China announces strategically important Kra Isthmus Canal in Thailand

The following is based on a translation from Chinese media:

A memorandum of cooperation among various enterprises on the construction of Kra Canal in Thailand has been signed in Guangzhou China.

The canal, located at Kra Isthmus, will enable ships to bypass the Malacca Strait so as to shorten their voyage by 1,200 km.

It is an important project of China’s 21st century maritime Silk Road.

The canal will be 102 km long, 400 meters wide and 25 meters deep.

China says it will provide great economic gains for the countries that have to go through the Malacca Strait for their trade with the Middle East and Europe.

Canal planners say that, strategically, it is very important for China to get an alternative route for its energy and trade security, as India has control of the Malacca Strait.

China is also planning a road and rail route through Pakistan, also as an alternative for Middle East trade passing through the Malacca Strait.

Source: http://chinadailymail.com/2015/05/17/china-announces-strategically-important-kra-isthmus-canal-in-thailand/

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Nicola Sturgeon warns David Cameron: Give Scots what they want or there will be a second independence referendum

NICOLA STURGEON yesterday warned David Cameron that HE will be responsible for fast-tracking a second independence referendum unless he meets key SNP demands.

The First Minister told Holyrood she has no plans to push for another poll in the wake of her party’s stunning general election success. But she demanded the Prime Minister “respects” the massive mandate given to the Nationalists.

At the very least, she wants a fresh look at proposals to boost Holyrood’s powers.

Sturgeon said: “I can’t impose a referendum against the will of the Scottish people but nor can David Cameron rule out a referendum against the will of the people. It will be the people who decide.

“What happens to public opinion on this question in the years ahead will depend not just on what the SNP and the Scottish Government do, but also on the respect shown to the decisions the people of Scotland have made.

“How David Cameron, his Government and the Westminster system choose to respond to the message Scotland has sent will be crucial to how we move forward.”

Sturgeon delivered the warning five days after the SNP swept up 56 of the 59 seats in Scotland.

She now wants the Tory Government to reopen talks on the Smith Commission, set up to transfer new powers after the No vote.

But Sturgeon appeared hesitant on one of her key policies. The SNP want full financial autonomy but experts warn the move would blow a £7.6billion hole in finances.

“However, as a matter of priority, we want to see devolution of powers over employment policy, including the minimum wage, welfare, business taxes, national insurance and equality policy.”

Earlier yesterday, Sturgeon came to an agreement with the Scottish Trades Union Congress on the desire for new powers.

Grahame Smith, STUC general secretary, said they would work with the Scottish Government and other civic organisations “to oppose this unnecessary and damaging new dose of austerity and to instead help build a fairer and more equal Scotland”.

Source: http://www.scotlandnow.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/nicola-sturgeon-warns-david-cameron-5694891

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