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Time Magazine
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time Magazine
Marco Rubio's Difficult Balancing Act in Asia
The U.S. wants to bolster its relations in the Indo-Pacific to guard against China, but it will have to navigate an environment that's been stunned by the economic blows dealt by President Donald Trump's protectionist trade policies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is on his first official trip to Asia this week to attend the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional security conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The State Department said Rubio will focus on 'reaffirming the United States' commitment to advancing a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region,' rather than on tariffs or trade. The conference, though, will be attended by officials from a number of the countries targeted by new tariff rates set to go into effect next month. Earlier this week, Trump announced 25% tariffs on two key partners, Japan and South Korea—which are not members of ASEAN but do have delegations attending the conference—after negotiations failed to materialize deals. On Wednesday, Trump also unveiled an increased to 20% tariff on the Philippines, an ASEAN member and longstanding U.S. treaty ally. He also shared new tariff rates on ASEAN members Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand, effective Aug. 1. Meanwhile, Vietnam—one of three countries worldwide to cut a deal with Trump—will be tariffed at a 20% rate. Read More: Trump's Trade Deals, Negotiations, and New Tariffs for Each Country Tariffs have already been at the center of ASEAN talks, which began Tuesday. 'This meeting takes place amid the unravelling of assumptions, where power unsettles principle, and calm can no longer be taken for granted. The global order is fraying,' Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in his opening remarks on Wednesday. 'Tools once used to generate growth are now wielded to pressure, isolate and contain.' 'Tariffs, export restrictions and investment barriers have now become the sharpened instruments of geopolitical rivalry,' he said. Calling on ASEAN countries to strengthen trade with each other, he added: 'This is no passing storm.' Anwar told reporters after his opening speech that Malaysian officials were 'in the midst of negotiations' with the U.S. and that he plans to 'raise some of these issues for his consideration' when he meets Rubio Thursday. U.S. seeking stronger security ties in Southeast Asia U.S. officials have sought to reaffirm security commitments to Southeast Asia, even as the U.S. under Trump has withdrawn from and rolled out apparent punitive measures towards many countries in the region. In January, Rubio 'underscored the United States' ironclad commitments to the Philippines' under the countries' Mutual Defense Treaty in a call about China's 'dangerous and stabilizing' actions in the South China Sea. That same month, he also spoke with Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son about China's 'aggressive behavior' in the disputed sea. The U.S. held joint maritime drills with the Philippines earlier this year as usual and signalled further commitment with the presence of USS George Washington in the South China Sea last week. Earlier this month, Rubio met with 'the Quad'—officials from Australia, India, and Japan—in an attempt to shift U.S. attention towards the Asia-Pacific after Trump's military intervention in the Middle East. A senior State Department official told the AFP that these sorts of affirmations are 'in America's interest.' But Trump himself has put U.S. commitments to international partners in doubt, including rolling back U.S. involvement in the Asia-Pacific region. The shuttering of USAID put at risk the lives of millions of people in dozens of low- and middle-income countries, including several in Southeast Asia. USAID emergency responders in Myanmar were told to go home as the country was rocked by the aftereffects of a massive quake in April. And many reconciliation projects meant to address the worst effects of the Vietnam War were forced to halt due to funding and staffing cuts earlier this year, which marked a half century since the war ended. Trump's mass deportation campaign and tightening of visa rules have also impacted Southeast Asian nationals. Not to mention Trump's sweeping tariffs. 'On one hand, there is opportunity, certainly for the United States to get involved,' Mark S. Cogan, associate professor of peace and conflict studies at Japan's Kansai Gaidai University, previously told TIME. Yet, he added, U.S. foreign policy overall 'really says that it is retreating.' Competing with China for influence Chinese and Russian officials will also be present at the conference, with Rubio reportedly intending to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday. China has courted Southeast Asian nations and ramped up its diplomatic efforts in recent months. The country has sought to portray itself as a more reliable economic and diplomatic partner than the U.S. under Trump. In a June meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed to 'the current complex and turbulent international situation' as the basis for strengthening regional trading ties. At the same time, both Asian and European countries have expressed continued security concerns around Chinese aggression in the disputed South China Sea and towards Taiwan, which have 'unsettled' people in spite of China's importance to regional trade, said Ja Ian Chong, associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore and non-resident scholar with Carnegie China. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned NATO's Indo-Pacific partners last month of China's 'massive' military expansion. But some Trump Administration officials are also pushing for the U.S. military to scale down its presence across Asia. A report by two analysts from the so-called 'restrainers' ideological camp within the American right recommended on Wednesday that the number of U.S. forces deployed to South Korea be slashed from 28,500 to 10,000. Trump has complained about the cost of U.S. military aid to South Korea, saying that the U.S. gives the country 'so much help militarily' to protect against North Korea. Trump has similarly demanded that U.S. partners, including Japan and Taiwan, increase their own defense spending, and taken a greyer position than his predecessor Joe Biden on whether the U.S. would come to Taiwan's military defence. A survey of Southeast Asian nations released in April found that the U.S. had retaken its spot as the region's preferred partner over China and that levels of trust in the U.S. had increased from last year, though the survey was taken before the bulk of Trump's protectionist policies were unveiled. But a new survey released Tuesday found that respondents from 25 middle- and high-income countries around the world had conflicted feelings about the U.S., with the U.S. emerging as both a perceived top ally and top threat. Anwar called on ASEAN leaders to 'reject the idea that the world can be carved into spheres of influence,' an apparent reference to the U.S. and China rivalry. 'We are a region that charts its own course, deliberately, coherently, and with purpose.' Sharon Seah, senior fellow and coordinator at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute's ASEAN Studies Center and one of the researchers behind the annual Southeast Asian survey, told TIME that Southeast Asian countries are largely 'pragmatic' and will try to balance their interests between the U.S. and China. But, she adds, part of that pragmatism means recognizing 'there is no choice but to trust the powers that they are familiar with because geopolitical dynamics is shifting so rapidly.' 'Southeast Asia is an arena for contention between Washington and Beijing despite desires 'not to choose sides' in the region,' Chong previously told TIME. 'Perhaps that ambiguity is encouraging greater U.S.-[China] contestation.'
GMA Network
07-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Lawmakers eye restrictions, ban on online gambling
Lawmakers are split on how to deal with the proliferation of online gambling and casinos, with some eyeing restricting access while others call for a total ban. Akbayan party-list Representatives Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, and Dadah Ismulla filed House Bill 1351 restricting access to online gambling or the Kontra e-Sugal Act. Under the proposal, access to online gambling or casinos will be limited by imposing the following measures: establishment of strict age verification protocols prescribing limits on advertising and promotion implementing a national- self-exclusion registry imposing betting loss limits prescribing minimum guidelines for player protection creating a harm mitigation levy recognize gambling disorder as a public health condition banning campaign contributions from gambling operators and implement strict penalties for unlicensed operators and non-compliant persons. 'Online gambling is accessible anytime, anywhere and often anonymously, making it particularly addictive and harmful to minors, persons who may be vulnerable to the lure of gaining easy money, and those desperate to make ends meet. Online gambling thus poses unique and costly risks, not only for those who gamble but also their families, communities, and Philippine society,' the authors said in their explanatory note. 'The absence of regulatory controls has led to a rise of gambling-related problems, including financial meltdowns, family breakdowns, gambling addiction, depression, and other mental health issues. The Kontra e-Sugal Act of 2025 seeks to establish a framework to regulate online gambling in the Philippines [while being able to] safeguard public welfare, protect vulnerable groups, and ensure responsible gambling practices,' the lawmakers added. Likewise, the Akbayan lawmakers said their proposal is in accordance to the constitutional provision mandating the State to 'promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living, and an improved quality of life for all." 'Presently, there is no law specifically regulating online gambling platforms in the country. The State, in the exercise of its inherent police power, must act decisively to protect the physical, mental, and social well-being of its citizens from the growing harms associated with online gambling. Hence, this proposed legislation,' they added. But for Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Adiong, there should be a total ban on online gambling. 'As it is, anyone can do that (gambling) with a smartphone. If you want to cut a tree, do not just trim the branches. Go to the very root of the problem,' Adiong said. 'The possible benefits that you get does not actually outweigh the negative effects that you have. Any measure that would affect the moral fiber of our society should be prioritized,' he added. Back in August 2024, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chief Al Tengco told lawmakers that the agency is studying to revive e-sabong, a online gambling rooted longstanding tradition of cockfighting matches in the Philippines, because e-sabong brought in as much as P6 billion worth of government revenues within a year before it was banned by the Duterte administration in 2022. E-sabong was banned in 2022 due to the problems also being raised against online gambling now. —AOL, GMA Integrated News
TimesLIVE
14-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Durban Chamber of Commerce backs Lenmed's vision for medical tourism and economic growth
Organised business believes the new Lenmed eThekwini Acute Rehabilitation Centre is a powerful vote of confidence in Durban's 'resilience, economic stability, and long-term growth potential'. Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Palesa Phili said at a time when 'everyone was very jittery' about investing in Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, the Lenmed Group went ahead with investments. During the 2021 July unrest, which swept through KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng, fires and violence raged around the hospital in the Queen Nandi Drive vicinity. 'We believe this investment will position Durban favourably and contribute to the economic growth and job creation of our city. "Most importantly, it will also create vast opportunities from the health sector,' Phili told local dignitaries, government officials and business leaders at the official opening on Monday. The chamber hopes to partner with the facility to boost medical tourism in the city. 'We need to start pushing medical tourism to bring more medical tourists into our city. Because we have establishments such as this, we are ready to take care of all types of medical issues that any tourist may encounter. We look forward to that partnership,' she said. The purpose-built 41-bed with five acute beds unit is designed to support patients in the critical early phases of recovery after complex medical events such as stroke, spinal cord injury, neurosurgery, cardiac events, major trauma and other debilitating conditions. It offers interdisciplinary, team-based rehabilitation services, led by a dedicated team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and rehabilitation nurses working alongside specialists. Lenmed Group CEO Amil Devchand said the new unit was the group's 20th facility. 'Apart from the tremendous growth projects we've seen at this hospital over the years, there are several others under way. 'We're also in the fortunate position of having a strong and robust growth pipeline, with nearly R800m set to be deployed across our other facilities over the next two to three years. There are not many healthcare groups, or businesses, that have the confidence to execute at this scale,' he said. However, government and regulators need to recognise the value of the private healthcare sector, Devchand said. 'There is much more that can be done. We continue to be hopeful government and regulators will recognise the tremendous asset that lies within the private healthcare sector, just as they have done in other industries, in the interest of strengthening the national healthcare delivery platform. 'Let us aim for a solution that is not political or populist, but one that is sustainable, built on evidence and data, and truly capable of making a difference to the people of this country. We stand ready to collaborate and partner in this regard,' he said. Niresh Bechan, CEO at eThekwini Hospital and Heart Centre, said the R78m state-of-the-art acute rehabilitation unit provided 'a full continuum of care without referring patients elsewhere, significantly enhancing the patient's care journey and experience'. 'This holistic approach ensures patients receive not only medical management and supervision of underlying conditions but also emotional and psychological support, family education and care training. Our goal is to maximise functional independence, restore quality of life and facilitate safe, timely discharge back into the community.'
Miami Herald
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Anti-Ship Missiles Challenge Nearby Chinese Aircraft Carrier
The United States deployed anti-ship missiles on a strategic Philippine island during a drill while a Chinese aircraft carrier staged a show of force against the allies in the nearby waters. Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. The Philippines, a U.S. ally that has territorial disputes with China over the South China Sea, forms the first island chain with Taiwan and Japan under a U.S. containment strategy that seeks to restrict China's military access to the Pacific Ocean using Washington-aligned territories. The Chinese military-which has the world's largest navy by hull count-has been expanding its reach and presence beyond the first island chain. The U.S. is arming its regional allies and partners with ship-sinking missiles to counter China's navy. The Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) was deployed for the first time during a bilateral exercise, code-named Balikatan 2025, on Batan Island in the northern Philippines on April 26, the U.S. Marine Corps announced on Sunday. The NMESIS is a ground-based launcher. It consists of a remote-operated vehicle equipped with two Naval Strike Missile containers and is designed for facilitating sea denial and sea control by striking enemy ships from a distance of more than 100 nautical miles (115 miles). Batan Island is north of the Luzon Strait, which is an important waterway for China's navy to accomplish a breakthrough of the first island chain. The strait is situated between Taiwan and the Philippines, linking the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea. The American anti-ship weapon held a simulated fire mission during the deployment. "We're not here practicing a war plan. We're practicing for the defense of the Philippines," U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General Michael Cederholm told reporters. Washington and Manila signed a mutual defense treaty in 1951, which says an attack on either side in the Pacific region would prompt the partnered countries to take action. This includes attacks on Philippine military, public vessels or aircraft in the South China Sea. Meanwhile, the Japanese Defense Ministry reported that a Chinese naval strike group, which was led by the aircraft carrier CNS Shandong, sailed toward the South China Sea on Friday, following its deployment to east of Luzon, an island in the northern Philippines, on Wednesday. The Shandong and three escorting warships transited the Luzon Strait as they were spotted 323 miles south of Yonaguni Island in southwestern Japan, a map by Newsweek shows. During its three-day deployment in the Philippine Sea, the Shandong's carrier-based fighter jets and helicopters conducted 70 and 60 takeoffs and landings, respectively, Tokyo added. U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General Michael Cederholm said: "We don't broadcast when we're going in, when we're coming out and how long things are going to stay. All I'll say is we're here at the invitation and with the support of the Philippine government." Philippine Brigadier General Michael Logico said: "A peaceful region can only be maintained through a proper balance of strength between opposing forces until such time that … both countries decide that it's not going to be worth it to fight over this area." It remains to be seen whether the NMESIS will stay behind following the conclusion of the exercise. Another American missile system, the U.S. Army Mid-Range Capability, has been stationed in the Philippines since April 2024, which was deployed for drills at first. Related Articles Americans Share Best Financial Advice They Ever Received-It's Eye-OpeningUber Could Be Halted For Millions of AmericansMap Shows US and Chinese Aircraft Carriers in Pacific This WeekWhat's at Stake for the U.S. if India and Pakistan go to War? 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
