Geopolitics

More trade payments settled in yuan

"Changes such as a pilot quota scheme announced in March that allowed a handful of foreign companies operating in China to move funds freely across borders is boosting trade volumes and encouraging other foreign firms to settle trade in yuan. A cash squeeze in the mainland in recent weeks may have made some firms reluctant to use yuan to settle payments, but that appears to have been a temporary impediment as money market rates have come back down. Redenominating Chinese trade in the yuan versus U.S. dollars has always been the primary goal for Beijing and analysts expect the recent wave of reforms to boost yuan trade settlement." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingMore trade payments settled in yuan

Obama and Israel Stoke a Sectarian Shia-Sunni War

"Obama is acting as an appendage of Israel. He does this by increasing arms shipments to rebels in Syria who are Sunnis. Islamist fighters are flooding into Syria, we read. Obama thereby rewards and encourages extreme religious sentiments, leading to religious conflicts. Moderate Muslims find that their nations are increasingly subject to the drives of the armed extremist contingents who become battle-hardened. Obama and Israel are lighting a keg of dynamite. It will explode in their faces. If enough extremist Muslims become armed and ready to fight, they will eventually turn on Israel." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingObama and Israel Stoke a Sectarian Shia-Sunni War

New dynamic in Iran’s European ties

"No other Western country has been harmed as a result of Iran sanctions as much as France, which a decade ago was Iran's fifth-largest trade partner. Between 2005 and today, French exports to Iran have shrunk 60% from 2 billion euros (US$2.6 billion) to 800 million euros. US exports to Iran - of computers, cellphones, soft drinks for example - have increased by 50% during the past two years. The French oil giant Total last month was forced to pay a US$400 million fine to the US to end a prosecution in connection with oil contracts in Iran. In 2012, French car maker Peugeot folded business in Iran after 35 years, thus losing the company's largest foreign market." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingNew dynamic in Iran’s European ties

India launches first of seven navigation satellites

"India launched the first of seven satellites for its domestic satellite navigation network in the first step to creating a scaled down version of the US Global Positioning System. The United States’ GPS is the most widely used network by consumers with 24 satellites, but other countries including Russia, the European Union and most recently China have developed rival positioning systems. China’s Beidou, or Compass, navigation system is expected to offer global coverage by 2020. India has a well-established space programme, but its cost has attracted criticism as the government struggles to tackle poverty and child malnutrition." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingIndia launches first of seven navigation satellites

China media warns Philippines of ‘counterstrike’ in South China Sea

"China's state media warned that a 'counterstrike' against the Philippines was inevitable if it continues to provoke Beijing in the South China Sea, potentially Asia's biggest military troublespot. A front-page commentary said that the Philippines had committed 'seven sins' in the South China Sea. These include the 'illegal occupation' of the Spratly Islands, inviting foreign capital to engage in oil and gas development in the disputed waters and promoting the 'internationalization' of the waters, said the commentary. The Philippines has called on the United States to act as a 'patron', while ASEAN has become an 'accomplice,' said the commentary." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingChina media warns Philippines of ‘counterstrike’ in South China Sea

If Syria Falls, Expect a Pop in Oil Prices

"If Syria does fall, the next logical target would be Iran, which would create chaos in the global oil markets. Today, Iran provides about 20% of China's daily imported oil – only Russia provides more. If Iranian oil stops flowing to China, the Chinese will be required to go to other sources to buy over 500,000 barrels of oil, which would instantly increase the spot price of oil. Just what is going on in Syria? Syria is the first salvo in a war that puts Iran, China, and Russia against the US and its allies. The American government has thrown its weight behind the Sunnis, whereas Iran, China, and Russia have been backing Bashar al-Assad, the Shi'a leader in Syria." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingIf Syria Falls, Expect a Pop in Oil Prices

U.S. Removed Mubarak Over Refusal To Allow Permanent Military, Spy Installations?

"Why did the US support both Mubarak and the opposition (April 6 Movement, Kifaya, etc.)? It is not as uncommon as it might seem. Aging and ailing Mubarak's rule was coming to an end anyway, Egypt's population was young and frustrated, and though the US did not necessarily wish to spoil its relationship with the Egyptian dictator it did seek maximum influence on the coming succession struggles. Additionally, as Mubarak explains in an interview this month, he was proving an irritation to the US over his refusal to allow permanent US military installations in Egypt and his refusal to allow the US to 'help' with establishing a communications network in Egypt." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingU.S. Removed Mubarak Over Refusal To Allow Permanent Military, Spy Installations?

Obama steps into China’s African shadow

"Obama's trip comes a little over two months after Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Africa. Chinese investments in Africa have grown steadily over the years that the United States has been engaged in Asia and the Middle East. Several private Chinese firms have also invested heavily in Africa. For example, Huawei, a leading global telecom services provider, has invested US$1.5 billion and employs 4,000 workers in Africa alone. The past decade's trade figures also attest to China's growing ties with Africa, having grown from just $9 billion in 2000 to $200 billion in 2012. That is more than double the US trade for last year, which stood at $95 billion." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingObama steps into China’s African shadow

The Rush to Tap Myanmar’s Energy Promise

"Myanmar, also known as Burma, has largely been shunned by the West for most of five decades of military rule that ended last year. Now open for business and shedding sanctions, the cash economy badly needs a working banking system. The population of more than 60 million wants mobile phones, newer cars, and Coca-Colas. But no one sector is as critical to Myanmar’s growth prospects as energy. The country has 7.8 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, worth about $75 billion at current U.K. benchmark prices. It now has 16 energy multinationals working on 17 onshore exploration blocks and 15 exploring or producing in 20 offshore blocks." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingThe Rush to Tap Myanmar’s Energy Promise

Canada’s Harper gives up on Russia assisting Syrian rebels, labels G8 summit ‘G-7 plus 1’

"At least one official at the G-8, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, suggested that Russia shouldn’t even be at the table with other world leaders. He blasted Russian President Vladimir Putin and all but dismissed Russia from meaningful involvement in this week’s talks. The G-8 includes the U.S., Canada, Russia. Great Britain, France, Italy, Germany and Japan. The group is holding its annual meeting this week at a resort in Northern Ireland, with the Syrian civil war expected to dominate the agenda. The recent U.S. decision to arm Syrian rebel forces has been met with approval from Great Britain, France and other nations." Continue reading →

Continue ReadingCanada’s Harper gives up on Russia assisting Syrian rebels, labels G8 summit ‘G-7 plus 1’