The search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 will resume at the end of December, over a decade after the aircraft vanished. Meanwhile, tensions have escalated between Colombia and the United States following remarks from President Donald Trump regarding military action against drug-producing nations, including Colombia. Additionally, the European Union is considering legal measures to reduce reliance on Chinese imports, and HSBC has appointed Brendan Nelson as its permanent chair after a lengthy search.

Search for Flight MH370 Resumes

The Malaysian transport ministry announced that the search for flight MH370 will restart on December 30, 2023, with operations expected to last for 55 days. The marine robotics company Ocean Infinity will lead the search, focusing on areas deemed most likely to hold the wreckage of the aircraft, which disappeared on March 8, 2014, during a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The flight carried 239 people, including numerous Chinese citizens. Families of the missing passengers have expressed hope that the renewed search efforts will provide answers regarding the plane's fate.

Colombia Responds to Trump's Military Threats

Colombian President Gustavo Petro issued a warning to President Trump after the latter suggested military strikes against countries involved in drug production. During a cabinet meeting, Trump indicated potential military action in Venezuela and explicitly mentioned Colombia, the world's largest cocaine producer. Petro called Trump's remarks a threat to Colombian sovereignty and invited him to witness Colombia's anti-drug efforts firsthand. The relationship between the two nations has been strained since Trump's second term began, marked by Petro's criticisms of U.S. military tactics.

EU Considers Legislation to Reduce Dependency on China

The European Union is contemplating legal measures to compel industries to decrease their purchases from China. Industry Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné announced the €3 billion ReSourceEU strategy aimed at diversifying supply chains for critical raw materials. The initiative comes in response to concerns over China's influence and the potential for geopolitical tensions to disrupt access to essential commodities. If industries fail to voluntarily diversify, the EU may introduce legislation to enforce compliance.

HSBC Appoints New Chair Amid Leadership Concerns

HSBC has appointed Brendan Nelson as its permanent chair after a protracted search that left the bank without a permanent leader for several months. Nelson, who has been serving as interim chair since October, was chosen after external candidates were considered but ultimately not selected. His appointment has raised questions about the bank's leadership stability, especially given the complex geopolitical landscape in which HSBC operates, balancing interests between Western and Asian markets.

Wrap-up

The renewed search for MH370 brings hope to families still seeking answers after years of uncertainty. Meanwhile, escalating tensions between the U.S. and Colombia highlight the fragility of international relations in the context of drug policy. The EU's strategy to reduce reliance on China reflects broader concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities, while HSBC's leadership transition underscores the challenges facing major financial institutions in a complex global environment.

Sources: theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team