Category: Politics

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to address a joint U.S. Congress session on April 11 during his official visit to Washington, which marks the first address by a Japanese leader in nine years.

Scheduled to meet President Joe Biden and attend a state dinner on April 10, Kishida aims to reaffirm Japan’s alliance with the United States amidst challenges from China and North Korea.

Kishida’s visit highlights the commitment to peace, prosperity, and global democracy shared by both nations. The topics of discussion will include bolstering cooperation in economic security, outer space, and emerging technologies, along with trilateral collaboration involving South Korea and multilateral engagement with like-minded partners.

House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasised the importance of condemning tyranny and championing freedom worldwide.

In a letter to Kishida, bipartisan leaders expressed anticipation for enhanced collaboration, both in the Indo-Pacific and globally. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi highlighted the speech’s significance in strengthening Japan-U.S. ties.

In addition, Kishida, representing Hiroshima, might discuss his support for nuclear disarmament. Considering Japan’s dependence on the U.S. nuclear umbrella, attention will be focused on Kishida’s position, in contrast to Shinzo Abe’s 2015 speech, which acknowledged regret for wartime conduct.

India and South Africa have officially lodged objections against an investment agreement during a World Trade Organisation (WTO) conference in Abu Dhabi, effectively stalling its adoption. On Wednesday, delegates and a document both confirmed this development.

About 125 countries support the Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement, which aims to improve the investment climate and encourage foreign direct investment. The document emphasised the absence of unanimous consensus, rendering the matter inappropriate for inclusion in the meeting’s agenda.

Negotiations geared towards establishing new global trade regulations across various domains are slated to conclude on Thursday. However, delegates expressed dissatisfaction with the limited progress achieved thus far, aside from the formal induction of two new WTO members: East Timor and Comoros.

There is still a paragraph in the draft deal package addressing climate change, indicating discord among members regarding this critical issue.

Reflecting on the ongoing negotiations, one trade delegate remarked, “It’s difficult to ascertain whether we’ll achieve anything or if we’re simply on the path to failure.” This sentiment encapsulates the prevailing uncertainty surrounding the discussions.

In the current impasse, the complexities of global trade governance are emphasized, highlighting the difficulties in reaching consensus among WTO members on issues like investment agreements and climate change.

Qatar aims to strengthen its LNG exports, targeting a 25% global market share by 2030. Amidst the US’s export approval pause, Qatar plans a new 16 million tons per year project by 2030. It further aims to increase annual capacity to 142 million tons. Qatar’s dominance in LNG has been established by this growth, which is being fueled by 250 trillion cubic feet of additional gas in the North Field.

Securing long-term contracts with significant players like China Petroleum & Chemical Corp., Eni SpA, TotalEnergies SE, and Shell Plc is essential to its strategy. With demand expected to increase by 50% by 2040, particularly in Asia, Qatar’s growth satisfies demands around the world.

Experts estimate that Qatar’s growth will affect LNG projects around the world, especially in the US and East Africa, where funding and pledges are difficult to come by. Qatar may offer reasonable rates by utilising its status as the lowest-cost producer, reserves, cost-effective expansion, and industry contacts.

The Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University’s  Ira Joseph emphasizes Qatar’s proactive approach to LNG supply dominance. By offering favourable terms and securing financing for future projects, Qatar’s expansion reflects cost competitiveness and strategic advantages.

TSMC, the leading Taiwanese chipmaker, inaugurated its inaugural Japanese plant, marking its crucial involvement in Tokyo’s ambitious endeavour to revitalize its semiconductor manufacturing sector. Japan’s reliance on TSMC emphasises its dominant position in the foundry business and concerns over China’s technological advancement.

TSMC’s presence in Japan has catalyzed investment in a sector pivotal for economic security, complementing Japan’s support for domestic ventures like Rapidus. By 2027, Taiwan is expected to control two-thirds of advanced foundry capacity, with Japan aiming for a 3% global share.

With investments exceeding $20 billion, TSMC plans mass production later in the year and a second plant, boosting Japan’s chip access. Collaborations with Sony and Toyota aim to exceed 100,000 12-inch wafers monthly, vital for electronics, automotive, and defence.

Japan’s conducive work culture and supportive government have appealed to TSMC, which has facilitated technology export approvals, especially for advanced node technologies below 16 nanometers. Japan’s expertise in photoresists, image sensors, and packaging augments chip performance, attracting Taiwan’s chip companies to support TSMC and participate in Japan’s growing chip sector.

TSMC’s entry into Japan is an important step toward the semiconductor industry’s recovery, promoting technological exchange and economic growth. Taiwan-Japan cooperation has potential for the world chip market as Japan welcomes its newfound vibrancy.

India emphasized the imperative of addressing geopolitical issues constructively and seeking common ground at a G20 ministerial meeting in Brazil amidst global conflicts. Brazil assumed the G20 Presidency from India on December 1, 2023, marking the first ministerial meeting under its helm.

V Muraleedharan, India’s Minister of State for External Affairs, highlighted India’s stance on various conflicts: advocating for dialogue in the Russia-Ukraine war and supporting a two-state solution for Israel-Palestine. He condemned terrorism and stressed securing sea lanes amidst Red Sea vessel attacks.

Muraleedharan emphasised the importance of constructive diplomacy and common ground on geopolitical issues, reiterating India’s support for Brazil’s Presidency. He urged the G20’s focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change. The theme ‘Building a Just World & a Sustainable Planet’ aligns with India’s vision of ‘One Earth One Family One Future.’ The G20 FMM, in its 10th meeting, has evolved into a significant platform for discussing international issues among members.

Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Mauro Vieira, urged reforms in the United Nations and criticized its inability to prevent conflicts like those in Ukraine and Gaza. He highlighted the inadequacy of multilateral institutions in dealing with current challenges, citing the Security Council’s paralysis.

Albania’s Parliament approved a deal with Italy to establish migrant processing centres in Albania. Two centres—one inland for asylum processes and one at Shūngjin port for initial screening—are part of the plan. Together, they can accommodate 3,000 migrants, with a target of 36,000 processing cases annually. With more people seeking asylum as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, Italy hopes to use this agreement to fight human trafficking and unauthorised immigration.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International were among the critics who criticised the idea for allegedly breaking EU legislation and the rights of migrants. The main issues include unjustified detention and unauthorised entry for migrants, particularly for vulnerable populations. The legal certainty and responsibility of compliance are questioned by the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Council of Europe.

The plan complies with sovereignty principles and has the approval of Albania’s Constitutional Court. However, due to the centres’ Italian authority in a country outside the EU, questions remain about EU legislation on refoulement. While Albania is not obligated to follow EU regulations as a non-member, Prime Minister Meloni sees Albania as a de facto member of the EU.

The centres are scheduled to open in the spring, despite persistent legal and human rights issues.

Cho Tae-yul, the foreign minister of South Korea, is set to travel on a diplomatic mission that will start with his attendance at the G20 Summit in Brazil and end with a significant trip to the United States. According to the news agency, Cho will speak with Antony Blinken, his American counterpart, on Thursday, February 28.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Cho’s impending trip highlighting its importance in strengthening bilateral relations. Following participating in the G20 Summit, Cho will head to the United States for his first visit since assuming office last month, according to the ministry’s spokesperson, Lim Soo-suk. The forthcoming dialogue between Cho and Blinken is expected to address strategies for reinforcing “extended deterrence” regarding North Korea and reaffirming the robust global strategic alliance between South Korea and the United States.

In addition, discussions will encompass various aspects of regional and global security. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office announced South Korea’s plan to host the third Summit for Democracy next month.

Reports suggest ongoing deliberations between Seoul and Washington regarding a potential visit by Secretary Blinken to South Korea in conjunction with the Summit for Democracy, as cited from diplomatic sources.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis agreed to enhance collaboration in defence manufacturing, space, and connectivity.

They discussed the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, emphasising cooperation in defence, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and maritime security. A Working Group will enhance mutual coordination, fostering co-production and co-development opportunities in defence manufacturing. Both nations share concerns about terrorism, aiming to strengthen cooperation in this area.

They explored bolstering connectivity, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and planning to encourage private sector-driven bilateral flight services. Modi expressed pleasure in progressing towards doubling bilateral trade by 2030, identifying prospects in agriculture, pharma, technology, and space. They discussed connecting startups, prioritising shipping and connectivity, and fostering collaboration in these areas.

Highlighting India and Greece as ancient civilizations, Modi emphasised deep cultural ties, planning to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations with an Action Plan. The leaders discussed regional and global issues, advocating dialogue and diplomacy for conflict resolution.

Greece’s participation in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative was welcomed, and Modi expressed joy over Greece’s decision to join. The Indo-Mediterranean Economic Corridor (IMEC), launched during India’s G-20 chairmanship, is seen as contributing significantly to global development.

The visit reciprocated Modi’s earlier trip to Greece, highlighting the growing collaboration between the two nations.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa aims to strengthen security spending by $214 million in 2024 to combat violence linked to drug trafficking, proposing a potential increase in value-added tax (VAT) to 15% starting in April. The need is highlighted by the designation of gangs as terrorist organisations following recent violent episodes, such as hostage-taking and a TV station siege.

As per the Economy Ministry, the planned budget for security would increase from $3.3 billion to $3.52 billion from the previous year. This budget is part of the $35.5 billion budget that needs to be approved by lawmakers. Legislators initially opposed Noboa’s permanent 13% VAT increase, which is scheduled to rise to 15% as needed. Nevertheless, Noboa overcame their opposition, and the bill was passed.

Economy Minister Juan Carlos Vega announced the introduction of the VAT increase in April and cited the need to fund security initiatives, maintain economic stability, and oversee investment as justifications. Ecuador intends to use $4.8 billion to pay off its debt and is looking for $11 billion in funding; no specific request to the IMF has been made public.

Ecuador’s fiscal strategy is centred on managing debt commitments in the face of changing economic needs, addressing security concerns, and circumstances.

On Wednesday, G20 ministers gathered in Rio de Janeiro to address pressing global conflicts and governance challenges in preparation for the annual leaders’ summit chaired by Brazil’s President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva.

Lula has emphasised that the G20’s top priority this year should be tackling climate change, reorganising global governance, and reducing poverty. Yet, there are still several active conflicts in the region, such as the tensions in Gaza and Russia-Ukraine, which makes it difficult to move forward with governance reforms in the biggest economies in the world.

Brazil has made a strong case for the extension of the Security Council and has been outspoken in its support for UN reform. However, veto-holding countries’ opposition has hampered progress and exposed significant differences between member states on UN reforms.

Diplomats can express their concerns and start conversations about multilateral reform during the Rio gathering. President Lula’s recent deterioration of diplomatic relations with Israel over his criticism of the UN’s handling of the Israel-Palestine problem served as a reminder of the complexity of international disputes.

In total, the G20 countries account for about two-thirds of the world’s population, over 75% of global trade, and 85% of global GDP.