Philippines seem to be ready to tell China to f off. Can't believe this defense minister is speaking without authorization. MSN As reported in India's [COLOR=var(--accent-foreground-rest)]The Print[/COLOR], China crossed the line when it threatened the Philippine president for expressing support for the new Taiwanese president, prompting a savage rebuke from the Philippines' secretary of defense. The [COLOR=var(--accent-foreground-rest)]Manila Bulletin reported Wednesday that China "summoned Philippine Ambassador to Beijing Jaime FlorCruz and tagged Marcos' actions as a 'grave violation of the One-China principle and the communiqué on the establishment of China-Philippine diplomatic relations.'"[/COLOR] In response, Gilberto Teodoro Jr., the secretary of the Philippines' Department of National Defense, issued a statement Wednesday that did not mince words in calling out China for the bullying tactics. Teodoro said it was "unfortunate" that the spokeswoman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mao Ning, "stooped to such low and gutter level talk -- resorting to insulting our President and the Filipino nation, and further debasing herself, the Ministry, and Party she represents in the process." He didn't stop there, however. "But then again, we should not at all be surprised -- being a nation and people enjoying the privileges, rights, and freedoms of a democratic society -- that an agent of a Party and system of government incompatible with our way of life and who routinely spouts State-sanctioned propaganda and disinformation would go that far and that low," the defense secretary said.
Wow. They had issues years ago at Scarborough Reef and the Filipinos expected us to engage. But this is really getting hot
phillipines have said they intend to militarize other islands well inside of china's line put it in the china sea thread
Interesting to see that this is legal in Canada but not in Florida. Canada Extends Ban on Home Purchases by Foreigners to 2026 (msn.com) Canada has lengthened a ban on foreign home buyers for two additional years as the real estate market begins to show signs of a rebound, stoking concerns about the cost of shelter in cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government acted to prohibit non-Canadians from buying residential real estate in 2022, with the measure to expire on Jan. 1, 2025. That date has now been moved to Jan. 1, 2027. “By extending the foreign buyer ban, we will ensure houses are used as homes for Canadian families to live in and do not become a speculative financial asset class,” Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement Sunday, adding that the government is concerned about residents being priced out of their local housing markets. The government has carved out exemptions for non-Canadians buying vacant land or residential property for development. There are also exemptions for foreign students and people on work permits, provided they have been in the country for an extended period and have not already purchased property.
That is interesting. Would not be consistent with our economic and legal culture, and I'm not sure whether I will think it should be.
Catalan separatists are poised to lose their majority. Not sure what all that means. Orwell wrote an homage; Elon would love the language if he ever detoxed long enough. A proud people that have contributed so much. Catalan separatists lose their majority Catalan separatists lose their majority - Tampa Bay Times
Not sure how “toxic” Catalan nationalism was, though I understand you are being clever. The toxic nationalism here is actually far more Francoist than Catalan
I mean, they were secessionists. But on the other hand, they are definitely opponents of Spanish nationalism. Some of these European nationalists draw left-wing support, so its kind of a weird thing when you are dealing with former Empires like Spain or the UK - there are nationalisms within nationalisms. Catalonia was the heart of republican Spain.
While this is an abrupt and harsh condemnation of S American politics, I think many Americans would agree with you. We see political elections in that region as simply the tansfer of power from one set of wealth manipulators and theives to another. A gross ovesimplification for sure, and a position that does no justice for those in politics in that region that are in it for just and honorable reasons. But Americans see very little other than a flood of refugee's coming from what seems like a collection of "NARCO" "drug states" that hide behind the mask of legitimacy of an 'elected" government. Of course many are rapidly obtaining the perception that the above may represent the United States, except that the US is far more than a 'drug pusher" on the world stage.
Modi’s BJP gets most votes, but far less than before, not a majority, and will have to form coalition. Best to wait for further deeper analysis but seems progress Modi claims victory for alliance Modi claims victory for alliance - Tampa Bay Times
