China KOL calls on male friends to wear Adam’s apple ‘bras’ to champion rights of women
中国一位关键意见领袖（KOL）呼吁男性朋友佩戴类似胸罩的“喉结罩”，以促进女性权利。这一倡议源于2020年中国全国人口普查显示，男性比女性多出3490万，反映出长期独生子女政策的遗留问题。
随着2024年3月高层官员提案进一步强调女性在职场和家庭中面临的挑战，性别不平等已成为许多年轻女性选择不组建家庭的主要原因。KOL朱喵琳（网名Ah Miao）提出的这一创新方式，旨在赋予女性更多权力，已在网络上引起广泛共鸣。
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中国一位关键意见领袖（KOL）呼吁男性朋友佩戴类似胸罩的“喉结罩”，以促进女性权利。这一倡议源于2020年中国全国人口普查显示，男性比女性多出3490万，反映出长期独生子女政策的遗留问题。
随着2024年3月高层官员提案进一步强调女性在职场和家庭中面临的挑战，性别不平等已成为许多年轻女性选择不组建家庭的主要原因。KOL朱喵琳（网名Ah Miao）提出的这一创新方式，旨在赋予女性更多权力，已在网络上引起广泛共鸣。
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Saudi crown prince vows US$600 billion investment pledge in call with Trump
By Associated Press
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince said Thursday the kingdom wants to invest US$600 billion in the United States over the next four years, comments that came after President Donald Trump mused about returning to the kingdom as his first foreign trip.
The comments from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reported early Thursday by the state-run Saudi Press Agency, came in a phone call with Trump.
“The crown prince affirmed the kingdom’s intention to broaden its investments and trade with the United States over the next four years, in the amount of US$600 billion, and potentially beyond that,” the report said.
The readout did not elaborate on where those investments and trade could be placed. The US in recent years has increasingly pulled away from relying on Saudi oil exports, which once was the bedrock of their relationship for decades. Saudi sovereign wealth funds have taken large stakes in American businesses while also looking at sports as well.
There was no immediate readout from the White House on the call. It also wasn’t immediately clear if Trump’s call with the crown prince was his first with a foreign leader since re-entering the White House. However, it was the first reported abroad.
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By Associated Press
Saudi Arabia’s crown prince said Thursday the kingdom wants to invest US$600 billion in the United States over the next four years, comments that came after President Donald Trump mused about returning to the kingdom as his first foreign trip.
The comments from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reported early Thursday by the state-run Saudi Press Agency, came in a phone call with Trump.
“The crown prince affirmed the kingdom’s intention to broaden its investments and trade with the United States over the next four years, in the amount of US$600 billion, and potentially beyond that,” the report said.
The readout did not elaborate on where those investments and trade could be placed. The US in recent years has increasingly pulled away from relying on Saudi oil exports, which once was the bedrock of their relationship for decades. Saudi sovereign wealth funds have taken large stakes in American businesses while also looking at sports as well.
There was no immediate readout from the White House on the call. It also wasn’t immediately clear if Trump’s call with the crown prince was his first with a foreign leader since re-entering the White House. However, it was the first reported abroad.
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Man faces trial in Singapore for raping wife, threatening to stab her with metal rod
一名男子在新加坡接受审判，因在婚姻中强奸妻子而被控，这是自2020年婚内强奸豁免完全废除以来的首例案件。这起案件引起了广泛关注，因为它标志着法律变化后对婚姻中性暴力的法律追责。案件的细节受到保密令的保护，涉及的双方国籍、年龄和职业等信息均未公开。
在疫情之前，这对外国夫妇每天通勤到新加坡工作，然而在疫情期间，男子被困在新加坡并找到了居住地。女子则于2020年8月移居新加坡，并居住在雇主提供的公寓中，两人维持着分居状态。2020年11月8日，男子希望见到妻子以送上礼物，尽管她最初拒绝，但最后还是在他出现在她所在的公共住房空地时与他见面，双方因拒绝接受礼物而发生了激烈争吵。
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一名男子在新加坡接受审判，因在婚姻中强奸妻子而被控，这是自2020年婚内强奸豁免完全废除以来的首例案件。这起案件引起了广泛关注，因为它标志着法律变化后对婚姻中性暴力的法律追责。案件的细节受到保密令的保护，涉及的双方国籍、年龄和职业等信息均未公开。
在疫情之前，这对外国夫妇每天通勤到新加坡工作，然而在疫情期间，男子被困在新加坡并找到了居住地。女子则于2020年8月移居新加坡，并居住在雇主提供的公寓中，两人维持着分居状态。2020年11月8日，男子希望见到妻子以送上礼物，尽管她最初拒绝，但最后还是在他出现在她所在的公共住房空地时与他见面，双方因拒绝接受礼物而发生了激烈争吵。
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SK Hynix profit surpasses Samsung, but shares dip on lower memory chip demand
By Reuters
South Korea’s SK Hynix forecast sales of its high-end semiconductors used in generative artificial intelligence (AI) chipsets would double this year after reporting a record quarterly profit that surpassed its bigger rival Samsung.
Shares in SK Hynix, a key supplier to AI chip giant Nvidia, however, dropped 3 per cent on Thursday as the company warned of steeper demand declines in commodity memory chips used in smartphones and computers, due to economic uncertainty and growing competition from Chinese rivals.
Before the result, SK Hynix shares had jumped about 30 per cent so far this year on bullish sentiment driven by its business discussions with Nvidia, outperforming Samsung, whose shares rose 2 per cent over the same period.
“Uncertainties exist for the memory chip market this year as trade protectionism grows and geopolitical risks deepen, while PC and smartphone companies adjust inventories,” SK Hynix chief financial officer Kim Woo-hyun told analysts on an earnings call.
The company said supply will remain tight for high-performance chips as a result of rising demand, but demand declines will accelerate for legacy products.
Lee Min-hee, an analyst at BNK Investment & Securities, said while fourth-quarter results were strong, SK Hynix’s forecast for first-quarter chip shipments was weaker than expected and disappointed investors.
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By Reuters
South Korea’s SK Hynix forecast sales of its high-end semiconductors used in generative artificial intelligence (AI) chipsets would double this year after reporting a record quarterly profit that surpassed its bigger rival Samsung.
Shares in SK Hynix, a key supplier to AI chip giant Nvidia, however, dropped 3 per cent on Thursday as the company warned of steeper demand declines in commodity memory chips used in smartphones and computers, due to economic uncertainty and growing competition from Chinese rivals.
Before the result, SK Hynix shares had jumped about 30 per cent so far this year on bullish sentiment driven by its business discussions with Nvidia, outperforming Samsung, whose shares rose 2 per cent over the same period.
“Uncertainties exist for the memory chip market this year as trade protectionism grows and geopolitical risks deepen, while PC and smartphone companies adjust inventories,” SK Hynix chief financial officer Kim Woo-hyun told analysts on an earnings call.
The company said supply will remain tight for high-performance chips as a result of rising demand, but demand declines will accelerate for legacy products.
Lee Min-hee, an analyst at BNK Investment & Securities, said while fourth-quarter results were strong, SK Hynix’s forecast for first-quarter chip shipments was weaker than expected and disappointed investors.
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High-level EU-China talks to resume as top diplomats slated to meet in Munich
欧盟首席外交官卡雅·卡拉斯计划于下月在慕尼黑与中国外交部长王毅会面，这将是自布鲁塞尔领导层更替以来双方的首次正式会谈。此次会晤定于2月14日至16日的慕尼黑安全会议期间进行，标志着卡拉斯自去年12月担任欧盟外交与安全政策高级代表以来首次与中国领导层的面对面交流。
在此之前，欧盟委员会主席乌尔苏拉·冯德莱恩于本周在瑞士达沃斯的世界经济论坛上与中国副总理丁薛祥进行了简短的握手，但并未进行实质性互动。自冯德莱恩的新委员会成立以来，欧盟与北京之间缺乏深入交流，唯一的日程安排是欧洲理事会主席安东尼奥·科斯塔本月与中国国家主席习近平的通话。卡拉斯的前任何塞普·博雷尔曾在慕尼黑会议上多次与王毅会面，这一会议为外交部长们提供了与众多同行交流的机会。
目前，关于今年欧盟与中国峰会的工作级别谈判仍在进行中，但尚未确定具体日期。欧洲方面能否说服习近平前往布鲁塞尔仍然是一个悬而未决的问题。
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欧盟首席外交官卡雅·卡拉斯计划于下月在慕尼黑与中国外交部长王毅会面，这将是自布鲁塞尔领导层更替以来双方的首次正式会谈。此次会晤定于2月14日至16日的慕尼黑安全会议期间进行，标志着卡拉斯自去年12月担任欧盟外交与安全政策高级代表以来首次与中国领导层的面对面交流。
在此之前，欧盟委员会主席乌尔苏拉·冯德莱恩于本周在瑞士达沃斯的世界经济论坛上与中国副总理丁薛祥进行了简短的握手，但并未进行实质性互动。自冯德莱恩的新委员会成立以来，欧盟与北京之间缺乏深入交流，唯一的日程安排是欧洲理事会主席安东尼奥·科斯塔本月与中国国家主席习近平的通话。卡拉斯的前任何塞普·博雷尔曾在慕尼黑会议上多次与王毅会面，这一会议为外交部长们提供了与众多同行交流的机会。
目前，关于今年欧盟与中国峰会的工作级别谈判仍在进行中，但尚未确定具体日期。欧洲方面能否说服习近平前往布鲁塞尔仍然是一个悬而未决的问题。
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Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific to give out 4 weeks of pay for staff bonuses
By Cannix Yau
Cathay Pacific Airways will dish out at least a month’s worth of pay to staff for this year’s bonuses on the back of the Hong Kong flag carrier’s strong financial results in 2024.
In a letter to employees on Thursday morning, Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por said the bonus pay was due to the company’s robust performance last year.
“I’m pleased to share that we will be distributing at least four weeks of eligible pay this year. Stay tuned,” he wrote.
The promised bonus pay follows the company’s successful efforts to rebuild after the pandemic, which saw it return to 100 per cent of pre-Covid flight levels this month.
“Our strong financial performance for two years in a row also made it possible for us to commit more than HK$100 billion [US$12.8 billion] in investments into further elevating our customers’ experience in the future,” Lam said.
More to follow …
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By Cannix Yau
Cathay Pacific Airways will dish out at least a month’s worth of pay to staff for this year’s bonuses on the back of the Hong Kong flag carrier’s strong financial results in 2024.
In a letter to employees on Thursday morning, Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por said the bonus pay was due to the company’s robust performance last year.
“I’m pleased to share that we will be distributing at least four weeks of eligible pay this year. Stay tuned,” he wrote.
The promised bonus pay follows the company’s successful efforts to rebuild after the pandemic, which saw it return to 100 per cent of pre-Covid flight levels this month.
“Our strong financial performance for two years in a row also made it possible for us to commit more than HK$100 billion [US$12.8 billion] in investments into further elevating our customers’ experience in the future,” Lam said.
More to follow …
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Philippines ‘blindsided’ by mounting security threats amid fresh espionage claims
菲律宾正面临日益严峻的安全威胁，分析人士警告称，国家在反情报能力和监管基础设施方面存在不足，这引发了对近期间谍活动的忧虑。这一警告是在菲律宾武装部队宣布正在调查一名涉嫌中国间谍与该国军事设施之间的联系之后提出的，此外还涉及在国内水域发现的水下无人机以及外籍人士中假身份证的泛滥。
菲律宾海军发言人特立南上校指出，似乎有一个外部势力在“有意并有计划地绘制出该国的地图”，尽管他没有指明具体国家。他强调，所有的声明都是基于事实。同时，军方发言人帕迪拉上校表示，军方正从更宏观的角度审视这些问题，并试图在多个孤立的现象之间找到联系，包括已经被禁止的离岸博彩运营商（Pogos）。
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菲律宾正面临日益严峻的安全威胁，分析人士警告称，国家在反情报能力和监管基础设施方面存在不足，这引发了对近期间谍活动的忧虑。这一警告是在菲律宾武装部队宣布正在调查一名涉嫌中国间谍与该国军事设施之间的联系之后提出的，此外还涉及在国内水域发现的水下无人机以及外籍人士中假身份证的泛滥。
菲律宾海军发言人特立南上校指出，似乎有一个外部势力在“有意并有计划地绘制出该国的地图”，尽管他没有指明具体国家。他强调，所有的声明都是基于事实。同时，军方发言人帕迪拉上校表示，军方正从更宏观的角度审视这些问题，并试图在多个孤立的现象之间找到联系，包括已经被禁止的离岸博彩运营商（Pogos）。
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Hong Kong’s Paul Chan discusses cooperation with global leaders at Davos forum
香港财政局局长在达沃斯的世界经济论坛上与70多位全球政治和商业领袖讨论了避免“新非合作常态”的策略。他在会议中强调了香港的“新优势”，并表达了在绿色转型、金融服务发展和城市管理等领域加强合作的意愿。
Chan Mo-po表示，此次论坛为香港展示最新经济和社会发展的机会，并强调了在“一国两制”原则下的独特优势。会议的主题为“智能时代的合作”，吸引了大约3000名来自世界各地的政治和金融领袖，讨论重建国际信任和寻找新的增长来源等重要议题。
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香港财政局局长在达沃斯的世界经济论坛上与70多位全球政治和商业领袖讨论了避免“新非合作常态”的策略。他在会议中强调了香港的“新优势”，并表达了在绿色转型、金融服务发展和城市管理等领域加强合作的意愿。
Chan Mo-po表示，此次论坛为香港展示最新经济和社会发展的机会，并强调了在“一国两制”原则下的独特优势。会议的主题为“智能时代的合作”，吸引了大约3000名来自世界各地的政治和金融领袖，讨论重建国际信任和寻找新的增长来源等重要议题。
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Malaysia’s Anwar faces heat over ‘absurd’ rules on anti-corruption rally
By Hadi Azmi
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his government – once vocal advocates of the right to protest – have come under criticism from civil society groups and their own supporters for imposing restrictions on an anti-corruption rally planned for this weekend.
Since coming to power after 25 years as Malaysia’s key opposition figure, Anwar has been chided for backsliding on his reform promises and instead defending laws such as the Sedition Act and Press Printing and Publication Act, which were once used to silence his own street movement.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution told the organisers of Saturday’s march that they must ask for permission from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the owners of Sogo shopping centre to protest, saying the streets outside those places are not “public spaces”.
The People’s Rally Against Corruption, led by student groups, will start outside the plaza in central Kuala Lumpur – a symbolic starting point for many mass marches under Anwar’s Reformasi movement – and proceed to Independence Square.
Zaid Malek, the director of rights group Lawyers for Liberty, took Saifuddin to task for the apparent attempt to impede the rally.
“Following this absurd logic, no public gathering can take place in Malaysia so long as surrounding building owners object to it,” Zaid, who provided legal advice to the organisers, said.
“Why is the government so afraid of anti-corruption rally when they have made a boast of fighting corruption?” he said, adding they have complied with the 2012 Peaceful Assembly Act stipulations.
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By Hadi Azmi
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his government – once vocal advocates of the right to protest – have come under criticism from civil society groups and their own supporters for imposing restrictions on an anti-corruption rally planned for this weekend.
Since coming to power after 25 years as Malaysia’s key opposition figure, Anwar has been chided for backsliding on his reform promises and instead defending laws such as the Sedition Act and Press Printing and Publication Act, which were once used to silence his own street movement.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution told the organisers of Saturday’s march that they must ask for permission from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the owners of Sogo shopping centre to protest, saying the streets outside those places are not “public spaces”.
The People’s Rally Against Corruption, led by student groups, will start outside the plaza in central Kuala Lumpur – a symbolic starting point for many mass marches under Anwar’s Reformasi movement – and proceed to Independence Square.
Zaid Malek, the director of rights group Lawyers for Liberty, took Saifuddin to task for the apparent attempt to impede the rally.
“Following this absurd logic, no public gathering can take place in Malaysia so long as surrounding building owners object to it,” Zaid, who provided legal advice to the organisers, said.
“Why is the government so afraid of anti-corruption rally when they have made a boast of fighting corruption?” he said, adding they have complied with the 2012 Peaceful Assembly Act stipulations.
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Positive US-China ties top concern for Hong Kong-based businesses: AmCham poll
根据最新调查，积极的美中关系是香港企业在未来一年最关心的问题。大多数受访者认为，美国要改善与香港的关系，首先需要更好地理解香港与中国大陆的法律差异。调查显示，79%的企业没有计划在未来三年内将总部迁出香港。
这项由香港美国商会（AmCham HK）发布的商业情绪调查还发现，85%的受访者认为，香港政府应将“更多关注商业问题，减少对国家安全言论的关注”作为改善与美国关系的最佳途径。商会指出，几乎所有公司（97%）都表示，良好的双边关系对他们在香港和中国的业务至关重要。这项调查是在去年12月至今年1月间进行的，涵盖了500家香港本地企业，回应率为18%。
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根据最新调查，积极的美中关系是香港企业在未来一年最关心的问题。大多数受访者认为，美国要改善与香港的关系，首先需要更好地理解香港与中国大陆的法律差异。调查显示，79%的企业没有计划在未来三年内将总部迁出香港。
这项由香港美国商会（AmCham HK）发布的商业情绪调查还发现，85%的受访者认为，香港政府应将“更多关注商业问题，减少对国家安全言论的关注”作为改善与美国关系的最佳途径。商会指出，几乎所有公司（97%）都表示，良好的双边关系对他们在香港和中国的业务至关重要。这项调查是在去年12月至今年1月间进行的，涵盖了500家香港本地企业，回应率为18%。
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Elon Musk vs Wikipedia: a clash over how to describe ‘Nazi salute’
Elon Musk is stirring controversy by trolling Wikipedia and advocating for its defunding after the site described his recent hand gesture, which some interpreted as a Hitler salute. This incident has ignited a clash between Musk's social media platform X and the online encyclopedia, highlighting their contrasting philosophies.
The conflict underscores the differences between Musk's X, which has relaxed content moderation rules leading to increased disinformation, and Wikipedia, founded by Jimmy Wales, which strives for factual neutrality. Musk's recent actions, including his support for Donald Trump, position him at the center of U.S. politics, while Wikipedia and mainstream media challenge him by holding him accountable for his statements and actions.
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Elon Musk is stirring controversy by trolling Wikipedia and advocating for its defunding after the site described his recent hand gesture, which some interpreted as a Hitler salute. This incident has ignited a clash between Musk's social media platform X and the online encyclopedia, highlighting their contrasting philosophies.
The conflict underscores the differences between Musk's X, which has relaxed content moderation rules leading to increased disinformation, and Wikipedia, founded by Jimmy Wales, which strives for factual neutrality. Musk's recent actions, including his support for Donald Trump, position him at the center of U.S. politics, while Wikipedia and mainstream media challenge him by holding him accountable for his statements and actions.
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Hong Kong police question 2 polling institute workers in national security probe
香港国家安全警察已召唤两名民调机构员工参与调查，该调查与一名逃犯有关。这名逃犯是香港公众舆论研究所的前副执行董事钟金华，他因涉嫌违反国家安全法而被警方通缉。警方在对钟的家人及一名主要民调人士进行询问后，决定调查该机构的员工。
调查显示，民调机构的研究与数据科学经理朱建强和研究执行员袁浩轩已被分别带到屯门和沙田的警察局进行询问。警方上周查扣了香港公众舆论研究所的物品，并带走了该机构的主席钟廷耀。钟金华于2022年移居英国，警方在上个月将他列为六名在海外的逃犯之一，此次行动突显了香港在国家安全法实施后的高压政策。
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香港国家安全警察已召唤两名民调机构员工参与调查，该调查与一名逃犯有关。这名逃犯是香港公众舆论研究所的前副执行董事钟金华，他因涉嫌违反国家安全法而被警方通缉。警方在对钟的家人及一名主要民调人士进行询问后，决定调查该机构的员工。
调查显示，民调机构的研究与数据科学经理朱建强和研究执行员袁浩轩已被分别带到屯门和沙田的警察局进行询问。警方上周查扣了香港公众舆论研究所的物品，并带走了该机构的主席钟廷耀。钟金华于2022年移居英国，警方在上个月将他列为六名在海外的逃犯之一，此次行动突显了香港在国家安全法实施后的高压政策。
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The US is deeply dependent on China’s rare earths. Can Trump change that?
美国正努力降低对中国稀土供应的依赖，寻求开发自身丰富的稀土矿藏。稀土元素是生产高端电子产品和先进武器所需的重要矿物，而美国长期以来主要依赖中国的供应。这种对外依赖加剧了美国的战略脆弱性，尤其是在中国加强出口管制的背景下。
尽管美国拥有稀土矿藏，但由于政府的监管政策和地方对采矿项目的反对，这些资源却长期未被开发。行业分析师指出，经济学家保罗·克鲁曼曾描述美国从“不要在我家附近”转变为“在任何地方都不建任何东西”，这种转变导致了国内基本工业水平的普遍抑制。这种复杂的局面使得美国在面对全球竞争时必须寻求更多的自给自足，以确保国家安全和经济稳定。
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美国正努力降低对中国稀土供应的依赖，寻求开发自身丰富的稀土矿藏。稀土元素是生产高端电子产品和先进武器所需的重要矿物，而美国长期以来主要依赖中国的供应。这种对外依赖加剧了美国的战略脆弱性，尤其是在中国加强出口管制的背景下。
尽管美国拥有稀土矿藏，但由于政府的监管政策和地方对采矿项目的反对，这些资源却长期未被开发。行业分析师指出，经济学家保罗·克鲁曼曾描述美国从“不要在我家附近”转变为“在任何地方都不建任何东西”，这种转变导致了国内基本工业水平的普遍抑制。这种复杂的局面使得美国在面对全球竞争时必须寻求更多的自给自足，以确保国家安全和经济稳定。
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Japan’s Masahiro Nakai retires from showbiz amid sex scandal
日本知名电视主持人中居正广因卷入性丑闻宣布退休。这位前流行乐团SMAP成员于周四在其粉丝网站上透露，他将退出娱乐圈，原因是有媒体报道称他在2023年6月与一名20多岁的女性发生了非自愿的性行为，并因此达成了9000万日元（约57.5万美元）的庭外和解。
中居正广，52岁，曾是SMAP的领导者，该团体自1988年成立以来在日本及亚洲广受欢迎，直到2016年解散。在丑闻曝光之前，他一直活跃于电视节目中担任主持人，如今的退休决定标志着他事业的重大转折。此事件也引发了对日本娱乐行业性骚扰问题的广泛关注和讨论。
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日本知名电视主持人中居正广因卷入性丑闻宣布退休。这位前流行乐团SMAP成员于周四在其粉丝网站上透露，他将退出娱乐圈，原因是有媒体报道称他在2023年6月与一名20多岁的女性发生了非自愿的性行为，并因此达成了9000万日元（约57.5万美元）的庭外和解。
中居正广，52岁，曾是SMAP的领导者，该团体自1988年成立以来在日本及亚洲广受欢迎，直到2016年解散。在丑闻曝光之前，他一直活跃于电视节目中担任主持人，如今的退休决定标志着他事业的重大转折。此事件也引发了对日本娱乐行业性骚扰问题的广泛关注和讨论。
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Asia’s energy markets may stay volatile over Trump’s oil ambition and sanctions
亚洲能源市场正面临加剧的不确定性，主要由于西方对俄罗斯石油运输的新制裁以及美国总统特朗普推动扩大国内石油产量的政策。分析师警告，这种价格波动可能会持续数月，给全球油价带来压力。
印度和中国作为全球最大的石油消费国，正受到这些制裁的直接影响。特朗普在就职首日宣布美国面临国家能源紧急状态，暗示美国可能会增加石油产量。随着制裁的实施，基准布伦特原油价格在1月中旬从圣诞节的73美元上涨至80美元，随后又回落至79.13美元。
本月早些时候，拜登政府宣布对200多家与俄罗斯石油销售和运输相关的实体和个人实施制裁，包括183艘被认为是逃避制裁的“影子舰队”。与此同时，英国政府也对俄罗斯两大能源公司Gazprom Neft和Surgutneftegas实施制裁，称其利润正在“充实普京的战争资金，助长乌克兰战争”。
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亚洲能源市场正面临加剧的不确定性，主要由于西方对俄罗斯石油运输的新制裁以及美国总统特朗普推动扩大国内石油产量的政策。分析师警告，这种价格波动可能会持续数月，给全球油价带来压力。
印度和中国作为全球最大的石油消费国，正受到这些制裁的直接影响。特朗普在就职首日宣布美国面临国家能源紧急状态，暗示美国可能会增加石油产量。随着制裁的实施，基准布伦特原油价格在1月中旬从圣诞节的73美元上涨至80美元，随后又回落至79.13美元。
本月早些时候，拜登政府宣布对200多家与俄罗斯石油销售和运输相关的实体和个人实施制裁，包括183艘被认为是逃避制裁的“影子舰队”。与此同时，英国政府也对俄罗斯两大能源公司Gazprom Neft和Surgutneftegas实施制裁，称其利润正在“充实普京的战争资金，助长乌克兰战争”。
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New Zealand takes a page from Singapore’s foreign investment playbook to propel economy
新西兰总理克里斯托弗·卢克森宣布，将放宽外资投资规则，以刺激经济增长和增加就业机会。这一举措出现在新西兰经济在第三季度意外陷入衰退的背景下，政府希望通过引入更多外资来扭转不利局面。
卢克森在年度国情演讲中提到，将设立“投资新西兰”作为外资投资的一站式服务平台，借鉴爱尔兰和新加坡的成功经验，简化投资流程并为外国投资者提供个性化支持。此举预计将促进银行、金融科技、交通、能源和制造业等领域的资本投资，帮助新西兰实现更多初创企业和首次公开募股，提升收入水平。与此同时，新西兰中央银行自八月份以来已将官方现金利率下调125个基点，并预期在下月的会议上再次下调50个基点，以应对经济活动收缩和通胀放缓的双重挑战。
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新西兰总理克里斯托弗·卢克森宣布，将放宽外资投资规则，以刺激经济增长和增加就业机会。这一举措出现在新西兰经济在第三季度意外陷入衰退的背景下，政府希望通过引入更多外资来扭转不利局面。
卢克森在年度国情演讲中提到，将设立“投资新西兰”作为外资投资的一站式服务平台，借鉴爱尔兰和新加坡的成功经验，简化投资流程并为外国投资者提供个性化支持。此举预计将促进银行、金融科技、交通、能源和制造业等领域的资本投资，帮助新西兰实现更多初创企业和首次公开募股，提升收入水平。与此同时，新西兰中央银行自八月份以来已将官方现金利率下调125个基点，并预期在下月的会议上再次下调50个基点，以应对经济活动收缩和通胀放缓的双重挑战。
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China breaks durian import record as Vietnam, Malaysia nip at Thailand’s heels
By Mia Nulimaimaiti
With China’s durian imports breaking records in 2024 – reaching nearly US$7 billion in value – competition for its market, the world’s largest, has intensified as Vietnam and Malaysia ramp up their efforts to dethrone Thailand as chief provider of the beloved tropical fruit.
According to customs data, China imported a record 15.6 billion kilograms of durian in 2024, up 9.4 per cent year on year. Import value rose 4.1 per cent to an all-time high of US$6.99 billion – though this was slow compared to the explosive 66 per cent growth rate observed in 2023 after Vietnam entered the market in earnest.
In December, China brought in almost US$160 million worth of the fruit for its domestic supply – still sourced almost entirely from abroad – for a 12 per cent year-on-year increase.
Imports of the fruit from Thailand saw a 7.6 per cent increase year-on-year in December, despite a 12 per cent decline last year overall for a total value of US$4 billion.
Thailand has long dominated China’s durian market, accounting for 68 per cent of imports in 2023. However, its market share in China dropped to 57 per cent last year, a fall attributed to quality issues from the overuse of industrial plantations and a decline in production following a bout of extreme heat.
China’s General Administration of Customs mandated Thailand and Vietnam provide test reports for their durian crops after detecting excessive levels of the chemical dye Basic Yellow 2 – a known carcinogen – according to a report by Thai media outlet Bangkok Insight earlier this month. Since January 10, Chinese authorities have inspected random samples of the fruits at all border crossings.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Mia Nulimaimaiti
With China’s durian imports breaking records in 2024 – reaching nearly US$7 billion in value – competition for its market, the world’s largest, has intensified as Vietnam and Malaysia ramp up their efforts to dethrone Thailand as chief provider of the beloved tropical fruit.
According to customs data, China imported a record 15.6 billion kilograms of durian in 2024, up 9.4 per cent year on year. Import value rose 4.1 per cent to an all-time high of US$6.99 billion – though this was slow compared to the explosive 66 per cent growth rate observed in 2023 after Vietnam entered the market in earnest.
In December, China brought in almost US$160 million worth of the fruit for its domestic supply – still sourced almost entirely from abroad – for a 12 per cent year-on-year increase.
Imports of the fruit from Thailand saw a 7.6 per cent increase year-on-year in December, despite a 12 per cent decline last year overall for a total value of US$4 billion.
Thailand has long dominated China’s durian market, accounting for 68 per cent of imports in 2023. However, its market share in China dropped to 57 per cent last year, a fall attributed to quality issues from the overuse of industrial plantations and a decline in production following a bout of extreme heat.
China’s General Administration of Customs mandated Thailand and Vietnam provide test reports for their durian crops after detecting excessive levels of the chemical dye Basic Yellow 2 – a known carcinogen – according to a report by Thai media outlet Bangkok Insight earlier this month. Since January 10, Chinese authorities have inspected random samples of the fruits at all border crossings.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
