Modelo®, Takis® Snacks and Spice Adams Invite Fans to Go ‘All In’ This Summer with the “Hands on a Hot Drop” Competition

As one of many limited-edition #ModeloTime collaborations dropping this summer, fans will compete for a branded Modelo and Takis® Snacks vending machine and a year’s worth of beer and snacks*.

Modelo / Takis Vending Machine

Modelo / Takis Vending Machine

CHICAGO, July 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Summer is in full swing and to help fans maximize everything this season has to offer, Modelo is inviting consumers to have an “All In Summer” by partnering with some of the hottest brands to unlock weekly #ModeloTime collaborations. As part of the weekly #ModeloTime drops, Modelo has teamed up with Takis® Snacks to create a limited-edition, temperature-controlled vending machine, combining two of the best tastes of the summer – beer brewed for those with the Fighting Spirit paired with the iconic spicy snack brand.

To put Fighting Spirits to the test, Modelo has an exciting way for fans to get their hands – or hand – on a Modelo and Takis® Snacks Vending Machine. On Sunday, July 10, Modelo and Takis® Snacks will host its “Hands on a Hot Drop” Competition, where one lucky winner will receive the limited-edition vending machine along with help to buy a year’s worth* of Modelo and Takis® Snacks to fuel the summer vibes for the next year.

“Modelo is committed to helping our fans unleash their inner Fighting Spirit and maximize their summer,” said Greg Gallagher, Vice President Brand Marketing, Modelo. “Just like us, Takis Snacks has never been afraid to be bold, so it was a great fit to work with them on this unique experience.”

Pre-selected “Hands on a Hot Drop” contestants will be required to place one hand on the vending machine at the start of the competition and if they take their hand off for any reason— even if it’s to grab an ice-cold Modelo or wipe Takis® Snacks crumbs off their face – it will result in elimination. To keep things interesting, Modelo has tapped former professional football star and TV personality Spice Adams to host the competition, during which he will present challenges to see who has the most Fighting Spirit.

Modelo / Takis “Hands on a Hot Drop”

Modelo / Takis “Hands on a Hot Drop”

“I am thrilled to join Modelo and Takis Snacks at the iHeartRadio Block Party to host the ‘Hands on a Hot Drop’ competition and bring some extra spice,” said Adams. “I’ve got some tricks up my sleeve to keep participants on their toes and make sure everyone is having a great time. I’m ready to see which of these contestants has what it takes to bring the grand prize home.”

The competition will be held at the iHeartRadio Block Party presented by Modelo on Sunday, July 10 from 2 to 6 pm EST at Pier 76 in New York City. Modelo is welcoming those 21+ to watch the “Hands on a Hot Drop” competition live in New York City or on Instagram channels @ModeloUSA and @SpiceAdams.

Outside of the competition, two fans will be selected to win a Modelo and Takis® Snacks Vending Machine and help to buy a six-month supply* of Modelo beer and Takis® Snacks by entering the sweepstakes. The Modelo and Takis® Snacks collaboration is just one in a series of #ModeloTime drops taking place this summer to help consumers go all in. Every Friday at 3 p.m. ET, there is a fresh #ModeloTime drop, so fans won’t want to miss out. In order to get in on all the action, those interested can visit https://www.modelousa.com/pages/summer to enter the #ModeloTime drops and learn more.

Whether it’s a classic like Modelo Especial, the #1 import beer in the U.S.,1 or the full-flavored Chelada lineup – Modelo is here to help consumers go all in and make the most out of the precious summer months.

ABOUT MODELO®
Born in 1925 in the small town of Tacuba, Mexico, Modelo has been bringing distinctive high-quality beer to people ever since, including Modelo Especial®, Modelo Negra®, and a flavorful lineup of Modelo Cheladas. Modelo Especial is a golden, full-flavored Pilsner-style Lager with a clean, crisp finish. As the #1 imported beer in the U.S., Modelo Especial recently surpassed 150MM cases sold in 2021. The Modelo family of beers are exclusively brewed, imported and marketed for the U.S. by Constellation Brands.

ABOUT TAKIS®
Takis®️ is the most well-known brand of Barcel USA, the U.S. snack division of Grupo Bimbo, the world’s largest baking company with operations in 33 countries. Barcel USA is an exciting, young and fast-growing consumer packaged goods company headquartered in Coppell, Texas, with a strong presence in the largest markets nationwide. Takis are no ordinary snacks; they are the most intense snacks in the world. With different varieties: Takis®️ Rolled Tortilla Chips, Takis®️ Stix, Takis®️ Waves, Takis®️ Pop! and Takis®️ Hot Nuts. Takis snacks are for the strong, brave and daring. Visit us at www.barcel-usa.com/Takis

Media Contact:
Stephanie McGuane
Stephanie.mcguane@cbrands.com

1 Source: IQ 12LM ending November 2020
*Awarded in the form of a gift card

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1520de04-6c47-40c9-8e82-bee41e96320e

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f5659a23-5730-4c64-a651-8fbe61112cd8

Cellebrite to Release Second Quarter 2022 Financial Results on August 11, 2022

PETAH TIKVAH, Israel and TYSONS CORNER, Va., July 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cellebrite (NASDAQ: CLBT) (the “Company”), a global leader in Digital Intelligence (DI) solutions for the public and private sectors, today announced that it will report its second quarter 2022 financial results before market open on Thursday, August 11, 2022.

On that day, management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company’s financial results at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Telephone participants are advised to register in advance at: https://register.vevent.com/register/BI90711c1a1a8c4d6d8d7487d0eec649e8.

Upon registration, participants will receive a confirmation email detailing how to join the conference call, including the dial-in number and a unique registrant ID.

The live conference call will be webcast in listen-only mode at: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/smmox4u4.

The webcast will remain available after the call at: https://investors.cellebrite.com/events-presentations.

About Cellebrite 

Cellebrite’s (NASDAQ: CLBT) mission is to enable its customers to protect and save lives, accelerate justice, and preserve privacy in communities around the world. We are a global leader in Digital Intelligence solutions for the public and private sectors, empowering organizations in mastering the complexities of legally sanctioned digital investigations by streamlining intelligence processes. Trusted by thousands of leading agencies and companies worldwide, Cellebrite’s Digital Intelligence platform and solutions transform how customers collect, review, analyze and manage data in legally sanctioned investigations. To learn more, visit us at www.cellebrite.com and https://investors.cellebrite.com.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Statements
This document includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “forecast,” “intend,” “seek,” “target,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “continue,” “expect,” “estimate,” “may,” “plan,” “outlook,” “future” and “project” and other similar expressions that predict, project or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. Such forward looking statements include estimated financial information. Such forward looking statements with respect to revenues, earnings, performance, strategies, prospects, and other aspects of the business of Cellebrite are based on current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those indicated by such forward looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: Cellebrite’s ability to develop technologically advanced solutions and successfully integrate with the software solutions used by customers; acceptance of solutions by customers; errors, failures, defects or bugs in solutions; a failure to maintain sales and marketing personnel productivity or hire, integrate and retain additional sales and marketing personnel; the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic; the impact of competition on pricing and on Cellebrite’s market share; sub-optimal results from products due to misuse by customers; Cellebrite’s failure to maintain and enhance its reputation and brand; inaccuracy of the estimates of Cellebrite’s market opportunity and forecasts of market growth; changes to packaging and licensing models that adversely affect the ability to attract or retain customers; failure to manage future growth effectively; failure to introduce new solutions and add-ons; issues in the use of artificial intelligence resulting in reputational harm or liability; the need for additional capital to support the growth of Cellebrite’s business; a failure to maintain the security of operations and the integrity of software solutions; the impact of government budgeting cycles and appropriations, early termination, audits, investigations, sanctions and penalties; a decline in government budgets, changes in spending or budgetary priorities, or delays in contract awards; a failure to adequately obtain, maintain, protect and enforce Cellebrite’s intellectual property or infringement of the intellectual property rights of others; perceptions or court or regulatory decisions that Cellebrite’s solutions violate privacy rights; the use of solutions by customers in a way that is, or that is perceived to be, incompatible with human rights; failure to comply with laws regarding privacy, data protection and security, technology protection, sanctions, export controls and other matters; and other factors, risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections titled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in our Annual Report on form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 29, 2022 and in other documents filed by Cellebrite with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which are available free of charge at www.sec.gov. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, in this communication or elsewhere. Cellebrite undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

Investors
Anat Earon-Heilborn
VP Investor Relations
+972 73 394 8440
investors@cellebrite.com

Media
Victor Cooper
Public Relations and Corporate Communications Director
+1 404 804 5910
Victor.cooper@cellebrite.com

Gordon Brothers Acquires Unused Accommodation Barge Robyn S from Vanguard Shipping Limited for Immediate Sale

London, July 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gordon Brothers, the global advisory, restructuring and investment firm, has acquired the Robyn S accommodation barge from Vanguard Shipping Limited.

The firm is managing the disposition of Robyn S, which is available for immediate sale to the international marine, shipping and offshore markets.

The barge was previously used to transport bridge sections and components during the construction of the Queensferry Crossing over the Firth of Forth. Robyn S was built in 2010 at Nanjing Yonghua Shipbuilding Industry Company Limited to standard North Sea specifications, and the topside was fabricated in 2012 by Consafe to DNV standards. In 2021, Vanguard Shipping Limited acquired a 120-personnel accommodation topside with helideck and combined both units. For additional vessel specifications, please visit www.gordonbrothers.com/robyn-s.

“We’re excited to build on our market-leading disposition and appraisal capabilities in the maritime sector with our acquisition of the Robyn S barge and to continue to support companies in the marine, shipping and offshore industries through strategic change,” said Oliver Veart, Director, Marine & Valuations at Gordon Brothers.

“Gordon Brothers has a proven track record in supporting companies within multiple industries and sectors and has shown an enthusiasm for the Robyn S barge,” said John Sumner, Managing Director of Vanguard Shipping Limited. “We are pleased to partner with them as they have the resources, expertise and market knowledge to sell the vessel and its associated assets.”

Gordon Brothers has established a dedicated marine services and valuations practice that leverages decades of experience buying, selling, operating and valuing assets in the commercial and industrial economy across Australia, Brazil, Canada, the U.K., Europe, Japan and the U.S., and the firm looks forward to developing additional strategic opportunities as it increases activity in the Middle East and Asia Pacific. Gordon Brothers provides clients with advisory services including fleet and vessel renewal analysis, disposition and investment strategies.

About Gordon Brothers
Since 1903, Gordon Brothers (www.gordonbrothers.com) has helped lenders, management teams, advisors and investors move forward through change. The firm brings a powerful combination of expertise and capital to clients, developing customized solutions on an integrated or standalone basis across four services areas: valuations, dispositions, financing and investment. Whether to fuel growth or facilitate strategic consolidation, Gordon Brothers partners with companies in the retail, commercial and industrial sectors to provide maximum liquidity, put assets to their highest and best use and mitigate liabilities. The firm conducts more than $100 billion worth of dispositions and appraisals annually and provides both short- and long-term capital to clients undergoing transformation. Gordon Brothers lends against and invests in brands, real estate, inventory, receivables, machinery, equipment and other assets, both together and individually, to provide clients liquidity solutions beyond its market-leading disposition and appraisal services. The firm is headquartered in Boston, with over 30 offices across five continents.

About Vanguard Shipping Limited
Vanguard Shipping Limited is a British maritime company and sister company of Vanguard Packing Ltd, specialists in the export packing of large components and bespoke consignments operating from numerous locations throughout the U.K. Both companies sit within the Alkron Industrial group.

Lauren Nadeau
Gordon Brothers
+1.617.422.6599
lnadeau@gordonbrothers.com

ข้อมูลระยะยาวของทารกให้ความมั่นใจในการผสมกับไข่ด้วยวิธีใหม่ – วิธีเจริญพันธุ์ในหลอดทดลอง (CAPA-IVM)

วิลมิงตัน, รัฐเดลาแวร์, July 07, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — การศึกษาติดตามผลกับทารกอายุ 2 ปีใหม่ได้รายงานว่าไม่พบความแตกต่างในผลลัพธ์ของพัฒนาการในเด็กที่เกิดหลังจากการเจริญเติบโตเต็มที่ในหลอดทดลอง (CAPA-IVM) เมื่อเทียบกับเด็กที่เกิดด้วยวิธีการปฏิสนธิภายนอกร่างกายแบบเดิม (IVF) หลังการกระตุ้นรังไข่ การศึกษานี้ถูกออกแบบมาเพื่อตรวจสอบพัฒนาการที่ล่าช้าของเด็กในด้านการสื่อสาร การใช้กล้ามเนื้อมัดใหญ่ การใช้กล้ามเนื้อมัดเล็ก การแก้ปัญหา และพฤติกรรมส่วนตัวและพฤติกรรมทางสังคม โดยมีเด็กทั้งหมด 231 คนที่ได้รับการประเมินเมื่ออายุ 6 เดือน 12 เดือน และ 24 เดือนหลังคลอด

ผลการศึกษาได้รับการนำเสนอโดย Prof. Dr. Tuong M Ho ในการประชุมประจำปีครั้งที่ 38 ของ European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) เมื่อวันที่ 6 กรกฎาคม 2022 ที่เมืองมิลาโน (อิตาลี) และได้รับการตีพิมพ์ลงใน Human Reproduction1 วารสารเวชศาสตร์การเจริญพันธุ์ชั้นนำ

Prof. Dr. Lan Vuong จากโรงพยาบาล MyDuc, HCMC, เวียดนาม ซึ่งเป็นผู้นำในการศึกษากล่าวว่า “ผลการค้นคว้าที่สำคัญอย่างหนึ่งในการศึกษาครั้งนี้คือ ดูเหมือนจะไม่มีข้อกังวลอย่างมีนัยสำคัญใด ๆ เกี่ยวกับความปลอดภัยของ CAPA-IVM ต่อพัฒนาการของเด็ก” ผลลัพธ์ในปัจจุบันช่วยยืนยันการค้นพบล่าสุดที่ว่า CAPA-IVM ไม่ก่อให้เกิดการเปลี่ยนแปลงของอีพิเจเนติกที่สำคัญ หรือทำให้เกิดข้อบกพร่องในโอโอไซต์2ที่เจริญเติบโตเต็มที่ในหลอดทดลอง Dr. Vuong เชื่อว่าการหาหลักฐานอย่างต่อเนื่องเกี่ยวกับ CAPA-IVM มีความสำคัญสำหรับแพทย์ที่กำลังพิจารณาวิธีการทางเลือกในการรักษาเกี่ยวกับภาวะเจริญพันธุ์ในปัจจุบัน

เกี่ยวกับ CAPA-IVM

CAPA-IVM เป็นวิธีการใหม่ในการทำให้เซลล์ไข่เจริญเติบโตเต็มที่ในหลอดทดลอง โดยทำการเก็บไข่หลังจากที่มีการกระตุ้นรังไข่เพียงเล็กน้อยหรือไม่กระตุ้นเลย โดยรวมเอาขั้นตอนการผสมกับไข่ที่เจริญเติบโตเต็มที่ในหลอดทดลอง ซึ่งจะช่วยส่งเสริมพัฒนาการของเซลล์ไข่ CAPA-IVM เป็นวิธีการทางเทคโนโลยีเพื่อช่วยในเรื่องภาวะเจริญพันธุ์ที่เป็นมิตรต่อผู้ป่วย ซึ่งอาจเป็นทางเลือกแทนการกระตุ้นรังไข่แบบเดิมและ IVF โดยลดภาระของการรักษาสำหรับผู้ป่วย สิทธิ์ทั่วโลกสำหรับเทคโนโลยี CAPA-IVM เป็นของ Lavima Fertility, Inc.

แหล่งอ้างอิง

1. Vuong LN, Nguyen MHN, Nguyen NA, Ly TT, Tran VTT, Nguyen NT, Hoang HLT, Le XTH, Pham TD, Smitz JEJ, Mol BW, Norman RJ, Ho TM. พัฒนาการของเด็กที่เกิดจาก IVM เทียบกับ IVF: ติดตามผลเป็นเวลา 2 ปีในการทดลองแบบสุ่มโดยมีกลุ่มควบคุม Human Reproduction 2022, หน้า 1–9, deac115,

2. Saenz-de-Juano MD, Ivanova E, Romero S, Lolicato F, Sánchez F, Van Ranst H, Krueger F, Segonds-Pichon A, De Vos M, Andrews S, Smitz J, Kelsey G, Anckaert E. การแสดงออกของ DNA methylation และ mRNA ของยีนที่ปลูกถ่ายใน blastocyst ซึ่งได้จากวิธีการที่ได้รับการพัฒนาให้ดีขึ้นโดยการทำให้ไข่เจริญเติบโตเต็มที่ในหลอดทดลองจาก antral follicle ในผู้ป่วยกลุ่มอาการรังไข่มีถุงน้ำหลายใบ Human Reproduction 2019 กันยายน 29;34(9):1640-1649

ติดต่อ
andre.rosenthal@lavimafertility.com

Waves | MaxxAudio® Powers SKYWORTH TV’s S100 Skybar

Waves Has Teamed Up with SKYWORTH for the S100 Soundbar

Featured Image for Waves Audio

Featured Image for Waves Audio

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., July 06, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Waves Audio, the preeminent provider of adaptive audio technologies in consumer electronics and recipient of a Technical GRAMMY® Award, and SKYWORTH TV, a leading global television manufacturer and a pioneer in big-screen Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), have teamed up to include Waves MaxxAudio® sound enhancement technology in the new SKYWORTH S100 Soundbar.

By using the Waves’ MaxxAudio embedded on the Nuvoton NPCP215 DSP, the S100 provides unique sonic qualities and a complete suite of advanced sound enhancement algorithms. The S100 features Waves’ renowned MaxxBass – a virtual subwoofer that extends bass response beyond the physical capabilities of the hardware.

Eitan David, Waves GM Consumer Division, comments, “We are pleased to cooperate with SKYWORTH TV on enhancing the sonic quality of their home theater systems, and we are delighted to offer the S100 end user a richer and purer sound, immersing the listener with a powerful and authentic sound experience.”

With Waves’ proven experience in professional audio, acoustic device tuning is at the core of Waves’ expertise. The suite of MaxxAudio device-tuning tools, provides intuitive and highly precise solutions to deliver the best possible tuning presets for the unique characteristics of a sound device.

On the S100, SKYWORTH engineers have created three unique sound profiles to satisfy all listeners and cover every use case and a vast variety of content: A video preset, which significantly enhances sound for movies; a music preset, which offers a pristine and authentic sound quality that will please any demanding audiophile; and a voice preset, which presents clear and well-defined voice clarity for dialogue-heavy applications.

ShuangHua Tao, Skyworth Overseas Sales & Marketing HQ Chief Management of Marketing Planning, comments, “We are delighted to collaborate with Waves. Their contribution of high-end technology and experience in sound enhancing algorithm software has transformed the sound quality of the S100. The advanced, cutting edge and versatile Waves tuning console has resulted in a highly impressive and unique ‘true to sound’ quality. The S100 delivers an immersive sound experience with deep, powerful bass and crystal clear, open high frequencies.”

Discover more about MaxxAudio here.

About Waves Audio

Waves, recipient of a technical GRAMMY Award®, is a global leader and pioneer in audio technology for the music, entertainment, broadcasting, and consumer electronics industries. Top music producers, sound engineers, and live show engineers rely on Waves to create hit songs, blockbuster movies, top-selling games, and sold-out shows. The Waves Maxx® suite of audio and voice modules with Waves Nx® 3D audio enhances the sound experience on millions of laptops, tablets, smartphones, smart speakers, headphones, and is available on SoCs from the world’s foremost chip makers. Learn more about Waves technologies for consumer electronics at maxx.com.

About SKYWORTH TV
SKYWORTH TV is a leading global television manufacturer and a pioneer in big-screen Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT). Founded in 1988, SKYWORTH TV has more than 30 years of experience providing advanced home entertainment solutions and is one of the top global providers of Android TVs. Under its brand proposition “Lead the future”, SKYWORTH TV continues to invest heavily in R&D and innovative technology solutions and is dedicated to leading the transformation of the TV industry to revolutionize smart home experiences. For more information, please visit: http://global.skyworth.com/

Waves Audio PR Contact:

Dalia Migdal: dalia@waves.com

Related Images

Image 1


Image 2: SKYWORTH TV S100 Skybar

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

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G20: 2nd TIIWG meeting underlines need for WTO reform

The second meeting of the G20’s Trade, Investment, and Industry Working Group (TIIWG), held in Solo, Central Java, on Wednesday, highlighted the need to reform the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Building fairness among WTO member countries is important, G20 TIIWG chair and director general of international trade negotiations at the Indonesian Trade Ministry, Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, said in Solo on Thursday.

In line with the goal of WTO reform, the Indonesian G20 Presidency succeeded in bringing delegates from various countries to join the TIIWG meeting held on July 6 and 7, 2022.

The meeting served as a forum for discussing issues regarding trade, investment, and industry to forge new cooperation and support post-pandemic economic recovery.

The first topic discussed at the meeting was WTO reform, as a follow-up to the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in Geneva on June 12–17.

The TIIWG meeting deliberated on two more topics—trade, investment, and industry response to the pandemic and global health architecture, and spurring sustainable investment for global economic recovery.

According to a statement issued by Witjaksono, the meeting highlighted the need to strengthen the WTO in negotiations, monitoring, and dispute resolution systems.

“Indonesia will take the lead in encouraging collaboration through the discussion of all priority issues with the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) as the main goal to achieve a better and sustainable future for all and ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, some WTO members, both individually and in groups, have issued statements regarding their commitment to ensuring the free flow of goods and services essential for combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

The WTO has played an active role in establishing partnerships among various parties to encourage vaccine production and distribution to various countries.

Through frequent meetings, it is expected that there will be coordination and exchange of information related to the ongoing international trade trends, Witjaksono said.

Source: Antara News

Southwest Papua creation bill endorsed as DPR-initiated bill

The House of Representatives (DPR) has endorsed the bill on the establishment of Southwest Papua province as a DPR-initiated bill.

The DPR reached the agreement during the 28th plenary meeting of its fifth session (2021–2022) at the parliament building here on Thursday.

DPR Deputy House Speaker Rachmad Gobel, who led the session, allocated five minutes to speakers of DPR factions to present their faction’s views.

He suggested that the views be delivered in writing to the DPR leadership to shorten the meeting time on account of the recent COVID-19 spike in the country.

He later urged all factions to endorse the bill that was formulated at the initiative of the House Commission II into a DPR-proposed bill.

“As such, the nine factions (in the DPR) have conveyed their views. We ask the session of the honorary council whether the bill formulated at the initiative of the House Commission II on (the establishment of) Southwest Papua province can be endorsed into a DPR-proposed bill?” he asked DPR members.

“Agree,” answered the members.

The plenary meeting brought together 337 out of 575 DPR members. Of the 337 DPR members, 105 came in person and 232 attended the meeting online.

The plenary meeting was the closing plenary meeting of the fifth session of the DPR. The DPR members are later scheduled to take a recess until August 15, 2022.

Source: Antara News

Asia and the Pacific stronger together

Better opportunities will arise from ASEAN and Pacific island nations banding together.

An opportunity has arisen. For small and middle powers, increasingly uncertain and aggressive geosecurity has provided a chance to influence global developments. For the Pacific Islands, their time in the sun may have just begun, and they could look to other regions of the world for clues on how to play their hand.

Engaging with great and regional powers remains inevitable. They hold influential positions in global institutions and have the capacity to assist others to attain their respective goals.

China has become a legitimate challenger to America’s influence in the Pacific. No longer just east and west, a multipolar world order is emerging as a result of growing power parity between the major powers. A more cautious approach towards international politics may ensue as major powers attempt to avoid costly entanglements. Direct interventions such as those we had seen in the 1990s and early 2000s such as the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan may be a thing of the past.

But the negotiating leverage appears today to be shifting in the favour of small and middle powers. As exemplified in the Ukraine crisis, small and middle powers may need to learn to be less dependent on great and regional powers. This could result in them becoming more independent in their actions. Empowerment (sometimes not by choice) seems the order of the day. This perhaps best explains the rise in minilateral frameworks led by middle powers.

It may also be time for small and middle powers in both Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific Island nations to consider forging and championing their own ideas and visions for the Indo-Pacific. Already, ASEAN is an observer in the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Likewise, PIF and ASEAN are present at Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation.

As maritime nations, all of them have an interest and duty to ensure that the new regional architecture that emerges to manage the Indo-Pacific caters for their concerns, which are no less real or relevant to those of the great and regional powers.

Interest in the Pacific Islands has intensified in recent weeks. An area that has previously been described as a ‘diplomatic backwater’ has now seen the visits of not one but two foreign ministers of regional powers – China and Australia.

China’s Foreign Minister visit to the South Pacific was meant to further cement ties with a multilateral pact on security and development. This did not materialise. And at a time when the US had managed to get 12 other members to begin talks on the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework on Prosperity (IPEF), this might be viewed by some quarters as a failure of sorts. The IPEF is an economic initiative led by the US which aims to strengthen economic relations with its partners in the Indo-Pacific.

However China’s success in securing a security pact with the Solomon Islands is an indication that China is making inroads. Recently, the Australian government sent their foreign minister to make a similar round of visits, predictably to stem the growing influence of China in this sub-region.

The recent episode has highlighted that while the Pacific Islands states may welcome greater engagement with China, they do not fancy the baggage that comes along with it – great power competition.

It’s a dilemma not unique to this region. Other regions including Southeast Asia have long struggled to keep themselves free from such contests. The regions could learn from each other, for example, in how to balance bringing much-needed development through external engagements against keeping at bay the negatives.

Like the Pacific Islands today, Southeast Asian countries attracted much attention during that last great power contest – the Cold War. As the US and Soviet Union vyed for supremacy on the global stage, it was in small theatres like Southeast Asia and Europe where the contest was played out. Freeing themselves from these machinations encouraged some Southeast Asian countries to establish ASEAN.

While there are mixed views on the effectiveness of ASEAN as a tempering agent, its longevity and ability to shape the regional architecture in east Asia seem to indicate the opposite. Even today, as a new great power competition engulfs the Indo-Pacific region, ASEAN still manages to get a seat at the table; much of it due to its centrality in these developments, but also because it lends some legitimacy to the efforts of the protagonists.

In the pursuit of their respective interests, the US and China may be tempted to divide in order to rule, thus, adding impetus for these regions to draw closer. Both ASEAN and the PIF offer good platforms to do just that, by strengthening economic ties and enhancing co-operation to address specific local concerns.

Both regional groups can further improve inter-regional co-operation since they share many common concerns, such as maintaining regional peace and harmony, creating a sustainable and inclusive economy, and climate change.

Co-operation is important among these developing nations as they lack the capacity to address the issues alone. Climate change is naturally a pressing concern for many, especially those dependent on primary industries to drive their economies. Certainly, climate change poses an additional existential threat to many communities in the Pacific.

In the area of economics, these are relatively small economies that require a stable and open environment that will allow them to grow beyond what their domestic market permits; international economic co-operation thus becomes a necessity not an option.

Many of these countries are also maritime nations, making it imperative to secure freedom of navigation; and making them more likely to defend the existing rules-based order.

Can they be effective together? If there is an opportune time to prove it, it is now.

Source: 360Info