Latest news with #EastAsian
Newsweek
a day ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Ex-Trump Official Lays Out Why China Might Be 'Worried' To Cut Tariff Deal
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A former Trump administration official and expert on Asia highlighted on Friday why China might hesitate to strike a trade deal with the United States amid President Donald Trump's tariff threats. The Context Tensions between Washington and Beijing hit a boiling point last month, when Trump ratcheted up tariffs on Chinese imports to a whopping 145 percent, to which China responded with a 125 percent retaliatory tariff. The moves came after Trump announced—and then walked back—sweeping global tariffs against almost every U.S. trading partner, with China facing the steepest levies. U.S.-China tensions appeared to simmer down earlier this month, when representatives for the two countries met in Geneva and agreed to partially reduce their tariffs on each other while they negotiated a more long-term trade agreement. But Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said this week that the talks had "stalled" and Trump on Friday accused China of violating the preliminary agreement, adding, "So much for being Mr. NICE GUY!" President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk together after their meetings at Mar-a-Lago, Friday, April 7, 2017, in Palm Beach, Fla. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk together after their meetings at Mar-a-Lago, Friday, April 7, 2017, in Palm Beach, Fla. Alex Brandon/AP What To Know Daniel Kritenbrink, who served as ambassador to Vietnam, said Friday that the Trump administration's back-and-forth on tariffs could have a "real impact" on China's willingness to sign a formal trade deal with the U.S. "Do you find — because I've heard this from other teams currently negotiating with the US from Canada, from Europe — this fear that, ok, let's say we do get to a deal, if we get over all the obstacles in the way, of which there are many, can I trust what this administration signs?" CNN's Jim Sciutto asked Kritenbrink during an interview Friday. "Will I be surprised in three months, six months, nine months down the road? Is China—and are other trading partners in Asia—thinking the same thing?" "I think it has a real impact," Kritenbrink replied, adding that China and other Asian countries are "used to being practical" and can "engage in transactional deals with the United States and others." "But they want to know, will they last if we cut a deal?" added Kritenbrink, who is a partner at the Asia Group and served as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs under the Biden administration. Kritenbrink said China isn't only worried about the global tariffs Trump announced in April under an economic emergency-powers law, but tariffs that were implemented using other executive authorities. "So any deal that China or other partners were to cut could be undermined by those subsequent investigations and their outcomes and they're worried about that as well," Kritenbrink said. When asked whether the tariff whiplash could be "damaging" to the U.S.'s global standing, Kritenbrink said that "partners want consistency." "They want to know: can they rely on the United States?" he said. "So I think that is the most important factor that we're facing right now. And anything that undermines that, I think, does harm our standing in the region." He noted, however, that American trading partners "know they need" the U.S. and "want the United States engaged." "They're prepared to cut deals and so if the Trump administration is willing to cut deals with our partners in Asia, there are deals to be had," he said. This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
ASEAN-GCC-China: A Brave New World?
Malaysia could stand proud not merely for arranging such a smoothly run Summit, but also for the bridging of minds that have arguably emerged as key voices of the newly resurgent Global South. – Bernama photo Posterity, I dare say, will regard the recently concluded ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur in May as a historic turning point. While the ASEAN Summit and its related meetings like the ASEAN-GCC Summit were equally historic for their role in progressing ASEAN's agenda, current trade wars and geopolitical fragmentation have somehow made many quarters perceive the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit as the gamechanger during the recent ASEAN gathering. A potential 'reconciler to the fragmented world' Malaysia could stand proud not merely for arranging such a smoothly run Summit, but also for the bridging of minds that have arguably emerged as key voices of the newly resurgent Global South, particularly through the successful issuance of a Joint Statement – usually the most difficult feat in any multilateral meeting. As part of their Joint Statement, the ASEAN-GCC-China leaders condemned the continued atrocities on the people of Gaza and called for a ceasefire, echoing the sentiments of all right-minded peoples across the world. Beyond politics, a deeper trilateral economic integration makes perfect sense. For context, the combined numbers for ASEAN, GCC and China speak for themselves: over a quarter of the world's population, and a collective GDP of almost USD trillion. Figures for foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, too, stack up nicely: ASEAN attracted USD billion in FDI inflows, representing about a significant portion of global FDI. China received USD billion, while the GCC secured USD billion. Collectively, these figures accounted for roughly a substantial share of global FDI inflows. From such data alone, the significance of this combined economic might was clear to the leaders from China and the two economic blocs. ASEAN can be a strategic gateway to the East Asian markets. Malaysia, in particular, with our well-established trade and industrial ecosystem, rule of law and ease of investor journey is also well-poised to facilitate such investments into the broader ASEAN and East Asian markets. The GCC's economic dynamism, strategic location connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, and its shared religious and cultural values with Malaysia as well as ASEAN make it an ideal partner for deeper economic integration. Indeed, ASEAN's trade with the GCC stood at USD billion and FDI inflows were USD million. On a wider scale, China, as we know, was ASEAN's largest trading partner with USD billion in trade and USD billion in foreign direct investment. China and the GCC are hence crucial economic partners for ASEAN and for Malaysia. It therefore is totally appropriate for us to want to engage with them, both on a bilateral and trilateral format. That is also why Malaysia will soon start negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the GCC, because there is so much potential to increase the current total trade between Malaysia and the GCC. How ASEAN deals benefit its people But I want to go a bit more granular and show how engaging on an ASEAN-GCC-China scale can benefit ordinary Malaysians, including the youth, women and MSMEs. Through the Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) under the Economic Pillar of Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and other related Ministries are working diligently to ensure substantial progress for these PEDs by year-end. Some of these are of course directly linked to the GCC and China. For instance, we have completed negotiations to not only upgrade the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) but also the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA). Both of these will be signed in October, boosting both intra-ASEAN and ASEAN's trade with China which as we know will be key to tide our region over during this period of geopolitical instability. Separately, another of our PEDs, namely the Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation Between the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was also completed in full. Through this, our two regions will explore new avenues of cooperation like market integration, sustainability, decarbonisation, digital transformation and inclusion, including for MSMEs. Sectorally, ASEAN's PED on the Development of Policy Recommendations and Guidelines to Support ASEAN EV Implementation Roadmap will benefit from China's global leadership in electrical vehicles (EVs). Accounting for more than a large majority of global electric car production, China also produced more than a dominant share of all EV batteries ever manufactured. Consider also the Endorsement of the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation, which is clearly in alignment with the GCC's ramping up of its efforts to diversify its economies and energy mix away from oil and gas in pursuit of renewable energy (RE). They have pledged a massive investment in RE by the end of the decade to transition to clean energy and reduce carbon emissions. There are, indeed, many synergies for economic integration. Development of ASEAN Tourism Outlook? China and GCC are key tourist markets for ASEAN. An ASEAN Framework for Integrated Semiconductor Supply-Chain (AFISS)? China is both a major chip buyer and maker. In conclusion, when Malaysia proposed the PEDs for its Chairmanship year, we were clear on how we could boost ASEAN's socio-economic dynamism and ergo, the ASEAN-GCC-China trilateral relationship can likewise contribute to this. Furthermore, global demand for halal products is currently valued at over USD trillion and will grow significantly by the end of the decade. This is a market ASEAN, GCC and China can collaborate to tap on and even corner together. Also, as previously highlighted, as a combined market of more than two billion people, ASEAN, GCC and China should be regions where young Malaysian men and women, including those in small business, look for job or business opportunities. We are paving the way for all our Malaysian jaguhs to enter wider markets for their goods and services, while ensuring that their interests will always be safeguarded through well negotiated FTAs. Deeper economic integration supports regional security But one would argue that even spreading one's wings to ASEAN really is just a waypoint for the truly ambitious. While other regions may draw inwards, our three are seeking even greater connectivity for our people and businesses. The coming together of ASEAN-GCC-China's leaders signals that we refuse for our horizons to be limited—by ourselves or others—to our own borders or backyards. Indeed, deeper economic integration would do well to better support regional security, which feeds into ASEAN's Political-Security deliverables. This is also why ASEAN – with its principles of centrality, neutrality, non-alignment – must matter to not only its Member States, but also to partners like the GCC, China and indeed, other Dialogue Partners like Australia, Canada, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Japan and New Zealand. Truth be told, what we can achieve together through this nascent ASEAN-GCC-China trilateral configuration is only limited by our imaginations.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Forging a brave new world
POSTERITY, I dare say, will regard the recently concluded Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit in Kuala Lumpur on May 27 as a historic turning point. While the 46th Asean Summit and its related meetings like the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit were equally historic for their role in progressing Asean's agenda, current trade wars and geopolitical fragmentation have somehow made many quarters perceive the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit as the game changer during the recent gathering. Malaysia could stand proud not merely for arranging such a smoothly-run summit, but also for the bridging of minds that have arguably emerged as key voices of the newly resurgent Global South – particularly through the successful issuance of a joint statement, usually the most difficult feat in any multilateral meeting. As part of their joint statement, the Asean-GCC-China leaders condemned the continued atrocities on the people of Gaza and called for a ceasefire, echoing the sentiments of all right-minded peoples across the world. Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz: Asean can be a strategic gateway to the East Asian markets. Beyond politics, a deeper trilateral economic integration makes perfect sense. For context, the combined numbers for Asean, the GCC and China speak for themselves: 2.15 billion people (or just over a quarter of the world's population) and a collective GDP of almost US$25 trillion. Figures for foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, too, stack up nicely: In 2024, Asean attracted US$235bil in FDI inflows, representing about 17% of global FDI. China received US$114.76bil, while the GCC secured US$70bil. Collectively, these figures accounted for roughly 30% of global FDI inflows. From such data alone, the significance of this combined economic might was clear to the leaders from China and the two economic blocs. Asean can be a strategic gateway to the East Asian markets. Malaysia in particular – with our well-established trade and industrial ecosystem, rule of law and ease of investor journey – is also well poised to facilitate such investments into the broader Asean and East Asian markets. The GCC's economic dynamism, strategic location connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, and its shared religious and cultural values with Malaysia as well as Asean make it an ideal partner for deeper economic integration. Indeed, in 2023, Asean's trade with the GCC stood at US$130.7bil and FDI inflows were US$390.2mil. On a wider scale, China was Asean's largest trading partner with US$696.7bil in trade and US$17.3bil in FDI. China and the GCC are hence crucial economic partners for Asean and for Malaysia. It therefore is totally appropriate for us to want to engage with them, both on a bilateral and trilateral format. That is also why Malaysia will soon start negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) with the GCC, because there is so much potential to increase the current total trade of US$22bil. But I want to go a bit more granular and show how engaging on an Asean-GCC-China scale can benefit ordinary Malaysians, including the youth, women and MSMEs. Through the 18 Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) under the Economic Pillar of Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry and other related ministries are working diligently to ensure substantial progress for these PEDs by year's end. Some of these are of course directly linked to the GCC and China. For instance, we have completed negotiations to not only upgrade the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement but also the Asean-China Free Trade Area 3.0. Both of these will be signed in October, boosting both intra-Asean and Asean's trade with China – which as we know will be key to tide our region over during this period of geopolitical instability. Separately, another of our PEDs, namely the Joint Declaration on Economic Cooperation Between the Asean-GCC was also completed in full. Through this, our two regions will explore new avenues of cooperation like market integration, sustainability, decarbonisation, digital transformation and inclusion, including for MSMEs. Sectorally, Asean's PED on the Development of Policy Recommendations and Guidelines to Support Asean EV Implementation Roadmap will benefit from China's global leadership in electrical vehicles (EVs). Accounting for more than 70% of global electric car production in 2024, China also produced more than 70% of all EV batteries ever manufactured. Consider also the Endorsement of the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation 2026-2030, which is clearly in alignment with the GCC's ramping up of its efforts to diversify its economies and energy mix away from oil and gas in pursuit of renewable energy (RE). They have pledged an US$100bil investment in RE by 2030 to transition to clean energy and reduce carbon emissions. There are, indeed, many synergies for economic integration. Development of Asean Tourism Outlook? China and GCC are key tourist markets for Asean. An Asean Framework for Integrated Semiconductor Supply-Chain? China is both a major chip buyer and maker. In conclusion, when Malaysia proposed the PEDs for its Chairmanship year, we were clear on how we could boost Asean's socio-economic dynamism and ergo, the Asean-GCC-China trilateral relationship can likewise contribute to this. Furthermore, global demand for halal products is currently valued at over US$3 trillion and will grow to US$5 trillion by 2030. This is a market Asean, GCC and China can collaborate to tap into and even corner together. Also, as a combined market of more than two billion people, Asean, GCC and China should be regions where young Malaysian men and women, including those in small business, look for job or business opportunities. We are paving the way for all our Malaysian 'jaguh' to enter wider markets for their goods and services, while ensuring that their interests will always be safeguarded through well-negotiated FTAs. But one would argue that even spreading one's wings to Asean really is just a waypoint for the truly ambitious. While other regions may draw inwards, our three are seeking even greater connectivity for our people and businesses. The coming together of Asean-GCC-China's leaders signals that we refuse for our horizons to be limited – by ourselves or others – to our own borders or backyards. Indeed, deeper economic integration would do well to better support regional security, which feeds into Asean's Political Security deliverables. This is also why Asean – with its principles of centrality, neutrality, non-alignment – must matter to not only its member states, but also to partners like the GCC, China and indeed, other dialogue partners like Australia, Canada, the European Union, India, Japan, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Japan and New Zealand. Truth be told, what we can achieve together through this nascent Asean-GCC-China trilateral configuration is only limited by our imaginations. Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz is the Investment, Trade and Industry Minister. The views expressed here are his own.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Naruto and Hinata's love story explained: How the red thread of fate made them destined to be together'
The hit anime Naruto is famous for its epic fight scenes, tear-jerking plots, and rich character development. One thing that never fails to start a debate amongst fans is Naruto's romance—namely, his coupling with Hinata Hyuga. Where some viewers found it shocking that Naruto wouldn't marry Sakura, many others interpreted his connection to Hinata as destiny's hand. If you ever wanted to know why Naruto and Hinata deservedly ended up together, there's a hugely important cultural reason—and its roots lie in the Red Thread of Fate, an East Asian romantic legend. What is the red thread of fate? The Red Thread of Fate (also known as the Red String of Destiny) is a familiar East Asian myth. According to the myth, two people who are destined to be soulmates are tied together with an invisible red string, usually drawn from a man's thumb to a woman's pinky. Though distance and time may keep them separated, they will always meet again. This myth can be found in just about every anime and drama that touches on the subject, from Your Name, to Tomorrow, to The Last: Naruto the Movie. In Naruto's case, the red thread is represented by something that long-time anime and manga fans will know a lot about—a red scarf. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The red scarf is more than just a gift In The Last: Naruto the Movie, Hinata knits a new red scarf as a stand-in for Naruto's old one, which he gave away as a child. This handmade scarf is much more than a thoughtful gift. It starts to serve as a harbinger of their fate. In the final minutes of the film, once Naruto figures out what Hinata has been trying to say and matches her feelings by shouting them back, the tears wetting her cheeks dissolve into the outline of the red scarf, a symbol of the red thread bonding them across time and space. It demonstrates that her love and tenderness have penetrated his heart, fulfilling the bond they were forever destined to connect. Naruto switching to a green scarf had a deeper meaning Even some of our most devoted fans couldn't wrap their heads around the fact that Naruto would swap out his beloved red scarf for a green one for the course of the film, let alone that Hinata would be so affected by it. Her reaction wasn't simply envy—it was emblematic. Within the context of the red thread legend, changing scarves would be similar to cutting the red string, or breaking one's fate. For Hinata, the red scarf was their connection. So watching Naruto put on another one may have seemed like he was severing that unique bond. Love at first sight? There are plenty of viewers who will find Hinata and Naruto's romance unrealistic, given that Hinata hardly spoke to Naruto in the show's first few episodes. Japanese culture has a word for that, too: 'Koi no Yokan,' or the premonition of love. It's not the feeling of being in love at first sight—it's more the feeling of someone being very important to you someday. Hinata might have even had an inkling that Naruto was the one she was destined to love, even before they became friends. This parallels the red thread origin story in which initially only one of the connected parties may recognize the bond. Naruto and Hinata's love story was built over time Though it wasn't love at first sight for Naruto, their romance was allowed to grow organically. Since childhood, Hinata looked up to Naruto's resolve, compassion, and perseverance embodying his never give up spirit. To Naruto, who had once felt like he was the most unloved and misunderstood child, it was a reminder that Hinata always loved him, always stood up for him, even when nobody else would. Only by the events of The Last: Naruto the Movie, more than a decade later, does Naruto realize just how profound Hinata's love was and start to reciprocate it. Their kiss under the moonlight wasn't just a romantic moment. It was destiny fulfilled. A love written in the stars Naruto and Hinata's romance came as a shock and disappointment to a lot of fans. If you consider the meaning of the red thread of fate, it works perfectly. Their connection went beyond the emotional—it was spiritual and cultural, forged by an East Asian embedded belief that has coursed through legends for hundreds of years. So, no matter whether you're a diehard anime lover or a newcomer to the franchise, rest assured in knowing that Naruto and Hinata were destined to be together. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Coast Guard Teams Up With Allies Amid China Escalation
A United States Coast Guard ship has arrived in Northeast Asia as it prepares to conduct a joint exercise with South Korean and Japanese counterparts amid escalating maritime assertiveness by China. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese defense and foreign ministries for comment by email. USCGC Stratton, a U.S. Coast Guard national security cutter, has been deployed in the western Pacific Ocean since early May. It arrived in the Philippines-a U.S. treaty ally with territorial disputes against China in the South China Sea-two weeks ago for an exercise. South Korea and Japan-American treaty allies-face maritime challenges from China, with the East Asian power installing structures in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, and unilaterally declaring "no-sail zones" near the Korean Peninsula, raising concerns. U.S. Naval Forces Korea announced that the Stratton arrived at Busan naval base in South Korea on Thursday for a trilateral engagement with South Korean and Japanese coast guards to improve their "interoperability and collaboration" in the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise-scheduled to run from May 29 to June 2-is focused on joint search and rescue, in accordance with an agreement reached last year that aims to strengthen coordination among the three parties for maritime disaster response, according to the South Korean coast guard. The Stratton is also expected to conduct a second trilateral drill in Japan, which will involve the Japanese and Philippine coast guards, the U.S. Embassy in Manila previously revealed. "Consistent U.S. Coast Guard national security cutter deployments to the region demonstrate the U.S. commitment to strong maritime governance that supports security, freedom, and prosperity in the Western Pacific," the U.S. Coast Guard said. During its months-long deployment, the Stratton is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15, the U.S. Seventh Fleet's principal surface force, the U.S. Coast Guard added. The Japan-based fleet maintains America's naval presence in the western Pacific and Indian Oceans. In addition to trilateral coast guard exercises, the U.S. and its Northeast Asian allies have regularly conducted joint naval drills. In mid-March, an American aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, joined the Japanese and South Korean navies for a war game in the East China Sea. The U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area told Newsweek: "Stratton is currently deployed under the tactical control of [Destroyer Squadron] 15 and seeks to strengthen global maritime governance to preserve sovereignty, share information, facilitate force-multiplying partnerships, and demonstrate professionalism to reinforce the rule of law at sea." A South Korean coast guard official said on Wednesday: "This drill is even more meaningful in that it is the first joint exercise led by the ROK Coast Guard and it is an opportunity for the three countries to share real-time information and check rescue response systems as if it were a real battle." ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, the official name of South Korea. It remains to be seen how the U.S. Coast Guard will maintain its presence in the western Pacific Ocean in addition to its role of stopping the flow of illegal migrants and drugs to the U.S. by sea. Related Articles Giant Construction Projects Boom as U.S. Lifts Syria SanctionsChina Warns US Over Trump's 'Golden Dome'Photos Show US Aircraft Carrier Preparing for Patrol on Pacific Front LineAmerican Drone Company Claims Major Breakthrough Over Chinese Competitors 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
