Monday 17 May 2021
30.05.20 Chinese Aggression in South China Sea - World Cannot Ignore
Beijing has been pressuring neighbors and building up fleet strength
USS Ronald Reagan, far left, operates with Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopter carrier JS Izumo
in South China Sea in June 2019: more freedom of navigation patrols by not only the U.S. but other allies
will be required. (Handout photo from U.S. Navy)
For the past two decades, China's strategy in the South China Sea has been reminiscent of ancient general and strategist Sun Tzu, who said: "The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting." In this turbulent time, that patience is beginning to change as China, emboldened by the U.S.'s abdication of leadership and by a distracted world, gains in aggression.
READ HERE:
https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/World-cannot-ignore-Chinese-aggression-in-South-China-Sea
06.05.21 Duterte’s China groveling tells wider story of his economic failures
Kowtowing to Xi Jinping was Philippine president's original sin
For a supposed robust man, Rodrigo Duterte certain does love bending over for China — once more, and once more, and once more.
People stand outside shuttered businesses as they queue for free goods in Quezon city, Metro Manila, on Apr. 19: what Duterte forgot to look out for was the economy. © Getty Images
The Philippine president assumed the place proper out of the gate. In July 2016, lower than two weeks right into a presidency that may match Donald Trump’s for chaos, Manila gained a serious case towards Beijing over contested waters within the South China Sea.
The go well with, filed by predecessor Benigno Aquino, gave the Philippines huge bragging rights in Asia. Kudos to Manila, geopolitical wonks stated on the time, for taking up Beijing’s bullying, David-and-Goliath fashion. Manila’s landslide victory on the Everlasting Court docket of Arbitration at The Hague put China on the defensive in a area that shudders at its would possibly.
By no means thoughts, robust man Duterte basically stated. China’s largess, beginning with assist, loans, and joint oil and gasoline exploration offers, was simply too candy for the person promising to make the Philippines nice once more.
Now, Workforce Duterte is struggling vendor’s regret as China flexes its army muscle in Asian seas. The clearest proof? An expletive-heavy Could 3 tweet by International Minister Teodoro Locsin, stunning a world group that had turn into desensitized to Duterte’s penchant for dropping F-bombs.
This dust-up may appear unrelated to Duterte’s financial failures. But it’s a well timed reminder of why the Philippines is likely to be among the many area’s largest losers submit COVID-19.
Kowtowing to Chinese language President Xi Jinping was arguably Duterte’s authentic sin. Nonetheless, the longtime Davao Metropolis mayor has additionally prostrated himself at residence to the Marcos household, a gang whose affect predecessors had sought to scale back.
Duterte took energy 30 years after Ferdinand Marcos was ousted from the presidential palace. A Individuals Energy revolt led by Corazon Aquino, widow of assassinated Marco challenger Benigno Aquino, ended the cartoonishly corrupt dictator’s three-decade reign, and Aquino was elected nationwide chief in 1986.
Reformists discovered some poetic justice in her son being the person to get the Philippine financial system again on monitor. From 2010 to 2016, Aquino attacked graft, went after tax cheats, elevated transparency and restored order to the nationwide steadiness sheet. That scored Manila its first-ever investment-grade scores.
Aquino harnessed that success to tackle China’s maritime land grabs. And all these army ports and touchdown strips Xi claims Beijing isn’t constructing — towards mountains of satellite-image proof.
After which Duterte arrived to ease Xi’s thoughts in hopes Beijing would possibly throw the Philippines financial system some scraps. Irony abounds when you think about Duterte’s 22 years operating a southern metropolis famed for smashing crime — like some sheriff Clint Eastwood would possibly play. It earned him the nickname “Duterte Harry.”
Rodrigo Duterte, proper, is proven the best way by Xi Jinping in Beijing in October 2016: Duterte arrived to ease Xi’s thoughts.
On Monday, hours after Locsin lobbed rhetorical bombs on Twitter, Duterte was once more assuming the place. “China stays to be our benefactor,” Duterte stated. “Simply because we now have a battle with China doesn’t imply to say that we now have to be impolite and disrespectful.”
This obsequiousness will appear at odds to the United Nations, former U.S. President Barack Obama, the European Union, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, the Pope, Holocaust survivors, girls and everybody else Duterte has gone after.
An attention-grabbing query is how Joe Biden’s arrival is throwing the Duterte-Xi bromance off steadiness. Although former President Trump performed robust on China, the bull market in patents Beijing threw daughter Ivanka’s manner is a reminder of how Xi had his manner with Trump, too.
Since Biden entered the White Home in January, the U.S. signaled it has Manila’s again. Final month, Workforce Biden hit China for utilizing “maritime militia to intimidate, provoke and threaten different nations.” Odds are, Biden additionally will stand with Scott Morrison’s Australia and, more and more, Jacinda Ardern’s New Zealand in pushing again towards Beijing’s bullying.
If solely Duterte had stood as much as Beijing in 2016, his authorities might need a foreign-policy win or two to trumpet. If solely at residence Duterte had caught to Aquino’s weapons. Duterte was elected so as to add firepower to Aquino’s governance push, which morphed the Philippines into an funding darling. As a substitute, Duterte pivoted to a bloody conflict of selection towards drug sellers.
Duterte’s emphasis on speed-over-transparency with big infrastructure tasks has been nice for the graft trade. On Aquino’s watch, Manila’s rating in Transparency Worldwide’s corruption perceptions index improved to Ninety fifth-place. At this time, it’s a hundred and fifteenth, trailing Macedonia, Mongolia and Panama.
On this context, Duterte’s odd obsession with the Marcos clan is a horrible look. He even gave plunderer Marcos, who died in exile in 1989, a hero’s burial. He lobbied early and infrequently to information Ferdinand Marcos Jr. into the vice presidency.
What Duterte forgot to look out for was the financial system. Principally, he rested on laurels of the speedy development Aquino bequeathed him. That, and no matter enterprise “benefactor” Xi tossed Manila’s manner. Together with corruption returning, so is inefficiency. In 2016, the Philippines was ranked forty second within the IMD World Competitiveness Scorecard. At this time it’s the forty fifth.
Crucial failing grade, although, is COVID-19. Issues are so dangerous that Duterte’s authorities is asking Filipinos working overseas to not return residence anytime quickly as infections surge and quarantine-facility funds run low.
So is the boldness that Duterte, 1,771 chaotic days on the job, has what it takes for proper an financial system shedding increasingly floor. Someway, I doubt persevering with to roll over for Xi will save the day. Expletives are optionally available.
William Pesek is an award-winning Tokyo-based journalist and creator of “Japanization: What the World Can Study from Japan’s Misplaced A long time.”
https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Duterte-s-China-groveling-tells-wider-story-of-his-economic-failures
https://www.inter-empresarial.com/economy/20210505185530-dutertes-china-groveling-tells-wider-story-of-his-economic-failures.shtml
Wednesday 5 May 2021
What exodus? Project Fear proved WRONG as City of London stands firm after Brexit
Mr Glen was speaking after EY's Brexit tracker estimated roughly 7,500 jobs and £1.2 trillion in assets ...
Mr Glen was speaking after EY's Brexit tracker estimated roughly 7,500 jobs and £1.2 trillion in assets have left the City since the UK voted to quit the EU in 2016. The figure is vastly below wild projections including by Xavier Rolet, former chief executive of the London Stock Exchange, who claimed more than 230,000 jobs could be lost.
JP Morgan, whose parent company's chief executive previously claimed Brexit may cut 4,000 British jobs, will have moved fewer than 400 by the end of this year, while Morgan Stanley has relocated a mere 150 roles.
The City is one of the world's foremost financial centres, and Mr Glen said he had no doubt it would remain so outside the bloc, irrespective of multiple gloomy predictions.
Speaking yesterday, he said: "When I came into this position in January 2018 there was significant commentary from journalists and academics about the jobs that would be lost as a consequence of Brexit.
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| © GETTY Boris Johnson |
"Though there has been a modest adjustment with contingency arrangements being made, we certainly haven't seen the depletion in jobs of people in working in the City of London over these last three and a half years."
Speaking last week, Professor Daniel Hodson, chairman of The CityUnited Project think-tank, told Express.co.uk: "The City is a global leader in financial services.
"Why should it fear temporary threats from one of the several single currency financial centres within one of its many world markets?"
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| © GETTY City of London |
"The decision makers and the value added remain put and will always look for the safe, liquid, well-regulated, and most importantly non-protectionist markets that the City provides and will continue to provide."
The CityUnited Project's Vice Chairman, Leigh Evans, added: "There's no doubt that Brexit will involve changes, particularly because the EU has refused to engage constructively with the UK on financial services.
"This is despite the UK having unilaterally granted EU firms access to the UK markets.
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"Nevertheless, the very small number of jobs that have moved so far, as seen in the Economist's article, demonstrates that the City still retains its pivotal role as the key financial centre in Europe."
Meanwhile, Robert Oulds, director of the Bruges Group think tank claimed fearmongers had been motivated by a desire to "undermine the referendum result and subvert democracy".
He added: "Either the prophets of doom made up scare stories to please political masters or they are incapable of doing their jobs properly.
"They need to take an honest look at themselves, if that is possible, and decide which one it is.
"Not one scare story was correct, in fact, the reverse is true."
Mr Oulds said: "The evidence was always clear that leaving the EU would be a benefit, it is disappointing that many self-appointed experts could not see that.
"If economists cannot dispassionately look at facts then that creates real long-term problems for the British economy.
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| © GETTY Xavier Rolet |
"Until businesses begin to be able to look at evidence and form unbiased opinions they will not be able to take advantage of opportunities as they arise."
Speaking last week, France's Europe Minister Clement Beaune appeared to float the idea of barring the City from EU markets if the UK did not increase access to UK waters for French fishermen.
Specifically, he warned of "retaliation measures", saying of market access: "We will give none - it is quid pro quo."
Also speaking last week, Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for financial services, said Brussels will "not be recreating access to the single market for the UK as they have chosen to move out".
Prince Philip's cause of death revealed three weeks after royal's death
Prince Philip's death certificate has revealed the 99-year-old died of "old age".
05 May 2021
Prince Philip's death certificate has revealed the 99-year-old died of "old age".
MORE: Prince Charles shares heartwarming childhood photo of him and Prince Philip in touching card
Her Majesty's husband passed away "peacefully" at Windsor Castle on 9 April and according to the document, his death was certified by Sir Huw Thomas, head of the royal medical household.
WATCH: Mike Tindall's opens up about Prince Philip's funeral
"Old age" is an accepted term if the patient is over 80 years old and the doctor signing the certificate has "personally cared for the deceased over a long period and has observed a gradual decline in his general health," according to guidance given to doctors completing certificates of cause of death in England and Wales.
READ: The Queen's sweet gesture for Prince Philip at Balmoral revealed
RELATED: How Prince Philip broke with convention at royal banquets – and we love him for it
The Duke of Edinburgh's death was registered on 13 April, four days after his passing, with the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead by his private secretary, Brigadier Archie Miller-Bakewell, who attended the funeral.
The Duke's funeral took place on 17th April
The document lists his full name as: "His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh formerly known as Prince Philippos of Greece and Denmark formerly known as Philip Mountbatten."
His first occupation is listed as "Naval Officer," while his second is "husband of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Sovereign".
Prince Philip passed away nearly a month ago, and Buckingham Palace announced the sad news with a statement that read: "It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen has announced the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss. Further announcements will be made in due course."
His funeral took place eight days later and was attended by only 30 people, including his grandson Prince Harry, who flew in from Los Angeles without his wife Meghan Markle, who is heavily pregnant and was advised not to travel by her doctors.
Gallery: Prince Philip's funeral: The most moving photos from the day - LIVE UPDATES (Hello!)
WINDSOR
The Queen and members of the royal family will bid an emotional farewell to the Duke of Edinburgh at his funeral today at St George's Chapel in Windsor. While plans for Prince Philip's funeral have been modified in light of COVID-19 restrictions, the ceremonial aspects of the day and the service are still in line with the Duke's wishes, Buckingham Palace has said. Only 30 guests will be in attendance at the service and these include all of Philip's children and grandchildren plus their spouses, the children of the Queen's sister Princess Margaret, and three of Philip's German relatives: Bernhard, Hereditary Prince of Baden; Prince Donatus, Landgrave of Hesse; and Prince Philipp of Hohenlohe-Langenburg. Also invited is a close friend of Philip's, the Countess Mountbatten of Burma, Penelope "Penny" Knatchbull, who was previously known as Lady Romsey and later Lady Brabourne, and was the duke’s carriage driving partner. No members of the royal family will be in military uniform – the men will wear morning coats with their medals while the women will appear in day dresses.
Monday 3 May 2021
Ardern takes tougher stance on China
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took a tougher stance on China's human rights record Monday by saying it was getting harder to reconcile differences ...
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern took a tougher stance on China's human rights record Monday by saying it was getting harder to reconcile differences as China's role in the world grows.
While Ardern's language remained moderate when compared with that of many other leaders, it still marked a significant shift for a country which relies on China as its largest trading partner. Ardern in past speeches has often avoided direct criticism of China.
New Zealand has been trying to strike the right tone on China in recent weeks after finding itself on the defensive with its Five Eyes security allies by resisting speaking out in unison with them against China on certain human rights issues.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta caused a diplomatic stir last month when she discussed her reluctance to expand the role of the Five Eyes to include joint positions on human rights. The alliance among New Zealand, the U.S., the U.K, Australia and Canada has its origins in World War II cooperation.
In her speech to the China Business Summit in Auckland on Monday, Ardern said New Zealand has raised “grave” concerns with China on human rights issues, including the situation of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region and people who live in Hong Kong.
“And it will not have escaped the attention of anyone here that as China’s role in the world grows and changes, the differences between our systems – and the interests and values that shape those systems – are becoming harder to reconcile,” Ardern told the audience.
Stephen Noakes, the director of the China Studies Centre at the University of Auckland, said he wouldn't have expected to hear such language from New Zealand even a couple of years ago. He said some of it sounded like a wink to the Five Eyes to let them know that although New Zealand might have economic dependencies on China, it wasn't being soft.
Noakes said that because China's relationships with both Australia and Canada have deteriorated so rapidly in the last few years, it has made New Zealand's rosier relationship stick out like a sore thumb.
Still, Noakes said, he didn't expect the change in New Zealand's rhetoric to have any negative impact on its trade with China. And he said New Zealand's relatively moderate stance could make it a useful go-between in the future between China and other Five Eyes members.
New Zealand has stopped short of calling the Uyghur abuses genocide, language that the U.S. and some other countries have used.
New Zealand's cultural and economic ties to China are particularly strong among the Five Eyes allies. New Zealand was the first developed nation to sign a free trade deal with China in 2008, leading to a boom in exports of New Zealand milk powder and other products. China now buys twice as much from New Zealand as New Zealand's next biggest market, Australia.
https://news.yahoo.com/zealand-leader-ardern-takes-tougher-043732587.html
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