| By Linyi Zheng | In a marathon session of ten hours of meetings, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng held talks to find common ground in promoting US-China economic and trade relations.
Thursday, October 22
China Expands Trade and Energy Deals with Arab States
| By Linyi Zheng | China highlighted increased Middle East trade and energy deals and initiatives at last week’s 6th China-Arab States Expo held in Yinchuan, China.
BRICS: Shaping the Global Landscape through Collaboration
| By Eliana Pisons | BRICS continues to emerge as a notable driving force with an ambitious mission that has the potential to reshape the global landscape.
China’s Huawei Unveils Advanced Mobile Phone
| By Xuan Zhong | Huawei unveiled its Mate60 Pro phone, showcasing an advanced Chinese-made chip despite being under tech trade sanctions led by the US and US-allied countries.
Many Happy Returns for Online Shopping in Latin America
| By Xuan Zhong | In Latin America, online returns have often been unreliable. But logistics companies are using tech innovations to design better return models.
President Biden Implements Ban on U.S. Investments in Select Chinese Technologies
| By Eliana Pisons | President Joe Biden has taken a decisive step in recalibrating U.S.-China economic relations by instituting a ban on American companies’ investments in specific Chinese technologies. This move was revealed August 9, 2023, when he signed an executive order that will restrict investments and require government notification in other tech sectors. He intends to stop Beijing from receiving American assistance in hopes to quell their military expansion.
China Bans Micron Chip Deal
| By Haiqi Li | The Cyberspace Administration of China blocked a deal with Micron Technology in a move viewed as a response to US national security policies towards the Chinese semiconductor industry.
G-7 Leaders Discuss International Standards for AI
| by Emma Kuruppacherry | The G-7 leaders met in Hiroshima to address AI and how to regulate its use. World leaders discussed concerns about privacy attacks, civil rights violations, disinformation, and the unethical use of data.
2023 Navy League Sea-Air-Space Expo Draws Thousands of Attendees
The 2023 Navy League Sea-Air-Space expo, held from April 3-5 in National Harbor, Maryland, brought together over 300 exhibitors to showcase the latest in naval, marine, and coast guard technologies. Speakers and attendees alike discussed critical issues facing the industry, including the need to invest in people and prioritize training and retention programs.
During a panel discussion at the event, Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, emphasized the importance of investing in human capital, stating that “our people are our most important asset.” Gilday noted that training and development programs are key to ensuring the Navy remains ready to face emerging challenges in the global security environment.
Leaders from the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard also highlighted the need for a consistent and combined presence in the Indo-Pacific region to deter China. Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant of the Coast Guard, stated that “our ability to work together with our partners and allies is critical to maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.” Similarly, General David Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps, emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with partners in the region, stating that “we cannot do this alone.”
Cloud and cyber capabilities were another focus of the event, with leaders emphasizing the need for a seamless virtual cloud to improve communication and data sharing. “We need to create an environment where information can flow freely between different platforms, services, and commands,” said Vice Admiral Nancy Norton, Director of the Defense Information Systems Agency. Additionally, speakers discussed the need for strong cyber defenses to protect against increasingly sophisticated threats, including cyber terrorism and espionage.
Several new technologies were unveiled at the event, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) systems. Rear Admiral Gregory Harris, Director of Air Warfare for the Navy, discussed the benefits of the new UAS systems, stating that “these drones will give us greater flexibility and situational awareness in a variety of missions.” The new ASW systems incorporate the latest technology to detect and track enemy submarines more effectively, providing the Navy with a critical advantage in maritime security.
In addition to showcasing the latest technologies, the expo provided networking opportunities for industry and government leaders to collaborate and discuss future initiatives. “This event provides an opportunity for us to come together and share ideas and perspectives,” said Kevin Fahey, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition. “It’s important that we work together to identify new technologies and strategies that can enhance our capabilities and keep us ahead of emerging threats.”
The 2023 Navy League Sea-Air-Space expo demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to innovation and collaboration. As Admiral Christopher Grady, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, stated, “the partnerships we build and the innovations we develop at events like this are critical to maintaining our advantage and ensuring the security of our nation.”
UK, EU propose New Framework on Northern Ireland Border
| By Alexander Haidar |
On February 27, 2023 the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen announced a tentative post-Brexit trade agreement concerning Northern Ireland.[i] The existing Northern Ireland Protocol is an agreement which came into effect in January of 2021 as part of the Brexit negotiations between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) to address trade on the border between Northern Ireland (a part of the UK) and the Republic of Ireland (an EU member state). The Protocol sought to prevent the need for a ‘hard border’ between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland by essentially keeping Northern Ireland within the EU’s single market for goods and maintaining regulatory alignment with EU rules.[ii] Since implemented, goods entering Northern Ireland’s ports from Great Britain (no longer part of the EU) became subject to checks and controls to ensure that they comply with EU standards. The Protocol also included provisions for the Northern Ireland Assembly to vote on whether to continue the arrangements after four years, with the possibility of extending them for another four years if both the EU and UK agree.[iii]
The Northern Ireland Protocol has been a source of controversy and tension between the UK and the EU, as some pro-unionist political parties such as the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in Northern Ireland felt that it created barriers to trading and undermined Northern Ireland’s position within the UK. There have also been difficulties in implementing the Protocol, with some businesses experiencing disruption and delays in trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.[iv] Overall, the Northern Ireland Protocol was a complex and important agreement which marked a milestone of the Brexit process, however, it will likely be replaced by legislation based on the Windsor Framework. The deal outlined by the UK and the EU is the culmination of months of negotiations between both parties to find a new approach to post-Brexit international trade policy across the only UK-EU land border. During a joint press conference at Windsor castle, both leaders announced their hope that this new approach will result in an effective solution to the post-Brexit trade disputes in Northern Ireland:
“This new Framework will allow us to begin a new chapter. It provides for long-lasting solutions that both of us are confident will work for all people and businesses in Northern Ireland.”[v]
– EU President von der Leyen
“Today’s agreement is about preserving that delicate balance and charting a new way forward for the people of Northern Ireland.”[vi]
– UK Prime Minister Sunak
At the press conference, Sunak explained the three main achievements of the revised protocol as follows: “Delivering smooth flowing trade within the whole United Kingdom; Protecting Northern Ireland’s place in our Union; Safeguarding sovereignty for the people of Northern Ireland.”[vii] In this plan, goods traveling from the UK with a final destination of Northern Ireland will travel through a new “green lane,” while those with a final destination of Ireland (EU) will travel through a “red lane” where EU checks and regulations will be followed. It will also allow British residents of Northern Ireland to forgo the customs paperwork previously imposed on them, while also allowing them to completely access British products and services. Finally, it will equip the democratically elected Northern Ireland Assembly with the ability to “pull an emergency brake” if businesses in Northern Ireland are negatively impacted from EU regulations.
The land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland is particularly important for trade. Being relatively porous, with many small roads and crossings that are used by individuals and businesses to move goods and people between the two countries, the border allows for goods and services to be transferred from the UK into the EU fairly easily, which is particularly important for sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing that rely on just-in-time supply chains. Additionally, Northern Ireland’s ports, particularly the port of Belfast, facilitate trade with the rest of the UK and beyond. The port of Belfast is a major hub for imports and exports, particularly in the areas of agri-food and manufacturing.[viii]
The DUP has yet to officially release a comment on the content of the Windsor Framework but indicated that they will be reviewing it carefully.[ix] As it also remains yet to be passed by the British parliament, the true impact of the Windsor Framework on trade between Ireland and the UK will depend on the specific trade agreements and laws negotiated under this new approach. In particular, the UK may seek to negotiate new trade deals that compete with existing trade agreements between Ireland and other countries to benefit from the removal of regulatory barriers for goods traveling to Northern Ireland from the UK. The UK’s new direction towards maintaining national security while also protecting trade routes to the EU via Northern Ireland has yet to be implemented and tested, however, it could lead to a significant shift in the UK’s approach to trade with EU countries.
[i] “The Windsor Framework: A New Way Forward.” GOV.UK, Controller of His Majesty’s Stationery Office, Feb. 2023, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/974907/EYFS_framework_-_March_2021.pdf.
[ii] Piper, Elizabeth, et al. “Explainer: What Is the Northern Ireland Protocol?” Edited by Janet Lawrence and Christina Fincher, Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 26 Feb. 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/talks-post-brexit-northern-ireland-trade-edge-closer-deal-2023-02-20/.
[iii] “Democratic Consent Mechanism.” Northern Ireland Assembly, 2023 Northern Ireland Assembly Commission, 2021, http://www.niassembly.gov.uk/assembly-business/brexit-and-beyond/democratic-consent-mechanism/.
[iv] Ferguson, Amanda. “Northern Ireland Business Groups Welcome Brexit Deal ‘Certainty’.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 27 Feb. 2023, https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/northern-ireland-business-groups-welcome-brexit-deal-certainty-2023-02-27/.
[v] “Statement by President Von Der Leyen at the Joint Press Conference with UK Prime Minister Sunak.” European Commission, European Union, 27 Feb. 2023, https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_23_1270.
[vi] “PM Speech on the Windsor Framework: February 2023.” GOV.UK, His Majesty’s Government, 27 Feb. 2023, https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/pm-statement-to-the-house-of-commons-27-feb-2023.
[vii] Ibid.
[viii] Carswell, Simon. “Belfast Port Reports Surge in Trade Due to Fewer Post-Brexit Checks.” The Irish Times, The Irish Times, 1 Feb. 2022, https://www.irishtimes.com/business/belfast-port-reports-surge-in-trade-due-to-fewer-post-brexit-checks-1.4791231.
[ix] Haplin, Padraic, et al. “Northern Ireland’s DUP Leader: We Are Studying New Brexit Deal Texts.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 27 Feb. 2023, https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-02-27/northern-irelands-dup-leader-we-are-studying-new-brexit-deal-texts.