Panama Canal chief denies Trump’s claims of Chinese meddling
By Associated Press
The administrator of the Panama Canal said on Friday that the vital waterway will remain in Panamanian hands and open to commerce from all countries, rejecting claims by US president-elect Donald Trump that the United States should take it over.
In an interview with Associated Press, Ricaurte Vásquez denied Trump’s claims that China was controlling the canal’s operations, and said making exceptions to current rules controlling its operation would lead to “chaos”.
He said Chinese companies operating in the ports on either end of the canal were part of a Hong Kong consortium that won a bidding process in 1997. He added that US and Taiwanese companies are operating other ports along the canal as well.
Trump has gone so far as to suggest the US should take control of the canal back and he would not rule out using military might to do so.
“It might be that you’ll have to do something,” Trump said on Tuesday. “The Panama Canal is vital to our country.” Trump has characterised the fees for transiting the canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as “ridiculous”.
Panama President José Raúl Mulino has said unequivocally that the canal will remain in Panamanian hands.
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By Associated Press
The administrator of the Panama Canal said on Friday that the vital waterway will remain in Panamanian hands and open to commerce from all countries, rejecting claims by US president-elect Donald Trump that the United States should take it over.
In an interview with Associated Press, Ricaurte Vásquez denied Trump’s claims that China was controlling the canal’s operations, and said making exceptions to current rules controlling its operation would lead to “chaos”.
He said Chinese companies operating in the ports on either end of the canal were part of a Hong Kong consortium that won a bidding process in 1997. He added that US and Taiwanese companies are operating other ports along the canal as well.
Trump has gone so far as to suggest the US should take control of the canal back and he would not rule out using military might to do so.
“It might be that you’ll have to do something,” Trump said on Tuesday. “The Panama Canal is vital to our country.” Trump has characterised the fees for transiting the canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans as “ridiculous”.
Panama President José Raúl Mulino has said unequivocally that the canal will remain in Panamanian hands.
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US national security adviser fears Trump might push some Indo-Pacific nations toward China
By Robert Delaney
A senior White House official expressed concern on Friday that the incoming administration of US president-elect Donald Trump will push some Indo-Pacific countries into China’s embrace if it diverges from the policies that President Joe Biden pursued in the region.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan made the comment as part of a media round table held to sum up the Biden administration’s “enduring commitment” to the region, just 10 days before Mike Waltz – Trump’s pick to fill Sullivan’s role – enters the White House.
“I do worry that questions about America’s reliability and staying power with our allies and partners will lead countries to say, ‘maybe we need to hedge with China’,” Sullivan said.
“That is a genuine concern, and so my hope is that when the new administration comes in, they a clear message of continuity and saying power and commitment … and that they’ll want to build upon the strategic position of the United States in the region.”
Sullivan spoke after a series of Trump statements indicating that he will seek an aggressively expansive foreign policy that shows little regard for the sovereignty of some US allies, including a suggestion that Canada become America’s 51st state and an ambiguous stance on the defence of Ukraine.
Trump has also taken an increasingly critical stance towards other mutual defence agreements, even suggesting in a campaign speech that Russia should attack members of Nato who had not met their defence spending commitments.
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By Robert Delaney
A senior White House official expressed concern on Friday that the incoming administration of US president-elect Donald Trump will push some Indo-Pacific countries into China’s embrace if it diverges from the policies that President Joe Biden pursued in the region.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan made the comment as part of a media round table held to sum up the Biden administration’s “enduring commitment” to the region, just 10 days before Mike Waltz – Trump’s pick to fill Sullivan’s role – enters the White House.
“I do worry that questions about America’s reliability and staying power with our allies and partners will lead countries to say, ‘maybe we need to hedge with China’,” Sullivan said.
“That is a genuine concern, and so my hope is that when the new administration comes in, they a clear message of continuity and saying power and commitment … and that they’ll want to build upon the strategic position of the United States in the region.”
Sullivan spoke after a series of Trump statements indicating that he will seek an aggressively expansive foreign policy that shows little regard for the sovereignty of some US allies, including a suggestion that Canada become America’s 51st state and an ambiguous stance on the defence of Ukraine.
Trump has also taken an increasingly critical stance towards other mutual defence agreements, even suggesting in a campaign speech that Russia should attack members of Nato who had not met their defence spending commitments.
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Meta abandons racial diversity programmes as Zuckerberg woos Trump
Meta宣布解散其多样性、公平性和包容性（DEI）项目，这是该公司战略重大转变的一部分，符合政治保守派的优先事项。这一决定在一份内部备忘录中透露，包括取消多元化招聘计划和解散DEI团队等内容。
Meta的这一举措是对美国最高法院近期裁决的反应，这些裁决对允许在美国大学中增加多样性优先事项的项目产生了影响。该公司表示，法律和政策环境正在发生变化。同时，这一公告也发生在Meta最近对内容审核政策进行了重大调整之际，标志着其与即将上任的美国总统特朗普的优先事项一致。Meta首席执行官马克·扎克伯格近期积极与特朗普进行和解，并在特朗普当选后捐赠了100万美元给其就职基金。
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Meta宣布解散其多样性、公平性和包容性（DEI）项目，这是该公司战略重大转变的一部分，符合政治保守派的优先事项。这一决定在一份内部备忘录中透露，包括取消多元化招聘计划和解散DEI团队等内容。
Meta的这一举措是对美国最高法院近期裁决的反应，这些裁决对允许在美国大学中增加多样性优先事项的项目产生了影响。该公司表示，法律和政策环境正在发生变化。同时，这一公告也发生在Meta最近对内容审核政策进行了重大调整之际，标志着其与即将上任的美国总统特朗普的优先事项一致。Meta首席执行官马克·扎克伯格近期积极与特朗普进行和解，并在特朗普当选后捐赠了100万美元给其就职基金。
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Venezuela’s Maduro takes new oath amid protests about disputed election
委内瑞拉总统尼古拉斯·马杜罗在 renewed protests and international condemnation中宣誓就职，继续其日益专制的统治。他在立法宫进行宣誓，周围戒备森严，表明他对权力的控制依链于安全部队。尽管美国和其他国家认为他在去年的选举中舞弊，但他依然展现出强大的支持，周围聚集了穿着亲马杜罗T恤的人群。
在宣誓仪式上，马杜罗将自己比作圣经中的大卫，与反对派及其美国支持者斗争，指责他们试图将这一事件转变为“世界大战”。他称，未能阻止他连任意味着委内瑞拉的和平与国家主权获得了重大胜利，并强调其领导地位并非由美国或其他拉美“亲帝国主义”国家所助推。
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委内瑞拉总统尼古拉斯·马杜罗在 renewed protests and international condemnation中宣誓就职，继续其日益专制的统治。他在立法宫进行宣誓，周围戒备森严，表明他对权力的控制依链于安全部队。尽管美国和其他国家认为他在去年的选举中舞弊，但他依然展现出强大的支持，周围聚集了穿着亲马杜罗T恤的人群。
在宣誓仪式上，马杜罗将自己比作圣经中的大卫，与反对派及其美国支持者斗争，指责他们试图将这一事件转变为“世界大战”。他称，未能阻止他连任意味着委内瑞拉的和平与国家主权获得了重大胜利，并强调其领导地位并非由美国或其他拉美“亲帝国主义”国家所助推。
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Havana Syndrome: US finds no link to foreign foe, but 2 spy agencies say it’s possible
美国情报机构未发现证据表明有外国势力与“哈瓦那综合症”伤害相关联。尽管如此，部分机构表示可能存在外国对手开发或使用导致这些伤害的武器的可能性。这一结论是基于七个不同情报机构对一些美国外交官及政府人员所报告的脑部损伤和其他症状的评估。
这项评估是在周五发布的，五个情报机构认为外国对手参与这些事件的可能性极低。然而，另外两个机构提出了不同的观点，认为有可能存在某种外国力量所开发的技术或武器。值得注意的是，这两个机构并未找到证据将任何特定事件与外国技术相联系，而是基于对外国武器发展和能力的理解进行了评估。症状最早于2016年在古巴首次被报告，此后在多个国家被数百名美国外交和政府人员经历，这一系列健康问题最终被称为“哈瓦那综合症”。
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美国情报机构未发现证据表明有外国势力与“哈瓦那综合症”伤害相关联。尽管如此，部分机构表示可能存在外国对手开发或使用导致这些伤害的武器的可能性。这一结论是基于七个不同情报机构对一些美国外交官及政府人员所报告的脑部损伤和其他症状的评估。
这项评估是在周五发布的，五个情报机构认为外国对手参与这些事件的可能性极低。然而，另外两个机构提出了不同的观点，认为有可能存在某种外国力量所开发的技术或武器。值得注意的是，这两个机构并未找到证据将任何特定事件与外国技术相联系，而是基于对外国武器发展和能力的理解进行了评估。症状最早于2016年在古巴首次被报告，此后在多个国家被数百名美国外交和政府人员经历，这一系列健康问题最终被称为“哈瓦那综合症”。
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As a felon, Trump can vote but can’t own gun, has to turn over DNA
美国总统当选人唐纳德·特朗普因纽约封口费案件被判有罪，但法院决定不对其处以监禁、罚款或社区服务，最终以无条件释放结束此案。这意味着尽管特朗普的商业记录造假罪名仍在，但他不需要承担任何实际惩罚。
然而，除非这一判决将来被推翻，否则特朗普的犯罪记录中将有重罪记录，这可能会影响他的某些权利。尽管佛罗里达州禁止重罪犯投票，但在完成其刑罚后，可恢复投票权。对于其他州的重罪犯，佛罗里达州只会在其原州丧失投票权的情况下取消其投票资格。
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美国总统当选人唐纳德·特朗普因纽约封口费案件被判有罪，但法院决定不对其处以监禁、罚款或社区服务，最终以无条件释放结束此案。这意味着尽管特朗普的商业记录造假罪名仍在，但他不需要承担任何实际惩罚。
然而，除非这一判决将来被推翻，否则特朗普的犯罪记录中将有重罪记录，这可能会影响他的某些权利。尽管佛罗里达州禁止重罪犯投票，但在完成其刑罚后，可恢复投票权。对于其他州的重罪犯，佛罗里达州只会在其原州丧失投票权的情况下取消其投票资格。
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US imposes new Russia sanctions, hoping to reduce oil sales to China, India
美国周五对俄罗斯能源行业实施了前所未有的制裁，旨在压缩克里姆林宫资助其在乌克兰的战争机器所需的收入。这一广泛的制裁措施是在美国总统乔·拜登宣布向乌克兰提供5亿美元额外军事支持的前一天推出的，支持内容包括防空导弹、空对地弹药和F-16战斗机的支援设备。
被列入美国财政部制裁名单的包括俄罗斯两大重要石油生产和出口公司——俄罗斯天然气工业股份公司（Gazprom Neft）和苏尔古特石油公司（Surgutneftegas），以及它们的子公司。此外，还有包括两家来自香港的模糊交易商在内的数十家交易商，以及34家俄罗斯油田服务公司和13名俄罗斯能源官员及精英。俄罗斯天然气工业股份公司董事长亚历山大·迪尤科夫（Aleksandr Dyukov）也在制裁名单之中。
根据财政部的声明，这些措施预计将显著增加与俄罗斯石油生产和分配链每个环节相关的制裁风险。“美国正在对俄罗斯资助其残酷和非法战争的关键收入来源采取广泛行动，”财政部长珍妮特·耶伦（Janet Yellen）表示。
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美国周五对俄罗斯能源行业实施了前所未有的制裁，旨在压缩克里姆林宫资助其在乌克兰的战争机器所需的收入。这一广泛的制裁措施是在美国总统乔·拜登宣布向乌克兰提供5亿美元额外军事支持的前一天推出的，支持内容包括防空导弹、空对地弹药和F-16战斗机的支援设备。
被列入美国财政部制裁名单的包括俄罗斯两大重要石油生产和出口公司——俄罗斯天然气工业股份公司（Gazprom Neft）和苏尔古特石油公司（Surgutneftegas），以及它们的子公司。此外，还有包括两家来自香港的模糊交易商在内的数十家交易商，以及34家俄罗斯油田服务公司和13名俄罗斯能源官员及精英。俄罗斯天然气工业股份公司董事长亚历山大·迪尤科夫（Aleksandr Dyukov）也在制裁名单之中。
根据财政部的声明，这些措施预计将显著增加与俄罗斯石油生产和分配链每个环节相关的制裁风险。“美国正在对俄罗斯资助其残酷和非法战争的关键收入来源采取广泛行动，”财政部长珍妮特·耶伦（Janet Yellen）表示。
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Trump avoids prison at hush money sentencing
特朗普在其封口费案件中被正式判决，但法官未施加任何惩罚。这一结果巩固了特朗普的定罪，同时使他能够无障碍地重返白宫，免受监禁或罚款的威胁。
此次听证会结束了一个曾在他去年成功竞选总统期间笼罩在他头上的案件。负责审理此案的法官胡安·梅尔昌此前已表示，他不打算对特朗普施加监禁或罚款。特朗普在法庭上通过电视屏幕与律师一同出席，背景中悬挂着两面美国国旗，身穿红色条纹领带。
梅尔昌通过无条件解除对特朗普的惩罚，虽然在特朗普的永久记录上留下了有罪判决，但并未施加其他法律惩罚，如监禁、罚款或缓刑。这一决定使特朗普能够继续参与政治活动，而不必担心法律后果。
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特朗普在其封口费案件中被正式判决，但法官未施加任何惩罚。这一结果巩固了特朗普的定罪，同时使他能够无障碍地重返白宫，免受监禁或罚款的威胁。
此次听证会结束了一个曾在他去年成功竞选总统期间笼罩在他头上的案件。负责审理此案的法官胡安·梅尔昌此前已表示，他不打算对特朗普施加监禁或罚款。特朗普在法庭上通过电视屏幕与律师一同出席，背景中悬挂着两面美国国旗，身穿红色条纹领带。
梅尔昌通过无条件解除对特朗普的惩罚，虽然在特朗普的永久记录上留下了有罪判决，但并未施加其他法律惩罚，如监禁、罚款或缓刑。这一决定使特朗普能够继续参与政治活动，而不必担心法律后果。
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Hong Kong’s leader calls on entrepreneurs to seize opportunities over border
香港特首呼吁企业家在中国大陆设立更多企业，以利用其“超级连接者”的角色并推动创新。在深圳举行的商业峰会上，李家超强调了香港与大陆之间在创新和科技领域的合作机会，呼吁企业积极参与，助力国家发展。
李家超在会上指出，扩展的《更紧密经贸关系安排》（Cepa）将于3月1日生效，鼓励香港及全球企业利用新优惠，开拓大陆市场。他提到，香港去年扩大了与大陆的自由贸易协议，财政司司长陈茂波表示，这将帮助更多本地公司在大陆立足，从而增强香港经济。此次修订放宽了香港专业人士在大陆工作的资格要求，并消除了部分股权和业务范围的障碍，为企业提供了更便捷的进入大湾区的机会。
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香港特首呼吁企业家在中国大陆设立更多企业，以利用其“超级连接者”的角色并推动创新。在深圳举行的商业峰会上，李家超强调了香港与大陆之间在创新和科技领域的合作机会，呼吁企业积极参与，助力国家发展。
李家超在会上指出，扩展的《更紧密经贸关系安排》（Cepa）将于3月1日生效，鼓励香港及全球企业利用新优惠，开拓大陆市场。他提到，香港去年扩大了与大陆的自由贸易协议，财政司司长陈茂波表示，这将帮助更多本地公司在大陆立足，从而增强香港经济。此次修订放宽了香港专业人士在大陆工作的资格要求，并消除了部分股权和业务范围的障碍，为企业提供了更便捷的进入大湾区的机会。
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Nato to deploy two ships to guard Baltic Sea infrastructure
Nato is increasing its surveillance operations in the Baltic Sea region. This follows the suspected sabotage of undersea cables between Finland and Estonia, with two ships now deployed to the area. Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen emphasized the need for enhanced technical surveillance, as monitoring all submarine activity with ships alone is insufficient.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's expanded presence is seen as having a “calming and stabilising effect,” according to Valtonen, who expressed satisfaction with the decision during a press conference in Helsinki. This move comes in the wake of Finland retrieving the anchor of the tanker Eagle S, which is under investigation for its potential involvement in the cable breach incident that occurred in late December.
The Eagle S, flagged under the Cook Islands, is linked to the shadow fleet known for transporting Russian petroleum products. This incident marks the third occurrence in approximately 15 months where a ship anchor has damaged underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
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Nato is increasing its surveillance operations in the Baltic Sea region. This follows the suspected sabotage of undersea cables between Finland and Estonia, with two ships now deployed to the area. Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen emphasized the need for enhanced technical surveillance, as monitoring all submarine activity with ships alone is insufficient.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's expanded presence is seen as having a “calming and stabilising effect,” according to Valtonen, who expressed satisfaction with the decision during a press conference in Helsinki. This move comes in the wake of Finland retrieving the anchor of the tanker Eagle S, which is under investigation for its potential involvement in the cable breach incident that occurred in late December.
The Eagle S, flagged under the Cook Islands, is linked to the shadow fleet known for transporting Russian petroleum products. This incident marks the third occurrence in approximately 15 months where a ship anchor has damaged underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea.
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Will Donald Trump’s return to power deepen divisions between Canada and China?
特朗普重返白宫将给加拿大与中国的关系带来新挑战。无论今年选举后哪个政党执政，加拿大都可能会更加倾向于特朗普在主要贸易和安全问题上的立场，同时在这两个超级大国之间保持谨慎的平衡。
在担任总理期间，加拿大总理贾斯廷·特鲁多的对华关系经历了显著恶化，尽管他最初期望能加强这一关系。2018年，加拿大因美国的逮捕令拘留了华为高管孟晚舟，随后中国以间谍罪拘留了两名加拿大公民，导致两国关系未能恢复。特鲁多在特朗普威胁对所有加拿大进口征收25%关税的背景下辞职，这加剧了加拿大对特朗普“美国优先”政策的恐惧。
根据不列颠哥伦比亚大学公共政策与全球事务学院名誉教授保罗·埃文斯的说法，加拿大目前的政治动荡相当严重，如何管理与美国的关系已成为比与中国相处更高的优先事项。他指出，面对特朗普的威胁，加拿大在应对中国时也感受到了一种新的不安。
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特朗普重返白宫将给加拿大与中国的关系带来新挑战。无论今年选举后哪个政党执政，加拿大都可能会更加倾向于特朗普在主要贸易和安全问题上的立场，同时在这两个超级大国之间保持谨慎的平衡。
在担任总理期间，加拿大总理贾斯廷·特鲁多的对华关系经历了显著恶化，尽管他最初期望能加强这一关系。2018年，加拿大因美国的逮捕令拘留了华为高管孟晚舟，随后中国以间谍罪拘留了两名加拿大公民，导致两国关系未能恢复。特鲁多在特朗普威胁对所有加拿大进口征收25%关税的背景下辞职，这加剧了加拿大对特朗普“美国优先”政策的恐惧。
根据不列颠哥伦比亚大学公共政策与全球事务学院名誉教授保罗·埃文斯的说法，加拿大目前的政治动荡相当严重，如何管理与美国的关系已成为比与中国相处更高的优先事项。他指出，面对特朗普的威胁，加拿大在应对中国时也感受到了一种新的不安。
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Scotland leader hails opening of first UK facility to consume illegal drugs
苏格兰领导人约翰·斯温尼宣布，英国首个官方非法毒品消费室将于下周在格拉斯哥开放，这标志着与英国政府斗争多年的胜利。这一试点设施获得了200万英镑（约250万美元）的苏格兰政府拨款，旨在为用户提供一个在医疗监督下安全使用毒品的环境。
该设施的目标是减少与注射毒品相关的危害，包括血源性病毒（如HIV）的风险，因为苏格兰正面临欧洲最高的药物滥用死亡率。爱丁堡的地方政府希望通过该设施改善毒品用户的生活，并降低他们在公共场所注射毒品带来的负面影响。“虽然这个设施不是解决所有问题的灵丹妙药，但它是向前迈出的重要一步，将与其他减少伤害和死亡的努力相辅相成，”斯温尼在参观设施时表示。
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苏格兰领导人约翰·斯温尼宣布，英国首个官方非法毒品消费室将于下周在格拉斯哥开放，这标志着与英国政府斗争多年的胜利。这一试点设施获得了200万英镑（约250万美元）的苏格兰政府拨款，旨在为用户提供一个在医疗监督下安全使用毒品的环境。
该设施的目标是减少与注射毒品相关的危害，包括血源性病毒（如HIV）的风险，因为苏格兰正面临欧洲最高的药物滥用死亡率。爱丁堡的地方政府希望通过该设施改善毒品用户的生活，并降低他们在公共场所注射毒品带来的负面影响。“虽然这个设施不是解决所有问题的灵丹妙药，但它是向前迈出的重要一步，将与其他减少伤害和死亡的努力相辅相成，”斯温尼在参观设施时表示。
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China releases world’s most powerful electronic warfare weapon design software – for free
中国科学家发布了一款强大的工业软件，该软件可用于设计电子战武器，并测试结果显示其在速度和内存使用方面优于美国产品。这一进展是经过近二十年的研究而成，然而在外界看来，这一成果却鲜为人知。
随着中国人民解放军（PLA）电子战设备的快速发展，新的相控阵雷达所使用的多频段天线具有“复杂的结构，如曲面、多层介质、金属导体和薄介质层”，项目团队负责人李斌教授在一篇于11月发表的论文中指出。这种天线在运行过程中会产生振动和热量等复杂现象，而在计算机上模拟这些电磁特性极具挑战性。根据李教授团队的研究，美国最强大的电磁工业软件Ansys HFSS在对同一天线进行辐射模拟分析时需耗时三小时。
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中国科学家发布了一款强大的工业软件，该软件可用于设计电子战武器，并测试结果显示其在速度和内存使用方面优于美国产品。这一进展是经过近二十年的研究而成，然而在外界看来，这一成果却鲜为人知。
随着中国人民解放军（PLA）电子战设备的快速发展，新的相控阵雷达所使用的多频段天线具有“复杂的结构，如曲面、多层介质、金属导体和薄介质层”，项目团队负责人李斌教授在一篇于11月发表的论文中指出。这种天线在运行过程中会产生振动和热量等复杂现象，而在计算机上模拟这些电磁特性极具挑战性。根据李教授团队的研究，美国最强大的电磁工业软件Ansys HFSS在对同一天线进行辐射模拟分析时需耗时三小时。
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Ukraine steps up campaign to stop young men fleeing military draft
乌克兰警方在全国范围内开展了针对人口走私团伙的行动，进行600次同步搜查，以打击为潜在征兵者提供非法出境方式的犯罪行为。此次行动的主要目标是关闭“向军事年龄男性走私出境的渠道”，以应对政府面临的征兵难题。
随着俄罗斯入侵持续近三年，乌克兰政府急需新的军事征兵，但已有数十万男性离开国家，这给政府带来了重大困扰。根据规定，18至60岁的男性只有在特殊情况下才被允许离境，而军方目前正在征召25岁及以上的男性。为了逃避征兵，许多人试图在边境上贿赂或者徒步穿越喀尔巴阡山脉前往罗马尼亚。
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乌克兰警方在全国范围内开展了针对人口走私团伙的行动，进行600次同步搜查，以打击为潜在征兵者提供非法出境方式的犯罪行为。此次行动的主要目标是关闭“向军事年龄男性走私出境的渠道”，以应对政府面临的征兵难题。
随着俄罗斯入侵持续近三年，乌克兰政府急需新的军事征兵，但已有数十万男性离开国家，这给政府带来了重大困扰。根据规定，18至60岁的男性只有在特殊情况下才被允许离境，而军方目前正在征召25岁及以上的男性。为了逃避征兵，许多人试图在边境上贿赂或者徒步穿越喀尔巴阡山脉前往罗马尼亚。
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Top Chinese general pledges strict crackdown on military corruption for 2025
中国一名高级将领称，军队的反腐败工作在过去一年取得了显著进展，并承诺在新的一年中进一步深化国防相关行业的“整顿”。根据国家新闻社新华社的报道，中央军委副主席何卫东表示，人民解放军在纪律检查和监督工作中取得了“新成果和进展”。
何卫东同时指出，军队必须加强政治训练和监督，严格打击腐败，惩罚邪恶行为。他强调要“深化行业整顿和治理”，并继续“净化政治生态”。这些发言是在他周五于中央军委纪律检查委员会会议上的讲话中提出的，显示出中国军方在反腐斗争中的决心和持续努力。中央军委是中国武装力量的管理机构，由中国国家主席习近平担任主席。
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中国一名高级将领称，军队的反腐败工作在过去一年取得了显著进展，并承诺在新的一年中进一步深化国防相关行业的“整顿”。根据国家新闻社新华社的报道，中央军委副主席何卫东表示，人民解放军在纪律检查和监督工作中取得了“新成果和进展”。
何卫东同时指出，军队必须加强政治训练和监督，严格打击腐败，惩罚邪恶行为。他强调要“深化行业整顿和治理”，并继续“净化政治生态”。这些发言是在他周五于中央军委纪律检查委员会会议上的讲话中提出的，显示出中国军方在反腐斗争中的决心和持续努力。中央军委是中国武装力量的管理机构，由中国国家主席习近平担任主席。
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TikTok ban case: US Supreme Court to hear oral arguments today
The US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Friday morning in a landmark case that could determine whether TikTok can remain in business in the US without severing its ties to its Chinese parent, ByteDance. A decision either way could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the short-video platform’s 170 million American users but also for the growing field in which First Amendment rights and national-security concerns intersect.
America’s highest court will hear two consolidated cases – one brought by TikTok and ByteDance and another filed by content creators on the platform. Both challenge a US law that mandates the app’s ban by January 19 unless it is sold to a non-Chinese buyer. In April last year, Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which President Joe Biden subsequently signed into law.
In backing the law, US lawmakers and government officials cited the possibility that Beijing could force ByteDance to use its algorithm in a way that could harm US interests. TikTok denies these charges and contends the law is at odds with free-speech rights guaranteed by the US Constitution. It and ByteDance argue that the law violates their First Amendment rights by restricting their ability to operate as a speech platform.
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The US Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on Friday morning in a landmark case that could determine whether TikTok can remain in business in the US without severing its ties to its Chinese parent, ByteDance. A decision either way could have far-reaching consequences, not only for the short-video platform’s 170 million American users but also for the growing field in which First Amendment rights and national-security concerns intersect.
America’s highest court will hear two consolidated cases – one brought by TikTok and ByteDance and another filed by content creators on the platform. Both challenge a US law that mandates the app’s ban by January 19 unless it is sold to a non-Chinese buyer. In April last year, Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which President Joe Biden subsequently signed into law.
In backing the law, US lawmakers and government officials cited the possibility that Beijing could force ByteDance to use its algorithm in a way that could harm US interests. TikTok denies these charges and contends the law is at odds with free-speech rights guaranteed by the US Constitution. It and ByteDance argue that the law violates their First Amendment rights by restricting their ability to operate as a speech platform.
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Apple forms Shanghai data-processing venture as AI push in China still in limbo
Apple has established a new data-processing venture in Shanghai as it seeks to enhance its artificial intelligence services for iPhones in mainland China, despite ongoing regulatory challenges. The company, named Apple Technology Development (Shanghai), was registered with a capital of US$35 million and will focus on software development, big data services, storage services, and data processing.
This move comes as Apple faces increasing competition in the world's largest smartphone market, particularly from domestic brands like Huawei Technologies. The venture is led by Tejas Kirit Gala, who oversees Apple's operations in China, and is wholly owned by Apple South Asia. Additionally, Apple is still awaiting regulatory approval to launch its Apple Intelligence suite for iPhone users in the region, which adds another layer of complexity to its operations in China.
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Apple has established a new data-processing venture in Shanghai as it seeks to enhance its artificial intelligence services for iPhones in mainland China, despite ongoing regulatory challenges. The company, named Apple Technology Development (Shanghai), was registered with a capital of US$35 million and will focus on software development, big data services, storage services, and data processing.
This move comes as Apple faces increasing competition in the world's largest smartphone market, particularly from domestic brands like Huawei Technologies. The venture is led by Tejas Kirit Gala, who oversees Apple's operations in China, and is wholly owned by Apple South Asia. Additionally, Apple is still awaiting regulatory approval to launch its Apple Intelligence suite for iPhone users in the region, which adds another layer of complexity to its operations in China.
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Regulating online hate speech ‘not censorship’: UN rights chief
UN rights chief Volker Turk stated that regulating hate speech and harmful content online is not censorship. This statement comes after Meta announced the removal of its fact-checking program on Facebook and Instagram, citing concerns over censorship.
Turk emphasized that allowing such harmful content has real-world consequences and called for accountability in the digital space aligned with human rights. Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed plans to replace fact-checkers with community-based posts, claiming the previous program had made too many mistakes. This shift reflects ongoing criticisms from conservatives, including Trump’s Republican Party and X owner Elon Musk, who view fact-checking as a form of censorship.
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UN rights chief Volker Turk stated that regulating hate speech and harmful content online is not censorship. This statement comes after Meta announced the removal of its fact-checking program on Facebook and Instagram, citing concerns over censorship.
Turk emphasized that allowing such harmful content has real-world consequences and called for accountability in the digital space aligned with human rights. Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed plans to replace fact-checkers with community-based posts, claiming the previous program had made too many mistakes. This shift reflects ongoing criticisms from conservatives, including Trump’s Republican Party and X owner Elon Musk, who view fact-checking as a form of censorship.
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Indian nurse’s death sentence in Yemen spotlights long-standing migrant workers’ woes
The case of an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen has sparked outrage over her claims of harassment and passport confiscation. This situation highlights the harsh realities faced by migrant workers and the rigid application of sharia law in the region.
Nimisha Priya, who traveled to Yemen from Kerala in 2008 for a nursing job, was convicted of murdering her business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2020. She alleged that Mahdi had harassed her for years and confiscated her passport, leading her to attempt to sedate him to retrieve it. Her lawyer contends that the dosage was accidentally increased during this attempt.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged the sentencing and is providing assistance to Priya's family, who are exploring options for her release. They are attempting to raise diyah or blood money for Mahdi’s family, which is a potential step towards halting the execution if forgiveness is granted. Despite the Indian government's travel restrictions to Yemen, Priya's mother was permitted to travel there last year to advocate for her daughter, as reports suggest that the execution could be imminent.
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The case of an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen has sparked outrage over her claims of harassment and passport confiscation. This situation highlights the harsh realities faced by migrant workers and the rigid application of sharia law in the region.
Nimisha Priya, who traveled to Yemen from Kerala in 2008 for a nursing job, was convicted of murdering her business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2020. She alleged that Mahdi had harassed her for years and confiscated her passport, leading her to attempt to sedate him to retrieve it. Her lawyer contends that the dosage was accidentally increased during this attempt.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has acknowledged the sentencing and is providing assistance to Priya's family, who are exploring options for her release. They are attempting to raise diyah or blood money for Mahdi’s family, which is a potential step towards halting the execution if forgiveness is granted. Despite the Indian government's travel restrictions to Yemen, Priya's mother was permitted to travel there last year to advocate for her daughter, as reports suggest that the execution could be imminent.
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