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Friday, November 8, 2024

Promote steady improvement and growth in China-US relations through the right way forward

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Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Donald J. Trump on his election as the next President of the US on Thursday. Xi noted that history tells us that both countries stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. A China-US relationship with stable, healthy and sustainable development serves the common interests of the two countries and meets the expectations of the international community. It is hoped that the two sides will, in the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, enhance dialogue and communication, properly manage differences, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and find the right way for China and the US to get along with each other in the new era to the benefit of the two countries and the world.

We have noticed that President Xi's congratulatory message has received widespread attention and reports from international community. Phrases such as "China and the US must live in harmony in the new era," "Hopefully China and the US can find a way to get along" and "China and the US must live in harmony and manage differences" have become the themes of many media reports, fully reflecting the world's expectation for China-US relations. After the dust settled from the US elections, amidst the world's many concerns and worries regarding China-US relations, China's attitude undoubtedly provides valuable certainty and stability for both China-US relations and the world.

Where are China and the US headed? The Chinese side's answer to this question, including its attitude toward China-US relations, has been consistent. Although the situations of both countries and their relationship have undergone significant changes, China's commitment to the goal of a stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relationship remains unchanged; its principle in handling the relationship based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation remains unchanged; its position of firmly safeguarding the country's sovereignty, security and development interests remains unchanged; and its efforts to carry forward the traditional friendship between the Chinese and American people remain unchanged. The four "unchanged" aspects reflect both strategic clarity and a sense of responsibility.

History and reality have repeatedly proven that China-US relations are not a zero-sum game in which one side loses and the other wins, or one rises and the other falls, because the two countries have enormous common interests. Forty-five years ago, it was the common interests that allowed China and the US to open the door of interaction that had been frozen for decades. By tapping into complementarity and drawing on each other's strengths, the two countries have significantly promoted the development of their respective economies and optimized and upgraded their industrial structures, while enhancing the efficiency and benefits of the global value chain. Today, China is one of the top three export markets for 32 US states, with more than 70,000 US companies investing and establishing businesses in China and 930,000 jobs in the US supported by exports to China alone. It can be seen that both China and the US have benefited from decades of generally stable bilateral relations, and it is in the two countries' mutual and fundamental interest to prevent conflict and confrontation and achieve peaceful coexistence.

China-US relations are not a multiple-choice question involving whether or not to do a good job, but a must-answer question on how to do a good job. Just as President Xi stressed, when China and the US work together, they can accomplish a great deal for the good of both countries and the world at large. There are many "cooperation common denominators" between China and the US. After the Chinese giant pandas Yaya and Lele arrived in the US, the number of visitors to the Memphis Zoo surged 46 percent. Last month, Baoli and Qingbao going to Washington caused quite a sensation; Tesla's win-win story of building a factory in Shanghai is still continuing; there is still ample room for cooperation between the two sides in trade, education, anti-drugs, justice, technology and other fields. In the face of a complex and intertwined international situation, the world looks to China and the US to lead international cooperation in addressing global issues. Countries around the world need to unite and collaborate, rather than divide and confront; the people of the world hope for openness and progress, rather than closure and regression.

China-US relations have weathered many storms over the past few decades, during which numerous pessimistic predictions have emerged. However, what people have actually seen is that whenever difficulties arise, it is cooperation - not confrontation - that resolves the issues. What pushes the relationship between the two countries as well as global peace and development to move forward is always win-win cooperation for mutual benefit rather than a zero-sum game. For China and the US, dialogue is better than confrontation, cooperation is better than decoupling, and stability is better than volatility. Regardless of changes in US domestic politics, this should be a shared consensus between both sides and a responsibility of these two major countries. China and the US must find the right way to coexist, as the fundamental lesson in the development of relations between the two countries is that we both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation.

The US side needs to recognize that China also has the right to develop. China's development is an opportunity for the US and the world, not a challenge. In fact, it has been proven that engaging in trade wars, industrial wars, and technological wars yields no winners. Attempting to solve problems through "decoupling" will only lead to opposite results. Forcing countries around the world to "choose sides" between China and the US has become an increasingly unpopular "multiple-choice question" for many nations. The US, in particular, should not tread on China's red lines regarding issues of sovereignty, security, and development interests.

The China-US relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world. How China and the US interact will determine the future and destiny of humanity. We hope that the US side will meet the Chinese side halfway to find the right way for two different civilizations, systems, and paths to coexist peacefully and develop together on this planet, promoting stability in China-US relations and striving for improvement and progress on this basis.


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Thursday, November 7, 2024

As Trump declares victory, China handles US ties based on mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, win-win cooperation, FM says

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures to audience with his family and running mate at his election night party on November 6, 2024. Photo: VCG

 
China's policy toward the US is consistent, and it will continue to handle China-US relations based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in response to the potential impact of the US presidential election result on bilateral relations.

In response to another question related to the election result and potential additional US tariffs on Chinese goods, Mao said the US presidential election is an internal affair of the US. We respect the choice of the American people. As for the tariffs, we do not answer hypothetical question.  

Republican candidate Donald Trump has declared victory early Wednesday in the 2024 US presidential election, according to Xinhua. 

Trump told the audience at his election night party early on Wednesday that it was "time to unite" as a country, the Associated Press (AP) reported.

"It's time to put the divisions of the past four years behind us," Trump said. "It's time to unite."

As of press time, Donald Trump has 267 of the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House and is leading in key races left to be called, including Michigan and Wisconsin, according to the AP.

First of all, whoever enters the White House in next four years needs to bear in mind that China and the US are the major powers and top two economies in the world, so they have significant roles to play and responsibilities to shoulder, Jin Canrong, associate dean of the School of International Studies at the Renmin University of China, told the Global Times on Wednesday.  

If the new president can learn lessons from his previous term to better manage the China-US relations and maintain cooperation and seek more common ground to avoid a zero-sum game and more confrontation, that would not only be good news to the peoples of China and the US, but also the rest of the world, Jin noted.

When asked if Trump wins, will the Chinese side send him a congratulatory message, Mao said that after the US election results are officially announced, we will handle related matters according to usual practice.

Wednesday, November 6, 2024

Curb appeal can enhance a home’s value



15% increase in a home’s value if it is wellmaintained and landscaped ■ 88% faster sales when a home is staged for prospective buyers ■ 8 seconds for the buyer to decide whether they want to view the interior

First impressions matter and this could not be more true when it comes to viewing a home with a prospective buyer.

in the fast-paced Malaysian real estate market, properties are constantly competing for attention, often relying on their curb appeal to stand out.

Curb appeal is frequently overlooked but it can significantly influence a property’s market value and the speed at which it sells. Homes with strong curb appeal typically spend less time on the market.

When a potential buyer first sees a property in person – rather than through an airbrushed photo online – their reaction can go one of three ways: they may be impressed, left scratching their head or even horrified.

this initial, often subconscious, impression will heavily influence their decision to explore the interior or move on to the next listing.

studies show that buyers often make snap judgments about a property within seconds of viewing it. A home’s value can increase by up to 15% if it is well-maintained and landscaped.

A welcoming facade can instantly capture attention and create a positive first impression.

Conversely, an unkempt or neglected exterior can deter potential buyers and negatively affect the property’s perceived value.

What is Malaysia’s unique curb appeal?

Malaysia’s curb appeal is uniquely influenced by its rich cultural heritage and tropical climate. traditional Malay homes, adorned with intricately carved wooden details and vibrant colours, offer a charm that captures the essence of the region.

Chinese and indian architectural styles also contribute to this aesthetic diversity, creating a harmonious blend of influences.

in recent years, sleek, modern minimalist designs have gained popularity, often integrating natural elements and emphasising sustainability, reflecting a growing appreciation for both elegance and environmental consciousness.

regardless of the architectural style, maintaining an inviting exterior is essential in Malaysian culture. Lush greenery, clean lines and a sense of organised beauty are highly valued.

imagine a manicured lawn bordered by vibrant flower beds, with neatly trimmed hedges framing the property – this greatly enhances a home’s overall curb appeal.

Investing in exterior pays off

Landscaping is a crucial element of curb appeal. A well-maintained lawn serves as the foundation, providing a backdrop for colourful flowers, eye-catching shrubs and majestic trees that add both colour and texture to the landscape.

Mulching garden beds not only nourishes the soil but also creates a polished, tidy appearance, giving the home a well-cared-for look.

the choice of exterior paint is another important factor in a home’s aesthetic appeal.

selecting colours that complement the architectural style and blend with the neighbourhood can create a cohesive look.

timeless neutral tones like soft white, warm beige and muted grey evoke a sense of elegance and calm.

A fresh coat of paint, especially when details like window frames and doors are refreshed, can breathe new life into a home’s exterior.

Driveways and walkways, often overlooked, can also dramatically affect curb appeal.

An uneven or cracked driveway is an eyesore but resurfacing or repainting these areas can restore their charm.

regular cleaning and removing debris ensure a pristine appearance, while power washing can remove dirt and grime, bringing surfaces back to their original condition.

the front door is the focal point of a home’s exterior.

Choosing a bold colour or unique architectural design can make a striking first impression.

Upgrading the hardware or adding stylish lighting fixtures can further enhance the door’s appeal, drawing the eye and inviting curiosity.

Lighting is another critical component of curb appeal.

thoughtfully placed outdoor lighting can highlight the home’s best features, even after dark. illuminating walkways, gardens and the front door not only improves safety but also creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Finally, decluttering and organising exterior spaces is essential.

removing clutter from the front porch, driveway and garden fosters a clean and inviting environment that will impress potential buyers.

A well-maintained exterior reflects the care and attention given to the home, making it a truly appealing space.

Different property types, different jobs

For many Malaysians who live in condominiums, professional landscaping is typically managed by the property management in the common areas.

the landscaping needs of each condominium differ and professional landscapers provide unique solutions based on the property’s requirements.

Whether it’s planting pathways and installing lighting for safety, designing play areas for children, or creating relaxing spaces with shaded seating areas, their expertise ensures that the outdoor spaces meet the residents’ practical needs while also looking beautiful.

A home’s curb appeal is a powerful tool that can significantly impact its market value and the speed of its sale.

By investing time and effort into landscaping, exterior paint, driveway and walkway maintenance, front door enhancements, lighting and decluttering, homeowners can create a lasting first impression that draws potential buyers.

in the diverse and vibrant landscape of Malaysian real estate, curb appeal is a key factor that differentiates properties and attracts discerning buyers.

By understanding the cultural nuances and architectural styles that define Malaysian homes, homeowners can enhance their property’s aesthetic appeal and create a welcoming environment.

Embracing the power of landscaping, exterior upgrades and thoughtful design ensures that a property stands out in the competitive real estate market.

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