Podcasts about road initiative

There's a new bipartisan bill - the Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act - that's once again putting the spotlight on Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and their potential roles in IMEC, a project increasingly seen as the answer to China's Belt and Road Initiative. Endy Zemenides, the Executive Director of HALC, joins Thanos Davelis to break down why this new legislation matters, look at how the East Med can play a unique role as the West turns toward addressing the challenges posed by China, and explore how Greece and Cyprus fit into this story.You can read the articles we discuss on our podcast here:Initiative in US Congress seeks to establish EastMed as strategic hub within IMEC frameworkTurkey is not acting like a US ally, say AJC and HALC chiefsDesalination units arrive in CyprusIndia eyes strategic push in Greece

Best-selling author of “One Nation Under Blackmail”, Whitney Webb, is back to discuss her latest article on the covert moves that are being made by one of the most polarizing figures in recent American history, Erik Prince. While his former company Blackwater underwent multiple rebrandings to attempt to remove the bloodstains from the carpet in the lobby, Prince was busy launching new ventures from his home base in the United Arab Emirates, such as Comframe and Dark Matter, which seek to help the Chinese acquire technology from Israel to assist with its Belt and Road Initiative. While China attempts to rebuild the fabled Silk Road to connect the world together, the United Nations is busy devising new ways in which to destroy it. Using the imagined threat of “climate change” as the new invisible enemy, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals are leading the world into a digital panopticon where the public is treated as fenced livestock and the Globalists are the only ones with the keys. The Octopus of Global Control Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3xu0rMm Hypocrazy Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4aogwms Website: www.Macroaggressions.io Activist Post: www.activistpost.com Sponsors: Chemical Free Body: https://www.chemicalfreebody.com Promo Code: MACRO C60 Purple Power: https://c60purplepower.com/ Promo Code: MACRO Wise Wolf Gold & Silver: www.Macroaggressions.gold LegalShield: www.DontGetPushedAround.com EMP Shield: www.EMPShield.com Promo Code: MACRO ECI Development: https://info.ecidevelopment.com/-get-to-know-us/macro-aggressions Christian Yordanov's Health Transformation Program: www.LiveLongerFormula.com Privacy Academy: https://privacyacademy.com/step/privacy-action-plan-checkout-2/?ref=5620 Brain Supreme: www.BrainSupreme.co Promo Code: MACRO Above Phone: abovephone.com/macro Promo Code: MACRO Van Man: https://vanman.shop/?ref=MACRO Promo Code: MACRO My Patriot Supply: www.PrepareWithMacroaggressions.com Activist Post: www.ActivistPost.com Natural Blaze: www.NaturalBlaze.com Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/macroaggressionspodcast Whitney Webb: Website: www.UnlimitedHangout.com Books: https://rb.gy/dyrdx

The Fourth ministerial meeting of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States Forum has just taken place in Beijing.Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chilean President Gabriel Boric and Colombian President Gustavo Petro were among those in attendance.Meanwhile, Columbia has formally agreed to join the Belt and Road Initiative.What's driving the closer ties between China and the Latin America and Caribbean nations? And what does this mean for the unity of the Global South?Host Zhao Ying is joined by Cao Ting, Director of Center for Latin American Studies of Fudan University; Pedro Steenhagen, PhD candidate in International Politics at Fudan University and Consultant at the China Desk of Brazil's Daniel Law; Fernando Munoz Bernal, Founder of Media Without Means, a platform aimed at combating misinformation by giving local voices a chance to share their stories.

Over the past decade, China and countries across Latin America and the Caribbean have developed a partnership built on growing trust and shared goals, despite the distance between them. With 22 countries in the region now signed on to the Belt and Road Initiative, cooperation is expanding fast. How far have we come in the past ten years? And where is this relationship heading next?

IIn dieser Podcastfolge beleuchte ich die vielschichtige Welt chinesischer Cyberangriffe und erkläre, wie Chinas Cyberstrategie gezielt Wirtschaft, Politik und Militär im In- und Ausland beeinflusst. Du erfährst, wie Wirtschaftsspionage und technologische Wissensübertragung zentrale Ziele sind – gestützt durch nationale Programme wie „Made in China 2025“ und ambitionierte Fünfjahrespläne. Wir sprechen über die Rolle der Volksbefreiungsarmee (PLA) und neu geschaffener Cyber-Einheiten, die mit modernsten Methoden kritische Infrastrukturen angreifen. Anhand realer Beispiele wie den Operationen APT1, Volt Typhoon und Salt Typhoon zeige ich, wie chinesische Hackergruppen mit ausgefeilten Techniken westliche Unternehmen und Regierungen infiltrieren. Außerdem analysiere ich aktuelle Trends: Von gezielten, schwer erkennbaren Angriffen über den Einsatz von Zero-Day-Exploits bis hin zu Outsourcing an private Dienstleister. Du erfährst, wie China mit strengen Gesetzen und zentralisierter Kontrolle seine Cyberfähigkeiten stetig ausbaut – und warum gerade Deutschland dringend handeln muss, um sich vor chinesischen Cyberangriffen zu schützen. Shownotes Jon Lindsay et. Al., China and Cybersecurity: Espionage, Strategy, and Politics in the Digital Domain, https://www.jonrlindsay.com/china-and-cybersecurity APT1 Exposing One of China's Cyber Espionage Units, https://services.google.com/fh/files/misc/mandiant-apt1-report.pdf The 14th Five-Year Plan of the People's Republic of China—Fostering High-Quality Development, https://www.adb.org/publications/14th-five-year-plan-high-quality-development-prc China's Massive Belt and Road Initiative, https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/chinas-massive-belt-and-road-initiative “Here to stay” – Chinese state-affiliated hacking for strategic goals, https://merics.org/en/report/here-stay-chinese-state-affiliated-hacking-strategic-goals China's New Data Security Law Will Provide It Early Notice Of Exploitable Zero Days, https://breakingdefense.com/2021/09/chinas-new-data-security-law-will-provide-it-early-notice-of-exploitable-zero-days/#:~:text=WASHINGTON%3A%20China's%20new%20Data%20Security,technologies%20used%20by%20the%20Defense China's Expanding Cyber Playbook, https://dgap.org/en/research/publications/chinas-expanding-cyber-playbook U.S. Hunts Chinese Malware That Could Disrupt American Military Operations, https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/29/us/politics/china-malware-us-military-bases-taiwan.html China is turning to private firms for offensive cyber operations, https://www.defenseone.com/threats/2024/06/china-turning-private-firms-offensive-cyber-operations/397767/ China-Linked Hackers Breach U.S. Internet Providers in New ‘Salt Typhoon' Cyberattack, https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/china-cyberattack-internet-providers-260bd835 Top U.S. Cybersecurity Official: China Attacks on American Infrastructure ‘Tip of the Iceberg', https://www.thecipherbrief.com/top-u-s-cybersecurity-official-china-attacks-on-american-infrastructure-tip-of-the-iceberg Jen Easterly on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jen-easterly_follow-up-chinas-cyber-program-presents-activity-7292191131293892612-uhFW China has debuted its new landing barges – what does this mean for Taiwan? https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/20/china-landing-barges-shuqiao-ships-what-does-this-mean-for-taiwan BSI Hafnium Warnung, https://www.bsi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Cybersicherheitswarnungen/DE/2021/2021-197772-1132.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=8 Timecodes 1:00 1) Übersicht über Chinas offensiver Cyber-Strategie 02:00 Wirtschaftsspionage  04:03 APT 1 07:20 Snowden Leaks 08:03 Militärische Cyberwarfarestrategie: Meisterschaft des ersten Schlages 10:58 Überwachung 12:11 2) Chinas Cybersicherheitsarchitektur 13:30 Volksbefreiungsarmee, PLA 17:11 Cyber Milizen & Civil & Military Fusion 18:10 Ministerium für Staatssicherheit 19:08 iSoon

China and Colombia have signed a cooperation plan under the Belt and Road Initiative (1:05). The Chinese mainland has called on people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to work together to uphold national dignity (14:09). U.S. President Donald Trump has signed billions of dollars of deals during his ongoing trip in the Middle East (21:50).

① President Xi Jinping and his Brazilian counterpart Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva have reaffirmed their commitment to upholding multilateralism and building a stronger China-Brazil Community with a Shared Future. How should we characterize China-Brazil cooperation? (00:54)② Sri Lankan analyst: the Belt and Road Initiative is a strategic stabilizer amid global trade turbulence. (11:54)③ We explore how medium-to-long-term pressure on the US economy is mounting despite its seemingly low inflation in April. (24:53)④ US President Donald Trump has announced plans to lift sanctions on Syria. Is this a significant win for the Syrian government led by Ahmed al-Sharaa? (36:25)⑤ China has slammed its Taiwan region's leader for calling for a so-called “non-red supply chain” for global semiconductors that excludes the mainland. What could be the consequences if Taiwan's DPP authorities continue to bow to and flatter Washington? (45:38)

U.S. President Donald Trump is on a three-nation visit to the Middle East, the first major overseas tour of his second term. Reports indicate that Israel targeted Hamas leader Mohammad Sinwar in a strike. China and Colombia sign a cooperation plan on the Belt and Road Initiative.

Ari Sussman of Collective Mining provides a comprehensive update on the company's projects, particularly focusing on the San Antonio project and its drilling results. He discusses the strategic direction of the company, including management changes and the potential for significant discoveries in Colombia's mining sector. The conversation also touches on geopolitical factors affecting investment in the region, particularly in light of Colombia's potential involvement in China's Belt and Road Initiative.

In this episode, we focus on the often-overlooked geographies of Eurasian connectivity with Dr. Wojciech Kębłowski, whose research brings attention to the Polish border towns of Małaszewicze and Narevka, key yet rarely discussed nodes in global infrastructure networks. As Eurasia undergoes a dramatic reconfiguration—with initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, and numerous regional projects vying for influence—we discuss what happens at the edges. How are logistics nodes developed? Who lives in these nodes of connection, and how do they navigate the shifting tides of global ambition? Our conversation spans local politics, logistics, labor, railway connectivity, and geopolitics, offering a multidimensional view of border hubs where the global meets the local. These sites are not only shaped by supply chain logics but also by mounting geopolitical rivalries, as powers compete for infrastructural influence across continents. Dr. Kębłowski paints a vivid picture of Małaszewicze, once a booming railway town employing over 10,000 people, now economically depressed but still strategically vital. While geopolitical tensions—like the war in Ukraine—have disrupted trade flows, they haven't derailed Małaszewicze's importance. The town's traffic has rebounded, a testament to its logistical centrality. Dr. Kębłowski discussed the hopes of renewal spurred by the BRI and how local leaders have actively tried to position Małaszewicze on the global map—courting Chinese delegations, lobbying Warsaw, and crafting narratives of international relevance. He shares insights into how these symbolic and practical efforts illustrate both the ambitions and the limitations faced by peripheries striving to assert their place in global politics and connectivity networks. GUEST BIO: Wojciech Kębłowski is an urban researcher, photographer, and Assistant Professor in Urban Studies and Planning at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, with affiliations at the Université libre de Bruxelles. He will begin a new professorship at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in June 2025. His research sits at the intersection of urban, transport, and political geography, and draws on critical social and decolonial theory. It spans three main areas: the political economy and governance of “sustainable” transport, the urban geography of Global China, and alternatives to capitalist urbanism, including circular economy and degrowth practices. Wojciech's research is global in scope, with fieldwork and collaborations in diverse cities in Western Europe (Aubagne, Brussels, Luxembourg, Helsinki, Madrid), Eastern Europe (Sopot, Wrocław, Tallinn), China (Chengdu) and Cuba (Santiago). He uses a range of qualitative methods and is interested in photography as a research tool and a creative practice. Wojciech is involved in several international research projects, including LiFT (on fare-related mobility transitions), CARIN-PT (on flexible and on-demand transport), and previously led PUTSPACE and CIRCITY, focused on public transport and circular economies, respectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

China and Russia issued a joint statement on Thursday on further deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era, agreeing to push forward the high-level development of bilateral ties, uphold a correct historical perspective on World War II and firmly defend international fairness and justice.The statement was jointly signed by President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin following their talks in Moscow.The two heads of state witnessed the exchange of more than 20 bilateral cooperation documents covering such areas as global strategic stability, upholding the authority of international law, biosecurity, investment protection, the digital economy, quarantine and film cooperation.Xi arrived in Moscow on Wednesday, his 11th visit to the neighboring country since becoming president, for a state visit and to attend celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victories in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45) and the World Anti-Fascist War.The two heads of state have met more than 40 times on different occasions over the years."The foundation of political mutual trust between China and Russia has grown deeper, the ties of practical cooperation have become stronger, and cultural and local exchanges have flourished," Xi said, noting that China-Russia relations are more composed, confident, stable and resilient in the new era.Xi called on the two countries to continue with the general direction of cooperation, eliminate external interference, and make the foundation of cooperation more solid and the momentum for progress more abundant.China and Russia should leverage the complementary advantages of the two countries' resources and industrial systems to expand high-quality and mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as trade and economy, energy, agriculture, aerospace and artificial intelligence, Xi said.The two countries should synergize the Belt and Road Initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union, in order to provide a platform for promoting high-standard connectivity, he said.Xi also urged the two sides to enhance coordination and cooperation on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS to unite the Global South, uphold genuine multilateralism and guide global governance reform in the right direction.As China is striving to build itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects, and is advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts, Xi said that China is determined and confident in overcoming various risks and challenges, and will steadfastly manage its own affairs well regardless of changes in the external environment.He expressed China's readiness to work together with Russia to shoulder the special responsibilities entrusted by the times, maintain the global multilateral trading system, and ensure the stability and smooth operation of industrial and supply chains.This will contribute more significantly to the development and revitalization of both countries and the safeguarding of international fairness and justice, Xi said.Putin, who received Xi with a welcoming ceremony on Thursday morning, said, "I am grateful that, just as you did 10 years ago for the previous anniversary, you have chosen to join us in commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, which our nation holds sacred."Putin said that amid global uncertainty, the Russia-China relationship is a crucial stabilizing factor on the international stage and undoubtedly a model of state-to-state relations in the 21st century.Russia-China ties are built on the principles of equality, mutual benefit and respect for each other's interests and sovereignty, and are not directed against any third party, he said.Putin added that imposing high tariffs goes against common sense and is illegal, and will only backfire.He also said he will be delighted to make an official visit to China for the commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the end of World War II.

①Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on China and Russia to work together for the interests of developing countries. (00:40)②China is introducing a new law to promote the private sector. What does it mean for private enterprises in the country? (11:55)③Columbia is planning to join the Belt and Road Initiative. What's behind this decision? (25:00)④China's export manufacturing hub of Yiwu shows resilience in the face of US tariffs.(34:15)⑤And interview with Russian figure skating stars Evgenia Medvedeva and Elizaveta Tuktamysheva (44:00)

In this episode, we focus on the often-overlooked geographies of Eurasian connectivity with Dr. Wojciech Kębłowski, whose research brings attention to the Polish border towns of Małaszewicze and Narevka, key yet rarely discussed nodes in global infrastructure networks. As Eurasia undergoes a dramatic reconfiguration—with initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, and numerous regional projects vying for influence—we discuss what happens at the edges. How are logistics nodes developed? Who lives in these nodes of connection, and how do they navigate the shifting tides of global ambition? Our conversation spans local politics, logistics, labor, railway connectivity, and geopolitics, offering a multidimensional view of border hubs where the global meets the local. These sites are not only shaped by supply chain logics but also by mounting geopolitical rivalries, as powers compete for infrastructural influence across continents. Dr. Kębłowski paints a vivid picture of Małaszewicze, once a booming railway town employing over 10,000 people, now economically depressed but still strategically vital. While geopolitical tensions—like the war in Ukraine—have disrupted trade flows, they haven't derailed Małaszewicze's importance. The town's traffic has rebounded, a testament to its logistical centrality. Dr. Kębłowski discussed the hopes of renewal spurred by the BRI and how local leaders have actively tried to position Małaszewicze on the global map—courting Chinese delegations, lobbying Warsaw, and crafting narratives of international relevance. He shares insights into how these symbolic and practical efforts illustrate both the ambitions and the limitations faced by peripheries striving to assert their place in global politics and connectivity networks. GUEST BIO: Wojciech Kębłowski is an urban researcher, photographer, and Assistant Professor in Urban Studies and Planning at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, with affiliations at the Université libre de Bruxelles. He will begin a new professorship at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in June 2025. His research sits at the intersection of urban, transport, and political geography, and draws on critical social and decolonial theory. It spans three main areas: the political economy and governance of “sustainable” transport, the urban geography of Global China, and alternatives to capitalist urbanism, including circular economy and degrowth practices. Wojciech's research is global in scope, with fieldwork and collaborations in diverse cities in Western Europe (Aubagne, Brussels, Luxembourg, Helsinki, Madrid), Eastern Europe (Sopot, Wrocław, Tallinn), China (Chengdu) and Cuba (Santiago). He uses a range of qualitative methods and is interested in photography as a research tool and a creative practice. Wojciech is involved in several international research projects, including LiFT (on fare-related mobility transitions), CARIN-PT (on flexible and on-demand transport), and previously led PUTSPACE and CIRCITY, focused on public transport and circular economies, respectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

In this episode, we focus on the often-overlooked geographies of Eurasian connectivity with Dr. Wojciech Kębłowski, whose research brings attention to the Polish border towns of Małaszewicze and Narevka, key yet rarely discussed nodes in global infrastructure networks. As Eurasia undergoes a dramatic reconfiguration—with initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, and numerous regional projects vying for influence—we discuss what happens at the edges. How are logistics nodes developed? Who lives in these nodes of connection, and how do they navigate the shifting tides of global ambition? Our conversation spans local politics, logistics, labor, railway connectivity, and geopolitics, offering a multidimensional view of border hubs where the global meets the local. These sites are not only shaped by supply chain logics but also by mounting geopolitical rivalries, as powers compete for infrastructural influence across continents. Dr. Kębłowski paints a vivid picture of Małaszewicze, once a booming railway town employing over 10,000 people, now economically depressed but still strategically vital. While geopolitical tensions—like the war in Ukraine—have disrupted trade flows, they haven't derailed Małaszewicze's importance. The town's traffic has rebounded, a testament to its logistical centrality. Dr. Kębłowski discussed the hopes of renewal spurred by the BRI and how local leaders have actively tried to position Małaszewicze on the global map—courting Chinese delegations, lobbying Warsaw, and crafting narratives of international relevance. He shares insights into how these symbolic and practical efforts illustrate both the ambitions and the limitations faced by peripheries striving to assert their place in global politics and connectivity networks. GUEST BIO: Wojciech Kębłowski is an urban researcher, photographer, and Assistant Professor in Urban Studies and Planning at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, with affiliations at the Université libre de Bruxelles. He will begin a new professorship at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in June 2025. His research sits at the intersection of urban, transport, and political geography, and draws on critical social and decolonial theory. It spans three main areas: the political economy and governance of “sustainable” transport, the urban geography of Global China, and alternatives to capitalist urbanism, including circular economy and degrowth practices. Wojciech's research is global in scope, with fieldwork and collaborations in diverse cities in Western Europe (Aubagne, Brussels, Luxembourg, Helsinki, Madrid), Eastern Europe (Sopot, Wrocław, Tallinn), China (Chengdu) and Cuba (Santiago). He uses a range of qualitative methods and is interested in photography as a research tool and a creative practice. Wojciech is involved in several international research projects, including LiFT (on fare-related mobility transitions), CARIN-PT (on flexible and on-demand transport), and previously led PUTSPACE and CIRCITY, focused on public transport and circular economies, respectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In this episode, we focus on the often-overlooked geographies of Eurasian connectivity with Dr. Wojciech Kębłowski, whose research brings attention to the Polish border towns of Małaszewicze and Narevka, key yet rarely discussed nodes in global infrastructure networks. As Eurasia undergoes a dramatic reconfiguration—with initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, and numerous regional projects vying for influence—we discuss what happens at the edges. How are logistics nodes developed? Who lives in these nodes of connection, and how do they navigate the shifting tides of global ambition? Our conversation spans local politics, logistics, labor, railway connectivity, and geopolitics, offering a multidimensional view of border hubs where the global meets the local. These sites are not only shaped by supply chain logics but also by mounting geopolitical rivalries, as powers compete for infrastructural influence across continents. Dr. Kębłowski paints a vivid picture of Małaszewicze, once a booming railway town employing over 10,000 people, now economically depressed but still strategically vital. While geopolitical tensions—like the war in Ukraine—have disrupted trade flows, they haven't derailed Małaszewicze's importance. The town's traffic has rebounded, a testament to its logistical centrality. Dr. Kębłowski discussed the hopes of renewal spurred by the BRI and how local leaders have actively tried to position Małaszewicze on the global map—courting Chinese delegations, lobbying Warsaw, and crafting narratives of international relevance. He shares insights into how these symbolic and practical efforts illustrate both the ambitions and the limitations faced by peripheries striving to assert their place in global politics and connectivity networks. GUEST BIO: Wojciech Kębłowski is an urban researcher, photographer, and Assistant Professor in Urban Studies and Planning at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, with affiliations at the Université libre de Bruxelles. He will begin a new professorship at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in June 2025. His research sits at the intersection of urban, transport, and political geography, and draws on critical social and decolonial theory. It spans three main areas: the political economy and governance of “sustainable” transport, the urban geography of Global China, and alternatives to capitalist urbanism, including circular economy and degrowth practices. Wojciech's research is global in scope, with fieldwork and collaborations in diverse cities in Western Europe (Aubagne, Brussels, Luxembourg, Helsinki, Madrid), Eastern Europe (Sopot, Wrocław, Tallinn), China (Chengdu) and Cuba (Santiago). He uses a range of qualitative methods and is interested in photography as a research tool and a creative practice. Wojciech is involved in several international research projects, including LiFT (on fare-related mobility transitions), CARIN-PT (on flexible and on-demand transport), and previously led PUTSPACE and CIRCITY, focused on public transport and circular economies, respectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/eastern-european-studies

In this episode, Dr Y. Nithiyanandam, Professor at the Takshashila Institution, engages in an insightful discussion with Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla (Retd) on the themes explored in his recent book, "Maritime Power and China's Grand Strategy". Together, they examine China's growing maritime ambitions—from its naval expansion and the “String of Pearls” to grey zone tactics and the Belt and Road Initiative. Drawing on Admiral Chawla's distinguished naval experience, the conversation delves into why maritime power is central to China's ascent and the implications for India's strategic outlook. An essential listen for students, professionals, and anyone interested in India's maritime future and the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific.The PGP is a comprehensive 48-week hybrid programme tailored for those aiming to delve deep into the theoretical and practical aspects of public policy. This multidisciplinary course offers a broad and in-depth range of modules, ensuring students get a well-rounded learning experience. The curriculum is delivered online, punctuated with in-person workshops across India.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://school.takshashila.org.in/pgp⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠All Things Policy is a daily podcast on public policy brought to you by the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find out more on our research and other work here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://takshashila.org.in/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Check out our public policy courses here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://school.takshashila.org.in⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join our podcast to explore the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement's momentum, RFK Jr.'s health reforms like banning food dyes, and the U.S. tariff strategy against China. We also dive into China's Belt and Road Initiative, its $1 trillion infrastructure push across Asia and Africa, boosting trade but sparking debt concerns in countries like Kenya and Sri Lanka. Tune in for insights on global health and trade dynamics shaping a healthier, interconnected world. 

On this episode of The Jay Martin Show, world-renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs unpacks the long-term shifts reshaping the global order—from the end of Western dominance to the rise of China and the multipolar world emerging in its wake. Sachs offers a rare century-scale perspective on trade wars, technological competition, and U.S. debt vulnerability, challenging conventional narratives and calling for a mindset shift in Western geopolitics. He also shares insights from his advisory work in Southeast Asia and his views on China's Belt and Road Initiative, arguing it's a misunderstood force for global development. For more content from host Jay Martin, please visit The Commodity University at: https://2ly.link/211gp Sign up for my free weekly newsletter at https://2ly.link/211gx Be part of our online investment community: https://cambridgehouse.com https://twitter.com/JayMartinBC https://www.instagram.com/jaymartinbc https://www.facebook.com/TheJayMartinShow https://www.linkedin.com/company/cambridge-house-international 0:00 – What Do People Misunderstand About the U.S.-China Conflict? 6:39 – Is This Just the Natural Rise and Fall of Empires? 14:27 – Why the West Misjudged China's Rise 24:54 – Are Tariffs Just a Sideshow? 39:32 – Is Southeast Asia the Next Battleground? 47:24 – Could Losing the Dollar Trigger U.S. Panic? 55:05 – Is the Belt and Road Initiative a Global Growth Engine or a Trap? 59:05 – Is Indonesia Returning to Its Authoritarian Past? Copyright © 2025 Cambridge House International Inc. All rights reserved.

Chinese vehicles are relatively immune from the United States' tariff impacts due to the limited number of such direct exports to the US and nearly nonexistent sales of domestic brands in that market, said Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association.中国乘用车协会秘书长崔东树表示，由于中国对美直接出口汽车数量有限且自主品牌在当地市场销量近乎空白，中国汽车受美国加征关税的影响相对有限。Cui highlighted the strong growth potential of Chinese autos in other markets. He stressed the need for Chinese automakers to strengthen partnerships with companies from Belt and Road Initiative-involved regions and southern hemisphere areas.崔指出，中国汽车在其他市场展现出强劲增长潜力，他强调中国汽车制造商需深化与"一带一路"沿线地区及南半球区域企业之间的合作。Specifically, Cui said promoting the use of small-sized electric vehicles in those markets is key to addressing demand for navigating narrow streets due to inadequate infrastructure development in certain regions.崔东树特别指出，在基础设施发展相对滞后的区域市场，推广小型电动汽车应用是破解狭窄街巷通行需求的关键所在。"Currently, China's efforts in advancing the BRI have been fruitful, and there is strong demand for automobiles in these regions. There is substantial potential for gasoline-powered Chinese vehicles by ramping up the export of these products. Promoting plug-in hybrid models will also unlock tremendous opportunities due to cost-effectiveness and energy-efficiency," he said."当前中国'一带一路'建设成效显著，这些地区汽车消费需求旺盛。通过扩大传统燃油车出口，中国车企仍有巨大市场空间。此外，插电式混合动力车型凭借其成本效益与节能优势，也将释放巨大市场机遇。"Cui, citing data from the General Administration of Customs, said China exported only 116,138 vehicles to the US in 2024, accounting for a mere 1.81 percent of China's total auto exports.崔表示，根据海关总署的数据，2024年中国仅向美国出口了116,138辆汽车，占中国汽车出口总量的1.81%。In contrast, the so-called reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US have a more significant impact on European, Japanese and South Korean automakers. Huatai Securities predicts that the 25 percent additional tariffs imposed by the US will affect 20 percent of direct exports from Japan and South Korea, and 30 percent of direct exports from German automakers, translating to an estimated sales impact of approximately 270,000, 200,000, and 160,000 vehicles, respectively, in 2025.相比之下，美国实施的所谓"对等关税"对欧洲、日本和韩国汽车制造商的影响更为显著。华泰证券研报预测，美国加征的25%额外关税将影响日韩车企20%的直接出口规模，对德国汽车制造商的直接影响范围更达30%。按此推算，预计到2025年将分别造成日、韩、德系车企约27万辆、20万辆和16万辆的销售缺口。Huatai Securities suggests that the US tariff policies may indirectly promote cooperation between China and other countries and regions, potentially enabling Chinese automotive companies to gain more market share in the EU and Southeast Asia.华泰证券认为，美国关税政策或将间接促进中国与其他国家和地区的合作，中国车企有望借此在欧盟及东南亚市场获取更大份额。As per the Ministry of Commerce, on April 3, both China and Europe agreed to swiftly resume negotiations on price commitments for electric vehicle anti-subsidy cases, fostering a favorable environment for promoting investment and industrial cooperation between Chinese and European enterprises.据商务部消息，4月3日中欧双方同意尽快重启电动汽车反补贴案价格承诺谈判，为中欧企业深化投资与产业合作营造良好环境。"China's global automotive market share is only around 35 percent, with Chinese brand vehicles accounting for less than 28 percent. Chinese brand vehicles have ample room for market share growth in many overseas markets," Cui said.崔东树指出："中国汽车全球市场份额仅约35%，其中自主品牌占比不足28%。在众多海外市场，中国品牌汽车仍具备充分的市场拓展空间。""With minimal presence in the US automotive market, the trade conflicts have minimal negative impacts on Chinese brand vehicles. There are numerous opportunities for Chinese brands to expand overseas, especially in countries without established automotive industries that welcome our localized products," he said."由于中国品牌汽车在美国市场存在感极低，贸易摩擦带来的负面影响微乎其微。中国品牌海外拓展机遇众多，尤其在缺乏本土汽车工业的国家，当地市场对我们本土化产品持开放态度。"Cui highlighted a growing need for Chinese autos from BRI-involved regions. He said accelerating the export of Chinese gas-powered vehicle products and hybrid models holds immense potential.他特别强调，"一带一路"区域对中国汽车的需求持续增长，加速中国燃油车产品与混合动力车型出口将释放巨大潜力。the General Administration of Customs海关总署market share市场份额trade conflicts贸易摩擦price commitments价格承诺electric vehicles电动车

Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James and Al attack the cruelty of Trump's immigration policy and his administration's growing authoritarianism before welcoming Admiral James Stavridis.  They discuss the foreign policy challenge posed by China's Belt and Road Initiative, the future of warfare as we move away from human armies toward robots and drones, and why aircraft carriers are essential and timeless in a world with threats in multiple theaters of action.  Then, they explore leadership lessons from history and culture, spanning Mario Puzo's The Godfather to direct written experiences from soldiers in the Civil War.  Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city– we love to hear where you're from! More from James and Al: Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon. Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial Get updates and some great behind-the-scenes content from the documentary CARVILLE: WINNING IS EVERYTHING, STUPID by following James on X @jamescarville and his new TikTok @realjamescarville James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room Substack Check Out Andrew Zucker's New Politicon Podcast: The Golden Age Get More From This Week's Guest:  Get More From Admiral James Stavridis: Twitter | Website | Carlyle Group | Author of “The Admiral's Bookshelf” & Other Books Please Support Our Sponsors: DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you text WARROOM to 64000. Message and data rates apply.  Magic Spoon: Get $5 off your next order of delicious protein-packed Magic Spoon at magicspoon.com/warroom Beam: Sleep better with Beam's best-selling Dream Powder and get up to 40% off for a limited time when you go to shopbeam.com/warroom and use code: WARROOM

Matt Ehret and Ghost deliver a sweeping, cerebral episode of Breaking History that traverses the terrain of ancient philosophy, spiritual warfare, and modern geopolitics, all through the lens of history's repeating patterns. Beginning with a candid discussion about grassroots sovereignty and the spiritual energy behind the Great American Restoration Tour, the hosts explore how authentic citizen movements are essential to reclaiming a corrupted nation, just as they were in ancient Greece and early America. From Confucius and Socrates to George Washington and Donald Trump, they highlight the timeless battle between oligarchic control and moral leadership, digging deep into suppressed classical wisdom that still shapes today's struggles. The conversation dives into the roots of empire, from Merovingian myths and Gnostic elitism to the modern priesthood of global governance and the soft tyranny of unthinking "unity." Matt then pivots to break major news from his recent travels in Thailand, revealing how the long-dormant Kra Canal project is being revived as a keystone of China's Belt and Road Initiative, and why Western sabotage can't stop its momentum. The duo connects the dots between global infrastructure, tariffs, and the unraveling legacy of Milton Friedman's "free market" dogma, exposing how America's decline was engineered through cheap goods, offshoring, and debt enslavement. This episode is a masterclass in historical pattern recognition, economic sovereignty, and the sacred responsibility of self-governance. It's not just a conversation...it's a call to reawaken the philosopher king within.

The year 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of China's Digital Silk Road, which has become an increasingly crucial component of Xi Jinping's flagship foreign policy project: the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, China has massively expanded its digital infrastructure investment across the globe. Accompanying the investment has been the diffusion of China's digital governance norms and standards in recipient states. Countries in the Indo-Pacific have been at the forefront of this stretching Chinese digital influence landscape. The conflation between digital development cooperation and digital governance norms adoption has far-reaching implications that need to be better understood and addressed. To discuss the issue, Michael Caster joins host Bonnie Glaser. Caster is the Head of Global China Programmeat ARTICLE 19, an NGO that advances freedom of opinion and expression. His organization has published two reports examining China's Digital Silk Road. Timestamps[00:00] Start[01:30] Understanding China's Digital Silk Road [05:57] China's Digital Governance Norms[10:16] China's Digital Footprints Abroad[16:07] Attractiveness of Chinese Digital Solutions[18:56] Role of High-Tech Companies in Digital Governance[21:44] Assessing the Effectiveness of China's Digital Governance[23:14] State-Driven Surveillance and Censorship[27:39] China's BeiDou Navigation System [31:09] How should governments respond to these normative shifts? 

Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang said on Thursday that the Chinese economy is growing steadily with a stronger outlook despite many difficulties and multiple challenges, thanks to its increasing capacity to drive growth through innovation.国务院副总理丁薛祥周四表示，尽管面临诸多困难和多重挑战，中国经济在创新动能持续增强的推动下，仍在稳步增长，前景更加光明。 He made the remarks in a keynote speech delivered at the opening of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, which was held in Boao, Hainan province, with the theme "Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future".丁薛祥副总理在海南博鳌举行的博鳌亚洲论坛2025年年会开幕式上发表主旨演讲时作出上述表述。本届年会以"变局中的亚洲：携手共创未来"为主题。 Ding said that China's firm commitment to the innovation-driven development strategy has notably boosted its innovation capacity.丁薛祥强调，中国坚定不移实施创新驱动发展战略，科技创新能力实现显著提升。 "We will move faster toward greater self-reliance and strength in sophisticated science and technology, facilitate the integrated development of technological and industrial innovation, and foster and expand emerging and future industries, even as we transform and upgrade traditional industries," he said.他表示："我们将以更大力度推进高水平科技自立自强，促进科技创新与产业创新深度融合，在加快传统产业转型升级的同时，着力培育壮大新兴产业和未来产业。" "In my view, apart from the rapidly developing new energy vehicles, other sectors such as artificial intelligence, biomanufacturing, quantum technology and the low-altitude economy will also thrive in China. They will offer opportunities not only for China, but also Asia and the world," he added.“我认为，除了快速发展的新能源汽车，人工智能、生物制造、量子技术和低空经济等其他领域也将在中国蓬勃发展。它们不仅将为中国，也将为亚洲和世界带来机遇，"他补充道。 Ding expressed his optimism about the Chinese economy, saying that China is among the world's fastest-growing major economies.同时丁薛祥对中国经济发展前景表示乐观，认为中国仍是全球增长最快的主要经济体。 "In January and February, our economy got off to a steady start: The key indicators for industry, consumption and investment all grew faster than in 2024, continuing the upward momentum seen in the fourth quarter of last year," he said.丁薛祥援引最新数据指出："今年1月和2月的经济运行平稳起步，工业、消费、投资等主要指标增速均快于2024年同期，延续了去年四季度以来的上升势头。" Speaking about China's GDP growth target of around 5 percent this year, he said the target is based on rigorous projections and methodical planning, underpinned by the country's growth potential and favorable conditions, and supported by its robust policy measures.在谈到中国今年 5% 左右的 GDP 增长目标时，他说，这一目标是基于严谨的预测和有条不紊的规划，以中国的发展潜力和有利条件，以及中国强有力的政策措施为支撑。 "China is confident of realizing its goals and tasks for social and economic development, and it will contribute to the development of Asia and the world," he added.丁薛祥补充道："中国有信心实现全年经济社会发展目标任务，为亚洲和世界发展作出应有贡献。" Ding reiterated China's commitment to deepening reform and opening-up across the board, in order to deliver a more business-friendly environment.丁薛祥重申，中国致力于全面深化改革开放，以营造更加有利的营商环境。 "We will accelerate the implementation of landmark reform measures, better leverage the leading role of economic structural reform, and refine institutions and mechanisms to better support high-quality development," he said.他说："我们将加快实施具有里程碑意义的改革措施，更好地发挥经济结构性改革的引领作用，完善支持高质量发展的体制机制建设。 Noting that opening-up is a distinct hallmark of Chinese modernization, Ding said that no matter how the external environment changes, China will open wider to the world.丁薛祥特别指出，对外开放是中国式现代化的鲜明标识，"无论外部环境如何变化，中国开放的大门只会越开越大"。 While steadily expanding institutional opening-up and further improving market access for foreign investors, the country will expand voluntary and unilateral opening-up in a well-ordered way, he said.他表示，中国将在稳步扩大制度性开放、进一步改善外资市场准入的同时，有序推进自主开放和单边开放的进程。 "We warmly welcome businesses from all countries to invest and operate in China, join in the process of Chinese modernization and share in China's development opportunities," he added.他补充说：“我们热烈欢迎各国企业来华投资经营，参与中国现代化进程，共享中国发展机遇。” Lawrence Jin, leader of Deloitte Global Chinese Services Group, highlighted China's considerable progress in boosting innovation and the improvement in its business environment.德勤全球中国服务组负责人劳伦斯・金高度评价了中国在促进创新和改善营商环境方面取得的巨大进步。 "Over the past half a year, China's innovation has gained significant global recognition. I believe this will not only support the next wave of globalization for Chinese companies, but also, to a great extent, boost the confidence of multinational companies in further investing in China and participating in its innovation ecosystem," he said.他指出："过去半年间，中国创新成果获得了全球高度认可。我相信，这不仅将为中国企业下一波全球化浪潮提供支持，也将在很大程度上增强跨国公司进一步投资中国、参与中国创新生态系统的信心。" "Meanwhile, we are pleased to see continuous enhancements in the business environment for both private enterprises and foreign-invested companies. I firmly believe that this will be crucial in strengthening confidence," Jin added.金立群补充道："同时，我们也很高兴地看到，民营企业与外资企业的营商环境持续优化。我坚信，这将对提振市场信心具有决定性作用。" Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO of Saudi Basic Industries Corp, a petrochemicals manufacturer based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, said he is upbeat about China's economy and his company will continue to expand its presence in the country.位于沙特阿拉伯利雅得的石化产品制造商沙特基础工业公司首席执行官阿卜杜勒拉赫曼-法吉赫（Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh）表示，他对中国经济持乐观态度，他的公司将继续扩大在中国的业务。 "Speaking of economic development, there are few countries that can match China. Over the past years, China has accounted for more than 30 percent of the global GDP. All of its economic dynamism explains our success in the Chinese market for more than 40 years," he said.这位深耕中国市场四十余年的企业家表示："中国经济发展成就有目共睹，过去数年对全球经济增长贡献率超过30%。中国市场蓬勃的活力，正是我们取得长期成功的关键。" In his speech, Vice-Premier Ding called on Asian countries to work together to strengthen solidarity and cooperation through greater mutual trust, promote economic globalization through openness and integration, seek prosperity and development through mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, and safeguard tranquility and stability through peaceful coexistence.丁薛祥副总理在演讲中向亚洲各国发出四点倡议：通过增进互信夯实合作根基，以开放包容推动经济全球化，以互利共赢谋求繁荣发展，以和合共生维护安宁稳定。 "We should make full use of regional cooperation mechanisms in East Asia and the Asia-Pacific region, push for high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, work toward the signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol and promote regional economic integration and connectivity," he said, calling for efforts to ensure that Asia continues to be a region of peace and stability.他说："我们应充分发挥东亚与亚太区域合作机制效能，推动《区域全面经济伙伴关系协定》高质量实施，加快签署中国—东盟自贸区3.0版升级议定书，促进区域经济一体化与互联互通建设。" 并呼吁努力让亚洲继续成为和平与稳定的地区。Prime Minister of Laos Sonexay Siphandone highlighted the role of China in guiding regional and global cooperation, as mounting geopolitical tensions continue to have an extensive impact on global development.老挝总理宋赛·西潘敦（Sonexay Siphandone）在发言中强调，面对地缘政治紧张态势对全球发展的深远影响，中国始终发挥着区域与全球合作的关键引领作用。He said the development of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative in the past 10 years and more has proved that it is a bond for promoting mutual connectivity in Asia and Europe, as well as a boost for regional shared development and global progress.他说，中国提出的 “一带一路 ”倡议在过去十多年的发展证明，它已成为促进亚欧大陆互联互通的重要纽带，更是推动区域共同发展与全球进步的强力引擎。 drivev. 驱动boao Forum博鳌亚洲论坛innovation capacity创新能力the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol中国—东盟自贸区3.0版升级议定书key indicators主要指标the upward momentum上升势头reiteratev. 重申the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership区域全面经济伙伴关系

Erik Torenberg and Samo Burja dive deep into how Xi Jinping is shaping China's society today and its place in the world. They discuss Xi's firm hold on power, his connections with different political groups, and how his decisions are affecting China's economy, military, and politics. Make sure to subscribe to Samo Burja's Bismarck Brief and the Live Players podcast to read analyses and briefs like this one: Bismarck Brief: https://brief.bismarckanalysis.com/ Live Players: https://link.chtbl.com/liveplayers —

China's “Belt and Road Initiative” is a multi-trillion dollar global infrastructure project that harkens back to its original Silk Road roots to connect the regions of the world into a massive trade network. The project is currently underway and is expected to be completed in the middle part of the century, but the project isn't without controversy. The two-pronged approach features the Silk Road Economic Belt which connects countries and regions through road and rail projects and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road which connects China to ports in SE Asia, South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Can China pull off the most ambitious construction project in the history of the world, or is it simply a covert way of enslaving unsuspecting countries into a devious debt trap laid by the CCP? The Octopus of Global Control Audiobook: https://amzn.to/3xu0rMm Hypocrazy Audiobook: https://amzn.to/4aogwms Website: www.Macroaggressions.io Activist Post: www.activistpost.com Sponsors: Chemical Free Body: https://www.chemicalfreebody.com Promo Code: MACRO C60 Purple Power: https://c60purplepower.com/ Promo Code: MACRO Wise Wolf Gold & Silver: www.Macroaggressions.gold LegalShield: www.DontGetPushedAround.com EMP Shield: www.EMPShield.com Promo Code: MACRO ECI Development: https://info.ecidevelopment.com/-get-to-know-us/macro-aggressions Christian Yordanov's Health Transformation Program: www.LiveLongerFormula.com Privacy Academy: https://privacyacademy.com/step/privacy-action-plan-checkout-2/?ref=5620 Brain Supreme: www.BrainSupreme.co Promo Code: MACRO Above Phone: http://abovephone.com/?above=macro Promo Code: MACRO Van Man: www.VanMan.shop Promo Code: MACRO Activist Post: www.ActivistPost.com Natural Blaze: www.NaturalBlaze.com Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/macroaggressionspodcast

There's a freedom revolution quietly unfolding—and it's not coming through politics. More and more people are taking matters into their own hands—setting up offshore structures, getting second residencies, diversifying their assets, and ensuring they're not boxed in by failing systems. It's not about fear—it's about options and the ability to act on your own terms when things get messy. In today's episode, I sat down with Austrian economist Bob Murphy on The Bob Murphy Show to break down this transformation and share what I'm seeing on the ground with clients around the world. TODAY'S CONVERSATION WITH BOB MURPHY: Tune in to hear Bob and me break down Trump's showdown over the Panama Canal—and how it pushed China's Belt & Road Initiative out of Panama. Discover why Nayib Bukele's unapologetic leadership is turning heads—and what El Salvador is doing differently to attract global attention. Listen in as I share the story about purchasing pesos in Argentina's “blue market”—this was wild! Get my take on Javier Milei's bold reforms—what's working, what's not, and whether Argentina is on my expat radar yet. Learn why I'm deeply skeptical about a U.S. “strategic Bitcoin reserve”—and why it runs counter to everything crypto stands for. Find out how the Biden administration's sanctions against Russia backfired—and accelerated the global de-dollarization trend. See how ordinary people are already being debanked—and how offshore tools like gold vaults and foreign accounts can offer protection. Hear my response to Americans who say, “We need to stay and fight”—and why I think there's a smarter way to go about it. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER Keep up to date on the latest news affecting expats, as well as maintain a steady stream of my opinions, travel stories, and more by subscribing to our newsletter. Not only will you receive the EMS Pulse newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times, but sign up now, and you'll also receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.” RELATED EPISODES 340: Expat News: Trump Sends Rubio To Panama & Javier Milei's Meme Coin Scandal 338: Former Walmart Exec Finds Freedom Abroad - Xenia Schneider 332: A Red-Pilled New Year's

Is El Salvador Retreating from Bitcoin? And Who's the Real “Wolf Warrior” in Latin America?Welcome back to Wealth Wednesday with the Latin Wealth Podcast. In this episode, we're diving into two major global stories impacting Latin America: El Salvador's Bitcoin retreat and the growing power struggle between the U.S. and China in the region.First, we take a deep look into President Bukele's historic Bitcoin experiment in El Salvador and why it's now facing a serious reversal under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Was it a failed experiment, or was the world simply not ready for such a radical move?Then we shift focus to U.S.-China relations in Latin America—who's really acting like the “wolf warrior” now?From Trump's aggressive foreign policy moves to China's softer diplomatic tone, Latin America has become a critical battleground for influence.In this episode, we cover:- Why El Salvador is scaling back its Bitcoin plans- The IMF's role in reshaping crypto policy in Latin America- China's changing tone in Latin America- Trump's tough talk on Mexico, Colombia, and Panama- Panama leaving the Belt and Road Initiative#latinamerica #latinwealth

Today on Upstream, Erik Torenberg and Noah Smith analyze America's European withdrawal, China's selective globalization strategy, and tempers expectations about AI's economic impact while considering GDP measurement challenges. —

President Xi Jinping has urged Yunnan province to explore new prospects for high-quality development on the path toward Chinese modernization.Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during an inspection tour in the southwestern province on Wednesday and Thursday.He also underlined the need for the province to leverage its unique geographical advantages to actively promote high-standard opening-up, in order to build itself into a hub linking the countries of South Asia and Southeast Asia.The two-day inspection tour took Xi to the cities of Lijiang and Kunming, with his attention focused on the local floral economy, cultural heritage protection and the development of ethnic minority areas.The visit follows his inspection tour in neighboring Guizhou province on Monday and Tuesday.Xi visited the Lijiang Modern Flower Industry Park and the Old Town of Lijiang on Wednesday, learning about local efforts to develop specialty agriculture based on regional conditions as well as efforts to promote the cultural tourism industry.In the flower industry park, Xi talked with villagers and technicians working there, learning about the flower varieties, market sales and their incomes.The villagers told Xi that they earn over 4,000 yuan ($550) each month, with their incomes exceeding 7,000 yuan during peak seasons. Flowers represent a truly joyful job, they added.Xi said with delight: "Your endeavor is thriving and aligns with the development path of modern agriculture. May your lives be as beautiful as flowers."Noting that the flower industry in Yunnan has broad prospects, he underlined the need to focus on the entire industry chain to make this "beautiful industry" become a "happy industry" that benefits local people.While touring the Old Town of Lijiang, which boasts a history of more than 800 years, Xi emphasized that the cultural tourism industry should follow a path of sustainable and healthy development.Walking along a stone-paved road, Xi occasionally paused to chat with the tourists. "The town's culture, scenery and folk traditions are truly captivating," Xi said, adding that the integration of culture and tourism has boosted the economy.He asked local authorities to strike a balance between protection and development of heritage to make the Old Town of Lijiang shine with fresh brilliance.Visiting the Mufu Mansion, once the residential and working site of the Naxi rulers of Lijiang in ancient times that witnessed exchanges and integration among various ethnic groups in southwestern China, Xi called for passing on the fine traditional Chinese culture and guiding people of all ethnic groups to consciously foster a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.On Thursday, Xi heard a work report by Yunnan provincial authorities. He urged the province to advance industrial transformation and upgrading based on actual conditions.Yunnan should leverage technological innovation to expand resource-based industries, actively develop strategic emerging industries and future industries, and accelerate the development of specialty agriculture and cultural tourism, Xi said.Efforts should be made to promote industries to grow in value, enterprises to improve efficiency, and people's wallets to get fuller, he said.While emphasizing the need to promote opening-up, Xi underlined the need for the province to advance the construction of pilot free-trade zones with high quality and enhance the development of transportation, logistics, energy, digital information and other sectors.Efforts should be made to expand economic, technological, talent, medical and cultural exchanges, as well as collaboration with neighboring countries to make high-quality cooperation on the Belt and Road Initiative tangible and accessible, he said.Xi highlighted Yunnan's crucial role in ecological conservation, saying that the province must resolutely follow the path of green development and build a solid ecological security barrier in Southwest China.He urged Yunnan to improve the system of natural protected areas with national parks as the mainstay, strengthen ecosystem conservation and restoration, and continue efforts in combating desertification, soil erosion, and the comprehensive management of small watersheds.More efforts should be made to effectively advance pollution prevention and control in key areas as well as environmental governance of key lakes, he said.Saying that Yunnan is home to a diverse range of ethnic groups, Xi emphasized the need to take vigorous actions to help the border areas develop and local residents become prosperous, and effectively uphold ethnic unity and ensure the stability of border areas.On Thursday morning, Xi also met with military officers stationed in Kunming, grassroots role models, and other representatives.

This week, Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg explore global economic issues, including US-European relations influenced by defense commitments, the impact of Trump's policies, China's Belt and Road Initiative and its exclusion of India, the role of AI in economic growth, government spending's effects on GDP, and briefly discuss Smith's upcoming book, Weeb Economy, and Noah's trip to Japan. – SPONSORS: NetSuite More than 41,000 businesses have already upgraded to NetSuite by Oracle, the #1 cloud financial system bringing accounting, financial management, inventory, HR, into ONE proven platform. Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine learning: https://netsuite.com/102 Found  Found provides small business owners tools to track expenses, calculate taxes, manage cashflow, send invoices and more. Open a Found account for free at https://found.com/econ102 AdQuick The easiest way to book out-of-home ads (like billboards, vehicle wraps, and airport displays) the same way you would order an Uber. Ready to get your brand the attention it deserves? Visit https://adquick.com/ today to start reaching your customers in the real world. Incogni Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code ECON102 at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/econ102 – SEND US YOUR Q's FOR NOAH TO ANSWER ON AIR: Econ102@Turpentine.co – FOLLOW ON X: @noahpinion @eriktorenberg @turpentinemedia – RECOMMENDED IN THIS EPISODE: Weeb Economy: https://bookplus.nikkei.com/atcl/catalog/25/03/02/01880/ I have written a book!: https://www.noahpinion.blog/p/i-have-written-a-book Noahpinion: https://www.noahpinion.blog/  – TAKEAWAYS: U.S.-Europe Relations & Geopolitical Shifts: Examines the U.S. shift away from supporting Europe, debating whether it was exploited or harming its own interests, with Trump's strength-focused foreign policy potentially pivoting toward Russia, risking economic and intelligence ties with Europe. China's Economic Strategy & Globalization: The Belt and Road Initiative has largely failed, with poorly executed projects and unsustainable debt burdens for recipient countries. India's Industrialization & Economic Future: India needs a major shift in labor dynamics, particularly increasing women's participation in factory work. AI, Economic Growth & the O-Ring Theory: AI's impact on economic growth is debated—some expect 10% growth, while Noah sees 5% as more realistic. Japan's Economy & Currency Strength: Japan should push for a new Plaza Accord with the U.S. to strengthen the yen. AI's Impact on Jobs & Productivity: AI is unlikely to eliminate all jobs but will require major adjustments in industries and legal structures.

President Trump has been threatening to “take back” the Panama Canal since he regained power. In this episode, listen to testimony from officials serving on the Federal Maritime Commission who explain why the Panama Canal has become a focus of the administration and examine whether or not we need to be concerned about an impending war for control of the canal. Please Support Congressional Dish – Quick Links Contribute monthly or a lump sum via Support Congressional Dish via (donations per episode) Send Zelle payments to: Send Venmo payments to: @Jennifer-Briney Send Cash App payments to: $CongressionalDish or Use your bank's online bill pay function to mail contributions to: Please make checks payable to Congressional Dish Thank you for supporting truly independent media! Background Sources Recommended Congressional Dish Episodes Current Events around the Panama Canal March 5, 2025. the Associated Press. Sabrina Valle, Suzanne McGee, and Michael Martina. March 4, 2025. Reuters. Matt Murphy, Jake Horton and Erwan Rivault. February 14, 2025. BBC. May 1, 2024. World Weather Attribution. World Maritime News Staff. March 15, 2019. World Maritime News. July 29, 2018. Reuters. Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 U.S. Department of State. The Chinese “Belt and Road Initiative” Michele Ruta. March 29, 2018. World Bank Group. The Trump-Gaza Video February 26, 2025. Sky News. Laws Audio Sources Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation January 28, 2025 Witnesses: Louis E. Sola, Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Daniel B. Maffei, Commissioner, FMC , Professor, Scalia Law School, George Mason University Joseph Kramek, President & CEO, World Shipping Council Clips 17:30 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Between the American construction of the Panama Canal, the French effort to build an isthmus canal, and America's triumphant completion of that canal, the major infrastructure projects across Panama cost more than 35,000 lives. For the final decade of work on the Panama Canal, the United States spent nearly $400 million, equivalent to more than $15 billion today. The Panama Canal proved a truly invaluable asset, sparing both cargo ships and warships the long journey around South America. When President Carter gave it away to Panama, Americans were puzzled, confused, and many outraged. With the passage of time, many have lost sight of the canal's importance, both to national security and to the US economy. 18:45 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): But the Panama Canal was not just given away. President Carter struck a bargain. He made a treaty. And President Trump is making a serious and substantive argument that that treaty is being violated right now. 19:10 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): President Trump has highlighted two key issues. Number one, the danger of China exploiting or blocking passage through the canal, and number two, the exorbitant costs for transit. 19:20 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Chinese companies are right now building a bridge across the canal at a slow pace, so as to take nearly a decade. And Chinese companies control container points ports at either end. The partially completed bridge gives China the ability to block the canal without warning, and the ports give China ready observation posts to time that action. This situation, I believe, poses acute risks to US national security. 19:50 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Meanwhile, the high fees for canal transit disproportionately affect Americans, because US cargo accounts for nearly three quarters of Canal transits. US Navy vessels pay additional fees that apply only to warships. Canal profits regularly exceed $3 billion. This money comes from both American taxpayers and consumers in the form of higher costs for goods. American tourists aboard cruises, particularly those in the Caribbean Sea, are essentially captive to any fees Panama chooses to levy for canal transits, and they have paid unfair prices for fuel bunkering at terminals in Panama as a result of government granted monopoly. Panama's government relies on these exploitative fees. Nearly 1/10 of its budget is paid for with canal profit. 21:25 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Panama has for years flagged dozens of vessels in the Iranian ghost fleet, which brought Iran tens of billions of dollars in oil profits to fund terror across the world. 21:40 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): And Chinese companies have won contracts, often without fair competition, as the infamous Belt and Road Initiative has come to Panama. China often engages in debt trap diplomacy to enable economic and political coercion. In Panama, it also seems to have exploited simple corruption. 32:40 Louis Sola: The Panama Canal is managed by the Panama Canal Authority, ACP, an independent agency of the Panamanian government. The ACP is a model of public infrastructure management, and its independence has been key to ensure a safe and reliable transit of vessels critical to the US and global commerce. 33:25 Louis Sola: In contrast, the broader maritime sector in Panama, including the nation's ports, water rights, and the world's largest ship registry, falls under the direct purview of the Panamanian government. 33:35 Louis Sola: Unfortunately, this sector has faced persistent challenges, including corruption scandals and foreign influence, particularly from Brazil and China. These issues create friction with the ACP, especially as it works to address long term challenges such as securing adequate water supplies for the canal. 33:55 Louis Sola: Although the ACP operates independently, under US law both the ACP and the government of Panama's maritime sector are considered one in the same. This means that any challenges in Panama's maritime sector, including corruption, lack of transparency, or foreign influence, can have a direct or indirect impact on the operations and long term stability of the canal. This legal perspective highlights the need for diligence in monitoring both the ACP's management and Panama government's policies affecting maritime operations. 34:30 Louis Sola: Since 2015, Chinese companies have increased their presence and influence throughout Panama. Panama became a member of the Belt and Road Initiative and ended its diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Chinese companies have been able to pursue billions of dollars in development contracts in Panama, many of which were projects directly on or adjacent to the Panama Canal. Many were no bid contracts. Labor laws were waived, and the Panamanian people are still waiting to see how they've been benefited. It is all more concerning that many of these companies are state-owned, and in some cases, even designated as linked to the People's Liberation Army. We must address the significant growing presence and influence of China throughout the Americas and in Panama, specifically. 35:20 Louis Sola: American companies should play a leading role in enhancing the canal's infrastructure. By supporting US firms, we reduce reliance on Chinese contractors and promote fair competition. 36:55 Daniel Maffei: Because the canal is essentially a waterway bridge over mountainous terrain above sea level, it does depend on large supplies of fresh water to maintain the full operations. Panama has among the world's largest annual rainfalls. Nonetheless, insufficient fresh water levels have occurred before in the canal's history, such as in the 1930s when the Madden Dam and Lake Alajuela were built to address water shortages. Since that time, the canal has undertaken several projects to accommodate larger, more modern ships. In the last couple of years, a trend of worsening droughts in the region, once again, has forced limits to the operations of the canal. Starting in June of 2023 the Panama Canal Authority employed draft restrictions and reduced the number of ships allowed to transit the canal per day. Now the Panama Canal limitations, in combination with the de facto closure of the Suez Canal to container traffic, has had serious consequences for ocean commerce, increasing rates, fees and transit times. 39:30 Daniel Maffei: Now, fortunately, Panama's 2024 rainy season has, for now, alleviated the most acute water supply issues at the canal, and normal transit volumes have been restored. That said, while the Panamanian government and Canal Authority have, with the advice of the US Army Corps of Engineers, developed credible plans to mitigate future water shortages, they also warned that it is likely that at least one more period of reduced transits will occur before these plans can be fully implemented. 41:55 Eugene Kontorovich: We shall see that under international law, each party to the treaty is entitled to determine for itself whether a violation has occurred. Now, in exchange for the United States ceding control of the canal which it built and maintained, Panama agreed to a special regime of neutrality. The essential features of this regime of neutrality is that the canal must be open to all nations for transit. That's Article Two. Equitable tolls and fees, Article Three. An exclusive Panamanian operation, Article Five. The prohibition of any foreign military presence, Article Five. Article Five provides that only Panama shall operate the canal. Testifying about the meaning of the treaty at the Senate ratification hearings, the Carter administration emphasized that this prohibits foreign operation of the canal, as well as the garrisoning of foreign troops. Now, Article Five appears to be primarily concerned about control by foreign sovereigns. If Panama signed a treaty with the People's Republic of China, whereby the latter would operate the canal on Panama's behalf, this would be a clear violation. But what if Panama contracted for port operations with a Chinese state firm, or even a private firm influenced or controlled in part by the Chinese government? The Suez Canal Company was itself, before being nationalized, a private firm in which the United Kingdom was only a controlling shareholder. Yet this was understood to represent British control over the canal. In other words, a company need not be owned by the government to be in part controlled by the government. So the real question is the degree of de jure or de facto control over a Foreign Sovereign company, and scenarios range from government companies in an authoritarian regime, completely controlled, to purely private firms in our open society like the United States, but there's many possible situations in the middle. The treaty is silent on the question of how much control is too much, and as we'll see, this is one of the many questions committed to the judgment and discretion of each party. Now turning to foreign security forces, the presence of third country troops would manifestly violate Article Five. But this does not mean that anything short of a People's Liberation Army base flying a red flag is permissible. The presence of foreign security forces could violate the regime of neutrality, even if they're not represented in organized and open military formations. Modern warfare has seen belligerent powers seek to evade international legal limitations by disguising their actions in civilian garb, from Russia's notorious little green men to Hamas terrorists hiding in hospitals or disguised as journalists. Bad actors seek to exploit the fact that international treaties focus on sovereign actors. Many of China's man made islands in the South China Sea began as civilian projects before being suddenly militarized. Indeed, this issue was discussed in the Senate ratification hearings over the treaty. Dean Rusk said informal forces would be prohibited under the treaty. Thus the ostensible civilian character of the Chinese presence around the canal does not, in itself, mean that it could not represent a violation of the treaty if, for example, these companies and their employees involved Chinese covert agents or other agents of the Chinese security forces. So this leads us to the final question, Who determines whether neutrality is being threatened or compromised? Unlike many other treaties that provide for third party dispute resolution, the neutrality treaty has no such provision. Instead, the treaty makes clear that each party determines for itself the existence of a violation. Article Four provides that each party is separately authorized to maintain the regime of neutrality, making a separate obligation of each party. The Senate's understanding accompanying to ratification also made clear that Article Five allows each party to take, quote, "unilateral action." Senator Jacob Javits, at the markup hearing, said that while the word unilateral is abrasive, we can quote, "decide that the regime of neutrality is being threatened and then act with whatever means are necessary to keep the canal neutral unilaterally." 46:35 Joseph Kramek: My name is Joe Kramek. I'm President and CEO of the World Shipping Council. The World Shipping Council is the global voice of liner shipping. Our membership consists of 90% of the world's liner shipping tonnage, which are container vessels and vehicle carriers. They operate on fixed schedules to provide our customers with regular service to ship their goods in ports throughout the world. 47:15 Joseph Kramek: As you have heard, using the Panama Canal to transit between the Atlantic and Pacific saves significant time and money. A typical voyage from Asia to the US or East Coast can be made in under 30 days using the canal, while the same journey can take up to 40 days if carriers must take alternate routes. From a commercial trade perspective, the big picture is this. One of the world's busiest trade lanes is the Trans Pacific. The Trans Pacific is cargo coming from and going to Asia via the United States. Focusing in a bit, cargo coming from Asia and bound for US Gulf and East Coast ports always transits the Panama Canal. Similarly, cargo being exported from US and East Coast ports, a large share of which are US Agricultural exports, like soybeans, corn, cotton, livestock and dairy also almost always transits the Panama Canal. The result is that 75% of Canal traffic originates in or is bound for the United States. 48:55 Joseph Kramek: We've talked about the drought in 2023 and the historic low water levels that it caused in Lake Gatún, which feeds the canal locks, a unique system that is a fresh water feed, as contrasted to an ocean to ocean system, which the French tried and failed, but which is actually active in the Suez Canal. These low water levels reduced transits from 36 transits a day to as low as 22 per day. Additionally, the low water levels required a reduction in maximum allowable draft levels, or the depth of the ship below the water line, which for our members reduced the amount of containers they could carry through the canal. This resulted in a 10% reduction in import volumes for US Gulf and East Coast ports, with the Port of Houston experiencing a 26.7% reduction. 51:10 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Are you aware of allegations from some vessel operators of disparate treatment such as sweetheart deals or favorable rebates by Panama for canal transits? Louis Sola: Thank you for the question, Mr. Chairman, we have become aware through some complaints by cruise lines that said that they were not getting a refund of their canal tolls. When we looked into this, we found a Panamanian Executive Order, Decree 73, that specifically says that if a cruise line would stop at a certain port, that they could be refunded 100% of the fees. And as far as I know, that's the only instant where that exists. 53:05 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): So Panama was the very first Latin American country to join China's Belt and Road Initiative, and right now, China is building a fourth bridge across the Panama Canal for car traffic and light rail. Chairman Sola, why should Chinese construction of a bridge near Panama City concern the United States? Louis Sola: Mr. Chairman, we all saw the tragedy that happened here in the Francis Scott Key Bridge incident and the devastation that had happened to Baltimore. We also saw recently what happened in the Suez Canal, where we had a ship get stuck in there. It's not only the construction of the bridge, but it's a removal of a bridge, as I understand it, called the Bridge of the Americas. It was built in 1961 and that would paralyze cargo traffic in and out of the canals. 53:55 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Panama also recently renewed the concessions for two container ports to a Chinese company, Hutchison Ports PPC. Of course, Chinese companies are controlled by the Communist Party. How does China use control of those ports for economic gain? Louis Sola: Mr. Chairman, I am a regulator, a competition regulator. And the Chinese ports that you're referring to, let me put them into scope. The one on the Pacific, the Port of Balboa, is roughly the same size as the Port of Houston. They do about 4 million containers a year. They have about 28 game tree cranes. The one on the Atlantic is the same as my hometown in Miami, they do about 1 million containers. So where Roger Gunther in the Port of Houston generates about $1 billion a year and Heidi Webb in Miami does about $200 million, the Panama ports company paid 0 for 20 years on that concession. So it's really hard to compete against zero. So I think that's our concern, our economic concern, that we would have. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Commissioner Maffei, anything to add on that? Daniel Maffei: Yeah, I do too also think it is important. I would point out that you don't have to stop at either port. It's not like these two ports control the entrance to the canal. That is the Canal Authority that does control that. However, I think it's of concern. I would also point out that the Panamanian government thinks it's of concern too, because they're conducting their own audit of those particular deals, but we remain very interested as well. 56:25 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): Would the facts discussed here be considered violations of the neutrality treaty in force right now between the United States and Panama? Eugene Kontorovich: So I think Senator, I think potentially they could, but it's impossible to say definitively without knowing more, in particular, about the degree of Chinese control and involvement in these companies. I think it's important to note that these port operation companies that operate the ports on both sides, when they received their first contract, it was just a few months before Hong Kong was handed over to China. In other words, they received them as British companies, sort of very oddly, just a few months before the handover. Now, of course, since then, Hong Kong has been incorporated into China, has been placed under a special national security regime, and the independence of those companies has been greatly abridged, to say nothing of state owned companies involved elsewhere in in the canal area, which raised significantly greater questions. Additionally, I should point out that the understandings between President Carter and Panamanian leader Herrera, which were attached to the treaty and form part of the treaty, provide that the United States can, quote, "defend the canal against any threat to the regime of neutrality," and I understand that as providing some degree of preemptive authority to intervene. One need not wait until the canal is actually closed by some act of sabotage or aggression, which, as we heard from the testimony, would be devastating to the United States, but there is some incipient ability to address potential violations. 58:10 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): If the United States determines that Panama is in violation of the treaty, what is the range of remedies the United States would have for that treaty violation? Eugene Kontorovich: So I think it may be shocking to people to hear today, but when one goes over the ratification history and the debates and discussions in this body over this treaty, it was clear that the treaty was understood as giving both sides, separately, the right to resort to use armed force to enforce the provisions of the treaty. And it's not so surprising when one understands that the United States made an extraordinary concession to Panama by transferring this canal, which the United States built at great expense and maintained and operated to Panama, gratis. And in exchange, it received a kind of limitation, a permanent limitation on Panamanians sovereignty, that Panama agreed that the United States could enforce this regime of neutrality by force. Now, of course, armed force should never be the first recourse for any kind of international dispute and should not be arrived at sort of rationally or before negotiations and other kinds of good offices are exhausted, but it's quite clear that the treaty contemplates that as a remedy for violations. 1:03:20 Louis Sola: I believe that the security of the canal has always been understood to be provided by the United States. Panama does not have a military, and I always believed that there's been a close relationship with Southern Command that we would provide that. And it would be nice to see if we had a formalization of that in one way or another, because I don't believe that it's in the treaty at all. 1:05:05 Daniel Maffei: While we were down there, both of us heard, I think, several times, that the Panamanians would, the ones we talked to anyway, would welcome US companies coming in and doing a lot of this work. Frankly, their bids are not competitive with the Chinese bids. Frankly, they're not that existent because US companies can make more money doing things other places, but even if they were existent, it is difficult to put competitive bids when the Chinese bids are so heavily subsidized by China. 1:06:10 Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX): What would China's incentive be to heavily subsidize those bids to undercut American companies and other companies? Daniel Maffei: Yeah, it's not a real short answer, but Senator, China's made no secret of its ambitious policies to gain influence of ports throughout the globe. It's invested in 129 ports in dozens of countries. It runs a majority of 17 ports, that does not include this Hong Kong company, right? So that's just directly Chinese-owned ports. So it has been a part of their Belt and Road strategy, whatever you want to call it, the Maritime Silk Road, for decades. So they believe that this influence, this investment in owning maritime ports is important to their economy. 1:07:05 Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE): In 2021, Hutchison was awarded those two ports, Port Balboa and Port Cristobal, in a no-bid award process. Can you tell me, does the United States have any authority or recourse with the Panama Canal Authority under our current agreement with Panama to rebid those terminal concession contracts. And perhaps Mr. Kantorovich, that's more in your purview? Louis Sola: Senator, both of those ports were redone for 25 years, until 2047, I believe. And they have to pay $7 million is what the ongoing rate is for the Port of Houston- and the Port of Miami-sized concessions. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE): And it can't be rebid until after that date? Louis Sola: Well, I believe that that's what the comptroller's office is auditing both of those ports and that contract. That was done under the previous Panamanian administration. A new administration came in, and they called for an audit of that contract immediately. 1:20:10 Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): Are the companies now controlling both sides of the Panama Canal, the Chinese companies, subject to the PRC national security laws that mandate cooperation with the military, with state intelligence agencies. Does anyone know that? Eugene Kontorovich: They're subject all the time. They're subject to those laws all the time by virtue of being Hong Kong companies. And you know, they face, of course, consequences for not complying with the wishes of the Chinese government. One of the arguments -- Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): Wouldn't that be a violation of the treaty? And isn't that a huge risk to us right now that the Chinese -- Eugene Kontorovich: That is a threat to the neutrality -- Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): If they invaded Taiwan, invaded the Philippines, they could go to these two companies saying, Hey, shut it down, make it hard, sink a ship in the canal. And wouldn't they be obligated to do that under Chinese law if they were ordered to by the PLA or the CCP? Eugene Kontorovich: I don't know if they'd be obligated, but certainly the People's Republic of China would have many tools of leverage and pressure on these companies. That's why the treaty specifically says that we can act not just to end actual obstructions to the canal. We don't have to wait until the canal is closed by hostile military action. Thatwould be a suicide pact, that would be catastrophic for us, but rather that we can respond at the inchoate, incipient level to threats, and then this is up to the president to determine whether this is significantly robust to constitute -- Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): So aren't we kind of walking up to the idea of a suicide pact, because we've got two big Chinese companies on both ends of the Panama Canal, who, if there's a war in INDOPACOM, Taiwan that involves us and China, these companies would be obligated to do the bidding of the Chinese Communist Party and PLA? I mean, are we kind of walking up to a very significant national security threat already? Eugene Kontorovich: Yeah, certainly, there's a threat. And I think what makes the action of the Chinese government so difficult to respond to, but important to respond to, is that they conceal this in sort of levels of gray without direct control. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): Let me ask you on that topic, as my last question, Professor, let's assume that we find out. And again, it wouldn't be surprising. I think you can almost assume it that these two companies have Chinese spies or military officials within the ranks of the employees of the companies. Let's assume we found that out, somehow that becomes public. But I don't think it's a big assumption. It's probably true right now. So you have spies and military personnel within the ranks of these two companies that are controlling both ends of the Panama Canal for you, Professor, and Chairman Sola, wouldn't that be a blatant violation of Article Five of the neutrality treaty, if that were true, which probably is true? Eugene Kontorovich: Yeah, I do think it would be a clear violation. As former Secretary of State, Dean Ross said at the ratification hearings, informal forces can violate Article Five as well as formal forces. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): Is there any evidence of Chinese spies or other nefarious Chinese actors embedded in these companies? Louis Sola: Senator, we have no information of that. That's not under the purview of -- Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK): But you agree that would be a violation of Article Five of the neutrality treaty? Louis Sola: I do. 1:26:25 Daniel Maffei: Senator Sullivan was talking about Hutchison Ports. That's actually the same company that runs terminals on both ends of the canal. I am concerned about that. However, if we want to be concerned about that, all of us should lose a lot more sleep than we're losing because if there are spies there, then there might be spies at other Hutchinson ports, and there are other Hutchinson ports in almost every part of the world. They own the largest container port in the United Kingdom, Felix Dow, which is responsible for nearly half of Britain's container trade. They control major maritime terminals in Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Germany, Indonesia, Mexico, Myanmar, the Netherlands, South Korea and Tanzania. If owning and managing adjacent ports means that China somehow has operational control or strategic control over the Panama Canal, they also have it over the Suez, the Singapore Straits, the Mediterranean Sea and the English Channel. 1:35:45 Louis Sola: The fees that I think we are looking at, or have been looked at, the reason that we went there was because of the auctioning of the slots. And so what Panama did is they had a smaller percentage, maybe 20% allocation, and then they moved it up to 30% and 40% because it became a money maker for them. So as they were doing -- Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN): Okay, let me interject here. The auctioning of the slots gives these the right to skip the queue? Louis Sola: Yes, ma'am. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN): Okay, so just for the record there. Continue. Louis Sola: So the auctioning of the slots. Under maritime law, it's first come first serve, but Panama has always put a certain percentage aside, and they started to put more and more. So we got a lot of complaints. We got a lot of complaints from LNG carriers that paid $4 million to go through, and we got a lot of complaints from agriculture that didn't have the money to pay to go through, because their goods were gonna go down. So if you look at the financial statements -- I'm a nerd, I look at financial statements of everybody -- the canal increased the amount of revenue that they had from about $500 million to $1.8 billion in the last three years just because of those fees. So this is what is very concerning to us. 1:39:20 Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN): Do you know of any instances where the United States has been singled out or treated unfairly under the neutrality treaty in the operation of the canal? Daniel Maffei: I do not. I would add that one of the reasons why saying the US is disproportionately affected by raises in Canal fees and other kinds of fees at the canal is because the United States disproportionately utilizes the canal. 1:44:55 Louis Sola: We have a US port there, SSA, out of Washington State that I actually worked on the development of that many years ago, and helped develop that. That used to be a United States Navy submarine base, and we converted that. As far as the two ports that we have, they're completely different. One is a major infrastructure footprint, and also a container port that's moving 4 million containers a year. That's really phenomenal amount. That's more than Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and you've probably got to get Tampa and a little bit of Jacksonville in there to get that type of volume. And on the other side, we have a very small port, but it's a very strategic port on the Atlantic. So how are the operations done?I don't know how they don't make money. I mean, if you want to come right down to it, if they've been operating the port for 20 years, and they say that they haven't made any money, so they haven't been able to pay the government. That's what concerns me is I don't believe that we're on a level playing field with the American ports. 1:58:50 Eugene Kontorovich: I think the charges and fees are less of an issue because they don't discriminate across countries. We pay more because we use more, but it's not nationally discriminatory. 1:59:00 Eugene Kontorovich: The presence of Chinese companies, especially Chinese state companies, but not limited to them, do raise serious issues and concerns for the neutrality of the treaty. And I should point out, in relation to some of the earlier questioning, the canal, for purposes of the neutrality treaty, is not limited just to the actual locks of the canal and the transit of ships through the canal. According to Annex One, paragraph one of the treaty, it includes also the entrances of the canal and the territorial sea of Panama adjacent to it. So all of the activities we're talking about are within the neutrality regime, the geographic scope of the neutrality regime in the treaty. 2:00:30 Daniel Maffei: I actually have to admit, I'm a little confused as to why some of the senators asking these questions, Senator Blackburn, aren't more concerned about the biggest port in the United Kingdom being run by the Chinese. Petraeus in the port nearest Athens, one of the biggest ports in the Mediterranean, is not just run by a Chinese-linked company, it's run directly by a Chinese-owned company, and I was there. So you're on to something, but if you're just focusing on Panama, that's only part. 2:01:45 Louis Sola: About a year ago, when we were having this drought issue, there was also a lot of focus on Iran and how they were funding Hamas and the Houthis because they were attacking the Red Sea. What the United States has found is that Iranian vessels are sometimes flagged by Panama in order to avoid sanctions, so that they could sell the fuel that they have, and then they can take that money and then they can use it as they wish. Panama, at the time, had a very complicated process to de-flag the vessels. There was an investigation, there was an appeals process. By the time that OFAC or Treasury would go ahead and identify one of those vessels, by the time that they were doing the appeals and stuff like this, they've already changed flags to somewhere else. So when we went to Panama, we met with the Panamanian president, and I must say that we were very impressed, because he was 30 minutes late, but he was breaking relations with Venezuela at the time because the election was the day before. We explained to him the situation. The very next day, we met with the maritime minister, with US embassy personnel and Panama actually adjusted their appeals process so to make it more expedient, so if the United States or OFAC would come and say that this Iranian vessel is avoiding sanctions, now we have a process in place to go ahead and do that, and 53 vessels were de-flagged because of that. 2:06:05 Sen. John Curtis (R-UT): Is there any reason that China can't watch or do whatever they want from this bridge to get the intel from these containers? And does that concern anybody? Louis Sola: Well, it definitely concerns Southern Command, because they've brought it up on numerous occasions that there could be some sort of surveillance or something like that on the bridges. 2:20:30 Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT): We segregate ourselves artificially in a way that they do not. We segregate ourselves. Let's talk about military. Let's talk about intelligence. Let's talk about economics. They don't. China doesn't work that way. It's a whole of government approach. They don't draw a delineation between an economics discussion and a military one. And their attack may not look like Pearl Harbor. It may look like an everyday ship that decides, you know, it pulls into the locks and blows itself up. And now the locks are non-functional for our usage, and we can't support an inter ocean fleet transfer, and our ability to defend it, as you referred to Chairman, is now inhibited by the fact that we no longer have the military infrastructure around the canal that we did just as recently as 1999. 2:21:10 Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT): So from a commercial perspective, do the shipping companies have concerns over the security of the narrow waterways? We've the Strait to Malacca, we've got the Suez Canal, we've got Gibraltar, we've got Panama. Is that a concern that's thrown around in the boardrooms of the largest shipping corporations in the world? Joseph Kramek: Senator, I think it's something they think about every day. I mean, really, it's drawn into sharp relief with the Red Sea. It was what I call a pink flamingo. There's black swans that just come up and there's pink flamingos that you can see, but you don't act. But no one really thought a whole lot that one of the most important waterways in the world could be denied, and moreover, that it could be denied for such a sustained period. The good news is that -- Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT): And denied, I might add, by a disaffected non-state actor of Bedouins running around with rocket launchers, who also managed to beat us in a 20 year war in Afghanistan. My point to saying all this is we're just debating operational control of the canal, yet it seems very clear to all of us that a very simple act can debilitate the canal and eliminate our ability to use it in a matter of minutes with no warning, and we have no ability to intervene or stop that. To me, that means we do not have operational control of the canal. 2:30:40 Daniel Maffei: I will say that certainly we need to look at other kinds of ways to get US companies in positions where they can truly compete with the Chinese on some of these things. Blaming it all on Panama really misses the point. I've seen the same thing in Greece, where Greece didn't want to give the concession of its largest port to a Chinese company, but because of its financial difficulties, it was getting pressure from international organizations such the IMF, Europe and even maybe some of the United States to do so. So I just ask you to look at that. 2:31:20 Daniel Maffei: Panamanians are making far more on their canal than they ever have before. That's not necessarily a bad thing, as long as it's going to the right place. But where they're really making the money is on these auctions, and that is why it remains a concern of mine and I'm sure the chairman's. That is where we are looking at, potentially, using our authority under Section 19 of the Merchant Marine Act where we could, if we can show that it is a problem with the foreign trade of the US, it's interfering with foreign trade of the US, there are certain things that we can do. Senate Foreign Relations Committee January 15, 2024 Clips 4:01:40 Marco Rubio: The thing with Panama on the canal is not new. I visited there. It was 2016. I think I've consistently seen people express concern about it, and it's encapsulized here in quote after quote. Let me tell you the former US ambassador who served under President Obama said: "the Chinese see in Panama what we saw in Panama throughout the 20th century, a maritime and aviation logistics hub." The immediate past head of Southern Command, General Laura Richardson, said, "I was just in Panama about a month ago and flying along the Panama Canal and looking at the state owned enterprises from the People's Republic of China on each side of the Panama Canal. They look like civilian companies or state owned enterprises that could be used for dual use and could be quickly changed over to a military capability." We see questions that were asked by the ranking member in the house China Select Committee, where he asked a witness and they agreed that in a time of conflict, China could use its presence on both ends of the canal as a choke point against the United States in a conflict situation. So the concerns about Panama have been expressed by people on both sides of the aisle for at least the entire time that I've been in the United States Senate, and they've only accelerated further. And this is a very legitimate issue that we face there. I'm not prepared to answer this question because I haven't looked at the legal research behind it yet, but I'm compelled to suspect that an argument could be made that the terms under which that canal were turned over have been violated. Because while technically, sovereignty over the canal has not been turned over to a foreign power, in reality, a foreign power today possesses, through their companies, which we know are not independent, the ability to turn the canal into a choke point in a moment of conflict. And that is a direct threat to the national interest and security the United States, and is particularly galling given the fact that we paid for it and that 5,000 Americans died making it. That said, Panama is a great partner on a lot of other issues, and I hope we can resolve this issue of the canal and of its security, and also continue to work with them cooperatively on a host of issues we share in common, including what to do with migration. 4:38:35 Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT): Now, President Trump has recently talked a little bit about the fact that there are some questions arising about the status of the Panama Canal. When we look to the treaty at issue, the treaty concerning the permanent neutrality and operation of the Panama Canal, we're reminded that some things maybe aren't quite as they should be there right now. Given that the Chinese now control major ports at the entry and the exit to the canal, it seems appropriate to say that there's at least an open question. There's some doubt as to whether the canal remains neutral. Would you agree with that assessment? Marco Rubio: Yes. Here's the challenge. Number one, I want to be clear about something. The Panamanian government, particularly its current office holders, are very friendly to the United States and very cooperative, and we want that to continue, and I want to bifurcate that from the broader issue of the canal. Now I am not, President Trump is not inventing this. This is something that's existed now for at least a decade. In my service here, I took a trip to Panama in 2017. When on that trip to Panama in 2017 it was the central issue we discussed about the canal, and that is that Chinese companies control port facilities at both ends of the canal, the east and the west, and the concerns among military officials and security officials, including in Panama, at that point, that that could one day be used as a choke point to impede commerce in a moment of conflict. Going back to that I -- earlier before you got here, and I don't want to have to dig through this folder to find it again, but -- basically cited how the immediate past head of Southern Command, just retired general Richardson, said she flew over the canal, looked down and saw those Chinese port facilities, and said Those look like dual use facilities that in a moment of conflict, could be weaponized against us. The bipartisan China commission over in the House last year, had testimony and hearings on this issue, and members of both parties expressed concern. The former ambassador to Panama under President Obama has expressed those concerns. This is a legitimate issue that needs to be confronted. The second point is the one you touched upon, and that is, look, could an argument be made, and I'm not prepared to answer it yet, because it's something we're going to have to study very carefully. But I think I have an inkling of I know where this is going to head. Can an argument be made that the Chinese basically have effective control of the canal anytime they want? Because if they order a Chinese company that controls the ports to shut it down or impede our transit, they will have to do so. There are no independent Chinese companies. They all exist because they've been identified as national champions. They're supported by the Chinese government. And if you don't do what they want, they find a new CEO, and you end up being replaced and removed. So they're under the complete control of their government. This is a legitimate question, and one that Senators Risch had some insight as well. He mentioned that in passing that needs to be looked at. This is not a joke. The Panama Canal issue is a very serious one. 4:44:30 Marco Rubio: In 2016 and 2017 that was well understood that part of the investments they made in Panama were conditioned upon Panama's ability to convince the Dominican Republic and other countries to flip their recognition away from Taiwan. That happened. Jen Briney's Recent Guest Appearances Travis Makes Money: Give and Take: Music by Editing Production Assistance

Gerald Celente, trend-forecasting legend TrendsJournal.com, rips the mask off the Trump administration's unpredictable madness!      From tariff whiplash to a billionaire-packed cabinet, the elites are cashing in while the world teeters on the edge of war and economic collapse.     Trump steers Blackrock into the Panama Canal and China is overbuilt domestically and in other countries with the Belt & Road Initiative —trending toward a gold boom For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHTIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show Or you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off supplements and books, go to RNCstore.com and enter the code KNIGHTBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

Trump's tariff chaos backfires hilariously—his own USMCA treaty, a NAFTA glow-up he once hyped, trips up his team, leaving Canada and Mexico untouchableThe FDA's sham “black box” warnings shield Big Pharma's as he kills and cripplesWikipedia's Larry Sanger flips the script, trading hardcore skepticism for unshakable faith in a brain-busting journey rivaling C.S. Lewis.A “measles death” hoax unravels—hospitals dodge blame for a girl's RSV demise, pushing dodgy tests and MMR agendasDOGE crashes as courts prove they can squash his cuts with a single gavel. Will Trump challenge judicial supremacy?2:30 Trump Tariffs Sabotaged by His Own Trade TreatyNo one in the Trump administration read the USMCA (NAFTA rebranded) treaty Trump was so proud of in his first administration.  So the tariff pendulum swings back and forth.  How much of goods from Canada & Mexico are off limits? Will anything change in 30 days? 24:11 Black Box Cover-Up: People Dead or Disabled as FDA & Pharma Shifts Blame to Physicians & Pharmacists      A pharmaceutical scandal that's destroying lives—like Whistler's and 27-year-old Elisa's—with the dangerous drug Levofloxacin (aka Levaquin). Prescribed for pneumonia, it left Elisa trembling, crippled by nerve pain and joint agony, mirroring Whistler's nightmare.     The FDA's "black box" warnings are a sick joke—buried, ignored, and never shared by doctors or pharmacists who shrug, "It's rare!” This is how Big Pharma poisons with impunity while the FDA—Free to Do Anything—rubber-stamps their crimes. 44:34 LIVE comments from audience 55:59 Wikipedia Mastermind Shocks the World: From Atheist Skeptic to Christian Convert     Larry Sanger, co-founder Wikipedia, has a stunning embrace of Christianity! This isn't just another celebrity conversion—it's a PhD philosopher's epic showdown with faith, tearing through decades of skepticism like a intellectual bulldozer. Raised with unanswered questions Sanger dove into the Bible, not to believe, but to dissect it. What he found? Answers that rocked his Ayn Rand-loving, agnostic world!      Compared to C.S. Lewis and cold-case detective J. Warner Wallace, his journey from doubt to truth is a wild ride of reason, fueled by marriage, fatherhood, and a relentless quest for meaning. Uncover the shocking twist that's got everyone talking—faith isn't blind, it's bulletproof 1:05:28 “Measles Death” Looks Like Hospital Murder & Misattribution      Forget the headlines screaming “unvaccinated doom”—this little girl, battling RSV pneumonia, was allegedly denied breathing treatments while her desperate parents begged for help. No measles rash, just a dodgy PCR test, and now a second “death” pops up with the same shady story.      This sinister agenda to peddle MMR shots and bully RFK Jr. into submission worked like a charm.  They're even cooking up a “Gulf of Measles” scare for Spring Break, ignoring that college kids would be.   It's not about health—it's a power grab1:30:19 Check Your Chicks for mRNA, and Check MAHA for Bird Flu Fearmongering If you're going to get spring chicks for your backyard make sure they're not vaccinated as Tractor Supply boasts!  And make sure you're not supporting the “MAHA influencers” like McCullough who've shamelessly pivoted from truth-teller to fear-peddling shill, now pushing pandemic for profit1:45:21 Trump's DOGE Dream Crumbles: Courts Claw Back Billions as Judicial Supremacy Reigns!Pop the champagne? Not so fast!   Unless Trump fights judicial supremacy none of the celebrated DOGE cuts will stick.  Only one of 677 district judges can halt the parade whether it's probationary employees fired or USAID foreign aid cancelled. 2:03:10 Blackrock Bought Into Panama Canal Company About a Month After Trump's ElectionHmmm… 2:05:17 Trump's Wild Card Chaos: Gerald Celente Exposes the Billionaire Freak Show and Power GrabGerald Celente, trend-forecasting legend TrendsJournal.com, rips the mask off the Trump administration's unpredictable madness! From tariff whiplash to a billionaire-packed cabinet, the elites are cashing in while the world teeters on the edge of war and economic collapse. Trump steers Blackrock into the Panama Canal and China is overbuilt domestically and in other countries with the Belt & Road Initiative —trending toward a gold boomIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show Or you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHTFor 10% off supplements and books, go to RNCstore.com and enter the code KNIGHTBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

Gerald Celente, trend-forecasting legend TrendsJournal.com, rips the mask off the Trump administration's unpredictable madness!      From tariff whiplash to a billionaire-packed cabinet, the elites are cashing in while the world teeters on the edge of war and economic collapse.     Trump steers Blackrock into the Panama Canal and China is overbuilt domestically and in other countries with the Belt & Road Initiative —trending toward a gold boom For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHTIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show Or you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off supplements and books, go to RNCstore.com and enter the code KNIGHTBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.

Trump's tariff chaos backfires hilariously—his own USMCA treaty, a NAFTA glow-up he once hyped, trips up his team, leaving Canada and Mexico untouchableThe FDA's sham “black box” warnings shield Big Pharma's as he kills and cripplesWikipedia's Larry Sanger flips the script, trading hardcore skepticism for unshakable faith in a brain-busting journey rivaling C.S. Lewis.A “measles death” hoax unravels—hospitals dodge blame for a girl's RSV demise, pushing dodgy tests and MMR agendasDOGE crashes as courts prove they can squash his cuts with a single gavel. Will Trump challenge judicial supremacy?2:30 Trump Tariffs Sabotaged by His Own Trade TreatyNo one in the Trump administration read the USMCA (NAFTA rebranded) treaty Trump was so proud of in his first administration.  So the tariff pendulum swings back and forth.  How much of goods from Canada & Mexico are off limits? Will anything change in 30 days? 24:11 Black Box Cover-Up: People Dead or Disabled as FDA & Pharma Shifts Blame to Physicians & Pharmacists      A pharmaceutical scandal that's destroying lives—like Whistler's and 27-year-old Elisa's—with the dangerous drug Levofloxacin (aka Levaquin). Prescribed for pneumonia, it left Elisa trembling, crippled by nerve pain and joint agony, mirroring Whistler's nightmare.     The FDA's "black box" warnings are a sick joke—buried, ignored, and never shared by doctors or pharmacists who shrug, "It's rare!” This is how Big Pharma poisons with impunity while the FDA—Free to Do Anything—rubber-stamps their crimes. 44:34 LIVE comments from audience 55:59 Wikipedia Mastermind Shocks the World: From Atheist Skeptic to Christian Convert     Larry Sanger, co-founder Wikipedia, has a stunning embrace of Christianity! This isn't just another celebrity conversion—it's a PhD philosopher's epic showdown with faith, tearing through decades of skepticism like a intellectual bulldozer. Raised with unanswered questions Sanger dove into the Bible, not to believe, but to dissect it. What he found? Answers that rocked his Ayn Rand-loving, agnostic world!      Compared to C.S. Lewis and cold-case detective J. Warner Wallace, his journey from doubt to truth is a wild ride of reason, fueled by marriage, fatherhood, and a relentless quest for meaning. Uncover the shocking twist that's got everyone talking—faith isn't blind, it's bulletproof 1:05:28 “Measles Death” Looks Like Hospital Murder & Misattribution      Forget the headlines screaming “unvaccinated doom”—this little girl, battling RSV pneumonia, was allegedly denied breathing treatments while her desperate parents begged for help. No measles rash, just a dodgy PCR test, and now a second “death” pops up with the same shady story.      This sinister agenda to peddle MMR shots and bully RFK Jr. into submission worked like a charm.  They're even cooking up a “Gulf of Measles” scare for Spring Break, ignoring that college kids would be.   It's not about health—it's a power grab1:30:19 Check Your Chicks for mRNA, and Check MAHA for Bird Flu Fearmongering If you're going to get spring chicks for your backyard make sure they're not vaccinated as Tractor Supply boasts!  And make sure you're not supporting the “MAHA influencers” like McCullough who've shamelessly pivoted from truth-teller to fear-peddling shill, now pushing pandemic for profit1:45:21 Trump's DOGE Dream Crumbles: Courts Claw Back Billions as Judicial Supremacy Reigns!Pop the champagne? Not so fast!   Unless Trump fights judicial supremacy none of the celebrated DOGE cuts will stick.  Only one of 677 district judges can halt the parade whether it's probationary employees fired or USAID foreign aid cancelled. 2:03:10 Blackrock Bought Into Panama Canal Company About a Month After Trump's ElectionHmmm… 2:05:17 Trump's Wild Card Chaos: Gerald Celente Exposes the Billionaire Freak Show and Power GrabGerald Celente, trend-forecasting legend TrendsJournal.com, rips the mask off the Trump administration's unpredictable madness! From tariff whiplash to a billionaire-packed cabinet, the elites are cashing in while the world teeters on the edge of war and economic collapse. Trump steers Blackrock into the Panama Canal and China is overbuilt domestically and in other countries with the Belt & Road Initiative —trending toward a gold boomIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show Or you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHTFor 10% off supplements and books, go to RNCstore.com and enter the code KNIGHTBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.

In the past decade, China has ramped up its engagement in the Middle East, a region which is far from China geographically, but carries growing importance in China's foreign policy. Economically, China is the biggest importer of the Middle East oil, particularly from Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Chinese state-owned enterprises have invested heavily in the region under the Belt and Road Initiative with an emphasis on physical and digital infrastructure, including telecommunications, 5G connectivity, submarine optic cables, and security information systems.  Diplomatically, China played a role in brokering a deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two longstanding regional rivals. Beijing has also been instrumental in expanding the BRICS multilateral mechanism to include four Middle East countries. Securing access to vital natural resources is a key driver of Beijing's intensified engagement in the Middle East. But China's interests are broader and encompass economic, geopolitical and strategic considerations.To further discuss China's interests and evolving role in the Middle East, Michael Schuman joins host Bonnie Glaser. Michael is a nonresident senior fellow at the Global China Hub of the Atlantic Council and an author and journalist with more than 25 years of on-the-ground experience in Asia.  He is the co-author of a recently published report by the Atlantic Council titled China's Middle East policy shift from ‘hedging' to ‘wedging.' Timestamps[00:00] Start[02:06] China's Interest in the Middle East[04:23] Evaluating China's Strategy of “Wedging” [06:51] Evaluating China's Position of Neutrality[10:17] Factors Driving China's Middle Eastern Strategy [13:46] Chinese Bilateral and Multilateral Engagement [16:08] China's Energy Ties with the Middle East[19:41] Implications for the United States[24:19] Limits to Chinese Engagement 

The early years of the Belt and Road Initiative left China with tens of billions of dollars in soured loans, making it a costly way of building global influence. Now Beijing is reworking its flagship infrastructure lending program to shield itself from financial risk and focus on projects that support its evolving ambitions, including securing critical supply chains for things like green-tech minerals and positioning itself as a leader that developing nations can unite behind. In the second episode of our three-part series, “Building Influence,” AidData's Bradley Parks, SOAS University of London's Steve Tsang and the WSJ's Chun Han Wong discuss Belt and Road 2.0 and how even though China is reducing its spending, it is no less ambitious when it comes to pursuing Xi Jinping's strategic goals. Kate Bullivant hosts. Further reading: China's Belt and Road Plan Is Down, Not Out China Reins In Its Belt and Road Program, $1 Trillion Later China Is Starting to Act Like a Global Power  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Sinica: February 24 marks the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and as I've done for the last two years, I moderated a panel organized by Vita Golod, a Ukrainian China scholar who happens to be here in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, at UNC as a visiting scholar. She's worked tirelessly to promote awareness of the war, and I'm honored again to have been asked to moderate this panel.The guests you'll hear from are:Dr. Una Aleksandra Bērziņa-Čerenkova, Director of the China Studies Centre at Riga Stradins University in Latvia. Fluent in Chinese, Russian, and English, she has collaborated with scholars like Kerry Brown of King's College London and has done extensive work on China's role in Europe and beyond.Dr. Dmytro Yefremov, Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations at the National University "Kyiv-Mohyla Academy" in Ukraine. A board member of the Ukrainian Association of Sinologists, he specializes in China's foreign relations and has traveled extensively to China, providing firsthand insight into Ukraine's perspective on China's role in the war and beyond.Dr. Qiang Liu, Director of the Energy Economics Division at the Institute of Quantitative & Technical Economics within the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). He also serves as the Co-chair and Secretary-General of the Global Forum on Energy Security. His research focuses on energy security, energy economics, and policy, with a particular emphasis on China's Belt and Road Initiative and its global energy partnerships.Dr. Klaus Larres, Richard M. Krasno Distinguished Professor of History and International Affairs at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An expert on transatlantic relations, U.S., German, and EU foreign policy, and China's role in the post-Cold War order, he has a profound interest in the history of the Cold War and the politics of Winston Churchill.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There is mounting evidence that indicates the United States government may force South Africa to make a once-unthinkable choice: it's either the U.S. or China, but it can't be both. The president addressed the issue this week and said, "the South Africa situation is very dangerous and very bad for a lot of people." The president and his supporters are angry over South Africa's opposition to Israel in the Gaza War, Pretoria's close ties with Washington's rivals in Tehran and Moscow, and the country's multifaceted relationship with China — including its longstanding memberships in the BRICS and the Belt and Road Initiative.  Johannesburg-based political analyst Nkateko Mabasa joins Eric & Cobus to discuss how South Africans, namely President Cyril Ramaphosa, are responding to the intense pressure from the United States and what it means for the Rainbow nation's ties with China. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @stadenesque  Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

As China deepens its presence in Latin America by owning nearly 40 ports—including a new mega port in Peru—and establishing intelligence posts in Cuba, U.S. policymakers face growing concerns over regional influence. Twenty-two Latin American countries have joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative, amplifying Beijing’s strategic foothold. Meanwhile, security threats persist closer to home, with […]

A judge has temporarily paused the Trump administration's buyout proposal for federal workers. A federal judge has also temporarily barred the Justice Department from disclosing a list of FBI agents tied to the Jan. 6 probe. The NCAA bans transgender women from women's sports following President Trump's executive order that penalizes schools and leagues allowing their participation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made his first official visit to Panama, where the country announced it will withdraw from China's Belt and Road Initiative, potentially opening the door for U.S. investment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The firehose of information just won't stop, and Badlands Media is here to break it all down. In this special coverage episode, we dive into the explosive White House press briefing, where Trump's administration made major announcements on everything from Gaza's future to the border crisis to USAID's demise. Key takeaways? Trump's Gaza Gambit is shaking the world, and the administration is not ruling out U.S. troops, though they insist this is about rebuilding, not occupation. Meanwhile, Mexico and Canada are bending to Trump's tariff pressure, Panama is ditching China's Belt & Road Initiative, and El Salvador has officially opened its prisons to house deported criminals from the U.S. (because apparently, we're exporting crime now). Also on deck: The Biden-era gender madness is OVER, as Trump signs an executive order barring men from women's sports, the CIA offers buyouts in a quiet panic, and the media is melting down over USAID's dark money secrets getting exposed. Oh, and if you were wondering if Politico was a government-funded propaganda outlet, wonder no more—because the Doge team just cut their $8 million slush fund. This is not your average press briefing recap. Buckle up.

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he takes you on a global tour of today's top stories shaping America and the world. In today's episode, we cover: Trump and Trudeau Strike a Deal: Canada avoids 25% U.S. tariffs by agreeing to boost border security, appoint a fentanyl czar, and crack down on organized crime. But is it enough? Mexico's Cartel Crisis: President Sheinbaum deploys 10,000 National Guardsmen to the border, but many Mexicans are calling for U.S. military intervention instead. Trump's team considers all options, including drone strikes. Panama Cuts China Ties: Secretary of State Marco Rubio secures a major win, convincing Panama to leave China's Belt and Road Initiative and granting free passage to U.S. Navy ships through the Panama Canal. Trump's Venezuela Gamble: The U.S. secures the return of detained Americans and a deal to deport Venezuelan migrants—but what did Trump offer dictator Nicolás Maduro in return? Ukraine's Resource War: Trump pushes for U.S. access to Ukraine's rich mineral deposits in exchange for continued military aid, as internal divisions over war funding grow. Britain's Political Shakeup: The outsider Reform UK Party surges in the polls, fueled by voter outrage over mass migration, crime, and political corruption. Middle East Maneuvers: Trump pressures Egypt to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza, using a regional water crisis as leverage in negotiations. South Africa Sanctions?: The U.S. threatens to cut aid to South Africa over its controversial land seizure policies targeting white farmers. Stay informed with Bryan's expert analysis and insights on these critical global developments. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32

From the BBC World Service: After President Donald Trump slapped a fresh 10% levy on exports to the U.S. — that’s on top of an existing raft of tariffs — China has brought in some tariffs of its own. China’s government is also going to investigate Google’s activities there. Meanwhile, Canada and Mexico are off the tariff hook (for now). And, Panama has pulled out of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Panama has become the first Latin American nation to pull out of China's Belt and Road Initiative. It's also weighing whether to cancel its contract with the Hong Kong-based company that operates near the Panama Canal. An adviser to the US Institute for Peace says that it's all part of the long rivalry between the US and China in Latin America. Also, Syria's new interim president is traveling to Turkey to meet with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. There's a lot at stake for both countries. Turkey, which hosts more than 3 million Syrian refugees, wants a stable Syria next door. And Syria's new government is looking for support to help rebuild the war-torn nation. And, we meet the man considered to be the first English teacher in Japan. He staged a shipwreck to get into the country, despite the isolationist policies of the time.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

From the BBC World Service: After President Donald Trump slapped a fresh 10% levy on exports to the U.S. — that’s on top of an existing raft of tariffs — China has brought in some tariffs of its own. China’s government is also going to investigate Google’s activities there. Meanwhile, Canada and Mexico are off the tariff hook (for now). And, Panama has pulled out of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

President Donald Trump has agreed to pause tariffs on Canada for 30 days after talking with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the afternoon of Feb. 3. This comes after Mexico agreed to make changes at the border, which also resulted in Trump pausing their tariffs.Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino said on Feb. 2 that his country will not renew its memorandum of understanding with the Chinese regime to be a part of the Belt and Road Initiative of the Chinese Communist Party.

According to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, President Trump's administration deported more than 7,200 illegal migrants in Trump's first nine days in office, Panama won't renew participation in Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau freaked after Trump hit Canada, Mexico & China with tariffs, and more!GUEST: Josh FirestineDOWNLOAD THE RUMBLE APP TODAY: https://rumble.com/our-appsOrder today at http://www.1775coffee.com/CROWDER - code CROWDER to save 15% off your orderConnect your Mug Club account to Rumble and enjoy Rumble Premium: https://support.locals.com/en/article/how-do-i-connect-my-locals-account-to-my-rumble-account-on-rumble-vhd2st/SOURCES: https://www.louderwithcrowder.com/sources-february-3-2025Join Rumble Premium to watch this show every day! http://louderwithcrowder.com/PremiumNEW MERCH! https://crowdershop.com/Subscribe to my podcast: https://rss.com/podcasts/louder-with-crowder/FOLLOW ME: Website: https://louderwithcrowder.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/scrowder Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/louderwithcrowder Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevencrowderofficialMusic by @Pogo

In this episode, we delve into the geopolitical maneuvering by President Trump that appears to have caused a major rift within the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Analyzing recent statements and actions from Trump, Putin, and Xi, we uncover the cracks forming in BRICS' foundation. India and China are at odds over border disputes, Brazil turns down China's Belt and Road Initiative, and internal conflicts are rife. Additionally, the expansion of BRICS with new members like Saudi Arabia and Iran has only added more fuel to the fire. Despite bold promises to dethrone the U.S. dollar, the latest data shows the dollar is stronger than ever, up 6.7% against other major currencies in 2024. This episode emphasizes how these geopolitical dynamics create a unique investment opportunity in U.S. real estate, presenting a safe haven for global investors during uncertain times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Victor Davis Hanson and cohost Jack Fowler discuss the money spent on education and its empty promises, how China's Belt and Road Initiative is going, the U.S. crossing a line in the Ukraine, Biden's anti-colonialist book, and Bill Clinton's regrets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.