<ul><li>Doms has 12% market share in India’s branded stationery and art material market.</li><li>Recently listed stationery players Flair and Cello World gave good listing gains.</li><li>The grey market expects 61% listing gains from Doms. <br /></li></ul>Few school-going children and their parents would be unaware of Doms. The high recall value and its dominant market position will help the ₹1,200 crore public offer is expected to sail through easily, say experts. <br /><br />Stationery makers Flair and Cello World recently made their successful market debuts providing 49% and 22% listing gains respectively. The IPO of Doms, India’s second largest branded stationery and art products maker, will only be better, say experts. <br /><br />“Neither of them are in a dominant position in the market. Doms in a different league altogether. Its distribution is good, and has shown a phenomenal growth since the Covid pandemic and its fundamentals are in place,” <keyword id="127547" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="arun-kejriwal" source="Orion">Arun Kejriwal</keyword>, founder at Kejriwal Research &amp; Investment Services, tells Business Insider India. <br /><br /><strong>A wide range of products <br /></strong><br />The company sells scholastic stationery, art material, paper stationery, office supplies and more. It had around 12% market share in branded stationery and art materials market in FY23. Its core products such as pencils and ‘mathematical instrument boxes’ enjoy 29% and 30% market share by value in FY23.<br /><br />“They have the widest breadth of product categories amongst their peers in India. Their presence across multiple categories and price points has enabled them to be the fastest growing such company in terms of revenue,” said a report by Anand Rathi which gives it a ‘subscribe for long-term’ rating. Its listed peers in the market are <keyword id="1889881" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="kokuyo-camlin" source="Orion">Kokuyo Camlin</keyword>, Linc and Pidilite Industries. <br /><br />Kejriwal too says that the company is focussed on growth. “Based on interactions with the management, they seem focussed on growing volumes and expanding the business,” he adds. <br /><br />The grey market too is placing its bets on the company, as it expects 61% listing gains from the stock. Experts say that this is because only 10% of the offer is earmarked for retail investors, and a lot of people are expected to apply for the issue. <br /><br />The issue will open on December 13 and close on December 15, and has fixed a price band of ₹750-790 per share. <br /><br /><strong>The post-Covid turnaround <br /></strong><br />The company posted losses in FY21 due to Covid-19 related lockdown, which resulted in the closure of domestic and export markets, especially educational institutions, offices and workplaces and retail outlets. <br /><br />Ever since, however, it has shown a steady growth. Its revenue from operations grew at a CAGR of 73.45% from FY21 to FY23. Its EBITDA margin more than doubled from 7.45% to 15.4% over FY21 to FY23, the company said in its DRHP. <br /><br /><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;"><colgroup></colgroup><col /><col /><col /><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><strong>Particulars<br /><br /></strong></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><strong>FY23<br /><br /></strong></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><strong>FY22<br /><br /></strong></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><strong>FY21</strong><br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Revenue from operations<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1,211 crore<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹683 crore<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹402 crore<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">PAT<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹102 crore<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹17 crore<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">(₹6 crore) <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><em>Source: DRHP</em><br /><br /><strong>A wide distribution <br /></strong><br />Doms operates 14 manufacturing facilities in Gujarat and <keyword id="18509534" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="bari-brahma" source="Orion">Bari Brahma</keyword> in Jammu and Kashmir. It intends to use the net proceeds from the fresh issue to set-up a new manufacturing facility in addition to general corporate purposes. <br /><br />It also has a wide reach and a strong domestic distribution network of over 120 super-stockists, and 4,000 distributors along with a dedicated sales team of over 500 personnel covering more than 120,000 retail touch points over 3,500 cities and towns.<br /><br />It is also expanding internationally and has forged a joint venture with Italian multinational company FILA. It gives them access to international markets, and also augments their R&amp;D and technological capabilities. <br /><br />“Their symbiotic association with FILA, based on mutual synergies, has resulted in expansion of their international footprint in key American and European markets and has helped in the global distribution of ‘Doms’ brand,” said a report by Axis Capital. <br /><br />They also have an exclusive tie-up with certain entities of the FILA Group, for distribution and marketing for all categories of their respective products, under their name and trademark, in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Maldives. <br /><br />Rooted firmly in its home market, it’s eyeing exports with a focus on backward integration to drive efficiencies. All of it makes Doms a long-term bet, say analysts. <br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO <br /><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/stellar-listing-gains-book-profits-if-there-are-bumper-gains-say-experts/articleshow/105630290.cms">Stellar listing gains: Book profits if there are bumper gains say experts</a><br /><br /></strong><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/tata-technologies-stock-doubles-investor-money-on-debut/articleshow/105609598.cms"><strong>Va va vroom: Tata Technologies stock doubles investor money on debut</strong></a><br />

Child’s Play: High recall and dominant position add to Doms’ appeal

<ul><li>Easy Trip Planners has rewarded its investors with four times returns in the last year.</li><li>All thanks to easing Covid-19 restrictions leading to a recovery in travel trends.</li><li>The travel services company expects strong demand recovery in the <keyword id="2173225" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="travel-and-tourism" source="Orion">travel and tourism</keyword> industry post easing of travel curbs.</li></ul>Easy Trip Planners, which operates the EaseMyTrip website offering a range of travel-related products and services for end-to-end travel solutions, has become investors’ favorite pick since last year.<br /><br />Investors have been rewarded with four times returns in the last year. Shares of the company picked up as travel trends took off after easing in Covid-19 restrictions. <br /><div type="image" title="easy trip planners chart" height="900" width="1200" msid="90935465" hostid="261"></div>It’s business months for the company as the summer season begins. The <keyword id="162677" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="travel-company" source="Orion">travel company</keyword> has already witnessed a significant rise in travel bookings amid the summer period owing to the pent-up demand. Recently, they highlighted that travel sentiment and booking rates are at an all-time high, and travellers are growing more confident to embark on their travels. <br /><br />Moreover, the company observes that Himachal, Kashmir, Rajasthan, Goa, Maldives, Thailand, Dubai, US- are the most preferred tourist destinations<br /><br />On the international front, there has also been a strong growth around destinations such as Dubai, Maldives, Thailand, and the US.<br /><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none; table-layout: fixed; width: 468pt;"><colgroup></colgroup><col /><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Period<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">% returns<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Last one month<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">18%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Last six months<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">49%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Year to date<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">50%<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Last one year <br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 1pt;border-right:solid #000000 1pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 1pt;border-top:solid #000000 1pt;vertical-align:top;padding:5pt 5pt 5pt 5pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">370%<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Further, the travel services company expects strong demand recovery in the travel and tourism industry. “We have witnessed strong recovery in demand across our segments and are optimistic of the demand scenario going forward on the back of strong tailwinds in terms of revenge travel and recovery in the travel and tourism industry,'' the company said in an investor presentation. <br /><br />In fact, it sees the online travel market in India doubling over the next five years to reach US$31 billion by FY25, growing at 14% CAGR from FY20 levels. <br /><br />As of the latest December quarter earnings, the company’s net profit climbed over 16 times as compared to the previous quarter same period. <br /><div type="image" title="easy trip profit" height="900" width="1200" msid="90935481" hostid="261"></div>The 14-year old company claims to be the 2nd largest online travel platform in India with offices across various Indian cities, including Noida, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Its international offices are in the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, and the USA.<br /><br /><strong>SEE ALSO: </strong><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/rbi-thinks-that-risk-of-inflation-may-continue-to-rise-as-export-declines/slidelist/90932616.cms">Here’s what is worrying RBI as India faces the double whammy of rising inflation and declining exports</a><br /><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/hdfc-out-of-top-10-largest-companies-in-india/articleshow/90933474.cms">HDFC twins wipe out ₹2.5 lakh crore investor wealth, push HDFC out of top 10 largest companies in India</a>

As travel and tourism bounce back, investors of this travel firm mint huge profits

<ul><li>Sapphire Foods India will open its IPO on November 9 and close on November 11.</li><li>The IPO consists of a pure offer for sale of 1.75 crore shares by existing shareholders and promoters.</li><li>The price band of the IPO is fixed at ₹1,120-1,180 per share.</li><li>Shares of the company are demanding a premium of ₹125 in the grey market.</li></ul>Sapphire Foods India, the operator of KFC and Pizza Hut outlets, will open its IPO today, November 9, and close on November 11. The IPO consists of a pure offer for sale of 1.75 crore shares by existing shareholders and promoters.<br /><br />As of June 2021, the company owned and operated 209 KFC restaurants in India and the Maldives, 239 Pizza Hut restaurants in India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and two Taco Bell restaurants in Sri Lanka. <br /><br />Sapphire Foods is the largest franchisee of Yum! Brands in the Indian subcontinent. Besides, the company is backed by marquee investors such as Samara Capital, Goldman Sachs, CX Partners and Edelweiss.<br /><br />Shares of the company are demanding a premium of ₹125 in the grey market, according to IPO Watch.<br /><br />Here are some of the important dates related to the IPO:<br /><table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;" class="redcator-table-advance"><colgroup></colgroup><col /><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Issue details<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;"><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Price band<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">₹1120 to ₹1180<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">IPO open date<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">November 9<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">IPO close date<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">November 11<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Allotment date<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">November 16<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Initiation of refunds<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">November 17<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Credit of shares to demat account<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">November 18<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">IPO listing date<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">November 22<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Minimum lot<br /><br /></td><td style="border-left:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-right:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-bottom:solid #000000 0.75pt;border-top:solid #000000 0.75pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">12<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody><tbody></tbody></table><br />Analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities expect the company to grow its revenue at a compounded annual rate of 20% and the earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) by 30% by March 2025. However, the revival from the COVID-19 lockdown this year was relatively slower because many of its outlets are located within malls, which remained shut, or the footfalls remained low, for longer than in other restaurants.<br /><br />SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/latent-view-analytics-ipos-grey-market-indicates-over-100-premium/articleshow/87585958.cms">Latent View Analytics IPO’s grey market indicates over 100% premium</a><br /><br /><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/corporates/news/spicejets-liquidity-turbulence-hits-worlds-largest-aircraft-leasing-companies/articleshow/87583233.cms">There are several problems ailing SpiceJet and the taxman knocking on its doors is just one of them</a>

KFC, Pizza Hut operator Sapphire Foods’ IPO opens today — check closing, allotment and listing dates

Vistara operated its first long-haul flight from Delhi to London on Friday using its newly inducted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, the airline said here. The full-service carrier is scheduled to operate special thrice-weekly flights from August 28 to October 24 between the two cities, it said in a statement. <br /><br />These special flights are being operated under a bilateral 'air bubble' pact signed between India and the UK amid the coronavirus-related travel restrictions. <br /><br />The flight on Friday departed from Delhi at 2.15 am and landed in London at 6.55 am (local time). <br /><br />Vistara said on August 18 that it was seeking necessary regulatory approvals to operate similar special flights to Paris in France and Frankfurt in Germany. <br /><br />The airline has a fleet of 43 aircraft, including 34 Airbus A320s, one Airbus A321neo, six Boeing 737-800NGs and two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. <br /><br />While it received its first Dreamliner aircraft in February, the second one was received earlier this month. <br /><br />Scheduled international passenger flights continue to remain suspended in India since March 23 due to the <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> pandemic. However, special international flights have been operating under the Vande Bharat Mission and various bilateral air bubble pacts. <br /><br />Since July, India has established such air bubbles with countries like the US, the UK, France, Germany, the UAE, Qatar and the Maldives. India is negotiating with 13 other countries to establish similar bubbles. <br /><br />After a gap of two months due to the coronavirus-triggered lockdown, India resumed domestic passenger flights on May 25. DSP IJT

Vistara operates its first long-haul flight from Delhi to London

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5a8f4e00306ae02f008b45c4-1024/gettyimages-915326864.jpg" alt="GettyImages 915326864" data-mce-source="Unioncom/VCG via Getty Images" data-mce-caption="A building tilts to one side after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake on February 7, 2018 in Hualien County, Taiwan." /><p class="source"><span>Unioncom/VCG via Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">A building tilts to one side after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake on February 7, 2018 in Hualien County, Taiwan.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul><li><strong>Recent emergencies in the Asia Pacific show countries respond to disasters in line with their existing political alliances.</strong></li><li><strong>This pattern is called "disaster diplomacy," according to an expert who spoke with Business Insider.</strong></li><li><strong>Disaster diplomacy was evident after Taiwan's earthquake and during the Maldives' state of emergency, as leaders made nuanced overtures in search of help from India, China, and Japan.</strong></li></ul><hr /><p><br />Most people were in bed when they felt it.</p><p>Shortly before midnight on February 6, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake tore through the city of Hualien, Taiwan. Buildings shook, roads ripped up, and many people escaped onto the streets.</p><p>All told, 17 people died and 285 were injured. A major hotel collapsed and rescue workers spent more than 100 hours searching for bodies in the rubble.</p><p>As expected, condolences and offers to help with the rescue efforts poured in from the international community.</p><p>But it was then that Taiwan made a seemingly small, yet telling, decision - it accepted rescue help from Japan, after it turned down a similar offer from China, a country with which it has a complex and fraught history.</p><p>Yet it's not unusual for diplomatic ties to define emergency responses. In times of crises, politicians and diplomats regularly reinforce alliances and enmity based on their existing ideology, culture, values, and <keyword id="6358883" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Politics">politics</keyword>, says Ilan Kelman, author of "Disaster Diplomacy: How Disasters Affect Peace and Conflict."</p><p>This field of study is called "disaster diplomacy" and academics have yet to find any instances where diplomatic relations have changed long-term after a disaster.</p><p>"Dealing with disasters typically pushes diplomatic relations along the pathway which it was on before," Kelman told Business Insider. "If diplomatic relations are improving, then dealing with disasters can support this improvement temporarily. If diplomatic relations are deteriorating, then dealing with disasters can give excuses to continue moving farther apart."</p><p>And nowhere was this more evident in the last month than in the Asia Pacific.</p><h2>Taiwan rebuffed China's help, like it rebuffs China's influence</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5a8f4cc83c314b2b008b45dd-1024/gettyimages-915684802.jpg" alt="Taiwan earthquake building" data-mce-source="Unioncom/VCG via Getty Images" data-mce-caption="A building tilts to one side after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake on February 7, 2018 in Hualien County, Taiwan." /><p class="source"><span>Unioncom/VCG via Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">A building tilts to one side after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake on February 7, 2018 in Hualien County, Taiwan.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Taiwan's political situation is nothing short of complicated.</p><p>The democratic island, officially known as the Republic of China, is self-ruled. A pro-independence party has been in power since 2016.But Beijing considers Taiwan a province of China that will eventually be reunified under "one China."</p><p>In the wake of the February 6 earthquake, China offered to send rescue teams, but Taipei's Mainland Affairs Council said it didn't need external help.</p><p>"At the moment, we have adequate manpower and facilities in support of the rescue operation," Chiu Chui-cheng, vice-chairman of The Mainland Affairs Council, told <a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/china/policies-politics/article/2132463/taipei-rejects-beijings-offer-help-earthquake-rescue">South China Morning Post</a>.</p><p>When asked if this was dismissing an olive branch from China, Chiu added, "It is a natural disaster and the rescue involves humanitarian efforts. They shouldn't be used as [a bridge] for political connection."</p><p>But a day later, Japanese rescuers arrived in Taiwan.</p><p>The Taiwanese government said it only accepted the offer because Japan could provide specialized body-heat detection equipment it did not have.</p><p>But the message from Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, who <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/taiwans-new-president-skirts-one-china-consensus-in-inaugural-address-1463723943">has refused to endorse the "one China" policy</a>, seemed clear to China.</p><p>"The Japanese side openly attempted to create 'one China, one Taiwan' under the pretext of disaster relief and condolences," China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang <a href="http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2018-02/09/c_136962404.htm">said.</a></p><h2>The Maldives is split between China and India</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5a8f526b21154527008b45c1-751/gettyimages-922948218.jpg" alt="Maldives state of emergency police" data-mce-source="AHMED SHURAU/AFP/Getty Images" data-mce-caption="Maldivian opposition supporters scuffling with security forces officers during a protest demanding the release of political prisoners in Male on February 21, 2018." /><p class="source"><span>AHMED SHURAU/AFP/Getty Images</span></p><p class="caption">Maldivian opposition supporters scuffling with security forces officers during a protest demanding the release of political prisoners in Male on February 21, 2018.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Meanwhile, India has been closely watching an unfolding emergency in the Maldives.</p><p>The Maldives, an Indian Ocean archipelago near some crucial shipping lanes, has historically been closely tied to India but in recent years turned towards China.</p><p>Tensions rose when, the day before Taiwan's earthquake, the Maldives' President Yameen Abdul Gayoom <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/maldives-declares-state-of-emergency-judges-arrested-2018-2">declared a state of emergency</a>.</p><p>Former President Mohamed Nasheed, the country's only ever democratically-elected leader who now lives in exile in Sri Lanka, quickly asked India <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedNasheed/status/960758666268835841">on Twitter</a> to send troops to address the situation.</p><p>"Maldivians see India's role positively: in '88 they came, resolved the crisis, and left. They were not occupiers but liberators. This is why Maldivians look to India now," Nasheed also tweeted, referencing Indian soldiers who helped the government foil a coup in 1988.</p><p>But President Yameen instead sent envoys to "friendly nations," including China, which is thought to be investing in the Maldives as part of its "<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/india-and-china-are-fighting-for-control-in-sri-lanka-2017-12">string of pearls</a>" that effectively encircle India.</p><p>In response, the Chinese state-run newspaper, <a href="http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1089435.shtml">Global Times</a>, ran an op-ed that said, "Perhaps New Delhi has been seeking an opportunity to showcase its military again in its 'backyard.'"</p><p>"If India one-sidedly sends troops to the Maldives, China will take action to stop New Delhi," the column read.</p><p>The situation has yet to be resolved, with the state of emergency this week extended for another 30 days.</p><p>But none of it surprises Kelman.</p><p>"The countries involved were on specific diplomatic pathways and were seeking specific diplomatic interests," Kelman said. "They use any excuse to pursue what they wish to do anyway."</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-a-politicians-character-is-more-important-than-their-capability-2018-2">Why a politician's character is more important than their capability, according to a reputation expert</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/qNe993PA-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

Disaster diplomacy governs who gets help after catastrophic events around the world

New Delhi, Jan 22 () With 'film tourism' clearly trending as <keyword id="25903" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indians">Indians</keyword> set their travel goals around movie themes and iconic places made famous by bollywood, 2020 will see an increase in bollywood-inspired vacations, according to Travel Trends Report 2020. Bollywood destinations in demand include Lake Como and historic Venice in Italy, Switzerland's <keyword id="80607" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Gstaad">Gstaad</keyword>, Montreux and Zurich, Amsterdam, Bruges, Innsbruck, Spain and <keyword id="6359079" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="portugal">Portugal</keyword>, as per the report by Thomas Cook (India). <br /><br /> The integrated travel and related financial services company released its list of travel trends for the year 2020, based on the feedback received from over 2700 respondents across the country.
<br /><br /> With travel continuing to fuel aspirations of Indian consumers, Thomas Cook India said that it has shared the trends that will drive travel during the year.
<br /><br /> Besides, with the current calendar year offering 21 extended weekends, 66 per cent of Indian travellers are choosing multiple micro-cations -- a leisure trip that's fewer than five nights -- a clear deviation from one long annual vacation, it said.
<br /><br /> "With several public, festive and regional holidays falling on weekdays in 2020, Indians are smartly taking leave to combine it with a public holiday and create an extended/ smart weekend getaway," the report said.
<br /><br /> 'Staycations' will also witness an uptick in 2020, with over 23 pe cent of India's metro consumers indicating interest to relax and pamper themselves - within their city of residence.
<br /><br /> With city hotels wooing consumers with special weekend discounts and added benefits of spa-wellness and dining, this ensures an alluring weekend break.
<br /><br /> Staycations are specially designed to serve the needs of those seeking a short break from the usual chores at home or work.
<br /><br /> With a clear focus to detach from over-use of their smart phones, over 67 per cent of India's working professionals, millennials and solo travellers have indicated their desire to go tech-free and maintain a healthy balance.
<br /><br /> "2020 will hence see Indians opting for digital detox holidays, selecting destinations with limited/zero network connectivity," it said.
<br /><br /> Experiences like a trek in the <keyword id="52569" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="himalayas">Himalayas</keyword>, tusker trails at a jungle resort near Bandipur project tiger reserve, a beach safari camp in <keyword id="6355478" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="australia">Australia</keyword> while swimming with whales, a wellness mindfulness retreat at Thailand's Koh Yao/ Karkloof Spa in South Africa's safari heartland, diving and snorkelling off remote islands in Malaysia/ Maldives, immersing in traditional Balinese culture in Ubud or at a village near historic Al Ain, Abu Dhabi - allows one to truly appreciate the destination while disconnecting from the outside world, the report said. SID ANS ANS

Indians setting travel goals around movie themes, places made famous by Bollywood: Report

New Delhi, Apr 24 () The Ministry of External Affairs has been playing a key role in ensuring availability of essential medical equipment to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and due to the proactive actions of the Indian missions abroad test kits, personal protection equipment and masks will be procured in the coming weeks, officials said.<p> MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that six SUV-sized high-speed testing machines, which are in high demand, are being sourced from Roche in the US, and India's research and development labs are in touch with their counterparts in Israel and Germany which are undertaking cutting edge work.</p><p> As part of the government's response to the COVID-19 situation, eleven empowered groups have been set up for an integrated all-of-government approach, Srivastava said.</p><p> The MEA has been playing a key role in the empowered group that deals with ensuring availability of essential medical equipment and supplies.  </p><p> "Our missions and posts have been at the forefront of our efforts to ensure expeditious and time-bound implementation of plans for procurement from overseas suppliers," he said.</p><p> Indian missions' role extends from scouting the market, tapping commercial opportunities, facilitating supply contracts, closely coordinating on the ground in ensuring that deliveries take place in a timely manner, Srivastava said.</p><p> "As a result of these efforts, we have started receiving some of the equipment, and expect further supplies of test kits, PPEs, masks etc. in the coming weeks," he said.</p><p> In the past two weeks, around two dozen flights departed for India from five cities in China carrying nearly 400 tonnes of medical supplies, including RT-PCR test kits, Rapid Antibody Tests, PPE kits, thermometers etc., the official said.</p><p> "Around 20 more flights are expected to bring supplies from China in the coming days, and this is likely to be stepped up considerably in the next few months as our procurement efforts gain momentum," Srivastava said. </p><p> "We are also facilitating collaboration between Indian and foreign agencies in research and development efforts (such as on Remdesivir, PLX Cells etc.) related to COVID-19," he said.</p><p> The Indian subsidiary of a South Korean company has commenced production of COVID-19 rapid anti-body testing kits in its plant in Manesar, Haryana, with a capacity of 5 lakh tests per week, as a result of the coordination of various agencies in India, he said.  </p><p> The first batch has already been rolled out on April 19, he said. </p><p> "Our mission has also signed a contract on behalf of ICMR with another South Korean company to procure and supply five lakh coronavirus testing kits," Srivastava said.</p><p> As a major and responsible supplier of pharmaceutical products to the world, India has been providing humanitarian aid and commercial supplies including HCQs (hydroxychloroquine) and paracetamol, Srivastava said.</p><p>  "We have gifted 5 million HCQ tablets to countries in the neighbourhood and the IOR (Indian Ocean Region), Africa, Latin America, Central Asia, Eurasia and WANA regions. We are also providing 1.32 million PCM tablets to our neighbouring and other partner countries," Srivastava said.</p><p> "Apart from HCQ and PCM, we are also providing a big basket of other medical aid which includes essential drugs and life-saving antibiotics; medical consumable; and other equipment for laboratories and hospitals. Value of the total medicines and other supplies to be gifted by India stands at INR 383 million (about USD 5 million)," he said.</p><p> India has given clearance to commercial consignments of around 285 million HCQ tablets to 40 countries.Commercial consignments of around 500 million PCM tablets for 60 countries have also been cleared, Srivastava said.</p><p> "The leadership in these countries has been appreciative of our efforts in ensuring supply of these medicines," he said. </p><p> India has also responded promptly to requests for deployment of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) comprising doctors, nurses and paramedics, he said. </p><p> "These RRTs are ready for deployment at short notice and have so far been deployed in Maldives and Kuwait at the request of their governments," the MEA spokesperson said.</p><p> These RRTs have helped train and exchange best practices with local medical professionals on various aspects of dealing with the pandemic, he said.</p> Srivastava also highlighted that the MEA COVID-19 control room, which is being manned 24x7 by teams from MEA since March 16, has received more than 3,000 calls and 25,000 emails till this morning.  ASK  AARAAR

MEA playing key role in procuring crucial medical equipment to fight COVID-19: Official

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="6354851" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="retail">Retail</keyword> innovations in subscription serivces, marketing, and delivery have accelerated with the global pandemic. </li><li>Consumers expect more from brands in terms of service and delivery, and in their responsiveness to issues related to social inequity.  </li><li>IGNITION: A Retail Revolution features speakers from Macy's, Salesforce, GroupM, BARK, and DoorDash, featuring sessions.</li><li>Cassi Pittman Claytor, who was named one of Business Insider's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tb/the-list-of-300-people-transforming-business-in-north-america-2020-9">100 People Transforming Business in North America</a>, is keynoting the event with a session titled, "<strong style="color: #222222;">Brand Transformation Is The Key To Retail's Survival".</strong></li></ul><p>Disruption in retail has only been accelerated by the global pandemic. Major changes from the decline of brick-and-mortar stores, to the rise of ecommerce, and growth in social commerce, have been  since before people stayed home, bought online, and became more engaged in social issues.</p><p>Join Business Insider for a series of conversations with entrepreneurs and industry experts to discuss new strategies, innovations, and retail's place in a society undergoing massive change.</p><p><strong>IGNITION: A Retail Revolution</strong> opens with a keynote titled "Brand Transformation is the Key to Retail's Survival", by <strong>Cassi Pittman Claytor</strong>, Climo Junior Professor of Sociology at Case Western Reserve University.</p><p>Pittman Claytor, who was named one of Business Insider's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tb/the-list-of-300-people-transforming-business-in-north-america-2020-9">100 People Transforming Business in North America</a>, has consulted with companies like Sephora, demonstrating how racism interferes in each part of the customer journey, from the moment a consumer realizes they have a need to the moment they make that purchase.</p><p>Other topics covered will include the rise of subscription services, "last mile" delivery partnerships, and social commerce in an omnichannel world. </p><p><strong>Speakers include:</strong> </p><ul><li><strong>Kieley Taylor</strong>, Managing Partner, Global VP, Social, <strong>GroupM</strong></li><li><strong>Rob Garf</strong>, VP Industry Insights, Retail and Consumer Goods, <strong>Salesforce</strong></li><li><strong>Meghan Knoll</strong>, GM Super Chewer, <strong>BARK</strong></li><li><strong>Carly Brush</strong>, Director &amp; General Manager, Retail &amp; Fulfillment Incubation, <strong>DoorDash</strong></li><li><strong>Sean Barbour</strong>, VP of Supply Chain Strategy, <strong>Macy's</strong></li><li><strong>Shane Pittson,</strong> Head of Growth and Marketing, <strong>Quip</strong></li></ul><p>The event will be hosted by <strong>Gloria Dawson, Senior Editor of 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SIGN UP NOW: Speakers from Macy's, BARK, Salesforce, DoorDash, and more talk about subscription services, "last mile delivery", and social justice at the IGNITION: A Retail Revolution virtual event

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5554e25f6da8114b0f068e3e-2338/pla-china-chinese-navy-naval-guided-missile-destroyer-3.jpg" border="0" alt="PLA China Chinese navy naval guided missile destroyer" data-mce-source="Reuters" data-mce-caption="A Chinese Naval guided missile destroyer docks at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base in Hong Kong." /><p class="source"><span>Reuters</span></p><p class="caption">A Chinese Naval guided missile destroyer docks at the Ngong Shuen Chau Naval Base in Hong Kong.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul><li><strong>Western countries and their partners in the Pacific and Indian oceans are increasingly concerned about Chinese influence in the region.</strong></li><li><strong>Now the Five Eye countries are reportedly starting an effort to counter it through aid and diplomatic outreach.</strong></li></ul><hr /><p><br />The US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand want to use economic initiatives and other elements of soft power to counter growing Chinese influence in Asia and Oceania, according to <a href="http://www.atimes.com/article/five-eyes-seek-to-counter-chinas-pacific-influence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an Asia Times report</a>.</p><p>Leaders from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada - which, along with the US, make up the Five Eyes <keyword id="6354810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="defense">defense</keyword> partnership - have reportedly agreed to expand aid, trade, and diplomatic relationships in the region in response to Beijing's inroads there, which includes aid and investment in infrastructure projects.</p><p>China's growing economic relationships - many of which come as part of its expansive One Belt One Road initiative - are a source of concern for Western countries and others in the Asia-Pacific region.</p><p>India, for example, has expressed concern with Chinese partnerships with countries like Pakistan, the Maldives, the Seychelles, and Sri Lanka.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/58ecde1477bb70b90c8b6f76-2000/ap16290659836585.jpg" border="0" alt="Narendra Modi Xi Jinping India China BRICS" data-mce-source="AP Photo/Manish Swarup" data-mce-caption="Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the signing ceremony by foreign ministers during the BRICS summit in Goa, India, Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016." /><p class="source"><span>AP Photo/Manish Swarup</span></p><p class="caption">Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, left, with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in Goa, India, October 16, 2016.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>China has <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/r-hoping-to-extend-maritime-reach-china-lavishes-aid-on-pakistan-town-2017-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lavished aid</a> on the town of Gwadar, Pakistan, the site of a commercial deep-water port that the US and India worry could one day host Chinese naval ships. Earlier this year, tensions between New Delhi and Beijing <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/asia-worried-about-china-us-pursuing-new-trade-security-ties-2018-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">briefly rose over the Maldives</a>, where the pro-China government's declaration of emergency spurred calls from the opposition for Indian intervention.</p><p>Sri Lanka has taken on huge debts to China but is struggling to pay them back. The government's decision <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/indias-concern-with-beijing-expansion-grows-with-sri-lanka-port-deal-2017-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">to lease the port of Hambantota and land around it to Beijing</a> in December raised ire in India, which fears it could be used by China to establish a military presence in the Indian Ocean. In what may have been a counter to China's Hambantota lease, India <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/india-and-china-are-fighting-for-control-in-sri-lanka-2017-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signed a 40-year lease</a> for a virtually unused airport nearby.</p><p>Similar dynamics have played out in the Pacific. While many of the countries there are tiny and sparsely populated, their vast exclusive economic zones <a href="http://www.atimes.com/article/china-advances-west-frets-in-south-pacific/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">cover much</a> of the Pacific.</p><p>After a 2006 coup in Fiji, which prompted sanctions from Australia and New Zealand, Beijing became a key source of aid for Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. China also funded a fish-canning facility in Papua New Guinea, Australia's closest neighbor in the region, on the condition Chinese companies did the construction. A Chinese firm also got <a href="https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/354799/china-s-hao-fish-farm-deal-finalised" target="_blank" rel="noopener">permission and concessions</a> to set up a fish farm in French Polynesia, after Beijing <a href="http://www.atimes.com/article/five-eyes-seek-to-counter-chinas-pacific-influence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gave aid and subsidies</a> to the government there. (Chinese fishing vessels trawling the region are also suspected of <a href="http://nationalinterest.org/feature/chinas-sea-phantom-fleet-prowls-the-open-waters-15105" target="_blank" rel="noopener">gathering intelligence</a>.)</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/53a4090769beddd975fa4605-2255/rtr3u05t.jpg" border="0" alt="china ship" data-mce-source="REUTERS/Nguyen Minh" data-mce-caption="A Chinese Coast Guard vessel (R) passes near the Chinese oil rig, Haiyang Shi You 981 (L) in the South China Sea, about 210 km (130 miles) from the coast of Vietnam June 13, 2014." /><p class="source"><span>REUTERS/Nguyen Minh</span></p><p class="caption">A Chinese Coast Guard vessel passes near Chinese oil rig Haiyang Shi You 981 in the South China Sea, about 130 miles from the coast of Vietnam, June 13, 2014.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>More recently, Australian media reported that the governments of <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/china-vanuatu-military-post-worrying-australia-us-2018-4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China and Vanuatu had discussed establishing a Chinese military presence</a> in the latter country, an island nation northeast of Australia.</p><p>While China has made investments in Vanuatu, Australian media said there had been no formal agreements, and both governments denied such talks had taken place. (Other observers <a href="http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2018/04/23/china-in-the-pacific-where-theres-smoke-theres-mirrors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suggested</a> Vanuatu and others in the region may be trying to play the West and China off each other.)</p><p>At present, China has only one military base abroad, located in Djibouti. While Beijing refers to it as a "logistics facility," it is still cause for concern. A senior US military official <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/china-troops-to-overseas-base-operational-security-concerns-for-us-2017-7" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said it posed</a> "very significant operational security concerns."</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5ae23d2119ee86d5098b4594-1178/rtx5j3f1.jpg" border="0" alt="Prince Charles Vanuatu Pacific Islands coconut" data-mce-source="Steve Parsons/Pool via Reuters" data-mce-caption="Britain's Prince Charles takes a drink with Chief Sine Mao Tirsupe, president of the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs, during a visit to the chief's nakamal on the South Pacific island of Vanuatu, April 7, 2018." /><p class="source"><span>Steve Parsons/Pool via Reuters</span></p><p class="caption">Britain's Prince Charles takes a drink with Chief Sine Mao Tirsupe, president of the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs, in Vanuatu, April 7, 2018.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>The Vanuatu report, and others like it, fuel concerns China is trying to leverage financial ties for more advantageous positions in the region.</p><p>This effort has been called "<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/asia-worried-about-china-us-pursuing-new-trade-security-ties-2018-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">debt-trap diplomacy</a>." US Navy Secretary Richard V. Spencer has described it as "<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/china-weaponizing-capital-us-navy-chief-awake-at-night-2018-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">weaponizing capital</a>." IMF chief Christine Legarde <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/7b7f9db2-3dec-11e8-b7e0-52972418fec4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has cautioned</a> China and <a href="http://en.rfi.fr/asia-pacific/20180421-sri-lanka-faces-futher-debt-china-pursues-one-Belt-One-Road-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">countries</a> doing business with it about the potential for mounting debts.</p><p>Between 2006 and mid-2016, Beijing committed more than <a href="https://chineseaidmap.lowyinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1.7 billion</a> in aid to projects in the Pacific.</p><p>That is less than the <a href="http://www.atimes.com/article/china-advances-west-frets-in-south-pacific/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$9 billion</a> committed by Western countries, led by Australia, over the same period, but aid from Beijing often comes without the transparency and accountability stipulations that accompany Western aid.</p><p>The Five Eyes countries' efforts to counter China in the Pacific will include military surveillance and intelligence gathering operations, <a href="http://www.atimes.com/article/five-eyes-seek-to-counter-chinas-pacific-influence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to Asia Times. But it will include soft-power elements, like British Crown Prince Charles' visit to Vanuatu in early April. UK officials have also said their government would ramp up aid, trade, and diplomatic relations with countries in the region.</p><p>Japan <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/asia-worried-about-china-us-pursuing-new-trade-security-ties-2018-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">has increased efforts</a> counter China's financial outreach by increasing its own international partnerships and investments - including in both Sri Lanka and Vanuatu. Australia and New Zealand have both expressed interest in doing the same, but, according to Asia Times, their decisions to <a href="http://www.atimes.com/article/five-eyes-seek-to-counter-chinas-pacific-influence/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduce aid commitments</a> may hinder efforts to curry favor with their neighbors.</p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/why-the-yuan-not-euro-could-become-global-currency-dollar-china-usa-eu-dharshini-david-2018-4">Why China's Yuan, not the Euro, could become the dominant global currency</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/gotiKeOQ-CEZHWCBG.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

Western countries reportedly want to use cash and soft power to fend off Chinese influence in the Pacific

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<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5accdbb2146e711a008b4776-800/almost-half-vanuatu-people-lack-clean-water-month-after-cyclone-unicef-2015-4.jpg" border="0" alt="People wait to load up portable water purification units and supplies at a Red Cross aid centre, days after Cyclone Pam in Port Vila, capital city of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu March 19, 2015. REUTERS/Edgar Su " data-mce-source="Thomson Reuters" data-mce-caption="People wait to load up portable water purification units and supplies at a Red Cross aid centre, days after Cyclone Pam in Port Vila, capital city of Vanuatu" /><p class="source"><span>Thomson Reuters</span></p><p class="caption">People wait to load portable water-purification units and supplies at a Red Cross aid center after Cyclone Pam in Port Vila, capital city of Vanuatu, March 19, 2015.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><ul><li><strong>China reportedly discussed setting up a military presence in the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu.</strong></li><li><strong>Both countries denied the report, and a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman called it "fake <keyword id="6355005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="news">news</keyword>."</strong></li><li><strong>The US and its partners are eyeing China's moves in the region warily.</strong></li></ul><hr /><p><br />China and Vanuatu discussed establishing a Chinese military presence in the Pacific island nation, The Sydney Morning Herald <a href="https://amp.smh.com.au/politics/federal/china-eyes-vanuatu-military-base-in-plan-with-global-ramifications-20180409-p4z8j9.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reports</a>, citing several sources. Australian <keyword id="6354810" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="defense">defense</keyword> officials said Beijing asked Vanuatu to host a port or allow port visits by naval vessels, <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsAUS/status/983618953531441152">according to Nine News</a>.</p><p>Vanuatu adamantly denied the reports, but a potential Chinese military presence in that area of the South Pacific has long been a source of concern for Australia, the US, and their partners in the region, who are eyeing China's expansion warily.</p><p>No formal proposals have been made by the Chinese government, according to The Herald, citing sources saying any Chinese military presence in Vanuatu would likely <a href="https://amp.smh.com.au/politics/federal/china-eyes-vanuatu-military-base-in-plan-with-global-ramifications-20180409-p4z8j9.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">develop incrementally</a>, possibly starting with a deal allowing naval ships to visit routinely.</p><p>"No one in the Vanuatu government has ever talked about a Chinese military base in Vanuatu of any sort," Vanuatu Foreign Minister Ralph Regenvanu <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-defence-vanuatu/vanuatu-and-china-deny-holding-military-base-talks-idUSKBN1HH019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> the Australian Broadcasting Corp. "We are a nonaligned country. We are not interested in militarization. We are just not interested in any sort of military base in our country."</p><p>China's Defense Ministry <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-defence-vanuatu/vanuatu-and-china-deny-holding-military-base-talks-idUSKBN1HH019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> Fairfax Media's report "completely did not accord with the facts," and a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman referred to the report as "fake news."</p><h2>Troubling implications</h2><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5accc7f84d038629008b4f0e-1011/screen shot 2018-04-10 at 95000 am.png" border="0" alt="Vanuatu Australia China Pacific Ocean map" data-mce-source="Google Maps/Christopher Woody" data-mce-caption="An outpost in Vanuatu could put China's military near trade routes in the South Pacific." /><p class="source"><span>Google Maps/Christopher Woody</span></p><p class="caption">An outpost in Vanuatu could put China's military near trade routes in the South Pacific.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>Vanuatu is made up of more than 80 islands between Fiji and New Caledonia, located about 1,200 miles from Australia's northeast coast, and it hosted a strategically located US Navy base during World War II.</p><p><span>"The most troubling implication for Australian interests is that a future naval or air base in Vanuatu would give China a foothold for operations to coerce Australia, outflank the US and its base on US territory at Guam, and collect intelligence in a regional security crisis," Rory Medcalf, head of the National Security College at the Australian National University, said in <a href="https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/many-questions-about-china-s-vanuatu-ambition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a Lowy Institute report</a>.</span></p><p><span>"We would view with great concern the establishment of any foreign military bases in those Pacific Island countries and neighbors of ours," Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said. Australia's opposition foreign affairs spokeswoman <a href="https://twitter.com/9NewsAUS/status/983618953531441152" target="_blank" rel="noopener">called</a> such a military presence a potential "game changer for the region and for Australia."</span></p><p><span>Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was in Vanuatu with Prince Charles over the weekend - a diplomatic visit meant to underscore the importance of the commonwealth countries' emphasis on a free and open international system, <a href="https://amp.smh.com.au/politics/federal/china-eyes-vanuatu-military-base-in-plan-with-global-ramifications-20180409-p4z8j9.html?__twitter_impression=true" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to Fairfax Media.</span></p><p><span>Bishop said she was unaware of any Chinese military designs on Vanuatu. She noted China was more active in the region, citing Chinese naval visits to Vanuatu in 2017, "but these sorts of visits are normal," <a href="http://amp.abc.net.au/article/9635742" target="_blank" rel="noopener">she told</a> Australian media.</span></p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/5acccb51c407b32c008b4e0b-1400/rtx5j3f1.jpg" border="0" alt="Prince Charles Vanuatu Pacific Islands coconut" data-mce-source="Steve Parsons/Pool via Reuters" data-mce-caption="Britain's Prince Charles takes a drink with Chief Sine Mao Tirsupe, president of the Malvatumauri National Council of Chiefs, during a visit to the chief's nakamal on the South Pacific island of Vanuatu, April 7, 2018." /><p class="source"><span>Steve Parsons/Pool via Reuters</span></p><p class="caption">Britain's Prince Charles with Chief Sine Mao Tirsupe during a visit to the chief's nakamal in Vanuatu, April 7, 2018.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>"It is a fact that China is engaging in infrastructure investment activities around the world," Bishop <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-defence-vanuatu/vanuatu-and-china-deny-holding-military-base-talks-idUSKBN1HH019?utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_medium=Social" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told</a> Australian Broadcasting Corp. "I remain confident that Australia is Vanuatu's strategic partner of choice."</p><p>New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she could not comment on the validity of the report, but <a href="https://sg.news.yahoo.com/china-eyes-permanent-military-vanuatu-report-030128964.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told AFP</a> that "<span>we of course keep a watching eye on activity within the Pacific and that New Zealand is opposed to the militarization of the Pacific generally."</span></p><h2><span>China putting billions into the Pacific</span></h2><p>Beijing has <a href="https://amp.smh.com.au/politics/federal/china-eyes-vanuatu-military-base-in-plan-with-global-ramifications-20180409-p4z8j9.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">already agreed</a> to hundreds of millions of dollars in development funds to the island nation, which is home to about 270,000 people.</p><p>China has also agreed to fund a new wharf on the northern island of Espiritu Santo, close to an international airport that Beijing is also helping overhaul.</p><p>The wharf deal "raised eyebrows in defense, intelligence, and diplomatic circles" in Australia because while the facility is ostensibly for docking cruise ships, it could also host naval vessels, Johnathan Pryke, a Pacific Islands expert at the Lowy Institute, <a href="https://amp.smh.com.au/politics/federal/china-eyes-vanuatu-military-base-in-plan-with-global-ramifications-20180409-p4z8j9.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told The Herald</a>, which reported that senior members of China's army want to quickly set up a base in Vanuatu.</p><p>China has <a href="https://amp.smh.com.au/politics/federal/china-eyes-vanuatu-military-base-in-plan-with-global-ramifications-20180409-p4z8j9.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">also agreed</a> to build a new official residence for Vanuatu's prime minister, a new Finance Ministry building, and an extension for the country's Foreign Ministry. It ahs already funded Vanuatu's parliamentary building, a 1,000-seat convention center, and a major stadium and is finishing work on a school that will reportedly be the biggest education facility in the South Pacific.</p><p>Beijing committed more than $1.7 billion in aid to 218 projects in the Pacific between 2006 and 2016, <a href="https://chineseaidmap.lowyinstitute.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to the Lowy Institute.</p><p><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55070d08eab8ea5e4f83e83a-2400/rtr4thia.jpg" border="0" alt="Vanuatu cyclone destruction 3" data-mce-source="REUTERS/Kris Paras" data-mce-caption="Local residents sit outside their damaged homes surrounded by debris on a street after Cyclone Pam hit Port Vila, the capital city of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu March 15, 2015." /><p class="source"><span>REUTERS/Kris Paras</span></p><p class="caption">Local residents outside damaged homes surrounded by debris after Cyclone Pam hit Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, March 15, 2015.</p></div><p></p></div></div></p><p>China "is beginning to shift this long-standing regional dynamic in ways that are raising concern in Canberra and in other regional capitals," Bates Gill, an Asia-Pacific expert at Sydney's Macquarie University, <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-43707975" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told the BBC</a>.</p><p>China has expanded its presence in the Pacific and Indian oceans, building military facilities on a number of reefs and manmade islands in the South China Sea. Beijing has made expansive claims over the sea, which have been <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-43707975" target="_blank" rel="noopener">backed by Vanuatu</a>.</p><p>The US and Australia have compared China's overtures in the South Pacific to its moves in the Indian Ocean, where Beijing agreed to develop port facilities and other infrastructure in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Myanmar, the Maldives, and other countries - all of which is of particular concern for India.</p><p>A Chinese military base in Djibouti, which features a port, aircraft hangers, and accommodations for up to 10,000 troops, was Beijing's first overseas military outpost (though Beijing refers to it a logistics facility.)</p><p>Chinese deals in the India Ocean region follow a trend that has been called "debt-trap diplomacy," in which Beijing funds projects in a poorer country and uses that leverage for get more advantageous relations or more access.</p><p>Earlier this year, US Navy Secretary Richard Spencer referred to such deals as "<a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/china-weaponizing-capital-us-navy-chief-awake-at-night-2018-3" target="_blank" rel="noopener">weaponizing capital</a>." China holds almost half of Vanuatu's $440 million in foreign debt, <a href="https://amp.smh.com.au/politics/federal/china-eyes-vanuatu-military-base-in-plan-with-global-ramifications-20180409-p4z8j9.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according</a> to The Morning Herald.</p>      <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/jim-chanos-explains-significance-china-real-estate-market-2018-2">Jim Chanos explains the most important asset class in the world</a></h3>        <div>            <iframe class="bijwplayerclass" data-player="jwplayer" src="https://content.jwplatform.com/players/mxfBPnvk-xjRU7l6Z.html" width="100%" height="100%" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" style="margin:0px;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><script>function receiveMessage(event){ console.log(event.data.fullscreen); Android.fullscreen(event.data.fullscreen); }window.addEventListener("message", receiveMessage, false);</script>        </div>    </div>

China is reportedly interested in building a military outpost on a tiny island in the Pacific - and it could be a 'game changer' for the region

<p><div class="KonaFilter image-container float_right"><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/55941e8b6bb3f77260d8d3ce-1068-801/japanese-wedding-couple-1.jpg?maxX=600" border="0" alt="japanese wedding couple" width="600" style="float: right;"><p class="source"><span>R26B / flickr</span></p><p class="caption">Less sex, less marriage in Japan.</p></img></div><p></p></div>The Japanese press has taken to calling it <em>sekkusu shinai shokogun: </em>celibacy syndrome.</p><p>Basically, the country just isn't that interested in sex - and it could have huge effects beyond its borders. </p><p>The most recent evidence comes in a survey by the <a href="http://www.jfpa.or.jp/" target="_blank">Japan Family Planning Association</a>, reported on in the <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/01/19/national/japanese-couples-going-without-sex/#.VZP4o-1VhHy" target="_blank">Japan Times</a>. </p><p>A full<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">49.3% of aged 16 to 49 respondents in the <span>1,134 person survey said they </span></span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">hadn't had sex in the past month.</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">There was a minor gender variation: </span></p><p style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">  48.3% of men reported not having sex</span></p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">  50.1% of women <span>reported not having sex</span></p><p>According to Japan Times, both figures showed a 5% increase since <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/young-japanese-arent-interested-in-sex-2013-10">two years ago</a>. </p><p>Respondents gave a range of reasons as to why: 21.3% of married men and 17.8% married women cited fatigue from work, and 23% of married women said that sex was "bothersome." <span style="line-height: 1.5em;">And 17.9% of male respondents said they had little interest (or a strong dislike) of sex. </span></p><p>Other research suggests even more extreme trends.</p><p>According to <a href="http://www.ipss.go.jp/site-ad/index_english/nfs14/Nfs14_Singles_Eng.pdf" target="_blank">a 2011 report</a> from Japan's population center cited by <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/10/22/japans-sexual-apathy-is-endangering-the-global-economy/" target="_blank">Max Fisher at the Washington Post</a>: </p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">  27% of men and 23% of women aren't interested in a romantic relationship</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">  From ages 18 to 34, 61% of men and 49% of women aren't involved in a relationship</p><p style="padding-left: 30px;">  From ages 18 to 34, 36% of men and 39% of women have never had sex</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Experts say that <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/oct/20/young-people-japan-stopped-having-sex" target="_blank">"the flight from human intimacy"</a> in Japan comes from having a highly developed economy and high gender inequality. (<a href="http://reports.weforum.org/global-gender-gap-report-2014/rankings/" target="_blank">According to the World Economic Forum</a>, Japan ranks 104 out of 140 countries regarding gender equality, slotted between Armenia and the Maldives). </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">"Professional women are stuck in the middle of that contradiction," <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/10/22/japans-sexual-apathy-is-endangering-the-global-economy/" target="_blank">Fisher writes</a>. "It's not just that day-care programs are scarce: Women who become pregnant or even just marry are so expected to quit work that they can come under enormous social pressure to do so and often find that career advancement becomes impossible. There's a word for married working women: oniyome, or "devil wives."</span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">That puts a squeeze on relational prospects for Japanese women. Fisher reports that women in their early 20s have a 25% chance of never marrying and a 40% chance of never having kids. </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Japan's birth rate </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"></span><a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30653825" target="_blank">hit a record low in 2014 at just 1,001,000 infants</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">. When combined with 1.3 million deaths in the same year, that's a deepening population crisis. According to Japan's population institute, </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"></span><a href="http://www.nippon.com/en/features/h00089/" target="_blank">the overall population could dip to 107 million by 2040 - or 20 million lower than today</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">. </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">At the same time, Japan's population is shrinking and graying, setting up a "<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/10/22/japans-sexual-apathy-is-endangering-the-global-economy/" target="_blank">demographic time bomb</a>" that could radiate out globally through the country's <a href="http://www.economist.com/blogs/freeexchange/2014/11/japans-economy-0" target="_blank">Greece-level national debt</a> and deep economic ties with China and the US. </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">The Japanese government has stepped in to help with the national trend against relationships: <a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/japan-population-problem-government-adopts-paternity-leave-nursery-school-measures-1854084" target="_blank">Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government wants 80% of fathers to take paternity leave, same as mothers taking maternity leave - while also increasing support for childcare. </a> And </span><a href="http://www.japancrush.com/2012/pictures/tax-handsome-men-increase-birthrate-says-economic-analyst.html" target="_blank">one economist recommended a "tax on the handsome"</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> to make geeky guys more attractive to women. </span></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Different "demographic time bombs" are set to go off around the world: In China and India, </span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"></span><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/india-china-marriage-squeeze-2015-4">the birthrates of boys have been outpacing those of girls for such a long time that a "marriage squeeze" is starting to hit both countries</a><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">. </span></p>    <div class="margin-top">        <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/marie-kondo-organizing-your-home-clutter-japan-2015-5">A Japanese lifestyle guru explains how to organize your home once - and then never again</a></h3>        <div>            <div>    <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script>    <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="hxMTd5dDqfVXf0BbFY7eF4fGwDrd8q9e" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div>    <script>    if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; }     RunFunctions.push(function()    {         var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'hxMTd5dDqfVXf0BbFY7eF4fGwDrd8q9e',{ autoplay: 'false' });     });    </script>    <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div>        </div>        <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script>    </div>

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