In conclusion, the roadshow campaign initiated by Guangzhou to foster more independent brands in the cross-border e-commerce sector holds great promise for nurturing innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability in the industry. Through collaborative efforts and collective initiatives, the city is set to become a breeding ground for creative and impactful brands that drive growth and prosperity in the global marketplace.Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, now leader of the opposition European Solidarity Party, sat down with Voice of America during a visit to Washington to attend the annual forum of the International Democracy Union, an alliance of center-right political parties. While in the U.S. capital, Poroshenko met with Biden administration officials and members of the incoming Trump administration to share his assessment of the situation Ukraine is facing more than two and a half years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, and his vision of how to end the conflict. The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity. VOA: How would you describe the situation on the front lines in Ukraine? Petro Poroshenko, former Ukrainian president: Every week, I travel to the front lines to deliver needed equipment and armaments. Russia is increasing its pressure. Russia has more sophisticated weapons than even half a year [ago]. Ukrainian soldiers are tired because some have served for over two and a half years, but they still wouldn't allow Russians to break through the Ukrainian positions. At the moment, we shouldn't think about offensive operations but [how] to strengthen fortifications. I appreciate the decision of the United States government to give us anti-infantry mines. Having three, four, five kilometers of a minefield is an excellent response to the new tactics of Russia, which is penetrating Ukrainian positions with small groups of five to 12 persons with the support of Russian artillery, which has an unlimited number of artillery shells. If we have fortifications, minefields and reconnaissance drones, including thermal night drones and [an] unlimited number of FPV drones to destroy these small groups, [an] effective radio-electronic warfare system, including against Russian reconnaissance drones, I'm confident we can keep [the] defense lines. VOA: Ukraine is under pressure to start negotiating. Is this a good time for that? Poroshenko: No other nation in the world wants peace more than Ukrainians because we pay an enormous price. However, the negotiations should start when both sides are ready. Everybody asks if Ukraine is ready, and nobody asks if [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is ready for these negotiations. Putin is not ready. We should undertake enormous efforts to prepare Putin for these negotiations. What language should we speak to Putin? The language of strength, including sophisticated and modern weapons for Ukraine. Putin should feel that he is paying a high price. We need stronger sanctions to destroy the shadow fleet. The sanctions should lower Russian exports from $600 [billion] to $200 billion to cut Putin's ability to finance the war. VOA: Do you think the new Trump administration will support your vision? Poroshenko: I strongly believe in the global leadership of the United States. I worked with [President Donald] Trump in 2016-2019. Meeting him was one of my first meetings as president of Ukraine. Our meeting was scheduled for five minutes — just to shake hands and take a photo — and lasted for two and a half hours. As a result, he gave Ukraine the first lethal weapons after three years of the war, the legendary Javelins [anti-tank missiles]. They saved lots of lives in the Donbas region. Even without additional consultation with our European partners, we agreed that the United States introduce sanctions against the company contractor for the North Stream 2 [natural gas pipeline], which was vital. In President Trump’s presence we discussed with [his former CIA Director Mike] Pompeo the coordination of efforts to recognize the Ukrainian independent church. Trump is a person of results, not process. He is decisive enough to make tough decisions. VOA: Trump nominated General Keith Kellogg as the U.S. special representative for Ukraine and Russia. What do you think about him and his ideas? Poroshenko: I've met him several times when he was a member of [then] Vice President [Mike] Pence's team. I welcome President Trump's approach to appoint a special presidential envoy to Ukraine. When President Trump appointed Kurt Volker [as U.S. special representative for Ukraine negotiations], that was extremely efficient. And now, General Kellogg's level of professionalism gives us careful optimism. We can stop the war in 24 hours, as President Trump promised, and without a single shot [fired] or a dollar spent. We need just one signature for one treaty — the Washington Treaty [the April 1949 treaty establishing the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance]. Inviting Ukraine to join NATO will be a powerful demonstration to Putin that we are not afraid of his blackmail. We are decisive enough, and we want to have sustainable security on the continent. I propose my plan — the “Poroshenko Plan.” Within one year, partners guarantee that Ukraine will get a full [NATO] membership if it meets specific criteria and fulfills certain conditions. During that year, while we are not in NATO, we will receive the same security guarantees as Finland and Sweden before their full NATO membership. During that year, I also suggest having peacekeepers under the mandate of the United Nations Security Council to guarantee a ceasefire. That's how to stop the war in 24 hours.The visuals of "Death Stranding 2" were nothing short of breathtaking, with hyper-realistic graphics that transported players into a post-apocalyptic world teeming with untold dangers and enigmatic wonders. From the intricate details of the character models to the dynamic weather effects and lush environmental landscapes, every frame of the trailer radiated a sense of artistic brilliance that only Kojima Productions could deliver.lodigame gaming 。

2025 Audi A6 And S6 E-Tron Reimagine An Iconic Model For The Electric AgeIn a matter of days, two long-running Hong Kong court cases highlighted just how much the semi-autonomous city is shrinking under Beijing's gaze. The four-year-long saga of the so-called Hong Kong 47 was finally brought to a close, with pro-democracy campaigners, ex-lawmakers and academics sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for participating in an unofficial vote. Then, the trial of one of the city's most outspoken businessmen, Jimmy Lai, resumed after a months-long delay, as he finally had his chance to defend himself. On November 19, as a typhoon threatened the city, hundreds of Hong Kongers lined up to see the final blows of a saga that began with an unofficial primary election in 2020. Some lined up in the early hours, others had camped overnight, and a small group had even been outside the court since the weekend. "Hong Kong's freedom is getting smaller and smaller," said Tsang Kin-shing, an activist and former politician also known as The Bull. "I want everyone to know Hong Kong people won't give up ... being here today is so important," Au Yeung said, another member of the public who'd braved the weather to witness the historic sentencing. How we got here In the wake of the crackdown following the 2019 protests, candidates from across the pro-democratic spectrum took part in a primary vote, designed to choose the candidates who had the best chance of being elected in legislative council elections due to happen in 2020. More than 600,000 Hong Kongers voted in that primary, a remarkable turnout for a city of 7.5 million. The level of participation clearly scared authorities and this week we saw the ultimate outcome of their reaction. The so-called "mastermind" Benny Tai was given 10 years in prison. As a legal scholar, he had authored an editorial in the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper titled "Ten steps to real mutual destruction — the inevitable fate of Hong Kong," describing how a democratic majority could veto budgets and force a government shutdown. It became a key document during the court case. While holding a primary vote is fairly routine in other democracies, the national security judges found the group had sought to undermine and paralyse the government. "The power and authority of both the government and the chief executive would be greatly undermined," the three government-endorsed judges said in their verdict. "In our view ... that would create a constitutional crisis for Hong Kong." Of the 47 people arrested, 31 had pleaded guilty in the hope of a shorter sentence. The other 16 fought the charges. Only two were acquitted, among them, social worker Lee Yue-shun, who attended court to see the fate that he'd so narrowly missed out on. Normally fashion-forward and charismatic, on November 19, he politely declined talking to the media, avoiding drawing attention to himself. "I think [the acquittal] gave me more responsibility — how can I make better use of the freedom I have not lost," Mr Lee told Agence France-Presse ahead of the sentencing. The shortest sentence any of the 45 received was four years. Student leader and activist Joshua Wong was jailed for four years and eight months. He shouted "I love Hong Kong, bye bye!" before leaving the courtroom, according to AP. Australian citizen Gordon Ng was given seven years and three months. As supporters filed out of the court there was anger and tears. "I want to emphasise one thing very clear, it is an unfair trial and an unreasonable trial, so even one day [in prison] they don't deserve," said Chan Po-ying, whose husband Leung Kwok-hung, known locally as Long Hair, was sentenced to six years and nine months. While the show of support for the Hong Kong 47 was remarkable, others we met in in the city expressed their fears talking about even fairly pedestrian issues, worrying how straying into anything remotely political might be a risk to their safety. Jimmy Lai could end up being diplomatic headache for Beijing A day after the Hong Kong 47 were sentenced came what was arguably the most anticipated national security trial. Jimmy Lai, a 77-year-old businessman, first made his name by founding the clothing business Giordano. He moved into media after seeing the People's Liberation Army brutalise Chinese citizens on June 4, 1989 — killing hundreds, possibly thousands after a student protest had occupied Tiananmen Square in central Beijing for six weeks. Mr Lai described running his media outlets as "delivering freedom". "I started a media business because after June 4, I thought it was a good opportunity for someone like me, a businessman who has made some money to participate in delivering information — which I think is freedom," he said. "The more information you have, the more you are in the know, the more you are free." Mr Lai said Apple Daily had core Hong Kong values of "rule of law, freedom, pursuit of democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly". "[Jimmy Lai] represents our voice," said local William Wong, who was lining up on November 21 to show his support for Mr Lai in court. "Now, Hong Kong people can't say any more, so I want people overseas [and] in Australia to pay attention for Hong Kong people." As Mr Lai sat waiting to start his evidence he waved and smiled at loved ones and supporters, putting his hands in a gesture of thanks over and over to acknowledge those in the public gallery. The prosecution of Mr Lai and the Hong Kong 47 has been condemned by governments and human rights groups around the world. As a British citizen, the UK government has been advocating for his release, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer raising it directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping when they met earlier this week. As Sir Keir raised his concerns over reports of Mr Lai's deteriorating health in prison during the meeting on the sidelines of the G20 in Brazil, Chinese officials bundled the gathered press out of the room. Then there's US president-elect Donald Trump. Only days before the US election, Mr Trump told conservative broadcaster Hugh Hewitt he too would raise the case with President Xi. "One hundred per cent, I'll get him out. He'll be easy to get out," he said. It is hard to imagine an American president securing the release of another country's citizen — let alone one who Hong Kong authorities don't recognise as a British national. But all Mr Trump's political appointments so far indicate an incoming administration that will be extremely hawkish on China. And as Xi Jinping braces for US tariffs on all exports to America at a time the Chinese economy is stagnating, a disagreement over an elderly diabetic prisoner, known around the world as a fighter for freedom of speech, might be one headache he doesn't need. "I hope Trump and the international community can free Jimmy Lai ... because all we can do here in Hong Kong is very little," said one man who had lined up outside for hours to see Mr Lai's evidence in court. Lai 'hoped' Trump might put a stop to national security law The prosecution is arguing that Mr Lai was trying to encourage foreign governments, particularly the United States, to sanction Hong Kong through articles in the Apple Daily. A graphic had been prepared for the court of all Mr Lai's foreign friends and connections. It featured the last British governor of Hong Kong Chris Patten, founder of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China Luke de Pulford, member of the House of Lords David Alton, and Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen. But the most stand-out inclusion by a long way was Donald Trump himself. Mr Lai said he never met or even communicated indirectly with Mr Trump, but had met with then-vice-president Mike Pence and secretary of state Mike Pompeo. "I would not dare to ask the US to do anything. I just related to [Mr Pence] what happened in Hong Kong," he said. "And asked [Mr Pence and Mr Pompeo] to say something to voice their support for Hong Kong." But he did say he "hoped" Mr Trump might have the power to stop the imposition of the National Security Law (NSL). Beijing surpassed the Hong Kong legislature in 2020 to impose the broad law on the city, which targets secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign and external forces. He said he had told an executive it wasn't a good idea for the Apple Daily to take an anti-Trump stance, as they typically followed the same editorial direction as CNN and the New York Times on US politics. "[In June 2020,] the time had become critical that we want president Trump to help us stop the NSL," Mr Lai told the court. "If [the NSL] was implemented, that would be the end of Hong Kong's freedom of speech ... that's my feeling ... under the NSL there's no way for us to practice journalism. "The subsequent events have proved us right." Beijing has already made up its mind about Lai One of the key things Hong Kong authorities want to prove is that the One Country Two Systems is still working — a feature of which is the city's common law legal system. Both the Hong Kong 47 and Jimmy Lai cases have been tried without a jury, with the outcome in the hands of three National Security judges who are hand picked by the city's chief executive. In response to complaints by Mr Lai's son Sebastien and international lawyers advocating for his release, Hong Kong authorities sighted the city's "rule of law". "The Basic Law [Hong Kong's mini constitution] specifically provides that the HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) enjoys independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication, and the courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference," a spokesman for the Hong Kong government said in a statement. "The Hong Kong National Security Law further affirms adherence to the principle of the rule of law in preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for offences endangering national security, and provides for the presumption of innocence ... and protection of the right to defend oneself." As the statement mentions, one of the key tenets of a rule of law system is a presumption of innocence. But in Beijing, it's clear Mr Lai hasn't been granted that presumption. On November 20, spokesperson for the Chinese Communist Party government's Foreign Ministry Lin Jian didn't mince his words about Mr Lai. "Jimmy Lai is the principal mastermind and perpetrator behind the series of riots that shook Hong Kong," he said. "He is an agent and henchman of those hostile to China." Sebastien Lai and other critics have called this a show trial, and those comments suggest that, at least from the Communist Party's perspective, the outcome has already been decided. ABCTitle: "Black Myth: Wukong" Ranks Third in Positive Reviews on Steam! Gamers Say It Is Well-Deserved

In conclusion, "Moonlight Bang!" is a delightful and heartwarming comedy that showcases the talents of three comedy legends at the top of their game. With its blend of humor, charm, and wit, the film is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a fitting celebration of the spirit of comedy. Don't miss out on this cinematic gem - get ready to bang on the windows of laughter and welcome the New Year with joy and merriment!

NoneReal People Share Their Favorite Target Purchases Of 2024

Suspect in Shooting of American Executive Arrested: 26-Year-Old Man ApprehendedThe benchmark for world food commodity prices rose in November to its highest level since April 2023, increasing by 0.5 percent from October, driven by surging international vegetable oil quotations, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported Friday. The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a set of globally-traded food commodities, averaged 127.5 points in November, up 5.7 percent from a year ago while still 20.4 percent below its March 2022 peak. The FAO Vegetable Oil Price Index increased by 7.5 percent in November from October, marking its second large increase in two months and 32 percent higher than its year-earlier level. Global palm oil prices climbed further amid concerns about lower-than-expected output due to excessive rainfall in Southeast Asia. World soyoil prices rose on global import demand, while rapeseed and sunflower oil quotations increased as tightening global supply prospects affected their respective markets. The FAO Dairy Price Index maintained its upward trajectory in November, increasing by 0.6 percent from October, driven by rebounding global import demand for whole milk powder. Butter prices reached a new record level amid strong demand and tight inventories in Western Europe, while cheese prices rose due to limited export availabilities. The other sub-indexes posted declines in November. The FAO Cereal Price Index dropped by 2.7 percent, down 8.0 percent below a year earlier. Global wheat prices declined due to weaker international import demand and increased supplies from the ongoing harvests in the Southern Hemisphere. World maize prices remained stable as strong domestic demand in Brazil and Mexico’s demand for supplies from the United States of America were offset by favorable weather in South America, reduced demand for Ukrainian supplies and seasonal pressure from the ongoing U.S. harvest. The FAO All-Rice Price Index declined by 4.0 percent in November, driven by increased market competition, harvest pressures and currency fluctuations. The FAO Sugar Price Index declined by 2.4 percent from October, impacted by the start of the crushing season in India and Thailand and eased concerns over next year’s sugarcane crop prospects in Brazil, where recent rains have improved soil moisture. The FAO Meat Price Index decreased by 0.8 percent in November, due mainly to lower quotations for pig meat in the European Union, reflecting abundant supplies and persistently subdued global and domestic demand. World ovine and poultry meat prices fell slightly, while international bovine meat quotations remained stable, with higher Brazilian export prices offset by lower Australia prices. Updated forecasts point to declining cereal stocks-to-use ratio According to FAO’s new Cereal Supply and Demand Brief, also released on Friday, global cereal production in 2024 is forecast to decline by around 0.6 percent from the previous year to 2 841 million tonnes, a downward revision from October, yet still the second-largest output on record. Global wheat output for 2024 is expected to be on par with 2023, at 789 million tonnes, while maize output is forecast to decline by 1.9 percent from the previous year to 1 271 million tonnes, due to lower-than-expected yields in the European Union and the United States of America. FAO’s forecast for world rice production in 2024/25 has changed slightly, pointing to a 0.8 percent annual increase to a record high of 538.8 million tonnes. For 2025, softer wheat prices may discourage area expansions of the winter wheat crop underway in the northern hemisphere. Below-normal rainfall in key wheat growing regions in the Russian Federation has led to low soil moisture levels, affecting planting operations. By contrast, favourable soil moisture and government support policies, along remunerative prices, should spur expanded plantings in China and India. Coarse grain crops are being planted in the southern hemisphere. Early indications suggest a contraction in maize sowings in Argentina due to dry conditions and the risk of stunt disease transmitted by leafhoppers. In Brazil, early planting intentions, encouraged by a return of rainfall, point to the same maize area for the 2025 crop. In South Africa, preliminary expectations point to an increase in white maize sowings, driven by record prices, offsetting a contraction in the yellow maize area. World cereal utilization is forecast to grow by 0.6 percent to 2 859 million tonnes in 2024/25, led by anticipated increases in food consumption of rice and wheat. A significant revision from October now forecasts that global cereal stocks will decline by 0.7 percent from their opening levels, resulting in a global cereal stock-to-use ratio of 30.1 percent for 2024/25, down from 30.8 percent in the previous year but still indicating “a comfortable supply level” globally. International trade in cereals in 2024/25 is now forecast at 484 million tonnes, down 4.6 percent from the previous year. Global wheat and maize trade volumes are expected to decline, while rice trade is predicted to increase. The Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS), hosted at FAO, also released its monthly Market Monitor on Friday, In addition to the regular analysis, the report featured a reflection on agricultural commodity markets in 2024 and discusses uncertainties that could affect global commodity markets in 2025. Source: FAO

Performance:In addition, Sworn NPCs are programmed to be proactive in their assistance, rather than waiting for the player to initiate conversations. This proactive approach ensures that players receive the help they need without feeling overwhelmed by constant chatter. Whether it's providing hints, offering advice, or engaging in strategic gameplay, Sworn NPCs are always ready to support the player without becoming a hindrance.

Moreover, the influx of refugees from Syria has also had a cascading effect on Europe and other parts of the world. The expert highlighted that the large-scale movement of people has fueled anti-immigrant sentiments, giving rise to right-wing populism and xenophobia in various countries. This has not only strained relations between nations but has also challenged the principles of global solidarity and cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises.The Chicago Cubs need something to energize the fan base this winter. After being foiled once again by the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central--despite stealing the Brewers' old manager, Craig Counsell--the Cubs are down in the dumps. But perhaps a blockbuster trade with the crosstown Chicago White Sox could be the pick-me-up the franchise needs. The Cubs and White Sox have partnered up on some big trades in the past, most notably the Jose Quintana deal in 2017 and the Craig Kimbrel swap in 2021. But sending a certain All-Star lefty pitcher across town just might take the cake. White Sox lefty Garrett Crochet is the biggest name on the trade market this winter, coming off an All-Star season where he struck out a ridiculous 12.9 batters per nine innings. Every contending team could use Crochet, but the Cubs might be the single team that could benefit the most from landing him. Recently, Elijah Evans of Just Baseball proposed a trade that would send Crochet to the North Side in exchange for outfielder Owen Caissie, shortstop Jefferson Rojas, and right-handed pitcher Jaxon Wiggins. "Garrett Crochet is another level of a pitcher and the Cubs are seeking a few big pieces to push them into the legit playoff tier in the National League," Evans said. "They’re likely to start with the free agent market but could slide into the Crochet sweepstakes more seriously if they can’t land a top arm available there. In terms of prospect fit, their plethora of hitters lines up well with what the White Sox want to acquire." Caissie is Just Baseball's No. 35 overall prospect and Rojas is No. 53, so losing both would certainly weaken the Cubs' future outlook on the position player side of things. But as great as it is to have prospects, what the Cubs need now is a big-league-ready star. Crochet would change the Cubs' entire perception for the 2025 season. Rolling a trio of dominant lefties out with Crochet, Shota Imanaga, and Justin Steele could be the thing that finally vaults them over the Brewers in the Central, and possibly all the way to title contention. More MLB: Cubs tabbed as unexpected landing spot for $105 million superstar outfielder

ITV I'm A Celebrity fans are 'gutted' and 'can't believe' Ant and Dec's announcement on Monday nightSAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Northern California was under a rare and brief tsunami warning alert Thursday that tested local emergency notification systems after a 7.0 magnitude earthquake shook part of the state. The National Weather Service canceled its alert after roughly an hour and before the tsunami was expected to arrive. In that hour, some cities and counties ordered evacuations while others relied on social media and text messages to inform people of the warning. Some people headed for higher ground, while others drove to the beach to get a better view. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.

Justin Tucker's erratic season isn't getting any better, and it's hurting Baltimore's outlookIn recent years, with the rapid development of society and the continuous improvement of people's living standards, reading has become an increasingly important cultural activity. However, the fast pace of modern life often makes it difficult for people to find time and space to immerse themselves in the world of books. In response to this challenge, the literary slow variety show "Reading on the Island" has emerged, aiming to promote a culture of reading and contemplation.

Olanipekun Donates Senate Building to Bamidele Olumilua University