International News 24/01
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Global political experts foresee crisis in Taiwan Strait, here's their prediction
A crisis in the Taiwan Strait is expected to occur in 2024, according to a survey conducted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The survey asked 87 experts about their expectations for cross-strait relations. The majority of experts believe that a Chinese blockade or quarantine of Taiwan is the most likely scenario. While China has the capability to implement a People's Liberation Army (PLA)-led quarantine or blockade, experts do not believe a forceful invasion is likely. The survey differentiates between a quarantine, which would involve impeding commercial routes by non-military actors, and a military blockade by the PLA, which would indicate a goal of immediate unification. A crisis is defined as a significant increase in tensions accompanied by a major PLA exercise aimed at coercing Taiwan. The findings suggest that cross-strait tensions are expected to escalate in the coming years.
French Game Developer Acquires Krinded Group
French gaming company La Francaise des Jeux (FDJ) has made a takeover offer to Kindred Group, a move that would create the second largest operator in the European gaming sector. FDJ has bid for Kindred shares at 130 Swedish krona, valuing the company at €2.6 billion. This offer is 24% higher than Kindred's current share price on the secondary market. FDJ Chairman and CEO Stephane Pallez believes that the combination of the two companies will strengthen their strategic position and significantly increase overall valuation. In addition, FDJ expects the takeover to increase earnings and raise dividends per share by more than 10%.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/pengembang-gim-prancis-akuisisi-krinded-group
Price Drops, BHP Shuts Down Nickel Plant
BHP Group is planning on partially closing its Kambalda nickel concentrator in Western Australia in June. This decision comes after Wyloo Metals, the supplier of ore to the plant, announced a temporary suspension of mining due to low nickel prices. Jessica Farrell, President of Nickel West BHP, mentioned that as a result of Wyloo's decision, certain parts of the Kambalda concentrator will no longer be operational from mid-year. BHP's move is a response to the decrease in nickel prices caused by an increase in supply from Indonesia, leading to a 40% drop in prices over the past year. While BHP does supply Australian nickel to Tesla, the company stated that this contribution represents less than 1% of its revenue. Despite the partial closure, BHP will still maintain and care for the crushing, grinding, and flotation circuits at its Kambalda plant.
https://internasional.kontan.co.id/news/harga-turun-bhp-tutup-pabrik-nikel
North Korea's Beauty Products Exports to China to Rise 13-Fold by 2023
According to China's General Administration of Customs, the export value of North Korean beauty products to China in 2023 reached $167 million, a 13.4 times increase compared to the previous year. These beauty products include wigs and false eyelashes and account for 57.1% of North Korea's total annual exports, which amounted to $292 million. The value of trade between North Korea and China in 2023 reached $2.3 billion, a 137% increase from the previous year. Bilateral trade between the two countries also recovered to 82.3% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The partial opening of North Korea's border with China after years of closure due to the pandemic has increased transportation and trade. However, North Korea is still under UN sanctions and cannot export coal and other mineral resources to fund its nuclear and missile programs.