Stability into China-US relations

Since the US government took office, more than a month ago, International public opinion has been believing that Washington-Beijing communication has lost momentum. At the moment many signals show the ambivalence in Washington about China-US relation. On the one hand, the US continue to spread the “China threat” rhetoric. On the other hand, the relevant information just proves the importance of stable Washington-Beijing economic and trade relations to the United States.

The US administration knows that the tariff war would not bring tangible benefit to American consumers. Not to mention of the effect  related to the stock market, as it is no coincidence that since late January S&P 500 index has decreased by 3%. According to data, during the previous trade war launched by the US in 2018, most of Washington’s costs from tariffs on China hit American businesses and concumers.

The importance of maintaining stability between Washington and Beijing is related to the fact that trade war and tariff war have no winners. That’s an undeniable fact, as injecting new vitality into China-US relations would contribute to global stability. 

Out of season

This  morning I went shopping at the supermarket, athough I often choose to buy fruit and vegetables from smaller retail shops or local farmers. On the 22nd of February there were red and yellow peppers on the shelves. They seemed made of plastic.

I'm afraid that in the near future consumers in the EU can't indentify which fruits and vegetables are in season when. 

Not to mention of grapes, which I used to eat from late August to early October. It's better to eat such fruit in Summer, as high water content of grapes can aid hydration and contribute to skin health.

Season-specific foods are not only fresher but also denser in terms of nutrition.

Unfortunately, I have just seen green and purple grapes at the supermarket today 🤨 ... as mentioned in my previous post, published on the 1st of February, I had already seen grapes at the supermarket in Winter when I went to Dublin,  Edinburgh and London in the previous years.  

In addition to this, fruit and vegetables' prices are still rising, as inflaction has surged ahead in the first month of the new year. Actually, inflaction in euro area in January 2025 increased by 2.5% compared with the same month in 2024. 

While this month of February is still rainy, mimosa trees are already blooming here on the 42nd parallel.

    

Have a nice weekend ⛅

Images of February

                                                        

Most trees are still without leaves, and the weather is cloudy in mid-February. In the meanwhile, the province North Rome was hit by a flood yesterday.

There was damage to crops.

The highway has now been reopened.

In this context, it seems people are more aware of flood hazards, as many small building located close to the rivers have been demolished. The photo below was taken before the flood. 

Have a nice Valentine's day!

China's increasing power

(Photo courtesy by Stefano Gazzano)

Since early 2000s China has been increasing its economic power, technological strenght, and national defense capability. Not to mention of Beijing's significant role in global politics. For example, in 2024 China showed its considerable role of being a reliable peacemaker between Saudi Arabia and Iran. 

(Photo courtesy by Stefano Gazzano)

Furthermore, China and India have recently agreed to carry out active interaction at all levels on bilateral and multilateral opportunities, powerfully built strategic communication, and enhance mutual political trust. I am so glad to hear such a great news, as in terms of international politics it means that unipolarism will not exist anymore. It's easy to see that the only country that owns military basis in more than 80 states around the world will be compelled to share its power.

(Photo courtesy by Stefano Gazzano)

The fact that Beijing is now hit by Trump tariffs on steel and aluminium leeds me to think that the US is challenging China using many tactics, including economic restrictions and military encirclement.

Sovereignity and dignity of all countries do not have to be subordinated to the hegemonic countries' investment management companies.

Pigeons on a cold morning

 

This morning, on a cold Wednesday (2°C), many pigeons stood on the power line while they were enjoying the sun.

It seems that all electrons stay in power line and out of the birds body. 

Eating seasonally

 

I like eating seasonally in winter, as I think we haven't to lose the beauty of the nature. The problem is that some veggies available at the grocery are not in season, and this may disconnect us from the roots of local and sustainable eating. Unfortunately I saw such a reliance on convenience also outside my country. For example, while I was visiting Scotland, England and Ireland I saw tomatoes, aubergines and green grapes in February at the Tesco Superstore.🍅🍇 But why we, humans, force to grow when it is not its natural time to grow ❓

Not only are in-season veggies healthier but they taste better too. In addition to this, our body specifically need vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that we can't find in veggies and fruits out of season. For example, we need Vitamin C and antioxidants in winter. Furthermore, from an environmental point of view, fruits and veggies out of season are shipped from far away. And not to mention of premature harvesting.

Have a nice month of February  ... with in-season fruits and veggies 😃