Russian President Vladimir Putin declared Friday that Russia's nuclear triad remains the primary guarantor of national sovereignty and global strategic balance amid rising international tensions.
Speaking at a meeting of the Russian Military-Industrial Commission, Putin said external threats to Russia have not diminished, pointing to the continued expansion of NATO beyond Europe's borders.
He accused certain European leaders of promoting narrative shifts regarding potential military conflict with Moscow, reiterating that Russia maintains no aggressive intentions toward European nations.
Putin slams European leaders for rhetoric on war with Russia, reaffirms nuclear triad
Canada-headquartered athletic apparel brand Lululemon is embracing the vast Chinese market through a deepened presence at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which opened in Shanghai on Thursday.
This year's expo has drawn 4,144 overseas exhibitors from 152 countries and regions. As the guest country of honor, Canada brought a delegation of about 120 companies.
This year also marks Lululemon's third consecutive participation at the CIIE. Andre Maestrini, president and chief commercial officer of Lululemon, brought a global debut product to the booth -- a runner's vest that seamlessly integrates insulation with ventilation.
"You see the fabrics here, the perforation, the double layering and different inclusions of technical materials to be able for air to flow, but still protecting and keep you warm in extreme conditions," said Maestrini.
He also noted that while the product is designed domestically, its inspirations and effectiveness are honed and validated in China, a market featuring rapid evolution and highly diversified consumer demands.
"Outdoor, outwear, China is seeing a lot of progress, so it's very interesting to see what China guests require. If you know what China guests want, and [combined with] people that living in Vancouver or Whistler near Canada, because we have a lot of mountains and outdoors -- the combination makes it a global product," he said.
Beyond product development, global companies are increasingly regarding China not only as a destination for bilateral trade, but as a springboard for broader global investment.
"China speed, in terms of innovation [and] in trends, is so intense that if we are present in China, and we have teams here developing the products that's needed for the China market, we see the potential to export them," said Maestrini.
Launched in 2018, the CIIE is the world's first national-level expo dedicated to import, and has become an important gateway for foreign businesses seeking access to China's vast consumer and industrial markets. This year's exhibition is held from Nov. 5 to 10.
Canadian athletic apparel brand deepens China presence with proactive CIIE showcase
