China says America’s global sanctions are illegal transnational economic coercion

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BREAKING NEWS:

CHINA'S LEADERSHIP THIS WEEKEND said “no” to a global order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump—and today analysts worldwide are holding their breath to see if the mercurial leader will back down.

The Trump administration last week again ordered the world, including specific firms in China, to stop trading with Iranians—the latest in a long series of similar instructions issued since early 2025.

But China said on Saturday that it will not comply—and ordered five named major Chinese oil traders to carry on, ignoring Washington’s threats.

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TECHNICALLY ILLEGAL

America’s global orders are technically cases of illegal transnational economic coercion.

But the US’s huge economic and military power has meant countries normally obey, in fear of US secondary sanctions.

Not this time.

A defiant statement from China’s commerce ministry pointed out the obvious, which is that the US measures unlawfully restrict normal trade with third countries.

“The Chinese government has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions that lack authorization from the United Nations and a basis in international law,” the department said on Saturday.

The Chinese also said the US action “breaches international norms”—a reference to US long-held defiance of World Trade Organization rules.

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PLAYING HARDBALL

To protect its firms, China also used the law. It deployed a blocking measure it had introduced in 2021 to shield Chinese companies from the unfair transnational techniques favored by the United States.

It issued an order banning recognition, enforcement, and compliance with US sanctions aimed at the Hengli Petrochemical (Dalian) Refinery Co and four other firms in the same trade.

That means the Chinese firms, and the banks and other organizations which deal with them, have to stand together.

What will happen next?

Trump could issue additional repressive secondary sanctions on the Chinese banks and others: this would be a major escalation in the US assault on world's free trade.

Or the unpredictable US leader could fail to move ahead, and then just shift to something else—such as relaunching the US attack on Iran.

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YOU CAN SAY NO

Either way, China’s pushback is significant. The world normally obeys American extraterritorial orders out of fear of secondary sanctions.

But China has shown that you can say no.

The friction comes just weeks before Chinese leader Xi Jinping is due to have a summit with US President Donald Trump.

Deputy finance minister: Malaysia must become tech-driven nation to tackle low wages

Deputy finance minister: Malaysia must become tech-driven nation to tackle low wages



Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong said the pilot phase will help identify gaps in the Malaysia Health Insurance and Takaful Initiative before full implementation in 2027. — Bernama pic

Monday, 04 May 2026 4:36 PM MYT


ISKANDAR PUTERI, March 4 — Malaysia needs to shift from being perceived mainly as a trading nation to a technology-driven country by striving to produce its own technological innovations in order to tackle the issue of low wages in the country.

Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong said the issue can be tackled if companies in the country, including in Johor, have more technological innovations, thereby creating jobs that offer higher salaries to locals.

According to him, the general perception that Malaysian companies merely support the needs of multinational corporations must also be changed with a new mindset within the government.

“Both the state and federal governments need to share responsibility in developing Malaysian companies into multinational corporations,” he said during the Johor state legislative assembly sitting at the Sultan Ismail Building here today.

Liew (DAP-Perling) said the low wage issue must be addressed as it is among the reasons behind the migration of hundreds of thousands of Johoreans as well as other Malaysian citizens to Singapore to become foreign workers.

Liew, who is also the Iskandar Puteri Member of Parliament, said many residents living in Greater Johor Bahru have expressed dissatisfaction about the rising cost of living following the influx of Singaporeans and corporate clients into Johor, which has become increasingly prosperous of late.

Meanwhile, Liew acknowledged the state government’s efforts under the leadership of Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi in developing the state.

According to him, various progress has been achieved over the past three years through joint efforts with the Federal Government, including initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), which has placed Johor in the regional spotlight.

He added that Johor Bahru should also be seen as the country’s second economic capital after Kuala Lumpur, especially in the context of its role in the JS-SEZ.

“This also gives confidence that with Greater Johor Bahru being one of the economic guardians, Malaysia can become a more successful nation,” he said.

Greater Johor Bahru includes Johor Bahru city, Iskandar Puteri, Pasir Gudang, and Kulai, which are set to become key destinations for economic growth involving development, industrial, tourism, infrastructure, and real estate projects. — Bernama

Trump suggests renaming Hormuz - 'Strait of Trump' during speech confirming negotiations with Iran

Trump suggests renaming Hormuz - 'Strait of Trump' during speech confirming negotiations with Iran

During a speech at the FII Priority Summit in Miami, Trump said that the US is "negotiating now, and it would be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up."

US President Donald Trump speaks next to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, US, March 26, 2026.(photo credit: EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/REUTERS)

By TOBIAS HOLCMAN

MARCH 28, 2026 01:21

Updated: MARCH 28, 2026 08:34

US President Donald Trump on Friday said that the US is negotiating with Iran over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.

During a speech at the FII Priority Summit in Miami, Trump said that the US is "negotiating now, and it would be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up."

He then proceeded to joke about renaming the waterway "Strait of Trump" as a condition to end the war.

Trump also said he wanted to restart discussions about new nations signing the Abraham Accords. "It's now time,” Trump said and added that he hopes “all of the countries” will participate.

Additionally, Trump assured that the US is "closer than ever to the rise of the Middle East that is finally free at last from Iranian terror... For 47 years, Iran has been known as the bully of the Middle East, but they are not the bully any longer."

Addressing the largely unknown fate of Iran's new supposed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump said the Iranian leader was either dead by now or in very serious condition, noting that no one has heard from him.

He also referred to the lack of support NATO provided to the US during Operation Epic Fury, saying that now the United States does not "have to be there for NATO."

"We would have always been there for them, but now, based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?" Trump told the audience.

"That sounds like a breaking story? Yes, sir. Is that breaking news? I think we just have breaking news, but that's the fact. I've been saying that. Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us? They weren't there for us."

Trump: "Cuba is next"

Trump also said that "Cuba is next" during his speech in Miami, after he touted the successes of US military action in Venezuela and Iran.

While the president did not specify what precisely he plans to do with the island nation, he has frequently said he believes the government in Havana, facing a severe economic crisis, is on the verge of collapse.

His administration has opened up negotiations with elements of Cuba's leadership in recent weeks, while Trump himself has hinted that kinetic action could be possible.

"I built this great military. I said, 'You'll never have to use it.' But sometimes you have to use it. And Cuba is next, by the way," Trump told the conference. "But pretend I didn't say that. Pretend I didn't."

Additionally, Trump referred to the operation during his previous mandate, where former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Qasem Soleimani was killed.

"He was so powerful that I really think that the leadership of Iran was extremely happy when I took him out, but they don't say that, but nobody's going to be asking them anymore because they're not here either," Trump said.

***

Usual Clown's kerbau - the Middle East was not threatened by Iranian terror BUT by Israeli genocidal thieving bullying, supported by moronic Wankee munitions, finance, intelligence and diplomacy.

Anwar says austerity measures won’t hit healthcare or hiring of new doctors

Anwar says austerity measures won’t hit healthcare or hiring of new doctors



Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim speaks to reporters after the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability’s monthly assembly in Putrajaya May 4, 2026. — Picture by Choo Choy May

Monday, 04 May 2026 11:39 AM MYT


PUTRAJAYA, May 4 — Austerity measures that could see billions of ringgit slashed from several ministries will not affect core programmes, including critical healthcare services and the recruitment of new doctors.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim clarified the matter this morning amid concerns that spending cuts, driven by ballooning subsidy bills, could hurt crucial public programmes.

“There was some confusion about the review of certain expenditures,” Anwar told reporters after speaking at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability’s monthly assembly here.

“It won’t affect healthcare services or the hiring of new doctors and nurses. Even the construction of new clinics will continue.”

Critical education spending will also be kept, Anwar explained. He said while there will be some cuts, the plan to build new classes for the incoming Year 1 students will continue.

“Yes education spending will have some reduction but building of new classes for Year 1 won’t stall. Some people reacted prematurely when the news came out but no (they are mistaken),” he said.

“We are talking about big spending, such as sending students for courses abroad, if they can do it here just do it locally,” Anwar added.

“Then celebrations and all that, we will stop it. Also the scope of construction — any excess will be reduced.”

The prime minister’s clarification came following weeks of public anxiety over the national budget, after news reports surfaced that the Treasury would make cuts of up to RM10 billion as part of broader push to save cost.

The government had indicated that it would take swift measures to tackle the global crude oil price surge, which has exceeded US$115 per barrel as the Middle East conflict plunged the world into one of the worst energy supply crises.

Anwar said his administration would commit to keeping RON95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre, but this had shot the fuel subsidy bill for April 2026 up to an estimated RM7 billion from just RM700 million previous month.

Carlsberg Malaysia in the Shadow of Abdul Razak Hussein Era

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Carlsberg Malaysia in the Shadow of Abdul Razak Hussein Era


3 May 2026 • 8:00 PM MYT

AM World
A writer capturing headlines & hidden places, turning moments into words

Image credit: Facebook


In the heart of Shah Alam, Selangor, sits what many Malaysians quietly call the largest kilang arak in Malaysia. It is a place more associated with export containers and industrial hum than political debate. Its name is familiar on supermarket shelves and in local kopitiams. Yet few know how this facility came to be, how it shaped the country’s industrial fabric, and why leaders like Abdul Razak and successive policymakers cheered its rise. This is the story of how a foreign beer maker became woven into Malaysia’s economic narrative.



A Danish Legacy Takes Root in Malaysia


In the late 1960s, global brewers looked beyond Europe for growth. One of them, a Danish company founded more than a century earlier, chose Malaysia as its first major Asian production base outside Copenhagen. (Carlsberg Malaysia)Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad was incorporated in December 1969. (Carlsberg Malaysia)
Construction of the Shah Alam brewery began in 1971, and by 1972 the first bottles were sold locally. (Carlsberg Group)
The plant was the company’s first overseas brewery and symbolised a shift toward global manufacturing. (Carlsberg Malaysia)

This move mattered for Malaysia. In an era when local industry needed anchors, the arrival of a globally recognised brewer offered jobs, export capacity, tax revenue, and a new industrial identity.



Economically, this was a big deal at a time when Malaysia pushed to diversify beyond rubber and tin. The brewery provided direct employment, upstream demand for logistics and packaging, and downstream distribution networks. Its success helped signal Malaysia’s readiness for more advanced manufacturing projects.


What Made Shah Alam the Right Choice


Choosing Shah Alam was strategic. The city was emerging as an industrial hub with new infrastructure and access to ports and highways. The brewery’s founders saw Malaysia as a stable, English-speaking environment with a growing consumer market.



Government leaders in the late 1960s, including then‑Deputy Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak, championed foreign industrial investment as a path to job creation and skills development. While specific archival records of meetings are limited, policymakers at the time publicly encouraged manufacturing giants to invest in Malaysia’s industrial corridors.


For the government, foreign direct investment like this delivered tangible results: new technology, managerial know‑how, and multiple knock‑on industries in support services.



Growth, Innovation and Community Impact


Over the decades, the Shah Alam brewery did more than just make beer. It became a centre of innovation, adapting global brewing technologies to local conditions and consumer tastes.The brewery now produces multiple brands, including mainstream and premium beers, ciders and non‑alcoholic brews. (Carlsberg Malaysia)
Product innovation helped Carlsberg Malaysia maintain strong market share and regional exports. (Carlsberg Group)

Long‑term investments show confidence in Malaysia’s role. In 2024, Carlsberg Malaysia announced a RM343 million transformation of its Shah Alam brewery. (Carlsberg Malaysia)



This upgrade focused on cutting‑edge bottling, energy efficiency and sustainability. Leaders pitched it not just as a production boost but as a model for low‑impact manufacturing in Malaysia.


The brewery’s transformation highlights a key point: industrial growth can align with environmental goals. By investing in technologies to reduce water, energy and waste, the company raised standards for Malaysian manufacturing. (The Star)


Industry Influence Beyond Beer


The plant’s influence touches more than beverages. Its presence shaped related sectors:Local supply chains for packaging and logistics expanded.
Skilled workers trained in industrial processes contributed to talent pools across manufacturing.
Tax revenues supported public services and infrastructure.

In this sense, the brewery acted as a cornerstone in Malaysia’s broader industrial ecosystem.



Social Responsibility and Local Engagement


The brewery did not stay isolated from communities. It engaged in local programmes during difficult times. For instance, during the COVID‑19 pandemic, the company invested in helping coffee shop operators affected by lockdowns. (Reddit)


This kind of support lessened economic shocks and reinforced trust between business and society.


Moreover, Carlsberg Malaysia’s sustainability agenda ties into global targets on responsible drinking, environmental stewardship and workplace safety. The company adopted frameworks to reduce carbon emissions and minimize waste, aiming for industry leadership and community benefit. (Carlsberg Malaysia)



How the Narrative Changed Over Time


Today, the Shah Alam brewery is both an industrial giant and a symbol of economic cooperation between foreign investment and local development. At first, some questioned whether Malaysia needed an alcohol plant, given religious and cultural sensitivities. But industry leaders and policymakers pushed back with a pragmatic view: regulated, responsible manufacturing contributes to economic growth.


Rather than focusing only on debates about consumption, business leaders positioned the plant as part of Malaysia’s manufacturing identity. This reframing helped shift public perception from moral judgement to economic pragmatism.



What Others Say: Expert Insight


Economists note that targeted foreign investment can catalyse broader growth. For example, research from the International Monetary Fund shows that export‑oriented foreign firms often have spillover benefits for local firms and workforce development. (See IMF research on FDI and growth.)


Local industry analysts also point out that multinational companies like Carlsberg often serve as training grounds for Malaysian talent in quality control, logistics and export management. These skills transfer to other sectors and contribute to national competitiveness.



Broader Implications for Malaysia


Carlsberg’s success highlights key lessons for Malaysia’s development strategy:

• Attracting FDI matters. Global firms bring capital, technology and market reach.
• Industrial policy pays off when paired with local skills growth. Workers trained in modern manufacturing create value beyond the original investment.
• Sustainability is now a requirement, not just a buzzword. Modern plants must adopt practices that reduce environmental impact and respect societal values.

What Do You Think? I’d Love to Hear Your Opinion in the Comments Section.



What started as a strategic bet by a Danish brewer has grown into a Malaysian industrial landmark. The Shah Alam brewery, once a foreign curiosity, is now a vital part of the nation’s manufacturing story. It created jobs, supported local supply chains, and set standards for sustainable industrial growth. Leaders like Tun Abdul Razak and his successors saw beyond cultural debate and recognised the broader economic gains.


The plant’s evolution shows that pragmatic, well‑regulated industry can coexist with cultural diversity. It also shows that Malaysia can attract and grow global investments that deliver lasting economic benefits.

***

I remember the "Long cool Dane" of Carlsberg:

Rafizi arrives at MACC over Arm Holdings probe

Rafizi arrives at MACC over Arm Holdings probe



Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has arrived at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya, to provide a statement over an investigation linked to the government’s collaboration with Arm Holdings. — Bernama pic

Monday, 04 May 2026 10:11 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli arrived at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) headquarters in Putrajaya this morning to give a statement over an ongoing investigation linked to the government’s collaboration with UK-based chip design company Arm Holdings.

The Pandan MP and former economy minister was seen entering the anti-graft agency’s compound at about 9.45am, ahead of his scheduled 10am appearance.

“God willing, we will go through the process. We have nothing to hide. And if it ends up in court, I am confident we have a strong case,” he said on the sidelines, as reported by FMT.

A group of supporters had gathered outside the premises, while several police personnel were stationed nearby to monitor the situation.

Subang MP Wong Chen, a close ally of Rafizi, was also present.

MACC previously said the probe concerns a strategic collaboration agreement in the semiconductor industry involving the Economy Ministry and Arm Limited, with investigations centred on alleged abuse of power and misappropriation tied to an RM1.1 billion investment.

In a statement posted on social media last week, Rafizi confirmed he had received notice from MACC requiring him to appear at its headquarters today.

He claimed the case had become MACC’s “top priority” since February and insisted there was no financial wrongdoing involved.

“There is no monetary motive. No money is involved,” he said on his official X account.

Rafizi’s former aide, James Chai, was also questioned by MACC over three days last week.

Rafizi said he expected he could eventually face charges related to alleged breach of trust, including accusations of providing false information or rushing Cabinet approval for the agreement.

“Insya Allah, I am prepared with my team of lawyers. It will be a long and fascinating trial, because many of the country’s top leaders will be called as witnesses,” he added.

Australia Eyes B-21 Stealth Bombers as F-35 Range Falls Short & AUKUS Nuke Submarines Remain Years Away

Sunday, May 3, 2026


Australia Eyes B-21 Stealth Bombers as F-35 Range Falls Short & AUKUS Nuke Submarines Remain Years Away

By Sakshi Tiwari
-May 1, 2026



With the delivery of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia under the AUKUS agreement years away, the discourse on Australia’s potential purchase of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber has been revived to address the capability gap.

Under the AUKUS agreement, signed by the US, the UK, and Australia in September 2021, the US plans to sell at least three Virginia-class submarines to Australia in the early 2030s, and the UK will help design a new class of submarine, called SSN-AUKUS, in the future. The move aims to counter the security threat posed by China in the Indo-Pacific.

Australia’s Shadow Defense Minister, James Paterson, has proposed that the country consider purchasing the B-21 stealth bomber from the US to fill the capability gap until the AUKUS submarines arrive, arguing that the bombers, currently undergoing testing, would provide a comparable long-range attack capability as Australia awaits the arrival of the Virginia-class submarines.

However, while making his case in a speech to the National Press Club, the Senator also acknowledged that, “Only the government can know whether the [Royal Australian Air Force] is well-placed to acquire these planes and put them into service.” “Perhaps there are good reasons why a B-21 does not work for Australia. If that is the case, I hope the government is very closely examining other similar options that could fill this serious potential capability gap. Because I do not want Australia to enter the moment of maximum peril in the late 2020s and early 2030s without this critical deterrent capability,” he added.

It is pertinent to note that the Australian government, policymakers, and think tanks have contemplated the purchase of American bombers for years. For example, the Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles indicated in 2022 that the B-21 Raider was “being examined” for potential acquisition, and the proposition featured in the country’s 2023 Defense Strategic Review, as previously reported by the EurAsian Times.

However, the plan was later dropped due to the aircraft’s prohibitive cost.

The B-21 is estimated to cost nearly $1 billion—a price considered too prohibitive for a country that has already been chastised for spending billions of dollars on the AUKUS submarine project. So, citing the high cost, the Australian government decided against buying the B-21s and instead opted to acquire more long-range strike weapons for its fifth-generation F-35A stealth fighters and its fleet of F/A-18F Super Hornets.

A B-21 Raider conducts flight testing, including ground testing, taxiing, and flight operations, at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Courtesy photo

Despite that, analysts and academics in Australia have consistently toyed with the idea of buying the Raiders.

In 2024, the Australian non-profit research organization the Institute for Public Affairs (IPA) recommended the acquisition of the B-21 Raider “as an additional element” to the AUKUS trilateral defense pact. Australia must seek to procure the B-21 and also offer “to host a US B-21 contingent” to “strengthen deterrence in the 2020s and manage the risk of delays in the AUKUS submarine”, the organization stated in the report at the time.

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) made the case for the purchase of older B-2A stealth bombers in 2025, emphasizing that it may be well-suited to meet Australia’s capability requirements in terms of range, payload, and stand-alone platform survivability.

At the heart of all these recommendations is the same concern: the need to better protect Australia’s air and marine approaches amid China’s arrival to what is Australian doorstep. And, the unpredictability of AUKUS.

Interestingly, James Paterson’s suggestions for purchasing the B-21 Raider from the US come at a time when AUKUS itself has come under scrutiny, given that it is highly unlikely that the US will provide any Virginia-class subs to Australia, as the Americans do not have enough for themselves, as previously explained in detail by the EurAsian Times.

Additionally, a report prepared by the British Parliament’s defense committee warned that the delivery of Australia’s new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines could be hampered by insufficient investment and leadership, and added that the UK’s commitment to the AUKUS partnership is beginning to lag behind. Additionally, the committee questioned the Royal Navy’s capability to send a submarine to Perth to assist in training sailors and technicians, particularly as this would overstretch the British fleet.

File Image: USS West Virginia Submarine: Via US CENTCOM

While the acquisition of the B-21 may seem a compelling prospect given the AUKUS submarine so far into the future, some dissonance exists in Australia, with analysts favoring investment in long-range strike through distributed networks rather than a single platform, whose potency they acknowledge.

“On the ‘B-21s and Australia’ debate, which is taking off again, I think a better investment would be to focus on increasing long-range strike through distributed networks of advanced uncrewed systems, rather than spending a lot of money to get a small number of very expensive and complex B-21s as a proverbial ‘silver bullet’ solution,” Dr Malcolm Davis, a senior analyst with ASPI, wrote in a long post on X.

Dr Davis argued that the “MQ-28A Ghost Bat is in its early years, but it opens the door to significant evolution into a range of uncrewed, semi-autonomous systems. One variant that could be developed is a long-range, high-payload, high-performance strike system to be acquired in significant numbers. So, something between where the Ghost Bat is now – a small collaborative combat aircraft – and a larger bomber like the B-21.”


Further, he stated that combining the above-stated capability with investment into next-generation GCAP, or possibly the US Navy’s next-generation F/A-XX, or perhaps, even the F-47 to replace the F/A-18F and E/A-18G from 2040, seemed like a better path to him.

That said, the Australian government remains unmoved by its original decision and has shown no interest in acquiring the B-21 in recent times.
A Case For B-21 Bombers For Australia

The B-21 bomber is a sixth-generation stealth aircraft designed to conduct deep-penetrating nuclear and conventional strikes in heavily defended airspace. It is anticipated to replace the B-2 Spirit bombers, as you can read about here.

Some analysts argue that the B-21 stealth bomber would significantly bolster Australia’s combat capability by providing a sovereign, long-range strike option that would complement the nuclear-powered submarines, long-range missiles in the Australian arsenal, and existing F-35A fighter jets and P-8 Poseidon surveillance aircraft.

Experts frequently tout the B-21’s exceptional unrefuelled range, which is expected to be far greater than that of the F-35A jets currently operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) (even with refueling).

In the event of a hypothetical conflict between the US and China, the range of the B-21 bomber would allow the RAAF to operate from bases deep inside Australia, such as from the Northern Territory or Western Australia, strike targets, including in highly contested areas near the South China Sea or closer to China, and return without relying heavily on vulnerable forward airbases or extensive tanker support.

However, the EurAsian Times must emphasize that the Australians have never expressed an intent to join any conflict between the US and China.

The B-21 has been particularly designed for high-threat scenarios, such as in the Indo-Pacific. It has the capability to penetrate advanced integrated air defense systems—a key capability in any potential hostilities with China, which has meticulously established a potent Anti-Access/Area-Denial network along its coastline.

The B-21 can deliver large payloads of precision-guided munitions at high-value targets, enabling deterrence by denial. In fact, Marcus Hellyer and Andrew Nicholls, experts on cost and capabilities in defense acquisitions with ASPI, earlier noted in a report that a single B-21 can reportedly carry ordnance equivalent to at least six F-35As.

Notably, the manufacturer of the platform, Northrop Grumman, states: “As adversaries continue to invest in and develop advanced weapons, the B-21 Raider will provide the United States with a strategic asset capable of penetrating enemy air defenses and reaching targets anywhere in the world — something approximately 90 percent of the nation’s current bomber fleet is incapable of doing.”

The B-21 also boasts sophisticated broadband low-observable (stealthy) capabilities, achieved through modern engines and a highly efficient airframe tailored for high-altitude flying. In fact, the platform will be more than just a bomber with its wide range of networking, combat management, electronic warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities. The B-21 has considerably better radar arrays for targeting, as well as more sophisticated avionics and sensors.

Additionally, the B-21’s sixth-generation open systems architecture makes it easier to incorporate new software and technology. “The B-21 is being designed with open systems architecture to reduce integration risk and enable competition for future modernization efforts to allow for the aircraft to evolve as the threat environment changes,” states the USAF, which is currently testing the bomber for its own use.

However, the purchase of the bomber and the establishment of maintenance, repair, and other infrastructure would cost billions of dollars in investment, which continues to be a major reason for Canberra’s reluctance to the B-21, particularly as the government remains committed to the AUKUS program, whose cost has been repeatedly called into question.

***

Idiots still haven't learnt from the AUKUS scam of $368billion (gone kaput-ed for nothing). And besides, does OZ have any nuke to be carried on the proposed B-21s??? So wanna bomb China??? Wakakaka😂😂😂

No more roadside Pad Thai? Bangkok’s street food sellers battle new rules as city cracks down on footpath businesses

No more roadside Pad Thai? Bangkok’s street food sellers battle new rules as city cracks down on footpath businesses



Roadside dining in Bangkok’s Chinatown is part of the charm of Thailand’s capital, but tighter controls now threaten the livelihoods of hawkers and culture. — AFP pic

Sunday, 03 May 2026 9:00 PM MYT


BANGKOK, May 3 — Across Bangkok, aromas of garlic, chilli and grilled meat drift from roadside stalls and carts, but tighter controls on vendors threaten livelihoods and the street food culture that defines the Thai capital.


Convenient, full of flavour and popular among locals and tourists alike, Bangkok’s street food is one of the city’s signatures – where sizzling woks and smoky charcoal grills turn boulevards and sidewalks into open-air kitchens from morning until late at night.


But many street sellers in the foodie paradise face an uncertain future as the Bangkok government in recent years has moved to clear footpaths, improve order and relocate vendors from curbsides in packed commercial districts to designated market stalls.

“I am worried because we are here illegally,” said Looknam Sinwirakit, who was once fined 1,000 baht (US$30; RM121.45) for obstructing the street while selling 50-baht (RM6.07) fried glutinous rice cakes in the capital’s Chinatown.

One of Bangkok’s busiest tourist areas, the neighbourhood’s steady flow of customers is worth the risk of city fines, Looknam, 45, told AFP.


“Vendors need to earn a living,” she said. “It’s not fair just to evict us, but if they tell us to (leave) then we have to.”

Nearby, durian seller Wong Jaidee, who has sold the strong-smelling fruit for more than two decades, said he also feared being made to move.

“I don’t have any backup plan,” the 56-year-old said. “Bangkok is a high-priced city and we may not be able to cope.”


Time to move

Since 2022, the estimated number of mobile vendors in the city has fallen by more than 60 percent, with around 10,000 fewer now on the streets, according to data from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

While dozens have moved to informal markets and hawker centres – using a model similar to Singapore, where food vendors are grouped in designated locations – many others have simply closed their business due to the stricter regulations or because they were no longer profitable, said BMA official Kunanop Lertpraiwan.



Pavements become battlegrounds for pedestrians and hawkers as street food sellers move their carts during the evening rush hour in Bangkok’s Chinatown. — AFP pic



The municipality has mostly targeted vendors crowding main roads with heavy pedestrian foot traffic, while those on side streets and in areas popular with backpackers and other tourists were allowed more flexibility, Kunanop said.

“We give them time and communicate with them clearly,” he said, adding some sellers were given several months to find a new location.

“It’s not like we will move them tomorrow.”

The city is pushing more vendors to set up shop in one of five hawker centres opened in recent years – the latest in April beside Bangkok’s popular Lumphini Park.

With rows of food stalls and picnic tables, the new hub so far houses around a dozen vendors who previously sold food on nearby streets.

BMA encouraged them to relocate, and they now pay 60 baht (RM7.28) a day to rent a hawker stall.

Panissara Piyasomroj, who sold noodles to morning runners in the park since 2004, said moving into the centre meant better conditions, including convenient water and electricity access.

Under a roof to beat the heat, the 59-year-old said her business had been “upgraded” and “looks cleaner”.


‘Part of the culture’

But for other vendors, the prospect of moving from a familiar setting remains a concern.



A street vendor pushing a cart of fresh fruit in Bangkok, Thailand across the road. — AFP pic



Thitisakulthip Sang-uamsap, 67, has sold fried vegetable balls near Chinatown for more than 40 years and worries she could be forced to relocate.

“I live around here... if they ask me to leave, I won’t be comfortable,” she said, adding she hoped the government would show empathy for older vendors earning little income.

The crowded, bustling sidewalks and the smell of freshly grilled squid and other street treats are for many visitors a key part of Bangkok’s charm – and a cheap, tasty meal on-the-go is worth the hassle of a blocked path.

German tourist Oliver Peter said Thailand has one of the best cuisines in the world, noting his favourite, Pad Thai – the popular stir-fried rice noodles ubiquitous in Bangkok’s streetside woks.

“It would be sad if they go away,” he said. “It’s part of the culture.” — AFP

US further arms Israel for continued genocidal killings

Israel approves purchase of fighter jets from the US


Israel to buy two new combat squadrons of F-35 ⁠and F-15IA advanced fighter aircraft from Lockheed Martin and Boeing in a deal worth tens of ​billions of dollars

An Israeli F-35 performs during a graduation ceremony for new pilots over the Hatzerim Airbase near Beersheba, Israel [File: Ariel Schalit/AP Photo]

By Al Jazeera Staff, AFP and Reuters
Published On 3 May 2026

Israel has given final approval for a multibillion-dollar deal to buy two new combat squadrons of advanced F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets from United States manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Boeing, the Ministry of Defence says.

Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Procurement signed off on the deal as the initial phase of a 350-billion-shekel ($119bn) programme to boost the country’s armed forces and “strengthen readiness ahead of a demanding decade for Israeli security”, it said on Sunday.

“Alongside immediate wartime procurement needs, ‌‌we have a responsibility to act now to secure the [military’s] edge 10 years from now and beyond,” Defence Ministry Director General Amir Baram said.

The continuing US-Israel war on Iran “reinforced just how critical the US-Israel strategic relationship is and how essential advanced air power remains”, he added.



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Under the deal, Israel would buy a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA fighter jets from Boeing.

In December, Boeing was given an $8.6bn ⁠⁠contract for Israel, including 25 new F-15IAs and an option for 25 more.

Baram ⁠⁠said the next step would be to move forward with finalising the agreements with the US government and military.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the purchase “reinforces Israel’s overwhelming air superiority – a superiority that was demonstrated in Am KeLavi [12-day war on Iran] and now in Shaagat HaAri [ongoing war in Iran]”.

“Our pilots are prepared to reach anywhere in Iranian airspace if required,” he added.


‘Keep pressing forward’

The US and Israel launched a war on Iran on February 28, but a fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 8. ⁠⁠The US Navy maintains a blockade of Iranian ports.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the US-Israel war on Iran demonstrated the air force’s power and its decisive role ⁠⁠in protecting Israel.

“The lessons of that campaign require us to keep ⁠⁠pressing forward on force build-up to ensure air superiority for decades to come,” he said.

Katz said the new aircraft would ‌‌lead to a significant technological leap in integrating autonomous flight capabilities and next-generation defence systems and in establishing Israeli military dominance in space.

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The shailoks needn't pay as all the arms will be at Wankee taxpayers expense, as per normal.

 

Bawang Assan rep proposes Sibu host water music festival amid Peninsula backlash

By Pe

Tiong (left) and Wong pictured during a recent dinner reception in Sibu.

SIBU (May 3): Bawang Assan assemblyman Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh has proposed that Sibu host an annual water music festival, saying the district is ready to embrace such initiatives amid controversy surrounding a similar event in Peninsular Malaysia.

In a statement, Wong expressed full support for Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Progressive Democratic Party (PDP) president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing following objections raised against the Rain Rave Water Music Festival in the peninsula.

He said if certain politicians there could not accommodate such a creative and multicultural event, Sibu would be ready to welcome it with open arms.

Wong revealed he would formally engage with Tiong to explore the possibility of hosting a similar festival at Sibu Town Square and to propose making it a signature annual event under PDP and Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS), with the aim of positioning Sibu as a tourism and arts hub in central Sarawak.

The PDP senior vice-president said the recent uproar highlighted a stark contrast in cultural tolerance between East and West Malaysia.

“In West Malaysia, some politicians are quick to label artistic events and exploit division for political gain. But in Sarawak, our mindset is entirely different.

“We take pride in the ‘Sarawak model’ – a culture built on mutual respect, understanding, and inclusivity,” he said, referring to objections faced by the Rain Rave Water Music Festival, including pressure from conservative parties such as Umno and PAS.

He emphasised that Sarawak’s multi-ethnic communities have long coexisted harmoniously without resorting to extreme views that restrict others.

“This inclusivity is Sarawak’s most valuable asset and the ideal foundation for hosting international-scale events,” he said.

Wong also cited the success of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) in Kuching, which attracts thousands of international visitors annually and has placed Sarawak on the global cultural map.

He said Sibu, enriched by the Rajang River and its deep cultural heritage, also deserves a vibrant, high-quality modern entertainment event.

“We should not always be spectators. It is time for Sibu to step forward. Through a water music festival, we can energise the local economy and unleash the creativity of our youth,” he said.

He stressed that the proposal to make the festival an annual PDP/GPS event was not about political promotion, but about delivering tangible economic benefits, including stimulating local industries such as food and beverage, hospitality, transport and retail.

Wong added that the festival could also foster unity across communities and help build Sibu’s brand identity as a centre for music and culture.

He reiterated his support for Tiong, commending his courage and vision in promoting Malaysia’s tourism diversity.

“Sarawakians will not be bound by extreme thinking. Through music, water, and joy, we will show the world what true unity and openness look like.

“Sibu’s potential must not remain hidden – we will unlock it together and let its name resonate across the globe,” he said.