Bizarre Lunar New Year gifts – wigs, red underwear, livestock, sugar cane sticks for luck
中国科技巨头腾讯在腊八节为员工赠送了巨大的甘蔗作为新年礼物。这一节日标志着农历新年期间的开始，腾讯员工在华丽的办公楼中手持甘蔗，等待工作人员为他们削皮和切割。这一赠礼寓意着祝福，因粤语成语“甜过蜜”的意思为“万事如意”。
随着蛇年于1月29日的到来，许多中国公司纷纷为员工准备春节礼物，腾讯的这一举动并不孤单。报道还提到，其他公司也以不同寻常的方式庆祝新年，有些员工收到了红色内衣作为节日礼物。根据传统信仰，在个人的“命年”中穿着红色内衣、袜子和腰带可以带来好运，这一习俗体现了中国文化中对新年吉祥的期盼。
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中国科技巨头腾讯在腊八节为员工赠送了巨大的甘蔗作为新年礼物。这一节日标志着农历新年期间的开始，腾讯员工在华丽的办公楼中手持甘蔗，等待工作人员为他们削皮和切割。这一赠礼寓意着祝福，因粤语成语“甜过蜜”的意思为“万事如意”。
随着蛇年于1月29日的到来，许多中国公司纷纷为员工准备春节礼物，腾讯的这一举动并不孤单。报道还提到，其他公司也以不同寻常的方式庆祝新年，有些员工收到了红色内衣作为节日礼物。根据传统信仰，在个人的“命年”中穿着红色内衣、袜子和腰带可以带来好运，这一习俗体现了中国文化中对新年吉祥的期盼。
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Biden’s departing UN envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield warns of China’s rise with Trump’s return
美国驻联合国大使林达·托马斯-格林菲尔德警告称，特朗普若再次当选总统，将可能导致美国在全球的领导地位进一步削弱，而中国将趁机填补这一空白。她指出，在特朗普的第一任期内，美国的国际影响力显著下降，导致对手们的崛起。
在接受美联社采访时，托马斯-格林菲尔德强调，拜登总统任内美国重新参与全球事务，重建了同盟关系，恢复了领导地位。她希望下一届政府能够珍惜这一成就，并继续推动美国在国际舞台上的积极作用。她在与特朗普提名的接任者埃莉斯·斯特法尼克的简短会晤中，重申了联合国的重要性，并警告不要让对手有机可乘。
特朗普在第一任期内曾将联合国称为“一个人们聚在一起、聊天和享乐的俱乐部”，并暂停了对其健康和家庭规划机构的资金支持，退出了联合国教科文组织和人权理事会。这些举措引发了对未来局势的担忧，尤其是考虑到美国是联合国最大的单一捐助国。
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美国驻联合国大使林达·托马斯-格林菲尔德警告称，特朗普若再次当选总统，将可能导致美国在全球的领导地位进一步削弱，而中国将趁机填补这一空白。她指出，在特朗普的第一任期内，美国的国际影响力显著下降，导致对手们的崛起。
在接受美联社采访时，托马斯-格林菲尔德强调，拜登总统任内美国重新参与全球事务，重建了同盟关系，恢复了领导地位。她希望下一届政府能够珍惜这一成就，并继续推动美国在国际舞台上的积极作用。她在与特朗普提名的接任者埃莉斯·斯特法尼克的简短会晤中，重申了联合国的重要性，并警告不要让对手有机可乘。
特朗普在第一任期内曾将联合国称为“一个人们聚在一起、聊天和享乐的俱乐部”，并暂停了对其健康和家庭规划机构的资金支持，退出了联合国教科文组织和人权理事会。这些举措引发了对未来局势的担忧，尤其是考虑到美国是联合国最大的单一捐助国。
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‘Heinous’ Russian strike kills 6 across Ukraine in ‘retaliation’ attack
By Agence France-Presse
A Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian capital killed three people on Saturday, Ukrainian leaders said, branding it a “heinous” attack, while Moscow described it as “retaliation”.
Ukrainian officials said another three people were killed in Russian strikes elsewhere in the country, and Moscow claimed fresh advances on the ground.
Russia frequently targets Kyiv with aerial attacks, but deadly strikes there are rare as the capital is heavily protected by air defences and better able to fend off attacks than elsewhere in the country.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the world to step up pressure on the Kremlin to force it to end the nearly three-year invasion.
City officials said the victims were two men, aged 43 and 25, and a 41-year-old woman.
Journalists in Kyiv reported seeing a multi-storey building with windows blown out, debris strewn across the street, flooding, and the charred facade of a damaged McDonald’s outlet.
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By Agence France-Presse
A Russian missile strike on the Ukrainian capital killed three people on Saturday, Ukrainian leaders said, branding it a “heinous” attack, while Moscow described it as “retaliation”.
Ukrainian officials said another three people were killed in Russian strikes elsewhere in the country, and Moscow claimed fresh advances on the ground.
Russia frequently targets Kyiv with aerial attacks, but deadly strikes there are rare as the capital is heavily protected by air defences and better able to fend off attacks than elsewhere in the country.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the world to step up pressure on the Kremlin to force it to end the nearly three-year invasion.
City officials said the victims were two men, aged 43 and 25, and a 41-year-old woman.
Journalists in Kyiv reported seeing a multi-storey building with windows blown out, debris strewn across the street, flooding, and the charred facade of a damaged McDonald’s outlet.
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Hong Kong flu season expected to peak in February as 15 deaths confirmed
By Willa Wu
Hong Kong’s winter flu season is expected to peak in early February, a respiratory disease expert has predicted, with 15 deaths in the second week of January confirmed to be people infected with influenza.
David Hui Shu-cheong, a professor of respiratory medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, called for more residents to get flu jabs as the vaccination rate across all age groups fell short of the ideal level, with only 20 per cent of those aged 50 to 64 receiving injections.
“The winter influenza season has started in the second week of this year and it normally takes four to six weeks to peak,” Hui told a radio programme on Sunday.
He added it would take another six to eight weeks for the influenza season to subside after the February peak.
Hong Kong recorded 37 adult cases admitted to intensive care units and confirmed to be infected with influenza from January 5 to 11, according to the Department of Health.
Fifteen were fatal, while 25 of the infected had not received the 2024-25 seasonal flu vaccine.
Meanwhile, the admission rate for influenza-related cases in public hospitals was on the rise, the majority being children aged five years or younger, Hui said.
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By Willa Wu
Hong Kong’s winter flu season is expected to peak in early February, a respiratory disease expert has predicted, with 15 deaths in the second week of January confirmed to be people infected with influenza.
David Hui Shu-cheong, a professor of respiratory medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, called for more residents to get flu jabs as the vaccination rate across all age groups fell short of the ideal level, with only 20 per cent of those aged 50 to 64 receiving injections.
“The winter influenza season has started in the second week of this year and it normally takes four to six weeks to peak,” Hui told a radio programme on Sunday.
He added it would take another six to eight weeks for the influenza season to subside after the February peak.
Hong Kong recorded 37 adult cases admitted to intensive care units and confirmed to be infected with influenza from January 5 to 11, according to the Department of Health.
Fifteen were fatal, while 25 of the infected had not received the 2024-25 seasonal flu vaccine.
Meanwhile, the admission rate for influenza-related cases in public hospitals was on the rise, the majority being children aged five years or younger, Hui said.
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What the Philippines’ bid for a UN Security Council seat means for China
菲律宾争取联合国安全理事会的席位，将为其提供一个重要的平台，以便更有效地应对中国在南海的扩张主张。在总统费迪南德·马科斯的推动下，菲律宾希望通过这一非永久成员的身份增强其在全球舞台上的影响力，尤其是在与中国的博弈中。
马科斯在最近的正式聚会上强调了加强多边合作的重要性，并呼吁对安全理事会进行改革，以促进国际秩序的规则基础。他指出，菲律宾在维和、共识建立和合作方面的丰富经验，使其在争取2027-28年安全理事会席位的过程中处于有利地位。尽管马科斯的言辞高尚，但分析人士认为，他的竞选背后有明确的战略意图，即利用这一席位来对抗北京的影响力。
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菲律宾争取联合国安全理事会的席位，将为其提供一个重要的平台，以便更有效地应对中国在南海的扩张主张。在总统费迪南德·马科斯的推动下，菲律宾希望通过这一非永久成员的身份增强其在全球舞台上的影响力，尤其是在与中国的博弈中。
马科斯在最近的正式聚会上强调了加强多边合作的重要性，并呼吁对安全理事会进行改革，以促进国际秩序的规则基础。他指出，菲律宾在维和、共识建立和合作方面的丰富经验，使其在争取2027-28年安全理事会席位的过程中处于有利地位。尽管马科斯的言辞高尚，但分析人士认为，他的竞选背后有明确的战略意图，即利用这一席位来对抗北京的影响力。
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Nigeria fuel tanker truck blast kills at least 70 people
By Reuters
At least 70 people were killed and more injured in northern Nigeria on Saturday when a petrol tanker truck overturned, spilling fuel that exploded, the country’s national emergency agency said.
The accident in Niger state follows a similar blast in Jigawa state last October that killed 147 people, one of the worst such tragedies in Nigeria.
“As of this report, over 70 bodies have been recovered, 56 individuals are injured, and more than 15 shops have been destroyed,” the National Emergency Management Authority said in a statement.
“The injured have been transported to hospitals for treatment, while recovery efforts for the deceased are ongoing.”
A witness said residents and officials were digging graves with a view to bury the victims on Saturday night in accordance with Islamic rites. Niger is a largely Muslim state in Africa’s most populous nation.
Earlier, Kumar Tsukwam, the Federal Road Safety Corps sector commander for Niger state, said most of the victims were impoverished local residents who had rushed to scoop up the spilled petrol after the truck overturned.
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By Reuters
At least 70 people were killed and more injured in northern Nigeria on Saturday when a petrol tanker truck overturned, spilling fuel that exploded, the country’s national emergency agency said.
The accident in Niger state follows a similar blast in Jigawa state last October that killed 147 people, one of the worst such tragedies in Nigeria.
“As of this report, over 70 bodies have been recovered, 56 individuals are injured, and more than 15 shops have been destroyed,” the National Emergency Management Authority said in a statement.
“The injured have been transported to hospitals for treatment, while recovery efforts for the deceased are ongoing.”
A witness said residents and officials were digging graves with a view to bury the victims on Saturday night in accordance with Islamic rites. Niger is a largely Muslim state in Africa’s most populous nation.
Earlier, Kumar Tsukwam, the Federal Road Safety Corps sector commander for Niger state, said most of the victims were impoverished local residents who had rushed to scoop up the spilled petrol after the truck overturned.
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Covid dashed volleyball dreams but led Hongkonger to become Taoist priest
By Sammy Heung
In this series of stories to mark five years since Hong Kong recorded its first Covid-19 case on January 22, 2020, the Post looks at how some residents’ lives changed and examines the city’s readiness for the next global pandemic.
Leaping into the air and delivering a powerful strike on the volleyball, Oscar Ko Wing-chun dreamed of turning professional and representing Hong Kong in the sport one day.
That was five years ago, when he was in secondary school. Then the Covid-19 pandemic struck, changing everything.
Today, instead of a vibrant volleyball jersey, Ko, 21, wears a flowing Taoist robe.
Instead of taking centre stage on court, he performs traditional rituals for the dead, including the rite of “breaking hell’s gate”, guiding souls to a better afterlife and offering solace to the living.
The pandemic ended his dream of a career in sports, but opened the door to a new religious life, at a time when thousands died in Hong Kong and there was a shortage of Taoist priests for funerals.
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By Sammy Heung
In this series of stories to mark five years since Hong Kong recorded its first Covid-19 case on January 22, 2020, the Post looks at how some residents’ lives changed and examines the city’s readiness for the next global pandemic.
Leaping into the air and delivering a powerful strike on the volleyball, Oscar Ko Wing-chun dreamed of turning professional and representing Hong Kong in the sport one day.
That was five years ago, when he was in secondary school. Then the Covid-19 pandemic struck, changing everything.
Today, instead of a vibrant volleyball jersey, Ko, 21, wears a flowing Taoist robe.
Instead of taking centre stage on court, he performs traditional rituals for the dead, including the rite of “breaking hell’s gate”, guiding souls to a better afterlife and offering solace to the living.
The pandemic ended his dream of a career in sports, but opened the door to a new religious life, at a time when thousands died in Hong Kong and there was a shortage of Taoist priests for funerals.
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Malaysia takes on Asean mantle but tempers expectations on Myanmar, South China Sea
东南亚外长将在马来西亚举行闭门会议，讨论缅甸内战加剧和南海紧张局势。此次会议标志着马来西亚作为东南亚国家联盟（Asean）轮值主席国的首次亮相，面临着来自中国在南海的强硬态度和缅甸和平进程的停滞。
马来西亚在接任10个成员国的Asean轮值主席期间，承诺将关注区域问题。然而，马来西亚外交部秘书长阿姆兰·穆罕默德·津表示，对缅甸局势和Asean与中国南海行为准则谈判的期望应保持谨慎。他指出，期待立即解决问题的想法过于雄心勃勃。
自2021年军方推翻民选政府以来，缅甸局势持续动荡，导致民主抗议活动演变为广泛的武装叛乱。尽管经济崩溃、政治党派被禁，军政府仍计划在今年举行选举，批评者普遍认为这是一场维持军方权力的虚假选举。
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东南亚外长将在马来西亚举行闭门会议，讨论缅甸内战加剧和南海紧张局势。此次会议标志着马来西亚作为东南亚国家联盟（Asean）轮值主席国的首次亮相，面临着来自中国在南海的强硬态度和缅甸和平进程的停滞。
马来西亚在接任10个成员国的Asean轮值主席期间，承诺将关注区域问题。然而，马来西亚外交部秘书长阿姆兰·穆罕默德·津表示，对缅甸局势和Asean与中国南海行为准则谈判的期望应保持谨慎。他指出，期待立即解决问题的想法过于雄心勃勃。
自2021年军方推翻民选政府以来，缅甸局势持续动荡，导致民主抗议活动演变为广泛的武装叛乱。尽管经济崩溃、政治党派被禁，军政府仍计划在今年举行选举，批评者普遍认为这是一场维持军方权力的虚假选举。
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TikTok says its services will be ‘temporarily unavailable’ in the US, starting on Sunday
TikTok announced that its services will be “temporarily unavailable” in the US starting January 19, following a Supreme Court ruling that mandates the app to cut ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban. The law will take effect at midnight on Sunday, US Eastern time, prompting TikTok to inform users of the impending service disruption.
The company expressed regret over the situation, stating, “We are working to restore services as soon as possible,” and emphasized their appreciation for user support. If the app is removed, the 170 million US users will lose access entirely, with Apple and Google Play expected to follow suit. The new law imposes significant penalties on platforms that continue to offer TikTok after the divestment deadline, potentially costing them up to US$5,000 per user.
This legislation was passed by Congress in April 2024 and signed into law by outgoing President Joe Biden, who has chosen not to enforce the ban before leaving office. The responsibility now falls on the incoming administration of Donald Trump, as the White House indicated there is not enough time left to ensure compliance during Biden's term.
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TikTok announced that its services will be “temporarily unavailable” in the US starting January 19, following a Supreme Court ruling that mandates the app to cut ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, or face a ban. The law will take effect at midnight on Sunday, US Eastern time, prompting TikTok to inform users of the impending service disruption.
The company expressed regret over the situation, stating, “We are working to restore services as soon as possible,” and emphasized their appreciation for user support. If the app is removed, the 170 million US users will lose access entirely, with Apple and Google Play expected to follow suit. The new law imposes significant penalties on platforms that continue to offer TikTok after the divestment deadline, potentially costing them up to US$5,000 per user.
This legislation was passed by Congress in April 2024 and signed into law by outgoing President Joe Biden, who has chosen not to enforce the ban before leaving office. The responsibility now falls on the incoming administration of Donald Trump, as the White House indicated there is not enough time left to ensure compliance during Biden's term.
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AI-driven drug discovery aided by Greater Bay Area integration, Hong Kong-listed firm says
XtalPi Holdings正在通过利用人工智能和机器人技术，彻底改变生物制药行业。这家总部位于大湾区的AI药物发现公司，凭借自研的大型语言模型，成功将化学实验的成功率从20%至30%提升至90%。首席科学官张培宇表示，这一技术的应用为制药行业带来了巨大的潜力。
张培宇在广州的中国会议上指出，人工智能在专业领域，尤其是制药行业，展现出良好的发展机会。他预计，结合机器人技术和AI，药物发现的时间将从四年缩短至一至两年。自2014年由麻省理工学院的三位量子物理学家创立以来，XtalPi在深圳建立了研发基地，并利用当地的产业政策，成为全球近80%大型制药公司的关键AI合作伙伴。
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XtalPi Holdings正在通过利用人工智能和机器人技术，彻底改变生物制药行业。这家总部位于大湾区的AI药物发现公司，凭借自研的大型语言模型，成功将化学实验的成功率从20%至30%提升至90%。首席科学官张培宇表示，这一技术的应用为制药行业带来了巨大的潜力。
张培宇在广州的中国会议上指出，人工智能在专业领域，尤其是制药行业，展现出良好的发展机会。他预计，结合机器人技术和AI，药物发现的时间将从四年缩短至一至两年。自2014年由麻省理工学院的三位量子物理学家创立以来，XtalPi在深圳建立了研发基地，并利用当地的产业政策，成为全球近80%大型制药公司的关键AI合作伙伴。
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Manila must put brakes on its car-centric policies, and seek viable transport solutions
马尼拉的交通状况日益恶化，若不采取紧急措施，这一状况将更加严重。2023年，马尼拉市以每10公里平均获取25.5分钟的行程时间，成为全球387个大都市里最长的，预计每日因交通造成的经济损失高达35亿比索。若无实质改变，未来损失可能增至54亿比索。
在疫情后，越来越多的民间组织开始倡导改善交通基础设施，尤其是增设自行车道。然而，政府依旧保持以汽车为中心的政策，缺乏有效的公共交通选择让许多人不得不依赖私家车，从而进一步加剧了对汽车的依赖。尽管拥堵收费制在印度、泰国和越南等国逐渐被接受，但如在菲律宾提及此政策仍被视为禁忌，主要源于高昂的生活成本及政治家对中产阶级反对声音的顾虑。为了推动这一政策的实施，政府需清晰阐释其经济和环境效益，并通过试点实验获取实证支持，创造更广泛的推广基础。
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马尼拉的交通状况日益恶化，若不采取紧急措施，这一状况将更加严重。2023年，马尼拉市以每10公里平均获取25.5分钟的行程时间，成为全球387个大都市里最长的，预计每日因交通造成的经济损失高达35亿比索。若无实质改变，未来损失可能增至54亿比索。
在疫情后，越来越多的民间组织开始倡导改善交通基础设施，尤其是增设自行车道。然而，政府依旧保持以汽车为中心的政策，缺乏有效的公共交通选择让许多人不得不依赖私家车，从而进一步加剧了对汽车的依赖。尽管拥堵收费制在印度、泰国和越南等国逐渐被接受，但如在菲律宾提及此政策仍被视为禁忌，主要源于高昂的生活成本及政治家对中产阶级反对声音的顾虑。为了推动这一政策的实施，政府需清晰阐释其经济和环境效益，并通过试点实验获取实证支持，创造更广泛的推广基础。
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Trump plans ‘maximum disruption’ to ‘constitutional order’, Germany’s ambassador warns
德国驻美国大使警告，特朗普的第二任期可能会削弱民主制度，并赋予大型科技公司“共同治理权”。根据路透社获得的一份机密文件，大使安德烈亚斯·米哈伊利斯指出，特朗普的议程将以“最大程度的破坏”为特点，重塑宪法秩序，集中权力于总统手中，削弱国会和各州的权力。
文件中提到，基本的民主原则和制衡机制将受到严重削弱，立法机构、执法部门和媒体的独立性将被剥夺，成为政治工具，而大型科技公司则将获得新的权力。尽管特朗普的过渡团队尚未对此作出回应，但德国外交部表示，美国选民在民主选举中选择了特朗普，并将与新一届美国政府紧密合作以维护德国和欧洲的利益。德国政府在选举后对特朗普的直接批评相对谨慎，但这一机密评估提供了来自高级德国官员的直言不讳的观点。
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德国驻美国大使警告，特朗普的第二任期可能会削弱民主制度，并赋予大型科技公司“共同治理权”。根据路透社获得的一份机密文件，大使安德烈亚斯·米哈伊利斯指出，特朗普的议程将以“最大程度的破坏”为特点，重塑宪法秩序，集中权力于总统手中，削弱国会和各州的权力。
文件中提到，基本的民主原则和制衡机制将受到严重削弱，立法机构、执法部门和媒体的独立性将被剥夺，成为政治工具，而大型科技公司则将获得新的权力。尽管特朗普的过渡团队尚未对此作出回应，但德国外交部表示，美国选民在民主选举中选择了特朗普，并将与新一届美国政府紧密合作以维护德国和欧洲的利益。德国政府在选举后对特朗普的直接批评相对谨慎，但这一机密评估提供了来自高级德国官员的直言不讳的观点。
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In joining Brics, Indonesia is not suddenly anti-US or pro-China
印度尼西亚于1月6日正式成为金砖国家的全新成员，标志着这一涵盖欧洲、拉丁美洲、亚洲和非洲的多国集团的扩展。这一发展使金砖国家的成员国增至10个，且包括世界上10个人口最多的国家中的6个，进一步增强了该集团在全球经济中的重要性。
金砖国家的扩张受到美国在俄乌冲突后对美元的武器化影响，去年该集团还迎来了埃及、埃塞俄比亚、伊朗和阿联酋等四个新成员。尽管一些人认为印度尼西亚的加入可能为东南亚国家联盟（ASEAN）与金砖国家之间带来新的协同效应，但也有观点担忧印度尼西亚总统普拉博沃的强烈支持可能会疏远即将上任的美国总统特朗普，后者曾威胁对金砖国家实施100%的关税，若他们尝试采用替代美元的货币。
普拉博沃与特朗普的互动以及印度尼西亚希望加入经济合作与发展组织（OECD）的努力，使得印度尼西亚加入金砖国家的发展更为复杂。东南亚国家普遍推崇“对冲”策略，在外交上采取模糊立场，试图在大国之间寻求平衡，以避免被迫选择一方。这种复杂的对冲过程不仅要求地区大国在与对立的大国之间保持良好关系，还需安抚邻国，以免被视为对现状的修正主义威胁。
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印度尼西亚于1月6日正式成为金砖国家的全新成员，标志着这一涵盖欧洲、拉丁美洲、亚洲和非洲的多国集团的扩展。这一发展使金砖国家的成员国增至10个，且包括世界上10个人口最多的国家中的6个，进一步增强了该集团在全球经济中的重要性。
金砖国家的扩张受到美国在俄乌冲突后对美元的武器化影响，去年该集团还迎来了埃及、埃塞俄比亚、伊朗和阿联酋等四个新成员。尽管一些人认为印度尼西亚的加入可能为东南亚国家联盟（ASEAN）与金砖国家之间带来新的协同效应，但也有观点担忧印度尼西亚总统普拉博沃的强烈支持可能会疏远即将上任的美国总统特朗普，后者曾威胁对金砖国家实施100%的关税，若他们尝试采用替代美元的货币。
普拉博沃与特朗普的互动以及印度尼西亚希望加入经济合作与发展组织（OECD）的努力，使得印度尼西亚加入金砖国家的发展更为复杂。东南亚国家普遍推崇“对冲”策略，在外交上采取模糊立场，试图在大国之间寻求平衡，以避免被迫选择一方。这种复杂的对冲过程不仅要求地区大国在与对立的大国之间保持良好关系，还需安抚邻国，以免被视为对现状的修正主义威胁。
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Growing number of Hong Kong’s ethnic minority residents visit Shenzhen, beyond
越来越多的香港人选择前往深圳进行购物和医疗服务。例如，65岁的巴基斯坦-香港商人Riaz Ahmed Gujjar最近与朋友们一起前往深圳，接受了植发治疗，享用了清真美食，并定制了两套西装。
Gujjar表示，深圳的便利位置、合理的价格和优质的服务促使他几乎每周都带着家人和朋友去那里。相比于香港，深圳的消费明显更为划算，例如他在深圳购买的定制西装仅需1,350元人民币，而在香港至少要花费3,000港元。此外，深圳的清真餐饮选择也更为丰富，让他在用餐时能享受到更多的选择。
在医疗服务方面，Gujjar在朋友的推荐下选择在深圳的私人中心进行植发，费用约为24,000元人民币。经过几次治疗后，他已经完成了四次就诊，这让他对深圳的医疗服务感到满意。这一现象反映出越来越多的香港居民开始利用深圳的资源，以满足他们在购物和医疗上的需求。
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越来越多的香港人选择前往深圳进行购物和医疗服务。例如，65岁的巴基斯坦-香港商人Riaz Ahmed Gujjar最近与朋友们一起前往深圳，接受了植发治疗，享用了清真美食，并定制了两套西装。
Gujjar表示，深圳的便利位置、合理的价格和优质的服务促使他几乎每周都带着家人和朋友去那里。相比于香港，深圳的消费明显更为划算，例如他在深圳购买的定制西装仅需1,350元人民币，而在香港至少要花费3,000港元。此外，深圳的清真餐饮选择也更为丰富，让他在用餐时能享受到更多的选择。
在医疗服务方面，Gujjar在朋友的推荐下选择在深圳的私人中心进行植发，费用约为24,000元人民币。经过几次治疗后，他已经完成了四次就诊，这让他对深圳的医疗服务感到满意。这一现象反映出越来越多的香港居民开始利用深圳的资源，以满足他们在购物和医疗上的需求。
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Anger as Korea coffee chain tells staff to call boss before family in event of plane crash
By Yating Yang
A Korean drinks brand has suffered an angry backlash after a shop manager heartlessly instructed employees to inform their boss ahead of their families in the event of a plane crash.
The row developed on December 29, after a Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to South Korea crashed on landing killing 179 people.
It was the deadliest plane crash on South Korean soil to date.
Controversy raged after a manager from a Gong Cha Korea franchise at the Shinsegae Department Store in Daegu, southeastern South Korea, made comments that sparked public outrage.
Gong Cha was founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
In 2017, 70 per cent of its ownership was sold to Kim Yeo-Jin, the owner of Gong Cha Korea, the brand’s Korean franchisee, with backing from the private equity firm Unison Capital.
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By Yating Yang
A Korean drinks brand has suffered an angry backlash after a shop manager heartlessly instructed employees to inform their boss ahead of their families in the event of a plane crash.
The row developed on December 29, after a Jeju Air flight from Bangkok to South Korea crashed on landing killing 179 people.
It was the deadliest plane crash on South Korean soil to date.
Controversy raged after a manager from a Gong Cha Korea franchise at the Shinsegae Department Store in Daegu, southeastern South Korea, made comments that sparked public outrage.
Gong Cha was founded in 2006 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
In 2017, 70 per cent of its ownership was sold to Kim Yeo-Jin, the owner of Gong Cha Korea, the brand’s Korean franchisee, with backing from the private equity firm Unison Capital.
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Trump wants to visit China as president, US report says
By Reuters
US president-elect Donald Trump has told advisers he wants to travel to China after he takes office, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, quoting people familiar with the discussions.
Trump has expressed interest in travelling to China in his first 100 days in office, the report said, citing one of the people.
Trump’s inauguration is Monday, and Chinese state news agencies said on Friday that Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng will attend as Beijing stands ready to strengthen cooperation.
Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, through their representatives, have discussed meeting in person, with one option involving the incoming American president inviting the Chinese leader to the US, the WSJ added.
The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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By Reuters
US president-elect Donald Trump has told advisers he wants to travel to China after he takes office, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, quoting people familiar with the discussions.
Trump has expressed interest in travelling to China in his first 100 days in office, the report said, citing one of the people.
Trump’s inauguration is Monday, and Chinese state news agencies said on Friday that Chinese Vice-President Han Zheng will attend as Beijing stands ready to strengthen cooperation.
Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, through their representatives, have discussed meeting in person, with one option involving the incoming American president inviting the Chinese leader to the US, the WSJ added.
The Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Israel’s Netanyahu says Hamas hasn’t provided hostage list, warns Gaza truce could fail
在新达成的停火协议前夕，关于人质信息的争议在加沙的交战双方之间浮出水面。以色列消息人士称，巴勒斯坦武装组织哈马斯尚未提供将于周日释放给以色列的三名人质的名单。以色列总理本杰明·内塔尼亚胡警告称，如果没有名单，以色列将不会继续执行周六早些时候政府批准的协议。
根据协议，哈马斯必须在交接人质前24小时通知以色列人质的姓名。以色列媒体报道，首批将被释放的是三名从以色列被绑架的女性平民。哈马斯方面表示，他们将在接下来的几个小时内提交人质名单，这一承诺的落实将直接影响停火协议的执行和双方的信任关系。
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在新达成的停火协议前夕，关于人质信息的争议在加沙的交战双方之间浮出水面。以色列消息人士称，巴勒斯坦武装组织哈马斯尚未提供将于周日释放给以色列的三名人质的名单。以色列总理本杰明·内塔尼亚胡警告称，如果没有名单，以色列将不会继续执行周六早些时候政府批准的协议。
根据协议，哈马斯必须在交接人质前24小时通知以色列人质的姓名。以色列媒体报道，首批将被释放的是三名从以色列被绑架的女性平民。哈马斯方面表示，他们将在接下来的几个小时内提交人质名单，这一承诺的落实将直接影响停火协议的执行和双方的信任关系。
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Croatia’s deputy PM Josip Dabro quits over video of him firing gun from moving car
克罗地亚副总理约瑟普·达布罗因在移动汽车中随机开枪的视频曝光而辞职。这一事件进一步扰乱了保守派总理安德烈·普连科维奇的政府，此前卫生部长维利·布罗斯因腐败调查于去年11月被解职。
达布罗在社交媒体上宣布：“我在此提交我的不可撤回的辞呈。”这位42岁的政治家同时担任农业部长。视频由《日报》Jutarnji List本周早些时候公布，画面中他坐在行驶中的汽车副驾驶座上，伴随着音乐唱歌，并向黑暗中开枪，远处的灯光似乎表明那里有人居住。
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克罗地亚副总理约瑟普·达布罗因在移动汽车中随机开枪的视频曝光而辞职。这一事件进一步扰乱了保守派总理安德烈·普连科维奇的政府，此前卫生部长维利·布罗斯因腐败调查于去年11月被解职。
达布罗在社交媒体上宣布：“我在此提交我的不可撤回的辞呈。”这位42岁的政治家同时担任农业部长。视频由《日报》Jutarnji List本周早些时候公布，画面中他坐在行驶中的汽车副驾驶座上，伴随着音乐唱歌，并向黑暗中开枪，远处的灯光似乎表明那里有人居住。
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South Korea’s political turmoil puts neighbourly relations on shaky ground
By Zhao Ziwen
With the fate of suspended South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol hanging in the balance, the country has also been left facing an uncertain future as it battles through the resulting political turmoil.
Analysts say that the power transitions, both in Seoul and Washington, could significantly alter the dynamics between East Asian neighbours South Korea, Japan and China.
Impeached South Korean leader Yoon was arrested on Wednesday over the short-lived martial law that he imposed during a televised address on December 3.
The country is still dealing with the political fallout of that act. While it could be months before a final court decision is handed down, South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who has maintained friendly relations with both China and North Korea, looks most likely to take over should Yoon be removed from office.
In the United States, meanwhile, all eyes are on Donald Trump as he returns to the White House, to see what he will do in the Indo-Pacific region. It is still uncertain whether Trump, who is known for his transactional and isolationist bent, will follow the policies of his predecessor Joe Biden with regard to the Indo-Pacific and multilateral partnerships in the region.
With so much still up in the air, observers said that Seoul could move closer to Beijing and further from Tokyo, even putting the trilateral Japan-South Korea-US partnership in jeopardy.
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By Zhao Ziwen
With the fate of suspended South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol hanging in the balance, the country has also been left facing an uncertain future as it battles through the resulting political turmoil.
Analysts say that the power transitions, both in Seoul and Washington, could significantly alter the dynamics between East Asian neighbours South Korea, Japan and China.
Impeached South Korean leader Yoon was arrested on Wednesday over the short-lived martial law that he imposed during a televised address on December 3.
The country is still dealing with the political fallout of that act. While it could be months before a final court decision is handed down, South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who has maintained friendly relations with both China and North Korea, looks most likely to take over should Yoon be removed from office.
In the United States, meanwhile, all eyes are on Donald Trump as he returns to the White House, to see what he will do in the Indo-Pacific region. It is still uncertain whether Trump, who is known for his transactional and isolationist bent, will follow the policies of his predecessor Joe Biden with regard to the Indo-Pacific and multilateral partnerships in the region.
With so much still up in the air, observers said that Seoul could move closer to Beijing and further from Tokyo, even putting the trilateral Japan-South Korea-US partnership in jeopardy.
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