Latest news with #China-GCCSummit
New Straits Times
8 hours ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
World needs China after Iran hits US base in Qatar
When Iran launched missiles at the United States' Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Monday (June 23, 2025), many feared the start of a regional war. However, a surprising fact soon emerged: Teheran had warned Washington hours before via two diplomatic channels, according to Axios and Reuters. This act of forewarning, rare in modern warfare, was not a sign of weakness — it was a calculated signal to the United States, China, and even Asean. Iran's strike was about precision, not escalation. By issuing a warning, it demonstrated strategic restraint. Teheran aimed to maintain deterrence without triggering a full-blown war, especially after suffering US-Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. The measured response showed a long-term view: retaliate without provocation, preserve ambiguity, and leave room for diplomacy. Crucially, Iran's action was also aimed at China, its top oil customer and a key player in Middle Eastern diplomacy. Beijing's involvement in peace efforts — such as the China-GCC Summit in 2022 and the Asean-GCC-China Summit in 2025 — positions it as a credible broker of restraint; if only the US and Israel truly understand the importance of a multipolar world. By issuing an advance warning, Iran ensured that China wouldn't be forced into a corner or pressured to pick sides, for example. It allowed Beijing to continue advocating stability while maintaining strong ties with Teheran. The latter understands multipolarity. But beyond diplomacy, Iran now needs China for another reason: science. The U.S.-Israeli airstrikes employed Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs) — "bunker buster" bombs designed decades ago for North Korean terrain. Iran's underground nuclear facilities, however, are geographically and structurally distinct. These differences render American assumptions about the bombs' effectiveness questionable. The true damage to Iran's nuclear infrastructure is unclear. Western intelligence lacks the capability to accurately assess destruction in Iran's complex underground systems. Chinese nuclear scientists, equipped with advanced imaging and diagnostic technologies, are uniquely positioned to help Iran understand the extent of the damage. In effect, the bombings have opened a new chapter of Sino-Iranian scientific cooperation. It is now China — not just in diplomacy, but in technical expertise — that is most capable of deciphering what was destroyed and what remains. Beijing is not in a position to tell the US and Israel everything since the two have considered China to be their systemic challenger. Thus, while the US paradoxically also needs this information swiftly, it is beholden to China even more than before on the questionable quality of the "bunker buster bombs". A war fought on incomplete intelligence — especially one involving nuclear facilities — risks spiralling into miscalculation. China's involvement could help stabilise the situation by offering a clear-eyed scientific assessment, one that neither side may fully trust unless verified through a third party. Meanwhile, Asean, under the current Group Chairmanship of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has emerged as a quiet third pillar of balance. Committed to neutrality, dialogue and non-alignment, Asean offers diplomatic cover for restrained actions like Iran's. It also provides a regional platform where major powers and isolated states can engage without being trapped in zero-sum military alliances. Ultimately, Iran's strike on Qatar was not merely retaliation — it was a signal. It communicated strength without recklessness, left diplomatic doors open for China, and aligned with Asean's preference for de-escalation. Most importantly, it underscored the growing importance of multipolar diplomacy and scientific cooperation in resolving 21st-century conflicts. In a world increasingly shaped by uncertainty, the path forward will not be paved by unilateral action or military might alone. It will depend on coalitions of restraint, the legitimacy of multilateral dialogue, and yes, on the scientific and diplomatic capabilities of rising powers such as China. Thus ,the US needs China more than ever — not to agree with it, but to help verify what the US and Israel truly bombed. The Iran-Qatar episode is not just a signal from Teheran. It is a mirror held up to the world, showing who can still stabilise a volatile global order, and who cannot afford to ignore that fact. China and Asean can. The US and Israel can't.
Hi Dubai
20-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Key Trends Shaping Global Supply Chains in 2025: Insights from DHL Supply Chain CEO
The global supply chain landscape is undergoing a major transformation in 2025, driven by lessons learned from past disruptions such as the pandemic and geopolitical instability. Resilience, adaptability, and innovation have become essential for businesses to navigate a rapidly evolving market. With the UAE projected to invest $31 billion into its logistics sector by 2026 and Saudi Arabia committing $267 billion to solidify its role as a global trading hub, the Gulf region is at the forefront of this shift. Major projects like the Red Sea Global Port and growing international trade partnerships further highlight the region's strategic positioning. Emerging Trends Reshaping Supply Chains 1. Global Connectivity vs. Regionalisation Despite expectations of regionalisation, global trade remains dominant, with domestic trade significantly outweighing international exchanges. Saudi Arabia is capitalizing on its strategic location between three continents to enhance global trade connectivity, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals to attract international investment. 2. Geopolitical Instability & Economic Uncertainty Ongoing crises in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other regions continue to disrupt global supply chains. However, contrary to predictions, trade has not shifted toward isolated economic blocs. Inflation, fluctuating interest rates, and high fuel costs remain key challenges, reinforcing the need for supply chain diversification and risk mitigation. 3. Diversifying Beyond China While China remains a major trade player, businesses are diversifying their sourcing strategies. The China-GCC Summit in 2022 strengthened economic ties, leading to an 800-fold increase in UAE-China non-oil trade by 2024. However, companies are also exploring alternative production hubs, particularly in Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and Latin America. 4. Supply Chain Diversification & Nearshoring A major trend in 2025 is the shift towards bringing source materials and stock closer to production points and key markets. By diversifying supply chains across multiple locations, businesses enhance resilience and flexibility. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are emerging as key beneficiaries due to their geographic connectivity and robust logistics infrastructure. 5. First-Time Outsourcing for Contract Logistics Outsourcing logistics is no longer a choice but a necessity for businesses looking to stay competitive. Partnering with specialized contract logistics providers enables companies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and adapt to market fluctuations. Advanced technologies and scalable solutions are helping firms meet growing consumer expectations while maintaining sustainability goals. 6. Sustainability & Green Logistics Sustainability pressures are intensifying across industries, driven by both shareholders and end consumers. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 outlines a transition toward renewable energy, attracting investments in solar and wind power. Supply chain leaders are prioritizing green initiatives, leveraging automation, and optimizing logistics to achieve long-term sustainable growth. The future of global supply chains is not just about mitigating disruptions but thriving in an increasingly complex landscape. Companies must embrace agility, collaboration, and transparency while leveraging AI, automation, and data analytics to drive operational efficiencies. By prioritizing sustainability, investing in resilient infrastructure, and fostering innovation, businesses can navigate the evolving supply chain ecosystem and unlock long-term success. News Source: Gulf Business
Gulf Business
19-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Insights: Trends shaping global supply chains in 2025
Image: Supplied The landscape of global supply chains is poised for transformative change in 2025. With the lessons learned from recent disruptions, including the pandemic and geopolitical tensions, the resilience and adaptability of supply chains have never been more critical. As a CEO in Europe, Middle East and Africa, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of our industry, shaped by technological advancements, shifting consumer behaviours, and increasing sustainability demands. This is a significant focus for the GCC as the UAE is projected to invest $31bn into the logistics sector by 2026. Saudi Arabia has also made clear its plan to become a main global trading hub with projects such as the Red Sea Global Port and an investment of $267bn into the industry. Looking ahead, we must embrace a future where agility and innovation are paramount. The integration of artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics will redefine operational efficiencies, while the commitment to sustainability will drive us to rethink traditional models. Let's deep dive into the key trends and challenges that will shape supply chains in 2025. While also emphasising the need for supply chain diversification through collaboration, transparency, and a proactive approach to risk management. The future is not just about surviving the next disruption; it's about thriving in a dynamic environment that demands constant evolution. The macro trends that are shaping supply chains Global connectedness: Global connectedness reached a record high in 2022, and has remained at almost the same level, despite political and economic turbulence. The predicted trend towards regionalisation, and away from globalisation, has not materialised, domestic trade retains its importance and far exceeds international trade. Despite the growth of domestic trade, globalisation continues to play a crucial role in shaping global economic strategies. In light of this, Saudi Arabia has made no secret of its plan to attract significant international investment as part of its Vision 2030 goals. Its well-situated geographical location between three of the world's largest continents provides a unique advantage when developing new trade routes. Instability: The ongoing geopolitical crises in Ukraine, the Middle East and other territories continue to cause wide-reaching instability. Despite this, there is no split in evidence of trade becoming more concentrated within rival blocs of allied countries. The uncertainty stemming from factors like these all contribute to high inflation, interest rates and fuel prices. Diversifying away from China: China will remain a major player in world trade, due to its large-scale production and labour capabilities. Despite some companies intending to diversify their sourcing and production in the face of instability, the China-GCC Summit in 2022 strengthened political and economic alliances between the two regions. In addition to the energy sector, the non-oil trade grew eight hundred times by 2024 between the UAE and China Supply chain diversification: Companies are bringing their source materials and stock closer to their production points and sales markets. There is a move to spread sourcing and production beyond China to other markets in Asia Pacific, particularly Vietnam, India and Indonesia, and also to Latin America, particularly Mexico and Central America. This trend of investing in multiple source points closer to the larger sales market helps industry customers to build more resilient, robust and flexible supply chains. Hence, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are among the top to benefit in the Middle East due to its location and connectivity with other continents. First-time outsourcing: In 2025, the decision to outsource contract logistics is not merely a strategic option but a necessity for companies aiming to thrive in an increasingly complex supply chain landscape. Outsourcing allows businesses to leverage specialized expertise, enhance operational efficiency, and adapt swiftly to market fluctuations. By partnering with experienced contract logistics providers, companies can focus on their core competencies while benefiting from advanced technologies and scalable solutions that drive innovation. In a time when consumer expectations are soaring and sustainability pressures are mounting, outsourcing logistics enables firms to remain agile, reduce costs, and improve service levels, ultimately securing a competitive edge in the global marketplace. Sustainability: The demand for sustainability across all industries is increasing, and it comes from multiple touchpoints – from the shareholders on one hand, to the end consumer on the other. In Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 manifesto, the kingdom lays out its intention to rely less on oil and gas and more on renewable energy. Saudi Arabia has already started to entice investors with climate-friendly alternatives such as solar and wind. The industry leaders must focus on accelerating sustainable growth which in turn provides a clear focus on key drivers of optimization. Building on our strong foundation of expertise, global reach and automation, we will continue to shape the future for our customers. The
