China rolls out world’s first military-proof 5G that can connect 10,000 army robots
By Stephen Chen
China has unveiled the world’s first mobile 5G base station, which, after passing rigorous tests, is now poised for deployment on the battlefield.
Jointly developed by China Mobile Communications Group and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), it can provide unprecedented high-speed, low-latency and extremely secure and reliable data exchange services to at least 10,000 users within a 3km (1.8 mile) radius.
Even when PLA troops are advancing at 80km/h (50mph) in complex terrains, such as mountains or cities, and are subjected to electromagnetic interference, the system can still maintain an uninterrupted total throughput of 10 gigabits per second and a latency of less than 15 milliseconds.
The technology was detailed in a peer-reviewed paper published on December 17 in the Chinese journal, Telecommunications Science, by a project team led by senior engineer Hou Jie with the 31567 Unit of the PLA.
This advance has cleared the way for the large-scale use of intelligent war machines. China is building the largest unmanned army on Earth and these powerful yet inexpensive drones, robot dogs and other forms of unmanned combat platforms are expected to outnumber human soldiers on future battlefields. However, existing military communication technologies cannot meet the massive data exchange demands among thousands of robots.
Military 5G differs significantly from the civilian version. The PLA demands uninterrupted connectivity in the absence of ground base stations or when satellite signals are compromised.
Additionally, the antenna installed on communication vehicles must not exceed 3 metres (9.8 feet) in height to avoid hitting obstacles such as buildings or trees. But this severely affects the coverage range of high-quality signals.
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By Stephen Chen
China has unveiled the world’s first mobile 5G base station, which, after passing rigorous tests, is now poised for deployment on the battlefield.
Jointly developed by China Mobile Communications Group and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), it can provide unprecedented high-speed, low-latency and extremely secure and reliable data exchange services to at least 10,000 users within a 3km (1.8 mile) radius.
Even when PLA troops are advancing at 80km/h (50mph) in complex terrains, such as mountains or cities, and are subjected to electromagnetic interference, the system can still maintain an uninterrupted total throughput of 10 gigabits per second and a latency of less than 15 milliseconds.
The technology was detailed in a peer-reviewed paper published on December 17 in the Chinese journal, Telecommunications Science, by a project team led by senior engineer Hou Jie with the 31567 Unit of the PLA.
This advance has cleared the way for the large-scale use of intelligent war machines. China is building the largest unmanned army on Earth and these powerful yet inexpensive drones, robot dogs and other forms of unmanned combat platforms are expected to outnumber human soldiers on future battlefields. However, existing military communication technologies cannot meet the massive data exchange demands among thousands of robots.
Military 5G differs significantly from the civilian version. The PLA demands uninterrupted connectivity in the absence of ground base stations or when satellite signals are compromised.
Additionally, the antenna installed on communication vehicles must not exceed 3 metres (9.8 feet) in height to avoid hitting obstacles such as buildings or trees. But this severely affects the coverage range of high-quality signals.
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US Treasury says it was hacked by Chinese state-sponsored actor
By Bloomberg
The US Treasury Department was hacked by a Chinese state-sponsored actor through a third-party software service provider, the agency said in a letter to Congress on Monday.
“On December 8, 2024, Treasury was notified by a third-party software service provider, BeyondTrust, that a threat actor had gained access to a key used by the vendor to secure a cloud-based service used to remotely provide technical support for Treasury Departmental Offices (DO) end users,” according to the letter seen by Bloomberg News.
“Based on available indicators, the incident has been attributed to a China state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor.”
The hacker was able to remotely access certain Treasury workstations and “certain unclassified documents maintained by those users”, the department said in the letter to Senators Sherrod Brown and Tim Scott.
“The compromised BeyondTrust service has been taken offline and there is no evidence indicating the threat actor has continued access to Treasury systems or information,” a Treasury spokesperson said.
BeyondTrust did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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By Bloomberg
The US Treasury Department was hacked by a Chinese state-sponsored actor through a third-party software service provider, the agency said in a letter to Congress on Monday.
“On December 8, 2024, Treasury was notified by a third-party software service provider, BeyondTrust, that a threat actor had gained access to a key used by the vendor to secure a cloud-based service used to remotely provide technical support for Treasury Departmental Offices (DO) end users,” according to the letter seen by Bloomberg News.
“Based on available indicators, the incident has been attributed to a China state-sponsored Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) actor.”
The hacker was able to remotely access certain Treasury workstations and “certain unclassified documents maintained by those users”, the department said in the letter to Senators Sherrod Brown and Tim Scott.
“The compromised BeyondTrust service has been taken offline and there is no evidence indicating the threat actor has continued access to Treasury systems or information,” a Treasury spokesperson said.
BeyondTrust did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Asia must not let its appetite for sand consume its rivers and seas
By Mohammad Yunus
Asia’s construction boom is driving a global scramble for sand, a critical resource. Last month, the Philippine coastguard discovered 13 undocumented Chinese workers aboard a dredger ship in Mariveles off the Bataan coast. In October, Indonesian authorities found two Malaysian-operated ships allegedly involved in stealing sand off Batam and headed for Singapore.
China and Singapore, with their immense demand for infrastructure development, illustrate this trend.
From 1995 to 2020, China’s sand supply surged by 400 per cent. Rapid urbanisation and ambitious projects, such as dams, high-speed railways and artificial islands, have fed the demand for construction material. Meanwhile, tiny Singapore has become a major player in the sand trade. Since independence in 1965, Singapore has expanded by 22 per cent, largely through reclamation, including at Marina Bay and Tuas port.
To meet this staggering demand, Asia’s sand supply chains stretch across the world. For instance, China imported up to US$23.4 million worth of sand in October, mostly from Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, Japan and even the United States.
In Southeast Asia, Cambodia and Vietnam have become key exporters, particularly to Singapore. The Mekong Delta has become a hotspot for sand mining. Malaysia has emerged as an important supplier, its rivers and coastal areas extensively mined. India, Bangladesh and Myanmar are also part of the supply chain.
The environmental consequences of sand mining are immense. Across Asia, rivers are shrinking, coastlines eroding and ecosystems unravelling.
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By Mohammad Yunus
Asia’s construction boom is driving a global scramble for sand, a critical resource. Last month, the Philippine coastguard discovered 13 undocumented Chinese workers aboard a dredger ship in Mariveles off the Bataan coast. In October, Indonesian authorities found two Malaysian-operated ships allegedly involved in stealing sand off Batam and headed for Singapore.
China and Singapore, with their immense demand for infrastructure development, illustrate this trend.
From 1995 to 2020, China’s sand supply surged by 400 per cent. Rapid urbanisation and ambitious projects, such as dams, high-speed railways and artificial islands, have fed the demand for construction material. Meanwhile, tiny Singapore has become a major player in the sand trade. Since independence in 1965, Singapore has expanded by 22 per cent, largely through reclamation, including at Marina Bay and Tuas port.
To meet this staggering demand, Asia’s sand supply chains stretch across the world. For instance, China imported up to US$23.4 million worth of sand in October, mostly from Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, Japan and even the United States.
In Southeast Asia, Cambodia and Vietnam have become key exporters, particularly to Singapore. The Mekong Delta has become a hotspot for sand mining. Malaysia has emerged as an important supplier, its rivers and coastal areas extensively mined. India, Bangladesh and Myanmar are also part of the supply chain.
The environmental consequences of sand mining are immense. Across Asia, rivers are shrinking, coastlines eroding and ecosystems unravelling.
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Argentine judge orders arrest of Nicaragua’s Ortega over human rights violations: lawyer
By Agence France-Presse
An Argentine judge has ordered the arrest of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega over his alleged “systematic violation of human rights”, a lawyer who filed a case against the leader told Agence France-Presse on Monday.
The warrant, lawyer Dario Richarte said, also applies to Ortega’s wife, Vice-President Rosario Murillo, and is based on the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows for nations to prosecute crimes against humanity outside their country of origin.
Federal Judge Ariel Lijo has also ordered the arrest of a dozen other people linked to Ortega’s rule.
The crimes Ortega and his wife are accused of include murder, forced disappearances, torture and “deportation or forced transfer of population”, Richarte said.
The complaint had been filed in 2022 by a group of prosecutors from the University of Buenos Aires.
Ortega, a 79-year-old ex-guerilla, has engaged in increasingly authoritarian practices since returning to power in 2007, seizing control of all branches of the state.
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By Agence France-Presse
An Argentine judge has ordered the arrest of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega over his alleged “systematic violation of human rights”, a lawyer who filed a case against the leader told Agence France-Presse on Monday.
The warrant, lawyer Dario Richarte said, also applies to Ortega’s wife, Vice-President Rosario Murillo, and is based on the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows for nations to prosecute crimes against humanity outside their country of origin.
Federal Judge Ariel Lijo has also ordered the arrest of a dozen other people linked to Ortega’s rule.
The crimes Ortega and his wife are accused of include murder, forced disappearances, torture and “deportation or forced transfer of population”, Richarte said.
The complaint had been filed in 2022 by a group of prosecutors from the University of Buenos Aires.
Ortega, a 79-year-old ex-guerilla, has engaged in increasingly authoritarian practices since returning to power in 2007, seizing control of all branches of the state.
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71 dead in Ethiopia road accident after lorry carrying wedding party veers into river
By Agence France-Presse
The death toll from a road accident in southern Ethiopia has risen to at least 71 after a vehicle carrying a wedding party veered into a river, a local official said on Monday.
The lorry careered into the water at around 5:30pm local time on Sunday some 300km (180 miles) south of the capital Addis Ababa in Sidama state.
The Sidama Police Commission Traffic Prevention and Control Directorate put the death toll “so far” at 68 men and three women.
“The accident was especially horrific as the river had a lot of big stones so most passengers, including the driver, were killed due to the impact,” Wossenyeleh Simon, an official with the regional communications department, told Agence France-Presse.
“Among the deceased are four people from the same family,” he said.
He said the driver had lost control of the “freight truck” – which was carrying 76 people, including those heading to the wedding and day-labourers – when trying to turn a tight bend ahead of a bridge.
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By Agence France-Presse
The death toll from a road accident in southern Ethiopia has risen to at least 71 after a vehicle carrying a wedding party veered into a river, a local official said on Monday.
The lorry careered into the water at around 5:30pm local time on Sunday some 300km (180 miles) south of the capital Addis Ababa in Sidama state.
The Sidama Police Commission Traffic Prevention and Control Directorate put the death toll “so far” at 68 men and three women.
“The accident was especially horrific as the river had a lot of big stones so most passengers, including the driver, were killed due to the impact,” Wossenyeleh Simon, an official with the regional communications department, told Agence France-Presse.
“Among the deceased are four people from the same family,” he said.
He said the driver had lost control of the “freight truck” – which was carrying 76 people, including those heading to the wedding and day-labourers – when trying to turn a tight bend ahead of a bridge.
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Venezuela court fines TikTok US$10 million over deadly viral challenges
By Bloomberg
Venezuela’s top court imposed a US$10 million fine on TikTok over viral challenges that killed three children and injured dozens of people in recent months.
In a Monday ruling, the court said the social media company should pay the fine to the country’s telecommunications agency within the next 10 days. It also ordered TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, to establish an office in Venezuela.
The court summoned TikTok officials to appear last month to address the deaths of three children, aged 12, 13 and 14, after they took part in challenges that Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro said included ingesting, inhaling and spreading “dangerous mixes” of chemicals.
The judges said TikTok shared responsibility for its “lack of timely control” of the challenges on its platform. Money from the fine will go towards a compensation fund for victims, they said.
TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Maduro has attacked social media platforms such as TikTok and WhatsApp on the heels of a wave of repression by his regime against resistance to his self-declared win in July’s presidential election.
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By Bloomberg
Venezuela’s top court imposed a US$10 million fine on TikTok over viral challenges that killed three children and injured dozens of people in recent months.
In a Monday ruling, the court said the social media company should pay the fine to the country’s telecommunications agency within the next 10 days. It also ordered TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, to establish an office in Venezuela.
The court summoned TikTok officials to appear last month to address the deaths of three children, aged 12, 13 and 14, after they took part in challenges that Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro said included ingesting, inhaling and spreading “dangerous mixes” of chemicals.
The judges said TikTok shared responsibility for its “lack of timely control” of the challenges on its platform. Money from the fine will go towards a compensation fund for victims, they said.
TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Maduro has attacked social media platforms such as TikTok and WhatsApp on the heels of a wave of repression by his regime against resistance to his self-declared win in July’s presidential election.
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Hundreds of soldiers freed in UAE-brokered prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine
By Associated Press
Russia and Ukraine have exchanged prisoners of war in the latest such swap that saw the release of hundreds of captives and was brokered with the help of the United Arab Emirates, officials said on Monday.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said 189 Ukrainian prisoners, including military staff, border guards and national guards – along with two civilians – were freed. He thanked the UAE for helping negotiate the exchange.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said 150 Russian soldiers were freed from captivity as part of the exchange in which each side released 150 people.
The reason for the discrepancy in numbers was not immediately clear.
“We are working to free everyone from Russian captivity,” Zelensky said in a statement. “We do not forget anyone.” He posted pictures of Ukrainian soldiers sitting on a bus, some holding the country’s blue-and-yellow flags.
Zelensky said those freed from Russian captivity included defenders of Snake Island off the Black Sea port of Odesa, which was seized by Russia in the opening days of its invasion, as well as troops who defended the city of Mariupol, that was captured by Moscow’s forces early in the war after a nearly three-month siege.
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By Associated Press
Russia and Ukraine have exchanged prisoners of war in the latest such swap that saw the release of hundreds of captives and was brokered with the help of the United Arab Emirates, officials said on Monday.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said 189 Ukrainian prisoners, including military staff, border guards and national guards – along with two civilians – were freed. He thanked the UAE for helping negotiate the exchange.
Russia’s Defence Ministry said 150 Russian soldiers were freed from captivity as part of the exchange in which each side released 150 people.
The reason for the discrepancy in numbers was not immediately clear.
“We are working to free everyone from Russian captivity,” Zelensky said in a statement. “We do not forget anyone.” He posted pictures of Ukrainian soldiers sitting on a bus, some holding the country’s blue-and-yellow flags.
Zelensky said those freed from Russian captivity included defenders of Snake Island off the Black Sea port of Odesa, which was seized by Russia in the opening days of its invasion, as well as troops who defended the city of Mariupol, that was captured by Moscow’s forces early in the war after a nearly three-month siege.
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Five years on, WHO urges China to share Covid-19 origins data
By Agence France-Presse
The World Health Organization on Monday implored China to share data and access to help understand how Covid-19 began, five years on from the start of the pandemic that upended the planet.
Covid-19 killed millions of people, shredded economies and crippled health systems.
“We continue to call on China to share data and access so we can understand the origins of Covid-19. This is a moral and scientific imperative,” the WHO said in a statement.
“Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics.”
The WHO recounted how on December 31, 2019, its country office in China picked up a media statement from the health authorities in Wuhan concerning cases of “viral pneumonia” in the city.
“In the weeks, months and years that unfolded after that, Covid-19 came to shape our lives and our world,” the UN health agency said.
“As we mark this milestone, let’s take a moment to honour the lives changed and lost, recognise those who are suffering from Covid-19 and Long Covid, express gratitude to the health workers who sacrificed so much to care for us, and commit to learning from Covid-19 to build a healthier tomorrow.”
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By Agence France-Presse
The World Health Organization on Monday implored China to share data and access to help understand how Covid-19 began, five years on from the start of the pandemic that upended the planet.
Covid-19 killed millions of people, shredded economies and crippled health systems.
“We continue to call on China to share data and access so we can understand the origins of Covid-19. This is a moral and scientific imperative,” the WHO said in a statement.
“Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics.”
The WHO recounted how on December 31, 2019, its country office in China picked up a media statement from the health authorities in Wuhan concerning cases of “viral pneumonia” in the city.
“In the weeks, months and years that unfolded after that, Covid-19 came to shape our lives and our world,” the UN health agency said.
“As we mark this milestone, let’s take a moment to honour the lives changed and lost, recognise those who are suffering from Covid-19 and Long Covid, express gratitude to the health workers who sacrificed so much to care for us, and commit to learning from Covid-19 to build a healthier tomorrow.”
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Edinburgh’s world-famous New Year celebrations cancelled due to bad weather
By Bloomberg
Edinburgh’s famous New Year celebrations were cancelled due to safety concerns as stormy weather hit the Scottish capital during one of the busiest times for the tourist industry.
Organisers scrapped the city’s Hogmanay Festival, including the street party, concert by rock band Texas and fireworks from Edinburgh Castle, after heavy rain and winds exceeding 40 miles per hour (64km per hour) were expected to sweep the region.
The decision followed the abandonment of a torchlight procession that was set to officially kick off proceedings on Sunday. Events scheduled for Monday, such as a festive funfair on Princes Street, opened later than usual because of the winds.
While the city is often known more for its August arts and comedy festivals, the holiday season around late December is a key pillar of Edinburgh’s tourism. The Hogmanay Festival, which the city council started running in 1993, was set to generate more than £48 million (US$60.4 million) for the economy and attract more than 100,000 visitors, organisers said.
The industry accounts for more than 12 per cent of employment in the city, and international and domestic visitors spent £2.24 billion (US$2.8 billion) in 2023, according to figures from Visit Scotland.
Bad weather forced the cancellation of the Hogmanay events in 2003 and 2006, while in recent years they were halted because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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By Bloomberg
Edinburgh’s famous New Year celebrations were cancelled due to safety concerns as stormy weather hit the Scottish capital during one of the busiest times for the tourist industry.
Organisers scrapped the city’s Hogmanay Festival, including the street party, concert by rock band Texas and fireworks from Edinburgh Castle, after heavy rain and winds exceeding 40 miles per hour (64km per hour) were expected to sweep the region.
The decision followed the abandonment of a torchlight procession that was set to officially kick off proceedings on Sunday. Events scheduled for Monday, such as a festive funfair on Princes Street, opened later than usual because of the winds.
While the city is often known more for its August arts and comedy festivals, the holiday season around late December is a key pillar of Edinburgh’s tourism. The Hogmanay Festival, which the city council started running in 1993, was set to generate more than £48 million (US$60.4 million) for the economy and attract more than 100,000 visitors, organisers said.
The industry accounts for more than 12 per cent of employment in the city, and international and domestic visitors spent £2.24 billion (US$2.8 billion) in 2023, according to figures from Visit Scotland.
Bad weather forced the cancellation of the Hogmanay events in 2003 and 2006, while in recent years they were halted because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Trump endorses Mike Johnson to stay on as House Speaker despite government funding turmoil
By Associated Press
US president-elect Donald Trump on Monday endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson, providing crucial backing for the Louisiana Republican as he prepares for what is expected to be another contentious speakership race this week.
Trump said in a post on his social media platform that Johnson “is a good, hard working religious man” and he “will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN”.
“Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement,” he wrote.
Johnson thanked Trump for the endorsement and said: “The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Let’s get to work!”
The signal of support from Trump comes despite his frustration with a spending deal Johnson pushed through the House days before Christmas that failed to achieve his central goal of raising the debt limit.
But other Republicans have been less forgiving. Far-right criticism over the spending ordeal has left Johnson’s continued leadership of the incoming Republican majority once again in jeopardy. Though a deal was reached, averting a holiday shutdown, Johnson had to rely on Democrats to keep the government running, highlighting the limits of his influence and exposing cracks in his party’s support.
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By Associated Press
US president-elect Donald Trump on Monday endorsed House Speaker Mike Johnson, providing crucial backing for the Louisiana Republican as he prepares for what is expected to be another contentious speakership race this week.
Trump said in a post on his social media platform that Johnson “is a good, hard working religious man” and he “will do the right thing, and we will continue to WIN”.
“Mike has my Complete & Total Endorsement,” he wrote.
Johnson thanked Trump for the endorsement and said: “The American people demand and deserve that we waste no time. Let’s get to work!”
The signal of support from Trump comes despite his frustration with a spending deal Johnson pushed through the House days before Christmas that failed to achieve his central goal of raising the debt limit.
But other Republicans have been less forgiving. Far-right criticism over the spending ordeal has left Johnson’s continued leadership of the incoming Republican majority once again in jeopardy. Though a deal was reached, averting a holiday shutdown, Johnson had to rely on Democrats to keep the government running, highlighting the limits of his influence and exposing cracks in his party’s support.
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Argentina charges five people over death of One Direction star Liam Payne
By Agence France-Presse
Five people have been indicted in Argentina over the death of British singer Liam Payne, who fell from a Buenos Aires hotel balcony in October after consuming alcohol and drugs, prosecutors said on Monday.
Three of the five were charged with manslaughter and the other two with supplying the former One Direction pop star with illegal drugs, prosecutors said, identifying the suspects only by their initials.
The latter two have been taken into custody but the others have been allowed to remain free, the prosecutors said.
Payne died on October 16 after falling from the balcony of his third-floor room at the Casa Sur Hotel in the Argentine capital.
His death at age 31 prompted a global outpouring of grief from family, former bandmates, fans and others, with thousands gathering in cities around the world to offer their condolences.
The unnamed people charged with manslaughter are Payne’s manager who was travelling with him, a woman managing the hotel where Payne died, and the head of its reception desk, they added. They face five years in prison if convicted.
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By Agence France-Presse
Five people have been indicted in Argentina over the death of British singer Liam Payne, who fell from a Buenos Aires hotel balcony in October after consuming alcohol and drugs, prosecutors said on Monday.
Three of the five were charged with manslaughter and the other two with supplying the former One Direction pop star with illegal drugs, prosecutors said, identifying the suspects only by their initials.
The latter two have been taken into custody but the others have been allowed to remain free, the prosecutors said.
Payne died on October 16 after falling from the balcony of his third-floor room at the Casa Sur Hotel in the Argentine capital.
His death at age 31 prompted a global outpouring of grief from family, former bandmates, fans and others, with thousands gathering in cities around the world to offer their condolences.
The unnamed people charged with manslaughter are Payne’s manager who was travelling with him, a woman managing the hotel where Payne died, and the head of its reception desk, they added. They face five years in prison if convicted.
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Donald Trump’s first 100 days: can Beijing stop downwards spiral in US-China ties?
By Orange Wang
The first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term could offer the Chinese leadership an “extremely important” window of opportunity to make contact with him in an effort to avoid an immediate spike in tensions.
The period may provide an early test of the US president-elect’s approach towards China in his second term and this – as well as uncertainty over some of his policies – has led some observers to suggest that Beijing’s efforts to connect with Trump and his senior aides before he returns to the White House will help set the course for the relationship.
However, they do not expect these to have a far-reaching impact, given Trump’s “unpredictability” and deep-seated structural strains between the two powers.
Relations are expected to deteriorate further under Trump who is expected to take a hard line approach on issues such as Taiwan, the South China Sea and fentanyl, and may even revive the debate about the origins of Covid-19.
He has already pledged to impose new duties on Chinese products as soon as he takes office, raising questions about whether Beijing will retaliate with new restrictions of its own.
“If the opening phase proves that his policy is successful and effective, he is likely to continue on that path after the 100-day mark,” Wu Xinbo, dean of the institute of international studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, said. “If he feels that it has not had the desired effect, he may then begin to adjust it later on.”
Wu also said it was not clear what Trump’s priorities would be or what approach he would adopt to achieve his goals.
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By Orange Wang
The first 100 days of Donald Trump’s second term could offer the Chinese leadership an “extremely important” window of opportunity to make contact with him in an effort to avoid an immediate spike in tensions.
The period may provide an early test of the US president-elect’s approach towards China in his second term and this – as well as uncertainty over some of his policies – has led some observers to suggest that Beijing’s efforts to connect with Trump and his senior aides before he returns to the White House will help set the course for the relationship.
However, they do not expect these to have a far-reaching impact, given Trump’s “unpredictability” and deep-seated structural strains between the two powers.
Relations are expected to deteriorate further under Trump who is expected to take a hard line approach on issues such as Taiwan, the South China Sea and fentanyl, and may even revive the debate about the origins of Covid-19.
He has already pledged to impose new duties on Chinese products as soon as he takes office, raising questions about whether Beijing will retaliate with new restrictions of its own.
“If the opening phase proves that his policy is successful and effective, he is likely to continue on that path after the 100-day mark,” Wu Xinbo, dean of the institute of international studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, said. “If he feels that it has not had the desired effect, he may then begin to adjust it later on.”
Wu also said it was not clear what Trump’s priorities would be or what approach he would adopt to achieve his goals.
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Why the Philippines’ latest budget has been called ‘heartbreaking’ and ‘a moral failure’
By Alan RoblesRaissa Robles
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has signed a controversial national budget that critics call “heartbreaking” as it is set to gut social and health protection for the country’s poorest while putting billions in the hands of politicians for their pet projects.
Marcos Jnr had delayed signing the budget by three days to conduct “a review” of what detractors said was 361 billion pesos (US$6.1 billion) sliced off by Congress from social protection and medical services to underprivileged Filipinos.
The slashed funds include a 74 billion pesos state subsidy to the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to provide free medical insurance to the poor, elderly and disabled.
State funding for this and the “4P’s Programme”, a law designed to help the poorest families rise from poverty, has been reduced to zero, with the latter originally allocated 12.45 billion pesos.
Such allocations were diverted to lawmakers and Marcos Jnr and designed to win over their supporters in next year’s midterm elections, former Senate President Franklin Drilon said last week.
The coming polls are important because they are a gauge of the president’s public support. They will also determine his power over Congress to pass pet legislation and anoint his successor.
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By Alan RoblesRaissa Robles
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr has signed a controversial national budget that critics call “heartbreaking” as it is set to gut social and health protection for the country’s poorest while putting billions in the hands of politicians for their pet projects.
Marcos Jnr had delayed signing the budget by three days to conduct “a review” of what detractors said was 361 billion pesos (US$6.1 billion) sliced off by Congress from social protection and medical services to underprivileged Filipinos.
The slashed funds include a 74 billion pesos state subsidy to the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to provide free medical insurance to the poor, elderly and disabled.
State funding for this and the “4P’s Programme”, a law designed to help the poorest families rise from poverty, has been reduced to zero, with the latter originally allocated 12.45 billion pesos.
Such allocations were diverted to lawmakers and Marcos Jnr and designed to win over their supporters in next year’s midterm elections, former Senate President Franklin Drilon said last week.
The coming polls are important because they are a gauge of the president’s public support. They will also determine his power over Congress to pass pet legislation and anoint his successor.
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China’s C919 preps for busy 2025 as manufacturer makes expansion plans
By Frank Chen
After a banner year, China’s leading aircraft manufacturer is set to ring in an even busier 2025 as it scales up production to fulfil a bevy of orders for its home-grown planes – particularly the C919 narrowbody jet.
The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) is planning a series of expansions for the new year, previewing new projects on Saturday to boost factory output in its home base of Shanghai.
In a statement, the manufacturer said it will intensify cooperation with industrial chain partners in the coming year.
Though details were scarce, Comac said it will augment its capacity by building next to its existing facilities in China’s financial centre – a necessary move as the company’s backlog of invoices grows and turbulence on the horizon for global supply chains in the coming year.
“To build more planes, it first needs more production lines in Shanghai,” said a source with Comac subsidiary Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing.
In October, Comac renewed deals with Shanghai officials intended to put the Chinese city on a par with Everett in the United States and Toulouse in France – enormous production hubs for aerospace manufacturers Boeing and Airbus, respectively.
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By Frank Chen
After a banner year, China’s leading aircraft manufacturer is set to ring in an even busier 2025 as it scales up production to fulfil a bevy of orders for its home-grown planes – particularly the C919 narrowbody jet.
The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) is planning a series of expansions for the new year, previewing new projects on Saturday to boost factory output in its home base of Shanghai.
In a statement, the manufacturer said it will intensify cooperation with industrial chain partners in the coming year.
Though details were scarce, Comac said it will augment its capacity by building next to its existing facilities in China’s financial centre – a necessary move as the company’s backlog of invoices grows and turbulence on the horizon for global supply chains in the coming year.
“To build more planes, it first needs more production lines in Shanghai,” said a source with Comac subsidiary Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing.
In October, Comac renewed deals with Shanghai officials intended to put the Chinese city on a par with Everett in the United States and Toulouse in France – enormous production hubs for aerospace manufacturers Boeing and Airbus, respectively.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
