RADAR SWEEP

Geopolitics Newsletter June 10 – June 16, 2024

China asks the EU to remove electric vehicle (EV) tariffs

On July 4, the European Union announced it would collect heavy tariffs on electric vehicles, telling Chinese automakers to obtain guarantees from banks that they will be able to pay the taxes before the plan is officially implemented in the fall.

The move was anticipated, following the EU’s announcement on June 12 that it would impose additional tariffs of 17 to 38 percent on electric vehicles imported from China. An investigation from the EU had previously found what officials in Brussels report as unfair subsidies by the Chinese government for electric car manufacturers. The Chinese government has dismissed criticism of its subsidies, as Beijing maintains that low prices for electric cars made in China are instead a reflection of intense competition and innovation.

In late June, China’s commerce minister and Germany’s economy minister agreed to hold further talks, though the EU appears unrelenting in its decision. It is unlikely that the EU would alter the provisional tariffs as member states would need to vote with a qualified majority against the European Commission. In the short term, China may take retaliatory procedures against the EU. However, the tariff decision may be advantageous for China in the longer term; the nation has already begun increasing its EV exports to other markers in Africa and Latin America, therefore strengthening its political influence in those regions. Read more.

Indo-Pacific Geopolitics

Canada opens public consultation on Chinese EV tariffs – July 2

The Canadian government is opening its 30-day public consultation period to impose tariffs on imports of Chinese electric vehicles, following recent announcements by both the U.S. and EU on similar tariffs on Chinese EVs. Read more.

Major Indian telecoms raise charges – July 3

Two of India’s leading telecom providers are increasing service charges for the first time since 2022. The hike is predominantly aimed at accounting for the cost of 5G telecommunications infrastructure. Read more.

Japan’s foreign minister begins a visit to Cambodia – July 5

Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa is making her first official visit to Cambodia, meeting with Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet. Discussions will focus on enhancing the strategic partnership between Japan and Cambodia. Read more.

Diplomacy / Defense / Security

Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) holds summit – July 3

The 24th summit began in Astana, Kazakhstan. The SCO includes nine member states and added Iran in 2023. Discussions focused on new paths of cooperation in sustainable development and connectivity under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Read more.

Anti-Ruto protests take place across Kenya – July 4

Activists held demonstrations in cities across Kenya to protest President William Ruto’s policies. The leader has faced intense criticism for implementing controversial decrees during his two-year tenure. Read more.

UN conference on population and development concludes – July 4

The conference took place in Colombia, bringing together regional authorities, international organizations, and civil society to discuss migration, indigenous peoples, and population aging. Read more.

National Politics / Society

UK holds general election – July 4

The United Kingdom held its first general election in nearly five years. Keir Starmer was confirmed as Britain’s new leader after the Labour Party’s decisive win. Read more.

Iran heads into runoff election – July 5

The runoff election took place following a record-low turnout in the election last week when only 40% of approximately 61 million eligible citizens voted. Reformist candidate Masoud Pezeshkian beat hard-liner candidate Saeed Jalili. Read more.

Second round of legislative elections takes place in France – July 7

The first round of elections was held on June 30, following the dissolution of the National Assembly by President Emmanuel Macron, who chose to call a snap election in the aftermath of the 2024 European Parliament election in France where the National Rally party made significant gains. Read more. [EXTERNAL]

The Week Ahead

Russia-India bilateral summit will take place – July 7-10

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take a trip to Russia for an annual summit to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Read more. [EXTERNAL]

South Sudan marks Independence Day – July 9

South Sudan gained its independence in 2011, though the road to independence was plagued by unsettled issues of sharing oil revenues and establishing disputed borders. Read more. [EXTERNAL]

NATO summit to occur in Washington, D.C. – July 9-11

The 2024 summit will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the alliance. Ukraine’s potential accession to NATO will likely be a key agenda item. Read more. [EXTERNAL]