Two emperors on the edge of two wars  – POLITICO

Xi has repeatedly called Putin his best friend. He has also repeatedly refused to do anything to stop Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and supplied dual-use military technologies, weapon-building components and satellite imagery, warns the U.S., to Russia.  In a recent interview with POLITICO, U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith highlighted Beijing’s support for Moscow, … Read more

Beijing slaps anti-dumping tariffs on Taiwan’s polycarbonates after protracted probe

Last December, Beijing also suspended tariff cuts for 12 important petrochemical products from Taiwan amid growing cross-strait tensions, with the commerce ministry accusing Taipei of placing “barriers” on mainland imports. “The investigation agency finally determined that there was dumping of the investigated products, that the mainland’s polycarbonate industry had been substantially damaged, and that there … Read more

EU and US vow to team up against China, but can’t hide the cracks – POLITICO

Washington was pushing to “put China in the text every two sentences,” said one European diplomat who was granted the condition of anonymity to speak candidly. “It kept hammering on the Chinese nail.”  To Washington’s satisfaction, the two sides committed to team up with other countries to tackle “China’s non-market policies and practices in the … Read more

New Brexit border tax triggers UK business backlash – POLITICO

“With April 30 fast approaching this is another hammer blow to the work being done to get the news out about [new border checks], adding more confusion to the message,” Marco Forgione, director general of the Institute of Export & International Trade said. He warned that the charges would hit small and medium-sized businesses hardest.  … Read more

How to ‘Trump proof’ the transatlantic relationship? – POLITICO

“It’s been very successful,” said Daniel Mullaney, the former top U.S. negotiator on trade issues with Europe, of the TTC. “We’ve had high-level attention, including at the presidential levels, on all of these issues. That’s kept the momentum going.” The question now is what happens if Trump wins back the White House in November. Even … Read more

India’s Trade Pact With 4-Nation European Bloc: All About Swiss Watches, Chocolates Set to Enter Indian Market

India and the four-European nation bloc EFTA signed a trade and economic partnership agreement (TEPA) on Sunday to enhance trade and investments between the two regions, heralding a new era of economic cooperation. As a result of the trade pact, Indian customers will get access to high-quality Swiss products such as watches, chocolates, biscuits, and … Read more

Hurry up and tax Google, Apple, EU urges the world

EU finance ministers will call on G20 countries to finalize global corporate tax reforms that would hit international companies such as U.S. tech giants Google, Amazon and Apple, according to a document obtained by POLITICO. The EU’s “Terms of Reference,” drawn up by national treasury officials, will serve as the basis of the bloc’s negotiating … Read more

EU mulls emergency aid for collapsing solar producers – POLITICO

The talks come as the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC), the body representing photovoltaic producers, this week sent a letter to Brussels appealing for “urgent” measures including a swift, EU-led buyout of their inventories. The group argues that subsidized Chinese mass production of solar modules — which currently sell for half the price of their … Read more

Britain’s Conservatives are warming to Donald Trump 2.0 – POLITICO

LONDON — They might not be wearing MAGA hats, but some of Britain’s most prominent Conservatives are flirting with Donald Trump again. A steady stream of Tory politicians — and even former prime ministers — have recently been heaping cautious praise on, or even endorsing, the controversial former U.S. president as his bid to re-enter … Read more

Trump’s ghost stalks Davos – POLITICO

DAVOS, Switzerland — World leaders gathered together in the Swiss Alps this week are nervous that Donald Trump will be even more anti-global if he returns as United States president. And they have good reason to be wary. If polls prove correct, the front-runner for the Republican nomination is set to be crowned winner of the … Read more