China issues alerts, coastal provinces take precautions as Typhoon Wutip approaches

China's central and provincial governments issued alerts on Wednesday as the country's first typhoon this year, Typhoon Wutip, is approaching the southern tropical province of Hainan.

Affected by Typhoon Wutip, the central and western waters of the South China Sea will see waves of over four meters high. Areas near the typhoon's path will experience high waves, while large waves are forecast along coastal areas of eastern Hainan Province and western Guangdong Province. Storm surges are also expected in the coastal regions of Guangdong, Hainan and Guangxi.

The National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center issued a 24-hour yellow wave warning and blue storm surge warning on Wednesday afternoon, urging coastal authorities to take precautionary measures against waves and storm surges.

The Ministry of Water Resources announced on the same day that Typhoon Wutip is expected to bring heavy rainfall from Thursday to Sunday. The ministry activated a Level IV flood prevention emergency response at 14:00 on Wednesday for six provincial-level regions: Fujian and Jiangxi in east China, Hunan in central China, and Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan in south China.

The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters simultaneously initiated Level IV emergency responses for typhoon prevention in Guangdong and Hainan, dispatching two taskforces to assist in local preparedness efforts.

Till Thursday morning, Hainan has recalled all fishing vessels to harbors, while Guangdong has ordered vessels in affected waters to return to ports and crew members to evacuate.

The Guangxi Maritime Safety Administration upgraded its typhoon emergency response from Level IV to Level III at 15:00 on Wednesday. Local maritime authorities are accelerating loading operations for oil tankers and other hazardous material vessels in ports. All 18 ferry routes and 37 vessels along Guangxi's coast will suspend operations by Thursday noon, with all operation personnel evacuated ashore.

China issues alerts, coastal provinces take precautions as Typhoon Wutip approaches

Canada will promote "economic diplomacy" to fire back at U.S. President Donald Trump's 35-percent tariffs on Canadian goods from August 1, said Industry Minister Melanie Joly on Friday.

During a joint conference with Stephane Sejourne, executive vice-president of the European Commission for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Joly noted that Canada will promote economic diplomacy, put pressure on the United States, and at the same time protect and create jobs in the country.

Canada will continue to have open markets, including with the European Union, while the United States is closing its markets and taking its own path regarding protectionism, said Joly.

Trump announced the 35-percent tariff on Thursday. He posted a letter addressed to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on his social media platform Truth Social, criticizing Canada for retaliating against previous U.S. tariffs.

The president pointed out that the new tariff is in part caused by the flow of fentanyl from Canada, as well as allegedly unfair trade practices, and that he would "consider an adjustment" to the tariffs if Canada cooperated with the United States to stop the flow of fentanyl.

In response, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on the same day that he will continue the trade talks with the U.S.side towards the revised deadline of Aug 1.

Carney said on his social media that throughout the current trade negotiations with the United States, the Canadian government has steadfastly defended the Canadian workers and businesses.

He also added that Canada is to strengthen its trading partnerships throughout the world.

Canada to promote economic diplomacy to hit back at US tariffs: industry minister