Beijing calling:
Singapore and Malaysia not invited because the three elder statesmen of Asean are summoned to Beijing to discuss the proposal to open the Isthmus of Kra by either a land bridge or canal. This will save about 1,200 Km or 2/3 days through the busy Malacca Straits. China is now bringing this Kra proposal forward to warn Singapore to stop pussy-footing with the USA. Also to teach Malaysia to stop messing around with the agreed plan to build a high-speed rail through Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore.
China imports about 80 pct of its energy through the choking Malacca Straits.
About 25 pct of world trade pass through Malacca Straits. With the Land Bridge (with new ports at both coasts of the isthmus) or Canal, Thailand and China can control the flow of maritime traffic. Strategically their naval vessels can now cross to the Indian Ocean speedily. No other foreign naval vessels allowed to pass without any approval from BB (Bangkok/Beijing). Proprietary rights learnt from the West !
The Kra Canal will open new direct and more convenient trade route between Myanmar (Andaman Sea) and Gulf of Thailand/South China Sea. Singapore will be the sole loser !!
Beijing will follow up by inviting Panama ( and soon Suez Authority/Egypt) for further studies.
It appears that Singapore is burning its bridges with China. There must be rift somewhere. You watch LHL movements in few days he will contact Jokowi. Biden has commandeered him to change Jokowi mind about inviting Putin to G 20. They think he is close to Jokowi .
US will be bogged down with EU for some time. They desperately want to focus on China but can't. Now China will accelerate co- operation in the Pacific. Already opening security agreement with Solomon Islands. AUSTRALIA very pissed off, cant do anything
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