International News 17 March 2025
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The U.S. and Houthis on the Brink of Open War, Red Sea Becomes a New Conflict Zone
The United States has announced its intention to continue targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen until they cease their attacks on commercial ships. This statement was made by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Sunday. The Houthis, supported by Iran, have threatened to escalate their attacks in response to U.S. airstrikes that resulted in many casualties. The Houthi-controlled Ministry of Health reported that at least 53 people were killed in the airstrikes. This airstrike, which marks the largest U.S. military operation in the Middle East since President Donald Trump took office, is expected to continue for several weeks. In response, Houthi leaders have stated that their group will target U.S. ships in the Red Sea as long as the U.S. continues its strikes in Yemen. The Houthi Political Bureau condemned the U.S. airstrikes as war crimes, and Russia has called for the U.S. to stop its attacks. The Houthis claim, without evidence, that they have targeted U.S. warships in the Red Sea with ballistic missiles and drones as retaliation for the U.S. strikes.
China Announces Action Plan to Boost Consumption Amid Consumer Pressure
China's State Council has introduced a "special action plan" aimed at stimulating domestic consumption. The plan includes strategies such as increasing residents' incomes and implementing a childcare subsidy scheme. This initiative is in response to weak consumer demand in China, which has been influenced by factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and a decline in the property sector. The plan emphasizes the need to boost consumption, expand domestic demand, and increase purchasing power by raising income and reducing expenses. Chinese officials are under pressure to implement consumer-focused stimulus measures to counter deflationary pressures, reduce reliance on exports and investment, and promote household spending as a way to sustain economic growth.
Porsche Confirms It Will Retain Stake in Volkswagen
Porsche SE, the largest shareholder of Volkswagen, has denied rumors suggesting that they intend to sell their stake in the company. Previous reports indicated that the Porsche and Piech families were considering divesting their shares in Volkswagen. According to German tabloid Bild, Porsche was considering this move to raise capital, which could potentially reduce their common shareholding in Volkswagen from 53.3% to 45%-50%. If this happens, it would generate between €1.07 billion and €2.69 billion. However, Porsche has clarified that there are no concrete plans to sell its Volkswagen shares in 2021 or throughout 2024. Porsche is committed to remaining a long-term shareholder in Volkswagen, as they believe it will enhance the value of the company.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/ekspansi-pepsico-inc-akuisisi-poppi-seharga-us-12-miliar