‘Surrounded by sharks’: Europe tries to keep afloat amid pressures from China and US
欧洲需要在面对中国和特朗普的美国时学会“游泳和生存”。前立陶宛外交部长加布里留斯·兰兹贝尔吉斯指出，欧盟正处于一个被“鲨鱼”包围的局面，必须改变其不作为的立场，以应对新的地缘政治格局。他呼吁布鲁塞尔采取更强硬的措施，避免在国际事务中被边缘化。
兰兹贝尔吉斯强调，单靠价值观的方式无法说服在海洋中游动的“鲨鱼”，而是需要找到生存之道。他提到，特朗普重返总统职位可能会动摇欧盟与华盛顿的关系，同时也会影响其与北京的紧张关系。欧盟贸易专员马罗斯·塞费科维奇表示，布鲁塞尔希望能在某些中国政策方面与特朗普合作。
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欧洲需要在面对中国和特朗普的美国时学会“游泳和生存”。前立陶宛外交部长加布里留斯·兰兹贝尔吉斯指出，欧盟正处于一个被“鲨鱼”包围的局面，必须改变其不作为的立场，以应对新的地缘政治格局。他呼吁布鲁塞尔采取更强硬的措施，避免在国际事务中被边缘化。
兰兹贝尔吉斯强调，单靠价值观的方式无法说服在海洋中游动的“鲨鱼”，而是需要找到生存之道。他提到，特朗普重返总统职位可能会动摇欧盟与华盛顿的关系，同时也会影响其与北京的紧张关系。欧盟贸易专员马罗斯·塞费科维奇表示，布鲁塞尔希望能在某些中国政策方面与特朗普合作。
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‘City-killer’ asteroid has 1.6% chance of hitting Earth in 2032
科学家们发现了一颗名为2024 YR4的巨大小行星，它在八年内与地球碰撞的几率超过1%。这颗小行星的能量释放将远超广岛原子弹，可能造成城市级别的毁灭，具体影响则取决于其撞击地点。天文学家们目前虽未感到恐慌，但正密切关注其轨道。
这颗小行星于2024年12月27日在智利的El Sauce天文台首次被观测到。根据其亮度，科学家估计它的直径在130到300英尺（约40至90米）之间。尽管这种规模的撞击可能带来严重后果，专业人士如行星协会的首席科学家布鲁斯·贝茨表示，当前的策略是加强监测，尽可能动用观察资源来研究该小行星的轨迹。
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科学家们发现了一颗名为2024 YR4的巨大小行星，它在八年内与地球碰撞的几率超过1%。这颗小行星的能量释放将远超广岛原子弹，可能造成城市级别的毁灭，具体影响则取决于其撞击地点。天文学家们目前虽未感到恐慌，但正密切关注其轨道。
这颗小行星于2024年12月27日在智利的El Sauce天文台首次被观测到。根据其亮度，科学家估计它的直径在130到300英尺（约40至90米）之间。尽管这种规模的撞击可能带来严重后果，专业人士如行星协会的首席科学家布鲁斯·贝茨表示，当前的策略是加强监测，尽可能动用观察资源来研究该小行星的轨迹。
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6 Hong Kong restaurants slapped with fines for flouting single-use plastics ban
六家香港餐厅因未能遵守一次性塑料禁令被罚款每家2,000港元。这是自去年11月开始实施新法律以来的首次罚款，环境局局长透露，自禁令生效以来，已收到75起公众投诉，其中59起已发出警告。
根据禁令的第一阶段，自4月22日起，餐厅和零售商不得出售或使用聚苯乙烯餐具和塑料餐具。虽然禁令早在四月就已生效，但执法从去年11月才正式开始，之前有六个月的宽限期。未来的第二阶段禁令预计在2025年启动，将全面禁止餐厅使用所有一次性塑料制品，包括食品容器、六包装塑料环、桌布和一次性手套等。
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六家香港餐厅因未能遵守一次性塑料禁令被罚款每家2,000港元。这是自去年11月开始实施新法律以来的首次罚款，环境局局长透露，自禁令生效以来，已收到75起公众投诉，其中59起已发出警告。
根据禁令的第一阶段，自4月22日起，餐厅和零售商不得出售或使用聚苯乙烯餐具和塑料餐具。虽然禁令早在四月就已生效，但执法从去年11月才正式开始，之前有六个月的宽限期。未来的第二阶段禁令预计在2025年启动，将全面禁止餐厅使用所有一次性塑料制品，包括食品容器、六包装塑料环、桌布和一次性手套等。
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Taiwan’s feuding political parties raise the stakes with rival recall bids
By Lawrence Chung
Tensions between Taiwan’s political parties are escalating as both camps launch rival recall campaigns, further threatening the island’s fragile political stability.
Analysts warn that if these tensions remain unresolved, they could deal a double blow to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which is already struggling to govern and deal with increasing military pressure from Beijing.
Despite Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te’s calls for political harmony, civic groups backed by the DPP and the opposition coalition of the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) have been gathering signatures for recall petitions during the Lunar New Year holiday.
Their efforts are expected to accelerate once people return to work on Monday, with both sides vowing to unseat each other’s lawmakers in a row over the opposition’s recent budget cuts.
On January 21, the opposition-dominated legislature approved a reduced government budget of NT$2.9 trillion (US$88.2 billion), cutting NT$207.5 billion – around 7 per cent of the original proposal – and freezing an additional NT$160.7 billion in spending.
Fearing the cuts will disrupt government operations, both Lai and his cabinet chief, Cho Jung-tai, have expressed deep concern, pledging to push for a legislative review of the reductions when work resumes on Monday.
The cuts also prompted DPP legislative caucus whip Ker Chien-ming to renew calls for a mass recall campaign against opposition lawmakers.
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By Lawrence Chung
Tensions between Taiwan’s political parties are escalating as both camps launch rival recall campaigns, further threatening the island’s fragile political stability.
Analysts warn that if these tensions remain unresolved, they could deal a double blow to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which is already struggling to govern and deal with increasing military pressure from Beijing.
Despite Taiwanese leader William Lai Ching-te’s calls for political harmony, civic groups backed by the DPP and the opposition coalition of the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) have been gathering signatures for recall petitions during the Lunar New Year holiday.
Their efforts are expected to accelerate once people return to work on Monday, with both sides vowing to unseat each other’s lawmakers in a row over the opposition’s recent budget cuts.
On January 21, the opposition-dominated legislature approved a reduced government budget of NT$2.9 trillion (US$88.2 billion), cutting NT$207.5 billion – around 7 per cent of the original proposal – and freezing an additional NT$160.7 billion in spending.
Fearing the cuts will disrupt government operations, both Lai and his cabinet chief, Cho Jung-tai, have expressed deep concern, pledging to push for a legislative review of the reductions when work resumes on Monday.
The cuts also prompted DPP legislative caucus whip Ker Chien-ming to renew calls for a mass recall campaign against opposition lawmakers.
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Bali bomber’s pardon plea: after Bali Nine releases, will Prabowo follow suit?
Ali Imron, the convicted Bali bomber, is seeking a pardon from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, citing his cooperation with counterterrorism and the release of Australian drug offenders as justification. Despite his plea, analysts believe his chances are low due to potential backlash from Australia and concerns within the Indonesian government about freeing a convicted terrorist.
Imron has been incarcerated for 22 years after being sentenced to life for his involvement in the 2002 bombings that claimed 202 lives, including 88 Australians, and left many others injured. He played a crucial role in the attack by assembling and transporting explosives, but avoided the death penalty by expressing remorse and assisting authorities with detailed information about the operation. Two years ago, he filed for a presidential pardon, marking his only remaining legal option for a possible release.
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Ali Imron, the convicted Bali bomber, is seeking a pardon from Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, citing his cooperation with counterterrorism and the release of Australian drug offenders as justification. Despite his plea, analysts believe his chances are low due to potential backlash from Australia and concerns within the Indonesian government about freeing a convicted terrorist.
Imron has been incarcerated for 22 years after being sentenced to life for his involvement in the 2002 bombings that claimed 202 lives, including 88 Australians, and left many others injured. He played a crucial role in the attack by assembling and transporting explosives, but avoided the death penalty by expressing remorse and assisting authorities with detailed information about the operation. Two years ago, he filed for a presidential pardon, marking his only remaining legal option for a possible release.
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US mum thanks ‘beautiful’ RedNote community for 3,000 Chinese dish ideas for autistic son
一位美国母亲在中国社交媒体平台RedNote上寻求适合自闭症儿子的食谱后，收到了来自网友的热情帮助和关爱。27岁的Francelia Moraga在1月15日发帖，询问适合孩子的中餐食谱，因为她的儿子不喜欢墨西哥食物，她一直在为他做炒饭和橙子鸡等中餐。
Moraga的帖子引发了超过17,000个点赞和3,000条评论，许多人热心地推荐了如蒸鸡蛋、糖醋猪肉、可乐鸡翅和西红柿炒蛋等菜肴。一些网友还分享了详细的食谱和英文说明，帮助她更好地为儿子准备这些美食。同时，还有当地网友对“橙子鸡”这个菜感到好奇，因为他们从未听说过这个名字。
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一位美国母亲在中国社交媒体平台RedNote上寻求适合自闭症儿子的食谱后，收到了来自网友的热情帮助和关爱。27岁的Francelia Moraga在1月15日发帖，询问适合孩子的中餐食谱，因为她的儿子不喜欢墨西哥食物，她一直在为他做炒饭和橙子鸡等中餐。
Moraga的帖子引发了超过17,000个点赞和3,000条评论，许多人热心地推荐了如蒸鸡蛋、糖醋猪肉、可乐鸡翅和西红柿炒蛋等菜肴。一些网友还分享了详细的食谱和英文说明，帮助她更好地为儿子准备这些美食。同时，还有当地网友对“橙子鸡”这个菜感到好奇，因为他们从未听说过这个名字。
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680,000 tourists visit Hong Kong in 4 days since Lunar New Year’s Eve
在最近的元宵节假期内,香港吸引了约680万来自大陆和境外游客,其中非大陆游客人数比去年增加16%。这是旅游局局长陈天谊表示的鼓舞人心的统计数据,总体到访人数比上年同期增加6%。
陈天谊在星期六的一场广播节目中提到,大陆游客人数达到564万,比去年同期增长4%,而境外游客人数比去年同期增加16%,达到了114万。陈天谊还表示,他期待从大陆的旅游业增长将会继续。
陈天谊指出,大陆的八天"金周"假期将持续至下周二,预计还有更多来自大陆的游客会来香港。这也是因为在元宵节前,大陆游客通常会回到自己的家乡进行节日庆祝,从第三和第四天开始再开始他们的旅游计划。此外,陈天谊还提到,香港的节日氛围很强,可能会吸引更多境外游客来到香港。
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在最近的元宵节假期内,香港吸引了约680万来自大陆和境外游客,其中非大陆游客人数比去年增加16%。这是旅游局局长陈天谊表示的鼓舞人心的统计数据,总体到访人数比上年同期增加6%。
陈天谊在星期六的一场广播节目中提到,大陆游客人数达到564万,比去年同期增长4%,而境外游客人数比去年同期增加16%,达到了114万。陈天谊还表示,他期待从大陆的旅游业增长将会继续。
陈天谊指出,大陆的八天"金周"假期将持续至下周二,预计还有更多来自大陆的游客会来香港。这也是因为在元宵节前,大陆游客通常会回到自己的家乡进行节日庆祝,从第三和第四天开始再开始他们的旅游计划。此外,陈天谊还提到,香港的节日氛围很强,可能会吸引更多境外游客来到香港。
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Plane with 6 on board crashes in Philadelphia, US President Trump reacts
一架医疗救援飞机在费城坠毁，机上有一名儿童和五名其他人员，目前尚未确认是否有幸存者。这架由Jet Rescue Air Ambulance公司运营的飞机在坠毁时载有四名机组人员、一名儿科病人及其陪护。该公司在声明中表示：“目前我们无法确认是否有幸存者。”
此次坠毁事件引发了广泛关注，前总统唐纳德·特朗普在社交媒体上对此表示悲痛，称“看到飞机在费城坠毁令人感到非常难过，更多无辜的生命失去。”这起事故发生在本周美国航空公司一架喷气机与一架美军黑鹰直升机在华盛顿特区相撞后，造成67人遇难，成为自2009年以来美国最致命的空难。联邦航空管理局表示，坠毁的Learjet 55飞机于当地时间下午6:30左右坠毁，地点靠近费城东北部的罗斯福购物中心，地面也有多起伤亡报告。
当地电视台播放的视频显示，飞机在坠毁前急剧俯冲，最终在一个人口密集的地区坠毁并引发巨大火球。此事件的后续调查和救援工作正在进行中，相关部门已对现场进行封锁，以确保安全和开展救援。
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一架医疗救援飞机在费城坠毁，机上有一名儿童和五名其他人员，目前尚未确认是否有幸存者。这架由Jet Rescue Air Ambulance公司运营的飞机在坠毁时载有四名机组人员、一名儿科病人及其陪护。该公司在声明中表示：“目前我们无法确认是否有幸存者。”
此次坠毁事件引发了广泛关注，前总统唐纳德·特朗普在社交媒体上对此表示悲痛，称“看到飞机在费城坠毁令人感到非常难过，更多无辜的生命失去。”这起事故发生在本周美国航空公司一架喷气机与一架美军黑鹰直升机在华盛顿特区相撞后，造成67人遇难，成为自2009年以来美国最致命的空难。联邦航空管理局表示，坠毁的Learjet 55飞机于当地时间下午6:30左右坠毁，地点靠近费城东北部的罗斯福购物中心，地面也有多起伤亡报告。
当地电视台播放的视频显示，飞机在坠毁前急剧俯冲，最终在一个人口密集的地区坠毁并引发巨大火球。此事件的后续调查和救援工作正在进行中，相关部门已对现场进行封锁，以确保安全和开展救援。
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Hong Kong won’t raise fees for non-local university students: education chief
香港教育部长表示，尽管面临财政赤字，当局不会显著提高非本地大学生的学费，以免影响吸引顶尖人才。教育局局长蔡若莲在周六的广播节目中指出，吸引优秀学生对于维持本地高等教育质量及研究能力至关重要。
蔡若莲提到，新加坡对国际学生的收费在约HK$100,000至HK$200,000之间，如果香港的学费突然提高至HK$300,000，将失去吸引优秀学生的竞争力。她强调，若香港希望从国际学生中获利，需提升自身魅力及竞争力，吸引人才，并且需具备优质的本地教育机构。尽管气候严峻，财政赤字达近HK$100亿的背景下，一些立法会议员仍建议提高非本地学生的学费以弥补教育成本。那些观念的交锋显示出教育政策在经济压力下的复杂性。
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香港教育部长表示，尽管面临财政赤字，当局不会显著提高非本地大学生的学费，以免影响吸引顶尖人才。教育局局长蔡若莲在周六的广播节目中指出，吸引优秀学生对于维持本地高等教育质量及研究能力至关重要。
蔡若莲提到，新加坡对国际学生的收费在约HK$100,000至HK$200,000之间，如果香港的学费突然提高至HK$300,000，将失去吸引优秀学生的竞争力。她强调，若香港希望从国际学生中获利，需提升自身魅力及竞争力，吸引人才，并且需具备优质的本地教育机构。尽管气候严峻，财政赤字达近HK$100亿的背景下，一些立法会议员仍建议提高非本地学生的学费以弥补教育成本。那些观念的交锋显示出教育政策在经济压力下的复杂性。
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TikTok revival: Trump 2.0 is singing a different tune, giving ByteDance hope in US
在特朗普宣誓就任美国总统时，TikTok首席执行官周受资出现在场，这标志着政治环境的显著变化。周受资的出席恰逢他与特朗普进行私人会晤，内容涉及TikTok在美国的运营及其与中国母公司字节跳动的关系。尽管TikTok曾面临特朗普政府的强硬政策，现如今，随着政权更迭，字节跳动似乎获得了重新审视其在美国市场地位的机会。
特朗普过去对TikTok的态度非常消极，甚至曾试图通过行政命令迫使其出售美国业务。但在新的政治环境下，尤其是在拜登政府施行的相关法律框架下，TikTok的处境变得更为复杂。拜登签署的法律要求字节跳动出售其美国业务，否则将面临禁止在美国应用商店上架的风险。尽管如此，周受资在与特朗普的会晤中展示了TikTok上与特朗普相关内容的受欢迎程度，这一变化可能为TikTok在美国市场争取到一线生机。
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在特朗普宣誓就任美国总统时，TikTok首席执行官周受资出现在场，这标志着政治环境的显著变化。周受资的出席恰逢他与特朗普进行私人会晤，内容涉及TikTok在美国的运营及其与中国母公司字节跳动的关系。尽管TikTok曾面临特朗普政府的强硬政策，现如今，随着政权更迭，字节跳动似乎获得了重新审视其在美国市场地位的机会。
特朗普过去对TikTok的态度非常消极，甚至曾试图通过行政命令迫使其出售美国业务。但在新的政治环境下，尤其是在拜登政府施行的相关法律框架下，TikTok的处境变得更为复杂。拜登签署的法律要求字节跳动出售其美国业务，否则将面临禁止在美国应用商店上架的风险。尽管如此，周受资在与特朗普的会晤中展示了TikTok上与特朗普相关内容的受欢迎程度，这一变化可能为TikTok在美国市场争取到一线生机。
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Poor visibility forces HK Express to abort flight, return to Hong Kong
Taiwan-bound flight returns to Hong Kong due to heavy fog, affecting hundreds of passengers. Flight UO180, which was originally scheduled to land at Taichung International Airport, returned to Hong Kong due to unfavourable weather conditions on Friday evening.
According to an airline spokeswoman, the plane landed at the Hong Kong International Airport at 8.46pm on Friday and was rescheduled to depart again at noon on Saturday. No one was injured during the aborted flight.
The airline has notified all affected passengers of the flight schedule changes and is providing them with necessary assistance. Flight UO183 from Taichung to Hong Kong was also rescheduled to depart on Saturday at 2.20pm Hong Kong time. The airline apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates passengers' patience and understanding.
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Taiwan-bound flight returns to Hong Kong due to heavy fog, affecting hundreds of passengers. Flight UO180, which was originally scheduled to land at Taichung International Airport, returned to Hong Kong due to unfavourable weather conditions on Friday evening.
According to an airline spokeswoman, the plane landed at the Hong Kong International Airport at 8.46pm on Friday and was rescheduled to depart again at noon on Saturday. No one was injured during the aborted flight.
The airline has notified all affected passengers of the flight schedule changes and is providing them with necessary assistance. Flight UO183 from Taichung to Hong Kong was also rescheduled to depart on Saturday at 2.20pm Hong Kong time. The airline apologises for any inconvenience caused and appreciates passengers' patience and understanding.
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Trump to meet Japan’s Ishiba next week, trade set to be key focus
日本首相伊志保太夫将于下周访问白宫，与特朗普举行会谈。据报道,两国领导人将就加强经济和安全合作进行讨论,此次会谈预计发生在2月7日。
伊志保太夫上任仅一个多月,正试图在特朗普第二任期早期建立个人关系,加深两国的密切联盟。日本企业在美国创造就业岗位和日本的防务预算增加是他将在会谈中强调的重要议题。同时,日本也因中国的不断崛起而面临着挑战。
伊志保太夫的前任,曾两度担任日本首相的安倍晋三,在特朗普首任期间与后者建立了密切的关系。他推动了重大国防改革,并在2022年遇刺身亡。特朗普对安倍的个人魅力和外交策略颇为欣赏。伊志保太夫面临着挑战以保持和加强与美国之间的密切关系。
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日本首相伊志保太夫将于下周访问白宫，与特朗普举行会谈。据报道,两国领导人将就加强经济和安全合作进行讨论,此次会谈预计发生在2月7日。
伊志保太夫上任仅一个多月,正试图在特朗普第二任期早期建立个人关系,加深两国的密切联盟。日本企业在美国创造就业岗位和日本的防务预算增加是他将在会谈中强调的重要议题。同时,日本也因中国的不断崛起而面临着挑战。
伊志保太夫的前任,曾两度担任日本首相的安倍晋三,在特朗普首任期间与后者建立了密切的关系。他推动了重大国防改革,并在2022年遇刺身亡。特朗普对安倍的个人魅力和外交策略颇为欣赏。伊志保太夫面临着挑战以保持和加强与美国之间的密切关系。
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Venezuela frees 6 Americans after Trump envoy’s meeting with Maduro
美国总统特朗普的特使理查德·格伦内尔在与委内瑞拉总统马杜罗会晤后，意外宣布带着六名美国公民返回美国。此次访问的一个主要目标是确保被拘留美国人的释放，正值特朗普政府在国内推进驱逐和反帮派行动之际。
格伦内尔没有透露这六名男子的身份，但他在社交媒体上发布的照片中，他们身穿委内瑞拉监狱系统的浅蓝色服装。“我们已经起飞，带着这六名美国公民回家，”格伦内尔在X平台上写道，并表示这些人刚与特朗普通话，纷纷表达了对他的感谢。特朗普在自己的社交媒体上对此表示赞赏，称格伦内尔正在带回“来自委内瑞拉的六名人质”。目前尚不清楚被委内瑞拉拘留的美国人具体有多少，委内瑞拉官员曾公开提到至少有九人。
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美国总统特朗普的特使理查德·格伦内尔在与委内瑞拉总统马杜罗会晤后，意外宣布带着六名美国公民返回美国。此次访问的一个主要目标是确保被拘留美国人的释放，正值特朗普政府在国内推进驱逐和反帮派行动之际。
格伦内尔没有透露这六名男子的身份，但他在社交媒体上发布的照片中，他们身穿委内瑞拉监狱系统的浅蓝色服装。“我们已经起飞，带着这六名美国公民回家，”格伦内尔在X平台上写道，并表示这些人刚与特朗普通话，纷纷表达了对他的感谢。特朗普在自己的社交媒体上对此表示赞赏，称格伦内尔正在带回“来自委内瑞拉的六名人质”。目前尚不清楚被委内瑞拉拘留的美国人具体有多少，委内瑞拉官员曾公开提到至少有九人。
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China’s crystal industry shimmers as ‘little luxuries’ curb anxiety, quell economic unease
在中国传统的农历新年期间，个人消费习惯反映出国家经济的整体状况。超过十亿人流动、购物、聚餐和赠礼，这些活动不仅仅是庆祝节日，更是对全国消费趋势的一次全面审视。在这个背景下，水晶饰品在节庆及日常生活中逐渐受到青睐，许多人将其视为带来好运和希望的象征。
例如，来自湖北省武汉的23岁大学毕业生 Irene He 在求职过程中首次接触到水晶手链。在经历了长达数月的求职艰辛后，她意识到在竞争激烈的市场环境中，或许有一点好运气能够改变局势。在前往浙江省的灵隐寺祈求好运时，她被一个摊贩售卖的黄色水晶手链吸引，摊贩声称这种饰品能带来财富和成功的机会，这让她产生了购买的冲动。
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在中国传统的农历新年期间，个人消费习惯反映出国家经济的整体状况。超过十亿人流动、购物、聚餐和赠礼，这些活动不仅仅是庆祝节日，更是对全国消费趋势的一次全面审视。在这个背景下，水晶饰品在节庆及日常生活中逐渐受到青睐，许多人将其视为带来好运和希望的象征。
例如，来自湖北省武汉的23岁大学毕业生 Irene He 在求职过程中首次接触到水晶手链。在经历了长达数月的求职艰辛后，她意识到在竞争激烈的市场环境中，或许有一点好运气能够改变局势。在前往浙江省的灵隐寺祈求好运时，她被一个摊贩售卖的黄色水晶手链吸引，摊贩声称这种饰品能带来财富和成功的机会，这让她产生了购买的冲动。
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JD.com-backed gadget platform ATRenew banks on China’s trade-in subsidy to spur volume
ATRenew, China’s largest online platform for pre-owned electronics, is set to benefit from Beijing’s new subsidy program aimed at boosting consumer spending. The initiative offers a 15% subsidy on new smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, encouraging consumers to trade in their old devices. This program is part of a broader effort to stimulate consumption and support the manufacturing sector amid economic challenges.
To capitalize on this opportunity, ATRenew has partnered with JD.com to launch promotions aligned with the Lunar New Year holiday. Jeremy Ji Zixiao, ATRenew's general manager of international business, emphasized their commitment to providing attractive product offerings and incentives for consumers. The subsidy program, which began on January 20, allows consumers to receive up to 500 yuan per item when purchasing new devices valued at up to 6,000 yuan.
Despite these efforts, Chinese consumers remain cautious due to concerns over employment and wage stability in a slowing economy. A recent UBS report predicts that real consumption growth will stagnate around 3.8% in 2025-26, a significant decline from the 5.5% growth seen in 2019. This reflects a broader trend of tightening consumer spending, which has been exacerbated by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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ATRenew, China’s largest online platform for pre-owned electronics, is set to benefit from Beijing’s new subsidy program aimed at boosting consumer spending. The initiative offers a 15% subsidy on new smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, encouraging consumers to trade in their old devices. This program is part of a broader effort to stimulate consumption and support the manufacturing sector amid economic challenges.
To capitalize on this opportunity, ATRenew has partnered with JD.com to launch promotions aligned with the Lunar New Year holiday. Jeremy Ji Zixiao, ATRenew's general manager of international business, emphasized their commitment to providing attractive product offerings and incentives for consumers. The subsidy program, which began on January 20, allows consumers to receive up to 500 yuan per item when purchasing new devices valued at up to 6,000 yuan.
Despite these efforts, Chinese consumers remain cautious due to concerns over employment and wage stability in a slowing economy. A recent UBS report predicts that real consumption growth will stagnate around 3.8% in 2025-26, a significant decline from the 5.5% growth seen in 2019. This reflects a broader trend of tightening consumer spending, which has been exacerbated by the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Hong Kong’s university entrance exam should be a bridge, not a barrier
香港政府致力于将城市打造成高等教育中心，但非中文学生进入本地大学的主要途径几乎被封堵。虽然香港的中学文凭（DSE）在国际上得到认可，但其强制的中文考试要求使得许多非中文学生难以获得入学资格。
DSE自2012年实施以来，成为本地大学的主要入学途径，然而，非中文学生几乎没有机会参加这一考试。虽然大陆学生可以在边境参加DSE，但海外学生却没有类似的选择，这使得DSE的国际吸引力大大降低。为了提升香港的教育国际化，政府应考虑扩大DSE的可及性，以吸引更多来自中国大陆及其他国家的学生。
通过改革DSE，使其对非中文学生更为友好，可以为香港的教育体系和社会带来显著的经济和社会效益。这种做法可以借鉴其他国家的成功经验，例如瑞士，促进其中学教育系统的国际化。若能将DSE定位为通往世界一流大学的可靠途径，将有助于丰富香港的优秀人才来源，推动教育的进一步发展。
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香港政府致力于将城市打造成高等教育中心，但非中文学生进入本地大学的主要途径几乎被封堵。虽然香港的中学文凭（DSE）在国际上得到认可，但其强制的中文考试要求使得许多非中文学生难以获得入学资格。
DSE自2012年实施以来，成为本地大学的主要入学途径，然而，非中文学生几乎没有机会参加这一考试。虽然大陆学生可以在边境参加DSE，但海外学生却没有类似的选择，这使得DSE的国际吸引力大大降低。为了提升香港的教育国际化，政府应考虑扩大DSE的可及性，以吸引更多来自中国大陆及其他国家的学生。
通过改革DSE，使其对非中文学生更为友好，可以为香港的教育体系和社会带来显著的经济和社会效益。这种做法可以借鉴其他国家的成功经验，例如瑞士，促进其中学教育系统的国际化。若能将DSE定位为通往世界一流大学的可靠途径，将有助于丰富香港的优秀人才来源，推动教育的进一步发展。
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Trump on Show: hit opera with young Hongkongers to rerun, eye global stage
Edward Li Kui-ming's Cantonese opera, "Trump on Show," unexpectedly captured the attention of young Hong Kong audiences, marking a rare success in engaging a new generation with this traditional art form. The opera, which features the former American president during his first term, has been selected as a closing performance for the iconic Sunbeam Theatre in North Point, set to close after 53 years. Li was surprised by the influx of young viewers, many experiencing Cantonese opera for the first time, drawn by the unique and contemporary portrayal.
The opera's debut in 2019 was notable for its enthusiastic young audience, a stark contrast to the typically reserved crowds. Li recalls how teenagers and young adults eagerly interacted with the performance, seeking photos and applauding energetically, much to the astonishment of veteran performers accustomed to quieter receptions. This modern twist on the classical art form, with its focus on a well-known political figure and use of contemporary costumes, has not only broadened the appeal of Cantonese opera but also highlighted the potential for traditional arts to resonate with modern themes and audiences.
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Edward Li Kui-ming's Cantonese opera, "Trump on Show," unexpectedly captured the attention of young Hong Kong audiences, marking a rare success in engaging a new generation with this traditional art form. The opera, which features the former American president during his first term, has been selected as a closing performance for the iconic Sunbeam Theatre in North Point, set to close after 53 years. Li was surprised by the influx of young viewers, many experiencing Cantonese opera for the first time, drawn by the unique and contemporary portrayal.
The opera's debut in 2019 was notable for its enthusiastic young audience, a stark contrast to the typically reserved crowds. Li recalls how teenagers and young adults eagerly interacted with the performance, seeking photos and applauding energetically, much to the astonishment of veteran performers accustomed to quieter receptions. This modern twist on the classical art form, with its focus on a well-known political figure and use of contemporary costumes, has not only broadened the appeal of Cantonese opera but also highlighted the potential for traditional arts to resonate with modern themes and audiences.
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Abandoned disabled China girl sells hairpins on street, dreams of trip with grandma
在中国，一位罹患脑瘫的年轻女性因在街头售卖发夹以自食其力而感动了众多网友。这位名为Huanping的女性与父母失联，她最大的梦想是带着奶奶去旅行。Huanping在河北省唐山市的一个购物中心外被人发现，身边的这一幕很快引发了广泛关注。
Huanping由于早产和缺氧而导致的脑瘫，使得她的行动不便，这也使她的坚韧精神更显珍贵。一个拥有近10万粉丝的网络内容创作者Sanzhenban在1月9日记录了他们的互动，并将其分享在社交媒体上，这一帖子迅速走红，吸引了大量的关注和支持。
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在中国，一位罹患脑瘫的年轻女性因在街头售卖发夹以自食其力而感动了众多网友。这位名为Huanping的女性与父母失联，她最大的梦想是带着奶奶去旅行。Huanping在河北省唐山市的一个购物中心外被人发现，身边的这一幕很快引发了广泛关注。
Huanping由于早产和缺氧而导致的脑瘫，使得她的行动不便，这也使她的坚韧精神更显珍贵。一个拥有近10万粉丝的网络内容创作者Sanzhenban在1月9日记录了他们的互动，并将其分享在社交媒体上，这一帖子迅速走红，吸引了大量的关注和支持。
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