Thailand eyes OECD membership by 2030

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By 2030, Thailand aims to join the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ( OECD ), which will help it align its policy frameworks with international standards, boost investment, and increase its presence on global economic platforms.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry held the 2025 OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum monday in Bangkok in order to improve relationships between OECD member states and Southeast Asian nations.

The OECD, which was founded in 1960 and had 20 foundation people, has since expanded to 38 member nations. Eight other nations, including Argentina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Croatia, Peru, Romania, Thailand, and Indonesia, are already in different phases of the accession negotiations.

The two largest economy in Southeast Asia, Thailand and Indonesia, are the first to fully begin the process of joining the OECD.

A commission directing OECD arrival was established in March, according to Chutinthorn Gongsakdi, Secretary to the Foreign Affairs Minister, during the” OECD Membership– The Journey and the Destination” website, and the nation aims to become a complete OECD part by 2030.

The procedure may get up to seven years, but it is still a workout that is worthwhile, he said. We may or may not cross the finish line, but the voyage, which complies with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, will be of enormous benefit.

Thailand is presently putting together a” Primary Memorandum,” a self-assessment of its lawful, policy, and regulatory alignment with OECD equipment, according to Mr. Chutintorn.

The complex committees of the OECD will quickly review this document. After the accession process, the OECD Council will make a more thorough assessment of a range of coverage areas, culminating in an official view and a final decision.

He believes that Thailand’s top priorities for assistance with the OECD include anti-corruption, foreign direct investment cooperation, responsible firm conduct, green change, AI, digital business development, and ageing community policies.

According to Mr. Chutintorn,” We are committed to strengthening relations with the OECD based on shared values of politics, the rule of law, and an empty, open economy.”

He added that being a member of the OECD may support Thailand more effectively correlate its legal and policy frameworks with global standards, boost Thai funding there, and strengthen its position on world economic systems. The OECD’s skills may be crucial in achieving that goal because we are even aiming to become a high-income state by 2037, he said.

According to Gita Kothari, OECD Accession Coordinator, nations undergoing entry are evaluated on leadership, business techniques, regulatory frameworks, income systems, administrative power, and social indicators.

She added that Thailand and Indonesia’s contribution would give the OECD broader perspectives, fresh perspectives, and useful experiences that would improve the organization’s relevance in yesterday’s global context.

She also praised Thailand’s obvious goal, which she said may help maintain social speed, and stated that the professional evaluation process for Thailand is scheduled to begin in December after the initial document is submitted.

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US wants Indonesia to undo trade barriers amid tariff threat, but Jakarta should stand firm: Analysts

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Indonesia should defend itself in the face of the new demands from the United States to remove a number of unfair trade practices, according to experts. Some of these policies are necessary to safeguard Southeast Asia’s largest economy’s national interests, they argue. &nbsp,

These so-called” trade barriers” were identified in a US Trade Representative ( USTR ) report released on March 31 that described the factors that prevent US companies from entering Indonesia. &nbsp,

US President Donald Trump’s plan to impose a 32 % tariff on Indonesian goods was based on the National Trade Estimate (NTE ) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers for 2025. &nbsp,

In light of the danger of tariffs, the USTR is leading the technical discussions with several nations, including Indonesia.

Lax copyright protection, prevalent corruption, and a complex bureaucracy are just a few of the obstacles identified by the document, which have been cause for concern for many businesses operating in Indonesia, whether they are US-owned or not.

But, experts did point out that the USTR record contains regulations that shouldn’t be regarded as trade restrictions.

Indonesia’s efforts to create its own digital payment system are among those that need to be protected by its own regional passions, such as trade restrictions and requirements that some components must be produced directly before a solution can be sold in Indonesia.

We require some of these measures to boost funding, protect our own manufacturing field, and boost our economy. Indonesia’s ability to meet all of these demands ( from the US) is unreasonable, according to Tauhid Ahmad, an economist from the Jakarta-based think-tank Institute for Development of Economics and Finance ( INDEF ).

Experts warn that without these policies, the island had run the risk of losing significant amounts of foreign investment, rising unemployment, and perhaps a recession.

At the end of an International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group conference in Washington, DC, many top Indonesian authorities met with their US counterparts over the proposed 32 % taxes that the US wants to impose on Indonesia. &nbsp,

Since April 9, these taxes have been put on hold for 90 days, along with other “reciprocal” levies on imports from about 60 nations. All nations however have a 10 % base price in effect.

Airlangga Hartarto, the Indonesian delegation’s coordinate secretary for business, stated that Indonesia is willing to negotiate these trade barriers in trade for a lower price. It is also willing to purchase billions of dollars worth of US materials.

What Indonesia is offering in theory is appreciated by America, Airlangga told investigators on Monday. The secretary assured that any agreement between the two nations would be a “win-win option” despite declining to provide further details. &nbsp,

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America is in Asia, but not of Asia – Asia Times

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Everyone engaged in chi art combat.

Those animals were quick as thunder

Actually, it was a small frightful.

But they fought with professional schedule

  – Carl Douglas  

The United States of America&nbsp, ruined&nbsp, its&nbsp, potential as&nbsp, an Asian&nbsp, energy 143 years ago when it passed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, the second US law to prevent immigration&nbsp, of&nbsp, a certain citizenship.

China was turned upside down by internal conflict in the 19th  era. The Opium War, the Taiping Rebellion, &nbsp, community rivalries, &nbsp, drought and droughts pushed waves of Taiwanese migrants&nbsp, out to&nbsp, all sides of the world&nbsp, – especially Southeast Asia, Europe and America.

Beginning with the California Gold Rush in 1848-1855, tides of Chinese immigrants fanned out across the western United States working in laundries, restaurants, and on construction projects. Foreign coolies&nbsp, were&nbsp, instrumental&nbsp, in&nbsp, the&nbsp, arduous&nbsp, construction&nbsp, of the&nbsp, Central Pacific course of the first transatlantic rail, cutting through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to join Nevada and California. &nbsp,

In his 1920 text” The Rising Tide of Color: The Threat Against White World-Supremacy”, eugenicist and cultural anthropologist Lothrop Stoddard of” The Wonderful Gatsby” disgrace wrote of Chinese work:

The typical Chinese person spends their entire life literally within a hand’s breadth of hunger at house. Consequently, when removed to the easier conditions of various land, the Chinaman brings with him the working capacity which merely appalls his opponents.

Stoddard was dismissed by F. Scott Fitzgerald by labeling him” Goddard” ( mistakingly called him” Goddard” ). On the issue of Foreign workers, but, Stoddard simply reflected the American view that prevailed in the 19th&nbsp, era and that eventually resulted in the Chinese Exclusion Act.

By the 1870s, Foreign men made up a quarter of California’s labor. White employees were hard pressed to meet the industriousness of&nbsp, the&nbsp, Chinese, reflected in the fact that the Central Pacific Railroad paid&nbsp, Chinese&nbsp, workers&nbsp, a superior salary:$ 31 per year versus$ 30&nbsp, per&nbsp, year for white.

Resentments increased following the Panic of 1873, leading to a growing number of restrictions on Chinese immigration until the broad ban on the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed in 1882.

A harrowing “driving out period” followed the immigration ban, with Chinese&nbsp, evicted&nbsp, from communities where they had long settled. Particularly gruesome instances of anti-Chinese violence were the Rock Springs massacre of 1885 and the Hells Canyon massacre of 1887. &nbsp,

The Chinese Exclusion Act was overturned in 1943, but by that time, the harm had already been done. Today, there are 5.5 million Americans&nbsp, who claim&nbsp, full or partial&nbsp, Chinese ancestry, a mere 1.6 % of the population. &nbsp,

This compares with&nbsp, 38.6 million &nbsp, ( 11.3 % of the population ) claiming&nbsp, Irish ancestry, 49 million &nbsp, ( 14.4 % ) &nbsp, claiming&nbsp, German ancestry&nbsp, and 16.8 million &nbsp, ( 4.9 % ) &nbsp, claiming&nbsp, Italian ancestry. 3. 6 million more people live in Scandinavia than in China.

Nativists were dead set against nonwhite immigration. National Public Radio’s cartoon image.

There are &nbsp, 26 million &nbsp, Americans&nbsp, who claim&nbsp, full&nbsp, or&nbsp, partial&nbsp, Asian&nbsp, ancestry, 7.2 % of the total population. There would be a lot more if the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 had never been passed.

At the time, China had a population of 400 million, &nbsp, Europe 330 million &nbsp, and&nbsp, the United States 54&nbsp, million. It is not difficult to imagine today’s Americans in a counterfactual&nbsp, without the Exclusion Act’s history. &nbsp, Alcatraz&nbsp, Island&nbsp, could have &nbsp, been&nbsp, the West Coast’s Ellis Island, processing&nbsp, Asian&nbsp, immigrants well into the 20th&nbsp, century. &nbsp,

Of course, this&nbsp, alternate&nbsp, universe&nbsp, America would be very different and&nbsp, we could have much fun&nbsp, speculating on&nbsp, the&nbsp, endless&nbsp, counterfactual&nbsp, possibilities. It suffices to say that an American with a United States that was not just a Pacific but also an Asian one would forever cement the republic as a nation of the Americas. &nbsp, &nbsp,

That is not the America we have today, whether or not, for better or worse. The United States&nbsp, today&nbsp, may be&nbsp, a Pacific power, &nbsp, but it is certainly not Asian. America acceded to the Pacific after 1852 because it feared being ruled out of the world by the European powers and sent Commodore Perry and his black ships to force, force, open, and open, Japan. &nbsp,

The United States has been a a  military , present in , Asia , and ever since through subsequent kerfuffles , such as , the Boxer Rebellion, World War II, Korea , and the Vietnam War. &nbsp,

As time goes on, it becomes more and more obvious that the United States is located in Asia, but not in that region. &nbsp, Korea is divided. China is also present. Vietnam, after much carnage, was abandoned. And it has also been sucked into stagnation, knee-capped, and into a culture of stagnation.

And now, the United States has just picked an economic war with China, which it is highly likely to lose and lose spectacularly ( see&nbsp, here ). The danger of America being , in , Asia but not , is that it is playing on alien territory, subject to information asymmetries, and prone to bad judgment. &nbsp,

There are so few Chinese Americans who, in essence, don’t have any political influence. &nbsp, Because of&nbsp, that, the expertise of the Chinese Americans who do exist is&nbsp, distrusted and&nbsp, dismissed as Washington takes its cues from grifters ( see&nbsp, here ) and China&nbsp, “experts” &nbsp, who “fell in love with Mandarin” at Princeton or the like.

In the counterfactual America of 100 million Asians, Chinese Americans would undoubtedly have accumulated significant political influence, and Washington would have access to real experts without any suspicion. &nbsp, America would trust&nbsp, Treasury&nbsp, Secretary&nbsp, Zhang to go up against China as much as it trusted Supreme Commander Eisenhower&nbsp, to&nbsp, take on&nbsp, Germany. &nbsp,

But alas, &nbsp, that&nbsp, is the&nbsp, counterfactual America. The factual America chose to fight China with the ignoramuses, trusts, and doesn’t need to, according to its founders. &nbsp, This is what happens when America is&nbsp, in&nbsp, Asia but not&nbsp, of&nbsp, Asia. America&nbsp, America&nbsp, started&nbsp, a&nbsp, fight as though it didn’t ;nbsp, know&nbsp, China&nbsp, is more than twice&nbsp, its&nbsp, size&nbsp, ( see&nbsp, here ).

To be&nbsp, in&nbsp, Asia but not&nbsp, of&nbsp, Asia when China is the size it is and still growing means to not be&nbsp, in Asia for long. The presence of the US, US, military, and other countries in Asia is a foreign distortion that costs both sides of the Pacific in terms of social, economic, and cultural costs. &nbsp,

The US&nbsp is not&nbsp, especially dependent on&nbsp, Asia economically ( 34 % of imports and 24 % of exports ) and has a few minor cultural differences.

English is&nbsp, the lingua franca&nbsp, in Europe and far more Americans speak Spanish than all Asian languages combined. English is not widely used in Asia, even among those with high levels of education, despite the country’s high level of education. Asia, as far as most Americans are concerned, is an exotic other and vice versa. &nbsp,

The costs&nbsp, of maintaining a forward US military presence&nbsp, in Asia&nbsp, are &nbsp, immense. Total defense spending is likely to be more than US$ 1 trillion ( including DOE, DOE, nuclear weapons, and other sources ). ), or approximately 3.4 % of gross domestic product ( GDP ). &nbsp,

The tyranny of distance, on top of a massive industrial base, allows&nbsp, China&nbsp, to&nbsp, impose highly asymmetric costs&nbsp, on the US.  , China’s total defense spending is likely to be around$ 300 billion, or about 1.6 % of GDP. &nbsp,

A more revealing comparison might be with industrial output because GDP can be squirrely given how services are accounted for in China. China’s defense spending is around 4 % of its industrial output versus about 25 % for the US.

One of the causes of the Soviet Union, the USSR, and the US collapsed was the US, which had the ability to impose asymmetric costs on the USSR, Soviet, and defense budgets, according to Ronald Reagan. &nbsp,

Analysts estimated that the Soviet Union was spending 12 to 20 % of its GDP on defense in the 1980s in an effort to keep up with Reagan’s and Pentagon budget increases and whiz-bang Star Wars demonstrations. &nbsp, This time around, China is implementing the Reagan strategy&nbsp, with annual PLA budget increases and whiz-bang demonstrations of 6th-generation fighter planes ( see&nbsp, here ). &nbsp,

Can Joe Six Pack American be blamed for asking what it is all for&nbsp, when he is living paycheck to&nbsp, paycheck? After all, America is not, in the end, an Asian nation; fatefully, for better or worse, it made the decision 143 years ago with the Chinese Exclusion Act and confirmed that decision with Japanese American internment camps. &nbsp, America is&nbsp, not&nbsp, full of&nbsp, Zhou Six Packs &nbsp, with deep&nbsp, historical&nbsp, ties to&nbsp, Asia. &nbsp,

Proponents of&nbsp, the&nbsp, pivot to Asia and/or China containment policy offer up a confused&nbsp, litany of reasons for America ‘s&nbsp, military&nbsp, presence. Elbridge Colby, who is currently undersecretary of defense for policy at the Pentagon, is the most well-known spokesman for this position and the author of the book” Strategy of Denial.”

The fear is that&nbsp, a hegemonic China in&nbsp, Asia would &nbsp, economically&nbsp, gate-keep&nbsp, the region from American commercial interests. We must acknowledge that a hegemon may behave poorly on” Liberation Day,” for no apparent reason, given President Donald Trump’s attempt to extort the world.

The issue we have &nbsp, with Colby is once again the issue of America being&nbsp, in&nbsp, Asia but not&nbsp, of Asia. How knowledgeable about the costs that Colby’s denial strategy necessitates? America&nbsp, currently&nbsp, suffers from&nbsp, a whole panoply&nbsp, of&nbsp, domestic&nbsp, ailments, from inadequate healthcare to lousy education to decrepit&nbsp, infrastructure&nbsp, to homelessness. Does Colby fully comprehend the goals of America?

Does Colby understand that China’s GDP is two to three times that of the US – something Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and team surely ( dis ) missed? Does Colby comprehend that there are 45 times as many highly capable math students in Chinese high schools as there are in American high schools ( top 1.5 %, US basis )?

Does Colby understand that approximately 20-30 % of Chinese high school students can score in the 99th&nbsp, percentile on&nbsp, the math section of the SAT? The Gaokao system is the table stakes in China, with the 99th percentile US math level nothing special.

Does Colby understand that China generates&nbsp, twice as much electricity, produces&nbsp, 13 times as much steel, 22 times as much cement, three times&nbsp, as many cars and has over 250&nbsp, times&nbsp, the shipbuilding capacity as the US?

Being in and around Asia is perfectly exemplified by Colby’s family history, but not being in or around Asia. He is a scion of the CIA/Carlyle Group/Yale University&nbsp, with a deep family history in&nbsp, Asia. The first Elbridge Colby ( great-grandfather ) served in Tianjin’s US Army and was stationed there.

Grandfather William Colby was director of the CIA and did god knows what in Asia during the Vietnam War. Father Jonathan Colby, who worked for Carlyle and spent much of his career there, is an executive. &nbsp,

The scion&nbsp, himself is&nbsp, a product of international schools in Asia&nbsp, ( but does not speak an Asian language ). Young Colby once claimed to be an “unexpert on Taiwanese society and politics,” an odd admission from someone whose life’s work is preventing Taiwan’s, China’s, and other nations ‘ reunification.

This is all quite illustrative of America’s confused presence in Asia. Colby used scare tactics in an interview to claim that an Asia dominated by China would eventually lead to embarrassment for America andnbsp, followed by the largest corporations and highest-ranked universities. &nbsp,

With 139 companies on the list and 129 in comparison to China’s 128 companies, the US retook the Fortune 500 crown last year. The two&nbsp, nations&nbsp, have been exchanging the top spot for the past few years.

This is a significant improvement over the list from 2010, when there were 139 US businesses listed and 46 Chinese companies. Similarly, China’s universities are rocketing up the league tables, &nbsp, capturing 16 of the top 20 positions on the Nature Index. &nbsp,

Image: Nature

While an Asia predominated by China, which later made the decision to halt economic growth, is likely to be more dependent on first-order principles, such as investing in infrastructure, public health, implementing well-thought-out industrial policies, and putting an end to corruption and graft.

America is falling behind not because China is modernizing its military, but precisely because America wasted trillions of dollars on unnecessary wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and now threatens to militarily challenge the biggest player that ever was.

Colby describes himself as a realist, but it’s not clear if he truly knows who he is. Just like America does not know what it is. Although America may want to be an Asian power, the ship sailed in 1882. America is not Asian – it chose not to be&nbsp, on&nbsp, more than one occasion – and has demonstrated a&nbsp, limited&nbsp, capacity to understand any region outside its borders, even&nbsp, Canada.

For realist policies to be developed for Asian security, knowledge of the region’s politics and society is necessary. Otherwise, one is not weighing costs and benefits but merely pointing in ideological directions.

That, however, is now considered “realist” thinking by America’s Asia experts. When all is said and done, &nbsp, America is in Asia because it finds itself in Asia. There is no justification for there; instead, there is:” They are there because that’s where they are,” like students from international schools,” who don’t learn their native tongue. Not everything&nbsp, has &nbsp, a reason or lasts. &nbsp,

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Stirred but not shaken – Asia Times

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Stirred but no agitated

David Goldman examines the muffled market reaction to the Trump administration’s most recent price threats, arguing that worries about financial chaos were exaggerated. Foreign markets showed little volatility, suggesting that the country is protected from economic disruption by its low trade reliance on the US.

Trump losing compassion as attempts to annex Russia and Ukraine fall.

James Davis examines the sluggish US-led peace work in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Putin’s message refers to Ukraine as the “peace obstacle,” while Washington’s fragmented political apparatus struggles to manage negotiations as Soviet forces advance rapidly.

Japan forms relationships with Vietnam and the Philippines.

In light of rising US-China trade tensions, Scott Foster examines Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba’s political journey of Vietnam and the Philippines. The sessions highlight Tokyo’s position as a powerful alternative to Beijing.

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Envoys mark 75 years of Thai-Indonesian relations

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Was gate the “lower gap” between powers, according to Asean.

PUBLISHED: 2 Does 2025 at 03: 30

Officials say Myanmar and international crimes are on top of both countries ‘ agendas as Thailand and Indonesia commemorate their 75th political celebration.

In strategic areas like defense, economy, and people-to-people relations, Thailand and Indonesia could serve as a roadmap for long-standing regional peace and stability, according to Mirza Nurhidayat, director of Southeast Asian affairs at the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry ( MFA ).

At a public website titled “75 Times of Indonesia-Thailand Partnership: Strengthening of a Dynamic Collaboration for Regional Prosperity and Stability,” held on Wednesday by the Institute of Security and International Studies and the Indonesian Embassy at Chulalongkorn University, Mr. Nurhidayat said quite cooperation is particularly serious when it comes to addressing issues of international crimes in Southeast Asia.

More than 600 Citizens have fallen prey to scammers operating out of Myanmar, according to Mr. Nurhidayat. He suggested that Thailand and Indonesia could strengthen surveillance assistance, such as tackling the misuse of technology or sharing the details of legal cases, for potential protective measures, while the repatriation of Indonesian nationals was just facilitated by Thailand.

In regards to Myanmar, Mr. Nurhidayat affirmed Indonesia’s commitment to the five-point consensus, which is an Asean-adopted strategic framework for de-escalation conflicts in the country, and urged Thailand to support the agenda.

He said,” We could be moving forward with [the five-point consensus ] together, hoping for better and more lasting peace in Myanmar.”

Apart from security, Mr. Nurhidayat claimed that the student exchange programs between both countries could improve both countries ‘ ability to foster people-to-people relationships and improve the skills needed by the market to produce a more competent workforce for both countries.

He added that there was less business between the two, as expected. Both sides must therefore exploit the potential of strategic business sectors to boost bilateral trade by working together to create a warm and welcoming business atmosphere.

Suwit Mangkhala, the Thai MFA’s Asean Affairs Department Deputy Director-General, made it clear that both countries had a long history, which contributed significantly to Asean development, making Asean more relevant on a global scale.

Asean’s role could be to bridge the differences or gaps between the great powers, he said, as this relationship might develop in the context of the current geopolitical conflict.

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Prosecutors recommend dropping royal insult case against US academic

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No justification provided, but the choice comes at a vulnerable time for Thai-US relationships.

PUBLISHED: 1 May 2025 at 17: 11

Paul Chambers, a lecturer at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, is widely known in academic circles for his research on the military’s influence in Thai politics. (Photo: Thai Lawyers for Human Rights)
Paul Chambers, a professor at Phitsanulok’s Naresuan University, is well-known in scientific circles for his research on the impact of the military on Thai elections. ( Photo: Thai Lawyers for Human Rights ) &nbsp

The Office of the Attorney General reported on Thursday that Thai prosecutors had recommended dropping Paul Chambers ‘ claims of lese-majeste and system crime.

Spokesman Sakkasem Nisaiyok claimed that OAG Region 6 prosecutors, which includes Phitsanulok state, where the charges were laid, had made the decision after having an evaluation of the inspection report submitted by the Muang city police station.

According to Mr. Sakkasem, the Provincial Police Region 6 captain may receive a copy of the demand to the Phitsanulok Provincial Court to dismiss the case against Mr. Chambers.

The statement provided no justification for the choice, stating only that the prosecution alleged that the evidence did not comply with the rules for enforcing a legal case under Section 112 of the Criminal Code, the aristocratic slander law.

On its standard X account, the Pheu Thai Party, which is leading the coalition, posted a version of the OAG statement from Thursday.

The news comes at a vulnerable time in US-Thai relations. Unconfirmed rumors also suggested that the situation may have contributed to the delay in the talks on the 36 % tariffs that Washington wants to impose on Thai imports.

The Internal Security Operations Command ( Isoc ) &nbsp, denying that there was a link and claiming that the charge’s location was merely coincidental.

The alleged center of the problem was a notice for a university conference on Thailand’s military and police reshuffles that the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore organized. Mr. Chambers, a recognized authority on the subject, was listed as a listener.

Mr. Chambers, 58, claimed to have neither written nor published the language, which has since been removed from the Institute’s site.

A week after the Third Army Region and Isoc filed a complaint with authorities in the county, Mr. Chambers, a teacher and special adviser on foreign interests at Naresuan University in Phitsanulok, was arrested.

Lese-majeste is guilty of three to fifteen years in prison. Europeans are subject to very uncommon claims. Royal defamation accusations are usually brought alongside computer crimes charges, which can lengthen sentences even further. &nbsp,

He was given bail after spending a night in jail, but the requirement was that he use an electronic monitoring device to his ankle.

He requested the removal of the unit on Monday of this week, saying that it had no indication of an intention to escape. According to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, the Court of Appeal overturned the demand on Wednesday and approved the device’s treatment.

After being charged, the Immigration Bureau seized Mr. Chambers ‘ id and issued his card. However, according to officials, there won’t be a imprisonment judgement until after the court case is over.

In Oklahoma, Mr. Chambers ‘ family fought for his release by influencing senators, representatives, and the US State Department. In a nearby news, Kit Chambers wrote an opinion piece arguing that trade negotiations between Thailand does not begin until his brother’s release.

The Thai government is required to value the right to free speech and academic freedom, as established by the Constitution and international agreements to which Thailand is a celebration, in a statement released this year.

Mr. Chambers, who holds a PhD in social science from Northern Illinois University, is well-known in scientific circles as a critic on politics and civil-military relationships in Asia, with a particular emphasis on Thailand. He has resided in Thailand since 1993.

In addition to Khaki Capital: A Political Economy of the Military in Southeast Asia, Praetorian Kingdom: A History of the Martial Ascension in Thailand, he has published two books.

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No winners, all losers in US-China trade war – Asia Times

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In their price dispute, the US and China continue to be at odds. No one seems to be willing to change.

China retaliated by imposing massive 145 % tariffs on Chinese imports in early April with its own 125 % tariffs on US goods.

This month, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that China should ease tensions. The two parties are no talking, according to China’s Foreign Ministry.

The two largest economies of the world no longer have a theoretical outlook for economic coupling. It is gaining in popularity. The trade war has a higher chance of going to “win,” but some observers argue over who might win.

A suitable specific

Some people have been spared by Trump’s interventionist plan. US tariffs have had a significant impact on both supporters and enemies. China has remained the main objective, absorbing the democratic strife brought on by US economic stagnation and trade deficits.

China’s financial charges are unquestionable. China’s export-focused areas have been hit by the lack of reliable access to the US marketplace, coupled with the growing uncertainty in the global trading system.

China’s extensive manufacturing base and strongly integrated supply stores are its analytical advantages. This is especially true for high-tech and clean sectors like renewable energy and batteries for electric vehicles. Start industry and predictable demand are essential for these industries.

New business restrictions on Chinese electric vehicles in particular in Europe, Canada, and the US have now led to a significant decline in demand.

In a deal to end International tariffs, the EU and China had set minimum minimum prices for Chinese-made electric cars. Image: Matthias Schrader / AP via The Talk

China’s GDP increased by 5.4 % in the first third of the year, which is higher than expected, but analysts anticipate the impact of the tariffs to hit the country immediately. This year, a crucial indicator of stock task revealed a recession in manufacturing.

China’s economic growth has also been impacted by structural imbalances, including an ageing population, rising youth unemployment, and persistent regional disparities. These include industrial overcapacity ( when a country produces goods above the demand ).

The house industry, which was once a wall of the nation’s economic growth, is now a source of financial strain. A pension issue is looming, and regional federal debt is rising.

It might be beneficial to reach an agreement with the US to close the price war. But, punitive concessions made by Beijing are neither feasible nor socially acceptable.

Regional synchronization

Trump’s tax war have shaken the bases of the international trading system more than they have strained diplomatic relations.

The US has weakened international norms and encouraged interventionist tendencies around the world by supporting the World Trade Organization and adopting a transactional approach to diplomatic trade.

The rise of local arrangements has been an unintended result of this volatility. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is supported by China and centered on the ASEAN alliance in Southeast Asia, has come to prominence as a viable alternative to financial assistance.

The United Kingdom joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership ( CPTPP ) late last year, and it is growing in parallel. Regional alliances are also looking for new ways to integrate in Latin America in an effort to avert the shocks of renewed protectionism.

Regionalism is not, however, a remedy. It is unable to simulate the scope or effectiveness of world trade, nor can it regain the certainty on which exporters rely.

looming problems

The risk is that the world is heading for the” Kindleberger Trap,” where no one steps up to offer the leadership necessary for the development of global public goods or a robust trading system.

The Great Depression is still illuminating in scholar Charles Kindleberger’s account of it because it was not the presence of turmoil but the lack of leadership that caused the world economy’s widespread collapse.

Without renewed international coordination, Trump’s tariff wars could lead to rising political and military tensions that no region may contain, which are much more dangerous than recession.

The social climate is now tense. For example, the Chinese Communist Party has long held onto the promise of future unification with Taiwan as its legal authority. However, using force still costs excessively much.

Tensions have increased as a result of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s new classification of China as a “foreign unfriendly force.” Beijing’s comment has been judiciously conducted; military exercises were intended more as a warning than a precursor to fight.

However, a US-US trade war that is raging could be the last straw to end Beijing’s compassion, leaving Taiwan as money damage in a US-China last battle.

Role of social management

China is neither allowed nor inclined to take the helm of the global leadership position. Its latest emphasis is more on domestic issues, such as managing social security and sustaining economic growth than foreign policy.

Beijing can still use its assistance with Europe, ASEAN, and the Global South to shape the global culture.

In an era of uncertainty, the goal is not to replace American hegemony, but rather to promote a more multi-polar and cooperative system that can support global public goods.

Unsurprisingly, the rest of the world might put forth a more concerted efforts to re-establish the US as a leader. Washington does rediscover the strategic value of engagement and come back as an essential partner rather than the single leader.

Different states may try to profit from the wonderful power conflict in the near future. However, they need to keep in mind that what starts out as a battle between giants is immediately engulf the general public.

The answer to this uncertain environment is not exploiting condition. Instead of rushing ahead with the common goal of restoring a firm, rule-based global order, nations must take caution.

At Griffith University, Kai He is professor of global connections.

The Conversation has republished this essay under a Creative Commons license. Study the article’s introduction.

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China sends dual message with national flag on disputed South China Sea reef, targeting rivals and citizens

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The armed troops of China just unfurled the national flag on a contested reef in the South China Sea, according to experts, in what is thought to be the first public display of what had previously been quiet actions in decades.

In contrast to how Chinese fishermen, sea army, and also human organizations have placed flags on contested reefs, rocks, and islands in the controversial waterway since the 1990s, observers claim that China’s most recent action is a sharp display of power meant to show its willingness to deal with potential escalation in the midst of rising tensions with the United States.

They add that the construction of Sandy Cay, a series of three abandoned sandbars close to a Spanish military post in the disputed Spratly Islands, also serves as a reassuring reminder to local audiences that Beijing continues to hold its ground on fundamental rights, such as independence, and to present strength as external pressure rises.

Foreign state broadcaster CCTV reported on April 25 that its coastline guard” as part of sea control activities to proclaim Beijing’s sovereignty” had landed on Sandy Cay.

The beach guard, according to the journalist, has “implemented power” over Tiexian Reef, a part of the Sandy Cay have. Four members of the crew, all wearing black combat products, were seen posing with the Chinese national flag after leaving the reef on an inflated dinghy.

The Philippine Coast Guard posted a picture of its officers raising the flag on the disputed coral on April 28. It stated that the vision had taken place the day before dawn, which was seen as a strong refutation of China’s claim to sovereignty.

The developments come as part of the US and Philippines ‘ largest joint military exercises ever conducted in nearby waters. In response to what Washington views as growing Chinese confidence in the region, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently traveled to Asia and made a pledge to “restore punishment” and improve security ties with Manila.

It’s primarily metaphorical, for the time being. It’s minor provocations coming from both sides at a very low levels. Adib Zalkapli, the managing chairman of Lens Global Affairs and an expert in the Indo-Pacific, said that the situation is not yet “alarming.”

Another experts said that the move shows that China is drawing a line in the sand to declare its unwavering support for territorial disputes and additional pressure.

A reminder to the Philippines against furthering its defense cooperation with the US is given, according to Abdul Rahman Yaacob, a research fellow in the Lowy Institute’s Southeast Asia program.

CALIBRATED Clash

China asserts almost the whole South China Sea, a position that recurs with that of some other nations and territories, and contradicts a 2016 worldwide tribunal ruling that rejected Beijing’s claims of ownership of the disputed islands and waters.

Thitu Island, the Philippines ‘ largest and most strategically important outpost in the Spratly Islands, is close to Sandy Cay. In the South China Sea, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan each have overlapping regional states, among which the island bars, islands, and stones.

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New world order: Art of the Deal vs Art of War – Asia Times

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The trade war between the US and China has turned into a fundamental conflict. It’s about two distinct philosophies of strength and time, not just about technology or tariffs. A plan of interpersonal intensity is present on one side. On the other hand, one of widespread patience. This is a contest between China’s” Art of War” and Trump’s” Art of the Deal.”

Donald Trump’s” Art of the Offer” plan thrives on change, uncertainty, and short-term liquidity. Trump announced fresh tariffs in April 2025, including 10 % across the board on all exports, and “reciprocal” levies of varying amounts on countries with trade deficits with the US, and up to 145 % on Chinese products.

This approach aims for quick political and economic success. Trump previously remarked,” You have to be uncertain. You win when you do that.

China principles patience, positioning, and direct power in its” Art of War,” a relic from Sun Tzu’s ancestry. Beijing’s reaction is thought out. While tariffs match US actions, China even accelerates long-term projects like Belt and Road Initiative refinements, Belt and Road Initiative growth, and the challenge of dollar dominance with the digital yuan.

The” supree art of war is subdue the enemy without fighting,” as Sun Tzu remarked to us.

Four times versus 40: Strategic Clocks

The US operates on a voting system. Strategies are adjusted to fit voting interests every four times. Trump’s tariffs are a component of a tale about the power of the United States and the restoration of industries, as stated in his Project 2025 framework. International structures like the WTO are abandoned. His new world order is the result of a number of agreements.

China, on the other hand, has ideas that span generations. The People’s Republic’s hundredth, in 2049, will continue to serve as its guiding sky. Every action in business, technologies, and finance aims to improve corporate autonomy and reduce vulnerability. This change is reflected in the cross-border trials of the digital yuan and the rising yuan-based business settlements, which are currently 20 %.

Trump emphasizes diplomatic deficits and supply chain reshoring in his “maximum force” strategy. The end result is obvious: British factories, American jobs, and American power. Anti-China democracy gains social support as a result.

China’s initiatives are framed in terms of shared happiness, in contrast. Yet as Belt and Road projects are being closely watched over debt risks, the” Community of Shared Future” narrative attempts to rebrand China as a global stewardship.

Private trade-offs and proper payoffs

The levies have had significant local effects. Manufacturing centers in the US have close ties to offshore supply stores in Mexico and Southeast Asia. Mexico’s auto industry annual progress is 2.7–4.8 %. Already prices soared.

Before Trump’s tariff increases in 2025, US consumers already spent US$ 1.4 billion per month on them, despite more recent estimates for 2025 suggesting even higher costs, with one source projecting a$ 3. 0 trillion expense over the course of a decade ( roughly$ 2, 100 per household in 2025 ).

In China, RCEP has strengthened local relationships and protected important business. The freedom of the semiconductors has increased. By 2023, Taiwanese companies had produced 14 nm chips in bulk. But, BRI-linked debt problems and the ongoing brain dump into US and EU technology communities highlight flaws.

In recent days, things have gotten worse. Trump’s fresh taxes increase fees for American manufacturers because they target both domestic goods and crucial Chinese industrial components. US products are currently subject to 12 % jobs under China’s counter-tariffs.

Despite this, China’s government still adheres to its 5 % economic growth target, signaling assurance through signal, expansion of infrastructure, and diversification of export markets.

Interesting, China has slowly silenced some US semiconductor companies from retribution, which can be seen as an asymmetrical movement. Beijing officially denies that any formal discussions are taking place, despite Trump’s boasts of “new discussions.” This political ambiguity echoes Sun Tzu’s advice to” Appear strong when you are poor, and solid when you are poor.”

analyzing the politics of commerce and technology

Trade devices are splintering in the meantime. The US supports the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework in its quest for novel modern standards. China uses BRICS and RCEP channels to lessen American ideology. A similar circle is followed by dollar systems. The m-CBDC Bridge, which involves China, Thailand, and the UAE, is a cross-border electronic payment system that is independent of SWIFT.

Technological disconnection expands at the same time. US$ 52 billion is invested in US silicon restoration as part of the US CHIPS and Science Act. In addition, China’s” Little Giants” program trains over 10,000 software SMEs, creating an ecosystem that is less reliant on Western goods.

Middle and little forces are adjusting to the new earth order. Essential vitamins are provided by Canada and Australia to both coalitions. India invests in RISC-V open-source components and pursues non-aligned technology development. Singapore makes advances in digital independence through initiatives like the TradeTrust bitcoin.

Taiwan is dependent on silicon deterrence, with TSMC’s 2nm device dominance making it essential but also extremely vulnerable. The middle power ‘ survival strategy in this fractious world is dictated by loyalty rather than by sufficiency.

2030: coexisting or colliding?

Two prospects are still attainable. De-escalation in competitive coexistence may be minimal. In areas like weather technology, AI management, and pandemic response, the US and China might consider collaboration niches. Cold War 2.0 presents a more dangerous scenario with potential perfect tech and economic decoupling, a SWIFT-CIPS fracture, and adversary digital infrastructures.

Black birds can be seen. Anarchic, unregulated, GPT-7-level AI weaponization could stifle political and financial systems. Between China’s Green Belt projects and America’s Inflation Reduction Act ( IRA ) incentives, there may be new conflict vectors in the fight against green tech supremacy.

International systems must be modernized by the US. It is necessary to create a WTO 2.0 with online business and AI debate quality protocols. Additionally, it is essential to establish crises communication channels with China’s Army to stop algorithm-driven escalation.

China’s Belt and Road strategy needs to be revised. Bill relief, particularly those impacted by climate vulnerabilities, was rekindle political goodwill. A transition in the narrative from “global leadership” to” joint gradualism” would also lessen sensitivity.

Third-parties may seize control of organization. To prevent conflict with China, ASEAN needs to create a South China Sea Code of Conduct. Before proper dependence becomes more severe, the EU needs to operationalize its 100 billion euros Tech Sovereignty Fund.

Endurance over hegemony

A new world order is being shaped by the conflict between the” Art of the Deal” and the” Art of War.” Trump envisions rapid increases and upheaval in his strategy. China has a lot of composition, patience, and adaptation.

However, in this new reality, endurance may be more important than supremacy. Size might not be a factor in success, but Adaptability. Nationwide, including those in Singapore and the UAE, have already demonstrated how stability and proper dexterity are forms of power.

In the midst of chaos, there is also prospect, as Sun Tzu teaches. And remember that “you may as well assume big,” as Trump once said.

The gameboard has evolved. Who will be the ones who are experts in both the package and war will be the next winners.

Tang Meng Kit is a graduate of Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore’s S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies ( RSIS), and has completed the MSc in International Relations program. His research areas include jet technology, Chinese politics and policy issues, and cross-Strait relations. He is an aircraft architect at the moment.

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