US blacklists 6 Chinese entities over balloon programme
Beijing (AP): The United States on Friday blacklisted six Chinese entities it said were linked to Beijing's aerospace programs as part of its retaliation over an alleged Chinese spy balloon that traversed the country's airspace.
The economic restrictions followed the Biden administration's pledge to consider broader efforts to address Chinese surveillance activities and will make it more difficult for the five companies and one research institute to obtain American technology exports.
The move is likely to further escalate the diplomatic row between the U.S. and China sparked by the balloon, which was shot down last weekend off the Carolina coast. The U.S. said the balloon was equipped to detect and collect intelligence signals, but Beijing insists it was a weather craft that had blown off course.
The incident prompted Secretary of State Antony Blinken to abruptly cancel a high-stakes trip to Beijing aimed at easing tensions.
The U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security said the six entities were being targeted for "their support to China's military modernization efforts, specifically the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) aerospace programs including airships and balloons."
"The PLA is utilizing High Altitude Balloons (HAB) for intelligence and reconnaissance activities," it said.
Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves said on Twitter his department "will not hesitate to continue to use" such restrictions and other regulatory and enforcement tools "to protect U.S. national security and sovereignty."
The six entities are Beijing Nanjiang Aerospace Technology Co., China Electronics Technology Group Corporation 48th Research Institute, Dongguan Lingkong Remote Sensing Technology Co., Eagles Men Aviation Science and Technology Group Co., Guangzhou Tian-Hai-Xiang Aviation Technology Co., and Shanxi Eagles Men Aviation Science and Technology Group Co.
On Friday, a U.S. military fighter jet shot down an unknown object flying off the remote northern coast of Alaska on orders from President Joe Biden. The object was downed because it reportedly posed a threat to the safety of civilian flights, instead of any knowledge that it was engaged in surveillance.
But the twin incidents in such close succession reflect heightened concerns over China's surveillance program and public pressure on Biden to take a tough stand against it. (AP)
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Goa readies to ring in New Year with massive tourist turnout
Panaji (PTI): Goa is bracing for an influx of tourists in the run-up to New Year's Eve, as at least five lakh visitors are expected to throng the beaches and party hotspots of the coastal state to usher in the festivities, an official said on Sunday.
The state tourism department claimed that the December 6 nightclub fire that killed 25 people in Arpora village in North Goa didn't seem to have impacted the activities.
Talking to PTI Videos, State Tourism Director Kedar Naik said Goa is a safe destination, and people will continue to enjoy their New Year celebrations here.
Popular beaches are gearing up for grand firework displays, while shacks are transforming into high-energy party zones that will keep buzzing late into the night.
The state was fully geared up to receive visitors from India and abroad, Naik said.
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"Goa is all set to welcome tourists for the New Year's Eve celebrations. We have seen a large number of tourists coming into the state this entire year," he said.
While the number of tourists was considerably low due to flight cancellations in the first week of December, things have picked up, and now visitors are crowding the beaches and the hinterland, Naik said.
"Regular chartered flights are coming in from Russia and the UK. Apart from these, new chartered services have been started to new destinations and will continue to come till March," he said.
Tourists were seen soaking in the festive atmosphere at restaurants, flea markets and promenades in Calangute and Baga in North Goa and South Goa's beaches, including Benauli, Majorda, Colva and Palolem.
For domestic tourists, the New Year celebrations make Goa the destination of choice this time of the year.
Vaibhav, a tourist from Kolhapur, said, "We came to Goa during the Christmas season to celebrate the holidays. As you can see, the beaches are very crowded, and it feels really nice to be here in Goa."
Social media influencers and content creators are using the vibrant atmosphere as a backdrop for their work, mixed with leisure.
"I have been coming to Goa for many years, and we love Goa. I love the seafood and everything about the place," said Vrushali Jawale, a content creator from Mumbai.
Fireworks are slated to light up the skies along the shoreline at midnight on December 31, while cruise vessels plan special sailings, and music festivals and club events are expected to continue till dawn.
The state, long known for its easygoing vibe, beach shacks and nightlife, is once again set to transform into a massive open-air party venue for revellers from across the world.
