Ahmed Mostafa
EU headed by Germany immature economic officials are desirous to ignite trade war versus China
The Chinese electric vehicle (EV) market has become a dominant force in the global automotive industry, with its manufacturers producing environmentally friendly, technologically advanced, and affordable vehicles. The Chinese government has played a crucial role in promoting the growth of the domestic EV industry through policies such as subsidies, investments in charging infrastructure, and stricter emissions standards. This has encouraged Chinese automakers to invest heavily in research and development, leading to the production of high-quality EVs that can compete with traditional automotive powerhouses like the US and Europe.
Chinese EVs are known for their affordability due to economies of scale, lower labor costs, and a streamlined supply chain. They are also known for their advanced technology and features, such as autonomous driving capabilities, over-the-air software updates, and advanced battery management systems.
In 2020, China became the world’s largest EV market, surpassing Europe and the US. This trend is expected to continue, with China projected to account for over 50% of global EV sales by 2025. As the Chinese EV industry continues to grow and evolve, it is likely to have an even greater impact on the global automotive landscape.
Germany’s Economy Minister Robert Habeck has stated that proposed European Union tariffs on Chinese goods are not a “punishment” and are meant to compensate for the advantages granted to Chinese companies by Beijing. Habeck’s visit to China is the first by a senior European official since Brussels proposed hefty duties on imports of Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) to combat what the EU considers excessive subsidies. He said that for nine months, the European Commission had examined whether Chinese companies had benefited unfairly from subsidies.
Habeck met with Zheng Shanjie, chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, the latter who said the proposed EU tariffs were intended to level the playing field with China. Zheng responded that they would do everything to protect Chinese companies and that the proposed EU import duties on Chinese-made EVs would hurt both sides. Zheng also denied the accusations of unfair subsidies, saying the development of China’s new energy industry was the result of comprehensive advantages in technology, market, and industry chains fostered in fierce competition. The EU provisional duties are set to apply by July 4, with the investigation set to continue until November 2, when definitive duties, typically for five years, could be imposed.
Concerning climate change, the goal of the meeting was to deepen cooperation between both industrialized nations for the green transition. The countries acknowledged their special responsibility to prevent global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial temperatures. China installed almost 350 gigawatts of new renewable capacity in 2023, more than half the global total, and if the world’s second-biggest economy maintains this pace, it will likely exceed its 2030 target this year.
Terrorist attacks on Russia externally and domestically
Russia has accused the United States of being responsible for a Ukrainian attack on the Russian-annexed Crimean peninsula with five U.S.-supplied missiles that killed four people, including two children, and injured 151 more. The Russian Defence Ministry said four of the U.S.-delivered Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missiles were shot down by air defense systems, and the ammunition of a fifth had detonated in mid-air. The incident generated a furious reaction among Russian public figures. The Defense ministry stated that Washington was directly responsible for the deliberate missile attack on the civilians of Sevastopol, which was carried out from the Kyiv regime.
The United States began supplying Ukraine with longer-range ATACMS missiles earlier this year. Sevastopol Governor Mihail Razvozhaev put the death toll at four, with 144 injured, including 82 taken to hospitals. Twenty-seven children were among the injured. Specialist doctors were being flown in from other parts of Russia.
Russia will respond to a missile attack on civilians in Ukraine, according to the Defence Ministry. Deputy Chairman of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, described the attack as “a vile, despicable act against our people” and compared it to recent attacks on synagogues, churches, and police posts in Dagestan. Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill expressed indignation that the incident occurred on the Orthodox holiday of Trinity. Neither Ukraine nor the United States have commented on the attack, which occurred on a day when Ukraine reported one person killed and 10 others wounded by Russian strikes on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Putin has accused the U.S. of using Ukraine to undermine Russia’s security, which Kyiv and its Western allies deny.
NATO must bear the consequences of providing Ukraine with these missiles after these terrorist attacks on Sevastopol in Crimea, because everyone knows Russia’s superiority in all strategic matters. The Russian side has so far shown maximum restraint, because it is closely watching and preparing for the economic, political and moral collapse of the West.
Despite of that 7 Major Nations Apply to Join the Alliance in a Single Week
With the BRICS bloc set to continue its expansion effort for the second consecutive year, a 7th major nation has applied to join the economic alliance in a single week. The influx of applications follows the bloc’s Foreign Minister Meeting earlier this month. The latest country to express interest in joining the alliance is Venezuela.
Delcy Rodriguez, the country’s executive Vice president, made the announcement during an economic seminar in Caracas. Rodriguez mentioned that Venezuela is close to becoming a member of the BRICS group of nations. During the 2023 annual summit, the BRICS bloc surprised many by inviting six nations to join. Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, KSA and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) accepted the invitation,
bringing the total number of member countries to nine. This trend of expansion seems to be continuing, with seven major nations applying to join the alliance in a single week. The countries include Thailand, Malaysia, Zimbabwe, Colombia, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Venezuela.
Venezuela’s vice president emphasized the importance of joining the bloc, stating that it marks a significant moment in the creation of a new world order. Pakistan has also expressed its desire to join BRICS, with Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed sharing the country’s aspirations for membership.
Russia and China have played a key role in expanding BRICS influence in Asia, with President Vladimir Putin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang visiting Southeast Asian countries to strengthen ties. Thailand and Malaysia have announced plans to officially join the bloc following these meetings and discussions at the BRICS foreign minister meetings in the middle of June.
Vietnam was convinced by President Putin’s visit last week to de-dollarize its economy by joining BRICS, and Saudi Arabia has also started to break the petrodollar agreement and deal in other currencies for the sale of its oil and derivatives. Japan is also trying to spread the sources of its monetary reserves and decouple the yen from the dollar, according to several international economic sources that have been circulating this week.
The BRICS alliance has consistently supported the Palestinian cause in their conflict with Israel. This support is rooted in the shared values of the BRICS nations, which include sovereignty, self-determination, and justice for all peoples. The Palestinian people have faced discrimination, oppression, and violence from the Israeli government. Despite resistance, the BRICS nations have consistently raised their voices in support of the Palestinian cause, calling for an end to the occupation, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, and protection of their rights and dignity.
At BRICS summits, the leaders of member states reiterated their support for the Palestinian cause, calling for a just and lasting solution based on international law and UN resolutions. They also urged for meaningful negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis to achieve a comprehensive and fair peace agreement.
The BRICS nations have provided financial and political support to the Palestinian people and their legitimate institutions, promoting economic development, social welfare, and cultural exchange between the BRICS nations and Palestine. Their support is not only a matter of principle but also a strategic calculation, as a just and lasting peace will benefit not only the Palestinian and Israeli peoples but also the wider region and the world.
