Echo Appliance Center offers exciting Chinese New Year Deals and Promos
As we will be celebrating the Chinese New Year in a few days, it is high time to do some cleaning in our homes to drive the bad luck away. So declutter your spaces, toss out or donate your old clothes, and replace your malfunctioning household appliances and replace them with new ones. If you’re […] The post Echo Appliance Center offers exciting Chinese New Year Deals and Promos appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Basketball dreams take center stage with new barangay grassroots program
Eleven-year-old “Jared” finds inspiration in basketball......»»
Chowking Brings Halo-Halo Land to Cebu for 2024
Chowking has officially done it again. The Filipino-Chinese fast food chain has once again reinvented summer with another year of Halo-Halo Land in partnership with SM Supermalls, showcasing their new super-sangkap, kumpletong lamig-sarap Halo-Halo Supreme. Halo-halo is a Filipino staple. Its variety of ingredients dances on the pallet of your tongue as it gives you.....»»
PPP Code IRR out; 20 projects up for approval
Around 20 solicited projects that are part of the government’s infrastructure flagship program are expected to be submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority Investment Coordination Committee for approval this year, the Public-Private Partnership Center said, following the signing of the implementing rules and regulations of the PPP Code......»»
Xinhua world economic news summary at 0900 GMT, March 17
MANILA -- The number of Chinese inbound travelers to the Philippines surged by 235 percent year-on-year in the first two months of 2024, a Philippine lawmaker said Sunday. Citing data from the Philippines' Department of Tourism, Representative Marvin Rillo, vice chairperson of the committee on tourism in the House of Representatives, said that 82,314 Chinese travelers entered the Philippines in January and Febru.....»»
Huangyan Island: The Philippines inconsistent rhetoric
The Chinese Coast Guard ship performs a patrol mission in the waters near Huangyan Island, South China Sea, September 22, 2023. /CFPEditor's note: Ding Duo, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is the deputy director and an associate research fellow at the Research Center for Ocean Law and Policy, the National Institute for South China Sea Studies. Zhong Hui, a spe.....»»
Huangyan Island: The Philippines inconsistent rhetoric
The Chinese Coast Guard ship performs a patrol mission in the waters near Huangyan Island, South China Sea, September 22, 2023. /CFPEditor's note: Ding Duo, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is the deputy director and an associate research fellow at the Research Center for Ocean Law and Policy, the National Institute for South China Sea Studies. Zhong Hui, a spe.....»»
Tsinoy international conference set in Cebu
The Philippine Association for Chinese Studies, in partnership with Kaisa para sa Kaunlaran and the Cebuano Studies Center of the University of San Carlos, will hold the Tsinoy 2024 international conference with the theme “Regional and Transnational Connections of the Chinese in the Philippines” on Jan. 27 and 28 at the USC Talamban campus in Cebu City......»»
Phl monitors many CMM ships in WPS, slams China’s maligned info ops
The Philippines has monitored "a large number of Chinese maritime militia vessels” swarming in the features of the West Philippine Sea, National Security Council spokesperson, Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, said Tuesday. In a television interview, Malaya said these vessels were spotted “not only in the vicinity of Ayungin Shoal and Bajo de Masinloc but also in other features, including (Scarborough Shoal) and Sabina (Escoda) Shoal.” "We are alarmed by the environmental degradation our Coast Guard ships were able to monitor in these areas,” he told the ANC. Malaya noted that environmental degradation or coral destruction would have a direct impact on the livelihood of the fishermen in the WPS areas. “Sometimes we forget the reasons why we are pushing our rights in the WPS, some critics are saying this is just posturing on the part of the Philippines or a tug-of-war between China and the Philippines. No this is not,” he stressed. “This is a battle for the resources of our country, particularly those for our fishermen so when we monitor coral destruction in other parts of the WPS, it alarms the Philippine government because it directly impacts the livelihood of our fishermen in WPS upon their livelihood relies,” he added. Hence, the Philippines has increased its maritime patrols and freedom of navigation missions in the WPS amid “limited capacity.” On the other hand, Malaya slammed China’s “maligned information operation” and sharing of “false narratives” on its sweeping claims on the WPS—as shared with the public. “Definitely, there’s a maligned information operation going on nowadays that is shared to the public and we are just happy it is not just the Philippine government that is sharing our side here—we have allies—if we may call them witnesses from the media,” he said. “We have witnesses from the media who were there on the spot, who had access to the deck and who had access to the control center of the Philippine Coast Guard vessels, who listened to the radio challenges, who saw what was really happening, who were witnesses themselves to the overwhelming number of Chinese vessels acting in concert,” he added. Malaya asked the public should see the facts for themselves and not be urged by the information coming from Beijing. Philippine officials have repeatedly called out China for its “propaganda” on its expansive claims in the South China Sea, which overlaps the country’s exclusive economic zone in the WPS......»»
Iconic Italian home brand marks 16 years in Phl
Sixteen years of bringing joy to Filipino homes. This was how SMEG Philippines presented itself to its guests to mark its recent anniversary celebration at The Ayala Museum. SMEG, the world-famous Italian brand of modern lifestyle home and kitchen appliance that incorporates technology and style into every product, is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Mondo Cucina Inc., owned by the power couple Ton and Karen Concepcion. SMEG stands for Smalterie Metallurgiche Emiliane Guastalla (roughly translated to English as Metal Enameling Plant of Guastalla, Emilia). It is best known for its outstanding performance and sleek, retro-style designs for refrigerators, washing machines, stand mixers, toaster ovens, microwaves, wine cabinets and coffee machines – all in striking colors of red, blue, orange, yellow, white and what-have-you. The iconic global brand has elevated the culinary experience with a touch of sophistication to numerable kitchens, making them truly a functional pieces of art. “Sixteen years ago, my wife Karen and I went to a town called Guastalla in Emilia Romagna in the northern Italy, where SMEG’s headquarters are located,” said Ton, founder and owner of MCI. “We immediately fell in love with SMEG. Never have we seen such beautiful appliances made with careful attention to design and technology. We knew we have to bring SMEG into the Philippines. And so, in 2006 driven by a passion for excellence into bringing the best experiences to the customers, we open the first SMEG experience center at Serendra in BGC.” Concepcion added: “Today, SMEG is an iconic brand — a household name desired by many. It can be found in top luxury homes all over the Philippines and nearly 10,000 luxury condominiums across Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao, all having SMEG kitchens. Our customers understand that SMEG products are actually pieces of art and not just appliances. We are excited for the future as we continue to innovate and launch new products and expand our stores and service centers nationwide.” Functional pieces of art Since SMEG products have been recognized as functional pieces of art, it was just apt that SMEG Philippines anniversary was held at the Ayala Museum, where guests were first transported to Italy via a delightful indoor garden installation, then ushered to view a great Philippine masterpiece. The venue was transformed into a lush Italian garden playfully adorned with SMEG appliances like an art installation reminiscent of the Emilia Romagna region. It was filled with lemon trees, flowers and verdant greens that came alive with the stunning colors of SMEG appliances showcased as pieces of art. Then, guests were ushered to an exclusive preview of a great Philippine masterpiece -- Juan Luna’s long-lost artwork, “Hymen, oh Hyménée.” This prized work by Luna stayed with him for a decade until his death in Hong Kong in 1899, when it mysteriously vanished. Italian ambassador to the Philippines, Marco Clemente, and SMEG Export director for Asia Matteo Lupi graced the event. Business leaders from the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines and stalwarts from the country’s property development, design and architecture industries were also present. “Our brand’s commitment to outstanding design and quality remains,” said Karen, SMEG Philippine creative director. “SMEG technology is very important and unique. It’s energy saving. It’s a big plus.” SMEG Philippines continues to push the envelope in terms of design and innovation. The long tradition and history, combined with new creations continue to bring even better SMEG appliances to more homes. “For the next 16 years or maybe not just 16 but many more years, we continue to innovate and market the brand. We always want to think out of the box and that’s the spirit of SMEG — artistic, high quality and unexpected,” Karen concluded. The post Iconic Italian home brand marks 16 years in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China spends big on disinformation — report
China spends billions of dollars yearly to globally spread disinformation, a report of the US State Department published on Thursday warned. Beijing conducts “foreign information manipulation” through the use of propaganda, disinformation and censorship, while promoting positive news about China and its ruling Communist Party, according to the report of the State Department’s Global Engagement Center. The global disinformation campaign threatens to cause a “sharp contraction” in freedom of speech around the world, it said. It also suppresses critical information that contradicts its narratives on contentious issues such as Taiwan, human rights and its flagging domestic economy. “If we don’t allow this information manipulation to be stopped, there’s going to be a slow, steady destruction of democratic values,” James Rubin, GEC special envoy and coordinator, told reporters. “We don’t want to see an Orwellian mix of fact and fiction in our world.” The report said China’s approach to information manipulation includes promoting “digital authoritarianism,” exploiting international organizations and exercising control of Chinese-language media. Beijing, it added, had also acquired stakes in foreign media, sponsored online influencers and sought to co-opt foreign political elites and journalists. WITH AFP The post China spends big on disinformation — report appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1625 GMT, Sept. 28
HONG KONG -- Hong Kong maintained the fourth place in an index of global financial centers published Thursday by British and Chinese think tanks, showing its resilience as a leading financial center despite challenges. The Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) 34 report, released by British think tank Z/Yen Group and the China Development Institute in Shenzhen, showed that Hong Kong's overall rating increased no.....»»
US govt report accuses China of ‘information manipulation’
China is spending billions of dollars globally to spread disinformation, threatening to cause a "sharp contraction" in freedom of speech around the world, warned a US State Department report published Thursday. China's "global information manipulation is not simply a matter of public diplomacy -- but a challenge to the integrity of the global information space," said the report. "Unchecked, Beijing's efforts could result in a future in which technology exported by the PRC (People's Republic of China), coopted local governments, and fear of Beijing's direct retaliation produce a sharp contraction of global freedom of expression." The report, released by the State Department's Global Engagement Center, said Beijing spends billions of dollars annually on "foreign information manipulation" –- through the use of propaganda, disinformation and censorship -- while promoting positive news about China and its ruling Communist Party. At the same time, it said, China suppresses critical information that contradicts its narratives on contentious issues such as Taiwan, human rights, and its flagging domestic economy. "When you look at the pieces of the puzzle and you put it together, you see a breathtaking ambition on the part of the PRC to seek information dominance in key regions of the world," James Rubin, special envoy and coordinator of the GEC, told reporters. The report said China's approach to information manipulation includes promoting "digital authoritarianism," exploiting international organizations and exercising control of Chinese-language media. These efforts could enable Beijing to "reshape the global information environment," it added. The report comes after Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday said China was seeking to surpass the United States as the "dominant power in the world -- militarily, economically, diplomatically." The post US govt report accuses China of ‘information manipulation’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PEZA anticipates more Chinese investments in PH
Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Tereso O. Panga said more Chinese companies are choosing the Philippines as their next investment destination for their operations, at the completion of the 20th China-ASEAN Expo last 19 September. “With our robust economic performance and aggressive investment strategy, we are bullish in attracting more Chinese investments to the country especially in our ecozones, which can provide the best business ecosystem for our investors,” said Panga. During the Philippine Investment Forum in China, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz highlighted that Chinese investors have expressed positive and increased interest in locating in the Philippines. He reported that the state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. secured over $22 billion in strategic investment commitments. FlorCruz also stated that “In the past 6 months since I took this role as Ambassador, I have met many Chinese executives actively seeking investment opportunities across numerous industries in the Philippines. Many are now poised to invest in the Philippines.” After the forum, two big Chinese companies met with Philippine officials to discuss business opportunities. One company, a leading global provider of smart devices, seeks to expand its presence in the Philippines, especially in the area of consumer electronics. Another company, one of the five largest power generation groups in China, aims to bring in renewable energy projects to the country. PEZA seeks to attract investments from high-tech industries and emerging technologies in industrial manufacturing transport, technology media and telecommunications, health and life sciences, agro-processing, renewable energy development and green ores. To date, a total of 164 Chinese companies/projects are registered at PEZA, generating P25.822 billion investments (as of May 2023) and creating 16,221 direct jobs (as of March 2023). On the sidelines of the CAEXPO, Panga represented the Philippines during the Roundtable Meeting on Investment Cooperation with the theme: “China-ASEAN Cooperation in Green Low-Carbon and Digital Economy”. He noted, “The China-ASEAN Cooperation in Green Low-Carbon and Digital Economy represents a vital step toward sustainable development, environmental conservation and economic growth, not just for the participating nations but for the entire world.” The PEZA Chief also laid out some of the initiatives of PEZA and the national government to contribute to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. These projects include the integration of SDGs to the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and PEZA’s participation in the Global Reporting Initiative. PEZA is strengthening its ecozone development initiatives as part of the medium-term strategies under the PDP 2023-2028. Panga explained that on top of the conventional ecozones, PEZA is venturing into new frontiers in ecozone development to cater to new industries and to promote emerging global eco-industrial park models in the Philippines. “We intend to transform our ecozones and our registered export enterprises to be more sustainable, resilient and innovative and thereby make them competitive in the local and global value chain,” he said. So far, PEZA manages 422 economic zones nationwide which host 4,352 locator companies engaged in various industries including export manufacturing and IT-BPO. Considered as one of the largest expositions in China, the CAEXPO is an international economic and trade event co-sponsored by the central governments of China and the ASEAN countries. It is one of the key projects that form part of the Philippine-China Development Plan and is a major promotional platform that supports the country’s ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement. PEZA is the lone investment promotion agency partner of the Department of Trade and Industry export promotion arm Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions for the CAEXPO participation. Following this event, PEZA joined the Special Envoy to China for the Philippine Investors’ Roadshow in Beijing, China on 26-30 September 2023. The post PEZA anticipates more Chinese investments in PH appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mober unveils Pasay charging hub for EV fleet
Green logistics pioneer Mober unveiled its P2-million electric vehicle charging station in Pasay City on Wednesday. The 800-square-meter charging hub in Zamora Street has 30 charging units for Mober’s fleet of 60 electric delivery trucks. “This inauguration symbolizes not just a milestone but a beacon of our overarching blueprint for an environmentally conscious logistic framework. And, we’re just getting started,”€Dennis Ng, Mober’s chief executive officer, said. Ng said Mober will add more EV charging stations in Metro Manila and 60 in Laguna that will cater to its southern fleet in the first quarter of 2024. He also revealed plans to incorporate more potent 22-kilowatt chargers along with a selection of direct current chargers in Cavite and Bulacan, amplifying Mober’s commitment to versatility and adaptability in its green infrastructure. The charging stations will eventually be opened to the general public, he added. Fast charging Equipped with the latest open charge point protocol, 7 kilowatt chargers compatible with both type 2 and GB/T (gigabyte/terabyte) standards, each charging point guarantees brisk charging sessions, ensuring the efficiency of Mober’s EV fleet exclusively earmarked for one of its IKEA customers. “We strategically opted for this charging capacity as our EV fleet remains dormant during nighttime, allowing optimal charging without overwhelming the grid,” Ng said. Beyond infrastructure, Mober’s unique partnership model provides an unprecedented advantage to businesses by allowing them to transition to green delivery operations with zero upfront costs, effectively democratizing access to green logistics. This hassle-free collaboration is pivotal in encouraging more companies to embrace sustainable logistics, reinforcing Mober’s role as a game-changer in the sector. Aligning with the progressive mandates of the Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems Act, Mober’s initiatives underscore the Philippines’ assertive stance on eco-driven policies and endeavors. With Mober’s pioneering approach, businesses have a definitive roadmap to swiftly decarbonize their last and mid-mile delivery systems, heralding a new era in business sustainability. Mober started in 2015 and was initially designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises solve their on-demand logistical needs. Eight years later, it became a business-to-business platform, facilitating sustainable delivery for retail giants such as IKEA Philippines, SM Appliance Center, Nestle Philippines and Nespresso. The company aims to become the leading green logistics delivery provider in Southeast Asia by securing a mixed fleet of 100 electric vans and trucks by the end of 2023. The post Mober unveils Pasay charging hub for EV fleet appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
5 senior PCG officials shortlisted to replace retired Commandant Abu
Five senior officers of the Philippine Coast Guard are vying to be the PCG’s 30th Commandant, replacing Admiral Artemio Abu who retired on Tuesday, 19 September. PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo identified the shortlisted senior officials as CG Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan, CG Vice Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, CG Vice Admiral Joseph Coyme, CG Vice Admiral Allan Victor Dela Vega, and CG Vice Admiral Roy Echeverria. Punzalan, a member of PMA Tanglaw Diwa Class of 1992, is currently the PCG Deputy Commandant for Operations, while Gavan, a member of PMA Maalab Class of 1993, holds the number-three position in the Coast Guard hierarchy as the PCG Deputy Commandant for Administration. Coyme, of PMA Bantay Laya Class of 1994, serves as the Commander of the Maritime Services Command, while Dela Vega, of PMA Class of 1993, is the Commander of Weapons, Electronics and Information Systems. On the other hand, Echeverria serves as Commander of the Maritime Security and Law Enforcement Command and Director of the National Coast Watch Center. He is a member of the PMA Class of 1993. “The five candidates will undergo a series of interviews and will face the senior leadership of the Department of Transportation before they will be endorsed to the Office of the President," CG Rear Admiral Balilo said. "But the President, aside from the five nominees, can still choose from the qualified flag rank officers of the PCG,” he added. Abu served a year and a half as PCG commandant when his men suffered numerous bullying and aggressive incidents at the hands of Chinese maritime authorities in the West Philippine Sea. Despite this, Abu maintained that “with utmost professionalism and due regard for the safety and welfare of all persons with lawful business in our waters, the PCG is in lock-step with our commandant’s clarion call that despite the dangers of patrolling our waters in the West Philippine Sea, the PCG’s men and women will always be prepared to fulfill our obligations not only to the present but also to the future generations of Filipinos to the fullest.” Prior to this post, he served as the commander of the Maritime Safety Services Command and the Coast Guard Education and Training Command. The post 5 senior PCG officials shortlisted to replace retired Commandant Abu appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Canada warns India to treat Sikh slaying allegation seriously
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday demanded that India treat with "utmost seriousness" Canada's allegations of New Delhi's possible involvement in the slaying of a Sikh exile, a concern echoed by Washington. Canada's assertion led to reciprocal expulsions of an Indian intelligence official from Canada and a senior Canadian diplomat from New Delhi. "India needs to take this matter with the utmost seriousness. We are doing that, we are not looking to provoke or escalate," Trudeau told reporters. Canada said Monday that there were "credible allegations" that agents linked to New Delhi were responsible for the murder June 18 of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, in front of a Sikh cultural center in a Vancouver suburb. The government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the leader had "completely rejected" Canada's assertions in the unsolved slaying. "Allegations of Government of India's involvement in any act of violence in Canada are absurd," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Washington, however, joined Ottawa in calling for India to reveal what it knows about the slaying. "We are deeply concerned about the allegations referenced by Prime Minister Trudeau," National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement. "We remain in regular contact with our Canadian partners. It is critical that Canada’s investigation proceed and the perpetrators be brought to justice." Sikh nationalism An activist for the creation of a Sikh state known as Khalistan, Nijjar was wanted by Indian authorities for alleged terrorism and conspiracy to commit murder. He had denied those charges, according to the World Sikh Organization of Canada, a nonprofit organization that says it defends the interests of Canadian Sikhs. Relations between Canada and India have been strained in recent months since the assassination of the Sikh leader and demonstrations that followed in Canada. The Indian government accuses Ottawa of turning a blind eye to the activities of radical Sikh nationalists who advocate the creation of an independent Sikh state to be carved out of northern India. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, who was at the United Nations, said his nation wants India's "full cooperation" with Canada in the probe. Trudeau said the case is "extremely serious" and "has far reaching consequences... for Canada." Trudeau said his government did not rush to judgment in the case and had worked closely with its intelligence agencies. "We wanted to make sure that we had a solid grounding in understanding what was going on and analysis and indeed in facts," he said, adding that Ottawa had "fully shared with the government of India the seriousness... of our preoccupations and indeed conclusions." 'No surprise to Sikhs' A representative of the World Sikh Organization of Canada, Mukhbir Singh, said his countrymen may have been "shocked" by Trudeau's assertion "but it was no surprise to the Sikh community." "For decades, India has targeted Sikhs in Canada with espionage, disinformation and now murder," he alleged. A Sikh lawyer in the Toronto area, Harkirt Singh Dhadda, said Sikhs want to see "those who pulled the trigger and the ones who plotted this assassination" brought to justice. In a sign of the simmering crisis, Ottawa recently suspended negotiations for a free-trade agreement with India, and last week the minister of trade canceled a trip to the country planned for October. In contrast, the US government's relations with India have steadily been upgraded as Washington views New Delhi as a key ally in countering Chinese influence in the Indo-Pacific region. President Joe Biden rolled out the red carpet in June for Modi, hosting him in only the third state visit of his presidency. The post Canada warns India to treat Sikh slaying allegation seriously appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Biden to host Pacific Island leaders next week
US President Joe Biden will host the leaders of Pacific Island nations at the White House on Monday, his spokeswoman said, as Washington tries to counter Chinese influence in the region. Biden will "reaffirm the US commitment to our shared regional priorities," including climate change, economic growth and countering illegal fishing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement Tuesday. The meeting comes four months after Biden was forced to scrap a historic visit to a summit of the Pacific Island Forum in Papua New Guinea, due to talks to avoid a US debt default. Biden hosted his first summit with the forum -- an 18-member bloc of mostly small states scattered across a huge swath of ocean -- last year at the White House. The South Pacific was seen as a relative diplomatic backwater after World War II, but it is an increasingly important arena for powers to compete for commercial, political and military influence. The Biden administration has particularly been pushing to boost its presence there against a rising China, which is itself keen to get a strategic toe-hold in the South Pacific. During this year's meeting, Biden will hear from leaders on "how we can increase cooperation to address the mounting challenges of our time," Jean-Pierre said. As well as being at the center of a superpower tussle, the region is also badly affected by rising sea levels due to climate change. Biden told the UN General Assembly earlier Tuesday that he wanted to "responsibly manage the competition" between the United States and China "so it does not tip into conflict." The post Biden to host Pacific Island leaders next week appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Starbucks opens $220 million plant outside Shanghai
US coffee behemoth Starbucks opened a $220 million development outside Shanghai on Tuesday, a sign established multinationals are still looking to China for growth despite its faltering post-Covid recovery. A survey released Tuesday by the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai reported optimism among US businesses in China was at a "record low", mainly blaming the sluggish economy and Washington-Beijing tensions. But Starbucks' "Coffee Innovation Park", which includes a roasting plant and distribution center, is the largest investment the company has made in any such project outside the United States, a news release said Tuesday. "Starbucks' best days are ahead in China," a spokesperson for the company told AFP by email when asked to comment on business sentiment in the country. "As Starbucks' largest and fastest-growing international market, we will continue to deepen our investment and reinforce our unwavering long-term commitment to the China market," CEO Laxman Narasimhan was quoted as saying in the release. Narasimhan visited China in May, when he met the mayor of Shanghai, according to state media. His trip took place as other CEOs of major multinational companies flocked to the world's second-largest economy to shore up business support post-Covid -- including Apple, Tesla, JP Morgan, and General Motors. Starbucks declined to give further details on the visit when asked. The company has more than 6,500 coffee shops in more than 250 Chinese cities and says that a new store opens in the country every nine hours. The new Coffee Innovation Park has been built to serve the company's China stores exclusively, the company said, with some beans used coming from southern Yunnan province. The post Starbucks opens $220 million plant outside Shanghai appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alex Eala wins over US’ Mandlik
Alex Eala makes it into the main draw of the Galaxy Holding Group Guangzhou Open at the Nansha International Tennis Center in Guangzhou, China after a 7-5, 7-6 win over United States’ Elizabeth Mandlik in the second qualifying match Sunday evening. Eala, 18, needed two hours and four minutes to get over her American foe and make it to the tournament proper. Eala previously defeated Liang En-shuo of Chinese Taipei, 5-7, 6-1, 7-5, in the first qualifying match last Saturday. The graduate of the world-famous Rafael Nadal Academy has yet to know her next opponent in the round of 32. "Main draw here I come!! Tough two matches to start the tournament but well worth the effort," Eala said in a social media post. This will be Eala’s final match in Asia before suiting up for the national team in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The Guangzhou Open runs from 18 to 23 September, the opening ceremony of the Asiad, and if Eala makes it all the way to the final, she will have little time to rest as the tennis tournament begins on 24 September at the Hangzhou Sports Park Tennis Center. The post Alex Eala wins over US’ Mandlik appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EU fines TikTok 345 million euros over child data
A European Union regulator fined Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok 345 million euros over child data breaches on Friday. Ireland's Data Protection Commission said in a statement that it has handed down the "administrative fine", which is equivalent to $369 million, over the breaches it uncovered in a two-year inquiry. The watchdog gave TikTok three months "to bring its processing into compliance" with its rules. EU member Ireland's DPC plays a key role in policing the bloc's strict General Data Protection Regulations. The watchdog in September 2021 began examining TikTok's compliance with GDPR in relation to platform settings and personal data processing for users aged under 18. It also looked at TikTok's age verification measures for persons under 13 and found no infringement, but found the platform did not properly assess the risks to younger people registering on the service. The DPC highlighted Friday in its ruling how children signing up had TikTok accounts set to public by default, meaning anyone could view or comment on their content. It also criticized TikTok's "family pairing" mode, which is designed to link parents' accounts to those of their teenage offspring, but the DPC found the company did not verify parent or guardian status. Ireland is at the center of the GDPR regime because Dublin hosts the European headquarters of TikTok and the likes of Google, Meta, and X, formerly Twitter. TikTok, a division of Chinese tech giant ByteDance, is extremely popular among young people with 150 million users in the United States and 134 million in the European Union. In response to Friday's fine, TikTok said it "respectfully disagrees" with the verdict and was "evaluating" how to proceed. "The DPC's criticisms are focused on features and settings that were in place three years ago, and that we made changes to well before the investigation even began, such as setting all under 16 accounts to private by default," a TikTok spokesperson told AFP. The post EU fines TikTok 345 million euros over child data appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»