Latest news with #Mandarin-language
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump's CIA director details strategy using Mandarin videos to tap Chinese dissent for intelligence gains
CIA Director John Ratcliffe detailed the reasoning behind the agency's strategy of releasing two Mandarin-language videos aimed at encouraging Chinese nationals to reach out through the dark web, part of a broader effort to gather intelligence from inside America's top adversary. In an interview on "My View with Lara Trump," Ratcliffe said the initiative was designed to tap into dissatisfaction among Chinese citizens and collect key information on the Chinese Communist Party [CCP] and its operations. "We released two Mandarin-speaking videos to the Chinese people, inviting them to contact us through the dark web because a lot of the people in China are not happy with what's happening," he shared on Saturday. Cia Videos Aim To Turn Chinese Officials And 'Steal Secrets' "They can be great sources of intelligence for us." The campaign was part of a larger strategy to counter threats from foreign and domestic adversaries and bolster U.S. leverage in high-stakes negotiations, including President Donald Trump's efforts to secure deals with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Read On The Fox News App Cia Director Says China Is #1 Priority, Poses Biggest Challenge From Adversary In Us History Ratcliffe also emphasized his commitment to depoliticizing the CIA and returning the agency to its core mission of intelligence-gathering – not political interference. He cited the use of the Steele dossier and attitudes that dismissed the Hunter Biden laptop as "Russian disinformation" as evidence. "Those were the types of politicization that really tarnish what the intelligence community is supposed to do," he said. "We're supposed to be apolitical, and that's what President Trump wants me to be. We're going to be better. We're gonna get back to what made the CIA great."Original article source: Trump's CIA director details strategy using Mandarin videos to tap Chinese dissent for intelligence gains
The Star
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Capturing country's diversity through art
Penangite's solo exhibition at Bukit Jalil mall features unity through texture, colour and emotion A PENANG-born artist is capturing the essence of Malaysia's unity and beauty through vibrant textured paintings that celebrate diversity, nature and positive energy. Sandy Lau Lai Pheng, 55, channels her multicultural upbringing into artwork that explores themes of harmony, belonging and the Malaysian spirit. Using textured acrylic techniques and abstract forms, she creates pieces that are both visually captivating and emotionally resonant. 'Growing up in a diverse state like Penang, taught me to appreciate my surroundings and the people around me. 'I want my paintings to evoke unity and bring good vibes,' she said during an interview at The Star's office in Jalan Hang Tuah, Melaka. Lau, who began painting professionally in 2015 after graduating from the Malaysian Institute of Art, said her work was a reflection of her life journey and love for the country's natural and cultural richness. 'I've always been passionate about art. 'It's a way for me to tell stories from my childhood, about growing up in a multiethnic community and to express the strength of our shared identity,' she said. Lau is the author of a Mandarin-language book titled Listen to My Heart, which explores personal reflections and emotional healing themes that often appear in her artwork. Her paintings blend images of hills, rivers, coastlines and everyday life to evoke nostalgia and connection. 'We may not be able to go back to the past, but we can still honour it through art,' she said. Spirituality and inner peace are also central to her creative process. 'My work often carries visions that help others find calmness and healing. 'I believe art can touch the soul and connect us in meaningful ways,' she said. Lau's solo exhibition will be held at Tsutaya Books in Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, until June 29. It features her latest series celebrating Malaysia's unity through texture, colour and emotion.
Qatar Tribune
02-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Visit Qatar concludes successful ITB China 2025 participation
Tribune News Network Doha Visit Qatar concluded a successful participation in ITB China 2025, which was held from May 27 to 29 at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre. ITB China is one of the most significant B2B trade shows in the Chinese travel market and serves as a key platform to highlight Qatar's tourism offering, foster strategic partnerships, and attract investment. As part of its participation, Visit Qatar led a delegation of 16 hospitality and travel industry partners, including leading hotels and destination management companies. Participating partners included Discover Qatar, Qatar Airways, Banyan Tree Doha, Mondrian Doha, The Ritz-Carlton Doha, The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, Steigenberger Hotel Doha, The Outpost Al Barari, The St. Regis Doha, and Marsa Malaz Kempinski, Noor Al Shams Tours, Peninsula Compass Tourism, Regency Holiday, Tawfeeq Holidays, Doha Bus and Ms SKY. As part of its commitment to digital innovation, Visit Qatar participated in the C-Talk session at ITB China, where Jassim Mahmoud, director of PR and Communications, spoke about the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR) in the future of tourism. He highlighted recent strategic partnerships with Microsoft and Huawei, which are supporting the sector's digital transformation. China remains a key priority market within Qatar's tourism strategy, and Visit Qatar continues to invest in targeted outreach Chinese market, Mandarin-language services, and curated offerings tailored to the preferences of Chinese travellers.
NBC News
30-05-2025
- Business
- NBC News
U.S.-China talks ‘a bit stalled' and need Trump and Xi to weigh in, Treasury Secretary Bessent says
BEIJING — U.S.-China trade talks 'are a bit stalled,' requiring the two countries' leaders to speak directly, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News in an interview Thursday local time. 'I believe that we will be having more talks with them in the next few weeks,' he said, adding that there may be a call between the two countries' leaders 'at some point.' After a rapid escalation in trade tensions last month, Bessent helped the world's two largest economies reach a breakthrough agreement in Switzerland on May 12. The countries agreed to roll back recent tariff increases of more than 100% for 90 days, or until mid-August. Diplomatic officials from both sides had a call late last week. Still, the U.S. has pushed ahead with tech restrictions on Beijing, drawing its ire, while China has yet to significantly ease restrictions on rare earths, contrary to Washington's expectations. 'I think that given the magnitude of the talks, given the complexity, that this is going to require both leaders to weigh in with each other,' Bessent said. 'They have a very good relationship and I am confident that the Chinese will come to the table when President [Donald] Trump makes his [preferences] known.' Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last spoke in January, just before the U.S. president was sworn in for his second term. While Trump has in recent weeks said he would like to speak with Xi, analysts expect China to agree to that only if there is certainty that there will be no surprises from the U.S. during the call. China has maintained communication with the U.S. since the agreement in Switzerland, Chinese Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson He Yongqian told reporters at a regular briefing Thursday. But regarding chip export controls, she said that 'China again urges the U.S. to immediately correct its wrong practices ... and together safeguard the consensus reached at high-level talks in Geneva.' That's according to a CNBC translation of her Mandarin-language remarks. When asked whether China would suspend rare earths export controls announced in early April, He did not respond directly. Restrictions on items that could have both military and civilian applications reflect international practice, as well as China's position of 'upholding world peace and regional stability,' she said. This week, the Trump administration also announced it would start revoking visas for Chinese students. 'The U.S. decision to revoke Chinese student visas is fully unjustified,' Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Thursday, according to an official English transcript. 'It uses ideology and national security as pretext.'
CNBC
30-05-2025
- Business
- CNBC
U.S.-China talks 'a bit stalled' and need Trump and Xi to weigh in, Treasury Secretary Bessent says
BEIJING — U.S.-China trade talks "are a bit stalled," requiring the two countries' leaders to speak directly, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News in an interview Thursday local time. "I believe that we will be having more talks with them in the next few weeks," he said, adding that there may be a call between the two countries' leaders "at some point." After a rapid escalation in trade tensions last month, Bessent helped the world's two largest economies reach a breakthrough agreement in Switzerland on May 12. The countries agreed to roll back recent tariff increases of more than 100% for 90 days, or until mid-August. Diplomatic officials from both sides had a call late last week. Still, the U.S. has pushed ahead with tech restrictions on Beijing, drawing its ire, while China has yet to significantly ease restrictions on rare earths, contrary to Washington's expectations. "I think that given the magnitude of the talks, given the complexity, that this is going to require both leaders to weigh in with each other," Bessent said. "They have a very good relationship and I am confident that the Chinese will come to the table when President [Donald] Trump makes his [preferences] known." Trump and China's President Xi Jinping last spoke in January, just before the U.S. president was sworn in for his second term. While Trump has in recent weeks said he would like to speak with Xi, analysts expect China to agree to that only if there's certainty there will be no surprises from the U.S. during the call. China has maintained communication with the U.S. since the agreement in Switzerland, Chinese Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson He Yongqian told reporters at a regular briefing Thursday. But regarding chip export controls, she said that "China again urges the U.S. to immediately correct its wrong practices ... and together safeguard the consensus reached at high-level talks in Geneva." That's according to a CNBC translation of her Mandarin-language remarks. When asked whether China would suspend rare earths' export controls announced in early April, He did not respond directly. Restrictions on items that could be used for both military and civilian use reflect international practice, as well as China's position of "upholding world peace and regional stability," she said. This week, the Trump administration also announced it would start revoking visas for Chinese students. "The U.S. decision to revoke Chinese student visas is fully unjustified," China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said Thursday, according to an official English transcript. "It uses ideology and national security as pretext."
