To Donald Trump, From Han Feizi – Asia Times

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Come, you masters of war, you that build the big guns

You that build the death planes, you that build all the bombs

You that hide behind walls, you that hide behind desks

I just want you to know I can see through your masks

– Bob Dylan

The historical Han Feizi of the second century BCE was China’s greatest Legalist scholar, whose ideas the Qin Emperor used to consolidate the Chinese state for the first time. Westerners could do worse than think of Han Feizi as China’s Niccolo Machiavelli. The similarities are uncanny despite a separation of 1,700 years and 8,000 kilometers.

Han Feizi has been making a comeback, becoming perhaps the third most discussed of China’s ancient sages and philosophers – right behind Confucius and Sun Tzu. President Xi is surely responsible, invoking Han Feizi in speeches, “When those who uphold the law are strong, the state is strong. When they are weak, the state is weak.”

Xi’s unyielding anti-corruption campaign draws from legalist tradition, wielding power through the punishment lever. But enough ink has been spilled on Han Feizi and the Legalists’ influence on Xi’s China.

Yours truly is more interested in what Han Feizi makes of the second coming of Donald Trump, what advice he would give the president-elect and what pitfalls he sees arrayed before America’s populist and perhaps authoritarian sovereign.

For mysterious reasons, Asia Times has the ability to channel history’s spirit world, conjuring the ghosts of Oswald Spengler and Cardinal Richelieu. It is now time that yours truly, after cosplaying the Legalist scholar for a year, does the esoteric seance and formally calls forth the Ghost of Han Feizi.     

“Stay back, all of you. I’ve come for one person and one person only,” I yelled through the portal, Pingduoduo electric mosquito swatter in hand, “Not you Confucius, nor you, Xunzi – a gentleman scholar Donald J Trump is not. And Mozi… go away, you’re totally useless. Maybe you can go comfort Kamala.”

“Y-y-you called for me?” Han Feizi said, as his apparition appeared behind the other sages, “A-a-after all these y-y-years? A-a-a-re m-m-m-my s-s-services r-r-r-required?”

“It’s you,” I said, “It’s really you! Yes, come, come… I’ve prepared a writing desk with silk parchment, brushes and ink. Don’t talk. I know your stammer gets bad when you’re nervous. Just write. We will take a picture of the manuscript and run it through Baidu translate when you’re finished…

“Oh, taking a picture is when you… ummm… and Baidu translate is… uhhh… never mind… sit down… relax. Let me tell you what has happened in the past 2,200 years. Let me tell you about a new empire called the United States of America. And let me tell you about the rise to power of its latest emperor – the strange, strange tale of Donald J Trump…”

BAIDU TRANSLATION OF HAN FEIZI’S MANUSCRIPT   

This new empire – this United States of America – has been expanding for almost 250 years. It’s not so new at all. Forgive me for being impressed; if I recall correctly, the Qin Emperor dispatched me to the spirit world before I had a chance to witness the application of my life’s work.

Most impressive about this Empire of the United States of America is that it has lasted 250 years without an emperor like Donald J Trump. The lands of the United States of America are truly blessed. When the land is bountiful and the people are few, husbands do not have to till the fields for the seeds of grass and the fruit of trees were enough for people to eat.

And wives do not have to weave for the skins of animals and birds provided sufficient clothing. There is an abundance of goods and so no one quarreled. Therefore no rich rewards were doled out. No harsh punishments were administered and yet the people themselves were orderly.

In my time, the Sinic-lands were already teaming with people and kingdoms and warlords. No one regarded five sons as a large number and these five sons in turn had five sons each so that before the grandfather has died, he has 25 grandchildren.

Hence the number of people increased, goods grew scarce and men had to struggle and slave for immediate living. Therefore they fell to quarreling and though rewards were doubled and punishments were piled on, they could not be prevented from growing disorderly.

This Empire of the United States of America had been feasting on the bounty of expansion – westward across a continent, into the ocean and right up against the Qin Empire’s shores (which 2,200 years later is now called the People’s Republic of Qin… not too shabby of me, if I do say so myself).

Across its eastern ocean, the Empire of the United States of America controls the geriatric continent of its origins and the lands from which its sacred texts emerged. But this empire controls these regions shabbily.

Greed and weakness have entangled the empire in unnecessary military conflict, draining resources and enticing challengers. Tianxia – all under heaven – is not at peace (Tianxia is a giant round ball? I can’t wait to tell Sun Tzu… it will blow his mind).

Internally, the Empire of the United States of America is beset with disorder. This empire is governed in the most peculiar way, with levers of power surrendered to venal merchants. Impoverished barbarians are entering the empire through unguarded borders.

Prices of goods have surged. Crime and squalor have swallowed up large swathes of once-great cities. The people are angry and the distractions of sports ball, undressed girls, moving paintings, trinkets, games of chance and soothing medicines are not enough to prevent disorder and quarrelling.

On the surface, this Donald J Trump, this crass merchant, this boastful cretin, this blathering buffoon, appears to be wholly incapable of rising to power. And yet here he is.

A sage ruler waits empty and still and must not reveal his desires, for if he reveals his desires, his ministers will put on the mask that pleases him. He must not reveal his will for if he does so, his ministers will show a different face.

From a place of darkness, the sage ruler observes the defects of others; see but does not appear to see; listen but does not appear to listen; know, but does not let it be known that he knows.

Emperor Donald J Trump appears to violate all of these maxims. And yet, he has not. As much as this emperor talks, the quantity and volume of his words mask a loud silence. He has said everything and revealed nothing. No one knows what he is plotting, putting all his ministers, all his subjects and all rulers of foreign lands on edge.

The emperor’s enemies are convinced that he is capable of every sort of bestial horror. The emperor’s friends believe he is just short of divine, capable of making the fallen empire great again. The emperor’s foreign adversaries vacillate between dismissing his buffoonery and sweating over the chaos he might unleash. The emperor’s ministers supplicate themselves before him, hoping to be rewarded with high office and fearing the punishment of his immortal words, “You’re fired!”

Emperor Donald J Trump is still learning. After the throne was wrested away by a lesser man, he spent four years in the wilderness contemplating his missteps. He had made many mistakes, chief among them was appointing ministers with hidden agendas with designs on the levers of power.

Reclaiming the throne from the lesser man and his band of imbeciles was a trivial feat. Avoiding past mistakes will be the greater challenge. Tigers prowl the palace halls, coveting the throne.

That is my diagnosis of the maladies afflicting the Empire of the United States of America. My prescription will be addressed directly to the emperor himself.

Your majesty, Emperor Donald J. Trump:

You have done well reclaiming the throne. But now the hard work begins. You are now surrounded by courtiers and supplicants, each with capabilities, incompetencies and agendas. When appointing ministers, you should:

  1. Assign one man to each office and do not let men talk to each other and then all will do their utmost.
  2. Hide your tracks, conceal your sources so that your subordinates cannot trace the springs of your action.
  3. Discard wisdom, forebear ability so that your subordinates cannot guess what you are about.
  4. Stick to your objectives and examine their results to see how they match.
  5. Take hold of the handles of government carefully and grip them tightly. Destroy all hope and smash all intention of wresting them from you. Allow no men to covet them.

If you do not guard the door, if you do not make fast the gate, then tigers will lurk there. Ministers like Marco Rubio, Peter Hegseth, Mike Waltz and Matt Gaetz are easily tamed. Rewards and punishments will collar and chain these tiger cubs and they should eat from your hand.

More dangerous are the tigers who believe themselves emperor makers – Miriam Adelson, Tim Mellon, Linda McMahon and one very wealthy, very capable and very ambitious Elon Musk. Concern yourself not with geriatric cases like Adelson, Mellon and McMahon; their interests – money and clan – are pedestrian and transparent. But Elon Musk, this merchant, this self-promoter, this manufacturer of useless trivia, must be brought to heel post haste.   

Minister Elon Musk is a man of celestial talent and with that comes commensurate ambition. Given the misfortune of his birth, he has no claim on the throne. Unfortunately, for a man of his caliber, to not covet the levers of power is impossible. If you think you have tamed him by shunting him off to write reports in a made-up ministry, make sure that is exactly what you have done.

Sinecures and made-up ministries will not placate this man. He has already done an end run around the palace with the naming of this ministry – DOGE (the Department of Government Efficiency) – putting his personal brand on your government department. Two roosters cannot occupy the same henhouse and you have invited this rooster in.

Given the vast resources at his disposal, Minister Elon Musk will attempt to apply the two levers of power on you, rewarding you and punishing you to do his bidding. That is what a sovereign must suffer when power has been surrendered to merchants. For guidance, look across the ocean to the People’s Republic of Qin. The sovereign showed unruly merchants their place and order now permeates his empire.    

If the two levers of power – reward and punishment – cannot subjugate merchants, these vermin will infiltrate the state and drain it of vitality. You must restrain these ministers with clear laws or risk rending asunder the state as ministries vie for power. If you cannot make the law clear and use it to restrain the authority of the high ministers, then you will have no means to win the confidence of the people at large.

If you discard the law and instead attempt to use some of your ministers to control others, then those who love each other will band together in groups for mutual praise, and those who hate each other will form cliques for mutual slander. With praise and slander striving to shout each other down, you will become bewildered and confused.

All under heaven do not know what your plans are for Ukraine, Israel, Iran, the People’s Republic of Qin, the surging price of goods, rising government debt, illegal barbarians, trade policy, industrial policy and your enemies deep within the bureaucracy.

It is vital that your ministers do not know either and merely implement what they have promised for the solutions to these problems are difficult and contradictory – some problems and some ministers must be sacrificed for others. It is your burden to ascertain the intentions and desires of ministers and place them in their positions ignorant of your ultimate designs.

Undertakings succeed through secrecy but fail through being found out. If you have not yet divulged your plans but in your discussions a minister deduces your intent, then he must be ruthlessly dispatched. If you are ostensibly seeking one thing but actually attempting to accomplish something quite different, you must destroy ministers who catch wind of your plans.

For now, I commend you for your wily ability to reveal nothing even while saying everything. Nobody can pin down what you believe, perhaps not even yourself. You promised to end the European war on day one of your coronation but have just appointed ministers who couldn’t be less willing to do so.

You have wage laborers in your corner and yet merchants and money lenders are rubbing their hands together. You threaten commercial war with the People’s Republic of Qin and yet you invite their magic chariot makers into your empire. These are all excellent moves. Keep your options open. Let no minister in your court or the court of your adversaries divine your intentions, for if they do, they will conspire to thwart you.

The portal to the spirit world is open for only so long and I will soon have to return. I cannot leave you without specifically addressing the Empire of People’s Republic of Qin. After a short blip in history, the descendant of Qin is returning to its role as the celestial center of civilization.

The Empire of the United States of America is thus careening towards confrontation with the People’s Republic of Qin (I can’t wait to tell Sun Tzu about everybody’s flashy weapons… it will blow his mind). Expansion in Tianxia is now treacherous as powerful empires and their vassals butt up against each other (Tianxia is one giant round ball? That will never stop being funny :D).

The disorder you see in the Empire of the United States of America is the result of thwarted expansion, squandering lives and treasure in far-off lands. The neglected home front fueled your rise to power and, with your permission, the necessity of Legalist government.

The Sinic lands reached carrying capacity in my lifetime and the subsequent Qin Empires have had 2,000 years of practice implementing Legalism. Their current emperor is well-schooled in the dark arts while you are learning on the fly and relying on instinct, excellent as they may be. What the emperor of the People’s Republic of Qin has but you lack is methodical discipline. He knows what he wants and how he will get there even if we do not. Do you know what you want?

With religious certainty, your tiger cub ministers are eager to confront the Empire of the People’s Republic Qin – which has been sharpening swords, making projectile arrows, building war junks and invisible flying machines. They have reorganized their craftsmen and traders to prepare for commercial war. Has the Empire of the United States of America adequately prepared for military or commercial conflict with the People’s Republic of Qin?

The portal is closing and I must bid you farewell. I wish you good fortune in you political endeavors and hope the Empire of the United States of America can adopt a Legalist government and last as long as the Empire of Qin.

Until we meet again…

Sincerely,

Han Feizi        

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Europe must pre-empt Ukraine sell-out, tsunami of Trump tariffs – Asia Times

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The wonder of the American national election was how fast the results were made public, and newly elected president-elect Donald Trump has kept that unpredictability by announcing government choices. Except for those who had hoped vainly that he would be more reasonable in terms of government than he was in terms of campaigning, those choices have not been unexpected. They will then place a lot of pressure on Europe to adapt and respond, and they will do so quickly.

This aims to introduce Europe’s greatest failure while highlighting what, at least in the rare instances, results in such supremacy for a single political party and individual. In a system of the European Union intentionally designed to prevent one nation or person from becoming the strong, Europe moves slowly and by bargain. America’s national state can be far more significant.

Despite Ursula von der Leyen being re-elected as president on July 18, there is still no confirmation from the European Union that a new Western Commission is in place. Even more important, however, is failure in Germany and France: Germany’s Olaf Scholz faces a no-confidence ballot on December 16, paving the way to early general elections on February 23, France’s new prime minister, Michel Barnier, is battling to find his 2025 resources passed by a deeply divided National Assembly.

Obviously, the speed of Trump’s visits is largely misleading. He is making his judgments sooner than he did in 2016, but electorates are still unable to fill those positions until January 20 and beyond, or until their meetings have been confirmed by Senate votes. Trump’s desires for a smoother process may not be as good.

Trump’s Republican Party now holds a clear majority in the Senate, but his controversial choices of a malevolent nationalist, Congressman Matt Gaetz, as solicitor general, of an incompetent Fox News TV presenter, Pete Hesgeth, as secretary of defense, and of extremist Putin-sympathizer Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence may all experience opposition from more modest Republican Senators. Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of health and human services is now on his list of consciously defamatory choices, which in effect challenge moderate Republicans to support him.

The new Commission is still awaiting action because the new European Commission are presently having their own assurance trials in the European Parliament. Officials may create emergency plans in response to Trump’s upcoming challenges, particularly in regards to business, security, and Ukraine. But without social management, those plans may be cast into question.

Solid governments that anticipate remaining in power for a while, similar to the total European response to Mario Draghi’s proposals to boost European competitiveness in July, will be required. Politicians who are shrouded in the support of their own political turmoil may also make some quick decisions.

Most importantly, the Scholz government, in its last weeks in office before the confidence vote, may make actions towards helping Ukraine strengthen its bargaining location, safe in the knowledge that such activities may be supported by the center-right criticism. The center-right Christian Democrats ‘ leader, Friedrich Merz, has long supported Ukraine, but he may also support a swift resolution with Scholz that assumes responsibility for such a decision, reducing the chance that it will spark controversy during the election.

Although Keir Starmer, the newly elected prime minister, is unopposed in the United Kingdom, it may be persuaded to back a decision by Scholz and Merz to send more weapons to Ukraine and, in particular, to permit Ukraine to use those weapons for long-range strikes against Russia. Long-range missile strikes into Russia would have the best chance of thwarting an imminent major Russian offensive that will attempt to retake control of the land held by Ukrainian forces since August in the Kursk region.

Trump’s biggest trade challenge wo n’t be until after January 20, but Europe should be prepared to impose a 10 % or 20 % tariff on its exports to the United States within his first few days in office. Awkwardly, that will fall during the German election campaign. But Scholz

This article, published on Bill Emmott’s Global View, is the English original of an article published in Italian by La Stampa. It is republished with permission.

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Indonesia’s Prabowo tilting perceptibly toward China – Asia Times

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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has had a cyclone year. He was seated with President Joe Biden in the White House on November 9 while he was negotiating with Taiwanese leader Xi Jinping. Subianto contacted Donald Trump to thank him on his success in the US election while he was at it.

Subianto’s two-week international trip includes visits to Peru, Brazil, the UK, and a number of Middle Eastern nations as well as the trips to the United States and China.

The itinerary suggests the president of Southeast Asia’s largest economy’s new administration’s political priorities, which are balancing Indonesia’s relations with key West and global South allies, and pursuing a more forceful leadership position in Southeast Asia.

The position Indonesia tries to play in ensuring local stability and security in the Indo-Pacific is highlighted by Subianto’s back-to-back discussions with Xi and Biden.

A US-Indian aquatic workout is currently being conducted off the Indonesian area of Batam at the time of the sessions. Similar maneuvers between US and Southeast Asian companions have tended to be framed as a deterrent to China’s aggressiveness in the disputed waters of the South China Sea in the next quarterly military workout of its kind.

Subianto and Xi were making nice-nature promises to increase coastal cooperation between the two nations while the US and Indonesian troops carried out maneuvers. The big question is now how Indonesia’s Indo-Pacific safety balance will be affected by a Trump White House.

Trump’s Indo-Pacific plan

Trump’s first term as president provides some insight into how his Indo-Pacific scheme might change in the future. The&nbsp, 2019 Indo-Pacific Strategy Report&nbsp, issued by the Trump presidency marked China as a “revisionist” power—that is, one that is dissatisfied with the latest status quo—and an aspiring local superpower.

To counter this, Trump adopted an “offshore balancing” plan – in consequence utilizing local friends to stay China in check. Security agreements with conventional allies and joint military training exercises with nations like Indonesia and the Philippines were used as part of this strategy.

Additionally, it included providing military technology to regional partners and sporadically-performed “freedom of navigation” businesses by the US Navy.

A globe shows Chinese writing over various islands.
China’s nine-dash column takes in place claimed by different countries. Photo: AP via The Conversation / Andy Wong

But there was another side to Trump’s Indo-Pacific plan.

Trump was open to escalation with China in the South China Sea in exchange for Beijing’s assistance in battling North Korea, one of the region’s biggest threats to stability, despite the US’s lack of direct security interests there ( no US territories are threatened ), but worried about a military conflict if Beijing agreed to cooperate in addressing one of the region’s biggest security threats, including North Korea.

Under Trump’s second management, Indonesia received a challenge and possibility by easing the pressure on Beijing in the South China Sea and providing local security to Washington’s Indo-Pacific friends.

In order to fulfill its crucial political responsibilities to preserve regional security, Indonesia was required to lead the dialogue of the South China Sea code of conduct as Southeast Asia’s largest and most populous country.

Subianto tilts toward China

Indonesia has much shown a willingness to take on the safety of the region. Subsequent leaders have taken the responsibility seriously, especially given the country’s constitutional authority to do an “independent and lively” foreign plan.

In order to improve their standing as an independent professional, Indonesian leaders have generally avoided getting too close to the US or China.

However, Indonesia’s foreign policy has begun to change significantly since Subianto became chairman of Indonesia in October 2024.

Weeks after his opening, Subianto sent his new foreign secretary to Kazan, Russia, to attend the meeting of BRICS countries and show Indonesia’s desire to join the expanding alliance of non-Western markets.

China is the group’s largest representative, and it aims to be an alternative to European security and economic structures. This conventional expression of intention to meet BRICS marks a change from coverage under Subianto’s forerunner, Joko Widodo.

Additionally, a joint declaration made during Subianto’s attend to Beijing suggests that Indonesia is beginning to consider South China Sea maritime claims made by Beijing.

For years, Indonesia refused to acknowledge Beijing’s says on rocks and reefs within Indonesia’s special economic zone in the waters around Natuna – an Indian island that connects with China’s “nine-dash line” denoting the region Beijing sees as Chinese.

However, the joint statement from Subianto’s visit to Beijing stated that the two nations had reached” an essential typical understanding on mutual growth in areas of intersecting says” that was in line with “respective prevalent laws and regulations.”

Speak of “overlapping says” is a departure for Indonesia and suggests that Subianto is more open to embracing Beijing’s restrictions in the South China Sea.

OECD or BRICS? Or both?

This does n’t mean Indonesia is restricting its options for greater cooperation with the West either. During the White House leg of Subianto’s visit, Biden signaled the US’s strong support for Indonesia’s push to join the Western-dominated Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD ).

With the business establishing international standards and supporting Indonesia, the organization may act as a benchmarking body for Indonesia to help it get higher-quality foreign investment.

President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto meets his U. S. equivalent. But will the gap between the two nations eventually grow? by Alex Wong/Getty Images

BRICS account, however, would reflect more of a political and economic shift that would position Indonesia alongside other states seeking an alternative to the U. S. dominated international organizations.

If Trump’s plan to impose high tariffs on foreign goods is implemented, Indonesia’s interest may only grow.

Providing cover for Subianto

In response to a Trump White House, Indonesia certainly seems to have the potential to adopt a more pro-Beijing stance under Subianto.

Trump’s immediate attention is likely to be heavily influenced by conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, pushing security concerns in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region in particular further down the list.

The Chinese government continues to maintain its policy of limiting South China Sea trade and exerting economic influence on all of Southeast Asia’s countries.

Some observers are already questioning whether Indonesia’s change in the South China Sea’s disputed territory is related to China’s economic cooperation, which includes the US$ 10 billion in deals signed during Subianto’s visit to Beijing.

And a more secretive, anti-interventionist White House under Trump might give Subian the opportunity to aide Indonesia in advancing its position as a regional leader while strengthening its economic and strategic ties to China and the Global South.

Idil Syawfi is an assistant professor of international relations at the University of Katolik Parahyangan, and Angguntari Ceria Sari is a lecturer there.

The Conversation has republished this article under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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China’s Xi arrives in Peru for APEC summit, Biden meeting

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APEC, created in 1989 with the goal of regional trade liberalisation, brings up 21 economies that simultaneously reflect about 60 per cent of&nbsp, world&nbsp, GDP and over 40 per cent of global business. On Thursday, &nbsp, APEC&nbsp, officials, &nbsp, including&nbsp, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, held their own conferenceContinue Reading

Hemisphere Ventures opens in Singapore amid SEA expansion | FinanceAsia

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Hemisphere Ventures, a US venture capital and consulting firm known for early-stage investments in space, cybersecurity, biotech, nanotech, drones, robotics, and other frontier technologies, has opened a new office in Singapore, marking its first expansion into Southeast Asia ( SEA ).

Established in 2014, Hemisphere has a collection of US border tech investments, with home offices as investors. Illustrations of markets include area, security, bioscience, nanotech, drones, robotics, and another frontier technologies

Leading the agency’s rise in SEA is Chip Whittemore, who has just been promoted to managing companion. In his new role, Whittmore may direct Hemisphere’s Singapore activity, building relationships with local shareholders, founders, and important stakeholders. According to a media transfer, Hemisphere has also been given the task of utilizing its US network to connect SEA startups with existing collection companies. &nbsp,

Lisa Rich, founder of Hemisphere Ventures, said in the relieve:” Hemisphere’s devotion to the development ecosystem has gone world. Our new company in Singapore makes it easier for startups to interact with global markets and encourages engagement there.

As both skill and cash flow to the area, Processor’s leadership and vision will be crucial to unlocking growth opportunities in the area’s SEA, which is ripe for growth.

According to the transfer, the number of home offices in Singapore has more than tripled since 2020, with 250 more ones established in the first eight month of 2024. &nbsp,

Singapore offers a secure and attractive location for investments in innovative technology, with access to SEA’s high-growth options, according to Chip. I’m excited to direct Hemisphere’s development, and connect owners and traders to the global business marketplace”.

¬ Capitol Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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Hemisphere Ventures opens in Singapore in SEA expansion | FinanceAsia

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Hemisphere Ventures, a US venture capital and consulting firm known for early-stage investments in space, cybersecurity, biotech, nanotech, drones, robotics, and other frontier technologies, has opened a new office in Singapore, marking its first expansion into Southeast Asia ( SEA ).

Established in 2014, Hemisphere has a collection of US border tech investments, with home offices as investors. Illustrations of markets include&nbsp, speed, security, biotechnology, nanotech, drones, robotics, and another frontier technologies

Leading the agency’s rise in SEA is Chip Whittemore, who has just been promoted to managing companion. In his new role, Whittmore may direct Hemisphere’s Singapore activity, building relationships with local shareholders, founders, and important stakeholders. According to a media launch, Hemisphere has also been given the task of utilizing its U&nbsp network, which includes facilitating connections between clients and existing collection companies in SEA. &nbsp,

Lisa Rich, founder of Hemisphere Ventures, said in the media relieve:” Hemisphere’s devotion to the development ecosystem has gone world. Our new business in Singapore makes it easier for startups to interact with global markets and encourages engagement there.

As both skill and cash flow to the area, Processor’s leadership and vision will be crucial to unlocking growth opportunities in the area’s SEA, which is ripe for growth.

Since 2020, the number of home offices in Singapore has more than tripled, with 250 more opening in the first eight month of 2024.

Singapore offers a secure and attractive location for investments in sophisticated technology, with access to SEA’s high-growth options, according to Chip. I’m excited to direct Hemisphere’s development, and connect owners and traders to the global business marketplace”.

¬ Plaza Media Limited. All rights reserved.

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From ‘flexible rents’ to foreign manpower: PSP’s proposals on supporting hawkers and what the government says

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PSP: ALLOW STALLS TO HIRE ONE Job Force Owner

Mr. Leong suggested that each cooked foods stall barn, along with drinks and reduce fruit stalls, be allowed to have one work permit owner as a barn assistant to combat the lack of staff.

Because there is only one work permit holder per stall, he said, “our policy proposal does not undermine the Malaysian character of our hawker centers.” &nbsp,

GOVERNMENT: European MANPOWER MAY ALTER NATURE OF HAWKER Areas

The government’s attitude of just allowing citizens and permanent residents to work in hawker centres is meant to protect this aspect of Singapore’s personality, said Dr Koh.

” A entire liberalisation for overseas workforce perhaps alter the nature of our hawker centres significantly”, he said.

He cited the government’s effort to strike a balance with the recent news that stall stalls will be able to get long-term visitor pass holders as assistants starting on January 1. &nbsp,

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/hawker-stalls-can-hire-long-term-visit-pass-holders-stall-assistants-4676341

Our hawker centers are a significant component of our cultural history, according to the statement. We talk quite cautiously about making these techniques because they are unique and our local character is something we want to keep,” he said.

He claimed that concerns about seeing more immigrants working in stall centers were raised in 2010, and that Dr. Koh said that some Singaporeans may still not be able to deal with that.

PSP: GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE TARGETED Savings

Mr. Leong suggested that the government should pay for targeted meals discounts for Pioneer, Merdeka, and CHAS customers at all stalls centers and give more CDC tickets to low-income households in place of requiring them to give “budget meals” at their own cost.

According to Mr. Leong,” I do n’t think there is any other industry where we contractually require suppliers to sell goods below a certain price.” &nbsp,

The Housing and Development Board ( HDB) approved the 2018 introduction of the budget food program for new coffee shops. It was recently expanded to personal network operators and expanded to include all other HDB coffee shops next year. &nbsp,

GOVERNMENT: AFFORDABLE BUT NOT BELOW MARKET PRICE

Sim Ann, the senior minister of state for national development, refuted Mr. Leong’s claim that peddlers had to buy cheap dishes at HDB coffee shops at market rates.

We do n’t need them to be lower, but the prices should be more reasonable than those of nearby options, according to Ms. Sim. &nbsp,

As long as the coffee shop owner makes sure four to six of these meals are available, she continued, no every stall must have a budget food.

The technician is required to pass the savings on to stall holders who provide the funds meals, according to Ms Sim, and fee rebates are furthermore provided for the first year that are provided.

Additionally, Dr. Koh emphasized that “value meals” are not expected to be sold for a loss for stall holders under the social business model. Based on the current state of the market, the NEA will examine the cost and make suggestions for rate revisions.

Top Parliamentary Secretary for Finance, Shawn Huang, praised PSP’s plan to assist vulnerable parties with food reductions and more CDC tickets. &nbsp,

A middle-income family with two young children may find around S$ 4, 400 in rebates, rewards and help this year, while a lower-income household with two young children will find about S$ 6, 500, he said.

In order to provide more assistance to low-income seniors, the state also increased the amount of Gold Assistance that is offered each quarter and the earnings cap.

PSP: SET UP CENTRAL PROCUREMENT SYSTEM FOR CHEAPER Materials

Ms. Poa even made a few policy recommendations, including creating a central procurement system to offer hawkers cheaper ingredients through half purchasing.

According to her,” Hawkers have the option of getting their products through these plans, or they may choose to use their own providers if they believe their products are of higher quality or represent a competitive advantage.”

In Singapore’s government healthcare system, she claimed, there is a similar centralized purchasing program.

A centralized procurement system that can buy necessary raw ingredients for hawkers in Singapore would not be a huge stretch.

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Whooping cough vaccine urged for children

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Bangkok college closes for 15 weeks, moves courses online after infections detected

PUBLISHED: 13 Nov 2024 at 14: 20

Students take an express boat to school in Bangkok. (Photo: Chanat Katanyu)
In Bangkok, individuals travel by express ship to their classrooms. ( Photo: Chanat Katanyu )

After screaming sneeze started to spread in a Bangkok class, the Ministry of Public Health is urging people to get the vaccine, particularly children and those who come into contact with them.

After at least two kids were discovered to be infected, the Bangkok Demonstration School announced on Wednesday that it would shut down and do online instruction for 15 days to ensure students ‘ protection.

Pertussis, also known as whooping coughing, is an infectious bacterial disease of the respiratory system. By breathing or sneezing, it quickly spreads through the air.

Whooping cough typically occurs in uninsured kids and at locations such as schools and gardens, according to Dr Taweesin Witsanuyothin, director-general of the Department of Medical Services.

The disorder usually begins as a common cold and develops to a more serious level of breathing fiercely, vomiting and creating a “whooping” noise when inhaling, according to Dr Akkarathan Jittanuyanon, chairman of the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health,.

The symptoms can significantly impact high-risk organizations, such as kids under 1 year old and pregnant people.

The illness should be vaccinated against in younger people and those who are at risk. Parents should carefully monitor their babies if they show any symptoms, Dr Akkarathan emphasised.

If whooping cough outbreaks are discovered, state schools may near periodically, according to education minister Permpoon Chidchob on Wednesday.

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Comparing North and South Korea’s support for two illegal wars – Asia Times

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In recent past, two world powers – first the United States in Iraq and eventually Russia in Ukraine – initiated conflicts that were commonly regarded as questionable, if not outright improper, by much of the global community. Both of these problems sparked heated debate and scrutiny, not just for the aggressors ‘ behavior but also for the international response and alliances they sparked.

Two responses, in particular, have out for their resemblance and political sarcasm: the selection by South Korea to send troops to Iraq in 2004, and North Korea’s new move to give support to Russia in Ukraine. This parallel between the Asian states ‘ respective political systems reveals complex interconnectedness, allegiances, and evolving norms governing foreign military treatments.

A tale of two attacks

The earth was distinctly divided when the United States invaded Iraq in 2003. The alleged presence of weapons of mass destruction ( WMDs ) in Iraq was the US’s official justification for the invasion, which was later refuted. However, the Bush administration went forth, citing a desire to promote democracy and remove threats to global stability.

The war was not approved by the UN. The intervention was criticized as unlawful by the UN secretary general and numerous specific nations, including many European allies. Despite global demonstrations and social criticism, the war proceeded, sparking what would become one of the most controversial war of the 21st century.

Nearly two decades later, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine unfolded in a similar surroundings of international condemnation. Russia asserted that it was responding to safety concerns and that Ukraine’s residents were being treated unfairly by NATO’s expansion and Russian-speaking groups. Supporters make a distinction between the two, claiming that Ukraine is a neighboring state allied to European powers that threaten Russia’s immediate safety while Iraq is a royal state on the other side of the planet that does not pose a threat to the US.

Regardless, the majority of the country’s nations, especially in the West, denounced Russia’s activities as unwarranted aggression and an unconstitutional violation of Ukraine’s independence. Countries all over Europe and beyond imposed sanctions on Russia while supporting Ukraine, and the UN General Assembly largely condemned the war.

South Korea’s assistance for the US in Iraq

South Korea made the decision to send troops to support the partnership 18 weeks after the US invaded Iraq. This decision was important because South Korea, as a close ally of the United States, was under significant pressure to demonstrate its help for Washington’s plans. South Korea became one of the largest forces contributors to the alliance, behind only the United Kingdom, with the implementation of the Zaytun Division, which included around 3,600 North Korean soldiers. Nevertheless, the decision was not without controversy internally.

Substantial monetary bonuses also contributed to South Korea’s decision to support the United States and dispatch forces. This included continued US military ( including technology ) support, favorable trade conditions crucial for an export-driven economy, and lucrative contracts in construction, energy and telecommunications in Iraqi reconstruction. These economic advantages at the time significantly contributed to South Korea’s growth into Middle Eastern industry.

In South Korea, common opinion on the Iraq War was greatly divided. Many South Koreans viewed the conflict as a United States ‘ “misuse of energy” and an international agreement-brokering. However, South Korea’s state argued that the empire with the US was major, especially given the ongoing defense tension with North Korea. So, South Korea saw a way to strengthen its proper ties with the US, hoping for continued security guarantees and political support for the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea’s aid for Russia in Ukraine

Today, over 30 times into the fight in Ukraine, North Korea has sent military aid to Russia. Although the precise nature of this aid is still undetermined, evidence suggests that North Korea has already deployed military forces and provided ordnance shells and other ammunition to Russian forces, although the role they may enjoy is still unclear. In light of the international sanctions and loneliness that both nations are experiencing, North Korea’s support indicates a more comprehensive alliance with Russia.

In supporting Russia, North Korea has possible secured vital power supplies, food aid and potential access to advanced military technology, which are essential for its struggling economy. Moreover, it is likely that direct funds or in-kind payments may add to the government’s capacity to maintain control within the regime.

The choice also reflects North Korea’s long-standing anti-Western attitude and want to balance US influence in East Asia. North Korea sends a powerful concept of disobedience to what it perceives as American imperialism by supporting Russia in Ukraine. Additionally, North Korea has a significant ally in a world where there are few and its economy and tools are severely restricted by international sanctions because of aligning itself with Russia. Russia, in turn, increases from North Korea’s artillery offer, easing its possess weapons shortages on the forefront in Ukraine.

Norms are dead, long live geopolitical irony! &nbsp,

The irony of these events is not lost on observers. Each of the two rival states on the Korean Peninsula found itself allied with a superpower that was accused of carrying out illegal aggression. The decisions were strategic moves that emphasized the Koreas ‘ respective geopolitical alliances, not necessarily in accordance with the aggressors ‘ justifications.

South Korea’s participation in Iraq, while controversial, demonstrated its alignment with the Western world and its dependence on the US security umbrella, a crucial factor in its security strategy against North Korea. Similarly, North Korea’s support for Russia highlights its resistance to Western influence and a desire to maintain the balance of power in East Asia by aligning itself with a powerful, albeit embattled, Russia.

Further research is also needed regarding how international law and norms affect state behavior in these parallel decisions. Both superpowers acted in ways they believed were in line with their national interests despite the widespread condemnation and the possibility of diplomatic friction. Both South Korea and North Korea gave their strategic alliances precedence over strict adherence to international legal standards, which highlights the limitations of international law when national security is perceived as being at stake.

The two cases make a strong argument that “middle power” norms are, and always were, dependent on national interest. There is no such thing as” good international citizenship”. It is wholly dependent on national interest.

In the end, these cases demonstrate that international alliances often exert a stronger influence on state behavior than adherence to global norms or concerns about the legality of military actions. South Korea’s assistance for the US in Iraq and North Korea’s aid for Russia in Ukraine both highlight how secondary states navigate complex webs of power and influence. The priorities of both Koreas remain their national interestw and the maintenance of alliances that offer them some leverage and stability in an unpredictable world.

The complex nature of international relations and the strong sway of alliances are demonstrated by South Korea and North Korea’s decisions to engage in wars that are widely regarded as illegal. The two Koreas, though ideologically opposed, responded similarly when they were pressured&nbsp, – and offered incentives – by their superpower allies. These choices, in contrast to the increasingly multipolar world where great power competition has resumed, show how small states continue to play strategic roles, frequently placing geopolitical advantage before universal principles.

Jeffrey Robertson is an academic, consultant and writer focusing on foreign affairs, diplomacy and the Korean Peninsula. &nbsp, This article was originally published&nbsp, on his Substack, Diplomatic Seoul, and is republished with permission. Read more here.

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Azerbaijan takes driver’s seat in global climate negotiations but oil legacy fuels concerns over commitment

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Even though that would improve Azerbaijan’s personal national emissions of greenhouse gases, it only raises the issue of polluters purchasing its gas exports. &nbsp,

Export emissions are usually not included in climate finance, leaving nations that buy and use energy with a burden of pollution.

It is why there should be increased attention on the overall energy network, from producer to seller to buyer, much of which has a strong American footprint, said Ms Kate Watters, director of Crude Accountability, a animal rights and economic watchdog for the Persian Basin.

She has serious concerns about the allegations of Azerbaijan’s weak human rights history, lack of transparency on key issues and rooted levels of corruption, byproducts of a resource-heavy, generally state-controlled business.

She cited the significant investments made by companies like BP, Total, and ExxonMobil, Europe’s growing dependence on its energy exports, and the international green funding flowing to solar power projects that are truly substituting in place of the national gas that supplies Azerbaijan’s oil sector.” I think one of the most important things to understand is our responsibility as Western consumers of fossil fuels in what’s happening in Azerbaijan best then,” she said.

Are they simply exporting their carbon pollution to Europe if we examine the entire supply chain from beginning to end? Does that actually address the concerns about how to achieve a more green coming and less carbon emissions? No, it merely pushes the bits around”, she said.

According to the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, published by Transparency International, Azerbaijan ranks 154th out of 180 countries with a rating of 23 out of 100, making it one of the most crooked countries in the world.

In October, members of the German parliament highly condemned the” Azerbaijan regime’s historic home and extraterritorial repression of activists, journalists, opposition leaders, and people” and even labelled its “ongoing human rights abuses… incompatible with its hosting of the climate event”.

They requested that the EU-Azerbaijani strategic energy partnership be suspended.

The UN Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review Working Group also reviewed Azerbaijan’s human rights record for the fourth time in late 2023, and 319 recommendations were made.

The government agreed to adopt 185 of those, including measures related to civil and political rights, anti-corruption and national human rights legislation.

In order to “discredit the image of Azerbaijan and undermine its position,” President Ilham Aliyev has previously referred to allegations of corruption by his family and government as “insinuations or half truths.”

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