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IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Navigating Tensions: AFRICOM's Role in SADC's Security Landscape
ZAMBIAN President Hakainde Hichilema, Angola President João Lourenço , US President Joe Biden, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi, and Tanzania Vice-President Philip Isdor Mpango at the Lobito Corridor Trans-Africa Summit held in Benguela, Angola on December 4, 2024. Image: AFP Dr. Sizo Nkala The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) – the combatant command responsible for carrying out the US Department of Defence's military operations, exercises, and security cooperation in Africa – could sow divisions within the southern African region. The leadership of the AFRICOM, including the Deputy Commander Lieutenant General John Brennan and Ambassador Robert Scott, made what seemed to be successful visits to Angola and Namibia at the end of July. In both countries, the parties discussed mutual security interests, including promoting stability in southern Africa, tackling wildlife and timber trafficking, drug cartels and terrorism, which are a threat to regional peace and stability. The visits followed the Obangame Joint Military Exercise conducted in Cape Verde in May, in which both Namibia and Angola took part alongside 22 other African countries and the US. In Angola, it coincided with the Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) where Angolan and US troops were conducting live fire exercises aimed at improving combat readiness and the interoperability of allied forces. With the US-funded Lobito Corridor, a railway track which will connect Angola's Lobito port to more inland countries like Zambia and the DRC, Angola is central to US economic interests in southern Africa. The AFRICOM leaders emphasised that they seek to work with African countries in a manner that enhances their sovereignty and autonomy rather than their dependency. This dovetails with AFRICOM's doctrine of 'African Solutions to African Problems'. With its deeper knowledge and experience in maritime security, counterinsurgency activities, and peacekeeping operations, AFRICOM could be a valuable partner for states in the region dealing with violent conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province. In flaunting its credentials and values, the AFRICOM leaders could not miss an opportunity to throw shade at US geopolitical rivals – China and Russia – whom it accused of treating African militaries as their training aides. However, the mood was decidedly different for AFRICOM's relations with another southern African country. Early in August, the US Department of Defence decided to cancel the Shared Accord military exercises between the US and South Africa. This was because of a disagreement over allowing armed American soldiers to guard the US aircraft. It is reported that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) preferred that its personnel protect the aircraft while the DoD insisted on having its soldiers take that responsibility. The DoD argued that the Status of Forces Agreement signed between Pretoria and Washington in 1999 allowed US security personnel to guard US assets. This marks yet another negative turn in the bilateral relations between the two countries, which have deteriorated rapidly since the beginning of Donald Trump's second presidency in January. The latest cancellation is the third time the US has withdrawn from planned security cooperation activities with South Africa since last year. In 2024, the US pulled out of the African Aerospace and Defence Expo and also decided against docking a US Navy ship in Cape Town. This was partly because of South Africa's refusal to sign the so-called 'Article 98', which enjoins countries to sign an agreement to protect the US security personnel from arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) when on their territory. The US is not a member of the ICC. South Africa and AFRICOM have always had a frosty relationship since its establishment in 2007. The former vociferously campaigned against the establishment of an American military base in Africa. Pretoria was of the view that AFRICOM was an imperialistic venture, and a keen association with it would be seen as being a lapdog of American imperialism in Africa. This stance was also in part an effort by the African National Congress (ANC) to differentiate itself from the Apartheid government, which had no issues protecting the interests of the US in the region - sometimes through destabilising neighbouring countries. AFRICOM's less-than-cordial relations with South Africa will undermine the effectiveness of its security cooperation with the region. South Africa is a regional powerhouse with the strongest and most well-equipped military in southern Africa. The country is an active participant in peacekeeping operations in southern Africa, having recently contributed the bulk of the troops in the Southern African Development Community (SADC)'s peacekeeping missions in Mozambique and the DRC. Without Pretoria's cooperation, AFRICOM's ventures will have a limited impact. The SADC region is an indivisible security considering the litany of transnational security threats it faces. As such, any engagement with a major external actor like AFRICOM would be more effective if done on a regional rather than a national and bilateral level. Just last year, on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa expressed his worries to the Russian President Vladimir Putin over AFRICOM's close cooperation with AFRICOM. He asked that Russia intensify security cooperation with his country as a counterweight to the West's projection of power in neighbouring countries. If the regional leaders do not address this, the region could soon be divided into two security spheres of influence – one controlled by the US and the other controlled by China and Russia. * Dr. Sizo Nkala is a Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg's Centre for Africa-China Studies. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
IOL News
08-08-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Litmus Test for SADC Unity in the Wake of US Military Overtures
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Angola President Joao Lourenco, US President Joe Biden, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi, and Tanzania Vice-President Philip Isdor Mpango at the Lobito Corridor Trans-Africa Summit December 4, 2024. ( Image: AFP Kim Heller The United States (U.S.) is romancing the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It is no whirlwind courtship. For months now, Washington has been actively engaged in the new peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In July, senior leaders from the U.S. Africa Command visited Angola and Namibia. Last week, AFRICOM Deputy Commander Lieutenant General John W. Brennan and Ambassador Robert Scott held an online press briefing to provide some insight into the U.S. intentions. There is an unmistakable desire to deepen security links and avert the threat of terrorism and insurgency, which poses a risk beyond the Continent. The U.S. also hopes to elevate its economic presence in Africa. The G-7-backed Lobito Corridor, connecting Angola to the DRC and Zambia, is a flagship project. At the recent press conference, Brennan spoke of how the U.S. respects and honours the vision of "African-led, partner-led, and ally-enabled" projects. Brennan cited the Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET) in Angola as such an example. However, behind the silky talk lies the grim fact that most foreign partner projects are owned and governed by foreign interests rather than driven by local needs or wishes. Despite all the overtures by the United States government, there is no true love affair in the offering. Stripped of all its seductive talk and promises, it is crystal clear that this newfound fondness for Africa is motivated by the United States' lust for mineral wealth, its excitement about the prospect of SADC as a security headquarters, and the thrill of winning strategic advantages over its key rivals, China and Russia. The U.S. does not love Africa. It loves to use Africa. For the U.S., the stability of Southern Africa, its enormous mineral wealth and its vital geo-strategic ports make it a highly attractive partner. Greater control over the Lobito Corridor is a significant win for the U.S., for it provides access to a critical sea route for both economic and military purposes. The charm offensive in the SADC must be viewed in the context of negative sentiments towards the U.S. in parts of Africa. There is little love left for the U.S. in parts of West Africa, the Sahel region, and most notably in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It is not surprising then that the U.S. is desperately seeking a friendly outpost on the Continent, and Southern Africa seems to be a willing partner. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has recently spoken of how the U.S. is moving away from a "charity-based foreign aid model" to partnerships with African countries that "demonstrate the ability and willingness to help themselves." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The US is a serial opportunist. Its roving eye is easily drawn to speedy, high-dividend transactions rather than long and steady associations. The U.S. expects that SADC will be up for sale, like much of Africa. Too often, the Continent is little more than a passing fancy in the rivalries of great nations. In the swoon of foreign advances, SADC must be cautious, and it is imperative that it resist becoming an easily discarded pawn in U.S. rivalries with China and Russia. The U.S. is unlikely to be a steady partner for SADC, especially under the Trump administration. A short-term fancy by the U.S. whose affections can be withdrawn in a wink, is not a sustainable partnership for SADC unless it is defined and dictated by SADC itself, rather than imposed by the United States. SADC must forget how U.S. Aid was stopped in an inhumanly hurried manner, jeopardising millions of impoverished Africans. What is concerning is that an overwhelming involvement of the U.S. in the Lobita Corridor, its military presence, and hold over mineral resources appears to emulate former exploitative colonial patterns. Equally worrying is the risk of U.S. interference with security priorities and protocols. The securitisation of SADC and the potential disorientation of its security plans, protocols and structures pose a direct threat to its sovereignty. Emotions can change; whims are not long-term commitments. SADC must be careful not to fall for a gambit that does not favour it in the medium to long term. The words of African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat must be heeded, "We are not pawns," he declared at the 2024 AU summit. At this juncture, SADC unity cannot be compromised, especially given the ongoing crisis in the DRC. A unified rather than individual country strategy is likely to strengthen the hand of the SADC in dealing with the U.S.'s partnership invitation. The Trump administration holds no affection for Africa. It is about narcissistic intent and interest. A penchant for power, not peace, is its motivational force. The intent is simple. For now, the U.S. is salivating about minerals, strategic ports, valuable shipping corridors and military presence. In West Africa, AFRICOM has been marched out. Now, the U.S. is hoping to be welcomed in Southern Africa. With the relative stability SADC offers, it could be a real win for the U.S. Unless SADC ensures that the relationship is one of mutual collaboration, support, and development rather than dependency and control, it will be but a pawn in the play of foreign players. In the Washington Qatar brokered peace deal for the DRC, SADC and the African Union were sidelined. This should make SADC proceed with caution. SADC risks getting caught up in an exploitative relationship – where its strategic assets and infrastructure are used for U.S security benefits and where extraction rather than development ensues. SADC must act in a unified manner, especially given that member countries have different historical relationships with and attitudes towards the U.S. SADC will need to be highly vigilant to ensure that military training exercises are not more sinister military plans by the U.S. to fight the growing influence of China and Russia. If SADC acts submissively and with naivety, smiles will turn to tears in a classic betrayal by imperial agendas. Africa must protect its heart and its sovereignty. Southern Africa cannot be turned into the U.S.'s new battlefield. What is certain is that Africa will continue to be a playground for foreign wars. With this understanding, SADC must not lose its sovereignty in the easy frolic and charm of foreign suitors. * Kim Heller is a political analyst and author of No White Lies: Black Politics and White Power in South Africa. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL, Independent Media or The African.
Korea Herald
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
JCET Reports Q1 2025 Revenue Growth of 36.4% and Net Profit Growth of 50.4%
Q1 2025 Financial Highlights: SHANGHAI, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- JCET Group (SSE: 600584), a leading global provider of integrated circuit (IC) back-end manufacturing and technology services, today announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025. The company achieved revenue of RMB 9.34 billion in Q1 2025, a 36.4% increase year-on-year, marking a record high for the same period. Net profit attributable to owners of the parent was RMB 200 million, a 50.4% year-on-year increase. In the first quarter of 2025, JCET maintained a steady and progressive business development, focusing on advanced technologies and key application markets. The company continued to optimize its business structure and improve its capacity layout and supply chain both domestically and internationally. During the reporting period, all business segments achieved significant year-on-year growth. In the field of computing electronics, JCET provides comprehensive solutions for global customers, meeting the increasing market demand, with revenue growing by 92.9% year-on-year. The automotive electronics business strengthened its turnkey service capabilities, with related revenue increasing by 66.0%. The industrial and medical electronics segment saw a revenue increase of 45.8% year-on-year. JCET remains committed to building a diversified and resilient supply chain, closely monitoring the international trade landscape, assessing and responding to potential impacts, and maintaining close communication with customers and suppliers. With its comprehensive strength, JCET further solidified its position as a global semiconductor packaging leader, ranking in the "Semiconductor 30 2025" list published by Brand Finance in Q1. Under the guidance of its strategic direction, JCET will continue to advance lean production, optimize product structure and capacity layout, and enhance its medium and long term profitability through technology innovation and economy of scale. About JCET Group JCET Group is the world's leading integrated circuit back-end manufacturing and technology services provider. We offer a full range of turnkey solutions, including semiconductor package integration design and characterization, R&D, wafer probing, bumping, package assembly, final testing, and drop shipment to vendors worldwide. Our comprehensive portfolio spans a broad range of semiconductor applications—including mobile, communication, computing, consumer, automotive, and industrial—delivered through advanced wafer-level packaging, 2.5D/3D packaging, System-in-Package solutions, and reliable flip chip and wire bonding technologies. JCET Group has two R&D centers in China and Korea; eight manufacturing sites across China, Korea, and Singapore; and sales centers around the world, enabling close technology collaboration and efficient supply-chain manufacturing for our global customers.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
JCET Releases 2024 Annual Report, Achieves Record-High Revenue
SHANGHAI , April 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Q4 2024 Financial Highlights: Revenue was RMB 10.98 billion, an increase 19.0 % year-on-year, and an increase of 15.7% quarter-on-quarter, a record quarter in the company's history. Net profit attributable to owners of the parent was RMB 0.53 billion, an increase of 7.3% year-on-year and 16.7% quarter-on-quarter. Generated RMB 1.90 billion cash from operations. With net capex investments of RMB 1.49 billion, free cash flow for the quarter was RMB 0.41 billion. Earnings per share were RMB 0.3. Full Year 2024 Financial Highlights: Revenue was RMB 35.96 billion, an increase of 21.2% year-on-year, and a record high in the company's history. Net profit attributable to owners of the parent was RMB 1.61 billion, an increase of 9.4% year-on-year. Generated RMB 5.83 billion cash from operations. With net capex investments of RMB 4.57 billion, free cash flow was RMB 1.26 billion. Earnings per share were RMB 0.9. Shanghai, China, April 20, 2025 — JCET Group (SSE: 600584), a leading global provider of integrated circuit (IC) back-end manufacturing and technology services, today announced its full year financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024. The report shows that JCET achieved record-high revenue of RMB 35.96 billion for the full year 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 21.2%. Net profit attributable to owners of the parent reached RMB 1.61 billion, up 9.4% year-on-year. In Q4, the company's revenue rose to RMB 10.98 billion, up 19.0 % year-on-year and 15.7% quarter-on-quarter – surpassing the RMB 10-billion threshold for the first time and setting a new quarterly record. Q4 net profit attributable to owners of the parent was RMB 0.53 billion, reflecting a quarter-on-quarter increase of 16.7%. The company continues to strengthen its cash flow position, having achieved positive free cash flow for six consecutive years, from 2019 to 2024. Business Overview In 2024, JCET leveraged its core applications to strengthen customer loyalty and advance the commercialization of innovative technologies, resulting in record-high annual revenue. To accelerate its transition toward advanced packaging, the company consistently increased investment in advanced packaging technologies. Despite short-term cost pressures, JCET remains confident that its technological innovation and the adoption of intelligent applications will drive long-term growth. Operations across its manufacturing facilities steadily recovered, with capacity utilization continuing to rise. As of Q4, wafer-level packaging, other advanced packaging, and high-end testing operations had reached full capacity, with revenue from advanced packaging accounting for over 72% of total annual revenue. Additionally, JCET has developed comprehensive, customized packaging and testing solutions for high-performance computing systems (e.g., computing, storage, connectivity, and power management), with mass production capabilities already in place. Revenue from the computing electronics segment grew by 38.1% year-on-year. In the automotive electronics sector, breakthroughs in ADAS sensors and electrified drive systems spurred a year-on-year revenue increase of 20.5%, further reinforcing the company's position in the core supply chain of several leading industry players. The strong performance of these business segments has not only sharpened JCET's competitiveness, but also laid a solid foundation for future product iterations, technological advancements, and market expansion. Technological Innovation JCET is dedicated to pioneering advanced packaging technologies and fostering collaborative development across the industry chain. In 2024, R&D expenditures reached RMB 1.72 billion, an increase of 19.3% year-on-year, with the company filing 587 new patent applications—bringing its total patent portfolio to 3,030 patents as of the end of 2024. In the field of heterogeneous microsystem integration, JCET's multi-dimensional fan-out packaging integration platform, XDFOI®, has achieved stable mass production. Similarly, plastic-encapsulated power modules for the new energy sector have entered mass production, successfully addressing challenges such as heat dissipation and warpage in high-power modules, thereby significantly enhancing product performance. With ongoing advancements in traditional packaging technologies, innovations like the HFBP dual-sided heat dissipation packaging have continued to strengthen JCET's differentiated competitive edge, boosting customer loyalty and product margins among globally renowned clients. Additionally, by leveraging its pilot production line for automotive chip packaging, JCET has successfully developed and implemented several innovative process solutions. These initiatives have substantially improved both production efficiency and product quality. Major Projects In 2024, JCET continued to ramp up capital expenditures to further refine its industrial footprint in advanced technologies. The acquisition of an 80% stake in SanDisk (Shanghai) has been finalized and consolidated into the financial statements from Q4 onwards. The JCET Microelectronics Microsystem Integration High-End Manufacturing Base in Jiangyin has been put into operation, providing turnkey back-end manufacturing services for high-performance chips to global clients. Meanwhile, the Automotive Chip Back-End Manufacturing Base in Shanghai has completed structural topping-out and is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2025, further supporting the company's expansion into the high-end automotive electronics market. Mr. Li Zheng, CEO of JCET, said, "By focusing on core applications and key markets, we have accelerated the transformation of our business structure toward high value-added segments, achieving significant milestones in 2024. In light of ongoing structural shifts and emerging trends in the global semiconductor market, JCET will continue to strengthen technological innovation and actively promote open, collaborative engagement across the industry chain, opening a new chapter of high-quality growth." For more information, please refer to the JCET FY2024 Report About JCET Group JCET Group is the world's leading integrated circuit back-end manufacturing and technology services provider. We offer a full range of turnkey solutions, including semiconductor package integration design and characterization, R&D, wafer probing, bumping, package assembly, final testing, and drop shipment to vendors worldwide. Our comprehensive portfolio spans a broad range of semiconductor applications—including mobile, communication, computing, consumer, automotive, and industrial—delivered through advanced wafer-level packaging, 2.5D/3D packaging, System-in-Package solutions, and reliable flip chip and wire bonding technologies. JCET Group has two R&D centers in China and Korea; eight manufacturing sites across China, Korea, and Singapore; and sales centers around the world, enabling close technology collaboration and efficient supply-chain manufacturing for our global customers. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE JCET Group Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
20-04-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
JCET Releases 2024 Annual Report, Achieves Record-High Revenue
SHANGHAI , April 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Q4 2024 Financial Highlights: Full Year 2024 Financial Highlights: Shanghai, China, April 20, 2025 — JCET Group (SSE: 600584), a leading global provider of integrated circuit (IC) back-end manufacturing and technology services, today announced its full year financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024. The report shows that JCET achieved record-high revenue of RMB 35.96 billion for the full year 2024, representing a year-on-year increase of 21.2%. Net profit attributable to owners of the parent reached RMB 1.61 billion, up 9.4% year-on-year. In Q4, the company's revenue rose to RMB 10.98 billion, up 19.0 % year-on-year and 15.7% quarter-on-quarter – surpassing the RMB 10-billion threshold for the first time and setting a new quarterly record. Q4 net profit attributable to owners of the parent was RMB 0.53 billion, reflecting a quarter-on-quarter increase of 16.7%. The company continues to strengthen its cash flow position, having achieved positive free cash flow for six consecutive years, from 2019 to 2024. Business Overview In 2024, JCET leveraged its core applications to strengthen customer loyalty and advance the commercialization of innovative technologies, resulting in record-high annual revenue. To accelerate its transition toward advanced packaging, the company consistently increased investment in advanced packaging technologies. Despite short-term cost pressures, JCET remains confident that its technological innovation and the adoption of intelligent applications will drive long-term growth. Operations across its manufacturing facilities steadily recovered, with capacity utilization continuing to rise. As of Q4, wafer-level packaging, other advanced packaging, and high-end testing operations had reached full capacity, with revenue from advanced packaging accounting for over 72% of total annual revenue. Additionally, JCET has developed comprehensive, customized packaging and testing solutions for high-performance computing systems (e.g., computing, storage, connectivity, and power management), with mass production capabilities already in place. Revenue from the computing electronics segment grew by 38.1% year-on-year. In the automotive electronics sector, breakthroughs in ADAS sensors and electrified drive systems spurred a year-on-year revenue increase of 20.5%, further reinforcing the company's position in the core supply chain of several leading industry players. The strong performance of these business segments has not only sharpened JCET's competitiveness, but also laid a solid foundation for future product iterations, technological advancements, and market expansion. Technological Innovation JCET is dedicated to pioneering advanced packaging technologies and fostering collaborative development across the industry chain. In 2024, R&D expenditures reached RMB 1.72 billion, an increase of 19.3% year-on-year, with the company filing 587 new patent applications—bringing its total patent portfolio to 3,030 patents as of the end of 2024. In the field of heterogeneous microsystem integration, JCET's multi-dimensional fan-out packaging integration platform, XDFOI®, has achieved stable mass production. Similarly, plastic-encapsulated power modules for the new energy sector have entered mass production, successfully addressing challenges such as heat dissipation and warpage in high-power modules, thereby significantly enhancing product performance. With ongoing advancements in traditional packaging technologies, innovations like the HFBP dual-sided heat dissipation packaging have continued to strengthen JCET's differentiated competitive edge, boosting customer loyalty and product margins among globally renowned clients. Additionally, by leveraging its pilot production line for automotive chip packaging, JCET has successfully developed and implemented several innovative process solutions. These initiatives have substantially improved both production efficiency and product quality. Major Projects In 2024, JCET continued to ramp up capital expenditures to further refine its industrial footprint in advanced technologies. The acquisition of an 80% stake in SanDisk (Shanghai) has been finalized and consolidated into the financial statements from Q4 onwards. The JCET Microelectronics Microsystem Integration High-End Manufacturing Base in Jiangyin has been put into operation, providing turnkey back-end manufacturing services for high-performance chips to global clients. Meanwhile, the Automotive Chip Back-End Manufacturing Base in Shanghai has completed structural topping-out and is expected to begin operations in the second half of 2025, further supporting the company's expansion into the high-end automotive electronics market. Mr. Li Zheng, CEO of JCET, said, 'By focusing on core applications and key markets, we have accelerated the transformation of our business structure toward high value-added segments, achieving significant milestones in 2024. In light of ongoing structural shifts and emerging trends in the global semiconductor market, JCET will continue to strengthen technological innovation and actively promote open, collaborative engagement across the industry chain, opening a new chapter of high-quality growth.' For more information, please refer to the JCET FY2024 Report About JCET Group JCET Group is the world's leading integrated circuit back-end manufacturing and technology services provider. We offer a full range of turnkey solutions, including semiconductor package integration design and characterization, R&D, wafer probing, bumping, package assembly, final testing, and drop shipment to vendors worldwide. Our comprehensive portfolio spans a broad range of semiconductor applications—including mobile, communication, computing, consumer, automotive, and industrial—delivered through advanced wafer-level packaging, 2.5D/3D packaging, System-in-Package solutions, and reliable flip chip and wire bonding technologies. JCET Group has two R&D centers in China and Korea; eight manufacturing sites across China, Korea, and Singapore; and sales centers around the world, enabling close technology collaboration and efficient supply-chain manufacturing for our global customers. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE JCET Group
