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Ukrainians support ousted defence ministry as political crisis intensifies
After a poorly explained government reshuffle erupted into a political crisis, protesters in Kyiv announced a rally that would last until the end of time. They demanded that Volodymyr Zelenskiy reappoint Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister. The protest reached its peak last week when thousands of angry Ukrainians marched to demand the reinstatement of Fedorov and the dismissal of Oleksandr Syrskyi as commander-in chief. Syrskyi was accused by some of disregarding soldiers' lives and delaying army modernisation. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the president's office Friday, even though Zelenskiy had replaced Syrskyi by respected commander Mykhailo Drapatyi. They chanted "We stood, we stand and we will continue to stand." Dmytro Koziatynskyi is a veteran of the military and a protest organizer. He believes that people are ready to continue "for as long as it takes". Zelenskiy had previously claimed that Fedorov was dismissed due to an irreparable conflict with Syrskyi. He then offered him a variety of roles, such as vice-prime minister for innovation in defence. A 35-year old man credited for cleaning up the ministry of defence?publicly rejected the offer. Fedorov claimed that none of the positions had the authority to implement 'necessary reforms. "We don?t need Fedorov only as a figurehead. Fedorov is needed as a reformer. Unfortunately, the positions offered by the President do not have enough influence to push reforms forward. STOLEN HOPE The cardboard signs, a DIY tool that became a symbol for the protest read: "Bring Fedorov Back", "I'm here for those who support me there", a reference to the?servicemen in the frontline and "Fedorov as defence minister". One said, "Let your manager handle it". Many praise Fedorov for his efforts to tackle corruption in the defense sector, as well as for Ukraine's recent victories in the war against Russia. His dismissal occurred just as his troops were battling for the upper hand and conducting strikes against military and energy targets deep within Russian territory. Ukraine is still vulnerable to the deadly Russian air attacks and frontline assaults. Anna, who was displeased with Fedorov's dismissal, said: "They have stolen the hope of people and they have stolen results." Zelenskiy, fearing a backlash, has not yet sought parliamentary approval for his candidacy to succeed Fedorov who only led the ministry for half a year. Yevhenii Khmara was named as the?acting Minister. He was previously acting head of Ukraine's internal security service. Anna stated that they did not have the extra six months needed to form a new team or implement new reforms. She also said that Khmara was an effective official. (Reporting and editing by Yuliia Dyesa)
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Indian Embassy reports that a tanker with a Mozambique flag was attacked in Iranian waters.
The Indian embassy in Tehran reported that a tanker flying the flag of Mozambique and carrying 28 Indian crew members was attacked on Friday in Iranian territorial waters. In a statement?posted to X, the embassy said that all Indian crew members were safe and they are in contact with?authorities. Disha was attacked by an unknown missile while en route to the Persian Gulf, according to the Forward Seamen's Union of India. Before the conflict in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz was a major transit route for a fifth of all global energy supplies. Since a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran broke down in early July tensions have escalated, leading to heavy strikes and further disruption of shipping through the waterway. (Reporting by Hyunsu Yim in Barcelona; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani)
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Beumer sues EU antitrust regulators over Vanderlande, Siemens deal, court filing shows
A court filing seen by revealed that the German logistics group Beumer Group has taken EU antitrust regulators 'to 'court' for refusing to investigate Dutch rival Vanderlandes' acquisition of Siemens' airport logistic 'unit'. Beumer was concerned when Siemens announced the EUR300m ($341.31m) deal with Dutch luggage conveyor belts and package-sorting systems Vanderlande owned by Japan's Toyota Industries two years ago. In March of this year, Vanderlande asked regulators in Portugal & Spain to approve the deal. These?countries and Italy then asked the European Commission (EC) to take on the case. In May, the EU's competition enforcer rejected these requests. The Commission stated that the requests were not "appropriate" for the EU, as the deal has been in place 'for more than one year. The Commission said that Portugal and Spain must continue to investigate the case as national agencies are regularly scrutinising the market. Beumer argued in court that the Commission had erred by failing to evaluate the deal. The company urged the court to void its decision. The Commission does not have the discretion to deny a request for a referral when it is obvious, on the basis of objective criteria that the national competition authorities (NCAs), who are requesting the referral, will be unable to effectively review the concentration. This was stated in the July 17 filing. Beumer stated that the EU's decision was also based upon criteria that were not legally relevant. A spokesperson for the Commission said, "As always, the Commission is?ready to defend its decisions in Court." The General Court in Luxembourg usually takes several years to hear a case.
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AI is a talent drain, and the aerospace industry has to compete for recruits.
Hassan Butt was a 17-year old British student who volunteered at the Farnborough Airshow in this week. For him, nothing was cooler than watching the planes and pondering the physics behind what kept them airborne. He said, as he answered questions from passersby. He wanted to be an aerospace engineer and focus on missiles. There was no shortage in the hall of displays, stalls, and recruitment campaigns aimed at capturing his enthusiasm and luring him along with other potential recruits. Butt was the perfect candidate. But industry bodies and businesses said that there weren't enough people like him. The UK aerospace sector faces a shortage of 10,000 specialized engineers every year, with AI and other newer technologies stealing talent. In Britain, more than half of the licensed aerospace engineers are over 50 years old; less than 10% are younger than 30. This was revealed in a report released by the Royal Aeronautical Society. ADS, a trade group, said that the UK aerospace sector grew 31% over the past decade but that the talent pipeline had not kept up. Kevin Craven said, "we in the aerospace industry are experiencing a shortage of skilled employees for quite some time... despite industry growth year-on-year for the last 10 years." He said that innovations such as flying taxis and sustainability can help younger engineers to sign up. RECRUITING RESOURCES ARE ATTRATED BY CONTESTS AND TOP-GUN DISPLAYS Sector faces record backlog of orders. Boeing and Airbus, two of the world's largest aerospace companies, are trying to produce more planes but their engineers are nearing retirement. In an effort to save money, many companies in this sector have scrapped their feeder apprenticeship programs that supported longer-term career paths a few short years ago. These have been largely replaced by entry level jobs or graduate programmes, which are often promoted by stalls and campaigns at the event this week. Other activities at the show included engine building exercises and Top Gun style flying displays. All of these were designed to attract young recruits. It is a fierce competition to get them. Experts say that other sectors with similar engineering requirements have a lower barrier to entry, and pay higher salaries. Jerrold Lundquist is a consultant and managing director at The Lundquist 'Group. The UK government hopes that renewed defence investment, linked to the war in Ukraine can boost the appeal of joining this sector as it develops drones like BAE Systems Brontanax. ADS reported that the aerospace, defense and security sector added $62,4 billion to the UK's economy in 2012. Molly Haydon was a?17 year old at the event and she wanted to participate just as much as Hassan Butt. She said that'more needs to be done to attract students and young women like herself outside the airshow. She said, "I believe they need to educate young people about it and get them more aware that there are still plenty of jobs available in this sector for everyone."
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US strikes Iran from the south to the north after Trump's threats about Red Sea shipping
U.S. rockets?hit targets in Iran on Friday, after President Donald Trump promised "major punishment" to Tehran and its Houthi ally in Yemen for extending Middle East war into a'second major shipping chokepoint at the mouth of Red Sea. The 'Iranian Armed Forces' responded two weeks after an interim ceasefire meant to end war collapsed by firing on U.S. bases and warning the people of neighbouring Arab nations that they could strike non-military structures used by U.S. personnel. The Houthis who control the northern and western parts of Yemen have announced a blockade of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has diverted millions of barrels of crude oil per day via pipeline to the Red Sea in order to avoid Iran's nearly total blockade of Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf entrance has been the focal point of a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives in less than five months. It has also stoked inflation worldwide and raised fears of an economic recession. PAKISTAN EXPLORING WAY FOR TALKS SOURCES SAY On Thursday, Houthi fighters attacked two Saudi tankers in the Bab el Mandeb Strait of the Red Sea. Oil prices rose 7% and reached $100 per barrel for first time since last May. Brent futures had fallen more than $4 by 1600 GMT Friday to just over $96. Sources say Pakistan is exploring a way to re-start the stalled talks that have been halted between the U.S.A. and Iran about ending the war. This follows a Chinese push. Three Pakistani sources said that Eskandar Mumeni, Iran's interior minister, visited Islamabad in this week and had exploratory talks. This was his second visit to Islamabad within the past 10 days. Three Pakistani sources said that there were still many obstacles to any possible talks with the U.S. TANKERS RETRAIT, SHIPPING INSURANCES GO UP Meanwhile the Houthi attack forced other tankers turn around and head to the north through the Suez Canal. This could be a longer route for reaching Asia by "sailing" around Africa. Sources said that shipping insurance costs in the southern Red Sea nearly doubled on Thursday for some companies. Despite this, two Chinese'supertankers' and half of the 18 ships that left Bab el-Mandeb Thursday carried crude oil. On Thursday, there was only one tanker that crossed the Strait of 'Hormuz. This is the lowest number since May 7. In a telephone call, the Iranian and Omani Foreign Ministers discussed maritime navigation and security in the Strait of Hormuz between the two nations. A statement posted on the Telegram channel of Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that the conversation took place during the phone call. IRAN THREATENS THE U.S. FORCES Trump stated on social media that Iran would be held accountable for any future attacks by Yemeni fighters. "And major military punishment will also be inflicted against Iran and of course the Houthis themselves." He told Axios that he would consider relaunching a major war against Iran. The U.S. media outlet reported him saying, "They haven’t received enough pain." The Iranian Health Ministry said in a statement to X that 59 people have been killed and 666 injured since the resumption clashes between U.S. troops late June. Iranian media reported that the head of Iran’s top joint command said Iran would kill one member of U.S. military forces for each Iranian killed. The war has resulted in the death of 18 U.S. military personnel. The Pentagon announced on Monday that since July 7, 100 servicemen had been injured. 96% of them have returned to work. U.S. WARNS CITIZENS? IN MIDEAST TO EXERCISE CAUTION Iranian officials claimed that they had targeted U.S. military equipment at Camp Buehring in Kuwait's north, as well as the positions of U.S. soldiers at Camp Arifjan, near Kuwait City, and Camp Doha. Kuwait announced in the early evening that its air defences intercepted "hostile" Iranian targets. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed they had damaged a U.S. Fifth Fleet surveillance tower in Bahrain. The group also claimed that they attacked a U.S. fighter jet and barracks in Jordan. According to the semiofficial Tasnim News Agency, they also attacked a barracks, spy balloon and Patriot air defences at Erbil in Iraq’s Kurdish Region. State TV reported that Jordan's army had destroyed?seven Iranian rockets and six drones. The attack caused no damage or injuries. U.S. Embassy in Baghdad warned U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and exercise caution in the Middle East. U.S. MISSILES HIT GUARDS HQ - MEDIA According to an Iranian media report, U.S. missiles have 'hit a Revolutionary Guards Navy HQ in the Ziba Kenar region?of Gilan province on the Caspian Sea. According to the ILNA, provincial authorities confirmed that U.S. missiles also hit the port city Bandar Anzali. IRIB, the Iranian state broadcaster, reported that four people had been killed and five others injured by an attack launched by the United States on Ahvaz. The Revolutionary Guards issued a warning to the people of Gulf states in a statement published by Iran's Fars News Agency. They warned them of possible attacks against U.S. military personnel, who could be using "buildings and cities as locations for their crimes".
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Five UK police officers are injured after a boat hits a bridge in London
The Metropolitan Police said that five British officers were injured when a boat hit the Westminster Bridge in central London on Friday. Police said that the vessel from the Met's Marine Policing Unit hit the bridge around 1440 GMT. The police said that "a number of officers" had entered the water but were rescued by additional police and other emergency services. The police statement stated that "we understand five officers were injured and are being treated." "We are awaiting an update regarding the extent of their injuries." The statement said that it didn't believe any public members were injured or involved in the incident and that the circumstances would be "thoroughly examined". Crowds of onlookers watched the incident from the bridge. Port of London Authority said it was also supporting the response. (Reporting and editing by Michael Holden; Sam Tabahriti, Kate Holton)
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Trump warns China and Russia against involvement in Iran War
Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said on Friday that he doesn't believe China or Russia is "participating." He warned them however that it would be "very bad" for them if they got involved. He wrote: "President Xi told me at our meeting in Beijing that he wouldn't, under any?circumstances?, sell or give weapons to the Islamic Republic of Iran -?and that statement included Chinese Companies" on Truth?Social. Trump claimed that Putin told him he wouldn't sell weapons to Iran, and that he thought Russia and China weren't involved in the Iran conflict. Trump wrote: "If they did it, that would be bad for them - certainly not in their best interest." Since February of this year, the United States and Iran are at war. This is because Israel and the U.S. launched attacks that killed senior Iranian officials including Iran's supreme leader. U.S. Intelligence sources told four people that the CIA's earlier Gulf War strikes on Iranian targets had prompted the U.S. Intelligence is investigating whether Russia has been assisting Iran in the use of drones or targeting information. The Kremlin declined to comment on Thursday's?report. The United States has sanctioned Russian and Chinese individuals and companies for helping Iran purchase weapons. Jasper Ward, Washington reporter; Michelle Nichols, editor
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GL Group acquires US oil and gas assets for the first time in Azerbaijan
Azerbaijani energy company GL Group has purchased oil and gas assets in Texas. The company is now the full operator of the four fields. This was the first deal like this for the former Soviet nation. More than 200 wells are included in the assets located near Midland, Permian basin. GL Group headed by Asif Zeynalov did not reveal the value of the transaction,?the reserves or current production. The company stated that the transaction made them 'the first Azerbaijani firm to own and operate upstream oil and gas assets within the United States. The acquisition is part GL Group’s strategy to expand upstream business beyond Azerbaijan. The group's first international investment was made in 2024 when it acquired a 25% stake of Gazelle Energy Limited in Canada, which has a?gas licence in Turkey's Thrace?Basin. The GL Group operates five oil and natural gas fields in Azerbaijan via Salyan Oil Limited?and Taghiyev Operating Company. Separately GL 'Group announced that it had signed a 5-year service agreement with U.S. oilfield services company Baker Hughes. Both companies stated that the agreement covered?operational assistance, technical expertise, and access to oil & gas technologies. (Reporting and editing by Emelia Sithole Matarise; Nailia Bagirova)
Shipping companies pull out of Hong Kong to avoid US-China risks
Some shipping companies move their operations discreetly out of Hong Kong, and remove vessels from its registry. Some shipping companies are making contingency planning to do this.
Six shipping executives have said that these low-profile actions are motivated by a fear that their vessels could be seized by Chinese authorities, or face U.S. sanction in the event of a clash between Beijing and Washington. The people said that the growing U.S. scrutiny over the importance of China’s commercial fleet to a potential military conflict, such as one over Taiwan, and Beijing's emphasis of Hong Kong's role in serving Chinese interests is causing concern in the shipping industry. Last month, the U.S. Trade Representative proposed imposing steep U.S. fees on Chinese shipping firms and other companies that operate Chinese-built ships to counter China's "targeted dominant" in shipbuilding and maritime logistic. Washington warned American companies in September about the growing risks associated with operating in Hong Kong. The U.S. has already imposed sanctions on officials who are involved in a crackdown.
Hong Kong has been the hub of shipowners for over a century, as well as brokers, financiers underwriters, and lawyers who support them. Official data shows that its maritime and port industries accounted for 4,2% of the GDP in 2022.
VesselsValue - a subsidiary company of Veson Nautical, a maritime data group - reports that the city's flag was flown on eight out of ten ships in the world.
Interviews with two dozen people familiar with Hong Kong including shipping executives and lawyers revealed a growing concern about the possibility that commercial maritime operations in Hong Kong could be caught up by forces outside their control if a U.S. - China military conflict occurs.
Many pointed out China's increased focus on national security goals, trade frictions, and Hong Kong's leader's broad powers to take control of shipping if necessary, as he is accountable to Beijing.
One executive who, like many others, was allowed to remain anonymous to discuss this sensitive subject said: "We do not want to be in the position where China is knocking on our door, requesting our ships, while the U.S. targets us from the other side."
Previously, the concerns of shipowners as well as their efforts to limit exposure to Hong Kong were not reported. In recent years the perception of risk has increased, in line with the tightening security environment in the Chinese-ruled area and the tensions between two of the largest economies in the world.
Turning Tide
To comply with safety and environment rules, commercial ships must be registered or flagged with a specific country or jurisdiction.
VesselsValue, an independent research firm, found that despite the influx of Chinese ships on Hong Kong's register, the number oceangoing vessels registered in the city dropped by more than 8% in January, from 2,580 in January 2004. Government data show a similar drop.
In 2023 and 2024 74 ships, mostly dry-bulk carriers, were re-flagged for Singapore and Marshall Islands. These vessels transport commodities like coal, iron ore, and grain. VesselsValue reports that 15 tankers and 7 container ships left Hong Kong's registry to fly these flags.
Hong Kong's ship registry has seen a dramatic decline in the last two years. Official data shows that it grew by 400% over the past 20 years.
Hong Kong's Government responded to questions by saying that it is normal for shipping companies, given the changing geopolitical, trade and economic circumstances, to review their operations. It is also normal for the numbers of ships registered to fluctuate over the short-term.
A spokesperson stated that Hong Kong will "continue to excel" as an international shipping center, highlighting a variety of incentives, such as profits tax breaks and environmental subsidies, for shipowners.
The spokesperson stated that neither the laws governing registry nor the emergency provisions empower Hong Kong's leader in commandeering ships to serve as part of a Chinese merchant navy.
When asked to comment on the concerns of industry players about how emergency powers from colonial times might be used during a conflict between the U.S. and China, the spokesperson declined. The provisions give the leader of the city "any regulation whatsoever", which includes taking control over vessels and property.
China's commerce and defence ministries did not respond to questions regarding the role of the merchant fleet in Beijing’s warfighting plan, the possible involvement of Hong Kong flagged vessels, or the concerns of commercial shipowners.
The U.S. Treasury declined to comment on potential sanctions, concerns of shipping executives, or the role played by Hong Kong-registered ships in a Chinese commercial fleet.
Lawyers and executives agree that ships can be reflagged in a variety of ways, including through the sale, chartering or redeployment on different routes.
Basil Karatzas of Karatzas Marine Advisors & Co in the U.S. said that Singapore was becoming the preferred domicile for businesses with less exposure to Chinese shipping or cargo trade. It offered many efficiencies including its legal system but also a lower risk than Hong Kong.
Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority stated that decisions regarding domiciles and flags were based on business considerations. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said it had not noticed any "significant changes" in the number Hong Kong shipping companies moving operations or reflagging vessels to Singapore.
MERCHANT FLEEET
Executives and lawyers agree that Hong Kong's registry for shipping is highly regarded by the industry because of its high safety and regulatory standards. This allows its ships to easily pass through foreign ports. Many of China's international state-owned vessels now fly Hong Kong's banner.
According to PLA military studies and four security analysts, in a conflict these tankers and bulk carriers would be the backbone of the merchant fleet that supplies China's oil and food needs.
The U.S., on the other hand, has a very small shipbuilding industry. It also has far fewer vessels under its flag. Three analysts say that while China's growing state-owned fleet would be a target of the U.S. during a military conflict, Beijing would need other vessels in order to supply its needs, given its reliance on international shipping lanes and vast needs.
Donald Trump has been keeping a close eye on strategic maritime operations. Trump said in his January inauguration address that he would "take back" control of the Panama Canal from China. Trump did not provide specifics but his remarks focused on two Panama port operated by a Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings subsidiary. The group did not respond to any questions regarding Trump's remarks, but agreed to sell the majority of the subsidiary's shares to a consortium led by BlackRock this week, giving U.S. interest control over the port. Trump said to Congress that his administration would create a shipbuilding office in the White House, and provide new tax incentives.
In a study conducted by the U.S. Congress in November 2023, it was stated that "cargo vessels typically transport 90% of military equipment required in overseas conflicts". The report noted that Chinese shipyards ordered 1,794 ocean-going large ships in 2022 compared to five in the U.S.
Merchant vessels played a crucial role in Britain's 1982 long-range operation to retake Argentina's Falkland Islands. Declassified CIA files show that UK-flagged ships operated out of Hong Kong, many of which were owned or controlled by Chinese firms, supplied communist Hanoi in the Vietnam War.
In 2013, President Xi Jinping outlined the need for a Chinese merchant fleet that would help to build China's maritime strength in a Politburo session.
In the past decade, Chinese military and government documents and studies have emphasized the dual-use value of China’s merchant ships.
According to state media, regulations enacted in 2014 required Chinese builders to build five types of commercial ships, including tankers and container ships, to be able to serve military requirements.
Since then, COSCO has seen a significant increase in its line.
Documents from COSCO show that China places political commissars, officers who make sure Communist Party goals are served, on nominally civil ships.
The U.S. banned COSCO subsidiaries in January for what they said were links with the Chinese military.
COSCO has not responded to any questions regarding its deployment of commissars, U.S. restrictions, or what role COSCO's ships -- including those with Hong Kong flags -- might play in wartime.
'REALLY DE-RISKED'
Hong Kong is still an important shipowners' base, despite geopolitical issues. Some shipowners are quietly hedging.
Taylor Maritime (London-listed) a company that was founded in Hong Kong, in 2014, has a much smaller presence in Hong Kong now after several strategic moves in the last few years.
It has been flagging its ships in Singapore and the Marshall Islands since 2021. The company has offices in London, Guernsey and Singapore.
A person with knowledge of the matter said that the firm "really reduced the risk of Hong Kong". This was due to investors' fears of a Chinese invasion in Taiwan and the Communist Party taking control of Hong Kong.
Taylor Maritime's spokesperson stated that the company initially moved its Asia-based teams from Hong Kong to Singapore to be closer to their clients.
Taylor Maritime, after acquiring Grindrod, a shipping company with an Asia office in Singapore and expanding its operations there, relocated certain functions from Hong Kong to Singapore, where it became the primary Asia hub.
Two people with knowledge of the situation said that Pacific Basin Shipping, a Hong Kong listed company, has always flagged its 110 bulk carrier fleet in Hong Kong. However, it is now preparing contingency plans for them to be registered elsewhere while it assesses possible risks.
Pacific Basin's spokesperson stated that the company constantly evaluated geopolitical risk but its fleet still flew the Hong Kong flag "which, at least for the moment, outweighs the challenges".
The spokesperson stated that "Being located in Hong Kong places us near China's 40% share of the global dry bulk export/import activity as well as close to Asia's strong industrial and economic growth regions."
Angad Banga said that shipping firms adjust contingency plans based upon risk assessments, but he has not heard of concerns regarding the commandeering vessels.
Banga said that although some organizations may be re-evaluating their operational strategies, they do not see a widespread exodus from Hong Kong or a loss of confidence. The city, he added, remained attractive to maritime commerce.
Some industry figures have described a general unease in Hong Kong, which has affected their planning.
Three lawyers have said that, until recently, contracts for the increasing number of ships constructed in China that are financed by Chinese banks stipulated that the ship must fly the Hong Kong Flag.
Lawyers said that in the past two years some companies have added a disclaimer to their contracts, stating that they are willing to consider other flags as an alternative. Could not independently verify these changes. Beijing officials have stressed that Hong Kong is important in achieving national security goals. They also referred to China's modernisation of its military and refusal to abandon the use of force against Taiwan.
Three executives and lawyers said that the sweeping security laws, which were first implemented in Hong Kong in July 2021 and then strengthened in March 2020, have increased dangers.
Lawyers said that any attempt by Hong Kong’s leader to commandeer ships in an emergency could prove difficult, since locally registered vessels often travel routes far away from Hong Kong. They said that such powers, which have been in place for a long time, now needed to be seen through the lens of national security.
One lawyer stated that some shipowners would not object to a request from the government to hand over their vessels. This could be due to patriotism, or because they might profit by a crisis.
Another veteran lawyer said that it is "better to avoid being in a situation where you could be asked".
It was not an issue a few short years ago. The national security map has been redrawn. (Reporting and editing by David Crawshaw; Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal, Idrees, and Idrees in Washington and Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong;
(source: Reuters)