White House official: China maintained PERSISTENT ACCESS to U.S. networks for years
['U.S.', 'infrastructure', 'Cyber', 'CCP', 'critical']
Hackers backed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) had “persistent access” to U.S. networks and allied systems for years. According to Israel Soong, director for East Asia and Pacific Cyber Policy at the National Security Council (NSC), this cyber campaign a…
White House official: China maintained PERSISTENT ACCESS to U.S. networks for years
White House official: China maintained PERSISTENT ACCESS to U.S. networks for years. Hackers backed by the Chinese Communist Party had "Persistent access" to U.S. networks and allied systems for years. In the event of a conflict, Beijing intended to use its cyber access to "Cripple" critical systems - including power grids and communications platforms. The NSC official added that while CCP efforts to prepare for the sabotage of critical infrastructure were alarming, they were unlikely to be leveraged absent a major conflict between Beijing and Washington. That's because an attack on U.S. infrastructure that resulted in American casualties would be considered an outright attack. According to a statement at the time, CISA said CCP-backed hackers were "Seeking to pre-position themselves on IT networks for disruptive or destructive cyberattacks against U.S. critical infrastructure." Eric Goldstein, CISA executive assistant director for cybersecurity, said the operation only targeted a fraction of the Chinese malware that seeks to infiltrate U.S. systems every day.
China says Taiwanese working in the mainland 'need not worry' after it suggested a death penalty for 'independence die-hards'
['China', 'Taiwan', 'mainland', 'Taiwanese', 'work']
On June 21, China sparked alarm in Taiwan after floating prison sentences, or even execution, for supporters of declaring independence.
China says Taiwanese working in the mainland 'need not worry' after it suggested a death penalty for 'independence die-hards'
China said Taiwanese workers in the mainland have nothing to fear if they "Don't break the law." China on Wednesday sought to assure Taiwanese employees working in the mainland, saying its recently announced punishments for "Separatists" don't apply to them if they "Don't break the law." The comment comes as Beijing issued legal guidelines on June 21 suggesting the death penalty or prison for "Taiwan independence diehards." The declaration sparked alarm in Taiwan, where officials started restricting tours to China and warning people against traveling to the mainland. China's Taiwan Affairs Office has since repeatedly said the punishments only apply to a "Very small number" of independence supporters and accused Taiwan of fueling overblown fears of imprisonment or execution. "Taiwan compatriots, including Taiwan employees working in multinational companies, need not worry about anything so long as they don't break the law, and can study, work and live in peace in the mainland," she added. About 163,000 Taiwanese people worked in mainland China in 2021, according to a local report last year, but that number has been steadily decreasing amid building fears of war and Chinese coercion.
Typhoon Gaemi Displaces Nearly 300,000 In Eastern China
['Typhoon', 'Friday', 'people', 'rains', 'province']
Authorities evacuated nearly 300,000 people and suspended public transport across eastern China on Friday, as Typhoon Gaemi brought torrential rains already responsible for five deaths in nearby Taiwan.
Typhoon Gaemi Displaces Nearly 300,000 In Eastern China
Authorities evacuated nearly 300,000 people and suspended public transport across eastern China on Friday, as Typhoon Gaemi brought torrential rains already responsible for five deaths in nearby Taiwan. Gaemi was the strongest typhoon to hit Taiwan in eight years when it made landfall on Thursday, flooding parts of the island's second-biggest city. China is enduring a summer of extreme weather, with heavy rains across the east and south coming as much of the north has sweltered under successive heatwaves. Chinese authorities warned Typhoon Gaemi was bringing with it torrential rains that could cause flooding. The province's Wenzhou city - home to nine million people - has issued its highest warning for rainstorms and evacuated nearly 7,000 people, CCTV said. The typhoon will also bring heavy rainfall to central Jiangxi and Henan, state media said. Citing the official China Weather Network, the broadcaster said the typhoon was moving northwestward at about 20 kilometres per hour.
India reportedly to ease curbs on Chinese investments
['Chinese', 'India', 'investment', 'electronics', 'manufacturing']
As Narendra Modi enters his third term as India's Prime Minister, the country is reportedly expected to adopt a somewhat softer stance on its economic ties with China by easing its stringent regulations, at least to some extent.
India reportedly to ease curbs on Chinese investments
Reuters, citing unnamed sources, reported that New Delhi is considering relaxing restrictions on Chinese investment in specific sectors. India may allow Chinese companies to invest in areas where the country lacks expertise, such as solar panels and battery manufacturing. Sources told Reuters that India will maintain strict controls on Chinese investments in sensitive sectors like electronics and telecommunications. The decision to open up specific areas to Chinese investment will be made on a case-by-case basis. According to the Economic Survey 2024 released by the Finance Ministry of India on July 22, India is shifting its focus towards attracting foreign investment from China as a key strategy to enhance its global electronics exports, according to the Economic Survey 2024. The report suggests that attracting Chinese investments is a more strategic approach to benefit from the "China-plus-one" strategy. According to earlier reports by Bloomberg and Reuters, the Indian government reportedly plans to expedite visa processing for Chinese engineers and technicians, which is crucial for the installation of Chinese-made machinery in Indian factories.
Honda to close one of its assembly plants in China, halt production at another facility later this year
['production', 'plant', 'Honda', 'annual', 'China']
Earlier this month, it was reported that Honda was shuttering one of its production plants in Thailand, and now, it is set to do the same in China. The Japanese automaker said it was closing […] The post Honda to close one of its assembly plants in China, hal…
Honda to close one of its assembly plants in China, halt production at another facility later this year
Earlier this month, it was reported that Honda was shuttering one of its production plants in Thailand, and now, it is set to do the same in China. The Japanese automaker said it was closing one of its assembly plants and would halt vehicle production at another facility in the country later this year, Reuters reports. As a result of this, the company's annual production capacity in China will shrink from 1.49 million units to 1.2 million units. Honda plans to bring annual production in China back up to 1.44 million vehicles by starting production at two EV plants it is presently building through its JVs with GAC and Dongfeng, with production expected to begin at both new plants later this year. The GAC Honda EV plant, located within the Guangzhou economic and technological development district, will have an annual production capacity of 120,000 units. The new Dongfeng Honda dedicated EV facility, which is located in the Wuhan economic development zone in Hubei Province, will also have a basic annual production capacity of 120,000 units. The news about the carmaker's Chinese plants comes after the Nikkei first reported yesterday of Honda's plan to slash its annual production capacity in China by around 30%. Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.
Myanmar Rebel Group Claims Capture of Major Military HQ in Shan State
['military', 'Lashio', 'State', 'MNDAA', 'Shan']
The fall of the military's Northeastern Regional Command headquarters would mark a turning-point in the country's civil war.
Myanmar Rebel Group Claims Capture of Major Military HQ in Shan State
A Myanmar rebel group claims to have seized a major regional military headquarters in the city of Lashio near the border with China, in what would mark a historic and humiliating defeat for the country's military junta. For what it's worth, the military State Administration Council, the junta's official name, denied that the Northeastern Regional Command had been overrun, with spokesperson Zaw Min Tun stating that its forces military were currently conducting clearance operations near the headquarters. After a five-month pause in hostilities due to a Chinese government-brokered ceasefire in January, the TNLA, backed up by allied People's Defense Forces opposed to military rule, opened the second phase of Operation 1027 in Shan State and Mandalay Region in late June. It would also be a "Major strategic blow" to the SAC in the context of the current civil war, Morgan Michaels of the International Institute of Strategic Studies told the Associated Press, describing it as "The junta's last major line of defense in northern Shan State." As The Irrawaddy explains, the Northeastern Command, one of 13 regional military commands, "Oversees military operations across northern Shan State, including areas near the Chinese border." As a result, the loss of Lashio would potentially lead to the total collapse of the Myanmar military's presence in northern Shan State, with cascading effects in other parts of Shan and Mandalay Region. At the same time, the MNDAA's capture of Lashio would create a host of complications that might slow its military advance. While much remains uncertain, it is clear that the fast-moving events in northern Shan State could mark a significant watershed in the complex ethnic politics of Shan State, and in the country's civil war as a whole.
Chinese semiconductor equipment could reach advanced levels in 5-10 years, says AMEC CEO
['site', 'Password', 'log-in', 'save', 'visit']
Although China is still a long way from meeting international standards in the field of semiconductor equipment, it is entirely feasible for the country to achieve technologically advanced levels within the next five to 10 years, according to Gerald Yin, CEO …
Chinese semiconductor equipment could reach advanced levels in 5-10 years, says AMEC CEO
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NATO profiteering from Ukraine conflict – China
['NATO', 'Ukraine', 'conflict', 'Zhang', 'Russian']
The US-led NATO alliance is profiting from the conflict in Ukraine, China has said Read Full Article at RT.com
NATO profiteering from Ukraine conflict – China
NATO countries are profiteering from the Ukraine conflict, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang told reporters on Thursday. Zhang was asked to comment on the declaration adopted earlier this month at a NATO summit in Washington, which labeled Beijing "a decisive enabler of Russia's war against Ukraine." He dismissed the document as "Full of lies and bias." "The US-led NATO allies keep fueling the fire and profiteering from the war. NATO needs to reflect on itself, instead of deflecting blame onto China," Zhang said. "From Ukraine to Afghanistan, from Iraq to Libya, it has brought war and disaster to these regions and their people," Zhang stated, reiterating that Beijing "Actively promotes peace talks" between Moscow and Kiev. In February 2023, China proposed a 12-point roadmap to peace and has since made efforts to mediate the conflict during subsequent meetings with Russian and Ukrainian officials. Russia cited NATO's continuing expansion eastward and its military cooperation with Kiev as one of the root causes of the conflict. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stressed that Ukraine must become a neutral country and drop its plan to join NATO in order for any potential peace negotiations to succeed.
Hermès' Sales Jump 13% in Q2 2024
['Hermès', 'sales', 'while', 'brand', 'luxury']
Hermès, known for their exclusive luxury goods like the Birkin bag, saw sales jump 13% in Q2 2024, surpassing predictions of an 11.5% increase. Hermès' revenue at constant exchange rates totaled €3.7 billion EUR (approx. $4.02 billion USD) in the three months…
Hermès' Sales Jump 13% in Q2 2024
Hermès, known for their exclusive luxury goods like the Birkin bag, saw sales jump 13% in Q2 2024, surpassing predictions of an 11.5% increase. Hermès' revenue at constant exchange rates totaled €3.7 billion EUR in the three months. Europe excluding France led total revenue growth with sales up 18% while Japan followed, up 19.5%. Asia excluding Japan was up 5.5 and while most brands experienced loss in China, Hermès kept sales stable. Hermès' growth is largely due to the exclusivity and loyal customer base the brand has curated. Hermès grew in almost every category besides watches, down 4.9% and the smaller silk and textiles division, down 5.6%. The brand slipped with aspirational clients as they aren't shopping at Hermès as much, affecting fashion accessories like silk scarves. While Hermès delivered positive news, other luxury brands continue to struggle financially. Gucci experienced a 20% sales drop in the first half of 2024 while Burberry announced a 20% sales drop at constant exchange rates in Q1 2024.
NORAD intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers off coast of Alaska
['aircraft', 'Two', 'intercept', 'us', 'Russian']
NORAD intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two Chinese H-6 bomber aircraft operating near the Alaskan coast on Wednesday.
NORAD intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers off coast of Alaska
United States and Canadian fighter jets intercepted multiple Russian and Chinese bomber aircraft in international airspace off the coast of Alaska on Wednesday, according to a statement from the North American Aerospace Defense Command. Two Russian TU-95 and two People's Republic of China H-6 military aircraft were "Detected, tracked, and intercepted" while operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone on Wednesday, according to NORAD. Essentially, "Intercepted" means that the U.S. and Canadian fighters jets monitored the Russian and Chinese bomber aircraft to ensure they weren't posing an active threat. NORAD officials say the Russian and Chinese aircraft did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace and were "Not seen as a threat." The interceptions were carried out by U.S. F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, as well as Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter jets. On Thursday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said during a press briefing that, "This was not a surprise to us, we closely monitored these aircraft, tracked the aircraft, intercepted the aircraft." The ADIZ, where the interceptions took place, "Begins were sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security," according to NORAD. On July 21, two U.S. Air Force B-52H bomber aircraft flying in international airspace over the Barents Sea were intercepted by two Russian aircraft, according to the Air Force. "The U.S. aircraft did not change course due to the intercept and continued along their scheduled flight plan without incident," the Air Force said in a statement.
China warns US against impeding ties with Russia
['Beijing', 'trade', 'China', 'Russia', 'Moscow']
Washington’s allegations that Beijing is boosting Russia’s defense industry are “groundless,” a Chinese embassy spokesman has said Read Full Article at RT.com
China warns US against impeding ties with Russia
The statement came after Daniel Kritenbrink, the US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, claimed Beijing was supporting Moscow's military operation against Ukraine by providing assistance to the Russian defense industry which, according to Washington, is having a destabilizing effect. "China's right to engage in normal economic and trade exchanges with all countries, including Russia should not be undermined," Liu stated, calling Washington's allegations baseless. "The US is organizing a campaign to help Ukraine while making groundless accusations," the Chinese spokesman said, slamming such an approach as "Hypocritical and irresponsible," which he said China firmly opposes. Beijing has previously accused the US and its allies, which together supply the bulk of Kiev's military equipment, of hypocrisy, stating that Western powers should work on bringing Russia and Ukraine to the negotiating table instead of "Shifting the blame" onto China for the continued hostilities. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has repeatedly stressed that economic and trade cooperation between China and Russia "Will not be disrupted by any third party." Trade between the two countries has hit all-time highs in light of Western sanctions against Moscow. Last year, mutual trade turnover surpassed $240 billion, according to official data, with Russian imports from China jumping nearly 47% to $111 billion, and exports to China growing by 12.7%, to $129 billion.
Uncle Sam accuses telco IT pro of decade-long spying campaign for China
['information', 'MSS', 'company', 'China', 'claims']
Beijing has a long history of recruiting US residents to carry out various espionage activities The US is looking to prosecute a Chinese immigrant over claims he has been drip-feeding information of interest to Beijing since at least 2012.…
Uncle Sam accuses telco IT pro of decade-long spying campaign for China
Ping Li, 59, is a US citizen who resides in Wesley Chapel, Florida, having worked for a "Major US telecommunications company and an international information technology company" since his move stateside. "The MSS often uses 'cooperative contacts' located in countries outside of the PRC in furtherance of their intelligence goals, which include obtaining information concerning foreign corporate or industrial matters, foreign politicians or intelligence officers, and information concerning PRC political dissidents residing in those countries," the Department of Justice said, announcing the charges. In 2012, Li is alleged to have gathered biographical information about an individual associated with the Falun Gong religious movement and passed it back to the MSS within a week of receiving the order. Li is also claimed to have gathered information about his telco employer in 2015 after it opened a number of branch offices in China. The indictment does not reveal either the nature of the information or the name of the telco in question. Finally, three months later, the MSS is said to have requested information on an individual China thought to be theirs but fled the country to the US. MSS supplied Li with the individual's name and suspected US address and Li provided the property owner's details to the MSS later the same day, it is claimed. "From as early as 2012, Li allegedly served as a cooperative contact working at the direction of officers of the MSS to obtain information of interest to the PRC government," said the DoJ. "Li used a variety of anonymous online accounts for the purpose of communicating with the MSS, and traveled to the PRC to meet with the MSS.".
Ford Aims to Beat Chinese Brands with Small EVs Using Chinese Batteries
['Ford', 'billion', 'Pro', 'Farley', 'vehicle']
Its Pro commercial business continues to dominate, with success in software services. Ford’s $3.5-billion EV battery factory in Michigan uses tech from CATL.
Ford Aims to Beat Chinese Brands with Small EVs Using Chinese Batteries
Ford is doubling down in its partnership with Chinese-based battery manufacturer CATL to build small, affordable electric vehicles in the US. Ford's $3.5-billion EV battery factory going up in Marshall, Michigan, about 100 miles west of Detroit, uses technology and services from CATL. Altogether, Ford Motor posted second-quarter revenue of $47.8 billion, net income of $1.8 billion, and adjusted earnings of $2.8 billion. Ford's electric-vehicle business unit's $1.1 billion loss for the quarter is the same as its loss for the second quarter of 2023, and EV sales were down from the first quarter, though Ford remains number-two after Tesla in the US. But Ford is doubling down in its partnership with Chinese-based battery manufacturer CATL to build small, affordable electric vehicles in the US. The Ford Model e team is "Getting much more scrappy" at cutting costs on its next generation of EVs, CEO Jim Farley told Wall Street analysts in the automaker's second-quarter earnings call Wednesday. For the first half of the year, Pro's EBIT is $5.6 billion, up 15.9%. When Ford split its business in three a few years ago, its Blue unit net income levels were about equal to that of Pro, but the Pro commercial business has since been pulling well ahead. Ford can't build enough Super Duty trucks and Transit vans to meet demand. Ford Blue's EBIT for the first half was $2.1 billion. Altogether, Ford Motor posted second-quarter revenue of $47.8 billion, net income of $1.8 billion, and adjusted EBIT of $2.8 billion. Related Story Ford Pro now has more than 765,000 paid subscriptions he said, adding, "We're targeting $1 billion in revenue next year for software." Ford seems convinced small EVs are the path to a sustainable battery-electric market.
A second Trump presidency could mean big changes for EVs. Here's what to know
['Trump', 'car', 'Tesla', 'factory', 'tax']
Former president Donald Trump isn’t one to mince words. The brash Republican nominee for president has made it clear he’s not a fan of electric vehicles or clean energy and promised to “drill, baby, drill” for more oil. But what would a second Trump administr…
A second Trump presidency could mean big changes for EVs. Here's what to know
What would a second Trump administration mean for the EV industry? The most obvious target of a potential President Trump 2.0 would be the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which provides $369 billion in tax breaks and subsidies for clean energy, including EV projects. In May, Trump said he would "Impose an immediate moratorium on all new spending grants and giveaways under the Joe Biden mammoth socialist bills like the so-called Inflation Reduction Act," according to CNBC. According to Columbia Threadneedle Investments, which manages $652 billion in assets, the biggest provisions at risk of being cut by a Trump presidency are those benefitting EVs, wind power, and clean hydrogen. Tesla CEO Elon Musk - who has endorsed Trump and helped launch a pro-Trump Super PAC - on Tuesday said doing away with the IRA tax credits "Probably actually helps Tesla" in the long term because its rivals - who control much less of the market - would be hindered. Along with pulling support for EV tax credits, Trump has floated doing away with an IRA program that provides funding for electric charging infrastructure, which is crucial for adoption. Despite the Republican nominees' staunch opposition to China - Vance has called China the "biggest threat" to the U.S., while Trump's White House took at least 210 public actions against the country - Trump has called for Beijing's automakers to build American factories. "Right now as we speak, large factories just are being built across the border in Mexico," by China to sell cars in the U.S., Trump said at the RNC. "We don't mind it happening but plants will be built in the United States and our people are going to man those plants," he added.
Typhoon Gaemi hits China after deaths in Taiwan and Philippines
['Taiwan', 'Philippine', 'coast', 'Flood', 'storm']
Thousands are evacuated from southern China while Taiwan and the Philippines continue rescue operations.
Typhoon Gaemi hits China after deaths in Taiwan and Philippines
Typhoon Gaemi has made landfall in mainland China after wreaking havoc in Taiwan and the Philippines. It comes after widespread flooding and landslides across Taiwan and the Philippines, killing at least 21 people. The Philippines says it is "Racing against time" to contain an oil spill after a tanker carrying 1.5 million litres of industrial fuel capsized and sank off of the country's coast. China activated its highest-tier disaster warning as the storm made its way to its shores on Thursday evening local time. Train services have been suspended in Fujan, while authorities in northern China have warned heavy rains could trigger landslides and flooding. EPA. A clean-up operation is currently taking place in Taiwan following the typhoon - the largest to have struck the island in eight years but only the first of this year's storm season. EPA. Despite avoiding a direct hit by the storm, Typhoon Gaemi had intensified seasonal monsoon rains by the time it hit the Philippines, causing widespread flooding in Manila.
Chinese hackers target Mac users with boosted Macma malware
['Macma', 'used', 'observed', 'backdoor', 'Daggerfly']
Daggerfly updates Macma to target non-govs in China, and commercial firms in Taiwan.
Chinese hackers target Mac users with boosted Macma malware
Chinese cybercriminals known as Daggerfly have been observed targeting macOS users with an updated version of their proprietary malware. Being a modular backdoor, Macma's key functionalities include device fingerprinting, executing commands, screen grabbing, keylogging, audio capture, and uploading/downloading files from the compromised systems. The discovery of recent Macma variants are testament of "Ongoing development", the researchers further explained, saying that they also observed a second version of Macma containing incremental updates to the existing functionality. Daggerfly was apparently using Macma against organizations in Taiwan and an American non-government organization in China. In the past, MgBot was seen used in targeted attacks, mostly since it was exceptionally good at evading detection, while remaining persistent. Finally, Dggerfly used a Windows backdoor called Trojan. Suzafk was developed using the same shared library used in Mgbot, Macma, and a number of other Daggerfly tools, Symantec added.
Apple's iPhone shipments are still getting squeezed in China by rising rivals
['Apple', 'shipments', 'China', 'market', 'share']
Apple's fortunes in China may be getting worse in the short term, with iPhone shipments for the second quarter reportedly down year-on-year as local rivals increase competition.Apple's Head of Retail, Deirdre O'Brien, in Apple Sanlitun, BeijingApple has slowl…
Apple's iPhone shipments are still getting squeezed in China by rising rivals
Apple's fortunes in China may be getting worse in the short term, with iPhone shipments for the second quarter reportedly down year-on-year as local rivals increase competition. According to analysis from Canalys, Apple is seeing more competition in China, and its shipments are being hurt by it. In data shared with Reuters, Apple's smartphone shipments are claimed to have dropped 6.7% in the second quarter of 2024, versus Q2 2023. By contrast, the Q2 2023 figures had Apple shipments at 10.4 million. Apple's market share in China also dropped, from 16% one year ago to 14%. This put Apple from third to sixth place in terms of smartphone shipments in China for the quarter, narrowly behind Xiaomi with 10 million shipments and a 14% share. The drop in Apple's market share is only partly down to its reduced shipments. Xiaomi rose form 12.4% to 14.8%m while Vivo managed to go from 7.9% to 9.1%. While Chinese vendors are benefiting from localized supply chains, Apple is apparently facing a bottleneck in mainland China.
Amazon's Direct-from-China Plan Criticized
['Amazon', 'sells', 'brand', 'Temu', 'Masiello']
Amazon aims to compete with low-cost, China-based providers. Observers say the move is counterproductive. The post Amazon’s Direct-from-China Plan Criticized appeared first on Practical Ecommerce.
Amazon's Direct-from-China Plan Criticized
We asked industry pros to comment on Amazon's plan to create a new section for Chinese sellers to ship directly to U.S. customers. It's a bad idea, according to Phil Masiello, CEO of CrunchGrowth Revenue Acceleration Agency and a longtime Amazon seller and founder of multiple ecommerce companies. Sellers and brands have been fighting with Amazon against cheap fakes from China for years. Masiello believes the move will cost Amazon, where quality sellers face increasing fees - about 50% of sales go to Amazon. "Amazon continues to aggressively pursue overseas manufacturers and make it easier for them to become consumer brands themselves," James Thomson, managing partner at Equity Value Advisors and a former Amazon executive, said. "In many categories, U.S.-based brands on Amazon are sourcing stuff overseas and now competing against their manufacturers. Amazon's enabling them." "As Amazon goes after lower cost options, it's harder for small brands in the United States to do well," Thomson said.
Bride Attacks Rowdy Guests After He Sprays Her With Champagne In Viral Video
['wedding', 'bride', 'people', 'guests', 'Chinese']
"When people think that they are funny but they actually just dumb." The post Bride Attacks Rowdy Guests After He Sprays Her With Champagne In Viral Video first appeared on Bored Panda.
Bride Attacks Rowdy Guests After He Sprays Her With Champagne In Viral Video
The video of the awkward moment quickly circulated online, turning into a viral sensation and sparking heated debate on wedding etiquette. The page described: "Yesterday at a wedding in China, some people played an ill-timed prank and the bride didn't stand still." Race to the Future: Traditional Chinese weddings back in fashion!Over the years, China has seen tremendous changes in how weddings are celebrated. "Rosalinda Oropeza Randall, another etiquette expert, recalled:"At our wedding, there were a couple of guests who had a falling out years prior. The blog further explains that most Chinese weddings are split into two parts: the tea ceremony and the banquet. As a result, on the morning of the wedding, it's tradition for the groom and his entourage to pick up the bride at her parents' house. "As with any wedding, don't forget to congratulate the bride and groom before leaving. If you are unable to make it to the wedding entirely, fear not! You can still mail the newlywed couple a red envelope as a token of your support."
New Apple Lab in China to Test Products Under Extreme Conditions
['iPhone', 'model']
Apple is set to open a new applied research lab in Shenzhen, China, focusing on enhancing the quality and reliability of its flagship products (via Shenzhen Daily). The new lab in Shenzhen is expected to boost Apple's research capabilities, focusing on…
New Apple Lab in China to Test Products Under Extreme Conditions
Key details about the overall specifications of the iPhone 17 lineup have been shared by the leaker known as "Ice Universe," clarifying several important aspects of next year's devices. Reports in recent months have converged in agreement that Apple will discontinue the "Plus" iPhone model in 2025 while introducing an all-new iPhone 17 "Slim" model as an even more high-end option sitting.... Read Full Article 160 comments.
Philippines shutters its online gambling industry amid tax evasion, human trafficking concerns
['POGO', 'year', 'illegal', 'Marcos', 'over']
POGOs, short for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, are companies licensed by the government to run online gambling sites for overseas players, especially in mainland China where such activities are illegal. While the POGO business has generated billions i…
Philippines shutters its online gambling industry amid tax evasion, human trafficking concerns
POGOs, short for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, are companies licensed by the government to run online gambling sites for overseas players, especially in mainland China where such activities are illegal. While the POGO business has generated billions in tax revenue, it's also been a hotbed of illicit activity. It centers on a mayor named Alice Guo who allegedly faked being a Filipino citizen to run an illegal POGO empire, complete with human detention cells and over 800 victims rescued from her scam compounds. Bongbong Marcos July 22, 2024 The POGOs have been a political hot potato for years, creating all sorts of economic and regulatory headaches alongside the sleaze factor. At their peak a few years ago, POGOs directly employed well over 300,000 Chinese nationals in the Philippines alone. The clampdown in recent years has seen hundreds of POGO licenses revoked and arrests of many operators for tax evasion and hiring illegal foreign workers. Others worry the shadier POGO elements will simply go fully underground, creating new illegal operators that are even harder to track and regulate.
China and Russia stage first joint bomber patrol near Alaska
['countries', 'Russia', 'joint', 'patrol', 'China']
The patrol comes amid US warnings of deepening ties between China and Russia.
China and Russia stage first joint bomber patrol near Alaska
Russia and China have staged a joint patrol over the north Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea near the coast of Alaska. The two countries have carried out several joint patrols in the past, and Russia regularly flies its bombers over the Bering Sea. Wednesday's joint patrol was the first that brought together bombers from both countries in the north Pacific area. China has said the patrol has "Nothing to do with the current international and regional situation". China and Russia have developed closer ties since Moscow was placed under sanctions by the West following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Earlier this month, Moscow and Beijing wrapped up their fourth joint naval patrol in the northern and western Pacific Ocean. Nato countries issued a joint statement at the end of a recent summit in Washington accusing China of being a "Decisive enabler" of Russia's war in Ukraine and urging it to "Cease all material and political support" to the country's war effort.
Experts eye possible China-Japan meeting during ASEAN
['China', 'Japan', 'Japanese', 'between', 'relations']
Earlier this week, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and his Japanese counterpart held strategic talks for the first time since 2020
Experts eye possible China-Japan meeting during ASEAN
Szu-shen Ho, director of the Center of Japan and East Asia Studies at Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan, notes three key areas of contention between China and Japan: a territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands, which China calls the Diaoyu Islands, the detention of at least five Japanese nationals by China following the implementation of its revised counterespionage law, and the release Fukushima's nuclear wastewater into the sea. He said that channels of communication between China and Japan, be it among Cabinet members or leaders, seem to be relatively "Smooth." Economic and trade relations, he adds, also still are very deep between China and Japan, despite the U.S.-China trade and technology war. Last year, the United States was Japan's biggest export market and China its biggest source of imports, according to Japanese trade data. Since the COVID-19 pandemic some Japanese companies have shifted their investments out of China. Lin also believes that it's possible China could release Japanese nationals who have been detained in China after they are sentenced and the judicial process is complete. The exercise, which sparked a strong protest from China, was the first joint maritime training for Japan and Taiwan since Tokyo severed diplomatic ties with Taipei in September 1972 and switched recognition to Beijing. Japan's chief Cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said the exercise was not aimed at any country, including China.
Taiwan TV series depicting Beijing invasion sparks anxious debate...
['Taiwan', 'military', 'series', 'Taiwanese', 'island']
Taiwan TV series depicting Beijing invasion sparks anxious debate... (First column, 3rd story, link) Related stories:US, Canada jets intercept China, Russia planes near Alaska... Moscow warships to make Havana port visit this weekend...
Taiwan TV series depicting Beijing invasion sparks anxious debate...
TAIPEI - The trailer of a TV series portraying a Chinese attack on Taiwan has prompted a wave of emotional response and discussion on the self-ruled island that Beijing has vowed to make its own, by force if necessary. The nearly 18 minute-long trailer depicts a fictitious ploy by the People's Liberation Army to mount a naval blockade of Taiwan in the guise of a search-and-rescue mission. Security analysts generally see Taiwan as ill-prepared to deter or resist China, citing the island's shrinking military and number of voluntary soldiers. In a sign that it is serious about defending itself, Taiwan in 2022 announced an extension of its compulsory military service to one year from four months, effective in 2024. Funding for the 10-part series came from Taiwan's Culture Ministry and Mr Robert Tsao, founder and former chairman of United Microelectronics Corporation, Taiwan's second-largest contract chipmaker, according to a CNA report. Ms Cheng said her team is in talks with a major international streaming platform to release the series, hoping to draw more global attention to the threats Taiwan faces from China. The prospect of a cross-strait military conflict has been present for decades but rarely addressed bluntly in Taiwanese TV shows, partly due to the topic's sensitivity and commercial implications.
Russian and Chinese bombers were intercepted flying together for the first time near the US
['Chinese', 'Arctic', 'Russian', 'Defense', 'intercept']
The US intercepted Russian and Chinese bombers near Alaska on Wednesday, a few days after Beijing and Moscow criticized its strategy in the Arctic.
Russian and Chinese bombers were intercepted flying together for the first time near the US
North American Aerospace Defense Command said it sent fighter jets to intercept four Russian and Chinese bombers as they passed near Alaska on Wednesday. The military planes - two Russian Tu-95s and two Chinese H-6s - did not enter US airspace but passed through Alaska's Air Defense Identification Zone, NORAD said. An unnamed US defense official told CNN that it was the first time aircraft from the two countries had been intercepted together. Russian aircraft have been regularly intercepted around Alaska, but Chinese aircraft far less so. The Pentagon's Arctic strategy for 2024, released in June, noted "Increasing collaboration" between China and Russia in the region. Kathleen Hicks, the deputy secretary of defense, said at a media briefing on Monday that the US has seen "Growing cooperation between the PRC and Russia in the Arctic commercially, with the PRC being a major funder of Russian energy exploitation in the Arctic," Agence France-Presse reported. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized the US Arctic strategy, saying Russia is trying to avoid the region "Becoming 'a territory of discord' that escalates tensions," according to Russian state-owned news agency TASS..
The luxury outlook in China just keeps getting worse
['Chinese', 'luxury', 'brand', 'revenue', 'China']
Gucci's parent company said on Wednesday that it continued to see a "deceleration" in Asia-Pacific sales in the first half of the year.
The luxury outlook in China just keeps getting worse
Kering, the latest luxury brand to report earnings, said on Wednesday that it continued to see a "Deceleration" in Asia-Pacific. Consumer spending in China has been improving "More moderately than before COVID-19," Luca Solca, a luxury goods analyst at Bernstein, told Business Insider. Last week, the parent company of brands including Cartier reported a 27% decline in revenue in the combined markets of China, Hong Kong, and Macau, dragging total Asia Pacific sales down by 18%. To try to boost sales, luxury brands have given massive discounts to Chinese consumers. In early July, Marc Jacobs offered more than 50% discounts on Alibaba's upscale e-commerce platform, Tmall Luxury Pavilion, the FT reported. A recent survey by US investment bank TD Cowen suggested that Chinese consumers are spending less on luxury goods while spending more on overseas travel and safe assets such as gold. Luxury goods are still popular with wealthy Chinese shoppers - just not in China. Not all luxury brands are feeling the heat in China.
The Economic Growth and Democracy Debate
['economic', 'democracy', 'democratic', 'China', 'autocracy']
For decades, it was widely believed that economic development would naturally lead autocratic regimes to transition into democracies. However, the resilience of modern autocracies, exemplified by China’s continued authoritarian rule despite economic progress,…
The Economic Growth and Democracy Debate
These regimes adeptly use technology and other strategies to maintain control, suggesting that economic growth alone is not sufficient to trigger democratic reforms. For a long time, people believed that economic development would naturally lead autocratic regimes to evolve into democracies. This reality challenges the straightforward link between economic growth and democracy. This strategic manoeuvring disrupts the traditional narrative that economic development alone will lead to democracy. The political and economic literature on this subject is inconclusive, suggesting that while economic development can support democracies, it doesn't necessarily trigger their emergence. The Chinese Communist Party has maintained control by balancing economic benefits with political repression, proving that economic success doesn't automatically lead to democracy. Where does this leave us? It's clear that economic development alone isn't enough to guarantee a shift from autocracy to democracy.
THY secures yuan financing for new aircraft
['financed', 'aircraft', 'Chinese', 'yuan', 'first']
Turkish Airlines (THY) has become the first airline outside the People's Republic of China to finance aircraft with Chinese yuan.
THY secures yuan financing for new aircraft
ISTANBUL. Turkish Airlines has become the first airline outside the People's Republic of China to finance aircraft with Chinese yuan. According to a statement from the company, three Airbus A350 aircraft, which joined THY's fleet in May and July, were financed in Chinese Yuan through AVIC International Leasing and CCB Financial Leasing. Professor Dr. Ahmet Bolat, chairman of THY's Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, said that the financing method was a first. "As THY, we have added to our achievements in aircraft financing by becoming the first airline to finance aircraft outside of China in Chinese Yuan currency," he said. "By adding a fifth currency to the financing transactions where four different currencies are currently used, we aim to keep the financing costs of our partnership at the lowest level and support our hedging strategies against foreign exchange risk," Bolat added. "The interest and confidence of our Chinese business partners in this transaction, which has never been done outside of China, is also a sign of inter-institutional trust and cross-country cooperation. In the future, we will continue to be at the forefront of the market with new innovative financing methods."