Hawaii may allow Japanese tourists to pass border checks from Japan
TOKYO (KYODO NEWS) -The U.S. state of Hawaii is working with its national and Japanese immigration authorities to create a system that allows Japanese tourists to complete immigration and customs procedures before departing their country, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said recently.
Speaking in an interview with Kyodo News, Green said the new initiative would allow direct flights from Japan to more Hawaiian islands, even those with no immigration facilities, making travel more convenient and in turn boosting local economies that have seen a downturn in tourists from Japan since the coronavirus pandemic.
The plan would include the island of Maui, which was devastated in August by wildfires that left more than 100 people dead or missing.
“It’s very important that people travel to Maui because our recovery will be accelerated if people do visit anywhere in Maui, anywhere at all,” Green said during a recent visit to Japan.
According to Hawaiian authorities, around 1.17 million people traveled to Hawaii from Japan between January and September 2019, before the pandemic, compared to about 380,000 people in the same period this year.
Japanese visitors have been slow to return compared to tourists from elsewhere, including the mainland United States, with Green attributing it to the yen being “weaker than normal” and younger people showing less interest in travel.
Currently, Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu on the island of Oahu is the main gateway to the islands from Japan. If travelers can complete immigration procedures before departure, it will simplify entry to Hawaii and pave the way for direct flights to other islands, such as Maui, Green said.
Japan previously agreed on a similar pre-departure immigration clearance initiative with South Korea in 2002, when the two East Asian countries hosted the football World Cup.
But the United States is believed to be concerned about creating offshore immigration procedures, and the federal immigration authority will decide whether to implement them.
Japanese tourists to Hawaii spent $1.65 billion between January and September 2019, but $608.5 million in the first nine months of 2023, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
“Japanese tourists have traditionally been among our best tourists because they are very thoughtful about the culture and also spend a great deal of resources,” Green said, adding he aims to do what is necessary to promote travel between Japan and Hawaii.
Australia wins the Cricket World Cup 2023 for 6th time, as Heartbreak for Kohli and India
BY CHETAN NARULA
AHMEDABAD, India (AP) — Virat Kohli covered his face with his India cap. Rohit Sharma walked off with his head down. What felt like the only cheers inside the 132,000-capacity Narendra Modi stadium that was a sea of Indian blue all day came from the jubilant Australian players on the field.
Australia regained its status as the king of one-day cricket by claiming a record-extending sixth World Cup title on Sunday, ending India’s dominant run in its home tournament with a six-wicket victory in a low-scoring final on the back of a brilliant innings of 137 by Travis Head.
The crowd — officially announced as 92,453 — was silenced as Head combined with Marnus Labuschagne (58 not out ) in a 192-run partnership to chase down the target of 241.
Australia was wobbling in its chase on 47-3 after seven overs but Head and Labuschagne dug in to help their country add to its 50-over world titles in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2015.
Head was dismissed off what proved to be the next-to-last ball of the match, caught in the deep while attempting to hit a title-clinching boundary. In came Glenn Maxwell and he ran two off his first ball, securing a victory that prompted fireworks above the world’s largest cricket venue.
India won all 10 of its matches before the final and was seeking a third trophy in its fourth appearance in a title match that brought a country of 1.4 billion people to a virtual standstill. They were outplayed in every department by battle-ready Australia, though, and restricted to 240 all out on a slow pitch after losing the toss with only Virat Kohli (54) and Lokesh Rahul (66) making half-centuries.
“We were not good enough today,” India skipper Rohit Sharma said. “We tried everything, but it didn’t work. We needed 20-30 more runs — we were looking at 270-280 but we kept losing wickets. When you have 240 on the board, you want to keep taking wickets. We took three, but credit to Head and Labuschagne for their partnership. We couldn’t open up the game.”
Kohli finished with 765 runs in 11 games with an average of 95.62. He was named player of the tournament.
The final, though, belonged to Head who was named man of the match. He became only the seventh player to score a century in a men’s World Cup final – and the third Australian after Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist – and he also delivered a significant moment in India’s innings when taking a diving catch running back from cover to remove Sharma (47).
Head’s ton saw him join an illustrious list, which includes West Indies’ Clive Lloyd and Viv Richards, as well as Sri Lanka’s Aravinda de Silva and Mahela Jayawardene. Ponting’s 140 not out had also helped Australia beat India in the 2003 final. Jayawardene’s century is the only one in a losing cause with India winning the 2011 final.
“What an amazing day, I’m just thrilled to be a part of it,” Head said. “It’s a lot better than sitting on the couch at home.”
Head had started the tournament sidelined by a broken left hand.
“I was a little bit nervous, but Marnus played exceptional and it was just an amazing partnership. It’s going to be an amazing couple of days now,” Head said. “To be able to do that on the biggest stage, in front of a full house, under all that pressure . . . is something I’ll be able to look back on later in my life.”
Australia finished the 2023 tournament with a run of nine straight wins, after starting with back-to-back defeats to India and South Africa.
India won the World Cup in 1983 and 2011. Its last major success was winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013. Former India winning captains and film stars were at the game, along with prominent politicians including India Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australia Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
India’s Mohammed Shami (1-47 in seven overs) was the most successful bowler in the tournament with 24 wickets, including the dismissal of attack-minded David Warner in the final. The opener was caught at slip for seven by Kohli, who had a chance to catch Warner off the first ball of the match. Australia’s Adam Zampa finished with figures of 1-44, ending the tournament with 23 wickets and equaling Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan (2007) for most wickets by a spinner at a World Cup.
Steve Smith (4) finished on the winning side but will regret not reviewing his lbw dismissal by Jasprit Bumrah (2-43) as he would have been not out on impact.
Head scored 50 off 58 balls, and then reached 100 off 95 balls. In all, Head struck 15 fours and four sixes, each of them met with stoic silence from the stunned crowd.
Earlier, after Australia boldly decided to field first, Sharma provided another quick start for the home side, hitting four fours and three sixes. It made up for Shubman Gill’s tame dismissal for four runs. Sharma and Kohli put on 46 off 32 balls, hitting a flurry of boundaries to the delight of the Ahmedabad crowd.
Maxwell removed the dangerous Sharma, who had hit the spinner for a six and a four, but was greedy in going for another big shot only for Head, running back from cover, to hold a stunning diving catch.
India found itself at 81-3 before Kohli and Rahul stabilized the hosts with 67 runs for the fourth wicket. However, they could only add 50 runs from 88 balls as Australia began to take control of the match.
India lost its last five wickets for 37 runs, ending its innings with a whimper.
Australia captain Pat Cummins bowled exceptionally well, returning figures of 2-34 in 10 overs including the dismissals of Kohli and Shreyas Iyer. Kohli reached 50 off 56 balls before playing on off Cummins. The ensuing silence following his dismissal was likely not restricted just to the stadium but spreading across all of India.
Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios wins Miss Universe crown
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) — Miss Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios won the Miss Universe competition late Saturday night in El Salvador, the first to wear the crown from her country.
Palacios is a 23-year-old communicologist, who said she wants to work to promote mental health after suffering debilitating bouts of anxiety herself.
Miss Thailand, Anntonia Porsild, was first runner-up and Miss Australia, Moraya Wilson, the second runner-up.
Eighty-four women competed for the crown in the 72nd edition of the competition.
Palacios appeared to secure the win when she confidently answered the question of which woman’s shoes would she like to spend a year in by saying Mary Wollstonecraft, the 18th-century English writer and philosopher. Wollstonecraft was an advocate of women’s rights and is considered one of the forerunners of feminism.
Palacios said she wants to work to close the salary gap between the genders so that women can work in any area.
Miss Universe was last held in El Salvador in 1975. This year’s event was another opportunity for President Nayib Bukele to tout changes made under his administration, especially greatly improving the country’s safety.
“El Salvador has changed for good and we have shown it again,” Bukele said Saturday night. “Miss Universe has given us the opportunity to show the world what we are capable of. Thank you for choosing to be part of El Salvador’s rebirth.”
Bukele is running for reelection despite constitutional term limits and is widely popular for his crackdown on the country’s gangs. But he has faced international criticism for eroding checks and balances on his power and not respecting human rights.
More than 72,000 people have been arrested without due process since a state of emergency was declared in March 2022 in response to a surge in gang violence. The special powers it granted Bukele remain in place.
Taiwan envoy says he’s hopeful Biden-Xi meeting will reduce tensions in the Asia-Pacific region
BY DIDI TANG
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The 92-year-old businessman who represented Taiwan at this week’s summit of Asia-Pacific leaders in San Francisco expressed hope Friday that the meeting between U.S. President Joe Biden and China’s Xi Jinping should help to reduce tensions between the two superpowers and in the region.
Morris Chang, the founder of the microchip giant Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, also suggested the meeting could help to promote economic stability and reliable supply chains.
“You don’t have to be a leader to know that if there is no peace, there is no supply chain to start with,” Chang said at a news conference at the close of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
Chang said the Biden-Xi meeting was a “good” one, pointing to their agreement to resume high-level military communications.
“It should help reduce the tensions between the U.S. and China, and it should increase stability of Taiwan Strait,” Chang said.
Taiwan, a self-governed island of 23 million people, remains the thorniest issue in U.S.-China relations, as Beijing and Washington clash over its sovereignty. Tensions have flared in recent years as Beijing increases military pressure on the island, which it claims to be part of Chinese territory and vows to seize by force if necessary to achieve national unification.
Washington has a security pact with Taiwan to deter any armed attack from Beijing and has stepped up its support for the island. The U.S. insists the matter must be solved peacefully, without taking a side.
It was a high priority when Xi and Biden met Wednesday for four hours at an estate outside San Francisco in their first face-to-face meeting in a year.
Xi sought assurances from Biden that the U.S. would not support Taiwan’s independence and requested that Washington support China’s peaceful reunification with Taiwan.
Moris Chang representing Taiwan, left, and Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, arrive for a informal dialouge and working lunch at the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperative conference summit, Thursday, Nov.16,2023, in San Francisco. Photo : Godofredo A. Vasquez/ AP
“China will realize reunification, and this is unstoppable,” the Chinese president said.
Biden, meanwhile, urged Xi to refrain from military exercises in and around the Taiwan Strait.
Since September 2020, the Chinese military has been sending warships and warplanes near the island on a near-daily basis. In August 2022, Beijing fired missiles toward the island and blockaded it for days after Nancy Pelosi, then the House speaker, visited the island despite Beijing’s objections.
Biden told Xi that Washington remains unchanged in its policy toward Taiwan and that it opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side.
“We expect cross-strait differences to be resolved by peaceful means,” Biden said.
Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Washington-based Stimson Center think tank, said Washington won’t accept Beijing’s new demand to support peaceful reunification.
“This is categorically different from the U.S. goal that the resolution of the Taiwan issue must be peaceful, which does not impose a precondition on what the outcome will look like, only that it must be peaceful,” Sun said. “This is a request we have seen the Chinese interlocutors floating around recently. It is improbable for the U.S. to accept it.”
In San Francisco, Chang represented Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen in attending the summit because Beijing opposed Tsai being present.
Chang, representing Taiwan at the APEC summit for the seventh time, said he was tasked by Tsai to send the message that Taiwan is committed to regional peace and prosperity and that the island will work with its partners to control climate change, build more resilient supply chains and reduce the digital divide.
“I think I’ve done it — that I tried my best to convey the four messages,” Chang said.
Chang said he had “many interactions” with Biden, thought there was no formal talk, and said he spoke with senior U.S. officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Lael Brainard, Biden’s economic adviser.
Chang said he also had “serious” discussions with at least half of the leaders of the 21 economies in the region, including Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, on issues such as regional peace, economic development and supply chains, but that he didn’t speak with Xi during the summit.
Death toll from floods in Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia rises to 130
BY EMMANUEL IGUNZA
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — At least 130 people have died in Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia following heavy rains that triggered what aid agencies described as flooding seen only once every 100 years.
Somalia bore the brunt of the flash floods that inundated the Horn of Africa region. The National Disaster Management Agency said 51 people have been killed across the country and a half-million displaced since the rains started in October.
Emergency workers fear the death toll could rise since there were many people still unaccounted for. Parts of the country remained cut off and inaccessible after roads and bridges were washed away, marooning thousands of residents.
“The national army has sent rescue boats and emergency helicopters to help the people trapped by floods. We are appealing for international help” the National Disaster Management Agency said.
Humanitarian group Save the Children said the town of Beledweyne in central Somalia was completely submerged after the Shabelle River burst its banks, forcing an estimated 250,000 people, or 90% of the population, out of their homes.
The Somali federal government declared a state of emergency last month after extreme weather, exacerbated by the naturally occurring weather phenomenon El Nino, destroyed homes, roads and bridges. A warmer atmosphere because of human-caused climate change can also hold more water, making downpours heavier.
In neighboring Kenya, the Kenya Red Cross Society reported that hundreds of houses were swept away at the coast and in northern Kenya, leading to the deaths of more than 50 people and forcing at least 30,000 people out of their homes.
The counties of Mandera, Wajir and Tana River counties, where expanses of land were under water, were the worst affected. Mandera, which is 20 times bigger than greater London and borders Somalia, is one of Kenya’s poorest areas.
Tana River County Commissioner Mohammed Noor said the situation also was desperate in his region, where the floods have displaced about 7,000 households.
“We have requested urgent assistance from Nairobi … for food airdrops for these people suffering because from Tana River to Garsen, the roads are impassable and we cannot reach many people” Noor said.
Authorities in Ethiopia said that country’s death toll from the floods reached 30 following “unrelenting rainfall in the Gambella, Afar and Somali regions.” They reported that children were among the victims who drowned while trying to flee the flood waters.
Scientists say climate change has made weather extremes — from heat to drought, to floods — worse around the world, including in the Horn of Africa, where just a few months ago, parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia and South Sudan experienced the worst drought in 40 years following five failed rainy seasons.
Ladies of All Nations International (LOANI) hosted a 3-day world summit in Philippines
Manila (DT) – Ladies of All Nations International (LOANI), a humanitarian, non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom, hosted a 3-day world summit held at the Diamond Hotel Philippines last October 18–20, 2023 where 56 nations came together to raise funds, empower women to make a change in the world, and becoming the example that the future needs.
Over the 3-day summit, a diversity of projects, presentations, and discussions demonstrated the integral role of global leaders in making a change in the world. It consisted of eight daily keynote presentations where they invited experts in various fields from the United Kingdom, Europe, Philippines, Mexico, the USA, and more. Aside from the keynote presentations, the world summit also held awarding ceremonies recognizing the achievements and contributions of world leaders and networking with the delegates.
Finally, it was announced that one of the primary goals of holding the summit was to raise funds for LOANI’s charity beneficiaries in the Philippines, including the Maya Foundation, a local charity in Davao City that aims to rehabilitate sexually abused children as well as Seed4Com, a local NGO based in Cebu whose sustainable projects support the livelihood and environmental goals of coastal communities in the Philippines, among others.
The LOANI world summit began with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and a Parade of Nations, where dignitaries from all over the globe marched down a red carpet, proudly representing their countries with their flags at hand. The opening ceremony was then preceded by a plenary session featuring 8 distinguished speakers, including Prof. Leonor Briones, the former DepEd Secretary; Dr. Sanjay Ramdath, the Vice President for Enrollment Management at Borough of Manhattan Community College; Dr. Val Alino, an award-winning Life, Conscious Parenting & Spiritual Coach, International Keynote Speaker, LP Practitioner, and Author; Dr. Robbie Motter, Founder of Global Society Entrepreneurs; Coach MJ Tolan, an International Speaker; Dr. Ellen Bitters, Member of Global Society of Female Entrepreneurs; Mr. Jamie Long, an Award-winning Publisher, Actor, Model, Director, and Writer; and Ms. Nellie Reyes, the founder of Assistance Service Institute for Asians in North America (ASIAINA).
International Peace Corps Association’s President, Dr. (hc)Marietta Reformado with Brig. Commander Noel Avance Vestur Pa (MNSA)
On the final day of the summit (October 20th), the plenary sessions included keynote presentations from Ms. Ana Marie Locsin, the executive director of Plan International Philipinas Foundation Inc.; Ms. Monica Gomez, a mentor, Founder of Love for Ministry, philanthropist, and Podcast Host; Pastor Osmany Ramos – an international speaker; Ms. Benjamina Gonzalez Flor – a College of Development Communication Professor at the University of the Philippines Los Banos, and the Chair of the Master of Development Communication at UP Open University; Ms. Marcia Gonzalez Sadicon – an overseas job provider for the past 33 years and President of a non-profit organization called Advocates & Keepers Organization of OFWs or AKO OFW INC.; Ms. Elizabeth Prado Falk – the Founder and CEO of United Filipino German International; and Dr. Maria Rosa “Bing” Nieva-Carrion, a distinguished author and social historian.
In the evening was the final event of the world summit: the World-Class Superheroes and Honorary Global Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, where the theme was “To Create a Wonderful World of Inclusion Where All Means All,” which is all about creating a better world and, of course, working towards inclusion, unity, and being the example that the future needs. In this ceremony, attendees are reminded that “not all heroes wear capes.” A total of 59 awards were presented to outstanding individuals in various fields from all over the globe.
Finally, to officially conclude the 3-day event, a congratulatory toast was led by the LOANI CEO and Founder, Dr. Caroline Makaka.
The LOANI World Summit in the Philippines was the first in Asia. It was made possible through the voluntary work of the core committee headed by founder and CEO, Dr. Caroline Makaka and the global chairpersons Dr. Jaya Sajnani (UK), Ms. Loralie Canale (UK), Dr. Marieta Monta (Philippines), and Ms. Janise Oshiro (Hawaii). The successful execution of the live show and events production was spearheaded by AADD Publishing together with the Directorship of Nathan De Leon and his whole team.
Ladies of All Nations International aims to create initiatives towards transforming lives and creating awareness. A unification of solidarity in a caring alliance between world leaders who serve globally is leading the way and pushing for a fairer world. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion, Cultural Programs, Business Development, Supporting Survivors and Underprivileged Communities, International Multicultural Networking, Mentoring, Coaching, Uniting Nations, Women and Girls Empowerment, Youth Leadership, and Awareness Workshops
LOANI comes together as one and unites around a shared commitment to communities, grows stronger, more vibrant regions, and creates initiatives that bind women together and unite as one regardless of race, color, or creed. More importantly, to connect, grow, and make a difference through collective strength.
Antigua and Barbuda and the United Arab Emirates Diplomats meets for Strengthen Bilateral ties and Climate Commitment
Paris (DT) – In a notable high-level meeting held during the 42nd session of the General Conference of UNESCO, the Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Daryll S. MATTHEW, engaged in a productive dialogue with the Minister of Culture and Youth of the United Arab Emirates, His Excellency Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi.
This diplomatic encounter provided an invaluable opportunity to reinforce the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between the two nations. Both ministers emphasized the shared commitment to international collaboration and underscored their nations’ dedication to global causes.
His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi expressed heartfelt gratitude to Antigua and Barbuda for their unwavering support during the previous COP (Conference of the Parties) and their forthcoming participation in COP28, which is scheduled to be hosted in Dubai.
The Honorable Minister Daryll S. Matthew reciprocated by congratulating the United Arab Emirates for its relentless efforts in combatting climate change and for championing UNESCO’s inclusion in the COP agenda.
Furthermore, Minister Matthew reiterated the steadfast commitment of Antigua and Barbuda to assisting the success of COP28, offering reassurance that the UAE can rely on their full support to ensure the conference’s triumph.
His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, in turn, expressed his nation’s unwavering dedication to preserving natural heritage sites under UNESCO’s guardianship, aligning with one of the key priorities articulated by Minister Daryll Matthew in his policy speech. In a symbolic gesture of cultural exchange, His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi extended an official invitation to Minister Daryll S. Matthew to attend the upcoming UNESCO World Conference on Culture and Arts Education taking place in Abu Dhabi in February 2024.
Hon. Minister Daryll Matthew warmly accepted the invitation, expressing his sincere gratitude and his intent to attend along with His Excellency Ambassador Boris Latour, Permanent Delegate of Antigua and Barbuda to UNESCO.
The ministers also engaged in a fruitful discussion regarding the interplay between education, emerging technologies, culture, and sports in shaping the future of youth. Recognizing the significance of these interconnected domains, they explored ways to harness their combined potential for the betterment of younger
generations and the advancement of global society.
This bilateral meeting was a testament to the enduring camaraderie between Antigua and Barbuda and the United
Arab Emirates and their shared commitment to address global challenges and promote cultural exchange.
About Antigua and Barbuda Island
Antigua and Barbuda is a small island developing state (SIDS) in the Caribbean Sea with a population of 97,928 (2020). The country’s economy is heavily dependent on natural resources. Its low-lying coastal zones and favorable climate conditions, support the tourism sector, which accounts for about 80% of output gross domestic product (GDP), about 70% of direct and indirect employment and 85% of foreign exchange earnings. Antigua and Barbuda is exposed economically, environmentally and socially to projected climate change impacts. Analysis of climate change for the island also projects accelerated coastal erosion and inundation, lower average annual rainfall, increased rainfall intensity causing flooding and a likely increase in tropical storm intensity.
Complementing the Sustainable Island Resource Management and Zoning Plan (SIRMZP), the adaptation targets presented in this first Nationally Determined Contribution (2016) are incremental efforts to the national physical development plan as the targets elevate ambition beyond development, to build resilience through adaptation interventions in preparation for projected climate impacts. Adaptation in the water sector is of national priority. Desalination reliance has already grown to account for 60% of national water supply, and this is the most viable option for enhancing freshwater resources.
About Antigua and Barbuda’s Environment Department
The Department of Environment (DOE) under the Ministry of Health and the Environment of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda is a national entity and government agency whose core mandate is to perform its functions for sustainable environmental protection and management in Antigua and Barbuda, including the implementation of various multilateral agreements on environment and climate change.
Biden and Xi are meeting in San Francisco, seeking better US-China relations despite tough issues
BY AAMER MADHANI, COLLEEN LONG AND DIDI TANG
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping head into their big meeting at a country estate on Wednesday hoping to stabilize U.S.-China relations after a period of tumult, but the U.S. president also is prepared to confront his counterpart on difficult issues such as trade, Beijing’s burgeoning relationship with Iran and human rights concerns.
The two leaders, who will meet on the sidelines of a summit of Asian-Pacific leaders, last spoke a year ago. Since then, already fraught ties between the two nations have been further strained by the U.S. downing of a Chinese spy balloon that had traversed the continental U.S. and over differences on the self-ruled island of Taiwan, China’s hacking of a Biden official’s emails and other incidents.
The outcome of the talks between two leaders who have known each other for decades could have far-reaching implications for an anxious world that is grappling with global economic cross currents from the pandemic, wars in the Middle East and Europe, upcoming elections in Taiwan and more.
The two presidents are in California for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, but they will be meeting one-on-one at Filoli Estate, a country house and museum about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of San Francisco, according to three senior administration officials. The officials requested anonymity to discuss the location, which had not yet been confirmed by the White House or the Chinese government due to tight security.
Both men are seeking to show the world that while the U.S. and China are economic competitors, they are not locked in a winner-take-all faceoff.
Biden is expected to let Xi know that he would like China to use its sway over Iran to make clear that Tehran or its proxies should not take action that could lead to expansion of the Israel-Hamas war. The Biden administration also sees the Chinese, a big buyer of Iranian oil, as having considerable leverage with Iran, which is a major backer of Hamas.
Biden on Tuesday billed the meeting as a chance to get Washington and Beijing back “on a normal course corresponding” once again.
But White House National Council spokesman John Kirby said Biden was “not going to be afraid to confront where confrontation is needed on issues where we don’t see eye to eye.”
“We’re also not going to be afraid, nor should we be afraid, as a confident nation, to engage in diplomacy on ways which we can cooperate with China — on climate change, for instance, and clean energy technology,” Kirby said.
President Biden will depart for San Francisco today to host @APEC’s Economic Leaders’ Week.
Watch as National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby explains President Biden’s goals for this forum. pic.twitter.com/W4gixJnnIP
Biden will be focused on managing the countries’ increasingly fierce economic competition and keeping open lines of communication to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to direct conflict between the two powers.
While he’s expected to defend U.S. expansion of export controls on semiconductor chips, he also will assure Xi that the U.S. is not trying to wage economic war with Beijing amid continuing signs that China’s economy is struggling to recover from the disruptions of the pandemic.
Xi, meanwhile, is looking for assurances from Biden that the U.S. will not support Taiwan independence, start a new cold war or suppress China’s economic growth. He’s also keen to show the U.S. that China is still a good place to invest.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday that during a recent visit to Beijing, he and other lawmakers made the case directly to Xi that he could bolster China’s reputation in the U.S. and around the globe by taking action to stop the flow of chemicals used to produce fentanyl.
“It is reported he’s very worried about the negative opinion of China in the United States,” Schumer said. “And I told him nothing could help raise China’s image a little bit in the United States more than stopping the flow of fentanyl.”
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Associated Press journalist Sagar Meghani in Washington contributed to this report.
UAE president visits Dubai Air Show as Russian arms company shows attack helicopter used in Ukraine
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The leader of the United Arab Emirates toured the Dubai Air Show on Wednesday as a sanctioned Russian arms supplier displayed an attack helicopter used in its war on Ukraine, highlighting his country’s continued ties to Moscow despite Western sanctions targeting it.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan toured the show with his brother, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a vice president and deputy prime minister of this autocratic country of seven sheikhdoms.
They stopped by a stand for EDGE, an Emirati defense company, where Sheikh Mohammed signed a drone in front of onlookers before attending a meeting there.
Outstanding on the runway, Russian pilots sat inside a KA-52 attack helicopter as it was pulled down the runway at Al Maktoum International Airport. Those helicopters have been repeatedly used in Ukraine and its manufacturer, Russian Helicopters, is sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury.
Inside a Russian pavilion on the runway, far away from the indoor stands of other airlines and suppliers, onlookers picked up and racked an AK-19 assault rifle on display. Others look at miniature drones and other equipment used by Moscow. Russian pilots associated with the manufacturer walked the halls of the inside displays in their flight suits.
Staff on hand at the pavilion referred questions to a spokesperson who did not respond to a request for comment by The Associated Press. The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi referred questions to Washington, which did not immediately respond to queries. The U.S. military also has a HIMARS missile system, the type used with great success by Ukraine, on display at the opposite end of the runway at the show.
Russia had a similar display at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference in February that did not include attack aircraft. Russian money continues to flood into Dubai’s red-hot real estate market, in part by some who have fled Moscow over the war.
Daily flights between the Emirates and Moscow provide a lifeline for both those fleeing conscription and the Russian elite. The U.S. Treasury has expressed concerns about the amount of Russian cash flowing into the Arabian Peninsula country.
Meanwhile Wednesday, passenger numbers at Dubai International Airport this year will eclipse the passenger figures for 2019, showing the strong rebound in travel after the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns that grounded aircraft worldwide, a top official said.
The airport, the world’s busiest for international travel and home of the long-haul carrier Emirates, has had 64.5 million passengers pass through its cavernous concourses through the third quarter of this year. That puts it on track to reach 86.8 million passengers for the full year, which would exceed its 2019 figure of 86.3 million passengers. It had 66 million passengers last year.
The airport’s busiest year was 2018, when it had 89.1 million passengers.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, back, walks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates at the ruler of Abu Dhabi, through the display of the Emirati military company EDGE while attending the Dubai Air Show in Dubai, UAE, Wednesday, Nov.15,2023. Photo : Jon Gambrell/AP
“So for the end of the year, current predictions, 86.8 million, a little bit shy of the pre-pandemic numbers,” Paul Griffiths, Dubai Airports CEO, told The Associated Press in an interview at the Dubai Air Show. “But actually, hopefully, by the end of the year, we may be able to raise that forecast.”
He added: “I think now because we’ve got the full network with 250 destinations, 95 airlines and 105 countries, that’s why we’ve been able to recover so strongly.”
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport remains the busiest passenger airport overall.
Through the third quarter, Dubai’s main airport handled 308,000 total takeoffs and landings. India, long a key route for Emirates’ East-West travel strategy, led all countries in destinations, followed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the U.S. and Russia. Emirates and other airlines in the United Arab Emirates, an autocratic federation of seven sheikhdoms, have continued to fly to Moscow even during Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Israel’s war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip also has slowed traffic to and from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv for Dubai, which established direct flights after the UAE diplomatically recognized the country in 2020. Numbers also remain lower with flights from China, which used to be a major source market for Emirates and Dubai’s tourism industry.
“Because we have such a diversified network across so many different countries, we’ve got pretty strong demands. And when we have one or two traffic flows which go down, it’s always compensated by something that recovers more strongly,” Griffiths said. “For example, the Far East, we’re still seeing traffic from China in very low numbers. But as that resurges, I’m absolutely sure the numbers will be boosted by that.”
Griffiths’ announcement comes during the Dubai Air Show at Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central, the city-state’s second airfield some 45 kilometers (28 miles) away from Dubai International Airport. While used by commercial airlines when Qatar hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the second airport that opened in 2010 largely sees cargo and private aircraft flights.
During this year’s show, Emirates has announced a $52 billion aircraft purchase with Boeing Co., while its sister airline FlyDubai bought another $11 billion of aircraft from Boeing. Airbus on Wednesday announced the sale of 11 additional A350-900s to Ethiopian Airlines, though the European manufacturer has yet to announce a major sale at the show.
“This, I think, has been the greatest air show of all time,” Griffiths said. “The mood is great. The confidence is great. The quality of the show is great. I think the outlook for aviation here in Dubai has never been brighter.”
India superstar Virat Kohli makes history at Cricket World Cup with record 50th ODI century
BY CHETAN NARULA
MUMBAI, India (AP) — For Virat Kohli, his latest record-breaking moment couldn’t have been scripted any better.
As he got up off his knees, removed his helmet and took in the acclaim of the Mumbai crowd after reaching his record 50th ODI century, the India superstar looked up to his wife — movie actress Anushka Sharma — and blew her kisses.
He bowed toward Sachin Tendulkar, his cricketing hero and the man whose record he’d just broken inside the Wankhede stadium.
“If I could paint the perfect picture,” Kohli said, “I would want this to be the picture.”
Kohli hit his landmark hundred in the Cricket World Cup semifinals against New Zealand on Wednesday, continuing his dominance of a tournament he is making his own.
There’ve been unbeaten knocks of 103 against Bangladesh and 101 against South Africa but this innings of 117 was the most special, breaking a record many believed was there to stay.
The 50-year-old Tendulkar, the highest run-scorer in ODI and test cricket, had scored his 49 ODI centuries in 452 innings. Kohli, remarkably, has overtaken that landmark in 279 innings and in his 291st ODI.
Tendulkar was his childhood cricket idol. In 2011, Tendulkar carried Kohli on his shoulders around the Wankhede after India won its second World Cup title.
So no wonder Kohli was emotional Wednesday after flicking New Zealand pacer Lockie Ferguson to backward square leg for two runs to bring up his hundred. He raised his arms aloft while leaping high, then sank to his knees and looked to the sky.
“To witness a piece of history with the atmosphere today, it’s goose bumps,” said Beckham, who is in India in his role as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and was taking in his first Cricket World Cup game. “Before the match even started, you walk out here and feel there’s something special happening.
“I’m lucky to be here.”
Kohli called it the “stuff of dreams.”
“My life partner, the person I love the most, she is sitting there,” he said. “My hero, he is sitting there. I was able to get the 50th in front of all of them in this historic venue.”
The 35-year-old Kohli, nicknamed “The King” in India and arguably the world’s most famous cricketer, is 15 years into his ODI career.
He scored his first hundred in the format — 107 off 114 balls — against Sri Lanka at Kolkata in December 2009 and rose to stardom with 133 not out off 86 balls against Sri Lanka at Hobart in a tri-series also involving Australia.
He scored a career-high 183 against Pakistan in 2012 then notched the fastest-ever ODI hundred for an Indian batter — off just 52 balls — against Australia at Jaipur in October 2013.
While Kohli has scored three hundreds in the current tournament, he had previously made only two hundreds in his three previous World Cups.
He finished the group stage as the top run-scorer in the tournament with 594 and averaging exactly 99. That figure is now up to 101.57.
“All this for me feels like a dream, honestly,” Kohli said. “It’s too good to be true. I never thought I’d be here in my career.
“Big game today and I had to play the role I’ve played throughout the tournament so the guys around me can go and express themselves. Just glad that everything has come together so nicely.”
