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.

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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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Managing your digital estate, Digital estate planning

 

How to safeguard online accounts, data in death

MOST PEOPLE have accumulated a pile of data – selfies, emails, videos and more – on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?

It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away, unless you take some simple steps.

Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:

APPLE

The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “legacy contact” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up, you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system – iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.

For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.

You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.

Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on – including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.

GOOGLE

Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.

When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait – from three to 18 months – before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.

You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access – including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.

There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.

FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM

Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honour their memories.

When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialise the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.

The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.

You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.

TIKTOK

The video-sharing platform says that, if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialise the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.

Once an account has been memorialised, it will be labelled ‘Remembering’. No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.

X

It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorised person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.

PASSWORDS

Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens, if not hundreds, of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?

Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, such as Keeper, Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.

But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.

Related:

Digital Estate Planning: Protecting Your Digital Assets