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Philippines and China exchange accusations over South China Sea vessel collision
On Sunday, the Philippines and China each claimed responsibility for an incident that occurred near islands that are disputed in the South China Sea. This further escalated tensions along the richly resourced waterway. In a recent statement, the Philippine coast guard claimed that Chinese naval forces rammed and used water cannons to attack a Filipino vessel in proximity to Thitu Island (locally known as Pag-asa Island). The Philippines described this as a clear threat. Manila's Coast Guard reported that three vessels were anchored early Sunday morning near the island as part of a program by the government to protect local fisherman when Chinese ships approached and used water-cannons to intimidate them. The coast guard reported that an hour later, a Chinese ship fired its water cannon at a Philippine vessel, before ramming it with its stern. This caused minor damage, but did not result in any injuries. China's coastguard said that two Philippine government ships "illegally" entered waters near Sandy Cay - a coral reef located in the northern Thitu Reefs of the Spratly Islands - resulting in a collision. Beijing claimed that a Philippine ship "dangerously" approached a Chinese Coast Guard vessel, and held Manila accountable. Manila's officials vowed to keep operations going in the area and stressed the importance of protecting the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen. Over the years, the disputed region, which is part of the Spratly Islands has been the scene of numerous confrontations between two nations. Recently, tensions have increased, especially over Scarborough Shoal, and other contested areas in the South China Sea that China claims almost exclusively. Brunei also claims a portion of the waterway. This is a strategic route for trade that facilitates more than $3 trillion annually in shipborne commerce. Reporting by Phuong nghuyen, Karen Lema, Selena Li, and Eduardo Baptista, in Beijing, Hong Kong, and Manila; editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan
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EU starts gradual rollout for digital border system
On Sunday, the European Union's member states began implementing a new system of entry and exit at their external borders. This involves electronically registering non EU nationals. Over the next six months, the Entry/Exit System will be implemented. This automated system requires that travellers register at border crossings by scanning their passports and taking their fingerprints and photographs. This move is intended to detect overstayers, combat identity fraud and prevent illegal migration in the face of political pressure from some EU countries for a more aggressive stance. Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, said in a press release that the Entry/Exit System was "the digital backbone" of our new European common migration and asylum framework. Six months to adjust Non-EU citizens must register their personal information when they enter the Schengen Area for the first time - this includes Iceland, Norway Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The facial biometric check will be required for subsequent journeys. On April 10, 2026, the system will be fully operational and passport stamping will be replaced by electronic records. Brunner added that the six-month implementation period would allow member states, travelers, and businesses to adjust to the new procedure. The process will be completed at the border for British travellers who use the Port of Dover or the Eurotunnel Terminal at Folkestone, or the Eurostar Terminal at London St Pancras. From Sunday, EES will only be applied to freight and coach traffic at Dover and Eurotunnel. Eurotunnel will introduce passenger vehicle checks in November and Dover by the end the year. The Eurostar will begin the process with business travellers on Sunday. The British Minister of Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris, said: "We recognize that EES will be a major change for British travelers. That is why we worked closely with our European Partners to ensure the implementation goes as smoothly and efficiently as possible." Norris stated that "the UK and EU share a common objective to secure our borders, and these modernisations measures will help protect our citizens and stop illegal migration." Reporting by Lili Bayer and James Davey. Kate Holton. Mark Potter edited the article.
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US tightens penalties on foreign-built vessels
United States Trade Representative said that it will modify maritime fees for foreign-built vehicles carriers and LNG vessels in advance of the port fees on China linked ships scheduled to take effect next week. USTR announced in a press release that the fees for operators of foreign-built vehicles carriers will be $46 per ton starting October 14. This is lower than the $150 per net tonne fee originally proposed by USTR in April. The industry considered this fee prohibitive. However, it is still higher than the $14 per net tonne fee proposed on June 12th. USTR will also eliminate, retroactively to April 17, the provision that allowed the suspension of LNG export licenses in the event certain restrictions regarding the use of vessels built abroad were not met. It also added an exemption from fees for certain ethane carriers and liquefied petrol gas (LPG), which are part of long-term charter agreements. USTR proposed in February the actions needed to counter China’s growing maritime dominance, and restore American shipbuilding. The original proposals of the USTR were watered-down under pressure from the industry. They called them too punitive, and they said that it would have stopped a revival in U.S. Shipbuilding. Beijing made the move on the same day that it retaliated for U.S. fees on port charges, which took effect on Wednesday and applied to vessels built in China or owned by Chinese companies. China announced that it would charge a fee for ships flagged or built in the United States or owned by companies whose shares or board members are at least 25 percent U.S.-owned. Tariffs for CRANE, CARGO Equipment USTR said that it would also impose 100% tariffs for certain cargo-handling and ship-to shore cranes, as well as intermodal chassis used to haul containers. The agency confirmed that it would not impose any tariffs on cranes shipped to shore before April 17. USTR has announced that it will not impose any duties on intermodal containers because of the possible impact on domestic carriers. USTR proposed to make further modifications to the action it took in April. It imposed additional tariffs up to 150% for certain cargo-handling gear, such as rubber-tired gantry cranes and components. Reporting by Lisa Baertlein and David Lawder, both in Washington. Editing by Tom Hogue.
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Trump threatens to export Boeing parts as a response to China
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, said that Washington could implement export controls on Boeing parts in response to Chinese restrictions on exports of rare earth minerals. "We have a lot of things. One big thing is an airplane." When asked at the White House what products the U.S. could export control, Trump replied that China has a large number of Boeing aircraft and needs parts. Cirium, a company that provides aviation analysis, reports that Chinese airlines have ordered at least 222 Boeing aircraft. Boeing aircraft are in service in the country. Boeing's 737 single aisle jet is the most popular plane on order. Steve Holland reported from Washington, and Dan Catchpole from Seattle. Ismail Shakil wrote the article. Chris Reese edited it.
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Spirit Airlines cancels Airbus Order in Settlement with AerCap
Spirit Airlines, in an effort to optimize its fleet, will not purchase 52 Airbus aircraft and its options on 10 more. AerCap will take over the aircraft orders. The agreement between Spirit and AerCap was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Southern District of New York on Friday as part of a settlement of disputes. Spirit's second bankruptcy was triggered by a dispute with the largest aircraft leasing company in the world. AerCap abruptly cancelled the lease agreements of 36 Airbus A320neo jets scheduled to be delivered to Spirit in 2027-2028. The company also claimed that Spirit had defaulted on leases of 37 aircraft in its operational fleet. Spirit disputed AerCap's validity. The company's access to its fleet, both current and future, was compromised. It had no choice but to file for bankruptcy. Spirit will not renew 27 of its 37 leases as part of a settlement reached between the two parties. AerCap was given permission to use the $9.7 million cash security deposits provided by Spirit for the cancelled aircraft leases. The Irish leasing giant has also been given permission to make a claim against Spirit for up to $572,000,000 in total. The amount of money that Spirit will be able collect is still unknown. Spirit will relinquish all rights to the undeliverable jets. It will also sign lease agreements with AerCap to acquire 30 new Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft for delivery evenly spread across 2027-2028-2029. AerCap will inject $150 million in cash into the bankrupt airline as part of this deal. Spirit also announced that the court had approved a debtor in possession ("DIP") facility up to $475 millions from its existing bondholders. The carrier has immediate access to $200 million of the total financing. Spirit stated that the agreement would allow it to cut operating costs by hundreds and millions of dollars. Spirit intends to shrink its operation to cut costs. It has decided that approximately 1,800 flight crew members, or about one third of its cabin staff, will be furloughed on December 1. The carrier plans to reduce its fleet, which is currently 214 aircraft strong, by 100 aircraft or nearly half.
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US FAA resumes flights at Atlanta Airport after air traffic control was evacuated
The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Friday that flights will resume at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport following a fire alarm. Reports of a strong gas smell forced the ground stop, and the temporary evacuation the air traffic tower. Flights were halted and diverted due to the issue. FlightAware is a website that tracks flights. It reported 500 delayed flights and nine cancelled. FlightRadar24 reported that at least half a dozen Delta Air Lines flight were diverted. FlightRadar24 reported that "Flights are moving in Atlanta again, but it will take a while to clear the situation this evening." The FAA announced that the tower would be restaffed once employees had been given permission to return. Atlanta is the busiest airport in the United States by passenger traffic. (Reporting and editing by Diane Craft, Tom Hogue and Diane Craft; Jasper Ward and David Shepardson)
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China retaliates against US port fees
China's Transport Ministry announced on Friday that it will impose port fees for U.S. owned, operated, flagged, or built vessels starting on Tuesday, as a response to U.S. fees on ships with ties to China. The U.S. president Donald Trump announced that he would increase tariffs on Chinese imports to the U.S. by 100%, and implement export controls on key software as a retaliation to China's export restrictions on rare earth minerals. Analysts said that there are only a few U.S. built or U.S. flagged vessels doing international trade. But China will ensnare even more vessels by applying levies on companies where 25% or more shares or board positions are held by U.S. investment funds. Erik Broekhuizen is a manager of marine research and consulting at Poten & Partners, a ship brokerage firm. "The impact could be significant." "The potential impact is significant." SOME VEHICLES TO PAY CHINA AND U.S. FEE Matson, a U.S. shipping company, told its customers that it was subject to new China port fees but had no plans to alter their service schedule. Lars Jensen of Vespucci Maritime's container shipping consultancy, Vespucci Maritime CEO Lars Jensen said that the U.S. subsidiaries of CMA-CGM, American President Lines, and Zim in Israel, are also likely to be affected. Jensen said that the fees will be charged in China and America for 100 vessels chartered by container line and owned by Poseidon Seaspan. Maersk Line Limited APL Zim and Seaspan have not responded to comments on the fees. Analysts said that although most oil tanker operators were based outside of the United States they could be hit by China's fees for port access because they are listed there. Scorpio Tankers, for example, has the largest and youngest fleet in the industry and is listed in America. It did not respond immediately to a comment request. Broekhuizen, in a note to clients, said that the Chinese port fees have "thrown the tanker markets in chaos". He added that many vessels which could be affected were already on their journey to China. Samantha Hartke, the Americas analyst for Vortexa, stated that the port fees in China will affect 43 super-tankers carrying liquefied gas, or 10%, of the global fleet. Analysts said that vessels owned or operated in China will be charged a flat rate of $50 per tonnage net per voyage. The most vulnerable is China's COSCO, which includes its OOCL Fleet, with fees estimated at around $2 billion by 2026. COSCO declined to comment immediately. CHINA CALLS U.S. FEE DISCRIMINATORY U.S. fees for China-linked ships, after an investigation by the U.S. trade representative, are part of U.S. efforts to revitalize domestic shipbuilding, and to blunt China's commercial and naval shipping power. The Chinese Ministry said: "It's clearly discriminatory, severely harms China's legitimate shipping interests, disrupts global supply chains, and undermines international economic and trading order." The USTR office has not responded to a comment request. In the last two decades, China has risen to No. 1 in the world of shipbuilding. Its biggest shipyards are involved with both commercial and military projects. China has risen to the top of the world shipbuilding rankings in just two decades, and its largest shipyards are involved with both commercial as well as military projects. Joe Kramek is the president and CEO of World Shipping Association. He said that the fees announced by China are similar to those imposed by the U.S. They "add complexity and costs to the global network which keeps goods moving and economies linked and may harm their exporters and producers as well as consumers, at a time where global trade has already been under pressure." Rates rise over three years The Chinese Transport Ministry said that the tariff for U.S.-linked ships berthing in Chinese ports from Tuesday will be 400 Yuan ($56.13). This will rise to 640 Yuan ($89.81), and 880 Yuan ($123.52), from April 17th 2027. From April 17, 2028 the fee for vessels visiting Chinese ports will be 1,120 Yuan ($157.16). Since September, tensions between China and America have increased. The two superpowers are struggling to break their 90-day trade tariff truce that began on August 11 and ends around November 9 The U.S. trade war with China has led to a sharp decline in Chinese imports of U.S. agricultural and energy products.
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CANADA-CRUDE-Discount on Western Canada Select widens
On Friday, the discount between West Texas Intermediate and Western Canada Select futures (the North American benchmark) widened. CalRock reported that WCS for Hardisty, Alberta delivery in November settled at $10.65 per barrel below the U.S. benchmark WTI. This is compared to a close on Thursday of $10.60. The WCS discount is tighter this month than usual, as opposed to the seasonal pattern which usually sees it widening after the summer driving season. Canadian crude oil production is on the rise. According to the Alberta Energy Regulator's data, Alberta produced 4.2 million barrels of crude oil per day in August. This was the highest ever recorded for the month. The price of Brent and U.S. Crude futures dropped more than $2 per barrel or more than 3 percent on Friday, as the threat by U.S. president Donald Trump to increase tariffs against China cast a cloud over demand in a market that is perceived as being oversupplied. (Reporting from Georgina McCartney, Houston; Editing and proofreading by Sahal Muhammad)
Qantas: Cyber criminals released customer data months after breach
Qantas Airways, Australia's national airline, said on Sunday it was among the companies whose data was published by cybercriminals following a breach in July.
Database containing personal information about airline customers.
Airline
In July,
In one of Australia's largest cyber breaches, sensitive information such as home addresses, phone numbers and birth dates were accessed. The hack also affected four million other customers, who had their email addresses and names stolen.
The July breach was Australia's highest-profile cyberattack, since 2022 when telecommunications giant Optus hit and health insurer Medibank was also targeted. These incidents prompted mandatory laws on cyber resilience. Qantas released a statement on Sunday stating that they were "one of many companies worldwide that have had data released by criminals after the airline's cybersecurity incident in early-July, where customer data stolen via a 3rd party platform".
It said: "With the assistance of cyber security specialists, we are investigating which data were part of the leak."
The airline said that it had a "continuing injunction" in place, which prevents the stolen data from being accessed, seen, released, used or published by others, including third parties.
The Guardian Australia reported that the hacker collective Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters was behind the Qantas Data Release, which took place after the ransom deadline established by the group had passed.
Qantas has declined to comment.
(source: Reuters)