#Chinese ships UK transit

[creativemedianews]

The Royal Navy monitors Chinese warships passing through British seas

The Royal Navy monitors Chinese warships passing through British seas #Channeltransit #ChineseNavytaskgroup

[nawapon17]

Royal Navy watches Chinese warships travelling through UK waters | UK News | Sky News

[aquaskypressuretank]

WHY SEA FREIGHT IS INCREASING IN MID OF 2024? 1. Overview of the Current Ocean Freight Cost Situation Sea freight is a crucial component of global trade, carrying over 80 percent of the world’s goods. As of mid-2024, have seen a significant spike in sea freight rates from Asia, with prices continuing to rise. This surge in container shipping rates has dramatically impacted global trade, leading to substantial economic repercussions for businesses and consumers alike.

The Index, which includes eight route-specific indices and a composite index, all reported in U.S. dollars per 40-foot container, highlights the dramatic fluctuations in container freight rates between January 2023 and March 2024. The lowest rate was recorded on October 26, 2023, at just 1,342 U.S. dollars per 40-foot container. However, since that time, global freight rates have steadily increased, reaching a record high of over 4,200 U.S. dollars in May 2024. This rise reflects broader disruptions and systemic issues within global supply chains, further exacerbated by a 9.2% increase in market demand in the first quarter (Q1) of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Between the start of April and mid May, spot rates have risen significantly: from the Far East to North Europe by 30%, the US West Coast by 30%, the Mediterranean by 22%, and the US East Coast by 21%. Analysts predict that rates to Europe, currently between $6,000 and $7,500, may reach $10,000. This escalation in shipping costs has created market turmoil, with spot rates to Europe increasing by 6% in the previous week alone. This rise in shipping costs can be attributed to various factors, including rising fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, and increased demand for transportation services. To understand the situation more comprehensively, it is essential to delve into the specific causes behind these factors and how they collectively contribute to the surge in freight rates. 2. Key Reasons for the Increase in Sea Freight Costs 2.1. Geopolitical Tensions in the Red Sea The Asia-Europe shipping route, one of the world’s major trade routes, has been significantly affected by geopolitical instability around the Red Sea. Heightened regional conflicts, particularly the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels, have forced shipping companies to reroute vessels to longer, safer paths. The Houthis, supported by Iran, have been targeting foreign-owned ships, especially those perceived to be heading to Israel, using drones and rockets in the Bab al-Mandab strait. In response, US and UK naval forces have launched air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen to protect these vital shipping lanes.

To avoid these dangers, major shipping firms such as Mediterranean Shipping Company and Maersk have diverted their vessels around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. This detour has significantly increased transit times by more than 15%, adding at least 10 days to the journey from Asia to Europe. The extended route also leads to increased fuel consumption and operational costs, further inflating shipping expenses. Freight costs to major European ports like Felixstowe, Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Antwerp have more than doubled. This situation has created a 10-15% capacity gap on the this critical route, severely impacting global supply chains and contributing to the surge in freight rates. The longer journeys not only extend shipping times but also cost companies millions of dollars, adding to the overall rise in sea freight costs. 2.2. US Sanctions on Chinese Imports US sanctions on Chinese imports have disrupted trade flows and global supply chains, contributing to the volatility of shipping rates. These measures aim to curb China's technological advancements and limit its military capabilities by restricting access to advanced technologies such as semiconductors and supercomputing items, preventing their use in military applications. Additionally, many Chinese firms, including major tech companies like Huawei and ZTE, have been added to the US Entity List, restricting American businesses from selling to these Chinese firms. The U.S. election has been claiming future tariffs of 50%-60% on Chinese cargo, The tariffs imposed on Chinese goods have made importing these products more expensive. To mitigate these costs, some companies have shifted their supply chains to other regions, such as South America. As Chinese companies increase their investments in South America to circumvent US tariffs, there is a heightened demand for shipping resources on these routes. This shift strains global shipping capacity, driving up freight rates due to the limited availability of shipping resources. (The Diplomat) (China Briefing).

Currently, The cost of shipping from major Chinese ports to the US has seen a substantial rise. For instance, shipping a 40HQ container from China to Los Angeles now costs around $5,500-$6,500, while to New York, it ranges from $7,000-$8,500. This is a direct result of increased tariffs and the need to navigate more complex trade routes. 2.3. Congestion at the Port of Singapore Recent months have seen significant congestion at the Port of Singapore, the world’s second-largest port. This congestion has led to increased shipping times and higher freight costs, affecting trade within Asia as well as between Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Key factors contributing to this congestion include a substantial rise in container volumes, with nearly an 8% increase in the first five months of 2024 compared to 2023. This surge has pushed the port's utilization rate to nearly 90%, causing productivity declines due to overcrowding. Schedule reliability is still far from pre-pandemic levels, with Q1 on-time performance at just 27%. This, combined with congestion, port omissions, delays, and missed departures, has severely impacted equipment availability at export hubs.

Additionally, the crisis in the Red Sea has forced ships to detour around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, adding time and fuel costs. These disruptions have led to off-schedule arrivals in Asia, worsening congestion at major hubs like Singapore. Extended wait times have also become a significant issue, with ships now waiting up to seven days for a berth compared to the usual half-day. Delays have caused shortages of containers and essential equipment, as ships remain in port longer than scheduled, complicating logistics and driving up costs. Furthermore, US sanctions and tariffs on Chinese goods have led to a rush in shipping ahead of trade curbs, adding to the volume and congestion. These factors collectively strain the port’s capacity, driving up freight rates and impacting global supply chains. (Maritime Executive) (CNA) (KWE) 3. Impact on Businesses and Consumers The significant increase in freight transportation costs has profound implications for both businesses and consumers. Companies that rely on shipping goods are now facing higher operational costs, forcing many to reassess their pricing strategies, absorb added expenses, or pass them on to consumers. This results in higher prices for products and services, affecting consumer purchasing power and overall economic stability. Rapidly rising freight costs can disrupt capital chains, especially if buyers expected lower shipping costs when placing orders, leading to abandoned orders and potential bankruptcies. For sellers, the impact is equally severe. Sellers with CNF (Cost and Freight) orders face higher shipping costs, reducing profits or even resulting in losses. For FOB (Free On Board) orders, buyers might delay shipping due to high freight rates, causing cash flow issues for sellers. End customers may see higher prices and possibly reduced product quality as businesses adjust to increased shipping expenses. This dynamic creates a ripple effect throughout the supply chain, influencing market stability and economic health. To cope with rising shipping costs, businesses need strategic responses. Buyers should consider waiting for rates to stabilize if goods are not seasonal or urgent, and maintain communication with freight forwarders to stay updated on rate changes and cargo availability. Sellers should focus on cash flow management, maintaining close communication with freight forwarders and customers to manage expectations and avoid surprises. Freight forwarders must ensure timely payment and inform customers promptly about port congestion and rapid changes in freight rates to prevent abandoned goods. By staying informed and proactive, companies can navigate the complexities of the global supply chain and mitigate the adverse effects of rising shipping costs.

In summary, the recent increase in sea freight costs can be attributed to geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Red Sea, US sanctions on Chinese imports, and significant congestion at key ports like Singapore. These disruptions have led to longer transit times, increased operational costs, and strained global shipping capacity, driving up freight rates.

Facing rising freight rates requires buyers, sellers, and freight forwarders to work closely and adapt strategies to changing market conditions. As an exporter of pressure tanks, Aquasky is committed to providing comprehensive sea freight services and maintaining close communication with clients. We promptly provide updates on freight rates and shipping space to help our clients navigate these challenging times.

If you have any questions about the shipping costs for Aquasky pressure tanks, please contact our service representatives at maggie@aquasky.com.tw or frankwang@aquasky.com.tw . We are here to support you through these changes and ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of your goods.

[art-now-russia]

Yellow sea, Nata New

Orange sea, yellow sea, chinese sea. there're bright sunset, shimmering light, silence and beauty. material: high quality canvas and oil paints, (in the frame according to your request) The canvas is stretched on a wooden stretcher size: 40*50*1,7 cm or 15.7*19.7*0,7 inc READY TO HANG 100% satisfaction money-back-guarantee. All of my paintings are safely packed with special care and shipped in 4-5 working days Express shipping! Transit time will take about 3 to 10 business days to most locations. It usually takes 4-5 business days to the UK, about 8 working days to the USA, about 10-15 days to the Middle East and about 2 weeks to Australia.

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Yellow-sea/794952/2613056/view

[newstfionline]

Headlines

Shooting at California food festival (Reuters) A gunman killed at least three people at a California food festival before being shot dead by police, and police were hunting for a second person they believed was involved in the killing. Some 15 people were wounded during the mass shooting at the three-day Gilroy Garlic Festival in northern California, some of them hurt in the crush of bystanders trying to flee, police said.

Trump says Coats is out as national intelligence director (AP) Dan Coats, director of national intelligence, is resigning after a turbulent two years in which he and President Donald Trump were often at odds over Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump named a GOP congressman and fierce loyalist to replace him: Rep. John Ratcliffe, R-Texas.

That’s not a storm over Las Vegas. It’s a grasshopper invasion. (Washington Post) Grasshoppers are storming Las Vegas--and showing up like a rainstorm on weather radar. Radar footage from the National Weather Service shows two masses: a rainstorm north of Las Vegas and a host of living organisms above the city, Weather Service meteorologist Clay Morgan told The Washington Post. Unusually wet weather earlier this year has spurred the massive migration of grasshoppers stopping by Nevada’s biggest city on their way north, experts say.

Guatemala’s migrant pact with the U.S. threatens to unleash a political crisis (Washington Post) In pressuring Guatemala to accept a deal to absorb vast numbers of asylum seekers, the Trump administration has embarked on a dramatic and risky strategy to slash the number of Central Americans flooding the U.S. border. The accord--which was negotiated in secret and signed at the White House on Friday--could plunge Guatemala’s young democracy into a constitutional crisis, analysts warn. It could also saddle one of the hemisphere’s poorest countries with tens of thousands of Salvadoran and Honduran migrants who would be barred from making their claims in the United States. But the agreement is built on a fragile political and legal base. The Guatemalan Constitutional Court ruled earlier this month that President Jimmy Morales needed approval from the Guatemalan Congress to sign the accord, something he has not received.

Mass decapitations as at least 52 killed in Brazil prison riot (Reuters) At least 52 inmates died, with 16 decapitated, in a prison riot on Monday in the northern Brazilian state of Para, the state’s prison authority said, underlining the struggle Brazil’s far-right government faces to restore order in the country’s jails.

UK PM Johnson’s No-Deal Brexit Gamble Hammers Sterling (Reuters) The British pound tumbled on Tuesday as investors bet Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit brinkmanship with the European Union could trigger a messy divorce that would sow chaos through the world economy and financial markets.

Huawei Says Sales Up 23% This Year Despite US Controls (AP) Huawei’s sales grew by double digits in the first half of this year despite being placed on a U.S. security blacklist and its chairman said Tuesday that Washington’s campaign against the Chinese tech giant has “galvanized our people.”

Hong Kong protests ramp up as China arrests dozens and slams Western support of “violent crimes” (CBS News) China’s central government condemned ongoing protests in Hong Kong on Monday, following another weekend of unrest. Protesters clashed with riot police on Saturday and Sunday, leading to more than 60 arrests. Government officials say the violence has caused serious damage to the semi-autonomous city’s international image, rule of law, and the lives of residents. CBS News correspondent Ramy Inocencio, who has been covering the protests for two months, said Monday was the first time China’s central government held a press conference on affairs in Hong Kong since the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997. Beijing condemned the violent protests, and urged calm.

Hong Kong Protesters Disrupt Train Services, Cause Commuter Chaos (Reuters) Hundreds of Hong Kong protesters blocked train services during the early morning rush hour on Tuesday, causing commuter chaos in the latest anti-government campaign to roil the former British colony.

New Zealand’s Indigenous Maori Protest Over ‘Stolen Children’ (Reuters) Thousands of Maori people protested across New Zealand on Tuesday calling for an end to the practice of taking at-risk children away from their families, as tensions grow between the indigenous community and the government.

U.N. Says Almost 4,000 Afghans Killed or Wounded in First Half of 2019 (Reuters) At least 3,812 Afghan civilians were killed or wounded in the first half of 2019 in the war against militant groups, including a big increase in the number of casualties caused by government and NATO-led troops, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Trump Wants Forces Reduced in Afghanistan by Next U.S. Election: Pompeo (Reuters) U.S. President Donald Trump wants combat forces reduced in Afghanistan by the next U.S. presidential election, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday, in comments that underlined the growing pressure from Washington to cut troop numbers there.

Renewed unrest grips Bahrain after authorities execute activists (Reuters) Protests broke out in Bahrain after the execution of two Shi’ite Muslim activists on terrorism-related charges revived tension over the weekend in the Sunni-led kingdom, a Western ally that has cracked down on dissent since a failed 2011 uprising.

Royal Navy escort (Foreign Policy) A second Royal Navy warship, the HMS Duncan, arrived in the Persian Gulf over the weekend, joining the frigate HMS Montrose in a mission to protect Brittish ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions between Britain and Iran. The news suggests Britain is charging ahead with a plan to protect its own vessels after Iran seized the British-flagged Stena Impero last week, as the West struggles to hash out how to better secure the Strait.

Rebels Say Russia-Led Raids Target Cities in Syria Northwest (Reuters) Syrian rebel commanders and rights groups said on Monday Russia and its Syrian ally are stepping up aerial strikes on heavily populated cities, in a new and bloodier phase of a three-month-old assault on the last opposition bastion in the northwest.

Israel invests in high-tech upgrades at West Bank crossings (AP) It’s just after 6 a.m. and a Palestinian man’s face is momentarily bathed in crimson light, not by the sun rising over the mountains of Jordan, but by a facial recognition scanner at an Israeli checkpoint near Jerusalem. The Israeli military has installed the face scanners as part a multimillion dollar upgrade of the Qalandia crossing that now allows Palestinians from the West Bank with work permits to zip through with relative ease. But while the high-tech upgrades may have eased entry for Palestinians going to Israel for work, critics say they are a sign of the ossification of Israel’s 52-year occupation of the West Bank and slam the military’s use of facial recognition technology as problematic.

[qupayoyo-blog]

China 10 Year Visa - an in Depth Anaylsis on What Works and What Doesn't

http://it.ivisa.com/china-10-year-visa

When you have obtained the visa you're ready to renew your passport if needed with no difficulties. The visa may be extended to other passport holders later on. Usually, your visa can be processed for a couple weeks up to a couple months.

Please also note that if there's a requirement to get a visa prior to travel for a specific nation, and a guest chooses not to disembark the ship, then the guest is still required to get the required visa. Be aware that should you lose your passport or become the casualty of passport theft, you won't only must get a new passport, but you have to acquire an exit visa before you will have the ability to depart China. If you find yourself with a 10-year multiple entry visa, it doesn't imply that you can remain in the USA for a decade.

All About China 10 Year Visa The great part about a US visa application is you don't need to show confirmed flight and hotel bookings the way that you must for most other nations. Additionally, there are mailing options for additional money. Please check with the particular company whose service you are likely to use as return shipping.

If you get 10 years visa, it isn't mandatory to visit the U.S. within a predetermined time period. New Zealanders also needs to be wary of ATM and credit card fraud, and just utilize ATMs in well-lit public locations or inside a financial institution or company. The worldwide investors' ownership of UAE-based businesses is forecast to reach 100% by the conclusion of the year.

If you've got an immediate connecting flight and DO NOT LEAVE the global region of the airport, you DO NOT require a visa, because you're not likely to pass through immigration. Be certain to research whether any countries you want to visit have visa requirements and give yourself plenty of time to receive your papers in order prior to your trip begins. It's essential that the organization you're planning to work with is equipped to employ foreign workers and you should meet certain requirements that qualify you as an authority in your field of work.

Please leave any comments below and check here if you need assistance finding the finest Chinese visa service that may help you gather the suitable paperwork and submit it to the consulate. The S category is broken into S1 and S2 visas, dependent on the length of stay. It's also vital that you have great connections and rapport with the establishment you're working with.

Smile when you satisfy the visa officer for the very first moment. You may be asked to visit the Chinese Embassy for an interview in the event the visa officer deems it necessary. Because your H-4 status depends on the condition of the H type visa holder so that your spouse or parent, it may take as long as needed to process their visa.

All U.S. citizens require a valid visa to pay a visit to China. If you were granted a China visa in earlier times you must supply a duplicate of the most recent issued China visa. A transit visa could be obtained for men and women who need to modify flights while in Russia.

If you'd like to apply again, you must pay again. Sheremetyevo Airport is among the 3 leading airports serving Moscow.

Please choose the Visa category you're interested in applying for to secure more info. It's also important to bear in mind that the China Embassy is not going to provide updates regarding an application's status. Your very last visa application wasn't subject to administrative processing.

Going forward it will be harder. Egypt is among the countries that enjoy a great selection of monuments and historical websites. By 2023, China is going to be the largest outbound tourism economy on the planet so it's essential that the UK makes every attempt to welcome the Chinese traveller into our nation.

[newstfionline]

Headlines

Fighting Fentanyl (Washington Post) While the Trump administration has made the opioid epidemic a priority, people in communities across the country continue to die in record numbers from fentanyl, and health officials are struggling to provide treatment for tens of thousands more. President Trump has taken a number of steps to confront the crisis, stem the flow of fentanyl into the country from China and Mexico, and step up prosecutions of traffickers. Congress also has increased spending on drug treatment. But the depth of the problem continues to overwhelm the government’s response.

Next round of U.S. tariffs on China at least a month away: Mnuchin (Reuters) The United States is at least a month from enacting its proposed tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese imports as it studies the impact on American consumers, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday.

Vigilante Attacks on the Rise in Mexico (AP) Vigilante attacks in which mobs injure or kill people suspected of wrongdoing are increasing in Mexico, the National Human Rights Commission said Wednesday.

Corruption Trial Against Argentina’s Fernández (AP) Former Argentine President Cristina Fernández was in court this week for the first in a string of trials charging her with corruption. Fernández remains a hugely popular but divisive figure in Argentina, and she recently surprised many when she announced that she will run for vice president instead of the presidency in this year’s elections.

6 Brazilian Tourists Die of Carbon Monoxide in Chile (AP) Six Brazilian tourists were found dead of carbon monoxide poisoning Wednesday inside an old apartment where they were staying in central Santiago.

Last days of May? (AP) British Prime Minister Theresa May dug in Wednesday against a relentless push by rivals and former allies to remove her from office as her attempts to lead Britain out of the European Union appeared to be headed for a dead end. May resisted calls to rip up her tattered Brexit blueprint and end her embattled premiership after her attempt at compromise was rejected by both her own Conservative Party and opposition lawmakers. Amid a feverish mood as rumors and plots swirled through Parliament, Conservative lawmakers set up a showdown meeting with May for Friday, giving her less than 48 hours to announce she will go or face a renewed attempt to oust her.

British protesters inflate snarling orange ‘Trump baby’ blimp ahead of visit (Reuters) British protesters inflated a blimp depicting Donald Trump as a snarling, nappy-wearing orange baby on Wednesday, a trial run ahead of a planned flight during the U.S. president’s state visit to Britain next month.

Dutch, UK Polls Open, Starting 4 Days of European Elections (AP) Dutch and U.K. polls opened Thursday in elections for the European Parliament, starting four days of voting across the 28-nation bloc that pits supporters of deeper integration against populist euroskeptics who want more power for their national governments.

Indian PM Modi sweeps to ‘massive’ election win, party says (Reuters) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has swept to a huge election victory, his foreign minister said on Thursday, giving his party a mandate to pursue policies that put Hindus first, are mainly business-friendly and take a hard line on national security.

Pakistan Says It Has Test-Fired Nuclear-Capable Missile (AP) Pakistan’s military says it has successfully test-fired a long-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

U.S. Navy again sails through Taiwan Strait, angering China (Reuters) The U.S. military said it sent two Navy ships through the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, its latest transit through the sensitive waterway, angering China at a time of tense relations between the world’s two biggest economies.

Indonesian protesters disperse after second night of post-election unrest (Reuters) Calm returned to the streets of the Indonesian capital on Thursday after a second night of clashes between security forces and protesters angry about the outcome of last month’s election, which handed President Joko Widodo a second term.