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September 20, Morning News 1. About 11 million foreign tourists visited China in the first half of the year, and the recovery and development trend of inbound tourism in my country continues to improve. 2. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology solicits opinions: The maximum design speed of electric bicycles should not exceed 25km/h. 3. The first strong cold air after the beginning of autumn is coming! The impact affects more than 20 provinces. 4. Li Qiang: Safely and orderly implement the gradual delay of the statutory retirement age reform. 5. Two departments: Reward internal whistleblowers of food production and operation enterprises. 6. The Indian government has approved four large space projects, including landing on Venus. 7. China Southern Airlines' first C919 domestic large passenger aircraft successfully made its maiden flight to Shanghai. 8. Chinese Chess Association: Wang Tianyi and Wang Yuefei were banned for life for buying and selling chess and manipulating the game. 9. Guangdong Provincial Museum responded to the ban on parking new energy vehicles in the garage: fire requirements, non-discrimination. 10. The first criminal case of illegal introduction of alien invasive species in the country: the defendant was sentenced to 9 months for transporting thousands of red-eared turtles. 11. For the first time in 4 years! The Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 50 basis points. 12. The first in the world! The number of electric cars in Norway now exceeds that of gasoline cars. [RAVO Microblog] Being sensible is just being polished by life into a shape suitable for survival.

How are the Red Sea diversions impacting your business operations in the UK and EU? Share your experiences and insights on navigating these disruptions and adapting to the changing maritime landscape in the comments below. https://lnkd.in/e4tg2Fru Via Maritime Executive #redseacrisis #maritimeindustry #shippingindustry

In some of my articles I have argued that China may be recentering its Belt and Road's efforts towards more welcoming areas and regions (such as neighboring Southeast Asia), at least temporarily. Europe, instead, seems to be a tricky one. #China #beltandroad #internationalrelations #Europe

Celebration indeed as investment is so desperately needed for active travel. Let’s be realistic though when we promote what to many of us is such a large amount of money. £100 million. Is this really a massive investment or is it a grain of sand in a desert. For instance in 2023/24 the cumulative government spend on roads across both the strategic and local road network was )12.bn. In the same year the U.K. government spent £26.8 bn on rail improvements and operations. In the same year the U.K. government spent £100m on air transport improvements bearing in mind our U.K. airports are privately owned. In the same year the U.K. government spent £200m on maritime transport spend, again bearing in mind that all ports are privately owned. It should also be noted that in 2023/24 the U.K. government allocated £100m for Active Travel, so the latest announcement is purely a continuation of spend, not an increase. So there is a long way to go before we change the culture of road user equity from car dominance to equality of shared usage. I celebrate the investment, but let’s keep it real at the same time.

Financial Times: Europe’s appeal beyond tourism needs a reboot Bijan Khezri, July 19, 2024 https://lnkd.in/dr_aZMTD This century is authored elsewhere. For Europe to regain relevance and inspire the world with a purpose it must reinvent democracy. Europe is faltering amid a divided society because the system is failing. "If the West turns out to have been an idea that shielded Europeans from the consciousness of their own decline, the disappearance of the West may not be a bad thing”. (Mark Mazower) Analogously, the dogma of European integration as a cure to all ills has blinded Europeans’ consciousness of their own decline. This is changing now. Three legislative periods should be a maximum for any elected public servant. A referendum should decide on that fate. We need to move to a system where legislators are servants but not in pursuit of a professional career because they have nothing else to turn to. Not least, it would create space and revitalize the interest and prospects of younger generations to enter politics and make a substantial difference rather than drift into ignorance. In the absence of systemic reform, radicalism will fertilize.

It might be stating the obvious, but it’s difficult not to conclude that this visit by Xi to France, Serbia and Hungary - his first to the continent in five years - is less about winning hearts and minds than teasing out any possible divisions that might exist in Europe. Overall, the relationship hardly looks robust. Hence, Beijing’s earlier attempt to build a partnership with East and Central Europe ( the so-called 17+1) looks like it’s fallen to earth. Serbia meanwhile is not exactly the EU’s favourite country given its close ties to Russia. And as for Victor Orban’s Hungary: the least said the better! Italy has also pulled out of China’s BRI, and the EU- China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment is as frozen now as it was when it was rejected by the European Parliament in May 2021. And even if Chancellor Scholz is keen to preserve Germany’s economic relationship with China, public opinion in Germany itself appears to be hardening by the day. Indeed, only a year ago, 83% of Germans said they did not consider China a ‘trustworthy partner’. Whether Scholz or Xi can prove the opposite remains to be seen.

World Maritime Day History: World Maritime Day seeks to recognize the importance of international maritime industries such as shipping, ports, and marine services. This global event acknowledges the maritime community's efforts in ensuring maritime security, safeguarding the marine environment, and advancing international maritime safety standards. With over 80% of global trade by volume and more than 70% by value carried by sea, World Maritime Day aims to raise awareness about the significance of maritime transportation for the global economy. The first World Maritime Day was celebrated in 1978 to mark the twentieth anniversary of the IMO Convention's entry into force. For Americans, this observance highlights the crucial role the maritime sector plays in the nation's trade, economy, and national security. The United States marine transportation system includes more than 25,000 miles of navigable channels, over 300 ports, and 3.4 million square miles of exclusive economic zones, directly supporting millions of jobs across various industries. The United States Coast Guard, an essential component in maintaining maritime safety and security, represents Americans' contributions to this vital international sector, ensuring the smooth functioning of international trade. To observe World Maritime Day in America, various maritime organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies organize seminars, conferences, and other events to discuss and raise awareness about maritime safety, marine pollution, and the overall importance of the maritime industry. These events provide networking opportunities for professionals and showcase the American maritime infrastructure's commitment to global standards and innovations. World Maritime Day's theme and date may vary each year, but it is typically observed during the last week of September, as determined by the IMO.

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https://lnkd.in/dnTGRjrx Have Secrets, Will Travel? Not So Fast, China Says With espionage concerns on the rise, Beijing issues new rules to stop leaks of sensitive information By Chun Han Wong July 24, 2024 9:28 am ET SINGAPORE—China’s government is tightening its rules on the protection of confidential information, including intensified scrutiny on international travel by people privy to state secrets, as concerns over espionage rise amid an increase in global tensions. The changes also put a heavier burden on the country’s internet companies to stop leaks of sensitive information.

We moving deeper into November and in this #FridayRecap, let’s dive into what recent developments mean for the automotive world, especially in terms of #competetiveness and transatlantic relations that continue to shape our path forward. But first ... Earlier this week, the German government coalition fell apart, highlighting the urgent need for a government that can address the serious global and economic challenges we face. The unity and shared direction of the traffic light coalition have visibly eroded, leading to greater uncertainty for citizens and businesses alike. Without a cohesive approach, Germany’s national and international interests are at risk. Given the geopolitical and economic challenges, the country and Europe are facing, a strong and united German government is needed. New elections must be held promptly - Germany cannot afford months of further gridlock in this critical time! On to other topics: #USA 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 | #DonaldTrump was re-elected President of the United States by the American people. ➡️➡️➡️ The United States are an essential partner for Germany and Europe. The transatlantic partnership remains of the utmost importance – not only for stability in times of crisis, but also for a strong position in international trade. However, the US is increasingly pursuing an ‘America-first’ policy and is more focused on its own interests. Germany and Europe must therefore take more responsibility. It is time to strengthen our competitiveness, resilience and independence and take clear action to confidently advance our interests! +++++ 📣📣📣 #CommissionHearings | In the European Parliament the hearing of Commissioners-designate have begun ➡️➡️➡️ The ideas of the future Transport Commissioner #Tzitzikostas remained particularly vague with regard to the urgently awaited #AutomotiveIndustryActionPlan. It's unfortunate that Commissioner-designate for Climate, #Hoekstra, did not speak out in favour of an earlier review of the CO2 fleet regulation. Furthermore, #Roswall, future Commissioner for the Environment, failed to take a clear stance against a general #PFAS ban. However, reliable decisions are urgently needed here for Europe as a business location and for our industry to be able to plan ahead! +++++ #Competitiveness 🥊 🥊🥊 | At an informal #EUsummit, heads of state and government discussed crucial topics such as competitiveness and transatlantic relations in Budapest ➡️➡️➡️ The #DraghiReport emphasises how urgently Europe needs to expand its economic strength and act confidently on the global stage. The problematic situation is clear. Politicians in Europe and the member states should spend less time discussing and finally move on to action. A joint strategic approach is crucial to securing long-term prosperity and stability in Europe! German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)