US, Australia, Canada, Philippines Stage Naval and Air Force Maneuvers in Disputed South China Sea – The Diplomat

Beijing has once again criticized Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te, labeling him a "destroyer of peace" in the Taiwan Strait for his recent comments asserting that Taiwan and mainland China are not subordinate to each other. The Taiwan Affairs Office accused Lai of promoting separatist rhetoric and seeking independence through foreign support or force. Lai's remarks at a Lunar New Year event emphasized Taiwan's sovereignty as essential for the existence of the Republic of China,...

Havas has acquired a majority stake in e-commerce media agency Channel Bakers to enhance their performance marketing and retail media capabilities. Channel Bakers, led by CEO Joshua Kreitzer, will maintain its brand identity within the Havas Media network and eventually integrate into Havas Market under Greg James. This partnership aims to combine Channel Bakers' retail media expertise with Havas's resources to provide advanced retail media solutions for clients globally. Full Article

Russian liner Panda Express Line is expanding its services to cover South China by deploying two sub-2,000 teu ships to connect Vladivostok with ports in Nansha, Shenzhen, and Xiamen. The company, launched in late 2022, is among new Russian liners filling the gap left by global liners following the invasion of Ukraine, operating a fleet of ten vessels between the Russian Far East, China, and South Korea. Full Article

AI is reshaping industries and daily life globally, with the Asia-Pacific region experiencing a surge in AI adoption in 2024. AI agents are driving efficiency and automation in sectors like agriculture, finance, and customer service, while large corporations are embedding AI to stay competitive. AI-powered tools are enhancing individual experiences, with companies like Deciphex and Grab using AI to improve diagnostics and optimize routes, respectively. In Southeast Asia, key AI trends are propelling technological advancements,...

The MAGA agenda includes tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, potentially impacting global growth and key sectors. India could benefit from the pushback on China through strategic alliances with the U.S. and restructuring trade policies to attract foreign investment and mitigate trade imbalances. To address challenges posed by protectionist measures, India must focus on domestic consumption stimulation, strengthen "Look East" strategies, and restructure industrial policies to enhance export potential in key sectors. Full Article

The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced that it would resume accepting parcels from China and Hong Kong, reversing a previous suspension caused by President Trump ending a trade provision for duty-free shipments from retailers like Temu, Shein, and Amazon. The USPS is collaborating with Customs and Border Protection to implement efficient collection mechanisms for new China tariffs to minimize delivery disruptions. The Trump administration imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods and eliminated the...