Chinese embassies host receptions for 75th founding anniversary of PRC

The Chinese diplomatic missions in Ecuador, and Vancouver and Montreal in Canada recently held receptions to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

In Quito, Ecuador, the Chinese Embassy Friday hosted a reception which was attended by over 500 guests, including Ecuadorian Foreign Minister Gabriela Sommerfeld. The guests enjoyed performances by both Chinese and international artists.

"We are celebrating the National Day of the PRC with the Chinese ambassador and other Chinese friends. On this special day, we have worked together to strengthen relations between our two countries. Most importantly, this event highlights the friendship between our two countries," said Sommerfeld.

The reception hosted by the Chinese Consulate-General in Vancouver saw the attendance of more than 430 guests including Canadian officials, representatives of Chinese investors, and Chinese students. At the reception, Canadian attendees expressed admiration for China's achievements across various sectors over the past 75 years.

"I think the progress that China has made in the last 75 years is remarkable by any standards. Their technological advancement is incredible, you know, they explored the dark side of the moon. The science technology, economy, culture and social development of China is very impressive. So, I wish all the success, health and happiness to the Peoples of China in the years ahead," said Don Davies, a Canadian federal member of Parliament.

In Montreal, international guests gathered at a reception held by the Chinese Consulate-General. A performance combining Beijing Opera and Chinese folk dance, presented by overseas Chinese children and teenagers, received enthusiastic applause.

"China has been contributing to the development of the civil aviation of the international transports since the very beginning when the International Civil Aviation Organization was established. And of course, China continues to contribute to the development and to the sustainability of development of a civil aviation. Thanks to the engagement on clean energy and on production of sustainable aviation fuels. So it's been a pleasure for me to contribute and to congratulate the Peoples of China for the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China," said Salvatore Sciacchitano, Council President of International Civil Aviation Organization.

Chinese embassies host receptions for 75th founding anniversary of PRC

The U.S. decision to impose a 15 percent global tariff has cast more confusion and uncertainty for businesses and consumers, according to financial analysts.

U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday morning in a 6-3 vote that U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policy under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act was illegal.

Infuriated by the ruling, Trump signed an order imposing a 10 percent tariff on imports from all countries hours later. Then on Saturday he said that he will raise the new global tariff to 15 percent.

The White House said the new levy is being imposed to address "fundamental international payment problems," adding that it will stay in effect for 150 days under a section of the Trade Act of 1974.

Certain products will be exempt from that levy - including some critical minerals, beef and tomatoes. The Trump administration also said it's considering other legal avenues to impose duties.

While the Supreme Court deemed many of Trump's tariffs illegal, it did not specify a means to pursue refunds, instead leaving that issue to lower courts. That could mean protracted legal wrangling for years for U.S. importers and uncertainty over if and how consumers will see any benefit.

"I would caution consumers, business owners, from assuming that this is going to have an immediate benefit, that this is going to cause immediate lower prices. That isn't likely. What this really does is, again, cause a lot more uncertainty，" said Stephen Kates, senior financial analyst with Bankrate, a consumer financial services company based in New York City.

Trump tariffs cast more uncertainty for businesses, consumers: analyst