The issue of Asian trade (TPP), President Obama’s trip to Asia, and recent maritime and admiralty developments continue to highlight issues confronting global trade and global politics today. Also the growing and critical role of cities, states and ports in global trade is exceedingly interesting. Here is some additional information:

…… Asian trade is crucial to global trade. But it’s the multilateral system under WTO rules that ensures global trade for all. Playing geopolitics with TPP to exclude China is not good U.S. policy. The U.S. needs to support more fully the multilateral system and not just regional ones. It should certainly not exclude major countries from regional ones for narrow political purposes. “President Obama’s Asia Trip and Trade.” New York Times (April 24, 2014)

…… Today the challenge is to create virtual bridges between cities & states to the global economy to ensure economic development. “Cities and the Global Economy.” Financial  Times (April 24, 2014).

…… Does this commercial / admiralty litigation in China portend new war claims by China against Japan? “The Chen’s Family Ship Comes in.” Financial Times (April 24, 2014).

…… Is admiralty law becoming more important in foreign policy and international finance? A private wartime shipping litigation in China against a Japanese shipping company is settled after a ship was seized under maritime law and an Argentine naval ship was seized and then released in order to force compensation from Argentina for its default on its sovereign debt. “Wartime Claim is Paid.” New York Times (April 24, 2014).

…… The Port of Virginia is of great importance to Virginia’s economic development. It also needs to be better coordinated with other state agencies to ensure the vital role of maritime traffic in fostering economic development and job creation in Virginia. “Reforming Port Authority.” The Pilot (April 23, 2014).