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The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
China's visa-free trial for GCC nationals hailed as major boost to bilateral ties, cooperation
FILE PHOTO: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman poses during his visit to the Great Wall in Beijing, China Feb 21, 2019. China's visa-free trial for GCC nationals has been welcomed. - Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS DOHA: China is launching a trial policy granting ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain visa-free entry for stays from June 9, 2025, to June 8, 2026 of up to 30 days, Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. "With the United Arab Emirates and Qatar that have implemented reciprocal visa-free policies with China since 2018, China now grants visa-free treatment to all GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries. We welcome more friends from the GCC countries to embark on an impromptu trip to China," said Mao Ning, spokesperson for the ministry. The announcement has been warmly welcomed across various sectors in the four countries, with many expressing optimism about the policy's potential to enhance bilateral exchanges, strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties, and inject new momentum into cooperation between China and the GCC nations. "The impromptu 'China Tour' has finally become simple!" said Ayidh Al Yami, international office director of the Saudi Ministry of Investment. "I'm really glad to see that the relations between China and Saudi Arabia are getting closer and closer, and cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections have become more convenient," he added. A Saudi businessman with his company in Shanghai, Tariq Abdullah Buqnah, CEO of Buqnah Trading (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., welcomed the announcement. "This step is not merely a simplification of travel procedures - it is, in my view, a true reflection of the growing strength in relations between Saudi Arabia and China," he noted. Omani political analyst Ahmed Al-Shezawi said: "Visa exemption will contribute to facilitating the movement of business people, investors and tourists." Echoing Al-Shezawi's view, Hamed Abdulqader Altwallah, general manager of the Saudi Employee Department at China Railway 18th Bureau Group (Saudi Arabia), said "it will greatly facilitate Saudi suppliers' visits to China for inspection and procurement, broaden our company's procurement channels, and introduce more high-quality and suitable resources for project construction." Hailing the move as "highly significant," Omani columnist Khalfan Al-Touqi said the trial policy serves the citizens of these countries by making travel to China easier, and benefits China by attracting more tourists from these countries. It also demonstrates and aligns with China's opening-up, he added. Hebah Abbas, chief engineer and technical adviser of the Ministry of Education in Kuwait, chairwoman of the Sustainability Committee at the Kuwait Water Association and member of AmCham Kuwait, said this policy greatly facilitates her visit to China to explore renewable energy projects, attend environmental conferences and engage in technical exchanges with Chinese companies, adding that the access lays a foundation for mutually beneficial partnerships. Ahmed Al-Salloom, businessman and chairman of the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee at the Bahraini Council of Representatives, said the policy "marks a qualitative leap in the trajectory of economic and trade relations" and "will lead to a notable increase in trade volume." Noting its direct impact on enhancing trade exchange between Bahrain and China, as well as the GCC countries more broadly, he said, "Such facilitation measures will significantly ease mobility, broaden opportunities for direct engagement, and allow closer inspection of markets and products." Abdul Majeed Ali Haji, General Manager of Bahrain's Akhbar Al Khaleej newspaper, said the important and timely step underscores China's will to "strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties with Bahrain and the wider GCC region." "It will open new horizons for media professionals and experts from both sides, fostering greater cooperation in media and culture," said Abdul Majeed. - Xinhua
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
The Sanctions Era Is Quietly Ending. The West Isn't Ready
Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. On May 22, the Trump administration imposed decisive sanctions against Sudan's military leaders, accusing them of using chemical weapons on the Sudanese Rapid Support Forces (RSF). It was certainly a morally and ethically justified action to take. However, the timing reveals a troubling paradox: while the U.S. swiftly punishes Sudan, Syria, another regime guilty of repeatedly using chemical weapons, is being quietly readmitted into the global community, effectively free from lasting consequences. The message sent by this inconsistency isn't subtle. Sanctions are no longer seen as permanent tools of diplomacy or meaningful deterrents. They've become temporary inconveniences, political bargaining chips that regimes can simply outlast. And this is something that can't be allowed to take root. Throughout the past decade, Bashar al-Assad's regime has employed chemical weapons, sarin and chlorine gas, in civilian areas, including well-documented attacks in Aleppo. Global outrage led to intense sanctions and diplomatic isolation. Initially, these measures worked, crippling the Syrian economy and limiting Assad's influence. But Assad held out, betting on geopolitical fatigue. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend a bilateral meeting at the Saudi Royal Court on May 13, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend a bilateral meeting at the Saudi Royal Court on May 13, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi over two years ago, Syria quietly rejoined the Arab League. And now on May 13, after the change in leadership in Syria to Interim President Ahmed Al-Shara, President Donald Trump, appearing in Riyadh, explicitly announced the U.S. was done with sanctions. No qualifications, no explanations. Just over. And the immediate result? An $800 million investment by the UAE's DP World to redevelop Syria's Port of Tartous, announced on May 16. Syria's return isn't an isolated diplomatic shift; it's a precedent. If a regime can commit atrocities, wait patiently, and return unscathed, sanctions become meaningless. Authoritarian regimes, North Korea, Iran, and most notably in recent years, Russia, are watching this closely. And they're drawing the obvious conclusion: wait long enough, and the West's resolve fades. Russia, currently under massive sanctions due to its war in Ukraine, is already testing this theory. After a disastrous initial economic shock in early 2022, the Kremlin adapted swiftly. Supported by a sophisticated network of partners and allies, Moscow gradually was able to sidestep sanctions. On May 19, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held an hours-long phone call. Just hours after the call ended, Trump publicly suggested sanctions relief might be possible if Russia agreed to a ceasefire. The European Union, along with the United Kingdom, quickly scrambled to reaffirm its position, rapidly issuing new sanctions targeting Russia's shadow oil fleets. Yet markets reacted calmly. The ruble recovered slightly. Asset prices slowly moved upwards. Investors grasped what politicians wouldn't say aloud: sanctions relief was becoming a realistic scenario, no longer unthinkable. This dynamic of this realization is dangerous. Sanctions only work when adversaries believe the punishment will remain in place. Once that belief evaporates, so does the level of deterrence that they carry. This issue isn't limited to Russia or Syria. It's systemic. China, perhaps the most relevant player in a future context, has closely monitored Western responses to conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and now Sudan's chemical weapons sanctions. China understands how and why sanctions are curated, and how quickly they also can erode. If the U.S. is sanctioning Sudan for actions that are similar to what happened in Syria, and yet actively advocating for Syria's resurgence, then new sanctions being imposed carry little credibility. This is not abstract speculation, either. It's unfolding in real-time. Sanctions, originally considered a serious diplomatic tool, are increasingly used like political bandages, quickly slapped on, soon ignored, and easily peeled off ... but not truly addressing the pain point. Such inconsistency doesn't just confuse and irritate allies, it actively emboldens adversarial nations. If sanctions are ever to regain their credibility, they must come with genuine long-term intent. Temporary outrage followed by quiet acceptance sends precisely the wrong signal: that international norms are flexible, atrocities forgivable, and accountability negotiable. The real danger goes far beyond reputation. Imagine China deciding to invade Taiwan, calculating that sanctions will only be symbolic, short-lived, or broadly ineffective. The West would then face a test of resolve it's clearly unprepared for. If adversaries no longer fear economic isolation, one of the most critical diplomatic tools has been lost. The sanctions announced against Sudan may have been justified, even morally necessary. But without consistent enforcement, they become meaningless. Syria's return, Russia's quiet negotiations, and market repositioning all point toward one conclusion: sanctions as we know them are losing their power. The world's most dangerous players have learned that the West can be outwaited. And unless something changes soon, sanctions will no longer deter, they'll merely signal that atrocities carry a brief penalty, but no lasting consequences. Brett Erickson is a governance strategist and certified global sanctions specialist (CGSS). He serves on the advisory board of the Loyola University Chicago School of Law's Center for Compliance Studies. The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Musk says he will remain Tesla CEO in coming years
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said in an interview on Tuesday that he plans to remain the leader of the electric vehicle giant in the years ahead. Musk was interviewed by Bloomberg at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha and said he plans to remain at Tesla. "Yes, no doubt about that at all," Musk said in response to a question about his continued tenure as Tesla's CEO. He was asked about whether he plans to stay at Tesla as CEO for the next five years and whether he has any doubts about that. "Well, no, unless I die," Musk laughingly replied. "I can't be CEO if I am dead." American Ceos Elon Musk, Sam Altman, Larry Fink Join Trump At Saudi Royal Court His comments come following his involvement with the Trump administration as the public leader of the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge). Read On The Fox Business App That role raised concerns among some investors about Musk's focus on Tesla, as well as his other businesses like SpaceX and xAI, which contributed to a slide in Tesla's stock alongside soft demand for EVs. Musk said that Tesla has already "turned around" and that while its weakest market is Europe, demand is strong everywhere else. Starbase, Home To Elon Musk's Spacex, To Officially Become A Texas City Musk said that Starlink, the satellite-based interest service that's operated by SpaceX, may go public at some point in the future – but added that there's no rush to do so. The company has expanded rapidly around the world, focusing on tapping into emerging markets with limited internet infrastructure as well as showing its utility in disaster-stricken areas and war zones. After being a prominent political backer and donor to President Donald Trump's campaign, Musk said that he plans to do "a lot less" political spending in the future, adding that "I think I've done enough." Musk, Tesla Board Chair Deny Report On Search For New Ceo Musk was asked if his plans to rein in his political spending are in response to blowback and responded, "If I see a reason to do political spending in the future, I will do it. I do not currently see a reason." The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) also came up, with Musk saying that the emerging sector should be subject to some regulations in the U.S., but adding that the sector shouldn't be overregulated. His artificial intelligence company xAI is ramping up its data center capacity to train more advanced models. XAI's supercomputer cluster in Memphis, Tennessee, is dubbed "Colossus" and is touted as the world's largest. Reuters contributed to this article source: Musk says he will remain Tesla CEO in coming years Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
McDonald's truck rolled out for fast-food loving Donald Trump on state visit
A White House official confirmed the mobile truck - which had the McDonald's logo and writing in Arabic - was in Riyadh, during the president's state visit to Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia appeared to woo Donald Trump with one of his favourite cuisines - American fast food. A McDonald's food truck was unbelievably spotted on the US President's trip to the Gulf nation this week. Saudi Arabia rolled out the mobile and operation truck as part of it's lavish display for Trump's first state visit of his second term. A White House official confirmed the mobile truck - which had the McDonald's logo and writing in Arabic - was in Riyadh, during the President's visit. Images of the bizarre truck and Saudi effort to make the President feel right at home went viral on social media across the globe. Trump has made his love of fast food and burgers no secret and his declarations of love for deep fried food has appeared to pay off while abroad. The President was met with a glamorous state banquet and a grand procession through Riyadh but this truck has appeared to catch people's eyes. Shocked people blasted the special McDonald's appearance with one person on X saying "how's this even real life?" According to local reports, the unit was set up near the Saudi Royal Court. Trump has shared his love for McDonald's several times before, and is partial to Big Macs and Filet-O-Fish sandwiches. He even requested it when he fell ill with COVID-19 in 2020. Other fast food highlights from his first term included the President serving McDonald's to a group of athletes. He dished up a McDonald's buffet to the Clemson Tigers in 2019, a team of university students who were national college football champions that year. Trump even served people from a McDonald's drive-thru window during his 2024 Presidential election campaign. He put the signature apron one and even manned the chip station and filled takeaway bags. He took a shift at a branch in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania, and said: "It requires great expertise, actually, to do it right and to do it fast. I do appreciate it a little more. You say, 'Give me French fries.' I'll never forget this experience." Trump also often tasks staff to pick up McDonald's to have on his plane. This love for greasy food prompted the Commander-in-chief to make one change to his orders to stop piling on the pounds. The US President was able to shed more than two stones after removing the buns from his burgers. FOX News host Sean Hannity said: "If he has a burger now, he usually doesn't have it with a bun." Trump is also well known for his love of Diet Coke and is said to drink more than 12 cans of the fizzy drink a day. The President even has a cola delivery button for on his desk in the Oval Office.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
‘How do you sleep at night?': Trump's unscripted question to Saudi Crown Prince raises eyebrows — Here's the context
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel During a high-profile visit to Saudi Arabia, U.S. President Donald Trump drew attention with an unscripted question directed at Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS): 'How do you sleep at night?'The remark came during a speech at a royal gathering in Riyadh, where Trump addressed a room filled with global business leaders. It was part of his first international trip since returning to office for a second to the crown prince mid-speech, the 78-year-old president asked, 'Mohammed, do you sleep at night? How do you sleep?' — a moment that briefly stunned the audience before Trump clarified his comment, though unexpected, was meant as praise. Trump was lauding MBS's resilience in the face of criticism, crediting him for transforming Saudi Arabia into a global economic powerhouse. 'He tosses and turns like some of us,' Trump said. 'It's the ones who don't toss and turn — they'll never take you to the promised land.'Throughout his address at the Saudi Royal Court, Trump highlighted his admiration for the kingdom's transformation under MBS's leadership. 'Critics said it couldn't be done — but in just eight years, Saudi Arabia has proved them completely wrong,' he declared, drawing a standing also underscored the deepening U.S.-Saudi ties. 'Oh, what I do for the crown prince,' he quipped, referring to diplomatic moves such as lifting sanctions on Syria at MBS's ongoing criticism of Saudi Arabia's human rights record, Trump described the kingdom as 'the center of the world,' adding, 'The United States is the hottest country — except, perhaps, yours.'Trump's visit focused on strengthening economic and security partnerships in the Middle East. Major trade deals expected to generate billions in investments were central to the figures including Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman were also part of the U.S. delegation.
