Latest news with #MOUs
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Subnational Diplomacy in California: Economic Cooperation or Security Risk?
Since before Ronald Reagans time as governor, Californians have considered their rich and bountiful home something to be something of a "nation-state." Its a phrase Gov. Gavin Newsom has employed repeatedly - and a description he seems to have taken literally: California has fostered its own diplomatic relationship with China for years. The stated rationale is the need for energy and economic collaboration. But some critics believe that Chinas own motivations are not so high-minded. One such critic, Brigham McCown, a scholar from the Hudson Institute, fears that the relationship will lead to Californians becoming "unwitting instruments in Chinas propaganda efforts." The subnational diplomatic ties between California and China are well established. A 2014 report details Californias longstanding work with China in the energy sector. But they are not without controversy, particularly in recent years. In 2023, Newsom was criticized for "cozying up to" the CCP on his 2023 trip to China, during which he signed five memoranda of understanding (MOUs) regarding climate change. MOUs are nonbinding agreements between a state and a country, and California currently shares 17 with China, a much higher number than it shares with most other countries. For reference, the next comparable numbers are the 12 MOUs California shares with Mexico and the nine it shares with Japan. Besides those countries, Californias MOUs per country hover around the one-to-five range. While it is difficult to obtain the exact numbers, Ryan Scoville, a professor of law at Marquette University, compiled a list of U.S. state commitments with foreign governments, including MOUs, and found that California leads with at least 94 agreements, with Maryland coming in second place with 68. There is evidence for a subversive type of Chinese influence in California as well. The late Dianne Feinstein, the longest-serving female senator in history and a key figure in Californian politics, made headlines after it was revealed that her driver was a Chinese spy. California Rep. Eric Swalwell was embarrassed by revelations that a Chinese operative had been targeting him and working on his campaign. Meanwhile, several California universities have received scrutiny for being the beneficiaries of large donations from CCP-linked organizations. Most recently, California and the federal government have been embroiled in a lawsuit over President Trumps tariffs. The lawsuit "argues that President Trump lacks the authority to unilaterally impose tariffs against Mexico, China, and Canada or create an across-the-board 10% tariff." The California governors official website notes that "Californias economy and workers rely heavily on this trade activity, particularly with Mexico, Canada, and China - our top 3 trade partners. Over 40% of California imports come from these countries, totaling $203 billion of the more than $491 billion in goods imported by California in 2024." Though state leaders are insistent that their diplomatic efforts are for the good of Californians, scholars remain divided over whether such diplomacy is necessary, or if it creates a national security threat. Does Subnational Diplomacy Undermine U.S. Policy? Yuichiro Kakutani, a policy advisor at the China and Indo-Pacific Asian Studies Center at the Heritage Foundation, told RCP, "Widespread malign Chinese influence in California presents a concrete national security risk to the United States." Kakutani explained that the CCP is more dangerous to engage with than other countries since it "has proven adept at manipulating state-level officials," and listed several examples, including Chinas efforts to influence California elections and UC Berkleys tech deal that gave the Chinese access to U.S. research. Brigham McCown, a senior fellow and director of the Initiative on American Energy Security at the Hudson Institute, another conservative think tank, offered a similar, though more nuanced, perspective to RCP. "While Californias activities may not directly undermine an administrations agenda in a legal sense, its actions can complicate Americas diplomatic posture, especially when unity is vital to facing strategic challenges," McCown said. McCown explained that not only has China learned how to manipulate politicians, but it also has a long history of discreetly "exploiting internal divisions" among Americans. "Californians should be cautious not to become unwitting instruments in Chinas propaganda efforts," he warned. McCown also touched on the tariff lawsuit, which has been ruled in favor of California, though an appeals court paused the decision, allowing the tariffs to remain in effect. He explained that the case is particularly relevant as it dictates the boundaries of state and federal authority. "These types of cases raise an important constitutional standing issue which is: 'Who has standing to challenge federal decisions in matters of foreign policy?" McCown said. McCown admitted that California may have ground to oppose the tariffs on an economic level, but that it does not have the authority to rise against the federal government on the matter. He explained, "While states may object to the economic consequences of federal action, under our federal system, states must defer to the national government in areas where the Constitution clearly delegates authority - particularly foreign commerce and international relations." The Benefits to California Not every scholar sees a problem. Kal Raustiala, the director of the UCLA Ronald W. Burkle Center for International Relations and a professor of comparative and international law at UCLA Law School, believes that subnational diplomacy is vital for Californias flourishing. "In our system the federal government takes the lead on foreign affairs. But that doesnt mean that states have no role," Raustiala said. As long as states are not actively contradicting or undermining federal foreign policy, Raustiala adds that the federal government has no real reason to intervene. "As a nation known for liberty and freedom, I think sometimes having multiple voices and opinions is good," he said. "I think other nations around the world understand that we are a big, varied nation with many views on key issues." In addressing the tariff lawsuit, Raustiala stated that California is both protecting its own people and its foreign interests. "California is the most economically dynamic state in the union," he told RCP. "We are big traders, big exporters, and have big, active ports. Trade is important, and California is seeking to ensure that trade continues to bring prosperity - prosperity that allows California to be a major net donor to the federal government year after year." Madelynn McLaughlin is an intern at RealClearPolitics. She graduated from Liberty University in 2025 with a degree in Government: Politics and Policy.
South China Morning Post
14-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong secures visa-free entry to UAE, eased rules for Oman
Hong Kong has secured relaxed visa arrangements for entry to some Gulf countries, as the financial hub signed a combined 59 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) and agreements with Qatar and Kuwait during the city leader's four-day trip to promote bilateral trade amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Leading a 50-strong delegation of business leaders and entrepreneurs from Hong Kong and mainland China, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Wednesday that the city was also seeking to work out a free-trade agreement with Gulf states. He announced visa-free arrangements for holders of Hong Kong passports, allowing Hongkongers to enter Qatar and the United Arab Emirates without visas for 30 days. The visa-free period for those entering Oman will be extended from 10 days to 14 days starting from May 15, along with the new arrangements for the UAE. 'It is a fruitful trip,' Lee said on Wednesday, the last day of the tour. He also thanked the leaders of Qatar and Kuwait for their hospitality and friendship. 'During this trip, we built friendships and expanded our circle of friends to two more Gulf states,' he said. Taking into account a 2023 trip to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Lee has visited four of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Hong Kong's delegation to Kuwait signed 24 MOUs and deals, with talks under way for investment promotion and promotion agreements.
South China Morning Post
10-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Will Malaysia gravitate further towards China in ‘new golden era' of ties?
Chinese President Xi Jinping 's three-day visit to Malaysia in mid-April has been described in glowing terms by both countries' leaders. Xi enthused that bilateral ties were entering a 'new golden era', while Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim affirmed that 'Malaysia will remain an unwavering and principled friend to China'. Advertisement The effusive statements from the two leaders undoubtedly signal closer diplomatic and economic cooperation in the future. This is evidenced by the exchange of 31 memorandums of understanding, agreements and notes between Malaysia and China during Xi's trip. These follow the 14 MOUs signed in June last year when Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Malaysia to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Although the MOUs and agreements are only meaningful if they are implemented, they collectively indicate the direction of cooperation between the two countries. One important MOU involves the extension of mutual visa exemption. The current reciprocal visa-free arrangement , which was scheduled to end in December this year, will be extended by the MOU for another five years. This will boost business relations and tourism between the two countries in the medium to long term. Chinese President Xi Jinping holds talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on April 16. Photo: Xinhua Many of the MOUs are expected to enhance connectivity between Malaysia and China. One of them was signed to strengthen railway cooperation, a natural follow-up to the East Coast Rail Link project due for completion and operation in 2027. It has also sparked chatter about the possibility of reviving the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore high-speed rail project with the involvement of Chinese state-owned enterprises. The joint statement also expressed support for the ambitious Pan-Asian Railway vision, a project that would strengthen China's rail connectivity with countries in the region. Aside from railways, air logistics between China and Malaysia will also be consolidated through the development of a twin hub involving the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan province, which serves central China. The Chinese airport is a major cargo hub with an adjacent economic zone that hosts the world's largest iPhone factory in Foxconn Zhengzhou Technology Park. The twin-hub air logistics project has the potential to strengthen supply chain linkages for the electrical and electronic industries in both countries. Advertisement Malaysia has long been keen to upgrade its technological capabilities and expand its digital economy. One of the new MOUs will lead to the establishment of joint laboratories in emerging technologies, which include artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, biotechnology, advanced material science and renewable energy. In the area of AI, both countries have committed to undertaking technical exchange programmes and collaborations to strengthen AI infrastructure in Malaysia. Another MOU will pave the way for the establishment of an AI and new materials joint laboratory (chip design and fabrication) by the University of Malaya and Peking University.
Iraqi News
09-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Iraq, Turkey sign several MoUs in different fields
Baghdad ( – To enhance bilateral cooperation, Iraq and Turkey signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) on Thursday, focusing on various areas of collaboration. The step took place during a ceremony held in the Turkish capital, Ankara, under the auspices of the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). The MOUs address areas such as defense industry cooperation, voluntary repatriation of Iraqi nationals from Turkey, judicial cooperation, combating drug trafficking, establishing Turkish university branches in Iraq, emergency and disaster management, digital public relations cooperation, measurement and calibration activities, and cooperation between the Turkish and Iraqi interior ministries. In a joint press conference, Erdogan said that Turkey will continue to strengthen cooperation with Iraq, noting that the two countries' bilateral relations have significantly improved since his visit to Baghdad in 2024. Erdogan noted that trade exchange between the two countries surpassed $18 billion in 2024 and reaffirmed Turkey's commitment to fight terrorism. The Turkish president welcomed Iraq's contribution to regional stability thanks to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's insight. Additionally, Erdogan expressed his ambition to increase cooperation with Iraq in the electricity sector.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FDA Considers Scaling Back Inspections, Raising Questions About Food Safety
The FDA is considering reducing its routine food safety inspections and shifting more responsibility to state agencies. However, critics are concerned that this action could undermine oversight and transparency, particularly in light of recent agency controversies, such as the lack of transparency over a recent E. coli outbreak. While states already conduct many inspections, some are not under FDA contracts, raising questions about consistency and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may soon scale back its routine food safety inspections, shifting even more responsibility to state authorities. According to multiple federal health officials who spoke with CBS News, the FDA may soon further outsource the responsibility for food safety inspections to state authorities. This plan, shared by both a former and a current FDA official, has actually been a possibility for years under multiple administrations as a way to free up resources for higher-priority inspections. "There's so much work to go around. And us duplicating their work just doesn't make sense," a former FDA official, who explained that they worked on the plans, told CBS. It's important to note that the FDA already outsources a significant portion of its inspection tasks to states, particularly those considered low-risk. The agency even clearly states on its website, "The FDA may conduct inspections using its own investigators or State partnering agencies acting on behalf of the FDA, or they may be conducted by foreign countries with whom we have Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) or similar agreements." Related: RFK Jr. Is Cutting 10,000 Jobs Across US Health Agencies — Here's What It Means The FDA additionally explained that it "trains the state inspectors who conduct these inspections to ensure consistency in our inspectional approaches" and provides states with information and findings from its federal-level inspections to aid individual state work. It added, "Some states also conduct non-contract inspections, which supports the integrated food safety system. States provide the FDA with inspection data via this voluntary program." The FDA, CBS reported, currently outsources some routine food inspections through contracts with 43 states and Puerto Rico. A January report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, under the Biden administration, indicated that approximately one-third of all inspections are already conducted at the state level. What remains unclear is what happens to the several states currently not under an FDA contract. However, advocacy groups, including the Consumer Brands Association and the Food Safety Coalition, have previously called for more state oversight. They expressed this in an open letter, "... States provide additional inspection capacity and often can do inspections at a lower cost. [The] FDA should leverage States that can perform FDA-audited equivalent inspections and expand the FDA workforce in those areas where states do not have the needed capacity." CBS also noted that Steve Mandernach, executive director of the Association of Food and Drug Officials, has stated in the past that "FDA audits have determined state inspections to be high quality, and the costs show them to be a good economic value. There is significant cost to managing two systems, also." However, this news comes at a rather inopportune time for the FDA, which is facing criticism after NBC released its story on how the agency quietly buried a report on a November E. coli outbreak that killed at least one person. NBC obtained an internal report showing that the FDA would not be naming the companies responsible and that 'There were no public communications related to this outbreak." Related: Experts Warn of Public Health Risks as the Trump Administration Eliminates 2 Critical Food Safety Committees This move to protect the responsible parties rather than the public, Frank Yiannas, the former deputy commissioner of food policy and response at the FDA, told NBC, was alarming. 'It is disturbing that the FDA hasn't said anything more public or identified the name of a grower or processor,' Yiannas said. However, as NBC also noted, the agency is not required by law to reveal the details of the investigation. It has also been a difficult time at the FDA, following the steep layoffs of support staff. These layoffs have led the agency to announce that it will suspend quality control programs at food testing laboratories due to the staff reductions. "In theory, relying on states to do more routine food inspection work could lead to better food safety," Thomas Gremillion, the director of food policy at the Consumer Federation of America, shared with CBS. However, Gremillion added, "So far, this administration has acted with reckless disregard for how its policies will affect the detection and prevention of foodborne illness, and any plans to replace federal food inspectors with some other workforce deserve suspicion." Read the original article on Food & Wine
