Author: overtheborders

Diplomat author Mercy Kuo regularly attracts subject experts, policy practitioners and strategic thinkers from around the world for their diverse insights into US Asian policy. This conversation with Russell Fuciao – Executive Director of the Global Taiwan Institute, auxiliary fellow at the Pacific Forum, and author of “21st Century Red Tide: CCP Propaganda and United Front” (2025) ranked 450th in the “Trans-Pacific View Insight Series.” Compare and contrast the objectives, functions and methods of the Chinese Communist Party's Propaganda Department (CPD) and the United Front Work Department (UFWD). The ultimate purpose of CPD and UFWD is to achieve narrative domination…

Qantas has announced more than half of the cabin upgrade programme for the Boeing 737-800. The airline says 42 of the 75 737 fleets will be overhauled by the cabin. With its refreshed cabin, the 737 will be available for service in 2027 and will be deployed across domestic and short-distance networks. The announcement came alongside the release of its six-month financial results, but the airline is preparing to prepare the first A321XLR deliveries, which will eventually replace the 737. The first A321XLR (a registered VH-OGA) will be released in June, Qantas, two months later than previously disclosed. Still, Qantas…

This gorgeous island features white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and refreshing summer temperatures, making it a favorite holiday spot for the Prince and Princess of Wales.You will be allowed to think that this island must be in the Caribbean, but instead it is just off the Cornish coast.Tresco is an incredible holiday spot and an area of ​​outstanding natural beauty.To maintain this beauty, the island has no cars and almost all vehicles are electric.Electric transport shuttles and golf buggies are the preferred modes of transportation. Of course, you can walk or ride your bike through all the beauty this…

SunExpress, a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and the Lufthansa Group, recently celebrated the airline's 35th anniversary. To celebrate this anniversary, CEO Max Kownatzki gave important insights into the development of the airline and future strategic plans at an event held in Antalya, Turkey. SunExpress has developed from a small charter airline that primarily brought German tourists to the Turkish Riviera, becoming a major player in international air traffic. In 2024, the airline carries over 15 million passengers and is looking forward to an impressive expansion in the global aviation industry. SunExpress Travel: From Charter Airlines to International Providers Since…

As we finally say goodbye to dark mornings and frozen temperatures, the British will scrutinise the internet for the perfect holiday destination heading into March.This stunning Spanish city is often referred to as the “Iberian oven” due to the heat that explodes from North Africa, making it perfect for spring holidays. In fact, the average temperature in the city in March is a refreshing 21c, with 7 hours of sunlight per day, but only 11c in the UK.Seville, a city in southwestern Spain, is the fourth largest city in the country and the capital of Andalusia, boasting a rich history…

Qatar Airways concludes regulatory approval for a 25% investment in Virgin Australia, paving the way for Australian airlines to eventually resume long-haul operations. The “strategic partnership” between the two careers, first announced in October 2024, was greenlighted by the Australian Foreign Investment Review Board on February 27th. The approval comes more than a week after the anti-trust regulator proposed to approve the commercial partnership. Virgin Owners Bain Capital, along with Virgin Group and Queensland Investment Corporation, will hold shareholdings in the airline after investing in Qatar. This decision means that Virgin Australia will finally be able to resume the Boeing…

Visitors to popular Spanish destinations are likely to face higher rates and new rules this summer, with many local governments considering tackling fresh laws this summer to address a wave of tourist problems.With holiday hotspots like Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza estimated to experience an influx of 20 million people this year, Balearics politicians are considering “tourism containment” measures to avoid “non-crow spraying.” On Friday, the governors' party will propose a package of new measures that is expected to include new tourism taxes in overnight stays on the island and more police powers to reveal illegal tourist rentals.Among the legislative proposals…

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its 2024 annual safety report, highlighting the progress and challenges of aviation safety. The industry continues to show strong overall safety performance, but certain metrics indicate areas of caution. Important findings Total Tuition Fees: In 2024, the total worldwide tuition fee was 1.13 flights per 1.13 flights, equivalent to one accident per 880,000 flights. This highlights an average improvement of 1.25 over the five years, but represents a slight increase from 1.09 recorded in 2023. Fatal Accidents: Seven fatal accidents in 2024 resulted in 244 onboard lethalities. This shows a single fatal…

Digbeth in Birmingham was named one of the coolest places in the UK.According to a new survey, if you edit the list of the coolest postal codes in the country, Digbeth's Zip Code B9 is one of the top-level locations.Describing Digbet as the perfect “Brummie Brats,” the Sunday Times writes that the area, once a “Beat Industrial Heart” in Birmingham, has now become Ground Zero for “365 Party Girls (and Boys).”They continued: “This graffitiful neighborhood vibe has been converted into a warehouse with club culture at its gateway. Club Colette is housed in an abandoned fried chicken shop hidden under…

At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, President Trump casually said Environmental Protection Agency manager Lee Zeldin intended to fire 65% of his employees.Trump said Zeldin “is thinking he's going to cut around 65% of people from the environment, and will also speed up the process at the same time.”Within minutes, the agency manager said he had received a White House memo telling him to prepare for a massive layoff.A memo sent to leaders from multiple agencies said the federal government is “expensive, inefficient and deep in debt.” Although they didn't mention the 65% target, it would cut down on the…