Chinese leader Xi Jinping has outlined his "four red lines" to US President Joe Biden.The hot-button issues concern democracy and China's development.Xi's comments came two months ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in January.It will be another two months before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office, but China is already setting boundaries between the two countries.On Saturday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping outlined his "four red lines" in US-China ties at a meeting with US President Joe Biden.The four hot-button issues are Taiwan, democracy and human rights, China's path and system, and the country's rights to development."They must not be challenged," said Xi, according to a statement after the two leaders' meeting on the sidelines of the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Lima, Peru."These are the most important guardrails and safety nets for China-US relations," said Xi.Of the four issues, Taiwan is the most sensitive issue between the two countries, as Xi has repeatedly said over the years.Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has said recently that it will never commit to renouncing the use of force over the island. The area is strategically important to the US as the world's semiconductor chip-producing hub and a key security hub.But Trump's presidency is already raising risks for Taiwan.In June, Trump told Bloomberg Businessweek that Taiwan should pay the US for defense.Trump could start his trade war on his first dayXi's comments came amid concerns that the world's two largest economies are set to head into conflict after Trump takes office on January 20.The incoming American president has already nominated Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a China hawk, as Secretary of State. Trump has also threatened to hit China with tariffs of 60%.Despite signs that the two superpowers could be headed for rockier times, Xi and Biden sought to strike a conciliatory tone on bilateral ties during their Saturday meeting.The two leaders "stressed the importance of responsibly managing competitive aspects of the relationship" as well as preventing conflict and maintaining open lines of communication, according to a White House readout of the meeting.Even so, Trump's impending presidency is likely to bring about fresh uncertainties, starting with trade."Trump means what he says when it comes to tariffs," wrote Josh Lipsky, the senior director at the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center, in a note last week.Lipsky expects Trump to start his new trade war during his first day on the job by trying to revive the trade deal he signed with China in January 2020.China committed to purchasing $200 billion of American goods over two years, including $32 billion in agriculture products. The deal expired at the end of 2021 with the Chinese not meeting said Sarah Bianchi, then the deputy US trade representative, in February 2022.Trump is likely to try to revive the trade deal once he takes office as a "useful starting point" before the new tariffs come into effect, wrote the Atlantic Council's Lipsky.Lipsky said he doesn't expect Trump to impose 60% tariffs on Chinese imports to the US across the board. But he wrote that there will be "real and tangible new tariffs," the effects of which will spill over to the global economy.

Black Friday is just around the corner and gaming enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate early: StackSocial has unveiled a great deal thats sure to catch the eye of Xbox fans: The online retailer has reduced the price of a three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription and offers it at a mere $36.49 down from the regular price of $50.97. It brings the monthly cost down to approximately $12 and saving subscribers $8 per month.See Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at StackSocialGreat news: Gamers can maximize their savings by strategically stacking these non-region-locked Xbox Game Pass Ultimate codes (up to 15 months) to extend their subscription period at the attractive discounted rate.Enjoy The Premium Subscription at Lower CostThis StackSocial deal is an excellent opportunity for gamers to experience the full breadth of what Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has to offer. As Microsofts premier gaming subscription service, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate provides an unparalleled value proposition for players across multiple platforms. At its core, the service grants access to a vast library of high-quality games which spans from blockbuster titles to indie gems all available to download and play at no additional cost.The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also offers day-one release feature: Subscribers can enjoy new games from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda and Activision Blizzard on the very day they launch, eliminating the need to purchase these titles separately. A few days ago, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was released worldwide and it was immediately available on the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.The service doesnt just cater to console gamers as it extends its reach to PC gaming as well. With a single subscription, players can access hundreds of high-quality games on both Xbox consoles and PCs. This cross-platform accessibility is further enhanced by cloud gaming capabilities, allowing subscribers to stream their favorite games on various devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and even select VR headsets.Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also includes an EA Play membership at no additional cost. This integration opens up a treasure trove of Electronic Arts best-loved games, along with exclusive in-game rewards and early trials of select new EA titles. Multiplayer gaming is another cornerstone of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate experience: The subscription includes Xbox Live Gold so that players can engage in online multiplayer matches across a wide array of games.As Black Friday is almost here, this StackSocial early bird offer really stands out as a prime opportunity for gamers.See Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at StackSocial

Thereve been plenty of shonen anime thatve hit it off with audiences over the past few years, like Spy x Family, Jujutsu Kaisen,andDan Da Dan. 2025 plans to get right into the swing of things withSakamoto Days,which got a fresh new trailer earlier this week. Based on Yuto Suzukis ongoing manga and developed by Studio TMS (Blue Box), the series centers on Taru Sakamoto, a renowned hitman who gave up his ways after meeting Aoi, the love of his life. Flash forward several years, and Tarus put on some pounds and is now running a convenience store with Aoi and their daughter Hana. But you dont leave the hitman life so easily, and old enemies decide to come gunning for him, assuming that hell be easy pickings. He wont be, both because hes still got his old hitman skills, but hes also got help in his employee Shin, himself an ex-contract killer who also happens to have powers of clairvoyance. Yknow, normal hitman skills. Do you like the goofy antics in an average episode of Spy x Family? It feels like Sakamoto Days is hoping to be as silly and fun as that, since we see Sakamoto balance being both an incredible ass-kicker and also a good family man. Its got some of its own unique energy, though: he may not be in his prime anymore, but in extreme situations, his body reverts to his original skinny self, and with twice the power behind his hits. And the enemies coming his way are a colorful bunch, from a guy with rocket-powered gloves to a nudist archer and the daughter of a Chinese mob boss. If all this sounds like your jam,then youll be pleased to hearSakamoto Dayshits Crunchyroll and Netflix on January 11, 2025, with a second arc hitting in July. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

The Blue Insight Cave Space / 3andwich Deisgn / He Wei StudioSave this picture! DONG ImageGallery, Sustainability & Green DesignChao Yang Qu, ChinaArchitects: 3andwich Deisgn / He Wei StudioAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:460 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:DONG Image Lead Architects: He Wei More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The project is situated along Donghai No.1 Road in Xiapu, Ningde City, Fujian Province, and serves as a crucial element in the construction of Ningde's "Zero Carbon Island". The original site comprised a viewing platform and a parking lot. Adjacent to the East China Sea, it boasts a vast vista. Directly in front of the platform stands Bijia Mountain Island, rising majestically from the sea, with numerous reefs and sea caves lining the cliffs below. The sea breeze, waves, islands, reefs, and sea caves collectively create a unique coastal scenery.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!After discussing with the owner, a consensus on the design principles had been reached. As Chairman Zhou Wenling of Ningde Tourism Development Group stated, the building should embody three words: "precipitousness, concealment, and integration." Precipitousness means facing the sea but not exceeding it, while also giving people a sense of danger and suspension. Concealment means hiding in the ground, like what grows in the ground, appearing humbly, not disturbing the environment, and not making noise. Integration means blending into the coastal landscape and local culture.Save this picture!Save this picture!The design inspiration comes from the reefs and sea caves around the site. The building has an irregular shape, and the nonright angled shape reminds people of the reefs around the site. The building adopts a soil-covering form, which minimizes the occupation of land to the greatest extent possible. The main body of the building is hidden underground, which not only respects environmental factors but also maintains a relatively stable indoor temperature, reducing the energy consumption of cooling in summer.Save this picture!Save this picture!The main entrance of the building is located on the west side of the roof, with a semi-circular shape that extends from underground. From here, people can enter the interior of the building through the descending passage. The interior of the building is composed of multiple interconnected "cave" spaces. The architect drew inspiration from the surrounding sea-eroded landforms and created an organic and dramatic space through mimicry. This place can host exhibitions, and small gatherings, and provide catering services.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The Blue Insight Cave Space is a small cultural and tourism project, yet also important for the local community. Firstly, the building provides a brand new public space for tourists coming to Donghai No.1 Road, filling the regret of the long-term lack of high-quality cultural space in the area. Secondly, the unique appearance and experience of the building have become a new cultural and tourism landmark in the area, playing a good role in attracting people.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Room 12B02, Building A, Joy city, Chaoyang District, Beijing , ChinaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeMaterialConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on November 18, 2024Cite: "The Blue Insight Cave Space / 3andwich Deisgn / He Wei Studio" 18 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1023446/the-blue-insight-cave-space-3andwich-deisgn-he-wei-studio&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Trends in Hotel Common Spaces: From Lounges and Co-Working Rooms to Terraces and Swimming PoolsSponsored ContentSave this picture!Courtesy of onixThe evolution of new technologies, innovative applications, and a shift towards sustainable solutions are central to contemporary hotel architecture. These developments aim to raise awareness about environmental care while enhancing indoor comfort and well-being. From expansive resorts and tourist complexes to cabins and remote retreats, the design of common areas incorporates essential furniture for effective activities, proper climate control equipments, and wall and floor finishes that align with specific needs.Today's architects and interior designers are embracing diverse concepts, notably incorporating biophilia into indoor spaces, utilizing renewable energy for interior comfort, and involving local artists and artisans in the creation of furniture, equipments, and artworks. The design of communal placessuch as lounges, meeting rooms, co-working areas, restaurants, terraces, and sports facilitiesfocuses on providing a range of services and experiences that enhance external views, lighting, ventilation, and overall user comfort.Save this picture!International fairs, seminars, conferences, and business meetingslike Feria Hbitat Valencia, Cersaie in Bologna, and Marmomac in Verona serve as platforms for companies in construction, architecture, and design to showcase their products, detailing from manufacturing processes to design methodologies and specific material properties. The public entity ICEX Espaa Exportacin e Inversiones aims to promote the internationalization of companies through various programs and supports businesses seeking to expand into global markets. One of ICEX's core activities includes organizing trade missions and participating in international fairs and exhibitions while offering training and consulting services to Spanish companies. This support equips businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the global market. Companies like Actiu, Ezarri, Grespania, and Flexbrick are exploring materials, designs, finishes, and textures to improve facility efficiency and user experiences.Actiu and Andreu World: Blending Work and LeisureWhat are digital nomads, and how do their needs impact contemporary hotel architecture? Following the COVID-19 pandemic, global work practices have shifted towards hybrid or fully remote models, depending on the industry. The trend of combining work with leisure presents a significant opportunity for hotel architecture. By integrating co-working zones, meeting rooms, and areas equipped with multiple outlets and high-speed Wi-Fi, hotels are continuously adapting their services to meet the demands of this emerging and growing sector.Save this picture!At Casa de Mareas in Escalante (Cantabria), common areas have been transformed into co-working spaces designed to promote the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of guests. Actiu has equipped these spaces with versatile, operational solutions, installing professional tables and chairs to provide flexibility for individual and collaborative work tasks. Meanwhile, Andreu World focuses on creating quality products with comfortable furniture and innovative designs for large conference spaces like in the Hotel Arenas Valencia and individualized meeting rooms like those in the Gensler project in California.Save this picture!Ezarri and Onix: Beyond Wellness SpacesThe growing interest in self-care, treatments, and wellness experiences indicates a trend that is leading hotels to incorporate new spaces and uses that meet these needs. Beyond traditional beauty and relaxation services, there is an increasing range of personalized diagnostics and treatment plans related to health, sports performance, nutrition, emotional balance, and sleep. What requirements do spaces for spas, saunas, meditation, and yoga demand? What materials can enhance the performance and functionality of floors and walls?Save this picture!Onix considers glass mosaics a fundamental element in both interior and exterior decoration due to their aesthetic possibilities and customization. For instance, at the Hotel Capella Sydney, they utilized various models of glass mosaics in shades of gray and beige that harmonize with other materials. By blending tradition and modernity, they provided customized pieces with a smooth, slip-resistant finish, ensuring comfort and safety in wet areas. Ezarri offers a range of slip-resistant, easy-to-clean designs, applicable in projects from private spas in the UK to wellness spaces like Banya Wellness in Montenegro and Hotel Stary Zdrj in Poland.Save this picture!Gresmanc and Flexbrick: Facade Solutions for Interior ComfortIn terms of sustainability, reducing carbon footprints and waste in construction, along with the economic benefits of lowering a building's energy consumption, are current priorities for many hotels and resorts. Utilizing renewable energies such as solar and wind power, sourcing local materials, and implementing passive bioclimatic architectural strategies from the design phase are critical. It's essential to consider how strategies like smart lighting, efficient heating systems, water recycling, composting systems, etc., will support activities and meet the needs of guests, visitors, and employees.Save this picture!From residential projects to office buildings, hospitals, and hotels, Gresmanc Group's ventilated facades offer a range of solutions in extruded ceramics, with designs that meet the creative and efficient demands of professionals. Their participation in Cersaie 2024 showcases their energy performance, aesthetics, and a production model based on the circular economy that promotes responsible production and consumption. Meanwhile, Flexbrick's ceramic fabrics contribute to this global paradigm shift in facade installation, made from recycled and recyclable materials and installed using dry mechanical fastenings for complete recyclability. For example, the Parking Saint-Roch features a ceramic mesh as a smart curtain, connecting with the environment while saving time and energy by eliminating the need for forced ventilation.Save this picture!Grespania and Piedra Paloma: Purity and Naturalness in Interior Finishes for Dining AreasArchitecture and gastronomy have always been related, as many construction materials are like culinary recipes, following specific instructions to create a finished product. In hospitality, common areas like breakfast spaces, daily dining rooms, and evening restaurants are constantly busy hosting guests, employees, and visitors. Using interior finishes for floors and walls can create fresh, natural, warm, and elegant environments through the application of porcelain and ceramics resembling stone, marble, and wood.Save this picture!At Cersaie 2024, Grespania introduced a new concept symbolizing a return to the origins where the true essence of raw materials lies. Through CarvedTechnology, they achieve maximum realism with a very natural look for their pieces, while 3DTechnology creates an aged stone or marble effect. Grespania's porcelain applications, available in various formats, proportions, textures, and colors, aim to create feelings of spaciousness and visual continuity. Additionally, companies like Piedra Paloma specialize in marketing natural stone sourced from their own quarries. Their installation in the interiors of the Hotel SeaMarq in Seoul showcases potential uses in circulation areas and dining spaces.Save this picture!Gres Aragn and Daplast: Recreational Areas and Outdoor SpacesAmong the various amenities offered by hotels and resorts, recreational areas are becoming increasingly important in guests' vacation routines, in children's leisure time, etc. Just as Daplast develops specific seating solutions for sports facility bleachers, Gres Aragn creates ceramics for recreational and sports pool floors, demonstrating the capacity of extruded gres to merge top technical performance with a range of finishes, from warm wood and elegant marble to the natural look of stone and modern cement designs.Save this picture!Ceramics are considered one of the safest and most timeless construction options due to their versatility, durability, and resistance, qualities that carry over to outdoor applications. Within ceramics, extruded gres is a low-maintenance material with high versatility, applicable to floors, walls, stairs, facades, and pools, among other uses.Save this picture!A tip of the hat to these companies for offering a truly customer-centric travel experience. By continually raising the bar in hotel architecture, they are boldly venture into uncharted territories, stretching beyond the trends of the moment to bring new insights and thoughts. From the artistry of ceramics to the final frontier of space travel, these trailblazers are redefining the very essence of leisure, enriching it with innovative solutions and a thoughtful, design-led approach.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorAgustina IiguezAuthorCite: Agustina Iiguez. "Trends in Hotel Common Spaces: From Lounges and Co-Working Rooms to Terraces and Swimming Pools" 18 Nov 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1022465/trends-in-hotel-common-spaces-from-lounges-and-co-working-rooms-to-terraces-and-swimming-pools&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has commented on the success of the Fallout TV series on Prime Video, saying it helped the "quirky" Fallout game series appeal to a wider audience.This was made possible, he said at a Variety event, in part because of the creative trust and collaboration between Fallout executive producer Jonathan Nolan and game developer Todd Howard from Bethesda."It was critical early on to have that creative trust so that our game teams could both understand what they brought to the equation in terms of the world, the setting, some of the camp humor, but also be willing to step back and let another very talented creator take the reins in a medium that we don't have an expertise in," Spencer said. "Anytime we try to do something new it should be advancing what that world is. One thing I really loved about the television show is it made the somewhat quirky world of Fallout more accessible to more people."Continue Reading at GameSpot

Despite prominent Disney-owned Marvel heroes like Spider-Man and Wolverine having long-term deals on Sony's PlayStation 5, Xbox has deals for a few Disney properties of its own including Marvel's Blade and Lucasfilm's Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has previously expressed his wariness towards licensed games, but he recently praised Disney and Lucasfilm for being strong partners on their upcoming projects together."I feel great about our partnership with Lucas and Disney," Spencer told Game File. "They've been good partners. We're obviously doing Blade with Arkane Lyon with them. I was just out there visiting with that team."During the same interview, Spencer explained that one of the reasons he dislikes dealing with licensed titles is that the licenses can expire, which leads to games being delisted over time. Instead, he prefers to focus on IP owned by Microsoft's umbrella of developers and studios. But for games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Spencer is willing to make some exceptions in part because the developer--MachineGames--has such an intense passion for the property.Continue Reading at GameSpot

Pokemon TCG Pocket is a free-to-play mobile version of the popular card-collecting phenomenon, allowing players to open two packs daily for free. Of course, you can head into the shop and spend real-world money to open as many cards as you want, but it's totally doable if you want to go the F2P route.

Half-Life 2 is widely recognized as a landmark title in gaming history, celebrated for its engaging narrative, dynamic gameplay, and impeccable level design. This timeless classic continues to attract new players, challenging them with its balance between action and puzzle-solving. Knowing some initial strategies can transform the experience, making it even more satisfying and immersive.

UnderPath A Survival Horror Game in Development for 3.5 YearsUnderPath is an atmospheric survival horror game that blends intense exploration, strategic puzzles, and a deep narrative experience. Developed over the past 3.5 years by a solo developer, this project is the result of years of dedicated work, with the goal of delivering a unique and engaging indie horror experience.About the GameIn UnderPath, players explore dark forests,