Mainland Southeast Asia

• More than a year after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the growth of the shadow oil tanker fleet is the latest consequence to challenge shipowners, their crew and insurers.
• During 2022, 38 total losses of vessels were reported globally, compared with 59 a year earlier.
• Oil sanctions have also resulted in Russia and its allies creating a shadow tanker fleet to transport and sell its oil.
• Shipping contributes around 3% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually and is committed to tough targets to cut these.

• Vice-President Joe Biden was one of a handful of older advisers repeatedly reminding their new boss to remember the terrible consequences of an earlier generation’s escalation in Indochina.
• As president, Biden continues to respect the Vietnam “ghost” — and it hovers over his deliberations and decisions concerning Ukraine.
• On one hand, Biden is emphatic about support for Ukraine and his passion for stymieing Vladimir Putin’s brutal aggression.

Aid with restraint

Massive aid to Ukraine, yes — but restraint that keeps Americans themselves out of harm’s way on land, sea and in the air. Massive aid, yes — but arm’s length enough to steer clear of a tripwire in the tense relationship with Moscow, especially as a frustrated Putin warns about tactical nuclear weapons. Recent examples of U.S. restraint include:
• Lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan have obviously shaped the American balancing act in Ukraine, creating greater sensitivity to the problematic gap between desirable goals and prudent methods to achieve them.
• Those 21st century experiences highlighted for many the profound costs that can come with overconfident military commitments in distant and difficult terrains.

The benefit of Biden’s age

Being an 80-year-old in 2023 means that the lived experience of the Vietnam War adds substantial heft to what others might see as mere ghosts. Biden was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, surrounded by the storms of protest rising out of war in Southeast Asia. He knew full well how earlier arm’s-length engagement in Vietnam by former presidents evolved into direct embroilment:
The shadows of such Vietnam ghosts are evident in Biden’s carefully calibrated approach toward Ukraine — especially in his studied resistance to committing U.S. forces to combat.

Avoiding Vietnam’s mistakes?

• Will the president be able to maintain the balance that has so far allowed him to avoid serious Vietnam-like errors?
• Will the mature judgment emerging from the 80-year-old’s lived experiences have further staying power?
• Problematic past decisions should figure in speculation about what may come next in U.S. support of Ukraine.
• Will the ghosts of Vietnam be vanquished by a new generation of Ukraine-focused anxieties and phantoms?

• HAI PHONG, Vietnam, Aug. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ --Indochina Kajima, a joint venture between Indochina Capital and Kajima Corporation (Japan), held the groundbreaking ceremony for their Core5 Hai Phong project in Deep C 2 Hai Phong Industrial Zone, Hai Phong, Vietnam.
• We believe Hai Phong is an excellent location for investment and ideal for the launch of Core5 Vietnam's first project.
• Speaking at the event, Mr. Peter Ryder, CEO of Indochina Capital, said "Our belief in Hai Phong market is supported by our investment into the hospitality sector with Wink Hotel,Hai Phong and now in the industrial sector with Core5 Hai Phong.
• Core5 Vietnam offers a range of solutions including ready-built factory for lease, ready-built warehouse for lease and build-to-suit industrial properties.

• BANGKOK, Thailand, June 21, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, today announced the appointment of Tony Kantapasara as Country Leader for Thailand effective 1 July 2022.
• In addition, Tony will continue in his current position as Leader for Work & Rewards Thailand in the Health, Wealth & Career business.
• Tony assumes the country leadership position from Philippe Robineau who will continue to focus on WTWs operations in Vietnam as Country Leader and Head of Corporate Risk & Broking for Vietnam.
• Commenting on the appointment, Clare Muhiudeen, Head of Asia, WTW, said: Tony has been instrumental in growing our Work & Rewards business in Thailand.