK’s trade policy minister, signed the Enhanced Trade Partnership ( ETP ) in September 2024 to boost trade and investment between the two countries.

These contracts set ambitious objectives for lowering trade barriers and facilitating business exposure to each nation’s markets.

These initiatives, according to Mr. Western, provide a solid foundation for a promising future of growth with the ability to open up new markets for trade and investment in different sectors.

New area of focus

Mr. Western identified a number of important areas where collaboration could lead to significant development for both nations.

One of these is the education industry, where having UK-style curricula institutions in Thailand gives students a chance to get involved even more.

He suggested that Thailand may encourage more students to study in the UK, boosting ties between the two countries ‘ cultural and educational systems.

Another important area for possible collaboration was the mechanical sector, which Thailand has a solid reputation for. He said expanding market access for UK manufacturers may open up important opportunities and that he was interested in more investment from Thai electrical companies.

He said,” I would like to see more funding from UK automotive firms into Thailand,” adding that removing trade barriers may help facilitate this development.

Mr. Western also emphasized the value of fresh energy when comparing standard industries. He sees a promising future for Thai funding in the UK’s clean energy sector, especially wind and solar power projects, with the recent release of the” Invest 2035″ strategy in the UK, which emphasizes economic growth, development, and sustainability.

As both countries work to increase global competitiveness and accomplish climate goals, both countries stand to gain from increased participation in this area.

He also emphasized the growing importance of military and defense cooperation in light of the growing global safety concerns. Mr. Western invited Thailand to look into investment opportunities in the UK’s defense industry because the UK’s” Invest 2035″ plan places a focus on defense production.

He stated that “our prime minister has merely announced increased defense spending that may stimulate this sector.”

This also implies that defense will play a significant role in global industry, with the UK home to some of the world’s top manufacturers, which might be of interest to the Thai military.

a milestone 170 decades of relations

Mr. Western sees the ceremony as an excellent opportunity to improve the relationship as the UK and Thailand mark their 170th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

He said,” There are many opportunities to enjoy this anniversary,” and he hoped that both nations could use this time to find new collaboration opportunities.

The UK-Thailand trade partnership has an exciting future ahead as a result of its 170th anniversary, which provides a fast backdrop for expanding trade and investment into new sectors like education, automotive, clean energy, and defense.

2025 is expected to be a landmark year for UK-Thailand connections, he said, with a solid foundation in place and many potential growth opportunities afoot.

Eastern: Incorporate new industries.

Eastern: Incorporate new industries.

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Why Trump’s global transformation might just succeed – Asia Times

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Donald Trump has aggressively pursued a radical overhaul of US foreign legislation since taking office in January 2025.

In early March, the State Department terminated international aid courses supporting political opposition and regime change in Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, deeming them little more in the US “national attention”. After releasing 553 prisoners, Trump even overturned the Biden administration’s decision to renounce the country’s sanctions against Cuba.

The Inter-American Foundation, which had long advocated for economic and community-led growth in Latin America, wasdissolved by the government’s executive order in February.

The African Development Foundation is also slated to be eliminated under the executive order, while AFRICOM, the US military demand for Africa, could become following.

Trump’s drastic reductions also apply to organizations like the US Institute of Peace ( USIP), the US Agency for Global Media, the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, and US support for political prisoners around the world.

Trump’s crackdown on the foreign legislation establishment is well underway in the face of a divided criticism, a essentially loyal GOP, and key supporters in power.

In place of the US-led international order, he is embracing a harsh, America First, transactional approach to international politics centered on defense risks, economic force through tariffs and sanctions, and greater emigration policies—stripped of the common lip service to individual rights.

A more intense assault on unauthorised immigration has always been one of Trump’s top priorities. In March, a federal prosecutor “expressed doubts toward those challenging the national policy,” according to a New York Times article. His administration began moving illegal immigrants to Guantanamo Bay in the first few weeks of his name.

Then, alleged Cuban crew members are being sent to El Salvador under a confinement agreement with Trump supporter El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, while Panama, Costa Rica and Honduras have also agreed to accept third-party citizens, under the pressure of taxes being imposed and other financial measures.

Trump wants to have more control over international proper infrastructure. In a US$ 9 billion package in March, a consortium led by US company Blackrock highlighted the importance of the private business in achieving his objectives.

Foreign state-run advertising criticized the Hong Kong-based owner, and labeled the shift as “economic force”. Trump has made more and more hints at potential defense activity as Chinese companies are being removed from the Panama Canal. Trump’s idea of sending personal defense companies to Venezuela to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro came up in his first term, a practice that might come up again.

Conflicts with NATO supporters have played out publicly, undermining the transatlantic alliance that has been a vital part of the US-led global order, with Trump wielding taxes and even risks of conquest to force partners.

Trump also uses US assistance as a means of highlighting how dependent partners are on one another, such as halting intelligence-sharing and military assistance to Ukraine, one of the various pressure tactics used to entice Kyiv into talks with Russia.

Elon Musk then made a brief fessnote about ending Starlink services in Ukraine, which are essential for the country’s military communications, before backtracking. This pattern of signaling intent is common among Trump allies—before the March 14 executive order was issued to force Voice of America to shut down, Musk publicly called for its closure in February.

Trump must break away from the ingrained civil service and foreign policy bureaucracy, which he struggled with during his first term, to continue with his overhaul. Through leaks, delays, and policy adjustments, career officials, including some Republicans like John McCain, fought against his agenda.

Their efforts were complemented by the GOP’s disdain for the civil service, which has shifted increasingly left in recent decades. Before Biden rescinding the executive order in January 2021, Trump issued Schedule F, an executive order that reclassified some career positions as political appointments, making them easier to dismiss.

It’s not easy to break up a decades-old political system. Since World War II, Washington has built a vast ecosystem of NGOs, think tanks and development agencies that shape US foreign policy and diplomacy.

President George W. Bush leaned heavily on hard power with the start of the Global War on Terrorism even as his administration introduced initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ( PEPFAR ), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), and the President’s Malaria Initiative ( PMI ) to maintain international goodwill while engaging in unpopular wars.

These programs were all repurposed by various administrations, given lucrative contracts, and had close ties to policymakers, along with organizations like the Peace Corps, the US Trade and Development Agency, and others mentioned above. Over time, a revolving door of agencies, contractors and policymakers has reinforced and expanded this system, consolidating funding and influence.

The United States has always been the primary beneficiary of America’s foreign assistance programs, according to USAID’s website, which has since openly stated that almost 80 % of USAID contracts and grants have been awarded to US companies.

Of the$ 48 billion in official development assistance ( ODA ), 21 % went to governments, 20 % to nonprofit organizations, 34 % to multilateral organizations, and 25 % to other countries.

Despite reaching nearly$ 80 billion in 2023 under the Biden administration, ODA still accounted for just 1.17 % of the federal budget. Trump’s efforts to undermine ODA may include reducing its spending as well as dismantling the foundational institutions that have for decades been the foundation of American foreign policy.

His purge of the civil service is much more aggressive now that he is in his second term. After labeling institutions like USIP and the Inter-American Foundation as politicized and aligned with Democratic priorities, Trump has made it harder for Democrats to justify billions of dollars for projects abroad—especially given longstanding concerns over ODA’s efficiency.

The acting deputy inspector general cited poor oversight, weak risk management, and human capital issues as examples of USAID’s” chronic, systemic weaknesses” in 2015, citing poor oversight and weak risk management.

The Carnegie Endowment discovered that both the State Department and USAID were overstretched and had little evidence of their effectiveness by the year Trump began to draw more attention to the issue. Aid often went to corrupt governments, was too small to make an impact, and failed to give Washington meaningful leverage.

USIP, which was originally developed in 1984 for conflict resolution, has received more negative reviews from its critics as a means of nation-building. Similar to this, AFRICOM, which was founded in 2007 to advance US national security interests in Africa, has focused on counterterrorism with mixed success. Aid recipients also face restrictions, often required to purchase goods and services from donor countries like the United States.

Other ODA activities, such as global media outreach, have lost their strategic edge as rival powers have undermined their effectiveness, as do more traditional approaches promoted by Democrats and seasoned foreign policy experts.

In response to competition from alternative international networks like Al Jazeera, RT, and China’s state-run media, US-backed media outlets like Voice of America, Radio Free Europe, and Radio Liberty have seen their influence diminish.

These competitors have reshaped the global information sphere, while decentralized information and social media platforms have proven more effective at reaching audiences.

In addition, China’s Belt and Road Initiative ( BRI ) has demonstrated the viability of direct investment in developing infrastructure, offering countries tangible advantages in exchange for concessions like port access for Chinese ships. In contrast, Israel and Russia have shown how to advance foreign policy objectives unilateral military force.

Trump views America’s lingering military and economic dominance as key tools for reasserting US power in a changing global order. His more aggressive military stance and mercantilist economic philosophy prioritize coercion over multilateralism, looking for immediate and tangible benefits in the national interest.

Trump’s strategy emphasizes swift tariffs, threats, and direct pressure to drive markets and cause immediate reactions, an approach that is unpalatable given the ingrained culture of the current foreign policy bureaucracy, unlike previous administrations that invested in steady economic and diplomatic maneuvering.

If successful in reshaping American foreign policy, Trump will force a departure from Washington’s historical promotion of free trade. Bill Clinton, Bush, and Barack Obama, former presidents, all lowered tariffs. Biden eased some with the EU, but he raised China.

Trump’s proposed tariff increases and trade wars have far-reaching effects, implying that the US may no longer be a reliable consumer market, that the dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency is in doubt, and that it will also raise concerns about protecting international sea lanes.

Promoting American democracy was never a top priority until recently, but it is now a rhetorical one. While the US has long backed autocrats, Trump’s acceptance of strongman rule extends to adversaries.

His recent use of the term “dictator” for Russian President Vladimir Putin while avoiding such language for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demonstrates a deliberate loosening of ideological restraints.

Additionally, the US has long opposed international law, with its refusal to ratify the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the International Criminal Court. Yet, it has traditionally played a central role in upholding basic global legal frameworks, with Europe often supporting its efforts.

Washington’s acceptance of border changes by Russia and Israel, which it is now shunning, reflects a growing respect for force, whether from allies or adversaries. China, Iran, and other countries are taking note, and they may soon begin to use economic and political pressure to lessen the autonomy of smaller nations.

Trump’s ongoing dismantling of the foreign policy establishment does not indicate an American retreat from global affairs but rather a radical overhaul. Washington is moving away from the post-World War II and post-Cold War neoliberal order it established and is characterized by multilateralism in favor of a more confrontational, transactional system based on unilateral strength.

The deterioration of institutions is yet another indication of the “unipolar moment” of America and a return to a more erratic and unpredictable era of global affairs.

John P Ruehl is an Australian-American journalist living in Washington, D. C., and a world affairs correspondent for the Independent Media Institute. He contributes to a number of foreign affairs publications, and his book, Budget Superpower: How Russia Challenges the West With an Economy Smaller Than Texas, was published in December 2022.

This article was produced by Economy for All, an Independent Media Institute initiative, and is now republished with permission.

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US to import eggs from Turkey and South Korea to ease prices

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According to authorities, the Trump presidency is in discussions with different nations and plans to transfer eggs from Turkey and South Korea in an effort to lower the country’s record-breaking rates.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters at the White House,” We are talking in the hundreds of millions of eggs for the short term.

It comes in response to the administration’s announcement of a$ 1 billion ( £792 million ) strategy to stop a raging bird flu epidemic that has forced US farmers to kill tens of millions of chickens.

Despite President Trump’s campaign promise to reduce prices, the cost of eggs has surged more than 65% over the past year, and it is projected to rise by 41% in 2025.

Rollins stated that her office was in discussions with other nations to find new products, but she did not specify which regions.

When our poultry populations are repopulated and the egg-laying industry is fully operational, she said,” we therefore transition back to our internal egg levels and putting those hens back on the shelf once we have a full recovery.”

Polish and Ukrainian chicken associations reported on Friday that US embassies had likewise contacted them about possible egg exports.

The Director of the National Chamber of Poultry and Feed Producers, Katarzyna Gawronska, informed the news agency that “back in February, the American consulate in Warsaw inquired about whether Poland may be interested in exporting eggs to the US business.”

The US Department of Agriculture unveiled a$ 1 billion, five-point plan to combat the price of eggs in February. The plan includes a budget of$ 500 million for biosecurity measures, roughly$ 100 million for vaccine research and development, and$ 400 million for farmer financial relief programs.

The Trump administration announced that it will provide free advice on best practices and consulting services for commercial chicken farms and spend up to 75 % of the fees for vulnerabilities to stop bird virus spread.

” Our intention was to spend a significant amount of money to conduct assessments across the country to have USDA assist these egg-laying businesses in securing their buildings,” Rollins said. “… and we’ve seen a significant decrease in the animal flu since we began doing that most late.”

Although the H5N1 or avian flu has been present in United chicken sheep for years, a new outbreak that started in 2022 has wreaked havoc on ranches, killing more than 156 million animals and raising chicken rates skyrocketing.

In the last year’s presidential campaign, egg pricing became a rallying point for Trump as he attempted to capitalize on citizens ‘ dissatisfaction with the rising cost of necessary goods.

He attributed the rise in chicken charges to his father Joe Biden during his speech to the US Congress earlier this month.

Joe Biden, in particular, “let the price of eggs get out of control,” he continued,” and we are working hard to get it back down.”

Despite the fact that prices have increased in the first few days of Trump’s next president, millions of egg-laying parrots were ordered to be culled last year in response to a bird flu outbreak.

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​Is Europe rearming? The jury is still out – Asia Times

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Germany recently passed legislation that purports to commit €1 trillion ($ 1.08 trillion ) to the defense sector, while the EU has suggested a Rearm Europe  Plan to raise more than € 800 billion ($ 866 billion ) for defense.

On the surface, it appears as though Europe is getting ready for the next battle, but the reality is that it is actually trying to cover up its severe economic issues by investing money into its economy and building weapons. But will this approach job?

At various degrees, problems exist.

The first is financial. The idea that human factories may be converted into weapons production facilities, mainly tanks and armoured fighting vehicles, is at the center of the planning. For instance, the German company, Rheinmetall, is considering purchasing a Volkswagen factory in Osnabrück, north Germany, a facility that then faces an uncertain future.

The government of Italy has promoted a similar concept, urging Stellantis to begin producing protection equipment in its auto factories.

Stellantishttps: //www next month. reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/stellantis-italy-output-falls-475090-vehicles-2024-cars-lowest-level-since-1956-2025-01-03/ produced fewer than 500, 000 vehicles in Italy ( Fiat plus Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia ) compared with 751, 000 in 2023. The bank’s lowest number in Italy since 1956 was 2024.

Chairman of Stellantis, John Elkann.

The president of Stellantis, John Elkann, objected to the government’s request to change some factories to protection production, claiming that his company was unsure that the “dead industry” would be the future of the car.

At the opening of the White Paper for European Defense, Kaja Kallas, the vice president of the European Commission, names journalists. European Commission, in pictures.

The main issue is that the economic justification for switching from high-volume creation to low-volume defense equipment makes little sense in the business world. Although it is true that some vehicles companies that produce trucks and other large equipment have cranes and lifts that could be used to build armoured vehicles, also tanks, these plants are designed for mass production rather than primarily for hand-built result.

Chrysler factory during World War II.

The US stopped most car production during World War II ( aside from the necessary vehicles for the battle ) and switched to defense manufacturing. The US production was remarkable: 297, 000 plane, 193, 000 ordnance guns, 86, 000 tank and 2 million vehicles. The US merely produces 250 fighter jets annually today. That would equal a total production of 1,250 planes in a five-year issue like World War II, which would not compare to World War II’s.

Europe currently produces no more than 50 war tanks per year. Even though that figure is pretty low, it may take years to change an car factory to tank production, so the tank production in Europe doesn’t significantly increase over the next five years. Additionally, converting a manufacturer to military hardware requires a significant redesign of an automobile factory. Although Germany’s labor unions would have a lot to say about job rates, settlement, and social advantages, less people would also be required.

In the US, Europe, Russia, or China, it is obvious that the World War II design, which called for a federal participation to fight the war, is not feasible.

It is also important to point out that the security industry in Europe is divided, its supply chains are uncertain, and, in many cases, severely cheap, and that participating companies are not known for reliability or cost usefulness. Many of these businesses have grown as a result of wings transfers to Ukraine, where they receive the highest compensation. Where will the extra projected production get, if the conflict ends, if at all?

More military equipment does require more troops and support as a result. How this will become accounted for is currently unknown. Without enlistment, the force structure of Europe won’t be easy to grow. According to some, Europe is currently experiencing a crisis in defense selection.

Both the German and Italian cases are intended to solve financial and employment issues and in some way resurrect the German and Italian economy. However, in reality, the concept looks more like a rebate program to keep plants running, but with significantly lower output.

Both nations will have to determine whether or not they can manage the grants, whether or not they will contribute to resolving the country’s economic crisis in Italy or Germany, which is currently in decline. The solution to car selling is not to manufacture weapons, as the Stellantis CEO suggested.

One wonders if a major study has examined whether it makes sense to convert existing companies to war-making in the middle of the night or even if massive grants are going to help alleviate Germany’s and other countries ‘ economic woes.

The social issue is of course.

There isn’t a discussion on the strategic objective of the investing, despite the proposed ramp-up in defense spending in Germany and by the EU’s proposed plans to benefit defense companies that can use the new funding. In reality, there is a different political divide between some EU member states. This is a significant factor in Italy’s opposition to the EU Rearm Europe program, which was opposed to the European Commission’s president, Ursula von der Leyen.

Guido Crosetto, the minister of defense of Italy,

Guido Crosetto, Italy’s defence secretary, sent an&nbsp, open text that was published in Corriere la Sera, Italy’s most read newspapers.

Crosetto argued that Western defense” cannot change NATO nor provide the same level of protection.”

He explained that without the consent of all EU members, the EU may impose a popular defense strategy for Europe.

The EU Treaty itself gives the option of a typical defense scheme, but only after a unanimous vote of the German Council, which has never occurred or is currently being discussed in any state or member state.

The EU command has been pushing for a security function outside of NATO and has long intended to take its place. The EU’s Rearm Europe strategy has been put on hold due to Italy’s resistance to these interests, at least for the moment.

Uncertainties

The overall strategy to increase protection spending lacks any resolerable strategic justification. What kinds of forces are required for Western protection? Which industries demand the most capital? Additionally, even though everyone is talking about doing so ( as they have for the past 50 years ), there is no real strategy to consolidate German defense production in any significant way.

Additionally, it’s uncertain whether the promised funds will be provided by the Bundestag or any other European legislature.

The main strength of German law is that it makes it simpler to lift defence costs without subjecting them to a constitutional ban on budget deficits greater than 0. 35 % of the GDP. According to reports, the recently passed policy includes a constitutional amendment that removes the defence spending cap.

That is a likely significant step, but with an already depressed economy and little real growth in job from new investing, it will be difficult to maintain social support for large defense budgets in Germany or elsewhere.

Germany may also try to recoup its lost business in Russia if the conflict in Ukraine is resolved. Additionally, there is the spectacular probability that Germany will once more attempt to purchase less expensive gas from Russia, even renovating existing natural gas pipes, such as Nordstream. A shift in the way European industrialists view things might be able to halt the effort to boost defence output.

State aid programs, yet those costing €1 Trillion, must become based on a clear security plan, which Europe does not have, and on an understanding of the financial consequences, which may not produce anything like what appears to be promised. The verdict on Rearm Europe is still out.

Former US deputy undersecretary of defense for policy, Stephen Bryen is a special correspondent for Asia Times. This Substack newsletter, Weapons and Strategy, originally published as an original article in his Substack, is republished with permission.

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Pro-Beijing paper: Anti-sanctions law can block Li’s ports deal – Asia Times

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A media mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party has suggested using China’s anti-sanctions mechanism to deal with Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing’s proposed selling of his global ports, including two at the Panama Canal, to BlackRock.

In its latest article titled “Stop the transaction, avoid losing a lot to save a little,” Ta Kung Pao, a pro-Beijing newspaper, urges Li to scrap his ports deal. 

Since its first attack on Li on March 13, the newspaper has published more than 10 commentaries and news articles on the topic. While previous ones called Li a “traitor” and an unpatriotic businessman, its latest opinion piece mentions a concrete legal tool – the anti-sanctions law – for the first time.

“Both at the national and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region levels, our legal system is quite complete,” writes Wan Yunping. (The name may be a pseudonym as the author has no title and has not published any article before.)

“In response to the United States and Western sanctions in recent years, our country has accumulated rich experience in anti-sanctions and formed an effective response mechanism,” Wan says. “Both the state and the SAR have legal mechanisms to deal with so-called ‘legal transactions’ that harm national interests.”

He says those who have stressed that Li’s proposed deal is a “legitimate transaction” under the principle of freedom of contract are “too naive and senile.”

“From the operational level of commercial mergers and acquisitions, I advise relevant companies and individuals to stop delivery, avoid miscalculations and avoid losing a lot to save a little,” Wan says.

The author also says Li’s deal violates the principle of Hong Kong’s National Security Ordinance, which states that “the highest principle of the policy of ‘one country, two systems’ is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests.” The Legislative Council passed the ordinance, drafted on the basis of Article 23 of the Basic Law, in March 2024.

“This transaction directly violates this highest principle as it will hurt China’s national security and development interests,” he says. “Violating the principle of the law is also a violation of the law.”

“Throughout the legal system, not every legal provision directly states the consequences of violation,” he adds. “However, the lack of written legal consequences does not mean the law has no legal effect.”

In August 2021, Beijing suggested extending the coverage of its Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law to Hong Kong by adding it to Annex III of the Basic Law. If implemented, this law would forbid Hong Kong companies and banks from enforcing foreign sanctions against China. 

However, the National People’s Congress (NPC) standing committee finally did not discuss the suggestion after considering that it would put Hong Kong’s banks and financial institutions in a difficult position in the fight between China and the US and trigger capital flight from Hong Kong.

Some observers have said that Beijing can use the existing National Security Law and the potential implementation of the anti-sanctions law in Hong Kong to deal with Li. But Ronny Tong, a legal expert and an Executive Council member, said it’s unlikely that Beijing will intervene in the case with the National Security Law.

“The United Kingdom passed the National Security Investment Act in 2021 to scrutinize outbound and inbound investment, while the United States has also recently banned American companies from investing in China and Chinese companies from investing in the US,” Tong says in a social media post.

“The media and international community did not criticize these restrictions. But if the SAR government intervenes in a case for national security reasons, it will definitely attract overwhelming criticism and smear,” he says. “We have always dealt with things fairly and in accordance with the law. It is the difference between China and the UK-US.”

He says Li must consider whether selling his ports is in the national interest.

It is unclear whether Beijing will block Li’s ports deal with the anti-sanctions law. For that to happen, the NPC Standing Committee needs to hold a meeting before CK Hutchison and the BlackRock-Til consortium sign definitive documentation for the transaction on April 2.

Victor Li’s statement

On March 4, CK Hutchison, Li’s flagship company, announced that it had agreed to sell its entire 80% stake in Hutchison Ports – which owns, operates and develops 43 ports comprising 199 berths in 23 countries – to BlackRock for US$22.8 billion.

After this, Victor Li, the elder son of Li Ka-shing and chairman of CK Hutchison, reportedly met with a “national leader” to discuss the deal in Beijing, but he insisted on continuing the transaction. 

Bloomberg reported on March 18 that senior Chinese leaders ordered several government agencies, including the State Administration for Market Regulation, to scrutinize the deal for any potential security breaches or antitrust violations. Still, the probe would not necessarily result in any follow-up action.

“Looking ahead to 2025, there may be headwinds with supply chain disruptions anticipated in the early part of the year due to shipping lines transitioning into their new alliances, as well as ongoing geopolitical risk impacting global trade,” Victor Li says in CK Hutchison’s 2024 result announcement released on March 20.

He says that the company’s port business will continue to improve this year with moderate organic growth in Asia and the Middle East, expansion at existing terminal facilities and strengthening strategic partnerships.

Revenue from the company’s ports and related services grew 11% to HK$45.3 billion (US$5.83 billion) for the year ended December 31, 2024. The segment’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased 19% to HK$16.2 billion.

Pundits’ debate

In China most commentators criticized the 96-year-old Li Ka-shing for selling his global ports to BlackRock, although a few defended him.

A Fujian-based writer using the pseudonym “Xinghua Dabai” says in an article published on Wednesday that Li failed to sell 40% of Hutchison Ports to Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs) for about HK$150 billion in 2015 because the premium was too high.

“Many people asked why China did not buy Li’s ports in the past. It’s not that we did not want to buy,” the writer says. “A 2015 news article showed that Chinese buyers felt Li’s asking price was too high. Besides, they did not want to only hold a minority stake.”

The writer says Li’s asking price in 2015 was about 26 to 28 times the assets’ EBITDA, more than double the industry’s 10 to 12 times valuation then. He says now Li offers BlackRock 80% of his port assets for 11 to 13 times EBITDA, compared with the industry’s 9 to 10 times valuation.

He says Li deserves criticism this time because he is selling his ports to BlackRock at a lower valuation. 

“Someone might also ask why China does not buy the ports now,” he says. “Such a deal will involve antitrust probes in 12 jurisdictions, including the European Union, the US and Brazil. Obviously, the US won’t approve it if our SOEs buy Hutchison Ports.”

In an interview, Larry Lang, a Hong Kong-based Taiwanese economist, says Li should not face criticism for selling his own assets, especially when port operation is a declining sector.

Lang says Li won Britain’s trust to acquire Hutchison Whampoa in 1979 and spent decades expanding it; besides, Li is a Canadian citizen and should not be judged on his Chinese patriotism. 

Lang says that, as China has already started building ports and railways overseas in the past decade, the negative impact of Li’s deal on the country will only be temporary.

Yong Jian is a contributor to the Asia Times. He is a Chinese journalist who specializes in Chinese technology, economy and politics. 

Read: China probes Li Ka-shing’s Panama ports deal for security concerns

Read: Beijing calls Li Ka-shing a ‘traitor’ in Panama ports deal

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