Torbjørn Færøvik's Blog, page 59

India moves to tap its rare earth reserves. Experts say it could become an alternative to China

India, like many countries, is grappling with Beijing’s restrictions on rare earth element (REE) exports — and it wants to develop its own domestic supplies. Experts say it could become an important alternative to China in the sector, but will require much more public and private investment.In recent weeks, the world has been facing a rare earths shortage in light of curbs from China. Auto

Critical Mineral Industries In China’s Far West Using Uyghur Forced Labor: Report

A new report says major Chinese producers of critical minerals are using state-imposed forced labor programs in the Uyghur region to meet rising global demand, putting international brands they export to at risk of complicity in human rights violations.According to the report by Hague-based rights group Global Rights Compliance, 77 companies and downstream manufacturers of critical minerals-based

China Moving Into Debt-Collection Mode

China has shifted from the world’s largest creditor nation to the globe’s biggest debt collector. Central Asian states owe billions to Chinese entities, but their geographic importance to Beijing is helping protect them from strong-arm repayment tactics.Institute, Peak repayment: China’s global lending,charts China’s transition from “lead bilateral banker to chief debt collector of the developing

China and Taiwan Trade Cybersecurity Accusations

On May 20, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te gave a speech to mark the completion of his first year in office, a period that has seen cross-strait tensions increase. Lai has toughened Taiwan’s stancetoward Beijing, which has responded with greater military and gray zone pressure against the self-ruled island. The growing China-Taiwan tensions include both sides trading public accusations of

South Korea Shuts Off Loudspeaker Broadcasts To North In Bid To ‘Restore Trust’

South Korea’s military on Wednesday stopped its loudspeakerbroadcasts into North Korea that had blared K-pop and propaganda across the demilitarized zone for over a year. The move fulfills a campaign promise of the new South Korean president who favors engagement with Pyongyang.In his inaugural address last week, President Lee Jae-myung – who replaced ousted conservative predecessor Yoon Suk

'Good karma': Laos' new monk-led travel experiences

Laos' spiritual heart, Luang Prabang, has seen a surge in tourism. Now, a series of immersive monk-guided experiences are educating visitors about the city's Buddhist heritage. The city of Luang Prabang is Laos' spiritual heartland, renowned for its rich Buddhist heritage, ornate temples and a significant population of saffron-robed monks. In fact, the 50,000-person spiritual hub is said by

Vietnam Approves Radical Consolidation of Provinces and Major Cities

Vietnam’s National Assembly yesterday approved an ambitious administrative reform plan that will nearly halve the number of provinces and cities and slash nearly 80,000 government jobs. The rubber-stamp legislature voted overwhelmingly to reduce the country’s 63 provincial and city administrations to just 34, including 28 provinces and six centrally-run cities.Under the reform, 11 cities and

Nike’s first Indian design collaboration nods to a 5,000-year-old tie-dyeing technique

Nike has launched its first ever collaboration with an Indian fashion label, unveiling a range of patterned sportswear inspired by the country’s ancient tie-dying techniques. Created alongside Delhi-based brand NorBlack NorWhite, the colorful footwear and apparel collection “invites women into sport” while celebrating “Indian culture and craftsmanship,” according to a Nike press release.The

Trump’s China ‘truce’ is nothing of the sort

At long last, the United States has reached a trade agreement with China. Again.After a testy war of words that escalated into a tit-for-tat restriction on key exports, American and Chinese officials this week met in the United Kingdom with a singular goal: Find a way to agree to what they had agreed to a month earlier in Geneva. It appears the countries’ top trade negotiators have

Rare earths: “Stepping into the Gobi feels like stepping on the surface of the moon”

“Stepping into the Gobi feels like stepping on the surface of the moon,” this is how most people describe the cold Gobi Desert in southern Mongolia, home to most mines in the country. Others have compared it to Mars. Many questions – and theories – arise when it comes to Mongolia’s battery metals potential. The Gobi is widely thought to hold lithium, graphite and rare earth elements (REE),