Global Developments and Analysis: Weekly Monitor, 21 December - 27 December 2020

Economic

Firms Want to Adjust Supply Chains Post-Pandemic, but Changes Take Time

The coronavirus pandemic snarled the world’s sprawling supply chains for months, shutting factories, disrupting shipping and making it difficult for companies to get products from factories to consumers. There is little evidence of a big shift so far, given the costs and the uncertainty. But surveys and interviews with corporate executives show some have started to make changes and many are seriously considering them, though consultants say the moves could take several years to roll out. Their decisions could ripple through the global economy, fuelling growth in some places while curbing it in others. Prices for consumer goods could rise, as companies source from more expensive places. Higher inflation and interest rates could follow. One idea being discussed in corporate boardrooms is called “regionalization.” That involves sourcing components or setting up factories in multiple parts of the world at once, and then using each region to supply products to customers in the closest markets. If a factory is closed due to a disruption in one place, it will only impact sales in a few nearby markets, without affecting customers elsewhere. Other companies are considering expanding more at home, a variation of the idea of “reshoring,” or bringing manufacturing back to a company’s home market from abroad. Click here to read... [2]

China to continue talks on EU investment deal 'at its own pace' – Foreign Ministry

China is prepared to conduct talks on an investment pact with the European Union "at its own pace," Beijing has said a day after it denied media reports that negotiations had stalled.China will "conduct talks at its own pace on the premise of safeguarding its security and developmental interests," Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Dec 25. The statement, however, may raise doubts about whether the agreement can be sealed by the end of this year, with an EU official saying last week that it was close and Germany – the biggest European exporter to China – actively supported the efforts. Berlin holds the EU presidency until the year-end. Brussels has recently criticized China over alleged human rights issues in Hong Kong and Xinjiang, but Spain and the Netherlands voiced support for finalizing the investment agreement when their PMs talked by phone with China's Premier Li Keqiang on Dec 23. On Dec 24, Wang had denied that the negotiations were stuck after China allegedly made more demands on nuclear energy. Click here to read... [3]

What an EU-China investment treaty would mean for companies

Until recently, Beijing was in no hurry to do a deal. But in the countdown to the inauguration of Joe Biden as US president, the Chinese leadership is pulling out the stops and offering concessions. Striking a deal with the EU on market access would be a coup for China’s president Xi Jinping. It would make it harder for the EU and the new US administration to make common cause on market opening and non-discrimination. Several prominent European China experts have made the case against rushing into the so-called Comprehensive Agreement on Investment. They argue the EU risks losing leverage and could encourage Chinese assertiveness. The EU, they say, would be committing “the same mistake of partial and uncoordinated deal making” of which Europeans accused US president Donald Trump. Some European parliamentarians are preparing to do battle, when it comes to ratification of any deal, on labour standards and human rights. “Trade policy does not take place in a vacuum — how the question of forced labour is addressed in the CAI will determine the agreement’s fate,” warned Bernd Lange, chairman of the European parliament’s trade committee in a tweet this week. Click here to read... [4]

In last-ditch attempt, UK and EU agree post-Brexit trade deal after 11 months of deadlock

The EU has announced that a post-Brexit trade deal between the 27-nation bloc and the world’s sixth-largest economy has been struck just days before the deadline. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier announced that a deal has finally been agreed between Brussels and London. The two parties have been negotiating since January 31, after the UK officially left the EU and entered the transition period. Von der Leyen noted three conclusions from the agreement. Firstly, she contended that “the single market will be fair and remains so.” Secondly, the commission president said that the EU will continue cooperating with the UK in all areas of mutual interest, including climate change. Thirdly, von der Leyen added that the EU has secured five and a half years of full predictability overfishing rights, which had been a major area of disagreement between the two negotiating parties. Click here to read... [5]

China’s central bank orders Jack Ma’s Ant Group to overhaul business

Beijing has ordered Ant Group to overhaul lucrative parts of its business after accusing the Chinese payments company of “turning a blind eye” to regulatory issues in the latest official broadside at Jack Ma’s online empire. Ant said on Dec 27 that it had “immediately” started drawing up plans and timetables to meet the demands laid out earlier in the day by China’s central bank in its rare public admonishment. The incident is the latest move by Chinese authorities targeting the interests of Mr Ma, the country’s wealthiest individual. On Dec 24, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation announced that it had launched an antitrust investigation into Mr Ma’s ecommerce platform Alibaba, China’s biggest tech company, for possible monopolistic practices. In November, regulators at the last-minute scuppered Ant’s planned $37bn initial public offering, which would have been the world’s largest ever. Click here to read... [6]

Trump averts government shutdown by signing Covid relief bill

Donald Trump signed a bill to release $900bn in coronavirus stimulus spending on Dec 27 night after previously blocking a deal he had described as a “disgrace”. Mr Trump’s decision to approve the $2.3tn bill will fund the US government through the end of next September and avoid a shutdown that was set to start after midnight on Dec 28. However, in an accompanying statement, Mr Trump reiterated his demand that Congress increase the direct payment cheques sent to Americans from $600 to $2,000 per individual. Mr Trump claimed the Republican-controlled Senate would “start the process for a vote that increases checks to $2,000”, repeal Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and start “an investigation into voter fraud”, as would the Democrat-controlled House. Mr Trump said that he would return the signed legislation to Congress with “formal rescission request for certain” wasteful line items to be removed despite the fact it has now been put into law. Click here to read... [7]

Big Tech firms stealthily seek influence in Biden-Harris administration

The Biden transition team has already stacked its agency review teams with more tech executives than tech critics. It has also added to its staff several officials from Big Tech companies, which emerged as top donors to the campaign. Now, executives and employees at tech companies such as Alphabet Inc-owned Google, Amazon.com Inc, Facebook Inc, Microsoft Corp are pushing to place candidates in senior roles at government agencies, according to four sources with knowledge of the matter. Many company executives still have a huge commercial interest in pushing candidates with industry ties at the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission - both of which are investigating Big Tech's alleged market misconduct. Researchers, lawyers and consultants tracking the transition or working with the team told Reuters the moves are part of an effort by many large tech company officials to influence future policymaking. They are also making sure the Biden administration is not captive to the ideas of progressive Democrats and a growing anti-monopoly movement. Google's former Chief Executive Eric Schmidt’s name has come up in discussions to lead a Biden White House technology task force, a suggestion opposed by progressives, according to three sources. Click here to read... [8]

Envoy: $100bn Saudi investment in India ‘on track’

Saudi Arabia’s plan to invest over $100 billion in India is still on track despite the negative impact of the coronavirus pandemic, said the Kingdom’s ambassador to New Delhi. In February 2019, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced that the Kingdom would invest over $100 billion in India in petrochemicals, refining, infrastructure, mining, manufacturing, agriculture and several other sectors. Ambassador Saud Al-Sati said Saudi Arabia values India as a strategic partner and close friend. “Our plans to invest in India are on track and we are in discussion to prioritize investment opportunities in several sectors in both countries,” he told the Press Trust of India. “The Strategic Partnership Council set up by the two countries in 2019 has opened new avenues on partnership in strategic areas like defense, security counter-terrorism, energy security and renewable energy,” he added. Al-Sati praised India’s measures to revive its economy, calling its economic relief package “commendable.” He said the economic recovery of both countries will help elevate others in the region. Click here to read... [9]

Why oil makes Gulf countries vulnerable to Iran

Due to certain changes in the oil market and US foreign policy priorities, Arab countries in the Gulf find themselves in a more vulnerable position today. It is for this reason that the United Arab Emirates – which recently made its alignment with Israel official – hastened to condemn the murder of the Iranian nuclear scientist. Indeed, the UAE has a reason to fear. At the beginning of summer, the Houthis, Iran’s proxies in Yemen, resumed their attacks on infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi’s close ally. Throughout the year, they have used missiles and drones to attack military installations in Riyadh and various targets including ports and oil facilities. They were a warning and a reminder of the September 2019 strikes on Aramco oil infrastructure in Abqaiq and Khurais in Eastern Saudi Arabia, which temporarily reduced Saudi oil output by about 5.7 million barrels per day (bpd). It is important to note that Iran has started using these “infrastructure terror” tactics since relatively recently. Up until a few years ago, the Iranian go-to retaliatory threat was closing the Strait of Hormuz to disrupt oil exports from the Gulf – something Tehran was actually neither willing nor able to do. Click here to read... [10]

Gas Is Cleaner Than Oil, but Still Has a Transition Problem

Exuberant investment in new gas reserves and liquefaction facilities in recent years helped globalize the market but also created a glut. Growing Asian demand has pushed prices up dramatically this month, raising hopes of better times. But any sustained recovery in prices and profits will require fossil-fuel producers to resist the temptation to overinvest once again in their favourite green-transition fuel. Future gas demand will balance two major trends: growing prosperity in Asia driving an increase in consumption; and declining sales in Europe and North America. Future profitability depends on how well supply and demand match up. Natural gas will likely play two key roles in that green transition: replacing coal-fired power plants until sufficient renewables production can be built; and fuelling backup peaker plants to bridge the gaps in intermittent wind and solar generation.Gas demand is expected to peak sometime in the next decade or two and then taper off slowly. If interest rates rise, the renewables rollout could slow, increasing demand for gas. Advances in carbon capture and storage could also extend the resource’s role. Click here to read... [11]

US lists 103 Chinese and Russian companies with military ties

The Trump administration on Dec 22 published a list of Chinese and Russian companies with alleged military ties that restrict them from buying a wide range of U.S. goods and technology. Reuters first reported last month that the U.S. Department of Commerce drafted a list of companies that is linked to the Chinese or Russian military, news that brought a rebuke from Beijing. The U.S. government also has grown increasingly concerned about China's "military-civil fusion," a policy that aims to build up its military might and technological development in tandem. In the spring, the Commerce Department expanded the definition of "military end users," as the department defines the companies with military ties. The category includes not only armed service and national police, but any person or entity that supports or contributes to the maintenance or production of military items - even if their business is primarily non-military. The "military end user" designation requires U.S. companies to obtain licenses to sell to the firms, which are more likely to be denied than granted. Click here to read... [12]

Strategic

Beijing lashes out at US Congress bill in support of Tibetans, urges Washington to stay out of China’s internal affairs

Beijing is firmly opposed to a bill passed by the US Congress that reaffirms certain rights for Tibetans, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Dec 22, while urging Washington to stop meddling in its internal affairs. The ministry warned the US against signing the legislation into law, spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters. “We urge the US side to stop meddling in China’s internal affairs and refrain from signing into law these negative clauses and acts, lest it further harms our further cooperation and bilateral relations,” Wang stressed. The Tibet Policy and Support Act (TPSA) is an amendment to this year’s $1.4 trillion government spending bill and was approved by US lawmakers on Dec 21. It demands Beijing grant the US a consulate in Tibet and also paves the way for sanctions against Chinese officials should they interfere in the succession of the spiritual leader the Dalai Lama. The political head of the Tibetan government in exile on Dec 22 welcomed the legislation. Click here to read... [13]

‘If ONE American is killed, I’ll hold YOU responsible’: Trump’s ‘friendly health advice’ to Iran amid Iraq embassy closure rumours

President Donald Trump accused Iran of being behind an attack on the US embassy in Baghdad, amid rumours he’s considering closing it, threatening Tehran ahead of the one-year anniversary of their most serious confrontation to date. Tweeting out a photo of what he said were three rockets that failed to launch during Dec 20’s attack on the embassy, Trump said they came from Iran and that there was “chatter” about additional attacks against Americans in Iraq. “Some friendly health advice to Iran: If one American is killed, I will hold Iran responsible. Think it over,” he added. The day after General Soleimani’s funeral earlier this year, Iran responded with dozens of missiles targeting Iraqi bases that hosted US military personnel. However, Tehran reportedly gave two hours’ notice to the government in Baghdad, as well as warned the US military commanders prior to the strike, giving everyone time to reach hardened shelters. Washington has been sabre-rattling at Tehran for a month now, first sending nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to the region in November then announcing this week that an atomic-powered submarine carrying either cruise missiles or Special Forces operatives had sailed into the Persian Gulf. Click here to read... [14]

Putin beefs up protections for former Russian presidents

President Vladimir Putin signed laws on Dec 22 granting former Russian presidents expanded immunity from prosecution and allowing them to become senators for life in the upper house of parliament once they leave the Kremlin. The new laws follow sweeping reforms of Russia's political system initiated by Putin this year. Among other things, these allow him to run for two more six-year terms in the Kremlin if he chooses. He would otherwise have had to step down in 2024. The reforms are being parsed for clues as to what Putin, 68, may do at the end of his current term, which is his second consecutive term and his fourth overall. Former presidents were already entitled to immunity from prosecution for crimes committed while in office, but the new law grants them lifelong immunity and says they cannot be arrested, searched, questioned or prosecuted. The new legislation also makes it harder to revoke a former president's immunity. Click here to read... [15]

Japan ex-PM Abe apologises, corrects parliament statements on funding scandal

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Dec 25 corrected statements he had made in parliament, apologising for what he said were mistakes regarding a political funding scandal that has also cast a pall over the current premier. Abe said he felt deeply responsible for making repeated false denials that his political funding group had subsidised cherry blossom viewing parties for his supporters, in possible violation of the country's strict political funding laws. Japan's longest-serving leader said he had known nothing about the payments and pledged to work to regain public trust. The apology came after his secretary was on Dec 24 summarily indicted over the issue and fined 1 million yen (£7,125). "Even though the accounting procedures happened without my knowledge, I feel morally responsible for what happened," Abe told a parliamentary committee. "I reflect on this deeply and apologise from my heart to the citizens and to all lawmakers." Click here to read... [16]

China to strengthen military coordination with Russia

The joint aerial strategic patrol held by the air forces of Russia and China on December 22 over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea makes a big statement on the geopolitics of the Asia-Pacific region. Chinese experts have hinted that such events could become “routine” in future. The Chinese and Russian defense ministers made a joint announcement on the occasion Dec 22. China sent four nuclear-capable H-6K strategic bombers “to form a joint formation” with two of Russia’s famous Tu-95 bombers (NATO reporting name: “Bear”) to conduct the joint patrol as “part of annual military cooperation plan” between the two countries. The announcement said the joint patrol “aims to further develop the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination in the new era and enhance the level of the two militaries’ strategic coordination and joint operational capability to jointly safeguard global strategic stability.” Click here to read... [17]

Turkey, Ukraine forging strategic depth in the Black Sea

Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been variously accused of “neo-Ottomanism,” revanchism or radical Islamism. But the meeting of the foreign and defense ministers of Turkey and Ukraine in the “2+2” format in Kiev on December 18 did not fit into any of these narratives. The event throws light on the moorings of Turkish regional policies that seldom get discussed. The “2+2” format is generally regarded as a level of diplomatic and political interaction by two countries that have vital stakes in the relationship. The Turkish-Ukrainian relationship has gained gravitas since 2014 following the pro-Western regime change in Kiev, and palpably so after Volodymyr Zelensky became president in May last year. More recently, Azerbaijan’s dramatic success in recovering lost territory in Nagorno-Karabakh, thanks to Turkey’s robust support, captivated the Ukrainian elite. Zelensky’s visit to Turkey on October 16 turned out to be a turning point in bilateral relations. During Zelensky’s visit, a framework agreement on military cooperation was signed. Click here to read... [18]

Turkey bolsters influence across North Africa’s Maghreb

Turkey is boosting its influence across North Africa, analysts say, intervening militarily in war-torn Libya and using “soft power,” trade and investment in Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. While Turkish-made drones have won battles in Libya, its soap operas and other cultural products have won hearts and minds in Maghreb countries, several of which were once part of the Ottoman Empire.Muslim conservative President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has in recent years asserted Ankara’s role as a regional player, sparring with Greece and the European Union as well as with Russia and Gulf nations. His willingness to confront European former colonial powers, especially France, and present himself as a defender of the Muslim world has earned him the respect of many in North Africa and elsewhere, say observers. “It really started in 2011 at the time of the Arab Spring” when popular revolts toppled the region’s autocrats and Turkey backed Islamic movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood, historian Pierre Vermeren of Sorbonne University said. Click here to read... [19]

Covert action: China could push Taiwan into nuclear defense

It should come as no surprise, then, that support for reunification is at an all-time low among Taiwanese, with around 90% in opposition. It should also come as no surprise, that there is discussion of restarting Taiwan’s covert nuclear weapons’ program — that, and only that would make China wake up and take notice. A nuclear-weaponized Taiwan would be a game-changer in that respect.For those who have forgotten, during the 1970s, Taiwan produced plutonium for its indigenous weapons program, the report said. While plutonium production was halted because of American pressure in 1976, the military government in Taiwan continued with its secret nuclear weapons program until the 1980s, which included a successful nuclear reaction. Taiwan is already a latent nuclear power. The move to nuclear weapons would not take long given its current materials and technical capacity, the report said.It already has two operational nuclear power plants on opposite ends of the island that could produce plutonium. It could use a “Japan option” of enriching its radioactive materials for weaponization in a short timeframe. Click here to read... [20]

Israel to hold snap election in March 2021

Israel will hold a snap election in March after parliament failed on Dec 22 to meet a deadline to pass a budget, triggering a ballot presenting new challenges for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Campaigning in Israel's fourth parliamentary election in two years gets underway with Netanyahu facing public anger over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and while he is engaged in a corruption trial, the first against an Israeli prime minister.Israel's longest-serving leader will also have to contend with a new rival from the right, Gideon Saar, a defector from Netanyahu's Likud party. An opinion poll on Israel's Kan public TV on Tuesday showed Saar drawing even with the prime minister. Netanyahu, who has denied any criminal wrongdoing, and the current defense minister, centrist politician Benny Gantz, established a unity government in May after three inconclusive elections held since April 2019. But they have been locked in a dispute over passage of a national budget, key to implementing a deal in which Gantz was to have taken over from Netanyahu in November 2021. A new election means that "rotation" will never happen. Click here to read... [21]

Canada’s vetoing Arctic gold mine acquisition is ‘political inference’: FM

Canada's unjustified veto of a Chinese company's commercial acquisition of a gold mine located within the Arctic Circle provoked a response from the Chinese Foreign Ministry, which criticized the Canadian government of politicizing regular business cooperation and engaging in political inference. "China has always asked its companies to carry out investment and cooperation overseas based on international rules and local laws and regulations. It is wrong to politicize business cooperation and to engage in political interference on the grounds of national security," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a press briefing on Dec 23. "The nature of China-Canada economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial," Zhao said, urging the Canadian side to provide a fair, open and non-discriminatory business environment for foreign companies, including those from China. The remarks came as media reports saying that Canada rejected a bid by a Chinese company acquiring an Arctic gold mine on national security grounds. Click here to read... [22]

Xinhua Headlines-Yearender: Xi's "cloud diplomacy" helps world emerge from pandemic with enhanced solidarity

In the face of an unprecedented global crisis, Chinese President Xi Jinping engaged in intensive head of state diplomacy, sharing thoughts with world leaders on addressing the fundamental questions of the times, and offering China's proposals to the resolution of global challenges. Throughout the year, Xi had 80 phone calls with foreign leaders and heads of international organizations and attended 22 important diplomatic events in the form of "cloud diplomacy" through the innovative virtual platform. The president's diplomatic engagements have helped build global consensus on COVID-19 and pointed out the way forward for China's foreign policy, said China's State Councillor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. At various international platforms, including the World Health Assembly, the UN high-level meetings and the G20 Leaders' Summit, Xi called on countries concerned to step up exchanges on epidemic monitoring, scientific research, and disease control and treatment while opposing attempts to politicize the pandemic. With a strong sense of responsibility, China proposed building a community of health for all and launched the largest global humanitarian campaign since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. Click here to read... [23]

US dangles billions for Indonesia normalising ties with Israel

Indonesia could unlock billions of dollars in additional U.S. financing if it joins President Donald Trump’s push for Muslim countries to establish relations with Israel, according to a U.S. official. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, a government agency that invests overseas, could more than double its current $1 billion portfolio if Indonesia develops ties with Israel, DFC Chief Executive Officer Adam Boehler said in an interview on Dec 21 at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. “We’re talking to them about it,” Boehler said. “If they’re ready, they’re ready and if they are then we’ll be happy to even support more financially than what we do.” He said he wouldn’t be surprised if his organization’s funding to Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation, was boosted by “one or two more billion dollars.” American and Israeli leaders have said they expect more countries to join the wave of normalization agreements with Israel announced in the past few months, including with United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco. Click here to read... [24]

Pakistan to UAE: Can’t recognise Israel until Palestine resolved

Pakistan says it has made it clear to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that Islamabad cannot recognise Israel until the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is resolved. “I categorically presented Pakistan’s stance on Israel to the UAE’s foreign minister that we will not and cannot establish a relationship with Israel until a concrete and permanent solution to the Palestine issue is found,” Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told reporters in the central city of Multan on Dec 21. Qureshi’s statement came days after his visit to the UAE, which was seen by many as crucial amid rumours that Islamabad had secretly sent a messenger to Israel.Islamabad denied the reports, which appeared mainly in the Israeli media. Imran Khan made headlines last month when he revealed that Islamabad had been under pressure from some “friendly” nations to recognise Israel. Although he stopped short of naming the countries despite being repeatedly asked whether they were Muslim or non-Muslim countries, many believe the Pakistani leader was referring to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Click here to read... [25]

Gulf officials discuss ‘cooperation’ ahead of GCC summit

Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries held a virtual meeting discussing “cooperation” ahead of a regional summit next month amid efforts to end a rift between Qatar and a Saudi-led alliance. Bahrain said in a statement that the virtual meeting took place on Dec 27 to lay out the groundwork for the 41st session of the GCC summit to be held on January 5 in the Saudi capital Riyadh. Foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait took part in the meeting hosted by Manama, while Qatar was represented by its minister of state for foreign affairs. In June 2017, the blockading countries – Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt – accused Qatar, among other things, of supporting terrorism and being too close to Iran and severed economic and diplomatic ties. The four countries imposed a land, sea and air blockade on Qatar. However, Riyadh has recently pushed for a resolution of the dispute as it seeks to soften criticism from United States President-elect Joe Biden, who has pledged to take a firmer stance with the kingdom than his predecessor. Click here to read... [26]

US Lawmakers Prepare for Battles over Congressional Redistricting

The fight over House districts in 2022 is starting well before new lines on state maps are drawn. Lawmakers, outside groups and attorneys are readying for a battle over redistricting that could change the control of the House majority in President-elect Joe Biden’s first term. Democrats are set to go into the new Congress with 222 seats, to Republicans’ 211, with two races still in dispute. The narrow majority has Republicans preparing to fight for favourable maps and Democrats on the defense.U.S. House and state legislative districts are redrawn every 10 years, based on census data. Estimates released last Tuesday show that 10 states are likely to lose at least one congressional seat: Alabama, California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia. In total, 435 districts are split between the states.Republicans will be in charge of drawing the lines in many of the states that could matter most for the House balance of power. Democrats failed to flip several legislative seats they targeted in 2020, which they acknowledge will hurt them in places where GOP-controlled state legislatures will draw the lines. Click here to read... [27]

Pakistani militants shift focus to cities in targeting of Chinese

Recent attacks on Chinese citizens in Karachi show that Pakistani militant groups opposing China's Belt and Road Initiative have changed their strategy -- focusing on the country's urban centres and targeting Chinese nationals and investments. On Dec 22, a Chinese citizen and his interpreter survived a gun assault on a car showroom in the outskirts of Karachi, the country's key port city and economic hub. A week before, another Chinese national survived an attempt to blow up his vehicle outside the restaurant he owns in Karachi's upscale Clifton area. The Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army insurgent group claimed credit for both attacks. "China and Pakistan have forcibly been occupying the land under the projects of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and we will continue our attacks to target them," the SRA said in a statement. Ethnic militant groups in Balochistan and Sindh provinces that have been fighting security forces for years over what they see as unfair exploitation of the regions' vast mineral wealth have also been attacking projects linked to the CPEC. Click here to read... [28]

Medical

Top German virologist casts doubt on fears of new ‘highly contagious’ UK Covid-19 strain

News of a supposedly highly infectious coronavirus strain being discovered in the UK has led to a flurry of travel bans. Now, a top German scientist says the mutation might not be as dangerous as we were led to believe. The statement that the new strain of Covid-19 is 70 percent more contagious is nothing, but a claim made by politicians so far, Christian Drosten, the head of the virology department at the Berlin’s Charite center — one of Europe’s largest university hospitals — told the German radio broadcaster Deutschlandfunk. “The question is … whether the virus is to blame or whether it was just a local epidemic outbreak, or the lockdown was not so strict … and transmission mechanisms were in place … in an area where this particular strain happened to be,” he said. It was also too early to say whether this virus actually transmits faster. What is known so far is that a mutation present in the new strain lets it form a stronger binding with human cells. Click here to read... [29]

Early success leaves South Korea scrambling

After a summer of touting South Korea's approach as a model for the world, officials acknowledge the success of earlier efforts helped fuel over-confidence that left them straining to contain a third wave and scrambling to defend a cautious vaccine timeline. Frontline fighters in South Korea's war against the virus outlined what they say were critical mistakes by the government, including not investing in enough manpower and training for the tracing programme, not mobilising private hospitals fast enough to free up more beds, indecisive social distancing policies, and adopting a slow approach to securing and rolling out vaccines. Lim Seung-kwan, chief of Gyeonggi Province's COVID-19 emergency response task force, said it was time to consider dropping mass tracing in favour of more targeted epidemiological surveys that seek to better understand specific patterns of the virus' spread while freeing up trained medical personnel to provide patient care. Click here to read... [30]

Taiwan reports first locally transmitted COVID-19 case since April

Taiwan on Dec 22 reported its first locally transmitted case of COVID-19 since April 12, a friend of a New Zealand pilot who was confirmed to have been infected earlier this week and is testing more than 100 contacts of the woman. Taiwan has kept the pandemic well under control thanks to early and effective prevention methods and widespread mask wearing, with all new cases for more than the last 250 days being among travellers arriving on the island.But Taiwan's government has watched nervously as imported cases rise, albeit at a far lower rate than in many other places and has raised the alert level as the winter begins. Health Minister Chen Shih-chung told reporters the new locally transmitted case was a woman in her 30s who had close contact with the New Zealand pilot, who was himself confirmed to have been infected on Sunday having flown flights to the United States. Click here to read... [31]