Competing with China
The US-China relationship is heading for more confrontation both because there’s too much at stake politically for US President Joe Biden at home for him to look for a “reset,” and because Biden (and, for that matter, pretty much the entire political spectrum in the US) has serious objections to China’s vision of the way the world should be run......»»
Vietnam, Philippines agree to enhance South China Sea security
HANOI, Vietnam: During a state visit to Hanoi by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., this week, Vietnam and the Philippines agreed to prevent untoward incidents in the South China Sea and enhance the cooperation between their coastguards. The two memorandums of understanding (MoU) on security signed by the two Southeast Asian countries, which have competing claims over parts of the South China Sea, cover "incident p.....»»
Amid underlying tensions, Xi pushes for more trust with Vietnam
Hanoi [Vietnam], December 13 (ANI): Barely months after Hanoi improved ties with Washington, China and Vietnam, two ancient foes with long-standing disputes over competing claims in the South China Sea, decided on Tuesday to hold discussions on collaborations between them, according to CNN. Chinese state media hailed a "new positioning of relations" between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Vietnamese Communist Party chief Ng.....»»
Amid underlying tensions, Xi pushes for more trust with Vietnam
Hanoi [Vietnam], December 13 (ANI): Barely months after Hanoi improved ties with Washington, China and Vietnam, two ancient foes with long-standing disputes over competing claims in the South China Sea, decided on Tuesday to hold discussions on collaborations between them, according to CNN. Chinese state media hailed a "new positioning of relations" between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Vietnamese Communist Party chief Ng.....»»
Propaganda war
There is a second battlefield that those involved in unavoidable conflicts should consider if they are to win the war. Experts love to call it the propaganda war, one that is fought not on the field, but in the hearts and minds of the international community, which is just as intense and vital as the physical war. In the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and the tension between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, propaganda plays a pivotal role in shaping international perception, gaining domestic support, and influencing the narrative of these disputes. The Israel-Hamas conflict is one of human history’s most enduring and deeply entrenched disputes. Both parties employ propaganda to advance their respective narratives and garner support from both domestic and international audiences. Israel and Hamas turn to propaganda to shape the narrative of the conflict. Israel emphasizes its right to self-defense, portraying Hamas as a terrorist organization that fires rockets indiscriminately at Israeli civilians. On the other hand, Hamas portrays itself as a resistance movement fighting against Israeli oppression, garnering support from various sympathizers. Media manipulation is a crucial aspect of the propaganda war in this conflict. Both sides use social media, videos, and press releases to share their version of events. The viral nature of social media allows these messages to spread quickly and influence public opinion worldwide. Both Israel and Hamas leverage propaganda to portray themselves as victims. Israel highlights the trauma and suffering of its civilians subjected to rocket attacks, while Hamas emphasizes the civilian casualties in Gaza caused by Israeli military operations. The propaganda war in the Israel-Hamas conflict deepens divisions between both sides and makes a peaceful resolution even more challenging. It also has broader implications for regional and international relations, as support for one party over the other can be influenced by the effectiveness of their propaganda efforts. The tension between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, on the other hand, is characterized by competing territorial claims and power disparities, making propaganda an important tool in the conflict. China has utilized propaganda to assert its territorial claims in the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. The “nine-dash line” map and historical claims are frequently promoted, often without international legal basis. Propaganda is also employed to discredit the Philippines and other claimants. China has accused the Philippines of aggression and portrayed itself as a guardian of regional peace, which may appeal to domestic audiences and some international allies. China’s naval and aerial displays in the South China Sea are often publicized to intimidate and demonstrate its military prowess. These actions are combined with nationalist rhetoric in domestic propaganda to showcase China’s strength and resolve. The use of propaganda in the China-Philippines tension exacerbates regional instability and hinders peaceful negotiations. It raises questions about how diplomacy can succeed in the face of intense nationalist propaganda within China and the resulting pressure on the Philippine government to protect its sovereignty. If you notice, China often resorts to the blame game in countering any protest from the Philippines whenever there are incidents of aggression in the disputed waters. In the case of the latest harassment of Philippine vessels on a resupply mission to Ayungin shoal, China blamed the Philippines for the collision. It immediately sent to the media its video of the incident. The intensity of the propaganda in these conflicts can hinder diplomatic efforts. It reinforces entrenched positions, making it difficult for parties to find common ground. As these conflicts persist, the role of propaganda in perpetuating hostilities and deepening divisions cannot be underestimated. Efforts to promote peace and resolution must be mindful of propaganda’s role in perpetuating these conflicts. The post Propaganda war appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Collision or ramming?
When nations compete for dominance, the concepts of fairness and sovereignty often go by the wayside. This weekend’s collision of Philippine vessels with Chinese ships in the West Philippine Sea should serve as a vivid reminder of China’s aggressive expansionism in this crucial maritime region. While troubling, this incident is just part of a larger pattern of Chinese harassment of Philippine vessels within our territorial waters. China once again relied on its victim-blaming strategy, accusing the Philippines of “deliberately stirring up trouble” in an incident that the Philippine Coast Guard allegedly planned. These claims are ridiculous and unfounded, part of China’s long-running endeavor to legitimize its illegal acts in the West Philippine Sea. But regardless of Beijing’s bluster, the Philippines has the right to stand up to a neighborhood bully. Its claim to sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea is firmly rooted in the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling, which categorically rejected China’s extensive claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas that overlap with the West Philippine Sea. This landmark decision made it evident that China’s historical claims do not hold up under international law, in an area where competing claims by other countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan have sparked geopolitical concerns. Historically, the territorial irritants that have the potential to become full-blown conflicts have centered on fishing rights, oil and gas reserves, and the strategic importance of controlling these waterways. Still, unlike China’s bold territorial expansion and contempt for international jurisprudence, the Philippines’ approach is founded on the rule of law. China’s predilections extend beyond the assertion of spurious territorial claims, as it includes the unauthorized construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea. These man-made islands function as military outposts, providing China with a strategic regional advantage. Such acts are not only illegal, but they also pose a direct threat to regional peace and stability. As the Philippines struggles for its rights, exposing China’s duplicity on a global scale is critical. While China portrays itself as a rational and responsible nation in international crises such as the Russia-Ukraine crisis and the Israel-Hamas conflict, its actions in the South China Sea reflect a different face — that of a regional bully. China cannot preach peace and diplomacy while actively pursuing territorial expansion and disregarding international law when it does not support its aspirations. The collision (or was it an intentional incident of ramming by China of Philippine vessels?) near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands is just the latest chapter in China’s unrelenting pursuit of regional supremacy. Philippine efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and defend international law merit support not only from its neighbors, but also from the world community at large. The West Philippine Sea is more than just a body of water; it represents sovereignty, justice, and the triumph of law over aggression. The Philippines’ resistance to China’s bullying is a fight for the rights of all nations that value international norms, territorial integrity, and conflict resolution through peaceful means. China’s activities in the West Philippine Sea and its disrespect for the verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration must be countered by the international community with the position that in the South China Sea, might does not equal right. As we consider the perilous situation in the West Philippine Sea, it’s critical to understand that this is not a one-off occurrence but part of a larger pattern. The Philippines has been subjected to constant harassment by Chinese vessels within its own waters. Filipino fishermen are being harassed, maritime resources (like coral reefs) are being pillaged, and Filipino military troops are being put in danger by Chinese warships that have no business being in Philippine waters. There can never be a repeat of the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff, which allowed China to build bases on man-made islands. As it stands resolute against China’s gunboat diplomacy, the Philippines serves as a beacon of hope for all nations confronting unjustified hostility. The Philippines’ dedication to upholding international law, maintaining its sovereignty, and defending its people’s rights is admirable. The post Collision or ramming? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go shows full support to Filipino athletes in 19th Asian Games
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, articulated his deep sense of pride for Filipino athletes participating in the 19th Asian Games being held in Hangzhou City, China, from 23 September to 8 October. The senator personally traveled to China to show his full support for the Philippine delegation early this week. He also attended live competitions, including the recent match between Gilas Pilipinas and Iran at Zijingang Gymnasium, Zhejiang University on 3 October. “Nakapanood din tayo ng ilang live competitions, gaya na lang ng nakaraang laban ng Gilas Pilipinas kontra sa Iran," he said. “Masarap talaga ang pakiramdam bilang isang Pilipino dahil muling nagwagi ang pambato natin sa basketball na Gilas Pilipinas,” he shared. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, expressed his appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to the athletes, coaches, national sports associations and staff, as well as the Philippine Olympic Committee, Philippine Sports Commission and other agencies who worked hard to support the Philippine delegation. "Bilang chair ng Senate Committee on Sports, taus-puso kong pinupuri at pinasasalamatan ang mga manlalaro nating ibinibigay ang lahat para itaas ang bandera ng Pilipinas sa ginaganap na kumpetisyon," he said. Meanwhile, Go also congratulated Gilas Pilipinas for their historic win over China in the semifinals on October 4, which secured their spot in the gold medal match against Jordan. He praised Justin Brownlee for his clutch performance that led the team to a stunning comeback from a 20-point deficit. The senator also expressed his excitement for the upcoming gold medal match between Gilas Pilipinas and Jordan. He said he will be cheering for the team as they aim to win the country’s first-ever Asian Games gold in basketball. The match is scheduled for 6 October. Go then lauded jiu-jitsu fighter Margarita "Meggie" Ochoa for winning the second gold medal for the Philippines on 5 October. Ochoa defeated Balqees Abdulla of the United Arab Emirates in the final match of the women's –48 kg division. She joined pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena as the country's gold medalists in this edition of the Asian Games. “Samantala, ang boxer na si Eumir Marcial ay pasok na rin sa Asian Games finals matapos niyang ma-knockout ang Syrian boxer na si Ahmad Ghousoon sa men's 80kg weight class nitong October 4. Dahil dito, haharapin ni Eumir sa finals si Tanglatihan Tuohetaerbieke ng China para sa gold medal. Pasok na rin si Eumir sa 2024 Paris Olympics,” Go also mentioned. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also been a strong advocate for increased funding for sports programs. He revealed that last year's proposed budget for the Philippine Sports Commission was approximately P200 million. However, he pushed for an additional P1 billion, thereby significantly enhancing the financial support for athletes in international competitions. "Dahil dito, nakapagbigay tayo ng pinansyal na suporta para sa mga atletang lumahok sa mga international competitions," he added. This move paved the way for the provision of financial support for athletes participating in international competitions, including the recent 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia and the ongoing Asian Games in China. Go also emphasized the importance of grassroots sports development, saying, “Tinututukan din natin ang grassroots sports development upang mahubog ang mga kabataan nasaan man sila sa bansa na nagnanais na sumabak sa mga pambansa at pandaigdigang palaro.” In line with this, he highlighted his role as the author and co-sponsor of RA 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports in New Clark City, Tarlac. "Ang NAS ay nagbibigay ng de-kalidad na edukasyon at sports training sa mga batang may potensyal na maging world-class athletes," he added. Additionally, Go filed SBN 423, or the Philippine National Games (PNG) Act, to institutionalize a national platform for athletes, especially the youth, to showcase their talents. "Sa pamamagitan ng PNG, mas maraming talento ang mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na makilala at mapabilang sa ating mga national team," he said. The senator also continues to support the implementation of sports clinics, community leagues, and the provision of sports equipment in rural areas. "Sabi ko nga palagi, ‘get into sports and stay away from drugs!’" he advised. Go called on all Filipinos to continue supporting and praying for all athletes competing in the Asian Games and other competitions. "Ang kanilang tagumpay ay tagumpay ng buong sambayanang Pilipino! Laban, Pilipinas! Ipakita natin ang puso ng Pilipino na lumalaban hanggang dulo!" he exclaimed. "Go, go, go for the gold!" he cheered. As of 5 October, the Philippines has two golds, one silver, and nine bronze medals in the ongoing Asian Games. The post Bong Go shows full support to Filipino athletes in 19th Asian Games appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SBG rallies support for Filipino athletes in 19th Asian Games
Senator Bong Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, recently expressed his full support for Filipino athletes participating in the ongoing 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou City, China. "Suportahan natin ang mga kababayan nating sumasabak sa kasalukuyang 19th Asian Games sa Hangzhou City, China," he said in a statement upon arriving in China to show his personal support to the Philippine delegation. “Bilang chair ng Senate Committee on Sports, taus-puso kong pinupuri at pinasasalamatan ang mga manlalaro nating ibinibigay ang lahat para itaas ang bandera ng Pilipinas sa ginaganap na kompetisyon. Manalo man o matalo, ang importante ay magkaisa tayo para sa ating mga atletang Pilipino!” added the senator. "Our unity is the best form of moral support to inspire our competing athletes to give their best. Let us all rally behind them as they continue to bring glory to our country. Laban Pilipinas! Ipakita natin ang puso ng Pilipino na lumalaban hanggang dulo!" he said. As of 2 October, the Philippines has won one gold, one silver, and eight bronze medals at the Games so far. The country's lone gold medal was won by Ernest John Obiena in Athletics, specifically in the men's pole vault event. Arnel Mandal added a silver medal to the tally in the men's 56kg wushu competition. The bronze medalists include Patrick King Perez in Taekwondo's men's individual poomsae, Jones Llabres Inso in Wushu's men's taijiquan/taijijian all-around, Gideon Fred Padua in wushu's men's 60kg, and Clemente Tabugara Jr in wushu's men's 65kg. In Tennis, Alexandra Eala secured a bronze in Women's singles and another bronze in Mixed doubles alongside Francis Casey Alcantara. Eleven Ando also captured bronze in the women's weightlifting 64kg division. Rounding out the bronze medalists is Patrick Bren Coo in Cycling BMX racing for Men. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has strongly advocated for increased funding for sports programs under the Philippine Sports Commission, particularly in support of athletes competing in international competitions this year. "During the budget deliberation last year, ang ipinasa po na budget ng PSC more or less about P200 million. Ako po mismo sa Senado bilang inyong chairman po ng Committee on Sports and as vice chair ng Committee on Finance, isinulong ko talaga na madagdagan po ng P1 billion po ang pondo ng Philippine Sports Commission," he said. This move secured financial support for athletes participating in international competitions, including the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia and the current Asian Games in China. He disclosed an allocation of P50 million through the PSC for the Asian Games, along with P30 million specifically for Asian para-games. To promote greater inclusivity and equality in sports, Go also proposed Senate Bill No. 2116, which aims to amend Republic Act No. 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. The bill seeks to provide enhanced financial incentives and benefits for para-athletes who represent the Philippines in international competitions. He emphasized the need for increased incentives for para-athletes, stating, "Sana po’y ma-increase naman rin po ang kanilang incentives na natatanggap dahil ‘yung honor po na dala nila sa ating bayan, pareho naman po ‘yong gold, silver, bronze at pinaghirapan rin po nila." In line with his advocacy for grassroots sports development, Go also championed the National Academy of Sports, a fully operational institution located in New Clark City in Tarlac which was enacted into law that he authored and co-sponsored. Go is also prioritizing the institutionalization of the Philippine National Games as a platform to scout and recruit athletes for the national pool. He filed SBN 423, or the proposed PNG Act, which seeks to create a nationwide platform for athletes, particularly the youth, to display their abilities. The Asian Games is being held from 23 September to 8 October. The event was originally scheduled for 2022 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The post SBG rallies support for Filipino athletes in 19th Asian Games appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go lauds Filipino athletes competing in Asian Games
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go issued a statement supporting Filipino athletes who are currently competing in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Here is the full statement: STATEMENT OF SEN. BONG GO FOR ASIAN GAMES' ATHLETES Suportahan natin ang mga kababayan nating sumasabak sa kasalukuyang 19th Asian Games sa Hangzhou City, China. Bilang chair ng Senate Committee on Sports, taus-puso kong pinupuri at pinasasalamatan ang mga manlalaro nating ibinibigay ang lahat para itaas ang bandera ng Pilipinas sa ginaganap na kompetisyon. Manalo man o matalo, ang importante ay magkaisa tayo para sa ating mga atletang Pilipino! Our unity is the best form of moral support to inspire our competing athletes to give their best. Let us all rally behind them as they continue to bring glory to our country. Laban Pilipinas! Ipakita natin ang puso ng Pilipino na lumalaban hanggang dulo! The post Bong Go lauds Filipino athletes competing in Asian Games appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos takes to X to hail Obiena
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday congratulated pole vault champion EJ Obiena on winning at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China on Saturday night and taking home the nation’s first gold medal. Marcos congratulated Obiena on X (formerly Twitter) after the pole vault king cleared 5.75 meters and later cleared 5.90 meters to clinch the gold medal. “Congratulations, EJ, on clinching our first gold in the men’s pole vault at the 19th Asian Games!” Marcos said. “Kudos as well to Patrick King Perez, Jones Inso, Gideon Padua, Clemente Tabugara Jr., Alex Eala and Francis Casey Alcantara for their outstanding performances in Taekwondo, Wushu, and Tennis! Best of luck to all our athletes competing ahead!” he added. Obiena said he worked under pressure just to win the first gold medal for the Philippines. However, he said he felt the weight of the expectations, implying that living up to those expectations did take a toll on him. The post Marcos takes to X to hail Obiena appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM congratulates EJ Obiena for winning Phl’s first Asiad gold
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday congratulated pole vault champion EJ Obiena on winning the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China on Saturday night and taking home the nation's first gold medal. Marcos congratulated Obiena on X (formerly Twitter) after the pole vault king cleared 5.75 meters and later cleared 5.90 meters to clinch the gold medal. “Congratulations, EJ, on clinching our first gold in the men’s pole vault at the 19th Asian Games!” Marcos said. “Kudos as well to Patrick King Perez, Jones Inso, Gideon Padua, Clemente Tabugara Jr., Alex Eala, and Francis Casey Alcantara for their outstanding performances in Taekwondo, Wushu, and Tennis! Best of luck to all our athletes competing ahead!” he added. Obiena, for his part, said that he worked under pressure just to win the first gold medal for the Philippines. However, he felt the weight of the expectations, implying quietly that living up to those expectations did take a toll on him. "It's a privilege to be in this position where the whole country is literally expecting gold because of you guys, so good job, and thank God, I didn't crack," Obiena said during a media scrum moments after his first Asian Games conquest. Japan's Seito Yamamoto held the Asian Games record, jumping 5.70 meters. But Obiena broke that record with his jump. At 6.0 meters, the Filipino pole vaulter holds the record for all of Asia. The post PBBM congratulates EJ Obiena for winning Phl’s first Asiad gold appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Asian Games: E Sport, Indian League of Legends team out in quarters
Hangzhou [China], September 27 (ANI): India's League of Legends teams comprising Captain Akshaj Shenoy (Kai), Samarth Arvind Trivedi (CrankO), Mihir Ranjan (Lotus), Sanindhya Malik (Deadcorp), Aakash Shandilya (Infi), Aditya Selvaraj (Krow) suffered a hard-fought 0-2 defeat against Vietnam in the quarter-finals at the Asian Games. A grand total of 19 notable League of Legends teams from the continent are competing head to.....»»
Asia Pacific seed producers impressed with Phl hybrid rice achievement
A field study tour organized by over 50 member countries of the Asia Pacific Seeds Association (APSA) was very "impressed with the milestones achieved by the country in hybrid rice seeds production" as well as the close collaboration among the stakeholders in the hybrid rice sector, the Department of Agriculture's Rice Industry Development reported Thursday. DA-RID Undersecretary Leo Sebastian said this is the first field study tour in the Philippines, which stemmed from the invitation by Dr. Frisco Malabanan, who is the current executive committee member from the Philippines and is now with the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program. He was a former chairman of the Special Interest Group on Field Crops (SIG-FC). APSA is the largest regional seed association in the world with more than 600 members, according to its website. Headquartered in Bangkok, APSA promotes sustainable agriculture through the development, production, and trade of quality seeds within, to, and from the Asia-Pacific region, and continues to maintain strong links with a number of key international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the World Trade Organization. Heidi Gallant, executive director of APSA, provides more insights into what the association means to its members. Its members represent the entire spectrum of the seed industry—both the public and private sectors—including national seed associations, government agencies, public and private seed companies, and associate members, which represent organizations outside of the Asia region. The majority of its members are seed enterprises, including breeders, producers, distributors, retailers, exporters, and importers. Countries with the highest number of members are China, 20 percent; India, 19 percent; Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Japan with 7 percent each; and Thailand, South Korea, and Chinese-Taipei with 4 percent each. Sebastian said, that of the 15 delegates that joined the just-concluded field study tour, three companies were from China and others were from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The APSA study tour was timed with the holding of the 16th National Rice Technology Forum of the private sector group, Rice Board, in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur — which showcased clustered demo farms of hybrid rice companies, soil nutrition companies, and digital companies involved in the rice sector, Malabanan said. The delegates, according to Sebastian, were impressed how the Philippines could pool all seed production companies in one site (during the NRTF tour in Davao Sur), which Malabanan said was a result of the close collaboration between government and private companies. They went to the seed facilities (from drying, cleaning, and sacking of seeds) at the site of SL Agritech in Lupon Davao Oriental. They had a whole day of farm visits to the farms of SL Agritech, Tao Seeds, Longping, and BioSeeds where they saw the actual parental lines (male and female) of the seed companies in their flowering stages. Last Thursday, they participated in the 16th NRTF forum in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur where they witnessed 18 companies (each with more than a hectare) of currently standing palay crops (both hybrid and inbred) as well as soil enrichment producers and a company that promotes drones for direct seeding of palay seeds, fertilizers and pesticide application. There, Sebastian added, the delegates were awed by the contiguous areas of planted farms by competing companies, which is rather inconceivable in other countries. That same day, they visited the farms of commercial seed companies, Bayer Crop Science and SL Agritech in Barangay Ruparan, Digos City, and in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur. From here they visited the hybrid corn farms in Kapaling, Davao del Norte, and Tagum of Bayer Science and Syngenta Phils. At the Bayer field visit, a 50-hectare integrated farm of a farmer that used to be planted with bananas before the pandemic had been converted into hybrid rice, corn, and high-value crops. The participants who left the Philippines last Saturday, also visited a learning site by DA Agriculture Training Institution showcasing an integrated farming system — high-value crops, poultry, and dairy farm — as part of the farm diversification to further increase farmers’ incomes. The post Asia Pacific seed producers impressed with Phl hybrid rice achievement appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Germany weighs barring Chinese parts in 5G networks
Germany is considering a ban on parts made by Chinese manufacturers Huawei and ZTE in its 5G networks from 2026, government sources told AFP on Wednesday. According to government proposals, Chinese components would be excluded from the country's "core network" from January 1, 2026, the sources said. It is understood that the ban will apply not only to new parts but also those that have already been installed. The government also wants to begin phasing out parts made by Huawei and ZTE in Germany's "access and transport network," the sources said. The changes to Germany's 5G mobile networks run by Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and Telefonica are "of high importance for the German government in terms of security policy", according to a draft interior ministry document seen by AFP. Germany has "significant structural dependencies" on Huawei and ZTE, the document says, leading to "an urgent need for action". The plan marks part of Germany's strategy of "de-risking" its relationship with China, announced by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in July, according to the draft document. Germany in July presented a 64-page document outlining its new strategy towards a more "assertive" China, its top trade partner. Seeking a balance between competing interests of the EU's biggest economy, the document sought to refresh Germany's stance toward China as a "partner, competitor and systemic rival". "We want to reduce critical dependencies in future," Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on presenting the strategy, saying Berlin had "reacted to a China that has changed and become more assertive". The post Germany weighs barring Chinese parts in 5G networks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UN chief convenes ‘no nonsense’ climate summit, without China or US
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set Wednesday to host a climate meeting marred at its outset by the absence of speakers from the world's top two emitters, China and the United States. Despite increasing extreme weather events and record-shattering global temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise and fossil fuel companies reap handsome profits. Guterres has thus billed the "Climate Ambition Summit" as a "no nonsense" forum where leaders or cabinet ministers will announce specific actions that deliver on their commitments under the Paris Agreement. The bar for making the podium was set high, with the UN chief making clear that only leaders who had made concrete plans to achieve net-zero greenhouse emissions would be allowed to speak. After receiving more than 100 applications to take part, the UN finally released a list on Tuesday night of 41 speakers which did not include China, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan or India. "Tomorrow, I will welcome credible first movers and doers to our Climate Ambition Summit," Guterres said Tuesday. Several major leaders didn't bother making the trip to New York for this year's UN General Assembly, including President Xi Jinping of China and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak from the United Kingdom, who said he was too busy. US President Joe Biden, who addressed the General Assembly on Tuesday, sent his climate envoy John Kerry to the meeting -- though Kerry won't be permitted to speak. "There's no doubt that the absence of so many leaders from the world's biggest economies and emitters will clearly have an impact on the outcomes of the summit," Alden Meyer of climate think tank E3G said. He blamed competing issues -- from the Ukraine conflict to US-China tensions and rising economic uncertainty. "But I think it's also the opposition in many of these countries from the fossil fuel industry and other powerful interests to the kind of transformational changes that are needed," said Meyer. Catherine Abreu, executive director of nonprofit Destination Zero, said it was "perhaps a good-news story that we see Biden not being given a speaking slot at the summit" because the United States is continuing to expand fossil fuel projects even as it makes historic investments in renewables. "I think about this as being a correction from past summits, where leaders have been given the opportunity to take credit for climate leadership on the global stage, while they continue to pursue plans to develop fossil fuels, and continue driving the climate crisis back at home," she added. While the United States won't take the rostrum, California will be represented by Governor Gavin Newsom. From Britain, London Mayor Sadiq Khan will also attend. Growing anger The event is the biggest climate summit in New York since 2019, when Greta Thunberg stunned the world with her "How Dare You" speech before the UN. Anger is building among climate activists, particularly younger people, who turned out in thousands last weekend for the "March to End Fossil Fuels" in New York. Observers are eager however to see what Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and European Union President Ursula von der Leyen say both on their own goals and on financing commitments for the developing world. The failure of advanced economies, responsible for the majority of historic emissions, to honor their promises to the worst affected lower-income nations has long been a sore point in climate talks. There are some bright spots, including the announcement that Colombia and Panama are joining a grouping called the Powering Past Coal Alliance -- particularly notable as Colombia is the world's sixth biggest coal exporter. Wednesday's summit comes weeks ahead of the COP28 climate talks in the United Arab Emirates, where goals include tripling renewable energy by 2030, and ending by 2050 the generation of fossil fuel energy that isn't "abated" by carbon capture technology. The post UN chief convenes ‘no nonsense’ climate summit, without China or US appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden leads US tech push in Vietnam
President Joe Biden and senior executives from top US tech firms including Google and Intel met Vietnamese business leaders Monday after the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation as Washington seeks to counter China's growing clout. Biden and Vietnam's ruling Communist Party chief -- the country's paramount leader -- struck a "comprehensive strategic partnership" as Washington pushes to boost its network of allies around Asia and the Pacific. The United States sees manufacturing dynamo Vietnam as an important part of its plan to decrease reliance on China for supplies of strategic resources, and the new pact includes agreements on semiconductors and rare earths. Executives from tech behemoth Google, chip makers Intel and GlobalFoundries, and aviation giant Boeing joined Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken for an "innovation and investment summit". They held talks with senior figures from a host of leading Vietnamese tech and manufacturing companies including electric car maker VinFast, internet firm VNG and digital wallet Momo. At the talks, Biden announced that flag-carrier Vietnam Airlines had agreed a $7.8-billion deal with Boeing to buy 50 medium-haul 737 airliners. Other deals announced include Microsoft developing a "generative AI-based solution tailored for Vietnam" and NVIDIA teaming up with local companies to deploy artificial intelligence in the cloud, automotive and healthcare sectors. Semiconductor security The new partnership includes an agreement on semiconductors, with the United States committing to help Vietnam develop its capabilities and expand production, including by funding workforce training. Tiny semiconductors are vital to modern life, found in every electronic device from children's toys and smartphones to electric cars and sophisticated weapon systems. Biden moved last month to restrict US investment in Chinese technology in sensitive areas including semiconductors, quantum computing and AI. With Washington looking to diversify and strengthen its supply chains after a series of shocks hit the global economy, it is increasingly looking to Vietnam, which has the world's second-largest deposits of rare earths -- another strategically vital resource -- after China. The White House highlighted US investment in chipmaking in Vietnam, pointing to a new $1.6 billion factory near Hanoi due to start operations soon. China difficulties Biden insisted Sunday that he did not want to "contain" China, but accused Beijing of seeking to change the rules of the international order. And in their joint statement, Biden and Trong launched a fresh broadside at Beijing in the sprawling, multi-state territorial row over the South China Sea. They warned against "threat or the use of force", days after the latest clash involving Chinese vessels, and insisted the competing claims to the strategic waterway must be settled under international norms. Beijing claims almost the entire sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. The president met Chinese Premier Li Qiang -- the country's number two leader -- on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Delhi on Sunday. Biden said the major economic problems Beijing was wrestling with would limit its scope for action, particularly on Taiwan -- which China regards as a renegade province. "China has a difficult economic problem right now for a whole range of reasons that relate to the international growth and lack thereof and the policies that China has followed," he said, pointing to high youth unemployment and real estate issues. "I don't think it's going to cause China to invade Taiwan. As a matter of fact, the opposite -- it probably doesn't have the same capacity that it had before." Vietnam has its own squabbles with Beijing, notably over the contested South China Sea. Hanoi's state media on Monday hailed the deal with former war foe the United States as "historic". Biden will end his visit by paying his respects at a memorial to his friend John McCain, the former US Senator shot down in Hanoi as a pilot during the Vietnam War. The post Biden leads US tech push in Vietnam appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US, Vietnam warn against ‘threat or use of force’ in South China Sea
The United States and Vietnam warned on Monday against the "threat or use of force" in the disputed South China Sea, days after the latest clash involving Chinese vessels. President Joe Biden and Vietnam's Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong said the competing claims on the strategic waterway must be settled under international norms. Beijing claims almost the entire sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually, and has ignored an international court ruling that its assertion has no legal basis. "The leaders underscored their unwavering support for the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law, without the threat or use of force," Biden and Trong said in a joint statement. They also called for "freedom of navigation and overflight and unimpeded lawful commerce in the South China Sea". The statement came a day after Biden and Trong struck a deal to deepen cooperation, widely seen as a way to counter China's growing assertiveness in the region. Washington is at loggerheads with Beijing on a range of issues including trade, security, human rights and climate change and is looking to boost its network of allies to counter Chinese influence. Vietnam, which fought a war with China between 1979 and 1988, is wary of its giant northern neighbor, and is one of a handful of countries with claims on the many islets and outcrops that dot the South China Sea. Last week the Philippines accused Chinese Coast Guard and "militia" boats of harassing two of its own coast guard vessels as they took supplies to Filipino troops on the Second Thomas Shoal. The Philippine Navy deliberately grounded an old ship on the shoal in 1999 to check China's advance in the waters. China deploys hundreds of vessels to patrol the South China Sea and swarm reefs. The Philippines, a longtime US ally, has outposts on nine reefs and islands in the Spratly Islands -- which Vietnam also claims along with the Paracel Islands. Manila says Chinese coast guard and navy ships routinely block or shadow Philippine boats in the contested waters. Tensions between Manila and Beijing flared last month when China Coast Guard vessels used water cannon against a Philippine resupply mission to the reef, preventing one of the boats from delivering its cargo. pdw/aph/ser © Agence France-Presse The post US, Vietnam warn against ‘threat or use of force’ in South China Sea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EJ busy for Asiad
Pole vault sensation EJ Obiena plans to keep busy by competing in at least three more meets before reporting for duty at the Asian Games on Sept. 23 to Oct. 8 in Hangzhou, China. Fresh from bagging a silver with his second career 6.00 meter clearance at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last weekend, Obiena is scheduled to bring his act next to the Zurich Diamond League on Aug. 31......»»
Why is the South China Sea a flashpoint for Asia?
Competing claims to the South China Sea and its hundreds of reefs and islands have for decades been a source of tension in the region. The latest spat erupted on 5 August when Chinese coast guard vessels blocked and fired a water cannon at a Philippine resupply mission to a remote outpost in the disputed waters. Such incidents have fueled fears of a potential miscalculation or accident igniting a military conflict that could draw in the United States. AFP looks at the territorial disputes in the sea and what's been done to resolve them. Where is the South China Sea? The South China Sea covers more than three million square kilometers (1.16 million square miles), ringed by southern China, Taiwan, the Philippines, Borneo island and mainland Southeast Asia. Most of its hundreds of small islands, islets and rocks were originally uninhabited. The Paracel and Spratly chains contain the biggest islands. Scarborough Shoal is a small outcrop in the east. Why does it matter? The sea is the main maritime link between the Pacific and Indian oceans, giving it enormous trade and military value. Its shipping lanes connect East Asia with Europe and the Middle East, with trillions of dollars in ship-borne trade passing through the sea annually. Huge unexploited oil and gas deposits are believed to lie under the seabed, though estimates vary greatly. The sea is also home to some of the world's biggest coral reefs and, with marine life being depleted close to coasts, it is important as a source of fish to feed growing populations. Who claims what? China and Taiwan both claim nearly all of the sea, while Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei each have overlapping stakes to parts of it. Beijing's argument is based largely on Chinese maps dating back to the 1940s. It originally used an 11-dash line to demarcate its claims, but it was reduced to nine dashes under former leader Mao Zedong. The expansive claim approaches the coasts of other countries. The Paracel Islands are claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam, though Beijing has held all of them since a conflict with South Vietnam in 1974. China has also controlled Scarborough Shoal -- a rich fishing ground 230 kilometers (140 miles) off the Philippine island of Luzon -- since seizing it from the Philippines in 2012 following a tense standoff, and it holds at least seven of the Spratly Islands. Vietnam controls 21 rocks and reefs in the Spratlys, while the Philippines has outposts on nine reefs and islands in the archipelago. Taiwan holds the largest feature in the Spratlys, Itu Aba, while Malaysia controls five others. How do they assert their claims? For years, rival claimants have been building up the tiny reefs and islets to bolster their claims to ownership. China's land reclamation program has been particularly aggressive. In the past decade, it has ripped up thousands of hectares of reef in the archipelago to create militarized islands, with runways, ports and radar systems. China also deploys hundreds of coast guard and other vessels in key parts of the sea, often more than a thousand kilometers from the Chinese mainland, to guard particular features such as Scarborough and perform other security duties. Has there been military conflict? There have been two armed conflicts between China and Vietnam in the sea that killed more than 130 Vietnamese troops. Beijing gained control of the Paracel Islands in 1974 after clashes with the South Vietnamese Navy. The other major conflict occurred when Vietnam and China fought a naval battle on Johnson Reef in the Spratlys in 1988. Relations between China and the Philippines have been frayed by disputes over the waters, but incidents on the open sea have so far not resulted in military conflict. What are diplomats doing? The 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China adopted a non-binding "declaration of conduct" in 2002 to discourage hostile acts. All sides agreed not to use threats or force to assert claims. But negotiations since then to turn it into a legally binding "code of conduct" have failed. Manila will host another round of talks this week. In 2013, the Philippines filed an international arbitration case against China. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in Manila's favor, declaring China's "nine-dash-line" has no legal basis. Beijing refused to take part in the proceedings and has ignored the judgment. The post Why is the South China Sea a flashpoint for Asia? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Sandwich chain Subway nears deal to be bought for more than $9-B
The Subway sandwich chain is near a deal to be acquired for more than $9 billion in a transaction that could be announced as soon as Wednesday, a person familiar with the matter said. Bids for the sandwich chain were due Tuesday, the person said, with competing offers from Roark Capital and a consortium that includes private equity firms TDR and Sycamore. The winner is expected to be the high bid in an all-cash deal. Originally founded in 1965 as an Italian-style submarine sandwich shop, Subway today has nearly 37,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. The fast-food chain announced in February it hired JPMorgan to advise it on a possible sale while saying it "remains committed to the future," according to a 14 February press release. A Subway spokesperson said Tuesday there would be no comment "until the transaction has been completed," according to an email to AFP. Atlanta-based Roark is well-known in the fast-food and prepared foods space, already owning Buffalo Wild Wings, Baskin-Robbins, and Seattle's Best Coffee, as well as other assets including Orange Theory gyms. Roark "has shown that it knows how to nurture restaurant brands and help them to grow, including through expansion," said Neil Saunders of GlobalData Retail. New York-based Sycamore and British firm TDR Capital also have investments in the consumer space. TDR declined to comment. Roark and Sycamore did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Subway was launched with a single sandwich shop in Connecticut by Fred DeLuca, who started with an initial $1,000 investment from family friend Peter Buck, as a way to pay his college tuition. The two men famously started the venture based only on a handshake. DeLuca died in 2015, while Buck passed away in 2021. In recent times, Subway executives have highlighted cost-cutting efforts to better compete with other restaurant chains, while focusing most growth efforts overseas. In June, Subway unveiled a franchising agreement to open some 4,000 restaurants in mainland China over the next 20 years. The post Sandwich chain Subway nears deal to be bought for more than $9-B appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lasers, drones vs China
If you may remember, the Afghans beat back the superior Russians from Afghanistan by secretly obtaining portable heat-seeking missiles from the US, which eventually changed the tide of the war. The missile device was so portable, it was smuggled by donkey to remote mountains. It was so user-friendly, even ordinary foot soldiers could use it. The missiles destroyed dozens of Russian warplanes, and eventually forced the Russians to withdraw from Afghanistan. We can use the same tactic in the West Philippine Sea against the superior Chinese warships and warplanes. If Marcos Jr. can somehow obtain lasers and drones, not necessarily from the US, not necessarily in secret, for the Philippine Coast Guard, Chinese warships may think twice before bullying us with their lasers and water cannons. China is currently harassing Filipinos in the Ayungin Shoal, triggering diplomatic protests. This aggression is virtually an act of war. Responding with legal arguments for China to respect the UNCLOS and The Hague court decision is useless. Social media exposés and campaigns cannot solve the problem. We have to face them in our territory in the West Philippine Sea. If we do not, we might as well concede. If we do, are we ready for the consequences of escalation? Has China secretly discovered oil in Ayungin, so it has to keep Filipinos away? Another strategy is to get a US firm as a partner in oil exploration in the Ayungin Shoal, escorted by US warships. Let’s get to the oil before China does. If there are competing explorations and oil rigs, this will prevent war. There is, however, a risk of a full-blown US-China naval confrontation. If we up the ante, China may back out or resort to an unpredictable escalation. Can we handle the escalation? Are we ready to go into this new stage of war, not just physically in terms of possible collateral damage, but also spiritually in terms of the political will to fight? This remains to be seen. Asymmetrics as a Game Changer “Asymmetric” weapons refer to small cheap high-tech weapons that can take out big expensive weaponry. For example, hypersonic missiles taking out aircraft carriers, killer drones neutralizing an entire naval base, super lasers shooting down satellites in outer space, silent electro-magnetic pulse bombs jamming an enemy assault. This is called the equalizer, the use of asymmetrics against far superior foes. Lasers and drones on our coast guard ships are asymmetrics. Asymmetrics are becoming popular. Ukraine is using them against Russia, and Iran against the US in the Strait of Hormuz. China is now able to jam the electronic signals of US warplanes in the WPS. These new sophisticated asymmetrics have evolved as powerful game changers in modern warfare in favor of the underdog. The Vietnam Model Vietnamese water cannons faced Chinese water cannons, forcing the latter to abandon an oil rig close to the Vietnamese shore. We can learn from the Vietnamese, adopt its warrior ways, its spiritual orientation of defiance and belligerence. But we must be cautious as there may be consequences we are not yet ready for. Vietnam has been fighting China for centuries. China respects Vietnam’s audacity while it looks down on Filipinos whose leaders can easily be offered quid-pro-quo deals (Duterte) and whose tin can coast guard vessels they can easily step on. Can we change China’s attitude through a new type of belligerence using asymmetrics? Vietnam is the epitome of David defying Goliath, two Goliaths, in fact, the French and the Americans. France surrendered its colonization of Vietnam in the battle of Dien Bien Phu. The Americans gave up Vietnam after a 20-year guerrilla war, an embarrassing blow for a superpower falling to its knees to a “lowly” Third World country. Centuries before that, at its birth, Vietnam defied and splintered from the powerful Chinese Empire. Viet means south, nam means kingdom — the kingdom south of the empire. From where does Vietnam draw its strength? Vietnam is monolithic, one solid land mass. The Philippines is granulated, a scattered archipelago. It took more than 10,000 years of slow migration (the so-called Austronesian Dispersal) for Malays in improvised boats (balanghays) to populate the Philippines. While this was happening, Vietnam was growing in strength by defying the Chinese empire. Vietnam is a single neutral gray, the Philippines a rainbow. Vietnam has one central language, the Philippines 125-odd dialects. Except for the Hmong, Vietnam has few ancient ethnic groups. We have 85 ethnic groupings. Anthropologically, Vietnam and the Philippines are complete opposites. The Vietnamese is a natural warrior, the Filipino a natural adventurer. The French and the Americans failed to colonize Vietnam. The Filipino was conquered by the Spaniards, Americans and Japanese. The Vietnamese was defiant, the Filipino subservient. The Filipino absorbed colonization and foreign culture, the Vietnamese kept its culture intact. The post Lasers, drones vs China appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»