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Beijingers shrug off Trump tariff threat

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Beijingers shrug off Trump tariff threat


US and Chinese flags are set up before a meeting between US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China, Saturday, July 8, 2023. —Reuters

Residents of China’s capital city expressed indifference and defiance on Saturday when asked by AFP about the latest threat by US President Donald Trump to impose blistering new tariffs on the country.

On Friday, Trump announced suddenly that the United States would slap additional 100% tariffs on all Chinese imports from November 1 “or sooner”, also calling into question an upcoming meeting with President Xi Jinping.

Chinese authorities have yet to publicly respond on the threat, which Trump said was in retaliation for Beijing’s new export control measures in the strategic rare-earth sector.

The ministries of foreign affairs and commerce did not comment when asked about it by AFP on Saturday.

“I felt nothing when I first saw the news,” said Liu Ming, a 48-year-old employee in a software company, outside a large Beijing shopping mall.

“Trump always has these childlike or capricious policies,” said Liu.

“China isn’t afraid of any US sanctions or policies aimed at limiting us. We have the confidence and ability to do better ourselves.”

‘Great commotion’

Like others interviewed by AFP on the streets of Beijing on Saturday, Liu sees Trump as fickle.

“From the perspective of a Chinese person, he is a bit unreliable,” he said.

“He always goes from this policy to that policy, causing great commotion in the world.

“It is not stable.”

Irene Wang, an insurance worker in her thirties, echoed the sentiment.

“He says one thing today, but maybe after a nap he’ll change his mind again,” joked Wang.

“At his age (79), he should be a little more composed!”

She believes the sky-high tariffs Trump is threatening could backfire.

“For Americans, it could have an impact,” she said, as tariffs on Chinese products could drive up prices in the United States.

As for the potential impact on people living in China, Wang acknowledged she couldn’t completely ignore the news.

“Honestly, it isn’t the first time, so we will have to wait and see how things play out.”

Hoping for ‘normal’

Some residents of the Chinese capital told AFP they expected only a moderate impact on their country’s economy if the trade war with Washington escalates again.

“The import-export sector, especially those businesses, will inevitably be affected to some extent,” said Jesicca Yu, 40.

But “for ordinary people in China, in the immediate future, I don’t think much will change in their daily lives,” she said.

Yu also bemoaned the tense relationship between Beijing and Washington.

“The more peaceful things are, the more economic development can take place,” she said.

“We hope things go back to normal.”

Lisa Liu, a colleague of Yu who is in her thirties, said she saw one good thing in Trump’s unpredictable approach to governing.

“He gives us a lot to talk about at the dinner table,” she said.





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Ron King talks about his mission to protect donkeys, misconceptions and how they bring joy

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Ron King talks about his mission to protect donkeys, misconceptions and how they bring joy


Oscar’s Place, a donkey sanctuary in California, now has 210 donkeys and it has successfully resettled 189 others. Ron King, the co-founder and CEO of the sanctuary, helped to create the new docuseries “Donkey King,” which follows the work he and volunteers do to rescue, rehabilitate and resettle the animals to protect them. He speaks to “CBS Mornings” about his mission and why he says donkeys are misunderstood.



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US revokes over 100,000 visas, targeting tourists, students, workers

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US revokes over 100,000 visas, targeting tourists, students, workers


US revokes over 100,000 visas, targeting tourists, students, workers

In its ongoing anti-immigration move, the US has revoked over 100,000 visas, affecting tourists, international students, and skilled workers.

Marking a substantial uptick from the 40,000 revocations in 2024, the figure reflects stricter enforcement measures under US President Donald Trump’s second term.

Officials from the Trump administration stated that the crackdown is aimed at improving public safety and ensuring compliance with US immigration laws.

“US authorities are increasingly using court and police data to ensure visa holders comply fully with the law,” a State Department official stated.

Who’s affected by ongoing US visa cancellations?

The largest group affected by the current halt in US visa processing comprises those holding B1, B2, and B1/B2 visas, many of whom faced cancellations due to overstays or unauthorised work.

Around 8,000 student visas were revoked, of which nearly 500 were linked to drug offences. 2,500 cancellations impacted skilled professionals, including H-1B visa holders.

The US authorities are also targeting travellers with criminal records, including DUI, assault, theft, fraud, and drug-related offences.

This revocation campaign is part of a stricter policy aimed at improving data-sharing between government agencies.

An executive order signed on Trump’s first day in office allows authorities to cancel visas even after entry. Officials emphasised that visas are privileges, not guarantees, and that even minor violations will no longer be ignored.

Travellers within the US may face deportation, and those abroad are barred from entry. Affected individuals are advised to consult immigration lawyers, review revocation notices, and maintain transparency in future applications. 





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Prince Harry’s cousin Amelia Windsor tries to be his replacement in royal family

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Prince Harry’s cousin Amelia Windsor tries to be his replacement in royal family


Prince Harry’s cousin Amelia Windsor tries to be his replacement in royal family

King Charles has one big royal seat empty since Meghan Markle has left for America with her family.

Trying to be the fit for this role, Prince Harry’s cousin Lady Amelia Windsor has stepped out to catch attention in black.

The 30 year old was at the premiere of Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, wearing a gown by Percy Langley that was as elegant as it was intentional.

Fashion followers were quick to spot that this wasn’t the dress’s first outing. 

Known for championing sustainable style long before it became a buzzword, Lady Amelia has worn the gown on multiple occasions, reinforcing her belief that true luxury lies in rewearing. 

Whispers are now swirling that she could be stepping into a whole new chapter of her life .

Although neither she nor her rumored partner have confirmed anything yet but according to insider she may soon be engaged to her long-term boyfriend, property developer Ollie Lewis. 

Amelia is currently 44th in line to the throne and has been linked with Lewis for several years, and fans of the couple have enjoyed watching their relationship grow from festival flings to public appearances on major social stages.

Their story first attracted attention at Glastonbury 2023, where the pair were photographed hugging and kissing amid the crowds even alongside her sister Lady Marina and her now-fiancé, Nico Macauley. 





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