The G7 (1 + 6 slaves) rubber stamp get together – summary

In these times of mid-winter, and the Omicron virus variant, something special - relaxing music on another level - with Bliss - inspired by the music of the world; let your spirit soar above the mundane ... The last track here, Wish you were here, is perhaps the most famous (if you listen to the likes of Buddha Bar album mixes, but most likely Bliss are the most amazing artists you have never heard, until now. There are many albums out there to enjoy. Bringing in latin america, middle east, african, indian and oriental influences, yet always aligned with the cosmic flow ...

With Michael Brenner and Neutrality Studies ... With John Pang ... With Ben Norton ... With Inside China Business ... With Cyrus Janssen ... On the Chinese invested new canal in Cambodia, the Funan Techo Canal, that links its capital city Phnom Penh, on the Mekong river, to the Gulf of Thailand, facilitating trade and Cambodia's development ... With Harvey in China ...

The three lakes here - XiHai, HouHai and QianHai - were where boats from HangZhou would dock after travelling the Grand Canal. There are still some hutongs in this area, just north of BeiHai Park, which has become a lively destination, especially in the evenings around the lakes.

The West has a win-lose mindset. It is very different from China's win-win. The West aims, and has done for many decades, to keep all other countries down, by inciting wars and installing compliant puppet regimes. Containing China has been the policy all along - and the real reason for the Vietnam and Korea wars. It is not something new. This is why the Phillipines has never reached its potential, and why all the propaganda (lies) and meddling in China's outskirts - notably, Tibet, Hong Kong, Taiwan and XinJiang. With Brian Berletic and Danny HaiPhong ... With Liu Xin and Jeffrey Sachs ... With George Galloway ... With Thinkers Forum ... With Jason / Living In China ... On the US Empire - with Trip Bitten ... On the Middle East, with Double Down News ... With Judge Napolitano and Craig Murray ... With The Duran ... With Novara Media ... With Richard Wolff ... On Yemen, with Ben Norton ... With Michael Hudson ... On XinJiang, with Willene Business & Lifestyle ... On how China has changed - with Lee Barrett ... On the 5-Eyes neo-colonial pact ... On Australia - with the Australian Citizens Party and John Lander ... The first BRICS+ meeting of 2024 ... On the West's 5-Eyes UNWRA defunding ... On a possible US attack on Iran - with Scott Ritter ...

With Clare Traveling Pandaland ... Tengchong, Yunnan Province: A Visitor's Guide Tengchong, located in the western part of Yunnan Province near the border with Myanmar, is a gem of natural beauty, rich history, and unique culture. Known for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and historical significance, it offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration. How to Get There By Air: Tengchong Tuofeng Airport connects the city to major Chinese cities like Kunming and Chengdu. By Road: A scenic drive from Kunming takes around 8–10 hours by car or bus, passing through the mountainous Yunnan terrain. Top Attractions 1. Rehai Hot Springs Why Visit: Known as "Hot Sea," this geothermal area has over 80 hot spring pools, each with unique properties. Some are perfect for a relaxing soak, while others are too hot and are used for steaming food or traditional therapies. Don’t Miss: Try the therapeutic spa treatments or soak in an outdoor pool surrounded by lush greenery. 2. Tengchong Volcanic Geothermal National Park Highlights: Home to dormant volcanic craters and lava fields, this park offers hiking trails with breathtaking views. Activities: Climb up volcanoes like Dakongshan (Large Empty Mountain) for panoramic views, or explore the Lava Stone Forest. 3. Heshun Ancient Town Why Visit: A quaint town filled with cobbled streets, traditional Yunnan-style homes, and a rich history of overseas Chinese who returned home. Must-See: Visit the Heshun Library, one of the oldest private libraries in China, and explore the charming teahouses and ancestral halls. 4. Beihai Wetlands Overview: This serene area features floating meadows and diverse bird species. Activities: Take a boat ride through the wetlands or enjoy bird-watching during migratory seasons. 5. Yunfeng Mountain Why Visit: A sacred Taoist site with an ancient temple at its peak. What to Do: Hike or take a cable car up the mountain, then enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 6. Dianmian Anti-Japanese War Memorial Historical Importance: Tengchong was a key battleground during WWII. This memorial honors the local and international soldiers who fought against Japanese forces. What to See: Artifacts, photographs, and the reconstructed battle sites. Cultural Highlights Traditional Crafts: Tengchong is famous for its jade carving. Visit local workshops to see artisans at work or purchase unique jade jewelry. Ethnic Diversity: Experience the culture of the Bai, Dai, and Lisu ethnic groups through their festivals, dances, and cuisines. Local Cuisine Signature Dishes: Guoqiao Mixian (Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles): A flavorful noodle soup with a variety of toppings. Bamboo Rice: Sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes. Tengchong Fried Pork: Crispy pork stir-fried with local spices. Mushroom Hotpot: A must-try with Yunnan’s diverse range of wild mushrooms. Snacks: Don’t miss the fengmi baba (honey glutinous rice cake) or fried potato balls. Best Time to Visit Spring and Autumn (March–May, September–November): These seasons offer mild weather and clear skies, perfect for outdoor exploration. Winter (December–February): Ideal for enjoying the hot springs, though mornings and evenings can be chilly. Shopping Jade and Gemstones: Tengchong is renowned for its high-quality jade. Look for authentic pieces in certified stores. Local Handicrafts: Embroidered textiles, wooden carvings, and bamboo products make great souvenirs. Tea: Yunnan is known for its Pu’er and black teas, widely available in Tengchong. Practical Tips Language: Mandarin is widely spoken, though some locals speak Yunnan dialects. Learn a few basic phrases for ease of communication. Currency: Bring enough cash, as rural areas may not accept cards or digital payments. Transportation: Rent a bicycle or use tuk-tuks to explore small towns like Heshun. Clothing: Pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate between day and night, especially in the mountains. Day Trips Ruili: A bustling border town with vibrant markets and a mix of Chinese and Burmese cultures. Myanmar Border: Visit the border towns to experience the unique blend of Chinese and Burmese influences. Tengchong is a destination that beautifully combines natural wonders, cultural depth, and historical significance, offering something for every traveler.

With Ben Norton ... With Brian Berletic / The New Atlas ... With Inside China Business ...

With i-PK MOVIE ...

With Ben Norton and Li JingJing ...