OUR SEA NEIGHBORS: Vietnam, 2025

February 14, 2025: The China-Vietnam Friendship Movie “Border Sea” featuring Actors from both Countries premiered in China 

The China-Vietnam Friendship Movie called "Border Sea" starring Actors and Actresses from both Countries premiered in Theaters all over China recently. The Film tells the Story of a Chinese Man and a Vietnamese Woman who fell in Love in the City of Fangchenggang which is located along the Border of China and Vietnam. 

The Film reportedly took three Years to produce and shows an Authentic Portrayal of Life along the Border of the two Countries. China and Vietnam have strengthened their cooperation in recent Years in Films through Joint Projects, Actor Exchanges and Film Screenings. 

Activities like these show the close Alliance of both Countries despite their ongoing and still unsettled Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea (SCS). 

Here is the Link to the Article on the “ECNS” Website: https://www.ecns.cn/m/news/cns-wire/2025-02-14/detail-ihentfhp8761618.shtml

SOURCE: China-Vietnam Friendship Movie 'Border Sea' Premieres {Archived Link}

February 9, 2025: China-Vietnam Freight Train Trade grew by over seven times in January 2025

The "China Railway Nanning Bureau Group Company Limited" reported a large increase in Freight Transport between China and Vietnam last Month of January 2025 with a total of 3,062 TEUs, an increase of 760% compared to the same Period last Year of 2024. 

"TEU" means "Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit" which is a Shipping Container measuring twenty feet long and eight feet wide and eight feet high. Railway transport from Nanning, China to An Vien, Vietnam takes only 14 hours which is a big Advantage in Terms of Time and Cost. 

The Commodities transported were mostly Fiberboard, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Screens, Diesel Engines, Candies, Beverages, Seasonings, etc. 

Here is the Link to the Article on the “Vietnam Global” Website: https://vietnamnet.vn/en/chinavietnam-rail-freight-soars-in-january-2369829.html

SOURCE: China–Vietnam Rail Freight soars in January {Archived Link}

China to help build 3 Railway Lines in Vietnam, one of which is funded by and will link to them

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In December of last Year of 2024, the Governments of China and Vietnam signed an Agreement to build three Standard Gauge Railway Lines in Vietnam, one of which will link both Countries. The three Railway Lines will involve the Cities of Hanoi and Hai Phong, and also three Provinces that are on the Border of China which are Lao Cai, Lang Son and Quang Ninh. 

The first Train Line which will run from Hanoi to Lang Son will be 156 km long and cost Usd 6 billion. Another Train Line running from Mong Cai to Ha Long to Hai Phong is 187 km long and cost Usd 7 billion. 

China-Malaysia Trade at Usd 212 billion in 2024, almost ten times that of Philippine-US Trade

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I initially posted about this last Year of 2024, but now it's official, the overall Trade between China and Malaysia for the entire Year of 2024 is now at a record-high of Usd 212 billion. This also marks as the 16th consecutive Year that China is Malaysia's biggest Trading Partner. 

In contrast, Trade between the Philippines and its supposed Ally, the United States (US) was only at a paltry Usd 23.47 billion for the Year 2024, or almost ten times less than that of China and Malaysia. Remember again that Malaysia has Territorial Disputes with China also in the South China Sea (SCS), but they have insisted on settling their Dispute among themselves only. 

Malaysia now doing a “Creeping Invasion” on Balabac Island in Palawan

I just find it a bit amusing and Tragic that while this current Administration of Bong Bong Marcos (BBM) is constantly trying to goad China over our Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea (SCS), at the same time it is allowing what I would only describe as a “Creeping Invasion” of our Territories near Malaysia. 

A TikTok Account for Example recently showed how Stores in the Balabac Island in Palawan are mostly selling Goods that are sourced from Malaysia. These have likely been smuggled in, without the Proper Paperwork and Taxes. 

This is not good because the Filipinos in that Island will start identifying themselves as Malaysians since they are constantly exposed to Malaysian Culture and Goods. Why couldn’t we develop our Logistic Supply Routes to make it easier and cheaper for Filipino Goods to reach that Island instead of Malaysia? 

Also if you read the Comments Section, the People there say that Filipino Children in Balabac are now being sent to School in Malaysia instead of Philippine Schools. And that also Balut Island in Davao Occidental is being similarly influenced, but by Indonesia. Just shaking my Head at this Hypocrisy ...

Here is the Link to the original Video by the “Xzar Lim” Account on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@xzarlim/video/7466637860272098567

Check out the Links to my other Social Media Accounts at https://linktr.ee/rhk111

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Malaysia now doing a “Creeping Invasion” on Balabac Island in Palawan

OUR SEA NEIGHBORS: Thailand, 2025

The Flag of Thailand from the Wikimedia Commons

January 4, 2025: Thailand offers Boats, Drones and Armored Vehicles to the AFP

The Ambassador of Thailand to the Philippines Tull Traisorat recently met with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in Camp Aguinaldo where he relayed his Country's offer of Offshore Boats, Drones and Armored Vehicles to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). 

Looking at the Thai Armed Forces Equipment, they do make and use the U1 Drone as well as different Models of Armored Vehicles. They also make their own Landing Ship Tanks (LST) Vessels, Corvettes and Patrol Boats. 

However, as those of you know from my previous Posts, like all of the other Countries in South East Asia (SEA), Thailand is a very close Ally of China, so I am not sure if this Pro-United States (US), Anti-China Administration of Bong Bong Marcos (BBM) will factor that in when buying their Military Equipment. 

Here is the Link to the Article at the “Manila Bulletin” Website: https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/4/thailand-offers-ships-drones-armored-tanks-for-afp-modernization-dnd

SOURCE: Thailand offers Ships, Drones, Armored Tanks for AFP Modernization – DND {Archived Link}

January 30, 2025: Thailand’s Rail Link to China and Laos to be completed by 2030

Thailand is targeting to complete its first High Speed Rail Network in five Year's time, or by 2030 which will be connected to China thru Laos. The Project, once completed, is expected to give a big boost to the Economy of Thailand. 

The first Phase of the Project connecting the City of Bangkok to the Nakhon Ratchasima Province is now 36% complete. The Design of the second Phase, which will extend the Network to Nong Khai, has already been finalized and currently awaiting Cabinet Approval. 

The Network Line has a total Length of 609 km and cost around Usd 12.9 billion and includes a Bridge over the Mekong River that will connect Thailand to Laos and China. It is Part of China's "Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)" Project.

Here is the Link to the Article at the “Times of India” Website: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/travel-between-china-and-thailand-will-soon-be-possible-via-high-speed-rail/articleshow/117733023.cms

SOURCE: Travel between China and Thailand will soon be possible via High Speed Rail {Archived Link}

https://archive.is/fIzc1

OUR SEA NEIGHBORS: Indonesia, 2025

February 11, 2025: The Chinese Company “Welong New Materials” plans to invest in a Usd 68 million Factory in Indonesia to produce Textile Fibers to be used by International Apparel Brands

The Chinese Company "Welong New Materials" is planning to invest in a Usd 68 million Chemical Fiber Production Factory in Indonesia. Once completed, the Factory will be able to produce up to 70,000 tons of Solution-dyed Fibers and 30,000 recycled Colored Fibers, and generate up to Usd 164 million in Sales per Year. 

These Fibers are used by different International Apparel Brands like Nike, Adidas, etc. and will be a big boost to Indonesia’s Textile Industry. 

Here is the Link to the “Yicai Global” Website: https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/chinas-welong-to-invest-up-to-usd68-million-to-build-green-fiber-plant-in-indonesia 

SOURCE: China’s Welong to Invest Up to USD68 Million to Build Green Fiber Plant in Indonesia {Archived Link}

January 31, 2025: Chinese Companies sell record number of EVs in Indonesia

Despite their ongoing Territorial Disputes in the South China Sea (SCS) over the Natuna Islands, Chinese Electric Vehicle (EV) Manufacturers still were able to sell a record number of their EVs in Indonesia in 2024, more than doubling that of 2023 when they sold over 43,000 Units. 

The Chinese Company "Build Your Dreams (BYD)" sold the most number of Evs there with 15,000 Units. The 43,000 Evs sold is only around 5% of the total number of Vehicles sold in Indonesia last Year, but the Sales of Conventional Vehicles haver already gone down by 14% compared to 2023, reflecting the changing Consumer Preferences in that Country. 

BYD is expecting to complete its Usd 1.3 billion worth EV Assembly Plant in West Java by 2026 and it will be capable of assembling up to 100,000 EVs per Year, which will likely further increase the adoption of EVs in Indonesia.

Here is the Link to the Article at the “Pressreader” Website: https://www.pressreader.com/singapore/the-business-times/20250201/281556591516221

SOURCE: Chinese EVs drive record high Sales in Indonesia, set for Explosive Growth in 2025 {Archived Link}

OUR ASIAN NEIGHBOR: Japan, 2025

January 14, 2024: Japanese Lawmakers visits China to meet with Communist Party Officials

Japan is moving forward with its ongoing Program of establishing friendlier Relations with China when not only are they having Military Exchanges with China as I have been reporting since last Month of December 2024, but their Lawmakers have now also gone over to China for an Official Visit recently. 

The Political Party of the current Prime Minster of Japan Shigeru Ishiba, the "Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)" sent a Delegation composed of twelve People to the Capital City of China, Beijing to meet with Top Officials of the Communist Party of China. 

Both Sides agreed to continue their Cooperation, and to conduct even more Exchanges at all Levels for the rest of this Year of 2025. As I mentioned also in a separate Report recently, this is Part of the Preparations for the planned official State Visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Japan sometime later this Year. 

Again, nothing has been settled as far as the Territorial Disputes regarding the Senkaku Islands between these two Countries, but now they are both seeking to establish Friendlier Relations. 

Exchanges like this are currently unthinkable under the current Administration of Bong Bong Marcos (BBM) as Lawmakers from his Political Party and its Allies have been at the forefront of Anti-China, Pro-United States (US) Sentiment lately.

SOURCES:

* Japan's ruling lawmakers visit China for Exchanges {Archived Link}

* Chinese Premier meets Delegation of Japan's ruling Coalition {Archived Link} 

January 14, 2025: Chinese Military visits Japan as Part of the latest Military Exchange Program

A Delegation from the Eastern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China visited Japan and met with Japanese Defense and Military Officials recently. This comes after the Visit of Japanese Military Officer to China last Month of December 2024. 

This Exchange of Military Visits comes as Japan is seeking to ease Tensions with China, and more Exchanges are expected in the near Future. Japanese Lawmakers are expected to visit China soon as both Countries are paving the Way for the likely State Visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Japan sometime this Year of 2025. 

Remember that Japan and China have an intense Territorial Dispute over the Senkaku Islands where both Sides engaged in “Bumper Boat” and “Water Cannon” Wars several Years ago, and yet here they are now, despite the Fact that nothing has been resolved yet between them over that Dispute. 

I admire Japan’s Independence and Pragmatism, something which the Philippines doesn’t have at the Moment as it is unimaginable right now to have a similar Military Exchange with China under this Pro-United States (US), Anti-China Administration of Bong Bong Marcos (BBM). 

Our Philippine Military was even so proud to admit and report to the Press as soon as former President Rodrigo Duterte left Office of how they sabotaged Military Relations with China during Duterte’s Term ...

Here is the Link to the Article at “The Japan Times” Website: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/01/14/japan/politics/chinese-military-delegation-visit/

SOURCE: Japan hosts Chinese Military Delegation in Rare Visit {Archived Link}