Philippine Imports & Exports

When I get a moment....

I will take a deeper look into what appears to be Trump's idiocy,  but perhaps it isn't quite as moronic as it  looks.

Apart from hitting China with indirect blows, I believe it to be very likely he's received a few big bribes.

As we can see from Trump's massive lawsuits against his own government,  cash is his driving force, and I don't put it past him to take money to start a war or two.

You won't have to look very hard Fred. Little has changed in 50 years with a dick like that.

OMO but there is an obvious message here for all with a few brains,  all the ransom demands over the decades when it comes to fossils fuels and the pockets lined. Alternatives won't hold you against a tree and threaten your pocket or lively hood.

Only what I and plenty of others have noticed is the one and only planet we have is fighting back climatically but so many are too stupid to see what we have done, are doing.

As an old fart I do think about my kids and grandkids and the generations to follow that will have to clean up our gluttony .

I prefer to be in control of my/our future but there are billions of souls that have to rely on the hydrocarbons for existence sadly but things are slowly changing.

Cheers, Steve.

`

Gents all we need is a way that Trump becomes the

richest human on earth.. all from renewable energy 

happy trails

You must be joking P1, you are talking about the drill baby drill king and probably how he helps to line his pockets and his buddies.

Remember you are talking about a fool that denounces alternatives and blocks progress. stupid plus.

Maybe he wants to beat China in polluting the globe? At least China is moving forward with renewables and has a vision to a way forward.

Wind turbines kill birds,,,,, whales (got me beat where that came from) but never mentions the pollutants created by hydrocarbons to the animals, our world.

Many of us do know the value of alternatives, after set up costs? Free energy.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

You must be joking P1, you are talking about the drill baby drill king and probably how he helps to line his pockets and his buddies.

To be fair, I'd say that 90-95% of politicians across all continents do the same.  The running joke in the states the last few years is how the former speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, was able to amass a sizable fortune in the stock market over her career.  16,000%+ return ?!?!?   Beats ALL stock market gurus - EVER - by a long shot.  It pays - literally - to have insider knowledge of what bills will be passed and when and what industries they will affect.

BP kindly replies, "You must be joking P1, you are talking about the drill baby drill king and probably how he helps to line his pockets and his buddies. Remember you are talking about a fool that denounces alternatives and blocks progress. stupid plus.
Maybe he wants to beat China in polluting the globe? At least China is moving forward with renewables and has a vision to a way forward. Many of us do know the value of alternatives, after set up costs? Free energy. Cheers, Steve. - @bigpearl

Facebook Group Post

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1397056782452768&set=a.545893457569109

"China’s heavy truck industry is heading toward a dramatic shift — one where diesel engines are largely replaced by electric power. Industry leaders now suggest that heavy-duty cargo vehicles in the country could eventually become almost 100% electric, a move that may significantly reshape energy demand.

At a recent industry forum, Sany Truck chairman Liang Linhe highlighted that economics—not just sustainability—is driving this transition. Electric trucks are becoming increasingly attractive because of lower operating costs, especially for businesses that rely heavily on large-scale transport. As costs continue to drop, adoption could accelerate to a point where diesel trucks are no longer competitive.

The impact of such a shift would be substantial. Heavy trucks currently account for about half of the diesel and petroleum used in China’s road transport sector.

If these vehicles go electric, experts estimate it could cut oil consumption in road transport by around 50%. That’s a major shift for a country where transport alone makes up roughly half of total oil use.

There’s also a strong environmental angle. According to Liang, a single diesel heavy truck can emit as much carbon annually as around 100 petrol-powered cars. Replacing these with electric alternatives could play a key role in reducing emissions and supporting China’s broader clean energy goals.

Global factors are also adding urgency. Ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting oil supply routes — including disruptions in key shipping corridors like the Strait of Hormuz — have highlighted the risks of heavy reliance on imported oil.

China currently sources around 42% of its crude oil from Gulf nations, making energy security a growing concern.

Looking ahead, analysts expect new-energy vehicles to dominate road transport within the next decade, with electricity potentially supplying nearly half of the sector’s energy needs. Combined with China’s strong manufacturing ecosystem, engineering talent, and policy support, the country appears well-positioned to lead this transition — not just technologically, but economically as well."

happy trails

At a recent industry forum, Sany Truck chairman Liang Linhe highlighted that economics—not just sustainability—is driving this transition. Electric trucks are becoming increasingly attractive because of lower operating costs, especially for businesses that rely heavily on large-scale transport. As costs continue to drop, adoption could accelerate to a point where diesel trucks are no longer competitive.happy trails - @PalawOne

The US attacks and tries to choke off China's oil and industry, so China comes back with a solution that surpasses the US caused problem

https://www.inkl.com/news/ex-cia-analyst-claims-trump-sought-to-invoke-nuclear-codes-against-iran-before-general-caine-intervened

International Business Times UK

By Bernadette B. Tixon Apr 21, 2026, 4:44 AM

Ex-CIA Analyst Claims Trump Sought to Invoke Nuclear Codes Against Iran Before General Caine Intervened

"Retired CIA analyst Larry Johnson alleges Trump tried to invoke nuclear launch codes against Iran, a move Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine reportedly blocked. (Credit: Shealeah Craighead/WikiMedia Commons)"

A retired CIA analyst has claimed that President Donald Trump attempted to invoke nuclear codes against Iran during an emergency meeting on Saturday, and that Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine stepped in to stop him. Larry C Johnson made the allegation on the 'Judging Freedom' podcast, hosted by former judge Andrew Napolitano, and has not been confirmed by any official source.

On the same podcast, Johnson said 'there is seriously something wrong with Trump.' The clip, amplified by political commentator Jimmy Dore on his verified X account, had accumulated over 545,000 views by 20 April 2026. The White House, the Pentagon, and General Caine's office have not responded to the claim.

Not-so-happy trails

--

A retired CIA analyst has claimed that President Donald Trump attempted to invoke nuclear codes against Iran during an emergency meeting on Saturday, .......... Johnson said 'there is seriously something wrong with Trump.'

Not-so-happy trails
-- - @PalawOne

It's the sort of thing deranged Trump might do.

Johnson wins the prize for the most obvious statement of the year

I see also the Australian government is pushing for electrification of light toheavy transport. I think when one looks back at history the strangle hold on consumers has worn thin but for decades there was little choice bar weathering the storm, times have changed big time and seems like always one country is leading the way forward. one day ICE wheels will be collectors items for museums and private collections.

P1 you made a comment some posts ago with regards to the dump becoming the richest man on earth if he grasped alternatives. Sorry but he is too stupid to see free sun, wind, tidal and current movements and simply cares about his buddies and little regard to destroying the planet. Like always he missed the mark.

OMO but in 20 years or less ICE wheels will be hard to find.

Our system here tells me we were running around P 360K per year and now with an EV it's over P400K, that goes back to our pocket and the bonus? No pollution, no noise, cheaper to own and maintain and then the arguments with the blind.

Cheers, Steve.

What's going to happen when Iran doesn't capitulate, perhaps not even turn up to these latest talks and the deadline for the ceasefire looms,,,,,,,, the Iranian people that the dump offered "help is on the way" now looks like he is going to blow the sh1t out of infrastructure and make their lives even more miserable.

At least one president got a little sense out of a totalitarian regime on the nuclear front and the next guy that came along tore up the agreement and the usual rip tear bust tantrums followed. Now the world is paying for stupidity. Said it before it's got me stuffed how so many people could be so gullible.

He is a dick.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

Green Trump

https://theconversation.com/the-end-of- … out-280263

US President Donald Trump is a longtime climate denier and oil industry ally, who sums up his own energy policy as “drill, baby, drill”. Yet he is doing more than almost anyone to speed up the global shift from fossil fuels to clean energy and electric vehicles (EVs).

Just stop oil, COP conferences, and a little girl with big mouth all failed, then Trump came along and gave the world a reason to change.

My argument that the push to renewable energy should be economic rather than environmental has won the day, but it's somewhat amusing to see the oil industry's champion being the primary cause of fossil fuel's downfall.

Indonesia is really pushing massive solar projects and EVs - Will the Philippines follow?

However,  there's a fly in the ointment- The US is many years behind in renewable and EV technologies, and history shows us they tend to attack and intimidate rather than innovative- Will we see US critical mineral wars replace US oil wars?

I suspect that Lithium triangle countries will be amongst the first to suffer, but we will have to see.

Interesting points Fred and I would agree that alternatives have to make economic sense, for me they do if you do the math and have some experience. I have had 3 solar systems over the last 30 years and see the benefits in the hip pocket.

What I will say though is the cost of setting up stand alone systems 30 years ago was really cost prohibitive but better than running a diesel fired generator or going without power.

The price of stand alone systems these days is probably a quarter to a third the cost of what it was way back when I started out.

Who do we thank for that?

For me the environmental issues are a bonus as are not suffering blackouts, a doubtful voltage and frequency from a power company. Independence from the stupidity some cause, like now.

As for the Philippines? The push is on for alternatives but remember this is a poor and somewhat corrupt country. EV up take here is astounding over the last year or more as are rooftop solar installations.

Who do we thank for that?

The EU is diversifying and pushing the alternative barrow big time now, Australia has been doing it for decades as have other countries, thing is these days it's within reach cost wise with long term thinking.

Doing the sums will give the answers.

Example. We have plenty of cash in the bank and back then a 5% return and taxable, 2 x share portfolios that return 10 to 12% and taxable.

Take some cash out of the bank and invest in solar and we get a 20% plus return and not taxable. So yes Fred ours was a simple economic decision with bonuses.

Ah, choices.

Cheers, Steve.

Green Trump
https://theconversation.com/the-end-of- … out-280263

US President Donald Trump is a longtime climate denier and oil industry ally, who sums up his own energy policy as “drill, baby, drill”. Yet he is doing more than almost anyone to speed up the global shift from fossil fuels to clean energy and electric vehicles (EVs).

Just stop oil, COP conferences, and a little girl with big mouth all failed, then Trump came along and gave the world a reason to change.
My argument that the push to renewable energy should be economic rather than environmental has won the day, but it's somewhat amusing to see the oil industry's champion being the primary cause of fossil fuel's downfall.

Indonesia is really pushing massive solar projects and EVs - Will the Philippines follow?
However, there's a fly in the ointment- The US is many years behind in renewable and EV technologies, and history shows us they tend to attack and intimidate rather than innovative- Will we see US critical mineral wars replace US oil wars?
I suspect that Lithium triangle countries will be amongst the first to suffer, but we will have to see. - @Fred

My only question is, did Trump himself close the strait of Hormuz or was it the Iranians who scared the insurance companies? And who is now blocking the strait. Trump? Do you always blame the victim for the a

terrorist act of the perpetrator?

My only question is, did Trump himself close the strait of Hormuz or was it the Iranians who scared the insurance companies? And who is now blocking the strait. Trump? Do you always blame the victim for the a
terrorist act of the perpetrator? - @danfinn

He started the war that caused all the problems. There were none before that idiot started messing around.

Only an observation but mid last year someone mouthed off that the Iranian nuclear program was obliterated and they will never have a nuclear weapon now,,,,,,,, so what happened? The straight stayed open and shipping was normal.

Some fool decided to go back in and have a bigger go, to what ends if the nuclear threat was obliterated? Now look at the mess affecting the world economies, the thousands dead, over a billion bucks a day of taxpayers money for what appears to be a Mexican standoff.

One wonders who will buckle first and the final tally up.

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

In February 2026 negotiations in Oman to curtail Iran's nuclear ambitions collapsed.

It was concluded that Iran was stalling. The US & Israel realized  that diplomacy was exhausted with the Iranians.

Then the US & Israel decided to dismantle rather than delay Iran's nuclear program.

"Iran latest: Trump has ‘no time frame’ to end war as world waits for peace talks"

Iranian president says blockade, threats ‘main obstacles’ to negotiations; and Iran reopens its airspace with some China flights to resume.

By Orange Wang Updated: (Today) 12:18pm, 23 Apr 2026

https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3351064/iran-war-latest-trump-has-no-time-frame-world-waits-peace-talks

All eyes are on the Strait of Hormuz as the world waits for a new round of US-Iran peace deal talks to ease the global energy crisis, while the extended ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump remains up in the air.

These are the main takeaways from what happened overnight.

Peace talks?

It remains unclear when the two sides will return to the negotiating table.

Trump on Wednesday said there was “no time frame” for when the war on Iran might come to an end.

During an interview with Fox News’ Martha MacCallum, Trump also said there was “no time pressure” surrounding the ceasefire, adding that the “three- to five-day window” reported on the extension was “false”.

He said there was no time pressure to end the war and the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz “scares them even more than the bombing”.

[Trump extends Iran ceasefire after claiming interception of ‘gift from China’]

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a social media post on Wednesday that his country had welcomed dialogue and agreement and continued to do so. But he said the “breach of commitments, blockade and threats are main obstacles to genuine negotiations”.

Also on Wednesday, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, wrote on social media: “A complete ceasefire only makes sense if it is not violated by the maritime blockade and the hostage-taking of the world’s economy, and if the Zionist warmongering across all fronts is halted.

“Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is impossible with such a flagrant breach of the ceasefire,” he said.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump had not set a firm deadline for Tehran to submit a peace proposal. “Ultimately, the timeline would be dictated by the commander in chief,” she said.

Iran’s military

Leavitt also lashed out at the media for “doing PR” for the Iranian military and said Iran’s defence industrial base had been almost destroyed in the war.

She was responding to a CBS report that Iran still had more military capacity than the Trump administration was admitting publicly.

CBS reported, citing sources, that roughly half of Iran’s ballistic missile stockpile and associated launch systems were still intact at the start of a ceasefire in early April and about 60 per cent of the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps remained operational, including fast-attack boats.

Strait of Hormuz

Leavitt also said on Fox News that Trump did not view the Iranian seizure of two ships near the Strait of Hormuz as a violation of the ceasefire as they were not US or Israeli ships.

Iran on Wednesday seized two cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz and reportedly disabled a third ship as well.

Meanwhile, the US Central Command said on social media that US forces had directed 31 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of the American blockade against Iran.

It also rejected reports alleging that several commercial ships had evaded the blockade, calling them “inaccurate”.

And at a time when the US Navy is a key part of the campaign against Iran, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday that the navy’s top civil official, John Phelan, was leaving his job – the latest departure of a top defence figure from the Trump administration this year.

China flights to resume

Iran partially reopened its airspace on Tuesday.

Iranian carrier Mahan Air on Thursday said it would gradually resume passenger flights between Iran and China. The airline released a flight schedule from Sunday to May 25 and said further information would be announced.

The US government has meanwhile urged American citizens to leave Iran immediately.

In an advisory issued on Wednesday evening, America’s virtual embassy to Iran said: “US citizens should leave Iran now, monitor local media for updates, and consult with commercial carriers for additional information on flights out of Iran. Americans seeking to depart Iran may also depart by land to Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Turkmenistan.”

By Orange Wang

Based in Beijing, Orange covers a range of topics including China's economy and diplomacy.

P. O.  -------"Iran latest: Trump has ‘no time frame’ to end war as world waits for peace talks"
Iranian president says blockade, threats ‘main obstacles’ to negotiations; and Iran reopens its airspace with some China flights to resume.

By Orange Wang Updated: (Today) 12:18pm, 23 Apr 2026
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3351064/iran-war-latest-trump-has-no-time-frame-world-waits-peace-talks

***************************

This fair and unbalanced article by Orange Wang (South China Morning Post)

Hello everyone, thank you all for your input.

Just a quick note to kindly ask that we keep this thread as neutral as possible. This is not about censoring anyone. Please see this as a friendly reminder to keep the conversation balanced and to avoid it turning into a heated political debate.

Thank you for your understanding 🙂

Cheryl

Expat.com team

@bigpearl

“Now look at the mess affecting the world economies, the thousands dead, over a billion bucks a day of taxpayers money for what appears to be a Mexican stand-off.”

Donald Rumsfeld the ex US Defence secretary had an appropriate phrase to sum up the current situation, and I quote ‘CLUSTER F***’

"Iran latest: Trump has ‘no time frame’ to end war as world waits for peace talks"

These are the main takeaways from what happened overnight.

Peace talks?

It remains unclear when the two sides will return to the negotiating table.

Trump on Wednesday said there was “no time frame” for when the war on Iran might come to an end ....

And at a time when the US Navy is a key part of the campaign against Iran, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday that the navy’s top civil official, John Phelan, was leaving his job – the latest departure of a top defence figure from the Trump administration this year.

The US government has meanwhile urged American citizens to leave Iran immediately.

In an advisory issued on Wednesday evening, America’s virtual embassy to Iran said: “US citizens should leave Iran now, monitor local media for updates, and consult with commercial carriers for additional information on flights out of Iran.[/end quote]

One just hopes "the navy’s top civil official,

John Phelan" isn't their officer responsible

for legal US Navy use of nuclear weapons.

America seems keen for Americans to go.

whatever

happy trails

"Iran latest: Trump has ‘no time frame’ to end war

Seems I have a different take on the word "obliterated" that was so Proudly bandied about by some who have a different concept.

Any way as P1 says.

Happy trails.

P.O. said . . . . . And at a time when the US Navy is a key part of the campaign against Iran, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday that the navy’s top civil official, John Phelan, was leaving his job – the latest departure of a top defence figure from the Trump administration this year.

**********************

Too bad P.O. you didn't check out who John Phelan is.

Before becoming Navy Secretary he and his Dallas Cowboy cheerleader wife were fervent art collectors, listed in the top 200.

During during the Trump campaign he raised more than $12 million dollars. Mr. Phelan has never served in the military.

He has a BA degree, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa & Cum Laude. He studied at the London School of Economics & has a MBA from Harvard business school. He was brought in for his budget management skills.

You make it sound so terrible, is the sky is falling?

Happy Trails

The reason Trump has switch to "no time frame" because the war has shifted to an economic war.

Iran is mostly economically  isolated with their ports being shut down. Soon they will not be able to fund the IRGC, Army and Public Servants.

The waiting game makes sense.

Haha .. Bob, he sounds armless

Probably a good man ..

if you-know-who sacked him. 

Still nuclear concerned, is all Bob.

happy trails &2u2BP:)

As per the topic "Philippines imports and exports" Seems little has changed aside from another endless war where the cost of fuel for most punters world wide has gone through the roof, deliveries and basic needs the prices rise and why? It's ok for us being electrified but so many are really feeling the pinch and scratch their heads at yet another pointless war that affects those that can least afford stupidity.

Cheers, Steve.

Hi everyone,

A few off-topic posts have been removed to keep the discussion clear and useful.

Let’s keep this thread focused on Philippines Imports & Exports 🇵🇭

Thanks for your understanding!

Bhavna

Thanks for keeping this topic open Bhavna, yes imports and exports with regards to the Philippines but part of the equation are prices and availability of oil and commodities coming out of a war ravaged zone, the operative word here now is imports and added costs for the local Filipino people that can least afford a senseless war and don't worry they are feeling it at all levels as is the rest of the world.

Filipinos are very resilient and while hit hard now will come out on top as they manage to do. The history is there and very proud people.

Cheers, Steve.

`

Of course, what the Philippines can import and export in future will depend on Chinese AI strategic-decisions.

[SCMP] "Iran war shows ‘strategic value’ of AI for China’s military.."

Commentary calls it ‘inevitable’ and necessary for PLA to embrace artificial intelligence to gain the advantage in future warfare

https://sc.mp/47wcg

Further Reading

1. How a Chinese company said it used AI to track US bomber movements over Iran
2. China deploys new battlefield AI in command tent. It outsmarts everyone
3. US lawmakers slam China’s ‘parasitic’ theft of military and tech secrets
4. China warns US against letting AI ‘determine life and death’ on battlefield
5. Investors rotate to China’s chipmakers as DeepSeek intensifies AI competition

-------------------------------------------------

China’s military mouthpiece said AI-driven warfare was at a “turning point”.

By Liu Zhen Published: 6:00pm, 24 Apr 2026

https://sc.mp/47wcg

China’s military mouthpiece has urged the People’s Liberation Army to speed up integration of artificial intelligence and said AI-driven warfare was at a “turning point” – as seen in the US-Israeli campaign against Iran.

In a commentary on Thursday, PLA Daily pointed to the use of AI in the Middle East war and said it was the first time the technology had been integrated into the entire cycle of operations – from analysis of intelligence to target identification, planning and assessment.

“This has practically demonstrated and validated the vast application potential and significant strategic value of AI in the military domain,” the article said, calling AI a “core engine” that was reshaping warfare, the armed forces and the global strategic landscape.

It said a rapid transformation of AI technology for combat was “inevitable” and necessary for the PLA to gain the advantage in future warfare.

The article identified the key areas where the PLA should focus, mainly to do with intelligent situational awareness.

It pointed to existing AI applications for “active early warning” that can identify targets and track the enemy in real time while providing threat alerts and predictions of enemy intent.

The potential to assist command and control was also seen as a critical area. It said AI could be used to optimise decision-making by simulating battlefield scenarios and automatically generating multiple combat plans along with quantifiable comparisons. There was also the advantage of a “second-level response” to sudden threats, and it could sync data across platforms, enabling seamless joint operations.

In logistics, intelligent algorithms could be used to predict and prearrange maintenance and supply needs based on equipment operation and attrition data. It also said smart warehousing and uncrewed transport could be used for the dangerous and complex “last mile” of delivering essential supplies to the battlefield, “providing a solid backbone for high-intensity, sustained combat operations”.

Meanwhile, integrating AI into munitions would enable the development of autonomous homing weapons that could operate effectively even with electronic interference, according to the article. It noted that swarm warfare as well as manned-unmanned teaming was possible by embedding AI into unmanned platforms.

“Unmanned systems can autonomously move into formations, conduct coordinated penetration, and execute swarm operations,” the article said. “Meanwhile, adhering to the principle of ‘human-in-the-loop’, a manned-unmanned collaborative combat system should be established with an optimised division of labour between humans and machines.”

For defence, it said AI could be used as a comprehensive shield across multiple domains. That means acting as a real-time detector and protector against hacking and cyberattacks in cybersecurity, carrying out signal recognition, and enabling intelligent jamming as well as anti-jamming capabilities in electronic warfare.

The military mouthpiece also noted that AI was crucial in cognitive warfare, which targets individual and collective attitudes and behaviour. To help with this, it said AI could be used to “intelligently screen for disinformation and public opinion infiltration, while rapidly blocking the spread of false information”.

It said the technology could also be used to develop “anti-AI” strategies to disrupt the opponent’s own intelligent kill chains, or stages of attack.

---

By: Liu Zhen joined the Post in 2015 as a reporter on the China desk. She previously worked with Reuters in Beijing.

--

Edit

I have every confidence the PLA is developing new defensive weapons to counter the US threat, something that has escalated now Trump has taken a more aggressive stance regarding the Straits of Malacca.

The US is positioning itself to blockade China and the rest of Asia in a very silly move that massively increases the chance of an actual shooting war.

As we are seeing in Iran, any move to blockade that waterway will pretty much guarantee a counter by concerned countries.

It will also be extremely bad news for secondary countries, including the Philippines, that will end up victims of any US moves to attack free trade.

I forsee an East/West political and military split that will, at minimum, create a new cold War.

Indonesia is a big player here, thus prone to US interference in their elections, but the Philippines will end up forced to choose between the two powers.

Given the geography,  I believe they will have little real choice but to join China's Eastern alliance. It's likely to be that or starve.

We are living in interesting times.

Fred posted . . . .

BYD sales are down 30%. BYD the new Evergrande Group.

Fred posted . . . .

BYD sales are down 30%. BYD the new Evergrande Group. - @Enzyte Bob

Down 30% from what?

TDS works both ways. Bishop, King, Jesus H Christ, Pope and all self appointed, I call that TDS.

Yes Fred BYD sales dropped 32% in February and promptly retained the leader board once the self anointed king started the war in Iran.

Thing is while looking at EV's here in PH for some years before purchase it was difficult to find one to eyeball, Like rare earths China sorted that out post haste and BYD, Geely, Cherry etc. found an export market in the Philippines, world wide for that matter and while rare to see an EV on the road here 12n months ago now they are everywhere, especially BYD. Infrastructure has taken huge leaps. Yes the Philippines import huge amounts of goods from China.

If I want to see a Tesla I'd have to go to Makati or BGC and sit on a corner watching for a day or two.

The figures speak for themselves.

https://autovista24.autovistagroup.com/ … s-in-2025/

OMO.

Cheers, Steve.

Fred writes: "The US is positioning itself to blockade China and the rest of Asia in a very silly move that massively increases the chance of an actual shooting war. As we are seeing in Iran, any move to blockade that waterway will pretty much guarantee a counter by concerned countries. It will also be extremely bad news for secondary countries, including the Philippines, that will end up victims of any US moves to attack free trade. I forsee an East/West political and military split that will, at minimum, create a new cold War. Indonesia is a big player here .. but the Philippines will end up forced to choose between the two powers. Given the geography, I believe they will have little real choice but to join China's Eastern alliance. It's likely to be that or starve. We are living in interesting times. - @Fred

Wow Fred you predict, quote, an "East/West political and military split that will, at minimum, create a new cold War."

And then, "the Philippines will end up forced to choose between the two powers. Given the geography, I believe they will have little real choice but to join China's Eastern alliance. It's likely to be that or starve."

So a Chinese Alliance which includes the Philippines?

A serious prediction for the Philippines expat-forum!

For Western-expats, what do you predict as a result?

happy trails Fred and all.