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China Bans Chinese Tourists from Visiting Canada

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China Bans Chinese Tourists from Visiting Canada

China has relaxed prohibitions on group excursions to a number of nations, including the United States and the United Kingdom, but not Canada. It signals a deterioration in relations in the aftermath of Canada’s recent charges that Beijing meddled in its domestic politics.

According to Chinese officials, Canada was barred due to accusations of foreign meddling. The travel ban has the potential to have a substantial impact on Canada’s tourism economy.

In the years preceding the Covid epidemic, Chinese tourists were reported to have injected more than C$1 billion (£580 million; $740 million) into the Canadian economy.

China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism controls which countries Chinese tour companies can visit, citing the need to protect people travelling overseas. However, it has also been considered as a political weapon for advancing China’s foreign policy goal.

China added 78 countries to its list of permitted group vacation destinations this week, Canada was excluded, but including other important G20 countries such as the United States, Germany, Australia, and South Korea. Currently, 138 countries are on the list.

China’s embassy in Ottawa stated in a statement that it was concerned that “the Canadian side has repeatedly hyped up the so-called ‘Chinese interference.'”

According to the statement, Beijing is concerned with “protecting the safety and legitimate rights of overseas Chinese citizens and wishes they can travel in a safe and friendly environment.”

The two countries’ diplomatic relations deteriorated drastically earlier this year. It occurred amid a succession of leaks to Canadian media of allegations from domestic intelligence services alleging Chinese meddling in recent federal elections.

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Canada has also accused Beijing of attempting to intimidate Conservative MP Michael Chong and conducting a disinformation campaign against him on the popular Chinese messaging platform WeChat.

Some of the claims led to the expulsion of Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei from Canada in May. China removed Jennifer Lynn Lalonde, Canada’s diplomat at its Shanghai embassy, in retaliation.

According to Destination Canada, which promotes tourism in the country, China is the largest source of visitor arrivals from the Asia-Pacific area. It is also its second-largest long-distance market behind the United Kingdom.

According to a 2021 research by the Canada China Business Council, over 700,000 Chinese tourists visited Canada in 2018, with each visitor spending an average of C$2,600.

The business organisation said at the time that bilateral tensions rendered the future of Chinese tourism to Canada “uncertain,” citing “comments made by Chinese officials alluded to the contingency of Chinese tourism on positive relations.”

The first group trips from China to Canada were permitted in 2010, which increased air travel and tourism between the two countries.

canada Huawei

Bilateral ties took a setback in 2018 when Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou was jailed in Canada at the request of the United States. Soon after, two Canadians were apprehended in China, a move considered as “hostage diplomacy” by Canada and its allies.

According to the Canada China Business Council, the number of Chinese visitors visiting Canada decreased in 2019.

Ms. Meng and both men were released in 2021 after reaching an agreement with US authorities. Early this year, China began loosening pandemic travel restrictions for both visitors and locals.

Meanwhile, according to a recent survey conducted by the state-run Global Times, Canada, which was previously a popular travel destination among Chinese people, has now become China’s least favourite country.

The study, conducted by the Global Times Research Centre in collaboration with market research firm DATA100, garnered 2,148 responses from 16 Chinese cities. According to the survey, only 0.4% of respondents prefer Canada.

Singapore, on the other hand, had a positive response from 14% of participants, placing it first on the list alongside China. Germany, France, the United States, Russia, and the Maldives were the next most popular countries.

Singapore was also the country that the most Chinese people indicated they wanted to visit (17.1%), followed by the Maldives and France. According to previous data collected since 2018, the island city-state did not even make the top six till recently.

The survey findings reflect the ongoing conflict between Ottawa and Beijing.

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Donald Trump Talks About Taxes, Not Anger, In His First Interview With a Network TV Station.

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Donald Trump
Heather Khalifa/AP

(VOR News) – In his initial network interview following his election victory, President-elect Donald Trump underscored the importance of tariffs during his early days in office, minimising his previous emphasis on retaliation against purported foes.

Trump articulated his commitment to fulfilling his primary campaign promises, which encompassed pardoning the January 6 rioters, implementing substantial tax reductions, and deporting all individuals residing in the United States illegally, during an interview with Kristen Welker on NBC News’ Meet the Press.

Trump expressed his desire to pursue a legislative resolution for “Dreamers” to reside in the country legally and affirmed that he would not impose restrictions on access to abortion medications.

Dreamers are undocumented immigrants who received legal status as minors by executive order issued by former President Barack Obama.

In answer to an inquiry about targeting President Joe Biden after his inauguration on January 20, Donald Trump asserted he would not focus on the “past.”

Trump stated, “Retribution will be through success,” as conveyed to Welker. My objective is to reduce expenses. As a result, I achieved success in grocery shopping and at the border.

Trump threatened to investigate, arrest, or penalize Biden, his purported opponent.

The president-elect reaffirmed his commitment to implementing elevated tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico, the nation’s principal trading partners. Trump said, “I cannot assure anything,” when enquiring if this would elevate consumer prices, as numerous experts have warned. I cannot guarantee tomorrow.

The president-elect countered that tariffs “cost Americans nothing” and might even serve as a diplomatic tool when Welker further questioned him on the fact that his inaugural administration’s tariffs incurred a $80 billion expense for Americans.

“By stating, ‘If you wish to engage in conflict, that is acceptable,’ I have averted wars through the imposition of tariffs.” Donald Trump asserted, “However, both of you will incur tariffs to the United States at a rate of 100%,” without referencing any wars he had averted.

Immigration and fiscal reductions

Trump has often referenced tariffs as a means for the federal government to generate revenue to compensate for the deficits resulting from tax reductions implemented during his first term.

Through the Department of Government Efficiency, an external body chaired by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, he has committed to substantially decreasing federal expenditure. Donald Trump asserts that Medicare and Social Security are not at risk of reduction.

Trump asserted, “I have informed individuals that we will not alter Social Security, except to enhance its efficiency.” “However, the populace will receive what is allotted to them.”

Concerning health care, Trump did not offer a specific plan.

During the initial months of Donald Trump’s administration, efforts were concentrated on the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act.

“Obamacare is ineffective,” Donald Trump said when asked what his plans for 2020 are.

If a superior answer is identified, I would present it to the Democrats and others, and I would proceed with action.

Trump maintains a focus on immigration. During the NBC interview, he reiterated his intentions to execute extensive deportations of persons unlawfully residing in the United States. Donald Trump asserted that he would commence with convicted criminals, but would not limit his actions to them.

Trump responded, “I believe it is necessary, although it is a challenging and arduous task.” “However, it is essential to establish laws, rules, and regulations.” They unlawfully entered the country.

Trump affirmed, “I do,” in response to a query regarding his desire for Dreamers—individuals brought to the country as children and currently participating in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program—to remain in the nation. I anticipate reaching consensus.

Concerning abortion, Donald Trump asserted that he would not impede access to abortion drugs and recognised the political significance of the matter. “Will you limit access to abortion pills during your tenure in office?” Welker enquired.

“I will likely maintain the same position I have articulated for the past two years,” Trump asserted. “The response is negative.”

SOURCE: NPR

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Macron of France Greets Donald Trump at a Grand Presidential Reception in Paris.

Elon Musk Expended Over $260 Million To Facilitate The Election Of Donald Trump.

 

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Macron of France Greets Donald Trump at a Grand Presidential Reception in Paris.

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Donald Trump
Aurelien Morissard/AP

(VOR News) – French President Emmanuel Macron greeted Donald Trump to Paris on Saturday with presidential grandeur following a four-year hiatus.

Claiming to be in a “a little crazy” world as they met one-on-one before Notre Dame Cathedral’s reopening five years following a catastrophic fire, Donald Trump, the future president, said.

As Trump arrived at the Elysee Palace, the official house of the French president, Macron extended numerous handshakes and back-patted him. Declaring it “a great honour,” Donald Trump hailed their “great relationship.”

As they met one-on-one before Notre Dame Cathedral reopened five years following a catastrophic fire, Trump suggested the two would talk about a “a little crazy” world.

Like the French do for sitting American presidents, the palace spread out a red carpet. Trump noted before he came in, “The world feels wild right now.” We will explore that.

Accepting the Paris invitation, Donald Trump asserted Macron had done “a wonderful job ensuring that Notre Dame has been restored to its full glory, and even more so”. Today will be unique for each of us! A 2019 fire almost destroyed the 861-year-old monument.

More than 20 French government security agents were guarding Trump alongside the Secret Service, according to the French national police. Trump’s procession was guarded from drones by a specially equipped French police truck.

Scores of international VIPs were expected at the Notre Dame reopening, hence security was more rigorous than usual outside the U.S. Embassy and other Paris sites.

Despite Donald Trump’s loss last month, Macron has tried to repair his relationship.

Macron’s staff minimised the offer, citing invitations to other former leaders.

Declaring Trump invited as president-elect of a “friendly nation,” Macron’s office added, “This is in no way exceptional. We’ve done it before.”

Red carpet treatment by Macron and other European leaders revealed their aim to placate Trump prior to his inauguration. Trump enjoys pomp and spectacle. During his first tenure as president, he paid Paris a guest of honour visit for Bastille Day events. Macron Later on, Trump insisted he wanted a US large military exhibition.

Democratic President Joe Biden is also invited but won not be present. White House communications secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said first lady Jill Biden will represent the US due to a scheduling issue.

Trump last visited Jill Biden at the White House for the customary farewell-incoming president’s conference following the election.

During Donald Trump trip to France, Macron and other European leaders are trying to convince him to help Ukraine fight Russia’s intrusion. According to Macron’s office, Macron and Donald Trump would discuss Middle East conflicts as well as others.

Prince William and Jill Biden will meet prior to Notre Dame, according to the British royal house.

Macron would meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine. It depends on whether Trump meets Zelenskyy. Future conversations worry Kyiv as Trump has vowed to swiftly stop the war on Ukraine but has not said how.

On a two-day trip earlier this week, Zelenskyy’s top advisor Andriy Yermak visited important Donald Trump team members to build confidence in the incoming government. Requesting anonymity, a senior Ukrainian official hailed the discussions as successful but omitted specifics.

Under Donald Trump’s first term, France-US relations deteriorated.

Trump paid many trips to France and introduced Macron at his first state dinner. Macron attacked Trump for challenging NATO’s necessity and America’s dedication to the mutual defence agreement, therefore endangering the alliance.

If France taxed American businesses during the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump often mimicked Macron’s accent and threatened to levy high taxes on wine and champagne bottles shipped to the U.S.

Among the first international leaders to congratulate Trump last month was Macron. Noted for its stained glass, the Notre Dame fire destroyed its spire in 2019, endangering one of the most iconic architectural sites worldwide. At the time Trump was president.

“So horrible to watch the massive fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris,” he wrote, counselling Paris. “Perhaps flying water tanks could help eradicate it. Be fast!” he advised.

Shortly afterwards, French officials reported that “all means” were being employed to put out the flames, “except water-bombing aircrafts which, if used, could lead to the collapse of the entire structure of the cathedral.”

Last weekend, Trump declared he would name Jared Kushner’s father, Charles Kushner, ambassador to France. Pioneers in such a great role were Franklin and Jefferson.

SOURCE: NPR

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Elon Musk Expended Over $260 Million To Facilitate The Election Of Donald Trump.

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Elon Musk Expended Over $260 Million To Facilitate The Election Of Donald Trump.

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Elon Musk
Reuters

(VOR News) – Elon Musk, the wealthiest man in the world, is said to have made a significant contribution to the re-election campaign of Donald Trump, President-elect of the United States of America, in the year 2024.

This information has been reported. Specifically, the information in question was collected from the Federal Election Commission by means of their most current filings.

More than $259 million was contributed by Elon Musk to the campaign of Donald Trump, which he subsequently used to support his own campaign.

Elon Musk contributed a total of $269.

The Chief Executive Officer of Tesla and the owner of SpaceX is now in the position of being one of the top donors in the history of a presidential campaign in the United States.

This is due to the massive financial support that has been provided to him. Consequently, this contributes to the strengthening of his power in the area of the Republican Party. One of the corporations that own Tesla is SpaceX, which is a corporation.

There was a contribution of two hundred and thirty-nine million dollars made by Elon Musk to America PAC, which is a super PAC that he founded with the goal of assisting in the mobilisation of votes in support of Trump. This represents a big new development that has taken place.

RBG PAC is an organisation that makes an effort to persuade voters that President Trump, who is 78 years old, would not sign into law a national abortion ban. It is alleged that Musk, who is 53 years old, contributed an additional twenty million dollars to RBG PAC.

There is strong suspicion that Elon Musk made this financial contribution to RBG PAC. As can be seen from the documentation that was handed over to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Elon Musk was the one who made this donation.

This organisation got its name from the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was well-known for her advocacy of abortion rights. Ginsburg was the inspiration behind the name of this organisation. In addition to being a well-known liberal personality, Ginsburg was also well-known for her advocacy of the right to abortion.

Ginsburg was a significant figure in the feminist community and a prominent member of the liberal community.

In addition to being the owner of the social networking platform known as X, Elon Musk has emerged as a prominent counsellor to the transition team that Trump has gathered. This is a significant development.

The platform’s owner is Elon Musk, so keep that in mind.

Trump has nominated him, together with Vivek Ramaswamy, a former candidate for the Republican presidential nomination and an entrepreneur, to lead a task group that will strive to minimise the amount of money that the government spends and the number of rules that it imposes. Ramaswamy is also an entrepreneur.

Ramaswamy is also an entrepreneur in his way. In his own way, Ramaswamy is likewise recognised as an entrepreneur.

Thursday was the day that Elon Musk and Ramaswamy met with senators on Capitol Hill in an effort to obtain the significant cutbacks in expenses that Trump has asked.

The gathering was held on Thursday of this week. On the other hand, in order for them to be successful in their ambitions, they will want the support of these politicians.

These two individuals have not only advocated for the termination of thousands of federal employees, but they have also battled for the reduction of regulations and the elimination of programs that have had their authorisation revoked, such as healthcare for veterans. In addition to this, they have campaigned for the dismissal of all employees and employees of the government.

At the Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where the president-elect has been residing during the transition, Musk has been a frequent visitor and a close confidante of Trump.

Musk has attended the residence on multiple occasions. Many times, Elon Musk has been seen on the premises of the mansion. In addition to that, Musk has been a frequent visitor to the home on a number of occasions.

SOURCE: TN

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