Washington Report Ep 2: Deciphering G7's challenge to China's Belt and Road initiative

10:09 mins

Synopsis: Every Monday, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh analyses the latest developments in the country he is based in, with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.

They chat about the following:
G7's challenge to China's multi-trillion-dollar Belt and Road initiative (0:47)
Making sense of G7 Summit climate change plans (2:35)
Explicit language covering China this time round, in G-7 final communique (5:00)
Introduction of five bills aimed at limiting the power held by Big Tech companies in the US (6:20)

Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis

Edited by: Dan Koh

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Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/nirmal-ghosh

Asian Insider newsletter: https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider

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Washington Report Ep 2: Deciphering G7's challenge to China's Belt and Road initiative
10:09 mins
Synopsis: Every Monday, The Straits Times' US bureau chief Nirmal Ghosh analyses the latest developments in the country he is based in, with Money FM 89.3's Elliott Danker.
They chat about the following:
<ol>
<li>G7's challenge to China's multi-trillion-dollar Belt and Road initiative (0:47)</li>
<li>Making sense of G7 Summit climate change plans (2:35)</li>
<li>Explicit language covering China this time round, in G-7 final communique (5:00)</li>
<li>Introduction of five bills aimed at limiting the power held by Big Tech companies in the US (6:20)</li>
</ol>
Produced by: The Breakfast Huddle, Money FM 89.3, Ernest Luis
Edited by: Dan Koh
Subscribe to our Asian Insider Podcast channel to follow our various shows each week and rate us on your favourite audio apps:
Channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/JWa7" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/JWa7&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1592986097751000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFLjTYPEJHobS8kSHuswzwy4x91Vg">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Apple Podcasts:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/JWa8" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://str.sg/JWa8&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1592986097751000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGAzCGk1ObvMkVAV9JkHDImJ9NV1w">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>
Google Podcasts:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/Ju4h">https://str.sg/Ju4h</a>&nbsp;
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Website:<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts"> http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
Read Nirmal Ghosh's stories: <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/nirmal-ghosh">https://www.straitstimes.com/authors/nirmal-ghosh</a>
Asian Insider newsletter: <a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider">https://www.straitstimes.com/tags/asian-insider</a>
Discover Asian Insider Videos: <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnK3VE4BKduMSOntUoS6ALNp21jMmgfBX">https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnK3VE4BKduMSOntUoS6ALNp21jMmgfBX</a>
---
Discover more ST podcast series:
Green Pulse Podcast: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaf">https://str.sg/JWaf</a>
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ST Sports Talk Podcast: <a href="https://str.sg/JWRE">https://str.sg/JWRE</a>
Life Weekend Picks Podcast: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa2">https://str.sg/JWa2</a>
#PopVultures Podcast: <a href="https://str.sg/JWad">https://str.sg/JWad</a>
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Synopsis: Every Friday, get our distinct take on global issues with an Asian perspective, with ST’s globally-based correspondents.

Produced and edited by: Fa'izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

Synopsis: Every Friday, get our distinct take on global issues with an Asian perspective, with ST’s globally-based correspondents.
Produced and edited by: Fa'izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

Asian Insider

Synopsis: Almost every weekday, our ALL-IN-ONE channel showcases discussions on Singapore youth perspectives and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, personal finance and career.

Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST's app, which has a dedicated podcast player section.

Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis & The Straits Times, SPH Media.

Synopsis: Almost every weekday, our ALL-IN-ONE channel showcases discussions on Singapore youth perspectives and social issues, geopolitics through an Asian lens, health, climate change, personal finance and career.
Follow our shows on your favourite audio apps Apple Podcasts, Spotify or even ST's app, which has a dedicated podcast player section.
Produced by podcast editor Ernest Luis &amp; The Straits Times, SPH Media.

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Deciphering G7's challenge to China's Belt and Road initiative: Washington Report Ep 2

Need for a forward-looking US trade agenda

FDI decline in Asia, except Asean

US & Asean investors: Much potential

Singapore driving digital economy train

When govts can't act, business must

While there is concern over trade policy, US investors remain bullish on business with Asean.  

Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.

With President-elect Donald Trump intent on using tariffs as a weapon - with the larger strategy of rejuvenating American manufacturing - there is concern that the US could retaliateagainst countries that have a big trade surplus with the United States.

Within the 10-nation Asean bloc, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand could become targets. 

But Asean's growth and competitiveness remains attractive regardless. From 2022 to 2023, for example, foreign direct investment (FDI) declined in all regions of Asia except Asean. More broadly, intra-regional trade in Asia is expected to rise by 65% to US$400 billion (S$535 billion) a year by 2030, which is a good sign for US and Asean investors.

Growth opportunities include artificial intelligence, semiconductor production, digital commerce, medical devices, and mineral supply chains - and Asean countries are competing for investment. 

In this episode, Ted Osius, a former US Ambassador to Vietnam and currently President and CEO of the US-Asean Business Council in Washington DC, shares with host Nirmal Ghosh, the business council’s concerns and wish list, and also why he thinks that, regardless of US government policy, investors are bullish on South-east Asia. 

Highlights (click/tap above): 

4:10 The wish for a forward-looking US trade agenda remains as this region moves forward

7:23 From 2022 to 2023, FDI declined in all regions of Asia, except Asean

10:05 Which Asean countries are making real efforts to attract FDI?

12:48 Growth opportunities for US and Asean investors

13:30 Singapore a leading force in Asean, driving the digital economy framework

Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r

Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG

Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters

Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg)

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

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Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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While there is concern over trade policy, US investors remain bullish on business with Asean.  
Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests.
With President-elect Donald Trump intent on using tariffs as a weapon - with the larger strategy of rejuvenating American manufacturing - there is concern that the US could retaliate against countries that have a big trade surplus with the United States.
Within the 10-nation Asean bloc, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand could become targets. 
But Asean's growth and competitiveness remains attractive regardless. From 2022 to 2023, for example, foreign direct investment (FDI) declined in all regions of Asia except Asean. More broadly, intra-regional trade in Asia is expected to rise by 65% to US$400 billion (S$535 billion) a year by 2030, which is a good sign for US and Asean investors.
Growth opportunities include artificial intelligence, semiconductor production, digital commerce, medical devices, and mineral supply chains - and Asean countries are competing for investment. 
In this episode, Ted Osius, a former US Ambassador to Vietnam and currently President and CEO of the US-Asean Business Council in Washington DC, shares with host Nirmal Ghosh, the business council’s concerns and wish list, and also why he thinks that, regardless of US government policy, investors are bullish on South-east Asia. 
Highlights (click/tap above): 
4:10 The wish for a forward-looking US trade agenda remains as this region moves forward
7:23 From 2022 to 2023, FDI declined in all regions of Asia, except Asean
10:05 Which Asean countries are making real efforts to attract FDI?
12:48 Growth opportunities for US and Asean investors
13:30 Singapore a leading force in Asean, driving the digital economy framework
Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X:<a href="https://str.sg/JD7r"> https://str.sg/JD7r</a>
Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles:<a href="https://str.sg/JbxG"> https://str.sg/JbxG</a>
Register for Asian Insider newsletter:<a href="https://str.sg/stnewsletters"> https://str.sg/stnewsletters</a>
Host: Nirmal Ghosh (<a href="mailto:nirmal@sph.com.sg">nirmal@sph.com.sg</a>)
Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>
Website: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
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ST Podcasts YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a> 
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How Asean is bracing for Donald  Trump’s tariff tactics

Trump's appeal in this 'woke' age

Political lessons for Asian governments

President Prabowo's congratulatory phone call

Tariffs: Making sense of Trump's promises

3 words to define Trump 2.0 presidency

We examine the impact of the recent US presidential election result.

Synopsis: The Straits Times’ associate foreign editor Lim Ai Leen and senior columnist Lin Suling meet up in the studio with Bhagyashree Garekar, The Straits Times’ United States bureau chief who covered the US presidential election all year long, and is back in Singapore for a short break.

In this episode, they discuss how Bhagya arrived at her early prediction of a Trump win before the Nov 5 election, how Trump played to the male and minority voters, global anti-incumbency election trends and how they think Asian countries will shape to deal with the impact.

Highlights (click/tap above):

5:12 How Trump appealed to male voters in this 'woke' age, why Trump beat expectations to win the minority vote in the US

15:50 Political lessons for governments in Asia and how they relate to voters; expected impact from incoming Trump administration

17:54 Dissecting the dynamics of the phone call between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and US President-elect Donald Trump on Nov 11

24:00 Tariffs: Making sense of Trump's promises from the Asian perspective

27:50 3 words to define US politics in the incoming Trump era

Hosts: Lim Ai Leen (limal@sph.com.sg) and Lin Suling (linsuling@sph.com.sg)

Follow Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: https://str.sg/whNo

Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters

Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Ernest Luis

Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

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---

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The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

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#STAsianInsider

We examine the impact of the recent US presidential election result.
Synopsis: The Straits Times’ associate foreign editor Lim Ai Leen and senior columnist Lin Suling meet up in the studio with Bhagyashree Garekar, The Straits Times’ United States bureau chief who covered the US presidential election all year long, and is back in Singapore for a short break.
In this episode, they discuss how Bhagya arrived at her early prediction of a Trump win before the Nov 5 election, how Trump played to the male and minority voters, global anti-incumbency election trends and how they think Asian countries will shape to deal with the impact.
Highlights (click/tap above):
5:12 How Trump appealed to male voters in this 'woke' age, why Trump beat expectations to win the minority vote in the US
15:50 Political lessons for governments in Asia and how they relate to voters; expected impact from incoming Trump administration
17:54 Dissecting the dynamics of the phone call between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and US President-elect Donald Trump on Nov 11
24:00 Tariffs: Making sense of Trump's promises from the Asian perspective
27:50 3 words to define US politics in the incoming Trump era
Hosts: Lim Ai Leen (<a href="mailto:limal@sph.com.sg">limal@sph.com.sg</a>) and Lin Suling (<a href="mailto:linsuling@sph.com.sg">linsuling@sph.com.sg</a>)
Follow Bhagyashree Garekar’s articles: <a href="https://str.sg/whNo">https://str.sg/whNo</a>
Register for Asian Insider newsletter:<a href="https://str.sg/stnewsletters"> https://str.sg/stnewsletters</a>
Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani
Executive producer: Ernest Luis
Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
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All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7"> https://str.sg/wvz7</a>  
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ST Podcasts YouTube:<a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa"> https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a> 
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The App Store: <a href="https://str.sg/icyB">https://str.sg/icyB</a>   
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#STAsianInsider

Tariffs, deportation, Musk: 3 words could define US' Trump 2.0 era

Bookshops, car washes and mahjong sessions

A real coming to terms with its history?

Making the most of one’s past

The Straits Times sets up shop in Chongqing

Its warren of underground bunkers and tunnels, which sheltered the city’s residents during the heavy bombing of the Second Sino-Japanese war, are turned into lifestyle destinations today.

Synopsis: The Straits Times chats with ST’s global correspondents about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.

Chongqing bears a grim wartime history. As China’s wartime capital which Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang government decamped to in 1937, it was heavily bombed during the Second Sino-Japanese war. Bunkers - some 16,000 - were built into the city’s hills and mountains, sheltering terrified residents as the bombs rained down.

Some eight decades on, the Chongqing government has given these underground shelters a new lease of life. 

In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to China correspondent Aw Cheng Wei about what it is like to be in those bunkers today, and why Chongqing is approaching its wartime past differently from other Chinese cities.

Highlights (click/tap above):

0:39 Bookshops, car washes and mahjong sessions

2:51 A real coming to terms with its history? 

8:24 Making the most of one’s past 

14:04 The Straits Times sets up shop in Chongqing

Read Aw Cheng Wei’s article here: https://str.sg/w2Esn

Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR

Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x

Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters

Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)

Edited by: Fa’izah Sani

Executive producer: Lynda Hong

Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:

Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8

Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

---

Follow more ST podcast channels:

All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7

ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts

ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa

---

Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:

The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB

Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX

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#STAsianInsider

Its warren of underground bunkers and tunnels, which sheltered the city’s residents during the heavy bombing of the Second Sino-Japanese war, are turned into lifestyle destinations today.
Synopsis: The Straits Times chats with ST’s global correspondents about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises.
Chongqing bears a grim wartime history. As China’s wartime capital which Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang government decamped to in 1937, it was heavily bombed during the Second Sino-Japanese war. Bunkers - some 16,000 - were built into the city’s hills and mountains, sheltering terrified residents as the bombs rained down.
Some eight decades on, the Chongqing government has given these underground shelters a new lease of life. 
In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to China correspondent Aw Cheng Wei about what it is like to be in those bunkers today, and why Chongqing is approaching its wartime past differently from other Chinese cities.
Highlights (click/tap above):
0:39 Bookshops, car washes and mahjong sessions
2:51 A real coming to terms with its history? 
8:24 Making the most of one’s past 
14:04 The Straits Times sets up shop in Chongqing
Read Aw Cheng Wei’s article here: <a href="https://str.sg/w2Esn">https://str.sg/w2Esn</a> 
Read Li Xueying’s articles: <a href="https://str.sg/iqmR">https://str.sg/iqmR</a>
Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: <a href="https://str.sg/ip4x">https://str.sg/ip4x</a>
Register for Asian Insider newsletter:<a href="https://str.sg/stnewsletters"> https://str.sg/stnewsletters</a> 
Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg)
Edited by: Fa’izah Sani
Executive producer: Lynda Hong
Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here:
Channel: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa7">https://str.sg/JWa7</a>
Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://str.sg/JWa8">https://str.sg/JWa8</a>
Spotify: <a href="https://str.sg/JWaX">https://str.sg/JWaX</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: <a href="https://str.sg/wvz7">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>  
ST Podcast website: <a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>  
ST Podcasts YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/4Vwsa">https://str.sg/4Vwsa</a> 
---
Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store: <a href="https://str.sg/icyB">https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play: <a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>
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#STAsianInsider

Deciphering G7's challenge to China's Belt and Road initiative: Washington Report Ep 2

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