China

Hong Kong Free Press | English | News | May 2, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Boeing's CEO, Kelly Ortberg, announced that Chinese customers have halted accepting new aircraft deliveries due to the U.S.-China trade war, as the company seeks to mitigate the impact of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Despite the political uncertainties, Boeing's shares experienced a surge after the company reported a smaller-than-expected loss of $123 million in the first quarter, compared to a $343 million loss during the same period the previous year. The company aims to deliver around 50 aircraft to China in 2025, but if the delivery freeze persists, Ortberg stated they would market the jets to other airlines.

While expressing hopes for future trade agreements, Ortberg described the engagement with the White House as dynamic and uncertain. He emphasized the priority of preventing other countries from facing similar trade barriers and downplayed the impact of tariffs on production costs. Boeing's financial strategies include plans to increase aircraft production rates and divest parts of its digital aviation solutions business, leading to an expected cash burn that is lower than initial projections.

Boeing is also focused on rebuilding trust with customers and regulators following past incidents, including fatal crashes involving the 737 MAX. Efforts to enhance safety and quality control have been initiated, and Ortberg expressed confidence in the company's direction as it improves operational performance. Following these developments, Boeing's stock rose significantly, marking its leading performance in the Dow index.

Global Times | English | News | May 2, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, stated that compliance with US demands could diminish Taiwan's significance, transforming it from a "pawn" to a "discarded piece." This comment followed a Brookings Institution poll indicating a notable decline in public trust towards the US among Taiwan residents. The poll results, from February to April 2025, revealed a 20.8 percent drop in the number of respondents viewing the US positively and a decrease to 23.1 percent in those considering the US a "trustworthy" ally, down from 33.6 percent the previous year.

Zhu highlighted that only 37.5 percent of respondents found US military intervention in a potential conflict "likely" or "very likely," compared to 44.5 percent in July 2024. She attributed the erosion of trust to the perception that the US prioritizes its own interests, viewing Taiwan primarily as a financial resource and a strategic tool against China. Zhu criticized the US for pressuring Taiwan to engage in actions that would benefit America rather than Taiwan itself.

These actions include compelling Taiwan's key industries, like TSMC, to transfer operations to the US, urging an increase in defense spending for US weapons, militarizing Taiwan and promoting urban warfare, and imposing high tariffs that adversely affect local industries. Zhu questioned whether the US is truly protecting Taiwan or causing harm, and whether the Democratic Progressive Party authorities are safeguarding or undermining Taiwan. She asserted that the people of Taiwan are becoming increasingly aware of these dynamics.

Malaysia perlu kekal bijak, elak terperangkap dalam perang tarif AS-China

Sinar Harian | Local Language | News | May 2, 2025 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

Malaysia must adopt a diplomatic and neutral stance amid the ongoing US-China trade tensions, according to Professor Dr Baharom Abdul Hamid from the International Islamic Finance Education Centre (INCEIF). He emphasized the importance of a measured approach that considers long-term economic interests. With statistical data indicating potential negative growth for the US, which has recently become Malaysia's largest export partner, careful planning is vital.

Baharom cautioned that the impact of tariffs could be historically significant, noting Malaysia's vulnerability as an open trading nation subject to global risks. He highlighted the need for the country to maintain impartiality, especially following the recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Southeast Asian countries, which raised concerns about regional alignment with China in the tariff conflict.

He pointed out that Malaysia's open economy makes it susceptible to crises, underscoring the necessity for continued diplomatic engagement. The visit from China can serve as an opportunity to enhance regional relations and cooperation. Baharom suggested that Malaysia, as ASEAN Chairman, could leverage this geopolitical uncertainty to play a more active role in facilitating trade within ASEAN and strengthening economic competitiveness through platforms like ASEAN-China and ASEAN-EU partnerships.