Latest news with #sphere
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Latin America: Beijing's narrative is dominating Washington's
The author writes on geopolitical issues and regional conflicts. He can be reached at Listen to article China's engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has been seen as a threat to the US strategic position globally with recommendations of employing military, technological and economic might to force its neighbours into severing ties with Beijing. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio himself recently travelled to several regional states to counter China's influence and prevent them from building critical infrastructure in cohorts with Beijing. But with China and LAC leaders at a forum in Beijing agreeing to bolster ties and support a "fair, transparent and rules-based multilateral trade system", in a densely veiled swipe at America, the gathering sent a strong message about its reluctance to rupture relations with China. In defiance of US President Donald Trump's trade war and crackdown on migration, the bloc has been promoting reconciliation to deliver a collective response. In last month's CELAC summit, regional leaders sought alliance to "reinvent itself" to face up to Washington's renewed "imperialist domination" efforts, protect against unilateral actions and develop initiatives in trade, science and technology. For a region that has been immersed in a low growth trap and where connectivity is crucial for a resilient economic future, the forum provided an opportunity to LAC to showcase its concerns on America's protectionist policies and pursue its ambition of projecting itself a dynamic geopolitical and economic player. In recent years, the China-Latin America relationship has strengthened, as two-thirds of regional countries have joined BRI and Beijing has emerged as biggest trading partners of Brazil, Chile and Peru. Trump's threats of taking over Panama Canal by force delivered him an ephemeral success once Panama withdrew from China's foreign policy drive. And Colombia's joining of blueprint tainted the US president's neo-Monroe Doctrine of considering the Western Hemisphere as America's exclusive sphere of influence. Testifying before Senate Armed Services Committee, Commander US Southern Command Admiral Alvin Holsey said China was "using the BRI to set the theater and expand its access to rare earth metals and control of ports for a potential dual civilian-military purpose". While much of interpretation is overblown with US coercive policies such as tariffs and aid cuts facilitating Beijing to outmaneuver Washington in a strategic competition, America's own approach is driven by a craving to seize Latin America's rare earth metals and for US national defense and commercial applications. The strategic chicanery surrounding the US practice approach is pushing regional countries toward China. As Trump's stopgap policy challenges America's geopolitical and economic dominance, the forum is turning into a launchpad for introducing initiatives and formulating action plans to build a "community with a shared future" as highlighted by Chinese President Xi Jinping's commitment to provide a 66 billion yuan credit line to support the region's development, extend visa-free arrangement to five countries, import more products and channel further investments. Since the turn of the century, China-LAC relationship has grown at a fast clip, bringing promising economic opportunities to the region. Nearly 200 BRI megaprojects worth $100 billion were implemented over the last decade; bilateral trade in 2024 leapt 6% to $518 billion. By 2023, China's investments had also exceeded $600 billion. One recent example of the China-LAC cooperation is development of Chancay Port in Peru. The project - set to become a new logistical order and strategic transshipment hub and accelerate trade across the Pacific for Peruvian Blueberries, Brazilian soy and Chilean copper — would rewire hemispherical trade, intensifying the China-US rivalry. Yet the Peruvian government is seemingly willing to take risk even though it antagonises Washington. If there were any, Trump's tariffs and punitive measures have encouraged Lima and others into connecting with China-built port. Chinese projects including upgradation of the Dominican Republic's electric grid, deep-water port on Grand Bahama and "new infrastructure" such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, smart cities and 5G technology have rattled the US about growing China's penetration and alleged cyber threats from Beijing. These fears aren't holding regional leaders back from pursuing their economic and social development in partnership with China. Studies show LAC's embracement of China as a partner has benefited it with advances in infrastructure development and trade and investment. Acknowledging BRI has played an important role in Latin America, ass the studies predict that Beijing has signed almost 1,000 bilateral agreements with LAC countries to facilitate and promote trade, investment and cooperation across a wide array of sectors. China's expanding influence is sounding alarm in the US yet it cannot just shift the blame on Beijing, given the fact that Washington has for decades put the region in a pigeonhole and forgotten it. Trump's depreciatory comments, expansionist agenda and renaming of Gulf of Mexico as Gulf of America would further complicate America's ties with the region and hasten its drive of seeking more autonomy in foreign policy. While Trump's belittling, threatening and domineering posture has gained some achievement, not all LAC countries will toe America's line with most of them alongside China advocating for an inclusive economic globalisation, multilateralism and multilateral trading system. In this battle of narratives between China and the US, the latter's narrative seems to have dominated the former's.
Pink Villa
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
Son Ye Jin's Variety to begin filming in July, Jo Yu Ri of Squid Game to join Netflix thriller: Report
Variety is an upcoming South Korean drama about the K-pop idol world, focusing on the dark side of the industry. Son Ye Jin and Jo Yu Ri were reportedly approached for the lead roles and they are positively considering featuring in the series. As per What's on Netflix update, shared on May 28, the filming of the series will begin in July. So, the cast members can be expected to be finalized by a month. Read to know about the plot and character details of the series. Plot of Variety K-drama The Netflix thriller drama will explore one of the most influential industries of South Korea, through the depiction of lesser-known sides of the K-pop idol life. It will provide a peek beyond the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry, documenting the struggles of artists and their management labels. Role offered to Son Ye Jin in Variety In Variety, Son Ye Jin was offered a pivotal role as an influential figure of the K-pop sphere. She might be playing a charismatic and powerful female CEO of an entertainment company, rumored to be inspired by former ADOR CEO, Min Hee Jin. Her side did not confirm her participation in the drama. They stated, 'It is true that she received an offer, but she is still reviewing the script." The top star is known for her roles in leading dramas like Crash Landing on You, Something in the Rain, The Negotiation and Thirty-Nine, and a show like Variety might add on to her diverse works. Role offered to Jo Yu Ri Exact specifics of the Squid Game 2 fame Jo Yu Ri 's offered role is not out of wraps yet. However, there are high chances of her playing the role of a K-pop idol. The drama makers were seeking to cast former and active K-pop stars in important roles, as per a GQ India report. The plot will reportedly be framed from the point of view of a fictional K-pop group, created solely for Variety. Other details regarding Variety The series will be helmed by director Kim Yong Hoon and produced by CJ ENM, a long-time collaborator. While Variety is currently in the pre-production stage, its filming is expected to begin between July 2025 and wrap up by February 2026.
Newsweek
16-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
The Bulletin May 16, 2025
The rundown: Chinese President Xi Jinping made overtures to Latin American and Caribbean countries this week in a bid to make inroads in the region. Read his full remarks. Why it matters: Launched under Xi, the China–LAC Community is Beijing's vehicle for expanding trade, infrastructure, and political ties with Latin America and the Caribbean, extending China's reach into a region long seen as part of the United States' sphere of influence. "China and LAC countries are important members of the Global South. Independence and autonomy are our glorious tradition," Xi said in a speech in Beijing. Xi also highlighted key achievements under the initiative, including major projects tied to his trillion-dollar Belt and Road infrastructure plan. Chief among them is the new megaport in Chancay, Peru—a joint development between China's state-owned COSCO Shipping Ports and Peru's Volcan Compañía Minera. Read more in-depth coverage: China's Space Projects on US Doorstep Have Military Worried TL/DR: On Wednesday, during the 10th anniversary of the framework's official launch, Xi struck a contrast between China's focus on "win-win" cooperation and what he portrayed as Trump's administration's combative approach. What happens now? Xi also unveiled five new cooperative programs for the region, including expanded infrastructure investment and a $9 billion line of credit to support future development. Deeper reading China Makes Overtures to Allies in America's Backyard
Scroll.in
02-05-2025
- Business
- Scroll.in
As ties with India nosedive, Bangladesh makes overtures to China
The ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024 and the establishment of an interim government under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus has changed the dynamics of India-Bangladesh relations. Dhaka under Sheikh Hasina had managed to balance its relationship between New Delhi and Beijing quite adeptly. However, the foreign and economic policies of the interim government, which last month showed signs of cosying up to Beijing, have pushed the relationship downhill and is adding to India's neighbourhood worries. No surprises then that the first state visit undertaken by Yunus was to China from March 26 to 29. It showed a clear preference for Beijing in Dhaka's foreign policy under the interim government. To make matters worse, Yunus stated that India's North East is landlocked and Bangladesh is the ' only guardian of the ocean for this entire region '. While the Indian establishment did not react to Yunus' China visit, the Bangladeshi leader's reference to India's North East being landlocked and other economic overtures to Beijing would raise New Delhi's hackles. From Bangladesh's perspective, this could open up a huge opportunity. It could become an extension of the Chinese economy – 'build, produce, market, bring goods to China and export them to the rest of the world' as Bangladesh's ambassador to Beijing said. This clearly underscored what the Bangladesh interim government is thinking about its relationship with China and the push for further economic collaborations. China is already in the process of investing heavily in infrastructure projects in Bangladesh under the aegis of the Belt and Road Development initiative. While Hasina was in power, Dhaka was one of BRI's success stories in South Asia. Yunus' statement only showed a clear push for further integration with China. But such moves may further jeopardise Bangladesh's sovereignty and foreign policy. Bangladesh is keen to start discussions around a formal Free Trade Agreement with China and Beijing's assertion on a zero tariff policy for Bangladeshi products till 2028 will draw Dhaka towards Beijing sphere of influence. Bangladesh also went out of its way and revisited most of the projects which were granted to India under Hasina, especially the Teesta River development and Mongla port projects. Yunus' overtures to China Under Yunus, it is obvious that Dhaka is keen to have Beijing on board with respect to the Teesta River project. Beijing has even committed around $2.1 billion in the form of investments, grants as well as loans for the project. Bangladesh is also keen to invite China for the Mongla Port Facilities Modernisation and Expansion Project, which is aimed at hurting India's interests. Yunus' visit to China has also added to India's security challenges. Dhaka is said to have invited Beijing to develop a British era airbase at Lalmonirhat, close to India's Siliguri 'Chicken's Neck' in North Bengal. The work on this is expected to begin in October and a Pakistani company may be appointed as a sub-contractor. In return, Beijing has promised $350 million to develop the China Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong, Bangladesh. This, coupled with the growing sale of arms and ammunition by China, will worsen the situation for India. A military base, which may have Chinese personnel so close to the Indian border, will definitely challenge India's security and infrastructure preparedness in the region. Given the nature of the India-China boundary dispute, and also the China-Bhutan border differences, this development will lead to deeper militarisation in the region. This will add to the already deteriorating trust between New Delhi and Dhaka and can have far-reaching repercussions. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China. It has been reported that Bangladesh's Ambassador to Beijing praised China as a 'time tested partner' and held up the ties as a 'promise for the future' to deepen 'economic growth', trade and investment, education, culture and healthcare'. Thorny ties Since Yunus assumed charge in Dhaka, New Delhi has shown little interest in engaging with the interim government and has been non-responsive towards Yunus' so-called overtures to refashion ties. Bangladesh's polarised domestic politics and the condition of the Hindus there did not help the case either. Yunus' insistent demand that India should send Sheikh Hasina back to Bangladesh to face trial, has widened the hiatus between the two countries. However, Yunus and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi did meet during the recently concluded BIMSTEC summit in Thailand. This was a surprising development as no bilateral meeting was planned before this meeting. The meeting did not work to assuage New Delhi's concerns. Within a few days of Yunus' comment on India's North East, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs terminated a five-year-old arrangement which allowed Bangladesh to route its export cargo to countries through Indian Land Customs Stations and onward to ports and airports. This may hit Bangladeshi traders as it will compound cost and time for the goods they exported using the land route to Nepal and Bhutan. Immediately after the Yunus-Modi meeting, India's Ministry of External Affairs said it hoped that the Bangladesh government 'will take strong action' against those responsible for committing atrocities against the minority Hindus. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar drove home the point – on Yunus' remark on India's North East – that 'cooperation is an integrated outlook', and not 'subject to cherry picking'. His point was that Bangladesh could not raise issues that only suited it. The Bangladesh-China bonhomie aims to push for new dynamics in South Asia. It is reported that Pakistani leaders are also planning to visit Dhaka soon. The foreign secretary of Pakistan reached Dhaka on April 17 This will be the first visit of a Pakistani official to Dhaka since 2012. This certainly underscores Islamabad's diplomatic manoeuvre to capitalise on the growing anti-India sentiments in Bangladesh. Bangladesh's increasing tilt towards China will be a challenge to India's economic, security as well as diplomatic objectives. The growing Bangladesh-Pakistan warmth will further complicate the situation for India. India has been cautiously watching large-scale infrastructure developments undertaken by China under the BRI in its neighbourhood, which have led to major debt trap challenges in some of those countries. These setbacks will add to existing security concerns involving the Hambantota and Gwadar ports where the Chinese have considerable interests. At the same time, a redeveloped airbase close to India's eastern flank will only deepen New Delhi's woes.
Newsweek
01-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Congressman: Trump's Trade Pressure on China Comes at Perfect Time
For decades, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has flouted international trade agreements with impunity. The world has never meaningfully responded, and America's domestic manufacturing interests have suffered. Despite what some headlines may say, President Donald Trump's vision to hold the CCP accountable for its misdeeds and defend our role in the global economy is critical for the future of our nation. The United States' service economy is attractive to global investment because of the dollar's reserve currency status, access to surplus capital and intellectual talent, and our business-friendly environment. These attributes are crucial to America's standing as the world's strongest and most important market. However, this success has redirected our attention away from our manufacturing capacities, ultimately endangering our national security. Although we cannot predict future belligerence, we must shore up our manufacturing vulnerabilities in preparation. For example, the Chinese military has rapidly built up its naval fleet to project greater power in the Indo-Pacific as it prepares to reclaim Taiwan and expand its sphere of influence. Despite the threat, shipbuilding capacity for the U.S. Navy is nowhere near sufficient to maintain our current fleet—let alone keep pace with China—due to years of neglect. In response, President Trump is taking aggressive action to restore our maritime industry. A chinese flag is seen in the financial district of Shanghai on April 7, 2025. Asian equities collapsed on a black Monday on April 7 for markets after China hammered the United States with its... A chinese flag is seen in the financial district of Shanghai on April 7, 2025. Asian equities collapsed on a black Monday on April 7 for markets after China hammered the United States with its own hefty tariffs, ramping up a trade war many fear could spark a recession. More HECTOR RETAMAL / AFP/Getty Images As a physician, I am also gravely concerned about our reliance on China for life-saving drugs. While a mutually beneficial and fair trade relationship is worth cultivating, we simply cannot rely on an adversarial nation to be a trustworthy partner should any type of conflict emerge. In a now-deleted article published early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Xinhua, the official state news agency of the Chinese Communist Party, suggested restricting exports of masks—which the CCP later did—and pharmaceuticals to cripple the United States. This belies the notion that the CCP would be a reliable partner if the world ever faced calamity again. In a further testament to Beijing's desire to harm our national security, we are currently witnessing the CCP cut off exports of rare earth minerals necessary for medical products and high-tech devices. Our public policy should reflect the stark reality that China is willing to sabotage America to further its desire for world supremacy. We must incentivize greater domestic or nearshore sourcing and production of critical medical supplies, key starting materials, and active pharmaceutical ingredients—the building blocks of nearly all medicines. The CCP has made its imperial aspirations clear and is working, with its nefarious partners Russia and Iran, to achieve global dominance and supplant the United States and our Western allies as global leaders. President Trump's provocations to induce long-overdue negotiations with Beijing are necessary to help level the playing field. Prosperity for some Americans cannot come at the expense of others, and for too long the decline of our manufacturing towns has been tolerated as long as the stock market has gone up. China has for decades employed malicious trade practices that undermine the United States, our industrial capacity, and our intellectual property. American companies cannot compete fairly as long as Beijing subsidizes state-owned enterprises, forces technology transfer, and commits outright theft of intellectual property. President Trump is applying immense pressure to restructure our economy at a pivotal and opportune moment. Investment is fleeing China, the American public supports targeted action, and he doesn't have to worry about reelection, only America's well-being. The continued strength of the American economy in the 21st century will depend on defending our interests and thwarting Beijing's hegemonic behavior. Greg Murphy, M.D., represents North Carolina's Third District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
