Benjamin Moore Announces Its 2023 Color of the Year
Story by Kelly Allen • 9h ago

I SPENT MY EARLY YEARS AS A MULTILITH PRINTER





raspberry blush benjamin moore color of the year 2023© Benjamin Moore

Over the last several years, muted colors have encouraged serenity in our homes. Last year, it was all about green, fostering a connection with nature. Now, House Beautiful can exclusively reveal, Benjamin Moore is looking to a bolder, more courageous future with its Color of the Year for 2023: Raspberry Blush (2008-30). The saturated red-orange is basically the best color in a really good sunset, and it’ll inspire you to break free from your color comfort zone.

“It's a really charismatic color and doesn't sit quietly on the wall,” says Andrea Magno, color marketing and development director at Benjamin Moore. “It's about awakening our senses and getting people to engage with a vivacious color.”

Notably, Raspberry Blush marks a pull toward warmer hues. “We've had colors that are on the cooler side of the color wheel for a number of years, and now we're really starting to see a shift to the warmer colors,” Magno says.

chair with raspberry blush on the wall© Benjamin Moore

Playing with Raspberry Blush can mean blanketing your walls with it—like as a modern take on the red dining room of the past—or incorporating it in a smaller way through a painted piece of furniture. No matter how much surface area you allot for the color, it’ll bring high energy into any space.

Raspberry Blush also sets the stage for Benjamin Moore's color trends palette for 2023. The eight-color palette features an eclectic mix of colors with nostalgic references to periods like the '80s and '90s as well as deeply saturated hues found in the wild. “A lot of times people talk about (and we've done it, too) looking at nature as a point of inspiration,” Magno explains. “But for this year, instead of looking at more organic, vegetal colors, we were looking at the standout colors—the fiery colors of a sunset, tropical flowers, the depths of the Mediterranean.”



color trends palette benjamin moore 2023 color of the year© Benjamin Moore

To celebrate Raspberry Blush, Benjamin Moore tapped the electro-funk duo Chromeo to bring the color's personality to life through a new song fittingly called “Raspberry Blush.” You can also find eight playlists dedicated to each color in the palette on Spotify for an immersive visual and audible experience—perfect for putting on the loudspeaker as you give your home a paint refresh!

 

Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year Is an Unsuspecting Traveler’s Dream — Here's Where You Can See It Around the World

Viva Magenta is Pantone's 2023 Color of the Year, and you can see it in real life, from the Netherlands to Vietnam.

By 

Alessandra Amodio

 

 

Published on January 14, 2023

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Pantone is just like us, in the sense that they, too, are setting their intentions for the year — one filled with strength and energy. The Color of the Year for 2023 is Viva Magenta, which the company describes as powerful and empowering. “Viva Magenta is brave and fearless, and a pulsating color whose exuberance promotes a joyous and optimistic celebration... [It] revels in pure joy, encouraging experimentation and self-expression without restraint.” A year surrounded by joy and self-expression sounds like a year well spent to us.

FROM LEFT: NANTONOV/GETTY IMAGES, COURTESY OF PANTONE; BACKGROUND: MANAN VATSYAYANA/GETTY IMAGES

Luckily, you can spot this shade throughout your travels, too. From opulent hotels in Dubai to salt pans off the coast of Portugal, here’s where you can find the 2023 Pantone Color of the Year around the world.

Netherlands

JACOBH/GETTY IMAGES

Some of the most beautiful and famous flowers can be found at Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe. Keukenhof is one of the largest flower gardens in the world, home to more than seven million blooms. It's located in Lisse, covering 32 hectares, and can be reached in about 30 minutes from The Hague, Haarlem, Leiden, and Amsterdam. Travel to the Netherlands in mid-April to see the tulips at their best. Tulip season runs from the end of March until mid-May, but the flowers are usually at their peak halfway through April. The pink tulip is a symbol for caring and good wishes, perfect for leading us into the new year. 

Santorini, Greece

ALEKSANDARGEORGIEV/GETTY IMAGES

The flight from Amsterdam to Santorini is less than four hours, meaning you can go from walking the rows of multicolored tulips to seeing blooming bougainvillea climbing the traditional white and blue houses around the Greek island in no time. Bougainvillea is one of Greece's most beloved flowers, and they bloom between early spring and late autumn. And nothing makes a magenta flower pop like having the Aegean Sea as your backdrop.

Hanoi, Vietnam

NHAC NGUYEN/GETTY IMAGES

Quang Phu Cau, on the outskirts of Hanoi, is known as one of the “incense villages.” Ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations — called Tet in Vietnam — you'll find hundreds of bright-pink incense sticks fanned out like bouquets along the streets and courtyards. The holiday's full name is Tet Nguyen Dan, which means “feast of the first morning.” At midnight on Jan. 31, or the last day of the old year (giao thua), families burn the pink-colored incense to invite deities and ancestors to gather. When the incense burning ends, everyone comes together to eat and wish each other a happy new year. The best time to visit and experience this cultural event is January, right before the Lunar New Year on Feb. 1. 

Iceland 

ELENA PUEYO/GETTY IMAGES

Some of the best places to see the northern lights include the Nordic countries of Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, all of which lie within or near the Arctic Circle. Iceland tends to be the least frigid of the bunch, making it slightly easier to stand the cold temperatures and experience the light show in the skies. September through March is the peak season for northern lights viewing, due to the longer nights, and pink auroras are far rarer than green ones. Just make sure to stock up on coffee and be on the lookout as they can appear any time between dusk and dawn. 

Cape Town, South Africa

FIVEPOINTSIX/GETTY IMAGES

The brightly colored neighborhood of Bo-Kaap, which translates to “above the Cape,” is located at the foot of Signal Hill in Cape Town. Today, the area — formerly known as the Malay Quarter — is the city's oldest surviving residential neighborhood, as well as a historical hub of Cape Malay culture. It's filled with houses and mosques dating back to the 1700s, including the Auwal Mosque, which was built in 1794. Bo-Kaap is also home to the largest grouping of pre-1850 architecture in South Africa. Originally, the houses in this neighborhood were leased to the southeast Asian slaves. While on lease, they were required to be painted white. When this rule was lifted and homes were able to be purchased, they were all painted in vibrant colors as a symbol for joy and freedom.

Mysore, India 

JOHN HARPER/GETTY IMAGES

There may be no better place to experience a diverse array of vivid colors than an Indian spice market. Namely, the famous Devaraja Market in Mysore, India, sells everything from bright flowers to fresh fruits to cones of colorful kumkum powder. Kumkum powder is used for religious and social markings in India, as well as thrown in the air during Holi. The colorful powder can be created with a number of local ingredients for a variety of shades, but the natural kumkum is made with turmeric treated with slaked lime to create the classic deep red color. 

Cusco, Peru

JOAO BENAVIDES/GETTY IMAGES

Rainbow Mountain, originally known as Vinicunca, can be found in the Andes mountains of Peru. Although an attraction like this feels like it should have always been a part of history, it wasn't until 2015, when the snow covering melted away, revealing the naturally colored mountain underneath. The rainbow-like appearance was formed by mineral sediments from the area, creating the layered hues of gold, lavender, red, and turquoise. Rainbow Mountain falls around 62 miles from Cusco’s city center, and given that it stands more than 16,000 feet above sea level, it’s recommended you spend a few days in the region getting acclimatizing to the high altitude before attempting a hike. The best weather for a memorable trek comes between March and November, with the bluest skies from June to August.

Ria Formosa Natural Park, Portugal 

DONWOGDO/GETTY IMAGES

A few times a year, what seems like magically, the salt pans in Portugal’s Ria Formosa Natural Park turn from their standard ocean blue-green color to a pink hue befitting Pantone's 2023 Color of the Year without any human interference. This natural phenomenon is actually created by an algae that exists in salt lakes. It’s the substances made from this specific algae, paired with the high salt content found in these pans, that yields this unique shade. Even better, flamingos love the algae found here and can often be spotted in and around the salty waters from November to March. 

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Dubai

COURTESY OF BURJ AL ARAB JUMEIRAH

While we love being surrounded by Pantone's 2023 Color of the Year in nature, we also love experiencing the shade in the lap of luxury. Built on a human-made island in Dubai’s Arabian Gulf, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah fits every definition of the word luxury — and the opulent, 8,396-square-foot Royal Suite on the 25th floor takes the cake. The two-floor suite features a marble staircase and elevator, as well as a sitting room, banquet hall, dining room, study, and primary bedroom where everything from the sheets on the rotating canopy bed to the floor-to-ceiling walls are covered in the jewel tone. While the bathroom isn’t painted in Viva Magenta, the stand-alone marble tub still gets an honorable mention in our book.

Cranberry Highway, Wisconsin

KLBAHR/GETTY IMAGES

Wisconsin may be known for its cheese, but it's also home to miles of cranberry marshes. In fact, the state produces about 60 percent of the country’s cranberries and more than 50 percent of the world’s share. Visitors here will find the Cranberry Highway, which stretches for 50 miles along century-old marshes. The cranberry harvest season happens in fall, specifically from late September to late October, meaning it's the perfect time to admire the cranberry-magenta hues, as well as partake in vine pickings, tastings and samplings, tours, and museum visits. In some places like Wetherby Cranberry Co. in the town of Warrens, you can even don your own pair of waders and get right in.

Havana, Cuba

MABOHH/GETTY IMAGES

Havana can easily be identified as one of the most colorful cities in the world. Varying shades of blue, purple, red, and pink line the streets, from vintage cars to old architecture, making this city a prime spot for seeing the Color of the Year. That said, getting to Cuba requires some planning — you need a tourist card (or visa), travel insurance, and a self-certification under one of 12 travel categories of authorized travel to Cuba.

Top candidate for Thai PM gives birth two weeks before elections

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the opposition Pheu Thai Party, announces the birth of a son on Instagram.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra is hoping to lead her Pheu Thai Party to victory in the May 14 general election 

[File: Jack Taylor/AFP]

Published On 1 May 2023

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, a leading candidate to become Thailand’s next prime minister, has given birth to a boy just two weeks before election day.

Paetongtarn, who leads the opposition Pheu Thai Party, announced the birth of Phrithasin Suksawat on Instagram with a photo from the hospital.

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“Thanks for all the support,” the 36-year-old wrote to her more than half a million followers. “Wait for mum to recover first, then she will meet the press.”

The newborn is Paetongtarn’s second child. The photo showed him wrapped in a pale yellow blanket with his father’s arm around him.

Paetongtarn has been voters’ first or second choice for prime minister since campaigning began. She has been trading places in polls with Pita Limjaroenrat of the progressive Move Forward Party.

Recent surveys have given the opposition parties big leads heading into the May 14 general election, which could spell trouble for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who first rose to power as army chief after he ousted the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra, Paetongtarn’s aunt.

Paetongtarn’s father and Yingluck’s brother, former telecommunications tycoon Thaksin Shinawatra, was himself toppled as prime minister in a 2006 military coup. Both Thaksin and Yingluck live in self-imposed exile to avoid prison convictions their allies said were designed to prevent their political comebacks.

Prayuth, who became a civilian prime minister after the 2019 elections, trailed in fourth place in a mid-April poll for favourite prime ministerial candidate with 13.72 percent support.

However, Prayuth may have help from the 250-seat Senate, whose appointed members were approved by the military junta Prayuth led for five years.

The Senate also votes for prime minister, so it is possible that the leader of the biggest party in the 500-seat elected lower house could be denied the top job if the Senate votes with minority parties.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA, REUTERS

 

Dalai Lama, An Ageless Enigma

Controversy aside, the Dalai Lama has played a key role to keep the Tibetan question on the global stage for 63 years. Now all eyes are on as to who will succeed him.

FAKE DALI LAMA'S CREATED BY CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY

Despite the recent controversy, to his followers, the Dalai Lama remains the most prominent symbol of Tibetan resistance, notes Seema Guha. Getty Images

Seema Guha

UPDATED: 30 APR 2023 

The recent controversy over the Dalai Lama has given China an opportunity to hit back at the Tibetan spiritual leader. Chinese have also reignited their past propaganda against the theocratic government he headed in Lhasa. Though there was no official reaction from Beijing, the video clip of the Dalai Lama asking a young boy to suck his tongue generated a lot of heat on the internet and was flooded by pro-Chinese voices in the social media.

The Dalai Lama was attacked for purported inappropriate behaviour, but several Chinese users also brought up the Communist Party line about the Dalai Lama’s treatment of Tibetans as serfs. Official Chinese documentaries on Tibet show Lhasa’s erstwhile rulers as tyrants who punished wrongdoers by throwing them into dungeons filled with poisonous scorpions and snakes attached to the Potala Palace complex, the residence and seat of administration in Lhasa.

Communist China invaded Tibet in 1950. Resentment across the country led to the Tibetan uprising of 1959. This was swiftly and brutally crushed by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), forcing the Dalai Lama to flee to India. China claims that it freed the people of Tibet from the tyranny of the Lamas. Tibetans think otherwise and continue to revere the Dalai Lama, who now lives in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. This old propaganda of freeing Tibetans from slavery was echoed in the social media after the current controversy surfaced.

The Dalai Lama has since apologised. While many non-Tibetans have criticised the action of the spiritual leader and have raised the larger question of godmen as sexual predators of unsuspecting children, the majority of Tibetans have stoutly defended their spiritual leader. The controversy is unlikely to make a dent on his image among his followers in Tibet or elsewhere.

To his followers, the Dalai Lama remains the most prominent symbol of Tibetan resistance. His presence calls into question Chinese legitimacy over Tibet and exposes China to accusations of human rights violations. The legitimacy of China’s hold over Tibet would perhaps not have become an international concern without the Dalai Lama relentlessly flagging it around the world. Little wonder then that China regards him as an enemy, and an agent of the United States and the Western world. The strong emotion he evokes is a measure of China’s insecurity over the Dalai Lama.

Not that the spiritual leader has been able to deliver much on the ground. The Dalai Lama, an astute politician, has changed his stand on full independence for Tibet that he had advocated from 1961 to 1974. Now he talks of the “middle path”, by which he means that Tibet remains with China, but with freedom for Tibetans to practice their religion and way of life. China, however, is in no mood to grant even this limited concession. So, is the Dalai Lama finally just a toothless tiger? Not so, say experts.

“The Dalai Lama has played an important role in keeping the Tibetan question on the global stage. Yes, there has been little tangible accomplishment, especially on the broader agenda of securing Tibet's cultural autonomy in China,” says historian Srinath Raghavan. Now with his advancing age ―he is 87-years― the focus is on what happens after him.

“He knows that his succession will be an important moment. Not just that the next Dalai Lama has big shoes to fill, but even procedurally. Beijing will try, as they did with Panchen Lama, to announce their own Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama has sought to confound them by saying that his successor could be found outside Tibet, could be a non-Tibetan, or a woman. So, this is going to be a tricky moment not only for the Tibetan community, but also for China and India,” says Raghavan.

China’s move

China is already making preparations to install its own official Dalai Lama. But the official stamp will, in no way, make the next man acceptable to the people of Tibet or thousands of Tibetans who owe their allegiance to him.

India is unlikely to jump in the fray, but will wait and see how the situation pans out in the future. New Delhi is closely watching developments. There are also whispers about a Mongolian monk being a contender with the blessings of the Dalai Lama. But nobody is certain if this is just a rumour or there is more to it than meets the eye.

“If anyone has kept the Tibet question alive for 63 years, it is His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. That too from exile outside Tibet. That’s why the Chinese Communists hate him, but they also respect his achievement and this is a big deal,” says Gautam Bambawale, India’s former ambassador to China. 

“It is a big deal because the Tibet issue is still open in international politics. How the situation changes hence forward, let’s wait and see. India will not ‘use’ the Dalai Lama, but we shall work with him for our national interests. It will be a cooperative relationship. Hence, the 14th Dalai Lama has stellar achievements given the cards he was dealt,” says the former envoy, who tracks China closely.

If the Tibet question is still open, as Bambawale says, the next Lama to take on the mantle will have a tough job in tackling the competing pulls and pressures of international diplomacy. As China is seen as a major threat to US hegemony, the Americans could also muddy the waters to embarrass the Chinese. But there are those who believe that the rest of the world is wary of playing the Tibet card and would rather not antagonise an economic giant like China.

“There was a time when foreign powers opposed to China would score political points by welcoming the Lama to their countries despite protests from Beijing. However, as China is now much more powerful than it was in the past, there is a reluctance to use the Dalai Lama politically. In the last couple of years, there has been a greater thrust on his religious teachings and while he continues to address the international community, it is more as a spiritual leader,” says Alka Acharya, a professor of Chinese Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Azerbaijani Media Say New Law, Arrests Are Obstacles to Journalism

April 30, 2023 
Aziza Goyushzade
Parvana Bayramova

Gulmira Aslanova, pictured in Baku, Azerbaijan, doesn't believe that the trial of her husband, journalist Polad Aslanov, was conducted fairly. A lawyer for the journalist has filed a case on it with the European Court of Human Rights. (VOA)

BAKU, AZERBAIJAN —

Ten-year-old Fatima is counting the days until her father, Azerbaijani journalist Polad Aslanov, is released from prison.

Aslanov, the chief editor of the independent news websites Xeberman and Press-az, has been detained since his arrest in 2019. One year later, a court convicted him of treason and sentenced him to 16 years in prison.

The Supreme Court later reduced the sentence to 13 years, but his detention weighs heavily on the family.

His wife, Gulmira Aslanova, told VOA she hoped he might be released soon as part of an amnesty.

"As his wife and [on behalf of the] family, my demand is his freedom. My husband is innocent," Gulmira Aslanova told VOA. "I hope that this year my husband will attain his rightful freedom with a pardon and will be reunited with his young child."

Aslanova doesn't believe that her husband's trial was conducted fairly. A lawyer for the journalist has filed a case on it with the European Court of Human Rights.

Aslanov is one of several journalists and bloggers facing legal action. Data from December 2022 by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists showed two imprisoned in Azerbaijan for their journalism.

A more recent list of political prisoners, released on April 20 by two monitoring groups, shows that of the 182 political detainees they have documented as in custody, six are journalists or bloggers.

But arrests are not the only challenge for the country's media, experts say.

Rufat Safarov, executive director of the human rights organization Defense Line, said the country has many obstacles to freedom of speech and expression.

"In practice, forcing citizens to change their opinions and beliefs is widespread," Safarov told VOA. As a result of this, several journalists and bloggers "have been isolated from the society."

Some are in prison, others have trials pending.

Another obstacle is the media legislation, signed into law by President Ilham Aliyev in January 2022.

SEE ALSO:

New Media Law Casts Shadow Over Azeri Media

The law’s regulations will further stifle the freedom of speech in the country, experts say. Independent journalists in Azerbaijan are protesting the law and calling for its repeal, saying it obstructs their ability to work and gives the government too much control over the media.

As part of the regulations, journalists must sign on to a registry. Without that accreditation, they are prevented from accessing officials or news briefings.

Safarov believes the law could pave way to more journalists and bloggers being detained if additional amendments are made to the law.

A joint opinion from the Council of Europe bodies, the Venice Commission and the Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law said that "in the context of an already extremely confined space for independent journalism and media in Azerbaijan," the new law will have a "chilling effect."

"It is quite clear that some of the new provisions of the new media law do not comply with European standards of media freedom and journalistic freedom," said Mogens Jensen, general rapporteur on media freedom and safety of journalists of PACE, or the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Gulmira Aslanova, whose husband, journalist Polad Aslanov, is serving 13 years in prison, holds a sign saying, "Don’t torture. Free," during a protest she held in front of the presidential administration building in Baku, Azerbaijan, April 8, 2022. (VOA)

Jensen said that they want Azerbaijan to revise the law using recommendations from the Venice Commission.

The U.S. State Department report on human rights in Azerbaijan noted that with the new law, the government has imposed further restrictions on journalists and "continued to routinely arrest independent journalists, especially those critical of government officials or investigating corruption."

Azerbaijan's government contends that it respects freedom of expression and the press, and that it is making sincere efforts to uphold these freedoms.

"As you know, censorship has been banned in the country for almost 30 years. There are numerous media institutions operating. We have always encouraged the activity of both internal and foreign institutions for more effective provision of media freedom," Bahruz Maharramov, a member of the Azeri parliament, told VOA.

He said that in the eyes of Western institutions, only media outlets that share the same Western values are considered independent.

"For some reason, media organizations that take a radical stance against the government are generally labeled as free, while media structures that are neutral or positive towards the current administration are branded as dependent media," he said.

In Aslanov's case, the journalist's wife told VOA she hoped that he would soon be freed and that their family life would return to normal.

"I can't imagine my family without Polad. He is my friend, my work and life partner. Soon I want to see my husband free next to me and doing his work."

Since his arrest, one of the two news websites that Aslanov ran had to close. Content is rarely posted to the other site, Aslanova said.

This story originated in VOA's Azeri Service.

Students criticize Taliban policies on women, girls’ education

• By Amu TV
• APRIL 30, 2023

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A group of students from Kabul criticized the Taliban’s policies towards women and girls’ education and said Taliban authorities have banned women and girls from schooling and going to universities while their daughters are continuing their education abroad.

Under the Taliban rule, secondary schools have been closed for girls for nearly two years while universities were closed for women in December 2022. Meanwhile, women are not allowed to work in non-governmental organizations as well as the United Nations offices in the country.

“What is the difference between us and their daughters and wife? They study in the best universities in other countries but an Afghan girl or woman sits at home, facing an unclear future. Their only sin is education,” said Asma, a student.

“Education is obligatory for every man and woman Muslim. No one can take this right from us. Women and girls have raised their voices many times to end the ban on women and girls’ education, but the government is not paying attention,” said Husna, a student.

The female students said that they have the right to education and they have been tired of facing an unclear fate. They added that rights organizations should not turn their back on the issue of the ban on women’s education in Afghanistan.

“The restrictions that the Taliban has imposed on us are too much. We could roam freely and get an education freely under the republic government. We call on the Taliban to take a serious step in this regard as soon as possible,” said Shiba Mahtabi, a student.

This comes as a conference hosted by the United Nations in Doha where special envoys from many countries will also attend to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, but activists said no one from the country has been invited for the event.

New Zealand premier ‘favours country becoming a republic’

1 May 2023, 

Chris Hipkins made the comments to reporters hours before he was due to fly to London for the coronation of King Charles III.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said on Monday that he personally favours his country becoming a republic, but it is not a change he intends to push for as leader.

He made the comments to reporters hours before he was due to leave for this week’s coronation of King Charles III in London.

New Zealand, a former British colony, is self-governing but Charles retains a largely ceremonial role as head of state and king. He is represented in New Zealand by a governor-general.

Like many former British colonies, New Zealand continues to wrestle with what – if any – constitutional role the British monarchy should play in modern times.

Barbados chose to become a republic in 2021, Jamaica said last year that it plans to pursue independence, and in February Australia decided to remove the British monarch from the last of its banknotes, although an image of Charles is expected to feature on coins.

Ideally, in time, New Zealand will become a fully independent country, will stand on our own two feet in the world, as we by and large do now

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins

Mr Hipkins said: “Ideally, in time, New Zealand will become a fully independent country, will stand on our own two feet in the world, as we by and large do now.

“I don’t think that swapping out the governor-general for some other form of head of state is necessarily an urgent priority right now, though.”

Mr Hipkins faces an election later this year and has already ditched many of his government’s more contentious policies as he tries to refocus the political agenda on what he describes as bread-and-butter issues such as the cost of living.

He unexpectedly rose to power following the shock decision in January of Jacinda Ardern to step down.

Ms Ardern had previously said she believed New Zealand would eventually become a republic but it was not a legislative priority. Mr Hipkins, however, has stated his own support of republicanism more forcefully.

“I believe we should ultimately be an independent country,” he said.

But he said the current constitutional arrangements are working well and he is not interested in pushing the republic debate on to New Zealanders.

“Honestly, I think it is something for New Zealanders to instigate a discussion on, and there isn’t a groundswell of support for having this particular debate right at the moment,” he said.

Mr Hipkins inadvertently acknowledged that he has a meeting planned with Charles during his trip, but declined to say what they would discuss.

While in London, Mr Hipkins also plans to meet British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to advance a free trade deal the two nations struck in 2021.

By Press Association

Hong Kong's Economy Is Recovering, But Its Freedoms Are Not
April 30, 2023
Associated Press

Mainland Chinese tourists look at sunset from a hill in Hong Kong, April 26, 2023.

Like most people in Hong Kong, taxi driver Leung Tat-chong says it feels like the city is recovering after years of protests, crackdowns and pandemic restrictions, while it also has changed forever.

He's earning almost as much as he did before the pandemic. But, Leung said, the city has been divided since the 2019 protests, in which hundreds of thousands of people marched, and many battled police, in opposition to a government they saw as a proxy for Beijing.

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the city welcomed more than 2 million visitors in the month of March. Crowds of art collectors and dealers spilled across two floors of a convention center at the Art Basel Hong Kong fair in late March. Excited chatter returned to a dim sum shop at the high-speed rail terminus.

Yet Leung sometimes doesn't turn on the radio in his cab because the news or a public affairs program could get his customers cursing. A supporter of the government, he watches what he says in front of friends to avoid starting fights.

Living in Hong Kong today means juggling contradictory feelings. In 20 interviews, many said that when they focus on business indicators and everyday life, they see a recovery gathering pace after years of travel restrictions. But when it comes to anything political, the openness and freedoms that were once hallmarks of the Chinese-ruled former British colony seem permanently gone.

Following the 2019 protests, Beijing declared "patriots must run Hong Kong," increasing its loyalists' control over elections and imposing a National Security Law that criminalized many forms of dissent. The government of Hong Kong used that law to arrest former opposition lawmakers and activists who participated in an unofficial primary election.

Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak, right, and Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung leave after a presser to launch the "Happy Hong Kong" campaign in Hong Kong, April 24, 2023.

Hong Kong's government says things are back to normal, a message delivered in a tourism-promotion campaign it calls "Hello Hong Kong."

Economic indicators seem to support that message: retails sales are up, the country's GDP is growing and unemployment is a low 3.1%. In the first quarter of the year, the city received 4.41 million visitors, about 12 times more than the previous quarter, and about 30% of pre-pandemic levels.

Mak Kwai-pui, co-founder of dim sum chain Tim Ho Wan, said his business is reaping some of the benefits. Foreign tourists are filling his restaurants, something he had not seen in three years, helping drive revenue to more than 80% of pre-pandemic levels.

"It's really coming back. It's true," he said.

Anne Kerr, the chair of the British Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, said more U.K. firms are inquiring about setting up shop in Hong Kong.

A survey by The American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong in the first two months of 2023 showed its members are "cautiously optimistic" about business. Among those with headquarters in Hong Kong, 61% planned to remain for the next three years, up from 48% last year. But 9% plan to move, compared to 5% last year.

Local artist Wong Ka-ying said cultural life is recovering, too. At Art Basel, she saw a rise in emerging artists, independent art spaces and cultural activities, offering her more exposure and opportunities.

But, she said, even at the glamorous art fair, she felt the chill of the National Security Law. The art felt tamer than in past years and overtly political art was rare. At the Chinese University of Hong Kong where she teaches, she advises her students to plan their work cautiously.

"Maybe it looks the same on the surface. But when you look with a magnifying glass, you'll see the essence isn't the same," the 32-year-old said.

When Cyrus Chan decided to organize a protest against a proposal on land reclamation and building waste-processing facilities in March, the changes were not subtle.

Hong Kong used to have a vibrant tradition of street politics, from massive marches to local issues. But Cyrus Chan, one of the march organizers, said police told organizers that they could have just 100 people. Participants were warned against wearing all black, as many protesters did during the 2019 protests. They also discussed their slogans with police in advance.

Even with official approval, it was a nerve-wracking experience, Chan said. For a week before the march, he checked news reports, online forums and social media hourly to see if anything had changed.

On the day, attendees were required to wear numbered badges around their necks and had to walk within a moving cordoned-off zone.

Protesters walk within a cordon line wearing number tags during a rally in Hong Kong, March 26, 2023.

After the protest, Chan said he still could not let his guard down. On April 2, security minister Chris Tang said "some people" who likened the numbered tags to dog leashes or the armbands Nazis forced upon Jews were stirring hatred against the government — a red flag to many activists under the sedition law. Chan had previously made the Nazi analogy on a radio show.

"Those who say the city will go back to the old days ... are lying. Everyone knows it's impossible," Chan said.

Weeks later, a former leader of a now-disbanded pro-democracy union withdrew his plan to hold a Labor Day march, his co-applicant said Wednesday. The National Security Law prevented disclosure of further details, he told the applicant.

Leung, the taxi driver, agreed that a part of Hong Kong will never come back. But life must go on.

"As an ordinary person, I can't do anything about politics," he said. "I will just keep living my simple and unadorned life."

As Israel turns 75, its embassy celebrates flourishing ties with China

By Liu Ning (People's Daily Online) April 30, 2023

As Israel marks its 75th anniversary, its embassy in China has hailed the continuously strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries. Trade and economic cooperation have consistently expanded over the past three years, despite disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We have marched a long way since the establishment of full diplomatic relations 31 years ago," said Israel's Ambassador to China Irit Ben-Abba, at a celebration event held at the Israel Embassy in Beijing on April 28. "During the past three years, when physical interactions were scarce, our leaders exchanged numerous warm verbal and written letters, which solidified our strong political bonds based on Israel's role in the Middle East and our common cultural heritage," she said.

Bilateral trade between China and Israel has grown exponentially, increasing from only $50 million 31 years ago to over $23 billion last year. China is now Israel's second-largest trading partner, according to the embassy.

                                                     IS THAT MOGEN DAVID

Israel's Ambassador to China Irit Ben-Abba is joined by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Deng Li at a reception to celebrate Israel's 75th anniversary. 

(Photo: People's Daily Online/Liu Ning)

In 2017, China and Israel announced the establishment of an innovative, comprehensive partnership, which opened a new chapter in their friendly relationship.

"We look forward to further expanding our trade and economic ties, as we view China as an important global economic player," she added.

In recent years, Israel has become one of the world's fastest-growing economies, concentrating on cutting-edge sectors such as technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and new energy. This emphasis contributes to the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by providing innovative solutions and expertise.

There remains enormous potential for future cooperation between the two countries.

Eying China's tremendous market, Israel is forming a long-term strategic relationship with the country. With the backing of both governments, a growing number of Israeli start-ups have secured investment from China and gained access to its lucrative market. Representatives from both countries are eagerly anticipating further cooperation across various sectors, fostering mutual benefits.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, a visionary plan that demonstrates the potential for global cooperation, fostering connections for all, and ultimately working toward a brighter future for everyone.

Between Israel and China, "cultural exchanges are vast, academic exchanges are plentiful, and student exchanges are numerous," said Ben-Abba.

"We need to work harder on people-to-people connectivity that was disrupted due to COVID-19, on the resumption of two-way tourism, and to reconnect with the young generation, the future generation of China."

As Israel celebrates its 75th birthday and looks ahead to the next 75 years, its representatives remain confident that by collaborating with nations worldwide, it can overcome common challenges and play a significant role in shaping a brighter future.
(Web editor: Liu Ning, Wu Chengliang)

 

Palestine Action Shuts Down Israeli Drone Factory in Leicester

M.Y | DOP - 30 April, 2023

Palestine Action launched a surprise ground camp to monitor UAV Tactical Systems, taking the Israeli arms manufacturer, its private security, and the police by surprise.

The activists erected a camp, with hammocks placed in the highest branches of the trees, in an act of direct resistance against the war machine.

Activists have stated that they will remain at the location until Elbit leaves their weapons manufacturing facility.

A representative from the camp said that they had gone undetected and seized the area behind Elbit’s cutting-edge security system for a period of 12 hours, much to their surprise.

Starting on May 1st, hundreds of people are planning to take part in the siege and demonstrate against Elbit’s activities that are responsible for bloodshed.

By symbolically reversing the decades-long siege of Gaza, Palestine Action‘s siege will break the connection between Leicester and the Israeli occupation forces’ supply chain.

This is the result of the past three years of opposition and activities against Elbit’s weapon production.

The joint venture between Elbit and Thales, UAV Tactical Systems, holds a range of export permits for the selling of weaponry to the Israeli occupation, including drones, military technology, imaging systems, and ground vehicles.

The Watchkeeper drone, the factory’s main product, has been designed based on Elbit’s Hermes 450, after it had been put to the test in conflict zones involving Palestinians.

The Hermes drone has been adapted by Elbit to create the Watchkeeper, which has been used by Britain in imperialist missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, in addition to border operations.

This same drone is employed by the state to both surveil and bombard Palestinians in Gaza.

Elbit Systems, the main arms dealer for the Israeli occupation, holds a majority stake in UAV Tactical Systems. Elbit Systems is responsible for providing the majority of weapons for the Israeli military, including 85% of their military drone force.

Elbit has collaborated closely with the Israeli occupation forces in using their AI technology to carry out air strikes on Palestinians.