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CNN —Canada decided to expel a Chinese diplomat on Monday, following an uproar in the country over allegations of political meddling, which Beijing has fiercely denied. “Canada has decided to declare persona non grata Mr. Zhao Wei,” read a statement by Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly. The intelligence service also said that Beijing had tried to sway the outcome of Canada’s federal elections in 2019 and 2021. Chong himself has focused much of his criticism on Trudeau’s government, which he says was too slow to act. Last week, Joly previewed the possibility of retaliatory action against China, but warned that Canada needed to carefully weigh how China might react.

☆ Canada summons Chinese ambassador over allegations of political interference
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Paula Newton | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Ottawa CNN —Canada summoned China’s ambassador on Wednesday to respond to allegations of political interference and intimidation. However, she admitted Canada’s government was carefully weighing the possibility of retaliation by China, which denies interfering in Canadian political affairs. CNN asked China’s foreign ministry about the allegations, specifically the accusations made by CSIS about political interference and attempts at intimidation made by a Chinese diplomat. “China always opposes any country’s interference in other countries internal affairs. We have never had and have no interest in interfering in Canada’s internal affairs.

WASHINGTON/OTTAWA, May 4 (Reuters) - China sharply criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's comment that linked Chinese-produced lithium to slave labor, and warned Canada could face consequences if it continues "denigrating maliciously" the human rights situation in China. The Chinese side expresses its strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this," the Chinese Embassy in Ottawa said in a statement late on Wednesday. The embassy accused Trudeau of "political manipulation under the pretext of human rights" and seeking to undermine China. "The Canadian side should respect facts, set aside prejudice, and stop denigrating maliciously the human rights situation in China, otherwise Canada will certainly take the consequences." Reporting by Doina Chiacu in Washington and Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Josie KaoOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Canada's spy agency withheld information about China's threats to lawmaker, Trudeau says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Ismail Shakil | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

OTTAWA, May 3 (Reuters) - Canada's spy agency withheld information about Chinese threats against a Canadian lawmaker and his family in 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Wednesday, adding that he had told the agency that in the future such threats must be revealed immediately. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) had determined that information about the threats against Michael Chong, a member of parliament with Canada's main opposition Conservative party, were not concerning enough to inform him, Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa. Trudeau has previously said China attempted to meddle in the 2019 and 2021 votes, but did not change the outcome. On Wednesday, Trudeau said he learned about the threats against Chong from the Globe report and upon enquiring about it, found out that CSIS had decided to withhold information. Chong was sanctioned by Beijing in 2021 after his motion passed the Canadian parliament declaring China's treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority genocide.

☆ As US and Philippine defense ties grow closer, China drives wedge over Taiwan issue
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

But the election of his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, last year has returned relations to a more even keel, in part because Manila has become wary of a more assertive China. Last year the US granted $100 million to boost the Southeast Asian country’s defense capabilities and military modernization. Heydarian added that China has to rethink its strategy towards the Philippines, as the Marcos Jr administration is openly more aligned with the US. China remains one of the top trade partners of the Philippines, while Marcos Jr also continues to negotiate energy and agriculture investments from Beijing. Some worry Marcos Jr might be giving too much access to the US, especially when it comes to bases and facilities close to Taiwan, Heydarian said.

☆ With Russia's role in the global energy system falling, a select few nations are set to benefit
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Lee Ying Shan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Russia's role as a global energy player is set to diminish, and the U.S. and Qatar are among a slew of nations ready to fill its shoes, analysts told CNBC. "Russia's global LNG supply share will almost certainly decline this decade," Henning Gloystein, a director for energy, climate, and natural resources at political consultancy Eurasia Group told CNBC. He noted that its role in the liquefied natural gas space was retreating even before the country's invasion of Ukraine last year. Western sanctions, which resulted from the onslaught of its neighbor, further sapped most foreign investment out of Russia's LNG sector. He added that the total capacity for Russia's LNG facilities to produce natural gas will remain flat at 37 million tons over the next few years.

☆ Yonder, a fintech startup that helps expats get credit cards and offers rewards for spend, raised $78 million in debt and equity using this 11-slide pitch deck
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( Callum Burroughs | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

London-based fintech startup Yonder has raised $78 million in debt and equity. Yonder, a London-based credit card startup, has raised $78 million in debt and equity in a new funding round. Yonder previously brought in $26 million in debt and equity as part of a seed funding round. This latest raise comes in the form of £12.5 million, about $15.7 million, in equity and £50 million, roughly $62.6 million, in debt. Yonder also plans to launch in two further unspecified cities and offer more events to users with its new capital, Chong said.

☆ World leaders are lining up to meet Xi Jinping. Should the US be worried?
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-14 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Hong Kong CNN —Xi Jinping has had a busy couple of weeks. “(Chinese leaders) believe it’s time now for China to make its strategic plans,” said Li Mingjiang, an associate professor of international relations at Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University. Beijing has watched uneasily as the war in Ukraine has driven the US and its European allies closer. When French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Beijing last week, Xi drew comparisons between China and France: both “major countries with a tradition of independence,” Xi said, and “firm advocates for a multi-polar world” – or a world without a dominant superpower. But how Beijing navigates these initiatives, observers say, comes down to a bottom line that’s integrally related to Xi’s global ambitions and world view.

Cathay shares rose as much as 1.4% to HK$7.95 after the results were released, reversing the morning's declines as investors bet on a turnaround following heavy losses during the pandemic. "After three brutal years of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have finally entered into a new exciting phase, in which we will rebuild Cathay Pacific for Hong Kong." [1/5] A Cathay Pacific Airways Airbus A350-900 airplane approaches to land at Changi International Airport in Singapore June 10, 2018. Cathay said it was operating about one-third of pre-pandemic passenger flight capacity by December and ended the year operating passenger flights to 58 destinations, double the 29 destinations the airline flew to in January 2022. It would operate at about 70% of its pre-pandemic passenger flight capacity by the end of 2023, with an aim to return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024.

☆ 'The worst is over': Tech investors are bullish on investing in China again
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Sheila Chiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Liu Ranyang | China News Service | Getty ImagesTech investors say the worst is over as China reopens and exits its zero-Covid policy. The firm raised nearly $500 million for a new China tech fund set to close by early this year — more than earlier plans for $400 million. Tech companies see government supportInvestors are not worried of new challenges on the regulatory front. Gobi's Tang said, "I do think that they're going to do everything they can to try to spur the economic growth. "There's still a lot to catch up [in semiconductor tech] for China.

☆ BofA Promoted 93 New MDs in Global Markets — Here Are the Names
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Alex Morrell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Bank of America announced 93 new managing directors in Global Markets on Thursday. The division in 2022 saw sales and trading revenues climb to its highest mark since 2010.Insider has all the names of the newly promoted MDs. On Thursday the bank announced a new class of 360 managing directors, including 93 from the firm's Global Markets division — up from 86 last year. The bank's Global Corporate and Investment Bank promoted 87 new MDs. BofA made $16.5 billion in 2022 from sales and trading — including a fourth-quarter record of $3.7 billion — the highest tally for the firm since 2010.

☆ Mass shooter's motive elusive as Monterey Park mourns 10 dead
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( Tim Reid | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

About 20 minutes after the shooting in Monterey Park, he entered another dance club in the neighboring city of Alhambra. About 12 hours later, police officers in the city of Torrance, 20 miles southwest of Monterey Park, approached a white cargo van Tran was driving. As officers neared the van, they heard a single gun shot from inside when Tran killed himself. As news about the shooting spread, some in the tight-knit community of Monterey Park feared it was a hate crime targeting Asians. Reporting by Tim Reid in Monterey Park; Additional reporting by Brad Brooks, Jonathan Allen, Dan Whitcomb and Timothy Gardner; Editing by Stephen CoatesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ California shooting upends tranquil community: 'I don't feel safe'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( Tim Reid | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] Police investigate the scene of a shooting that took place during a Chinese Lunar New Year celebration, in Monterey Park, California, U.S. January 22, 2023. On Saturday night, when she heard the gunfire that killed at least 10 people in her newfound home of Monterey Park, California, that dream was shattered. On Sunday morning, after America's latest mass shooting, this time of revelers celebrating Lunar New Year in a Monterey Park ballroom, residents gathered in small groups in stunned disbelief and dismay. The Monterey Park community is close knit, city leaders said. Reporting by Tim Reid in Monterey Park; Editing by Paul Thomasch and Lisa ShumakerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

"That '90s Show" is a spinoff and continuation of the hit sitcom "That '70s Show." You can watch "That '90s Show" exclusively on Netflix; plans start at $7 a month with ads. Where to watch 'That '90s Show'You can now watch "That '90s Show" on Netflix. The show is a Netflix original, so it won't be available to stream on any other services. FoxIf you want to catch up on all eight seasons of "That '70s Show" before you watch "That '90s Show," you can find the original series on Peacock.

☆ FTC Weighs Stiff Penalties on Deceptive ‘Green’ Marketing
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Dieter Holger | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +6 min

Officials are seeking public comment until Feb. 21 on nonbinding guidelines for how companies can make environmental marketing claims without breaching federal laws prohibiting deceptive advertising. “People who want to buy green products generally have to trust what it says on the box.”The agency’s so-called Green Guides, launched in 1992 and last updated in 2012, outline principles that apply to environmental marketing claims. The FTC has brought federal lawsuits against companies for making deceptive environmental claims, and the guides are cited in marketing laws in states such as California. The breadth of terms being considered reflects the significant evolution of green marketing over the past decade and companies need clearer guidance, said Caiti Zeytoonian, a lawyer at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP who advises companies on green marketing and represents them before the FTC. Ms. Koss declined to say if the Supreme Court decision triggered the FTC’s consideration of new rules on green marketing.

☆ China's big consumer market isn't rebounding to pre-pandemic levels just yet
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( Evelyn Cheng | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

For the past six months, revenue had dropped to 30% of typical levels, Chong said. The travel season for China's big holiday runs this year from around Jan. 7 to Feb. 15. That's twice what it was last year, and 70% of 2019 levels, China's Ministry of Transport said Friday. It noted most of the trips will likely be for visiting family, while just 10% will be for leisure or business travel. By that time, people will have been able to process their passport applications, while the number of international flights may have recovered to 50% or 60% of 2019 levels, Chen said.

"That '90s Show" is a spinoff and continuation of the hit sitcom "That '70s Show." "That '90s Show" will be available to stream exclusively on Netflix starting January 19. Where to watch 'That '90s Show'You can watch "That '90s Show" on Netflix starting January 19. Yes, Topher Grace and Laura Prepon will reprise their roles as Eric and Donna from "That '70s Show" in the new sequel series "That '90s Show." FoxIf you want to catch up on all eight seasons of "That '70s Show" before you watch "That '90s Show," you can find the original series on Peacock.

☆ South Korea's government will probably propose 'additional budget' in mid-2023, StanChart says
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-23 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailSouth Korea's government will probably propose 'additional budget' in mid-2023, StanChart saysChong Hoon Park of Standard Chartered Bank Korea says that's partly because legislative elections are scheduled to take place in 2024.

☆ China's stunning reversal on lockdowns showed that mass protests can influence policy change in the country — but experts say it still doesn't threaten Xi's regime
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

But experts on China say it's unlikely the protests will embolden future political movements. The changes come after protests against COVID measures erupted all across China — rare for a country where dissent is snuffed out quickly. Baogang He, the chair of international relations at Deakin University in Australia, agreed that the protests show how mass anger can influence government policy, but not regime change. "No one is strong enough to exploit or dare to use these protests to mount a challenge to Xi Jinping," Xi, the professor, told Insider. Chong said that although Xi holds extensive power in China, the protests and subsequent rollback both underscore how he can make major mistakes, too.

☆ China doubles down on its 'zero COVID' rules while protests in major cities grow
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-28 | by ( Rebecca Cohen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Two international politics experts told Insider that while reversing some zero COVID policies could ease protestors, it won't be enough to send them home for good. But the government has shown no signs of easing any other zero COVID rules. Protesters around the country held up blank, white pieces of paper above their heads to protest against the zero COVID policies. But he doesn't predict a "broader relaxation of the zero covid policy." Xi voiced those concerns during a visit to Wuhan Tuesday in response to the zero COVID policies, state news agency Xinhua reported.

☆ Departing Twitter employees share bittersweet photos of laptops covered with blue bird stickers and other company memorabilia
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( Stephanie Stacey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

More than half of Twitter's remaining staff appear to have chosen to leave the company, Insider reported. Some took to Twitter to post bittersweet photos of company laptops emblazoned with blue bird stickers. Some stickers featured hashtags popular among Twitter staff such as #LoveWhereYouWorked and #OneTeam. In an email earlier this week, Musk ordered all Twitter employees to commit to his "extremely hardcore" vision for Twitter by clicking a sign up-link before 5 p.m. Here are some of the best laptop pictures posted by departing Twitter employees:

It was a rare, candid glimpse of the Chinese leader and a reminder of Beijing's testy relations with the West. Besides Biden, Trudeau and Australia's Anthony Albanese, Xi also met the leaders of South Korea, Italy, Argentina, Holland and France for bilateral talks in Bali. Xi was ferried around Bali in his own Hongqi (Red Flag) limousine - Mao Zedong used an earlier model - China's version of the U.S. presidential "Beast" limo. Returning to in-person diplomacy also gives Xi a platform to push Chinese initiatives that further cement its stature as leader of the emerging world. "I think in the coming years you'll see China indeed making a serious effort to implement its major power diplomacy," he said.

☆ China's Xi Jinping was filmed lecturing Justin Trudeau in an awkward exchange. It offers a rare glimpse into Xi's personal style of diplomacy.
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

"That's not appropriate," Xi told Trudeau on Wednesday at the G20 summit in Indonesia. The 40-second video, captured by a Canadian news cameraman, offers a rare glimpse into Xi's personal style of diplomacy. "Everything we discussed has been leaked to the paper, that's not appropriate," Xi told Trudeau, per a translator who was with Xi during the exchange. "Otherwise, it will be hard to say what will happen," the Chinese leader said. Remarking on his exchange with Xi, Trudeau said that "not every conversation is going to be easy," per The Globe and Mail.

Bankman-Fried said he was in talks with "a number of players" in the crypto sector, including Justin Sun who is the founder of crypto token Tron, after a potential rescue deal with larger rival Binance fell apart. He also said his firm Alameda Research, which sources have said was partly behind FTX's problems, was winding down trading. FTX's native token, FTT , is down more than 90% this week and was attempting to steady around $3.50. Another exchange, OKX, said it had been approached earlier in the week by Bankman-Fried, who described liabilities of $7 billion that needed covering fast. Bankman-Fried said FTX.US, the U.S. operations of the exchange, however, had not been financially impacted.

FTX head Sam Bankman-Fried said he was "exploring all the options", but fading hopes for rescue left FTX teetering. A message on the FTX website said: "FTX is currently unable to process withdrawals. "The dagger will continue to hang over the crypto market, as long as the outlook of FTX's fate remains unclear." 'CONFIDENCE CRISIS'There are also early signs that the fallout could spread beyond crypto markets, with jittery stockmarkets sliding on Wall Street overnight. Most crypto players remain bullish about the long term, but are braced for further falls in the near future.

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