#Transport logistic China

[keforward]

China’s charm extends beyond Wukong

Snacks, furniture, and daily necessities are also popular worldwide

Available in Australia, the UK, and the U.S.

Double customs clearance and tax included

Home delivery

[saxafimedianetwork]

A $2 Trillion Reckoning Looms as Ports Become Pawns in Geopolitics

#Somaliland emerges as a crucial chess piece in global #Geopolitics. #BerberaPort is among 8 of “the world’s most dynamic ports [that help] crystallize the complicated #Geoeconomic strategies at play.. #GlobalTrade

Continue reading A $2 Trillion Reckoning Looms as Ports Become Pawns in Geopolitics

[cargow]

𝐒𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

#🇨 🇦 🇷 🇬 🇴 🇼

[sherunsittt]

The methods for cost minimization in the supply chain in automobile exports and imports in China.

Cost minimization in the supply chain is like trying to spend less money when moving things like cars in and out of China. It's important to find ways to save money in this process. One way to do this is by making the process more efficient, so it costs less.

One way to save money is by using efficient methods to move cars. It's like finding the fastest and cheapest way to transport them. Sometimes, using a combination of different transportation methods can be a good idea to cut costs.

[world-logistics]

Smart Warehousing in China: Enhancing Efficiency and Productivity with the right freight forwarder

China is one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets for e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing. With the increasing demand for online shopping, cross-border trade, and industrial production, the need for efficient and reliable warehousing solutions is also rising.

However, many warehouses in China still rely on manual labor, outdated equipment, and inefficient processes, resulting in high costs, low accuracy, and slow delivery. According to the data of Jingdong Logistics Research Institute, at present, the penetration rate of intelligent equipment in the domestic warehousing industry is not high, and about 49.17% of enterprises still do not use warehousing and logistics automation equipment1.

This is where smart warehousing comes in. Smart warehouses are the representative of automation and robot usage in the Chinese logistics market. The key part of a smart warehouse is to replace people with highly automated machines. By using automatic robots, a smart warehouse can save around 70% labor costs2.

Smart warehouses are also equipped with advanced technologies such as IoT, artificial intelligence, and robotics, which enable real-time data collection, analysis, and optimization of warehouse operations. These innovations increase efficiency, accuracy, and productivity, revolutionizing the way warehouses operate3.

Some of the benefits of smart warehousing include:

Reduced human errors and improved inventory accuracy

Increased storage capacity and space utilization

Faster picking and packing processes and shorter delivery times

Enhanced safety and security of goods and workers

Lower energy consumption and environmental impact

According to the statistics of the Toubao Research Institute, the scale of China’s smart warehousing market in 2021 will be CNY 114.6 billion. Considering the continuous deepening of smart technology and the increasing demand for logistics industry scale and storage link cost reduction and efficiency increase, it is expected that my coChinaart warehousing logistics market will grow by 2022. The scale is about CNY 135.7 billion, reaching CNY 266.5 billion in 20261.

With such a huge potential market, how can you take advantage of smart warehousing in China? The answer is to find the right freight forwarder who can provide you with smart warehousing solutions that suit your specific needs.

A freight forwarder is a company that arranges the transportation of goods from one place to another. They can also offer other services such as customs clearance, insurance, documentation, and warehousing.

A good freight forwarder should be able to provide you with smart warehousing solutions that can help you:

Store your goods in a secure and convenient location

Manage your inventory with real-time visibility and control

Optimize your supply chain with flexible and scalable solutions

Save time and money by reducing labor costs and improving operational efficiency

One example of a freight forwarder that offers smart warehousing solutions in China is Xiaorong. Xiaorong is a professional sourcing agent that helps you source products from China with ease. They also provide smart warehousing services that can help you store your goods in China safely and efficiently.

Xiaorong has partnered with Alibaba’s Cainiao Network to launch an enterprise smart warehouse solution that leverages Cainiao’s technology and expertise in smart warehousing. This solution allows Xiaorong to offer you:

A large network of warehouses across China that can store your goods near your suppliers or customers

A state-of-the-art warehouse management system that integrates with Cainiao’s platform to provide you with real-time data and insights on your inventory

A team of trained warehouse staff that can handle your goods with care and professionalism

A fleet of automated robots that can perform tasks such as sorting, picking, packing, loading, and unloading

A seamless connection with Cainiao’s logistics network that can deliver your goods to anywhere in China or abroad

With Xiaorong’s smart warehousing solution, you can enjoy the benefits of smart warehousing without having to invest in expensive equipment or infrastructure. You can also access Xiaorong’s other services such as product sourcing, quality inspection, shipping arrangement, customs clearance, and after-sales support.

If you are looking for a reliable freight forwarder that can provide you with smart warehousing solutions in China, look no further than Xiaorong. Contact them today to get a free quote and start your smart warehousing journey.

[americannewlogistic]

Shipping is the backbone of any ecommerce business. Without it, your products would be as useful as a fish out of water. But, let’s be honest, shipping can also be a real headache. From shipping delays to lost packages, it can be a real pain in the you-know-what. Luckily, there are ecommerce shipping solutions out there that can help make your life easier……..read more

[airsealogisticspteltd]

Heavy Lift Equipment Support for Project Handing in Singapore

Do you require a mobile crane fleet? Air Sea Logistics Pte. Ltd. is a specialised company that provides excellent service with a powerful fleet of well-maintained mobile cranes ranging in capacity from 20 to metric tonnes. A mobile crane is wheeled, and a self-propelled vehicle is controlled by a hydraulic-powered telescopic boom crane. capacity ranges from 25 to 1200 tonnes. Air Sea Logistic has a large variety of mobile cranes at the customer's disposal, adapted to each project's specificities, in order to meet various requests.

https://airsealogistics.com.sg/heavy-lift-equipment/

[astrologysaysno]

I saw this Tumblr post floating about on the world wide web and decided, "Hey, let's turn that into a Moshang AU"

Mobei is the heir of Northern Goods, a family-owned multimillion dollar company whose main stream of revenue is the sale and transfer of produce and other goods all across China. As Vice-President, he is the successor to his father, who is planning to step down within the decade or so and retire.

Mobei is a hands-on boss, actively participating in the process of harvesting and preparing to ship these products around the country and internationally, a family tradition to be as involved as possible in the process as to not forget their roots as humble farmers who resided in the desert.

That's all fine and dandy, it's why the turnover rate is so low in his company, their boss is competent in this field.

What Mobei isn't competent about is the more beaureaucratic type of business.

He has no real clue about how things such as accounting and the logistics that ensure that transportation and sale goes smoothly happen. Mobei isn't the business-suit on Wall Street type, he prefers to let his products and their quality speak for themselves.

So he hires a manager from the city to deal with it instead.

Shang Qinghua, a man who lives in the city since he was a child, gets hired by Mobei to as the Logistics Manager of Northern Goods. He snatches up the offer even if it means having to relocate to the countryside.

Plot follows, they fall in love, all that good tea.

Mobei is enamoured by this tiny (Shang Qinghua is not THAT short, Mobei is just very tall and well-built) little man that has somehow paved a way for Northern Goods to be stronger than ever.

Shang Qinghua is in love with his ever friendlier boss that actually understands the hardship and struggle of working out in the field as a farmhand, doing his best to ensure a better and more efficient environment for both the company and their workers.

Shang Qinghua one day decides to try his hand at this whole farming thing now that Mobei and him are closer, but Mobei refuses.

Shang Qinghua is a city man with a city boy constitution. He fears that such strenuous activity may actively kill the poor guy. SQH has worked at a desk and ONLY at a desk for his entire employment, filing taxes and filling forms for the company. Mobei would much rather have his man safe in the shade (hopefully entranced by his figure as he works) rather than having him sweat a river and dying of a stroke while gathering crops.

Shang Qinghua convinces Mobei to let him try anyways, stating he wanted to experience what Mobei experiences.

(If Mobei agrees and both of them use it as an excuse to spend more time with each other, that remains unsaid.)

What Mobei concludes that day is that Shang Qinghua is that the man has no upper body strength at all, but invested it all in his legs. When I tell you this man can run like the wind. Shang Qinghua would put a trackstar to shame.

After having to constantly run from one side of factories and fields to the other in order to stop someone from doing something dumb so many times, he's built up the cardio for extremely long distances without breaking too much of a sweat. He will need some melon seeds and a long nap afterwards, though.

(And if Mobei thinks about his legs every once in a while, he doesn't say a word.)

[aimeedaisies]

The Princess Royal’s Official Engagements in February 2024

01/02 Visited ReBoot (Moray Computer Recycling) in Forres. 🖥️

As Warden, opened the Queen Elizabeth II classrooms at Gordonstoun School. 🏫

Visited Lossie Community Hub at the Warehouse Theatre, in Lossiemouth. 🎭

Unofficial Sir Tim, as Chair of the Board of Trustees, attended the opening ceremony of the Zimingzhong 凝时聚珍: Clockwork Treasures from China's Forbidden City exhibition at the London Science Museum. 🐉🧧🕰️

03/02 With Sir Tim As Patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, attended the Six Nations Rugby Match between Wales and Scotland at Principality Stadium in Cardiff. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏉

05/02 Visited Dressability Clothing Alterations Charity in Swindon, to mark its 25th Anniversary. 👗🪡🧵

As Commandant-in-Chief (Youth) of St John Ambulance, attended the dedication of a new Community Response Unit in Devizes, Wiltshire. 🚑

06/02 Held an Investiture at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

As Patron of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists, attended the launch of Nottingham West Primary Care Network’s Interactive Group Therapy at Plumptre Hall. 🩺

As President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association Limited, visited GH Hurt and Son in Nottingham. 🪡

With Sir Tim As Royal Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, attended the announcement of the winner of The Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering at the Science Museum in London. ⚙️🥂

07/02 As Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Logistic Corps, visited the Defence Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Munitions and Search Training Regiment at St George’s Barracks in Bicester. 💥

As President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, visited the Commission’s Headquarters in Maidenhead. 🪦

As Patron of Catch22, visited the Commissioned Rehabilitative Services at Community Links in London. 🔗

08/02 As Vice Patron of the British Horse Society, visited Wormwood Scrubs Pony Centre in West London. 🐎

As President of the Royal Yachting Association, attended the Annual Luncheon at Trinity House in London. 🛥️🥪

09/02 In Wales, Princess Anne; 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

As Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, visited Worms Head Station in Rhossili, followed by a Reception at South Gower Sports Club in Scurlage. 🔎🍾

Visited Newport Medieval Ship. 🚢

Visited Newport Transporter Bridge which is undergoing maintenance. 🌉

10/02 With Sir Tim As Patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, attended the Six Nations Rugby Match between France and Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. 🇫🇷🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿����

12/02 As Patron of Swinfen Telemedicine, attended a Meeting at the Royal Society of Medicine. 💊

As Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, held a Dinner at Buckingham Palace. 🎓

13/02 Held an Investiture at Windsor Castle. 🎖️

As Master of the Corporation of Trinity House, chaired the Quarterly Meeting of the Court at Trinity House. 📆

14/02 As Royal Patron of the National Coastwatch Institution, visited Hengistbury Head Station near Bournemouth. 🌊

As Colonel-in-Chief of the Intelligence Corps, visited I Company at Hamworthy Barracks in Poole. 🕵️‍♀️

15/02 Visited the Ordnance Survey National Mapping Agency in Southampton. 🗺️

With Sir Tim Attended Evensong and the James Caird Society’s Dedication Service followed by a Reception in Westminster Abbey, to mark the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Sir Ernest Shackleton. 🔭🧭🇦🇶

16/02 Visited knife crime community group ‘Off the Streets’ North Northamptonshire in Wellingborough. 🚫🔪

20/02 As President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, visited Laxtons Limited in Baildon near Bradford. 🧶

As President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, visited Marton Mills in Otley, West Yorkshire. 🪡

21/02 In Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Princess Anne;

Visited Agemaspark Precision Engineering Company. ⚙️

Visited Haith Group Vegetable Processing Machinery Company. 🥕🥦

As Patron of the Butler Trust, visited HM Prison and Young Offender Institution Doncaster. 🚓👮‍♀️

As Past Master of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, attended a Joint Services Awards Dinner at Painters’ Hall in London. 🍽️

22/01 Visited London South Bank Technical College and Lee Marley Academy. ✏️👷

As Patron of Save the Children UK, visited Mary’s Living and Giving Shop in Wandsworth. 👚

23/02 unofficial Departed Heathrow Airport for Namibia 🇬🇧✈️🇳🇦

24/02 unofficial Arrived at Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia. ✈️🇳🇦

Representing The King, Princess Anne called upon Mrs Monica Geingos (widow of Dr Hage Geingob). 🖤

Unofficial Sir Tim represented Princess Anne, Patron of the Scottish Rugby Union, at the Six Nations Rugby Match between Scotland and England at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏉

25/02 Representing The King, Princess Anne attended the Burial Service for Dr Hage Geingob at Heroes’ Acre. 🕊️

Later attended a State Luncheon given by The President of Namibia at State House. 🍽️

26/02 unofficial Arrived at Heathrow Airport from Namibia. 🇳🇦✈️🇬🇧

With Sir Tim Attended the British Horseracing Authority’s Thoroughbred Industry Employee Awards at Ascot Racecourse. 🐎🏆

27/02 With Sir Tim Attended a Service of Thanksgiving for the late King Constantine II at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle with members of 🇬🇧, 🇬🇷, 🇩🇰 and 🇪🇸 royal families.

28/02 As Patron of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, attended the Emergency Medicine Trainees' Association Annual Conference at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead. 💉💊

As Royal Patron of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, attended a Rugby League Reception at Leeds Rhinos Rugby Club, in Headingley, Leeds. 🦽🏉

29/02 unofficial Departed from Heathrow Airport for the United Arab Emirates 🇬🇧✈️🇦🇪

Unofficial Sir Tim, as President of Never Such Innocence, attended a 10th anniversary celebration for the charity at Edinburgh Castle. 🏰

Total official engagements for Anne in February: 44

2024 total so far: 85

Total official engagements accompanied by Tim in February: 6

2024 total so far: 23

FYI - due to certain royal family members being off ill/in recovery I won’t be posting everyone’s engagement counts out of respect, I am continuing to count them and release the totals at the end of the year.

[keforward]

Ship from China to Canada with Duty-Free Clearance and Save 50% China-Canada Snack Express Enjoy your favorite snacks from home effortlessly!

[jcmarchi]

2024 MIT Supply Chain Excellence Awards given to 35 undergraduates

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/2024-mit-supply-chain-excellence-awards-given-to-35-undergraduates/

2024 MIT Supply Chain Excellence Awards given to 35 undergraduates

The MIT Supply Chain Management Master’s Program has recognized 35 exceptional students from eight renowned undergraduate programs specializing in supply chain management and engineering across the United States.

Presented annually, the MIT Supply Chain Excellence Awards honor undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding talent in supply chain management or industrial engineering. These students originate from institutions that have partnered with the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics’ Supply Chain Management master’s program to expand opportunities for graduate study and advance the field of supply chain and logistics.

In this year’s awards, the MIT SCM Master’s Program has provided over $900,000 in fellowship funding to 35 deserving recipients. These students come from respected schools like Arizona State University, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Lehigh University, Michigan State University, Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Mexico, Penn State University, Purdue University, and Texas A&M University.

Recipients can use their awards by applying to the MIT SCM program after gaining two to five years of professional experience post-graduation. The fellowship funds can be applied toward tuition fees for the SCM master’s program at MIT or at MIT Supply Chain and Logistics Excellence (SCALE) network centers in Spain, Malaysia, Luxembourg, or China.

Founded in 1973, MIT CTL is one of the world’s leading supply chain education and research centers. MIT CTL coordinates more than 100 supply chain research efforts across the MIT campus and around the globe. The center also educates students and corporate leaders in the essential principles of supply chain management and helps organizations to increase productivity and improve their environmental performance.

Founded in 1998 by the MIT CTL, MIT SCM attracts a diverse group of talented and motivated students from across the globe. Students work directly with researchers and industry experts on complex and challenging problems in all aspects of supply chain management. MIT SCM students propel their classroom and laboratory learning straight into industry. They graduate from our programs as thought leaders ready to engage in an international, highly competitive marketplace.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

When President Biden signed the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, it was expected to set off a boom in renewable energy, with hefty tax breaks that would make solar and wind power cheaper than fossil fuels.

So far, however, that dream has only come partly true. Solar panel installations are indeed soaring to record highs in the United States, as are batteries that can store energy for later. But wind power has struggled, both on land and in the ocean.

The country is now adding less wind capacity each year than before the law was passed.

Some factors behind the wind industry’s recent slowdown may be temporary, such as snarled supply chains. But wind power is also more vulnerable than solar power to many of the biggest logistical hurdles that hinder energy projects today: a lack of transmission lines, a lengthy permitting process and a growing backlash against new projects in many communities.

If wind power continues to stagnate, that could make the fight against global warming much harder, experts say. Many plans for quickly shifting the country away from fossil fuels envision a large expansion of both solar and wind, because the two sources generate electricity at different hours and can complement each other. A boom in solar power alone, which runs only in daytime, isn’t enough.

Some of the early predictions that the Inflation Reduction Act would help slash U.S. greenhouse gas emissions roughly 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 depended on a rapid acceleration of both solar and wind power this decade.

Wind and solar power are often lumped together, but they have important differences that partly explain why one is slowing and the other is thriving right now.

For one, wind power is much more sensitive to location. Wind turbines in a gusty area can generate eight times as much electricity as turbines in an area with just half the breeze. For solar power, the difference between sunny spots and less sunny spots is considerably smaller. That means developers can’t just build wind farms anywhere.

In the United States, the best places for wind tend to be in the blustery Midwest and Great Plains. But many areas are now crowded with turbines and existing electric grids are clogged, making it difficult to add more projects. Energy companies want to expand the grid’s capacity to transport even more wind power to population centers, but getting permits for transmission lines and building them has become a brutal slog that can take more than a decade.

“Getting wind projects built is getting a lot harder,” said Sandhya Ganapathy, chief executive of EDP Renewables North America, a leading wind and solar developer. “The low-hanging fruit, the easier access places are gone.”

The wind industry has also been hampered by soaring equipment costs after the pandemic wrecked supply chains and inflation spiked. While those factors initially hurt solar, too, the solar industry has adjusted much faster, with China nearly doubling its manufacturing capacity for panels over the last two years. Wind supply chains, which are dominated by a few manufacturers in China, Europe and the United States, have yet to fully recover.

The cost increases have been devastating for offshore wind projects in the Northeast, where developers have canceled more than half the projects they planned to build this decade.

Wind isn’t languishing only in the United States. While a record 117 gigawatts of new wind capacity came online last year globally, virtually all of that growth was in China. In the rest of the world, developers weren’t installing wind turbines any faster than they were in 2020.

[chinanumberonesourcing]

Guide for Importers on Manufacturing Control

Efficient Manufacturing Control in China

1. Understand the Chinese Manufacturing Environment:

Diverse Ecosystem: China offers a vast range of manufacturers, from small workshops to large factories. This variety is beneficial but also poses challenges in ensuring consistent quality.

IP Concerns: Despite improvements, IP protection in China can be inconsistent, requiring robust measures to safeguard your innovations.

Regulatory Landscape: China’s complex and changing regulations make compliance crucial to avoid fines and reputational damage.

Quality Control: While quality has improved, some sectors still prioritize quantity over quality. Rigorous quality protocols are essential.

Labor & Costs: Labor costs are rising, pushing manufacturers toward automation. Infrastructure is robust, but supply chains can be disrupted by natural disasters or policy changes.

Government Policies: China’s government heavily influences manufacturing through policies and incentives, which can affect costs and market access.

2. Build a Strong Foundation:

Supplier Selection: Choose reliable suppliers through thorough due diligence, including factory visits and financial checks.

Clear Communication: Provide detailed specifications and maintain open communication to avoid misunderstandings.

Quality Management: Implement a Quality Management System (QMS) and conduct regular audits to ensure consistent product quality.

Strong Relationships: Develop long-term partnerships with suppliers to build trust and collaboration.

3. Implement Effective Control Strategies:

QA & QC: Establish a robust QA/QC framework to ensure consistent product quality.

Supplier Development: Invest in your suppliers’ capabilities to improve quality and efficiency.

Risk Management: Prepare for disruptions with backup plans and diversified suppliers.

Contractual Coverage: Clearly define product specifications and include IP protections in contracts.

Third-Party Verification: Use third-party inspections to ensure compliance and quality.

4. Manage Logistics & Supply Chain:

Transportation: Choose the best transport mode and routes to minimize costs and delays.

Warehousing & Inventory: Optimize warehouse locations and use management systems to track inventory.

Customs & Documentation: Ensure compliance with customs regulations and prepare accurate documentation.

Supply Chain Visibility: Use technology to monitor shipments and collaborate with suppliers.

Risk Assessment: Develop contingency plans for disruptions like natural disasters or strikes.

5. Overcome Common Challenges:

Language & Cultural Barriers: Hire experts to bridge gaps in communication and cultural understanding.

IP Protection: Secure your IP with patents, trademarks, and NDAs; monitor for infringements.

Regulatory Compliance: Stay updated on regulations and partner with local experts for compliance.

Supply Chain Disruptions: Diversify suppliers, maintain sufficient inventory, and use smart tools for monitoring.

6. Continuous Improvement:

Use data analytics to track trends and improve processes.

Regularly evaluate supplier performance and invest in employee training.

Embrace technology to enhance communication and efficiency.

7. Build a Culture of Quality:

Encourage employees to propose improvements.

Reward contributions to quality enhancement.

Focus on exceeding customer expectations.

Conclusion: Effective manufacturing control in China requires ongoing effort, attention, and adaptation. Invest in strong practices to improve product quality, reduce costs, protect your brand, and optimize your supply chain.

[elbiotipo]

The 2030 South American bid would make more sense if it was Argentina, Uruguay and (south) Brazil, since they're all neighbors and already have football infrastructure. Everything else sounds like a logistics and transportation nightmare.

Absolutely agreed. And it makes sense because we are the three Southamerican champions. In a fair world, it would be Uruguay alone, but they can't handle the cost and no offense but the population of Uruguay would double with all the tourists (I just looked up and like 800.000 people went to Qatar, and I'm not sure how they're handling it themsleves). But well, we can't either, unless a miracle happens by 2030. And while the players can move around all the continent, the tourists can't. A Rioplatense coup would be ideal, but Chile and Paraguay are too far, unles we build more TRAINS

I'm also not looking forward to all the corruption and such but come on. 2030 HAS to be in Uruguay. There's no other way.

The thing about these sporting spectacles like the Olympics and the World Cups is that they're getting so expensive that soon enough the only countries that will be able to really afford them will be just China and the US, maybe Japan and European countries. Something has to give.

[loneberry]

The new route Russia is using to export its oil to China. Unfortunately global warming and the melting of the icecaps only benefits Russia geopolitically. What’s the big deal? you might wonder. A 10-day reduction in transport time is huge when it comes to the velocity of capital. Power accrues to the nations that control key maritime trade routes.

*

Between climate change and the new Cold War, the future doesn’t look pretty. China’s economy is imploding thanks to their reliance on a debt-fueled real estate bonanza, their misguided zero COVID policy, and Xi Jinping’s head-scratchingly bad policies (and of course, his consolidation of power). Siding with Russia was a huge mistake… Now China’s biggest export markets are trying to decouple or at least diversify away from them. Youth unemployment is so bad in China (21%, but possibly significantly higher) that the government has decided to stop publishing such data. The Philippines and Vietnam are pivoting toward the US. South Korea and Japan are putting their long, historical feud aside to join forces against China. Japanese military neutrality is over. Meanwhile a tiny island called Taiwan makes over 92% of the world’s advanced semiconductors and will likely be invaded in our lifetime. Will an (economically) weakened China make it more or less likely that Xi will invade Taiwan? (Strongmen facing a domestic crisis and loss of popular support do often start wars as a kind of “gamble for resurrection,” but Xi might have become more risk adverse as he observes Russia’s debacle in Ukraine. Plus, an amphibious invasion is logistically extremely difficult to pull off.)

Defense spending worldwide is skyrocketing, climbing back toward Cold War levels. The lines on the map are hardening, particularly in the Asian/Pacific theater and the European theater. A nuclear trifecta of Russia-China-North Korea is emerging. Yes, it is a marriage of convenience, but quite a dangerous one given that Russia will likely transfer technology (specifically, platforms to deliver nuclear warheads) to North Korea in exchange for Soviet-compatible ammunition/arms to use in Ukraine. I hate feeling like the world is a frog getting boiled but as I finish this 26-part BBC documentary on World War I, I can’t help but feel that the geopolitical situation is very unstable.

Oh, the madness of nation states! Wake me up when it’s over.