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Xi's message to Trump: Rein in the hawks trying to derail the truce
Xi's message to Trump: Rein in the hawks trying to derail the truce

Business Standard

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • Business Standard

Xi's message to Trump: Rein in the hawks trying to derail the truce

By Daisuke Wakabayashi and Berry Wang During his phone call with President Trump, Xi Jinping leaned on a maritime analogy to try to salvage the fragile trade truce that seemed to be fracturing from a series of escalating punitive economic measures. The Chinese leader compared the relationship between the United States and China to a large ship, with the two men serving as powerful captains holding the rudder firmly to maintain the proper course. The analogy also came with a warning. Do not let others steer the ship off course and jeopardize the relationship. For weeks, the White House seemed to openly lobby for a direct conversation between the two leaders — a point underscored by China stating that Mr. Xi had agreed to the call on Thursday at Mr. Trump's behest. With the United States ratcheting up the pressure on Beijing with technology and other restrictions, China may have acquiesced partly out of concern in Beijing that the China hawks in Mr. Trump's administration were succeeding in undermining the truce, analysts said. 'China is quite concerned about this,' said Wu Xinbo, the dean of the Institute of International Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai. 'There has to be communication at the leadership level to stop the momentum of the rapid deterioration of the US-China relationship.' The call between Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi came at an especially precarious moment. Less than one month after the two countries agreed to roll back punishing tariffs for 90 days and negotiate a trade deal, the truce seemed to be crumbling. Want to stay updated on what's happening in China? Sign up for Your Places: Global Update, and we'll send our latest coverage to your inbox. China continued to throttle the exports of rare earth minerals, throwing the supply chains of US manufacturers into disarray. In response, the United States imposed restrictions on the sale of chip design software to China. It barred American companies from using artificial intelligence chips from the Chinese technology giant Huawei. It suspended some sales to China of components and software used in jet engines. In addition, the Trump administration proposed a plan to revoke visas for some Chinese students. Yun Sun, director of the China program at the Stimson Center, a Washington think tank, said China saw an opportunity to use 'top leader diplomacy' to send this message to Mr. Trump directly: 'Hold off your hawks. The responsibility is on the top leaders. If you want a good relationship, don't let your cabinet members or team run freely with their crazy ideas.' Mr. Wu, of Fudan University, said the measures taken by the United States since last month's trade agreement demonstrated how different members of the Trump administration were pursuing their own agendas, pointing to the Commerce Department imposing export controls and the State Department saying it would revoke visas. China has maintained a tough posture, refusing to back down in response to Mr. Trump's tariffs, unlike other countries that have treaded carefully so as not to antagonize the United States. In April, before the truce, Beijing engaged in a tit-for-tat tariff escalation, raising import duties on American goods to 125 percent after the United States pushed its taxes on Chinese imports to 145 percent. China appears ready to withstand the hardship from a prolonged trade war with the United States, with the economic levers to make life equally difficult for Americans and test Mr. Trump's resolve. At the same time, China has its own economic vulnerabilities and probably wants to avoid a full decoupling with the United States. The country's economy is struggling to rebound from a real estate crisis. Already grappling with high levels of youth unemployment, China's manufacturing sector, a key provider of jobs, could bear the brunt of a trade war that closes off the US market and escalates fears in the rest of the world about the flood of inexpensive Chinese imports. China had resisted overtures from Mr. Trump for direct engagement with Mr. Xi for months, reflecting Beijing's cautious approach. Mr. Xi may have accepted such a call now to buy his government more time to prepare for a prolonged fight. The two leaders seemed to take away different things from the call. In a post on social media, Mr. Trump implied that they had resolved the dispute over the export of critical minerals, but China's readout mentioned no such thing. China's official summary included a warning from Mr. Xi to Mr. Trump that the United States should handle the Taiwan issue 'prudently' to prevent a dangerous conflict, while Mr. Trump characterized the call as being focused almost entirely on trade. China has responded angrily to remarks by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week urging America's Asian allies to work with the United States to deter China from trying to seize Taiwan, a self-governed island democracy. Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi did agree that both sides would work once again to implement the agreement from last month and that further talks for a more permanent deal would proceed. Mr. Trump also said the talks with China will now include Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, in addition to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Jamieson Greer, the US Trade Representative. And Mr. Xi urged the United States to withdraw 'negative measures' against China. To some extent, China could claim a win from the call, as Mr. Trump seemed to soften his administration's stance on Chinese student visas. Last week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, one of Mr. Trump's hawkish advisers, said the United States would 'aggressively' revoke the visas of Chinese students, specifically those associated with the Communist Party or studying in critical fields. But Mr. Trump, on Thursday, rolled out the red carpet. 'Chinese students are coming. No problem,' Mr. Trump said during a briefing from the Oval Office. 'It's our honor to have them.' Before the call, Mr. Trump wrote on social media that Mr. Xi was 'VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH.' In his summary of the call, Mr. Trump sounded gracious, noting that the two leaders had invited each other to visit their respective countries. Scott Kennedy, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington research group, said the call could signal that the two countries had shifted into a 'fragile equilibrium' after having demonstrated their willingness to turn up the pressure on each other. Mr. Kennedy noted that China is the only country to win concessions from the United States since Mr. Trump launched his global 'reciprocal' tariff campaign in April. 'I think they feel they probably figured Trump out and that this is a manageable relationship,' he said. 'If this agreement falls apart again, they know what buttons to push to make the Trump administration take notice.'

Dunedin Children's Choir Joins City Choir Dunedin In Singing The Songs Of Africa
Dunedin Children's Choir Joins City Choir Dunedin In Singing The Songs Of Africa

Scoop

time26-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Scoop

Dunedin Children's Choir Joins City Choir Dunedin In Singing The Songs Of Africa

We are pleased that the Dunedin Children's Choir will join City Choir on stage in this concert. Led by choral director Natasha Manowitz, the Dunedin Children's Choir was formed in 2023 for 7–15-year-olds in the Dunedin region. The Children's Choir offers a supportive environment where children can discover the joy of singing, enhance their vocal abilities and develop their musicianship, fostering a lifelong love of music. In 2010 City Choir Dunedin presented the Australasian première of Alexander L'Estrange's song cycle: Zimbe! Come Sing the Songs of Africa. 'This infectiously joyful and energetic community show had the audience clapping along and won all performers a standing ovation' and 'a huge crowd singing at full throttle is tremendously exhilarating and a sight to gladden the world-weary' a reviewer wrote. Now, 15 years later, City Choir is again presenting this song cycle with the combined forces of City Choir and the Dunedin Children's Choir, accompanied by a jazz ensemble of Bill Martin (piano), Nick Cornish (saxophone), Andy Lynch (bass), Carl Woodward (drums) and Alex Burchell (percussion). City Choir does not often perform with a jazz ensemble, but for Zimbe! the jazz musicians will enhance the rhythm and movement called for by the African folk music. David Burchell is the conductor. L'Estrange, known for his creative versatility, describes Zimbe! as 'coming from the seeds of my affinity with African music and the gospel tradition'. The Oxford graduate has collected traditional songs and backed them with jazz. The collection reflects the role of music in everyday life in Africa – from sunrise to sunset, or as the song 'Ilanga libuya, ilanga liyaphuma' more optimistically puts it 'the sun sets… the sun rises'. The young voices of the children will lend authenticity to two of the Zimbe! songs, both originating from Ghana: 'Sansa Kroma' (playground song) and 'Pete Pete!' (children's song celebrating food and family). Zimbe! brings together soulful melodies, energetic rhythms, and infectious harmonies that showcase the rich musical traditions of Africa. It is a sound filled with sunshine and dust, sadness and joy, spirituality, hope and defiance, suffering and celebration, poverty and unity. Other items on the programme include the a cappella works The Word Was God by Rosephanye Powell, and Three Spirituals by David Hamilton. Perfect for all ages, this concert will create a powerful and uplifting experience. Don't miss the opportunity to be transported by the joyful spirit of Zimbe! —music that will leave your heart singing and your feet tapping! Event Details: What: City Choir Dunedin presents Zimbe! African Folk with a Jazz Twist When: Saturday 12 July, at 7:00 pm Where: Knox Church, 449 George Street, Dunedin Conductor: David Burchell Choirs: City Choir Dunedin and Dunedin Children's Choir Jazz Quintet: Bill Martin (piano), Nick Cornish (saxophone), Andy Lynch (bass), Carl Woodward (drums) and Alex Burchell (percussion)

Festival of motoring roars into Joondalup this weekend
Festival of motoring roars into Joondalup this weekend

Perth Now

time29-04-2025

  • Automotive
  • Perth Now

Festival of motoring roars into Joondalup this weekend

Forget the election — the only race that matters this Saturday is happening on the streets of Joondalup as the Festival of Motoring roars into its third year this weekend from May 2-4. More than 1000 modern, vintage, exotic and rare vehicles are set to be on display over the two days. The public events kick off Saturday from 9am with the Trash or Treasure Car Jumble Sale, where enthusiasts can swap parts and memorabilia, followed by Steel Bumpers and Beverages, giving festival-goers a chance to mingle with fellow car lovers while admiring classic cars. Your local paper, whenever you want it. On Sunday from 10am to 4pm, the streets of the Joondalup city centre will echo with the roar of engines as cars race at full throttle on the 1.8km street circuit for the adrenaline-pumping City Sprint. The race course has been shortened by 300m compared to previous years, with a removed hairpin section and a more dynamic roundabout near ECU, improving both safety and residents' access. The Joondalup Festival of Motoring City Sprint event map. Credit: Supplied Along with the spectacular car displays, Tyrepower Pro Central Park will be the heart of the action, with live music, food vans and a wide range of drinks to enjoy throughout the event. More than 20,000 people attended last year's event and event organiser Justin Hunt said planning for this year's festival began just a week after last year's event ended. Hunt said the event had been well-received in the past two years since its inception and was looking forward to another fantastic weekend of motorsport. 'The way the residents embrace the event, with people sitting on their verandahs cheering and waving, makes it all the more fun,' he said. 'I also love seeing the automotive and Joondalup community all embrace each other in what truly is an engineering feast. 'Everyone has different interests, but we all share a love for cars, good food trucks, and a nice glass of wine or beer — so there's truly something for everyone.' More than 1000 modern, vintage, exotic and rare vehicles will be on display. Credit: Tim Allott Hunt said the festival was a perfect bridge between generations. 'One of the most heartwarming things is seeing little kids' faces light up when they spot a Lamborghini, Ferrari or a beautifully restored classic. It's always such a special moment, and it brings a real sense of pride to the owners,' he said. While most events are completely free to enjoy, Saturday night will feature an intimate Q&A with Erebus Motorsport Supercars driver Jack Le Brocq, who has raced across Formula Ford, GT, the Dunlop Series, and the Supercars Championship. The ticketed event will be hosted by motorsport legend Dean Herridge at the Club JFOM Marquee. For more information and the full event schedule, head to the JFOM website at

NASCAR's Kyle Larson Explains Crash During Indianapolis 500 Open Test
NASCAR's Kyle Larson Explains Crash During Indianapolis 500 Open Test

Forbes

time24-04-2025

  • Automotive
  • Forbes

NASCAR's Kyle Larson Explains Crash During Indianapolis 500 Open Test

Kyle Larson's crashed Indy car getting towed back to Gasoline Alley at the Indianapolis Motor ... More Speedway during the Indy 500 Open Test on April 24, 2025. NASCAR star Kyle Larson's Indianapolis 500 experience now includes what it feels like to smack the wall in an IndyCar crash at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Champion from Hendrick Motorsports crashed his No. 17 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet during the high-speed qualification simulation session on Thursday, April 24. He sensed something was amiss on his car as he began his green flag session when he felt the car get 'tight' entering Turn 1. He backed off the throttle, but by then, he lost control of the front end of his race car and was on for a wild ride. Larson made hard contact with the SAFER Barrier at the exit of Turn 1. It continued across the short chute on the South end of the race course and made secondary contact with the SAFER Barrier in Turn 2. Larson was able to climb from the car without assistance from the AMR IndyCar Safety Team and was examined and released from the IU Health Emergency Medical Center in the infield of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Safety workers tend to Kyle Larson's crashed Indy car in Turn 2 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ... More during the Indy 500 Open Test on April 24, 2025. Larson felt fine afterwards, but the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team decided to load up the wrecked car for the race shop rather than rebuild it and send him back on the 2.5-mile oval for Thursday afternoon's full field session. Larson is a true racer, and this was the first time he had ever crashed in an Indy car. He was a rookie in last year's Indianapolis 500 and had a fairly flawless Month of May that earned his Rookie of the Year Honors. But Larson also needed to understand the dynamics of an Indy car crash and he experienced that Thursday morning. 'Honestly, you hate to tear up a really expensive car, but at the same point, I'm happy that I got it out of the way,' Larson said after he was released was the infield hospital. 'It didn't feel too different than hitting the wall in a similar fashion in NASCAR. 'Obviously, there could be much bigger wrecks than that in Indy, but I'm happy that it didn't feel too bad.' Larson spoke with his IndyCar crew about the crash and met with the engineers before he left the Indianapolis Motor Speedway shortly after 12 noon Eastern Time to fly back to Hendrick Motorsports in Concord, North Carolina. He will turn his focus to Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway when he returns to the more familiar No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. Reflecting on his IndyCar crash, Larson sensed something didn't feel right shortly before he lost control of the car. 'I had that same feeling that I had to start runs yesterday, like the tires, I don't know, just don't come in and my balance was a little too tight,' Larson explained. 'Like I said, I think just the faster speeds (in the higher boost qualifying sim session) just magnified all of that. 'I don't think there's anything I could have done, but maybe bail coming to the green, but it's hard to do that. 'I was just super tight. Just a lot of understeer. I could feel it kind of coming to our green lap, and then just as soon as I turned into Turn One, my foot was kind of fluttering from wide open, because you know, I could tell that I was tight and then smashed the wall. I bailed a while before I hit the wall, but once you lose the front, you are just along for the ride.' That ride included the initial hit in Turn 1 followed by the rebound impact further down the track in Turn 2. 'You're just kind of on the brakes and this low car is just riding on the pavement so you're just along for the ride sliding,' Larson continued. 'The second hit, it didn't hurt or anything but like you can see the wall coming so you're kind of like 'Oh man, I don't know what this is going to feel like.' Kyle Larson shortly before he left the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Thursday, April 24, 2025. 'It's just unfortunate, but I don't really know how these things work too, like we'll get it repaired and get to make some more runs later today or not. 'It just kind of is what it is. Hopefully we can all learn from it and just tune on our balance more.' Larson believed the impact felt pretty close to how it feels in a NASCAR crash, although the cars are dramatically different. 'It just felt normal,' Larson said. 'I've never hit the wall before in an Indy car so as I was knowing that I was going to hit the wall, 'Man, all right, here we go. We'll see if it feels way worse than hitting a wall in NASCAR.' 'But it felt very similar. 'But again, there are way bigger crashes here than what that was, it could hurt way more than what that was, but yeah, it felt normal.' Larson agreed with the team's decision to end his test session early instead of thrashing to repair the car. It probably wouldn't have been finished until very late in the afternoon session and with a near full week of practice for the 109th Indianapolis 500in May, there remains more opportunity fine-tune the setup. 'I would rather just make sure the car is like 100 percent before we go out and trick ourselves on anything or anything like that,' Larson said. 'I tend to move on and forget about things pretty quickly, so I don't think even getting into the wall will affect the mental side of things, as we come back in May. 'I feel fine. Got my hands off the wheel, I knew to do that.' Just a few minutes after Larson spoke outside of the infield care center, two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Takuma Sato crashed his No. 75 Honda for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing into the South Chute with a loud thud. Sato spent much more time in the IU Health Emergency Medical Center, but he was also released by the IndyCar Medical Staff. As for Larson, he found value, even in a crash, that he will take with him into this second Indianapolis 500 when he returns in May. 'If I was to hit the wall in a similar way, I know what to expect, but there's also a lot harder ways to crash here at the Speedway in an Indy car so hopefully I don't encounter that,' Larson said. 'But I'm honestly a little bit happy that to now hit the wall one and know what it feels like and to know everything was safe because like the seat, the seat inserts, the seat position all that's way different than what I have a NASCAR. 'In NASCAR, it feels like everything like surrounds you more the seat and all that where this, you're kind of like floating a bit more in the seat, so I wasn't sure what it would be like if I hit the wall.' And now, NASCAR's Kyle Larson knows what it feels like to crash an Indy car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Kyle Larson

Boeing's Big Comeback? Record Orders Signal a Massive Turnaround
Boeing's Big Comeback? Record Orders Signal a Massive Turnaround

Yahoo

time08-04-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Boeing's Big Comeback? Record Orders Signal a Massive Turnaround

Boeing (NYSE:BA) just logged its strong month in 2025and the market is paying attention. The company delivered 41 jets in March, a solid lift from 29 a year ago and bringing its Q1 total to 130, up from 83 last year. While slightly behind January and February, this recovery in deliveries is being overshadowedin a good wayby a blockbuster month of new orders: 163 net orders, including 88 for the 737 MAX. That haul includes major wins from BOC Aviation, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air. Boeing also booked 11 777 freighters and 53 Dreamliners, pushing its order backlog to a hefty 5,648 aircraft. In a business where cash flow is tied to completed deliveries, this kind of order momentum is a bullish signal. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 4 Warning Signs with BA. But this isn't full throttle just yet. Ongoing production issues still loom. Airbus (EDASY), which delivered 136 jets in Q1, is also running into engine shortages due to delays at GE and Safran's CFM joint venture. Meanwhile, one of Boeing's key suppliersHowmet Aerospace (NYSE:HWM)is already warning that a new wave of tariffs, if enacted, could disrupt shipments. Add in Boeing's regulatory hurdles and lingering labor tensions, and the runway ahead isn't exactly smooth. Supply chain friction remains the biggest constraint across the entire aerospace sector. Still, the March numbers offer something Boeing hasn't had in a while: clear demand visibility. Leasing firms are back in bulk, freight carriers are doubling down, and airlines across Asia are placing multi-year bets. Investors should keep their eyes on executionbecause the orders are coming in fast, but revenue only hits when planes get out the door. Boeing has a shot to turn this backlog into a real comeback story, but as always, it's what gets delivered that counts. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Sign in to access your portfolio

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