#and the US was moving to put sanctions on trade from xinjiang due to 'forced labor'/'labor camp' allegations

[999-roses]

tendency of rate of profit to fall has "forced" American manufacturing to outsource abroad because the labor cost was cheaper. In order to continue making profit, domestically, wages must be suppressed, in direct opposition to demand for higher wages ($15/hr isn't enough to make rent in some places now). One of the solutions that capitalist liberal democracy has for this contradiction is prison labor, pennies for wages or otherwise legalized slavery. Oh look what a coincidence that bipoc are historically and routinely targeted for incarceration, and homelessness is both on the uptick and increasingly criminalized.

i just think itd be funny if he goes through with the 100% tariffs. us hegemony ended in a week

[ariuka-munkh]

My caffeine-empowered brain’s take on some Asian countries and their reaction to China’s rise of power

Mongolia

·         Lowkey just wants to be left alone.

·         Confused 24/7.

·         Economically dependent on China but then highkey hates China with burning passion?

·         Running everywhere making allies from US, EU, Middle East, Russia, and even Africa (http://www.theniles.org/en/articles/archive/1701/)

·         That guy (who is probably high af) that always gets caught trying to sneak out with the party beers.

·         The Mongolian public: WHAT ARE THOSE CHINESE DOING IN OUR COUNTRY???

·         The Mongolian government: Cuz money.

·         The public: What??? Aren’t you worried that China is bullying Mongolia? They’re digging up our land which is not only the important part of our nomadic heritage, they’re not taking good care of the environment and are getting valuable resources. Shouldn’t Mongolia use those resources ourselves?

·         The government: We literally got no money to develop technology.

·         The public: That’s cuz you’re eating them for your own private pleasure.

·         The government: Don’t know what you mean.

·         The public: Okay. Fine. Eat. But you do realize that you’re practically making money from China when you could be making three times as much in the foreign market or using them for our own domestic products? Also, if you haven’t noticed, the people are unhappy and anxious because of China’s interests in Mongolia.

·         The government: Yeah. But we got money~

·         The public: Can you at least do something about China’s annual PMS on Mongolia?

·         The government: Can’t. We’re receiving money.

·         The public: *depressed silence*

·         The government: Don’t worry. We’re making enough money for them anti-depressant pills.

 North Korea

·         Practically one of the few countries which are dealing with China worse than Mongolia is with China.

·         If NK was a human, needs extended psychiatric help to treat all the trauma he put himself through.

·         Domestically, the Kim Dynasty is falling apart and everything is going down to that Biblical place under the Earth.

·         Mongolia: Dude. You got to like let go of the Kims now.

·         North Korea: *covering his ears with his palms* Lalalalallalalala-I can’t hear you-lalallalala-don’t know what you mean backstabber-lalalalala.

·         Perhaps the only country which can be labeled as China’s ally. But then lowkey hates China.

·         But then again, they hate every single ally of theirs and despise every single neighboring country of theirs with burning passion.

·         Internationally, only got China and Russia and few others as their allies.

·         Literally got the worst image in the world which doesn’t help their circumstances.

·         But then was one of the only few countries that shook the international community.

South Korea

·         Prone to making tear-jerkingly moving nationalistic speeches.

·         One of the few countries that are dealing with China the best (by NK and MGL standards).

·         Got long history of dealing with China’s superiority-covered inferiority complex, so knows the general to-dos.

·         Militarily strong (among top 10 of the world) and allied with the US.

·         Economically, profits greatly from China.

·         So literally needs to balance everything until things get nasty.

·         Recieves Anti-Chinese or Anti-Japanese protestors weekly.

·         The protestors: Do something about the Fine Dust!

·         The Korean government: Yes, of course, my people. We are negotiating with China as we are speaking.

·         The protestors: You say that every time!

·         Another protestors: We need solid proof!

·         Old protestors: I’m old! I can’t take this much longer. I could die tomorrow!

·         The government: Yes. We understand. We’re doing everything in our power to lessen the problem.

·         Anti-Yemeni protestors: *popping out of nowhere* Then what about the Yemeni Refugees?

·         The crowd: Yeah!

·         Someone in the crowd: They need to get out of our country.

·         The government: That is officially unable to be done. However, we’ll make sure to ensure our Korean citizens safety, of course. *turns to the nearby government worker* Psst. Is it bad timing to remind them that we signed the agreement to receive the refugees?

 Japan

·         Surprisingly, got their mess together (for a while).

·         Another Asian country that has security treaty with the US.

·         Their army which is to be used only for defense is ranked in top 10 powerful army of the world. (https://ceoworld.biz/2018/11/23/the-worlds-most-powerful-militaries-in-2018/)

·         So if they decide to militarize, uh oh.

·         Other Asian countries, including China, are skeptical of Japan still having the same motives they had during WWII.

·         Their pride can crush a nation.

·         Would rather commit Seppuku than lose face value.

·         Soft power is amazing.

·         Did the “I want to be left alone so I’ll close my borders” before it was cool, hundreds of years ago which didn’t end very well.

·         Japan: Mongoria-san, it riterarry doesn’t work.

·         Mutual dislike with China. As a result, gets into annual disputes with China.

·         Good economic partner of China, but aloof.

·         China is struggling, trying to extend its powers to Japan.

·         Might be able to deal with China’s growing influence by working with South Korea, but the two countries presidents’ don’t even look in each other’s directions.

 Taiwan

·         Saltiest about China’s growing power.

·         It was their soldiers that invaded Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang Uyghur and Tibet which helped outline China’s current borders (speak to my high school history teacher for confirmation).

·         Thankful that the world doesn’t know it was them who stirred trouble in those countries.

·         But really salty that China got all the credits and is an international player now.

·         Probably would have been worse than China if they were the world power than mainland China. (Another US in a nutshell?)

·         Resourceful. Got ears and eyes everywhere.

·         For instance, the only foreign spy in Mongolia is a Taiwanese spy. (MNB News 2016)

·         Mongolia: Bruh, like… Why?

·         Most likely salty that current day Mongolia can’t tell the difference between Taiwanese government and Chinese government even though it should remember because it’s the one country (except mainland China) that truly witnessed their invading army.

·         Economic partnership with China. Semi - under Chinese rule.

·         Allies with US and Japan, but they are not very helpful.

·         Could maybe assist the unlikely Japan-South Korea cooperation to limit China’s influence in East Asia.

 Hong Kong

·         An honorable mention city-state.

·         Literally, gives China trouble until China agrees to their demands.

·         Democracy under China’s authoritarian rule.

·         Rebellious but not violent.

·         China profits a lot from Hong Kong economically.

·         Got all the aspect of an independent nation. (No military. But Liechtenstein is still a nation with no military of its own, so) Their economy is good.

·         China knows this and put economic sanctions on them from time to time.

·         Currently cornered due to Beijing pressures on them.

 Tibet

·         Literally the one country that wants to clock China the most (and has justifiable reasons).

·         Wanted to clock China since the early 1900s.

·         Globally got the image of a peaceful neutral nation full of monks, but in truth, capable of knifing when the chance is given.  

·         Prone to breakdowns once in a while.

·         Tibet: Goddammit, China! Why are you so clingy?! *nonsensical Tibetan mutterings and curses* Where did I go wrong? Honestly, where did I go wrong? Oh yeah, It was that moment when I got invaded by Manchu. *turns to Mongolia* This is all your fault.

·         Mongolia: Yeah?

·         Tibet: You dragged all of us down!

·         Mongolia: Sure. But why, bruh?

·         Tibet: If you weren’t being cruel to Inner Mongolia, she wouldn’t have joined forces with the Manchu from the beginning! And then not only that you lost Inner Mongolia, you went ahead and joined forces with Manchu to fight your own brother. Your brother! Frigging Oirad Mongolia was the only one who had a common sense in your crazy family. Now where is he? Dead.

·         Mongolia: Yo, is you really gonna talk about all of my youthful mistakes now?

·         Tibet: Youthful mistakes, my foot. You killed your family.

·         Mongolia: I tried, man.

·         Tibet: *sarcastically* My hero.

·         Mongolia: …

·         Tibet: Do you know what I’m most pissed up about though?

·         Mongolia: …shoot.

·         Tibet: Frigging Manchu ended up going extinct and the frigging West thought it was China that beated us up.

·         Mongolia: …

·         Tibet: Say something!

·         Mongolia: I’m used to it.

·         Tibet: …I hate you so much.

·         Mongolia: Eh. *puts on sunglasses* Words can’t hurt me, these shades are Gucci.

 India

·         Another power that may be able to challenge China.

·         But got some family problems with Pakistan.

·         Had long trade business with China from the Ancient times which continues to today.

·         But occasionally defends Tibet which causes complications with China.

·         Another power that can neutralize or deal with China’s rise to power.

·         Allies with ASEAN countries but not part of them.

 Vietnam

·         Honorable mention country.

·         Wrecked both China and US in the past century.

·         Literally, should not to be messed with.

·         Another socialist government who hates both China and the US.

 Philippines

·         Got problems with drug-dealers

·         Image of the gangsta country of Asia

·         Beautiful islands

·         I have no idea about Philippines, someone needs to enlighten me.

[newstfionline]

Friday, March 19, 2021

Asian anxiety about Atlanta shootings (NYT) The slaying of six Asian women among eight people killed in shootings at three Atlanta-area spas on Tuesday left Asian communities in many Western countries shaken, after a year that has seen a spike in racist attacks and threats against people of Asian descent. The South Korean Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that four people of Korean descent were among the victims. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who was already in Seoul on a diplomatic trip, said Wednesday that he was “horrified by this violence” and offered “deepest condolences to the families and friends” of the victims.

IRS will delay tax filing due date until May 17 (AP) Americans will be getting extra time to prepare their taxes. The Internal Revenue Service says it’s delaying the traditional tax filing deadline from April 15 until May 17. The IRS announced the decision Wednesday and said it would provide further guidance in the coming days. The move provides more breathing room for taxpayers and the IRS alike to cope with changes brought on by the pandemic. The decision postpones when individual taxpayers must file their return and when their payment is due. The IRS said taxpayers who owe money would not face any further penalties or interest if they pay by May 17. The new deadline also applies to individuals who pay self-employment tax.

Troubled US-China ties face new test in Alaska meeting (AP) The United States and China will face a new test in their increasingly troubled relations when top officials from both countries meet in Alaska. Ties between the world’s two largest economies have been torn for years and the Biden administration has yet to signal it’s ready or willing to back down on the hard-line stances taken under President Donald Trump. Nor has China signaled it’s prepared to ease the pressure it has brought to bear. Thus, the stage is set for a contentious first face-to-face meeting Thursday. Difficult discussions are anticipated over trade, human rights in Tibet, Hong Kong, China’s western Xinjiang region, Taiwan, Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, and the coronavirus pandemic. Just a day before the meeting, the U.S. announced new sanctions on officials over China’s crackdown on pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong. In response, the Chinese stepped up their rhetoric opposing U.S. interference in domestic affairs.

Cycle of retribution takes Bolivia’s ex-president from palace to prison cell (The Guardian) It was November 2019, just days after Evo Morales had abandoned Bolivia’s presidency and fled into exile, and the country’s newly installed interior minister was making no effort to hide his glee. “Any terrorist should spend the rest of their life in prison,” Arturo Murillo gloated during an interview in his recently occupied chambers, vowing to put the runaway leftist behind bars for the next 30 years. “It’s not about whether you’re an ex-president,” the pugnacious hotelier-turned-politician insisted. “In fact, it’s even worse when it’s an ex-president. An ex-president should be sentenced twice over because people trust in their president.” This week, an ex-president was indeed jailed in Bolivia—but not Morales. Instead, it was Murillo’s former boss, Jeanine Áñez, who found herself languishing in a La Paz prison cell after being seized by security forces early on Saturday. “We’re seeking a 30-year sentence,” Bolivia’s new justice minister, Iván Lima, announced, as Áñez was accused of terrorism and sedition—the very same charges Murillo had levelled at Morales. The imprisonment of Áñez, a Bible-bashing conservative who became interim leader after Morales fled under pressure from the military, was met with jubilation by some. Others, however, described the arrest as an alarming development in an already profoundly divided country.

E.U. unveils vaccine passport plan to enable summer travel (NYT) The European Union on Wednesday launched a closely watched effort to create a joint vaccination passport for its more than 440 million citizens and residents, embarking on a tightrope walk between economic pressures, discrimination fears and concerns over Europe’s slow vaccination progress. Supporters hope the “digital green certificates” will be ready by June, which could help to salvage the European summer tourism season and even serve as a model that could be extended to the United States and other countries. But E.U. countries lag far behind the United States in vaccinations, which has raised concerns that the passport plan could be launched prematurely. The passes are expected to be digital or paper documents for travelers to prove that they have been vaccinated, that they recovered from the virus or recently tested negative for it. In many cases, this could free travelers from quarantine obligations. Those privileges could eventually also apply to Americans or British citizens traveling to continental Europe, given that all vaccines approved in the two countries are also approved for use in the European Union.

Russia recalls its ambassador to the US after Biden says he thinks Putin is a killer (USA Today) Russia has recalled its ambassador to the United States to discuss relations with Washington, a foreign ministry spokeswoman said Wednesday. The move came after President Joe Biden said Russian President Vladimir Putin would “pay a price” for Moscow’s interference in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. In an interview with ABC News, Biden was also asked if he thought Putin is a killer. “I do,” Biden responded. The president did not elaborate on the “killer” question or on what costs the U.S. might impose on Russia over election interference. The diplomatic tiff comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Moscow. On Tuesday, U.S. intelligence officials released a report concluding that Russia tried to denigrate Biden’s candidacy in the 2020 election. The declassified assessment said that Putin authorized the election meddling, which sought to help former president Donald Trump’s re-election bid.

Myanmar construction magnate claims cash payments to Suu Kyi (AP) A Myanmar construction magnate with links to military rulers claimed he personally gave more than half a million dollars in cash to deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi in a broadcast on state television aimed at discrediting the ousted civilian government. The statement by Maung Waik could pave the way for more serious charges against Suu Kyi, who has been detained since the Feb. 1 military takeover while security forces increasingly use lethal force against a popular uprising demanding the restoration of democratically elected leaders. The military has already tried to implicate Suu Kyi in corruption, alleging she was given $600,000 plus gold bars by a political ally. She and President Win Myint have been charged so far with inciting unrest, possession of walkie-talkies and violating a pandemic order limiting public gatherings.

Myanmar faces growing isolation as military tightens grip (Reuters) Myanmar faced growing isolation on Thursday with increasingly limited internet services and its last private newspaper ceasing publication as the military built a case against ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Western countries have condemned the coup and called for an end to the violence and for the release of Suu Kyi and others. Asian neighbours have offered to help find a solution, but the military has a long record of shunning outside pressure. Large parts of an economy already reeling from the novel coronavirus have been paralysed by the protests and a parallel civil disobedience campaign of strikes against military rule, while many foreign investors are reassessing plans. The U.N. food agency warned this week that rising prices of food and fuel could undermine the ability of poor families to feed themselves. “Whatever happens in Myanmar over coming months, the economy will collapse, leaving tens of millions in dire straits and needing urgent protection,” historian and author Thant Myint-U said on Twitter.

Combat Drones Made in China Are Coming to a Conflict Near You (Bloomberg) A dozen years into its fight with the Islamic insurgent group Boko Haram, Nigeria is getting some new weapons: a pair of Wing Loong II drones from China. The deal is one of a growing number of sales by state-owned Aviation Industry Corp. of China (AVIC), which has exported scores of the aircraft. The United Arab Emirates has used AVIC drones in Libya’s civil war, Egypt has attacked rebels in Sinai with them, and Saudi-led troops have deployed them in Yemen. The company’s drones “are now battle-tested,” says Heather Penney, a fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, a think tank in Arlington, Va. “They’ve been able to feed lessons learned back into their manufacturing.” Nigeria is getting AVIC’s second generation of Wing Loongs—the name means “pterodactyl”—which can fly as fast as 230 mph and as high as 30,000 feet, carrying a payload of a dozen missiles. Since 2015, when AVIC introduced the newer model, it’s produced 50 for export and an unknown number for China’s People’s Liberation Army. And it’s working on even more advanced aircraft, such as a stealth combat drone with a flying-wing design similar to that of the U.S. B-2 bomber. The drone program, combined with deliveries of fighter jets, trainers, transporters, and assault helicopters, has propelled AVIC into the upper ranks of the global arms trade. In 2019 it sold military equipment valued at $22.5 billion, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri), placing it sixth in the world, behind five U.S. companies. AVIC’s drones have two big selling points: They’re cheaper than comparable aircraft from producers in the U.S. or Israel—the other primary manufacturers—and China doesn’t much care how they’re used, says Ulrike Franke, policy fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

As 4th Election Looms, Some Ask: Is Israel’s Democracy Broken? (NYT) Israelis will vote on Tuesday for the fourth time in two years, in a do-over election for a do-over election for a do-over election. The seemingly endless loop is the most prominent symptom of the polarization that has paralyzed Israeli politics since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu began to be investigated for corruption in 2017. Mr. Netanyahu has refused to resign. That decision has split the country, almost down the middle, and divided voters less by ideology than by their support or antipathy for Mr. Netanyahu. The polarization has been exacerbated by Israel’s multiparty system, which virtually guarantees that no single party will win an outright majority in Parliament, forcing the construction of wobbly coalitions with disparate small parties. Now, even the right-wing coalition that kept Mr. Netanyahu afloat for 12 years has fractured, mainly over question of the acceptability of a prime minister under criminal indictment. In the last three elections, Mr. Netanyahu did not win enough support to form a stable government. But neither did his opponents, which allowed him to remain prime minister, first in a caretaker role, and then, for the past year, as the head of a fragile coalition. Polling suggests that next week’s vote is unlikely to break the deadlock, leading many Israelis to brace for yet a fifth election later this year.

Clubhouse: the new social platform that is frightening Arab regimes (Le Monde) A month ago, the up-and-coming app Clubhouse took the Middle East by storm. In just a few days, the latest gem from Silicon Valley had already earned its place in the crowded market of Arab social networks. Since this audio chat platform only runs on iOS for the moment, its use is restricted to iPhone owners, i.e. the relatively wealthy classes. But in these circles, especially in Egypt and among the ultra-connected youth of the wealthy Gulf States, followers for this new app started to grow rapidly. In these countries where social pressure and official censorship stifle dissenting voices and non-conforming opinions, Clubhouse provides a unique breathing space. In these virtual rooms, where anyone can initiate a discussion on a topic of their choice, or join an ongoing conversation, Arabs are rediscovering a taste for free speech. As the powers that be have not yet found a way to lock down this new network, the three great taboos of the region (sex, politics and religion) are openly discussed. In a sign that the application scares autocrats, the Sultanate of Oman announced on Sunday that the country had blocked Clubhouse, following the footsteps of China, who blocked it in February. In the Emirates, discussions have not been accessible for several days, which is interpreted locally as an act of censorship without saying so openly. Fans of the platform can bypass the jamming with a VPN, but in doing so, they risk breaking the law: The use of such software is strictly codified in the UAE.

Yemeni rebel offensive threatens camps of those who fled war (AP) Already displaced once in Yemen’s grinding civil war, Mohammed Ali Saleh fled with his pregnant wife and their three children to central Marib province last year to seek refuge in a region that has known some relative peace and stability because of well-protected oil fields nearby. But now the fighting is moving toward them again. Iran-backed Houthi rebels are pushing to capture the province from the internationally recognized government to try to complete their control over the northern half of Yemen. If they succeed, the Houthis could claim a strategic win after a largely stalemated battle in almost seven years of fighting. The sounds of war terrify Saleh and his family. “It’s a nightmare we are experiencing every night,” he said from a camp for the displaced that had previously escaped violence.

[expatimes]

Party over? China trade rift threatens Australian winemakers

Adelaide, Australia - As a seasoned vintner from Australia's famed southern wine-making region, David Harris is proud of one of his country's best-known products.

“You don't have to be a genius to know great quality wine. It's got to jump out of the glass, ”he said. "We get the fundamentals right and we do it at a good price."

One of the countries that has been guzzling ever-larger quantities of Australian wines in recent years is China.

“They've drunk us out of house and home. We are getting the highest prices we've ever had thanks to China, ”Harris, CEO of South Australia Wine Group, a wine trading and services company, told Al Jazeera.

But the party may be coming to an end.

A widening political rift between Canberra and Beijing is spilling over into trade ties between the two, threatening corporate profits and livelihoods in some of Australia's most important export industries.

Analysts and Australian exporters suspected that China is retaliating following moves and statements by Canberra against Beijing, specifically concerning latest-generation 5G mobile phone networks and the coronavirus. China has not officially said it is doing so, but recent moves speak for themselves.

In May, China hit Australian barley with import duties, accusing it of selling its products below cost to gain market share, a process known as dumping, and halted beef imports from some of Australia's largest meat processors.

Earlier this month, live Australian lobsters died waiting for customs clearance in Shanghai. China has halted some imports of Australian timber, reportedly due to concerns about pests.

Australia's copper and sugar exports to China may also be targeted, according to state media.

And in August the China Alcoholic Drinks Association (CADA) called for retrospective tariffs on Australian wine imports, as part of an investigation into dumping, according to Australian winemaker Treasury Wine Estates.

China has become crucial to Australia's wine industry. In the last financial year, China imported $ 850m (1.17 billion Australian dollars) of Australian wine - 39 percent exports of the total value of Australian wine.

Bottles of Australian wine sits on shelves for sale [File: David Gray/Reuters]

Indeed, China is by far Australia's largest and most important trading partner. About a third of Australia's total exports are now destined for Chinese shores, a market valued at approximately $ 111bn (153 billion Australian dollars) in the 2018-2019 financial year. This success in China has been facilitated partly by a Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA) signed in 2015, which deepened the trade reliance.

Souring ties

Beijing has denied imposing the speculated embargo, which would flout World Trade Organization rules and ChAFTA. However, on November 4, a state mouthpiece, the Global Times, referred to an “import suspension”, further complicating China's messaging and creating the uncertainty.

And on November 12, Wang Wenbin, a spokesman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told reporters, “The cause of the current difficulties in our bilateral relations is very clear… For some time, Australia has been violating basic norms governing international relations, and made erroneous words and deeds on issues concerning China's core interests, including those related to Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Taiwan, and blatantly interfered in China's internal.

We are getting the highest prices we've ever had thanks to China.

David Harris, CEO of South Australia Wine Group

Beijing and Canberra's relationship took a turn for the worse in 2018 when Australia became the first nation to ban Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei from the rollout of its 5G mobile phone network.

Relations frayed further after Australia led calls for an inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which began in the Chinese city of Wuhan. In another move likely to stoke tensions, for the first time since 2007, Australia joined the US, Japan and India for the Malabar naval exercises.

China's growing economic and military power has led to questions about its commitment to the international rules-based order and prompted a more hawkish backlash from Australia and its allies.

Professor Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London, said Australia's ability to navigate its trading interests with China is being put to the ultimate test by its allegiance to longtime security ally Washington.

“Australia is certainly caught in between the pulling forces of a US-China decoupling,” says Professor Tsang, “Australia will judge what is in its best national interest and which international partner it can depend on, and between China and the USA, it is clear which one Australia feels more comfortable with. ”

Blacklisted

Any embargo on Australian exports to China could be catastrophic. According to Jeffrey Wilson, research director of the Perth USAsia Center at the University of Western Australia, the seven products that have been targeted hundreds of thousands and together represent about $ 15.9bn (21.9 billion Australian dollars) in exports to China.

That amounts to 14.3 percent of Australia's total exports to China in the 2018-2019 financial year.

Wilson said China's intention appears to be to spread disinformation in a bid to rattle the Australian export market and hit Australia where it hurts.

Chinese demand has driven up sales of Australian wines [File: Martin Pollard/Reuters]

“It is psychological war more than trade war,” he said, “China has a long history of using this kind of trade sanction as a diplomatic weapon, and is doing so to 'make an example' of Australia for a range of foreign policy actions the Australian Government has taken in the last few years. ”

He said Beijing targets industries that are highly dependent on China as a destination, or those products which Beijing can easily buy from somewhere else, which is why China has not placed any punitive measures on iron ore imports.

“Its steel industry is structurally dependent on Australian supply for normal operations, and the entire Chinese industrial ecosystem depends on its steel industry. Sanctioning iron ore would be 'mutually assured destruction', ”Wilson said.

Greener pastures

The anti-dumping investigation by CADA, which is expected to take one year to complete, has homed in on three major Australian wine businesses: Treasury Wine Estates, owner of brands including Penfolds; Yellow Tail's owner Casella Wines; and Australia Swan Vintage.

“Australian winemakers are cooperating fully. We don't believe there is any evidence to support dumping, ���said Tony Battaglene, chief executive of industry group Australian Grape and Wine.

Treasury Wine Estates stock slumped to a five-year low on November 5 due to fears that China would impose retrospective tariffs.

Battaglene said, “Duties, if assessed, will be applied to all Australian wine exporters”.

For winemaker David Harris, potential tariffs would hit hard, “It's about 50 percent of what we do. It would be a massive, massive disaster but we wouldn't go broke; there is huge market growth in India and Southeast Asia ”.

Eric Yang, CEO of Adelaide-based Pacific Vintners, is also weighing up his options, “Of course, tariffs worry me, especially because we are Chinese market-oriented and focused. More or less this is a political issue, but it has shown that we can't rely on one market. It is time to slow down, strategise and plan for alternatives. ”

It is psychological war more than trade war.

Jeffrey Wilson, Perth USAsia Center at the University of Western Australia

Another issue that could be troubling for Australian winemakers is that consumers in China can now choose to quaff decent-quality wines from other countries.

In Beijing, longtime resident Claudia Masueger is the founder of Cheers, a retail wine chain with more than 100 outlets in major cities in China. About a quarter of the wine on offer is from down under.

The Swiss entrepreneur said that if tariffs are imposed on Australian brands, her customers might switch to Chilean or Argentinian wines as an alternative.

“It's difficult to predict the outcome of tariffs but it would be sad to see the tax for Australian wine increase. Luckily, we represent all major wine growing regions, therefore, we will not face much trouble as a business, ”Masueger told Al Jazeera.

But underneath the optimistic veneer, those with their livelihoods at stake fear Australia may be going down the same path as the United States, which is locked in a bitter trade war with China.

Trade expert Jeffrey Wilson said the situation for Australia may improve when US President-elect Joe Biden steps into his new role.

“Whereas Trump would be willing to let Australia suffer and ignore it, a Biden administration will see the sanctions as both a grave breach of international trade law, and also a direct economic assault on one of its most important regional allies,” Wilson said.

“By raising the political costs of these actions, the Biden administration will likely see China exercise some greater caution in sanctioning like this in future,” he added.

. #world Read full article: https://expatimes.com/?p=14199&feed_id=17704