US walks back on Trump’s Gaza comments, but Arab leaders remain fearful
美国官员已否定特朗普关于美国接管无人居住的加沙地带的提议，但阿拉伯国家对此表示担忧，预计将对他呼吁驱逐巴勒斯坦人一事持悲观态度。特朗普的提议遭到沙特阿拉伯及其他主要阿拉伯盟友的坚决拒绝，显示出对该地区局势的深刻关切。
特朗普建议美国“永久”安置加沙230万巴勒斯坦居民，认为以色列与加沙的战争使该地区变得不适宜居住。美国国家安全顾问迈克·沃尔茨表示，这一提议旨在促使地区国家提出关于加沙未来的替代方案。他认为，特朗普提出的大胆新想法不应受到批评，反而可能激励整个地区寻找解决方案。
然而，特朗普在与以色列总理内塔尼亚胡会晤时发表的言论引发了沙特阿拉伯外交部的迅速回应，重申了该国对建立巴勒斯坦国的“坚定、稳固和不动摇的立场”。这一反应表明，尽管特朗普的提议意在激发讨论，但在阿拉伯国家中引发的担忧仍然存在。
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美国官员已否定特朗普关于美国接管无人居住的加沙地带的提议，但阿拉伯国家对此表示担忧，预计将对他呼吁驱逐巴勒斯坦人一事持悲观态度。特朗普的提议遭到沙特阿拉伯及其他主要阿拉伯盟友的坚决拒绝，显示出对该地区局势的深刻关切。
特朗普建议美国“永久”安置加沙230万巴勒斯坦居民，认为以色列与加沙的战争使该地区变得不适宜居住。美国国家安全顾问迈克·沃尔茨表示，这一提议旨在促使地区国家提出关于加沙未来的替代方案。他认为，特朗普提出的大胆新想法不应受到批评，反而可能激励整个地区寻找解决方案。
然而，特朗普在与以色列总理内塔尼亚胡会晤时发表的言论引发了沙特阿拉伯外交部的迅速回应，重申了该国对建立巴勒斯坦国的“坚定、稳固和不动摇的立场”。这一反应表明，尽管特朗普的提议意在激发讨论，但在阿拉伯国家中引发的担忧仍然存在。
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Major MTR disruption triggers calls for penalty system review in Hong Kong
因一列列车故障导致七小时服务中断，香港交通官员与地铁公司正面临压力，要求重新审视现行罚款机制。尽管业内人士称此类事件较少，但立法会议员张馨瑜表示，现有罚款系统无法有效反映事件的严重程度，认为此次事故应当受到更严厉的处罚。
目前的罚款规定是，MTR公司在非高峰时间内，对服务中断在31分钟至一小时之间的情况罚款100万港元（约128,400美元）。张馨瑜举例说明，乘客从金钟站到罗马洲的旅程原定需45分钟，但因列车每24分钟才发一班，实际延误至1½小时，这可能触发罚款。此外，周三下午大量乘客在某些站台上被迫等待，最久达24分钟，原因是五节工程车在轨道上因传感器故障停驶。
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因一列列车故障导致七小时服务中断，香港交通官员与地铁公司正面临压力，要求重新审视现行罚款机制。尽管业内人士称此类事件较少，但立法会议员张馨瑜表示，现有罚款系统无法有效反映事件的严重程度，认为此次事故应当受到更严厉的处罚。
目前的罚款规定是，MTR公司在非高峰时间内，对服务中断在31分钟至一小时之间的情况罚款100万港元（约128,400美元）。张馨瑜举例说明，乘客从金钟站到罗马洲的旅程原定需45分钟，但因列车每24分钟才发一班，实际延误至1½小时，这可能触发罚款。此外，周三下午大量乘客在某些站台上被迫等待，最久达24分钟，原因是五节工程车在轨道上因传感器故障停驶。
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Panama Canal denies US claim of free passage through waterway
美国政府和巴拿马当局的冲突升级。美国国务院声称,美国政府船只可以不付费通过巴拿马运河,但巴拿马运河管理局否认了这一说法。运河管理局表示,没有改变收取费用或放行巴拿马运河的权利,这可能进一步加剧了特朗普总统威胁要收回运河控制权的紧张局势。
巴拿马运河管理局是巴拿马政府的一个自治机构,负责管理巴拿马运河。运河管理局表示,他们的声明是对美国国务院的claims作出的直接回应。美国国务院之前表示,巴拿马政府已经同意不再对美国政府船只收取通行费,这将节省美国数百万美元年的资金。
这场风波是因特朗普政府指责巴拿马运河收取过高费用而升级的。特朗普总统称,如果巴拿马不遵循运河通行权的道德和法律原则,他将要求巴拿马运河全部归还美国。此前,特朗普总统已经威胁要收回巴拿马运河的控制权。
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美国政府和巴拿马当局的冲突升级。美国国务院声称,美国政府船只可以不付费通过巴拿马运河,但巴拿马运河管理局否认了这一说法。运河管理局表示,没有改变收取费用或放行巴拿马运河的权利,这可能进一步加剧了特朗普总统威胁要收回运河控制权的紧张局势。
巴拿马运河管理局是巴拿马政府的一个自治机构,负责管理巴拿马运河。运河管理局表示,他们的声明是对美国国务院的claims作出的直接回应。美国国务院之前表示,巴拿马政府已经同意不再对美国政府船只收取通行费,这将节省美国数百万美元年的资金。
这场风波是因特朗普政府指责巴拿马运河收取过高费用而升级的。特朗普总统称,如果巴拿马不遵循运河通行权的道德和法律原则,他将要求巴拿马运河全部归还美国。此前,特朗普总统已经威胁要收回巴拿马运河的控制权。
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Sushiro to sue customers after clip shows boy licking tongs at Hong Kong outlet
Sushiro has announced plans to take legal action against certain customers following a viral video showing a boy licking and dropping communal utensils at one of its Hong Kong locations. The footage, captured by another diner, depicts the child playing with tongs intended for pickled ginger, raising significant hygiene concerns among viewers.
This incident has ignited widespread discussion online, with many users sharing the clip and commenting on the behavior witnessed in the video. The adults at the table did not appear to react to the child’s actions, leaving questions about whether they sanitized or removed the tongs afterward. Additionally, observers pointed out that the child was wearing shoes and placing his feet on the furniture, further fueling the conversation about restaurant etiquette and safety.
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Sushiro has announced plans to take legal action against certain customers following a viral video showing a boy licking and dropping communal utensils at one of its Hong Kong locations. The footage, captured by another diner, depicts the child playing with tongs intended for pickled ginger, raising significant hygiene concerns among viewers.
This incident has ignited widespread discussion online, with many users sharing the clip and commenting on the behavior witnessed in the video. The adults at the table did not appear to react to the child’s actions, leaving questions about whether they sanitized or removed the tongs afterward. Additionally, observers pointed out that the child was wearing shoes and placing his feet on the furniture, further fueling the conversation about restaurant etiquette and safety.
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Thailand adds last piece in China rail link as bilateral ties get back on track
泰国内阁批准了与中国连接的高铁第二阶段建设计划。该项目将包括一条357公里的铁路，从泰国的那空叻差希玛连接至农开，沿线将促进与云南省昆明的快速出行。此次决策恰逢泰国总理白通卿启程访华，为提高经济互动铺平道路。
这一高铁项目的推进受到了中老铁路成功开通的激励。经济学教授约翰·龚指出，中老铁路为老挝的经济增长及旅游业注入了活力，促使泰国加速进行该阶段的项目。中泰两国在经济及贸易上的紧密关系也为这一合作奠定了基础。同时，随着中泰建交50周年的到来，双方在贸易与文化交流方面的互动也愈加频繁。泰国政府在对华关系中强调打击跨境犯罪，以消除最近发生的中国演员绑架案件对旅游业务的负面影响。
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泰国内阁批准了与中国连接的高铁第二阶段建设计划。该项目将包括一条357公里的铁路，从泰国的那空叻差希玛连接至农开，沿线将促进与云南省昆明的快速出行。此次决策恰逢泰国总理白通卿启程访华，为提高经济互动铺平道路。
这一高铁项目的推进受到了中老铁路成功开通的激励。经济学教授约翰·龚指出，中老铁路为老挝的经济增长及旅游业注入了活力，促使泰国加速进行该阶段的项目。中泰两国在经济及贸易上的紧密关系也为这一合作奠定了基础。同时，随着中泰建交50周年的到来，双方在贸易与文化交流方面的互动也愈加频繁。泰国政府在对华关系中强调打击跨境犯罪，以消除最近发生的中国演员绑架案件对旅游业务的负面影响。
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By Alice Yan
A woman in China who used a heating lamp to warm a newborn chicken ended up roasting the bird.
The woman, surnamed Yang who lives in Hangzhou in eastern Zhejiang province, said she used an incubation machine to successfully hatch a chicken in early January, according to a report by Shandian News.
Some internet users said Yang turned to a big heating lamp to give the chicken more warmth.
After turning on the light, she also put a towel over the chicken coop to ensure a high temperature inside the cage.
However, half an hour later, Yang smelled a scorched taste before finding the coop was on fire. The poor chick had been fully roasted.
Yang told the media that she felt guilty about the death of the chicken. She bought another egg and vowed to look after it after it hatched.The unlucky young clucker was roasted to death by a woman trying to keep it warm. Photo: Weibo
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Sara Duterte impeachment: ‘Dangerous’ to dawdle on Senate trial of Philippine VP
菲律宾副总统萨拉·杜特尔特-卡皮奥的弹劾程序正在进行，若参议院处理缓慢可能导致政治不稳定。众多观察家对此表示担忧，随着马尼拉众议院推进弹劾议程，副总统的政治前景变得更加严峻。
萨拉是前总统罗德里戈·杜特尔特的女儿，众议院于周三通过了一项“验证的弹劾决议”，该决议得到了306名众议员中215名的支持。此决议的首签署人是总统费迪南德·马科斯三世的高级副多数党领袖，而众议院发言人的妻子也参与了签署。在发言人的主持下，众议院在不到七分钟的时间内正式宣布杜特尔特-卡皮奥被弹劾，她成为第一位被弹劾的副总统和第三位高级官员。
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菲律宾副总统萨拉·杜特尔特-卡皮奥的弹劾程序正在进行，若参议院处理缓慢可能导致政治不稳定。众多观察家对此表示担忧，随着马尼拉众议院推进弹劾议程，副总统的政治前景变得更加严峻。
萨拉是前总统罗德里戈·杜特尔特的女儿，众议院于周三通过了一项“验证的弹劾决议”，该决议得到了306名众议员中215名的支持。此决议的首签署人是总统费迪南德·马科斯三世的高级副多数党领袖，而众议院发言人的妻子也参与了签署。在发言人的主持下，众议院在不到七分钟的时间内正式宣布杜特尔特-卡皮奥被弹劾，她成为第一位被弹劾的副总统和第三位高级官员。
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Runners warned of cold weather in Hong Kong during Sunday marathon
香港马拉松参赛者需做好应对寒冷天气的准备，预计比赛日气温将降至10摄氏度（50华氏度）。 根据香港天文台的预测，强烈冬季季风将于周六抵达南中国海，导致气温在周日比赛时达到最低点。
天文台表示，周末早晚气温将会寒冷，内陆地区尤其如此。周五的气温在13至18度之间，并预计在周六逐渐下降。到周日，气温范围将降至10至16度，早晨会更冷，白天气候“非常干燥”。体育专家指出，较凉爽的天气对运动员来说是理想的，10至15度的温度范围最适合跑步。
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香港马拉松参赛者需做好应对寒冷天气的准备，预计比赛日气温将降至10摄氏度（50华氏度）。 根据香港天文台的预测，强烈冬季季风将于周六抵达南中国海，导致气温在周日比赛时达到最低点。
天文台表示，周末早晚气温将会寒冷，内陆地区尤其如此。周五的气温在13至18度之间，并预计在周六逐渐下降。到周日，气温范围将降至10至16度，早晨会更冷，白天气候“非常干燥”。体育专家指出，较凉爽的天气对运动员来说是理想的，10至15度的温度范围最适合跑步。
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Russia says ready for ‘hard bargaining’ with Trump but US must make first step
美俄关系亟待改善，俄罗斯高级外交官强调美国须主动出击。俄罗斯副外长谢尔盖·里亚布科夫指出，美国在过去几年未能倾听克里姆林宫的声音，导致两国关系急剧恶化，特别是自2022年俄罗斯入侵乌克兰以来。
里亚布科夫批评以“任何代价与白宫达成协议”为基础的外交政策，认为这错误且无效。他提到，尽管与西方的关系持续紧张，俄罗斯长期以来希望成为西方的合作伙伴，但却未得到应有的重视。与此同时，普京对特朗普的评价显示出克里姆林宫对改善双边关系的期待，强调需要重新审视美俄之间的合作可能性。
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美俄关系亟待改善，俄罗斯高级外交官强调美国须主动出击。俄罗斯副外长谢尔盖·里亚布科夫指出，美国在过去几年未能倾听克里姆林宫的声音，导致两国关系急剧恶化，特别是自2022年俄罗斯入侵乌克兰以来。
里亚布科夫批评以“任何代价与白宫达成协议”为基础的外交政策，认为这错误且无效。他提到，尽管与西方的关系持续紧张，俄罗斯长期以来希望成为西方的合作伙伴，但却未得到应有的重视。与此同时，普京对特朗普的评价显示出克里姆林宫对改善双边关系的期待，强调需要重新审视美俄之间的合作可能性。
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In Indonesia, closure of Bali’s Russian Village spotlights struggle to safeguard farmland
巴厘岛一处住宅和商业综合体的永久关闭引发了对该地区农田保护问题的担忧。当局于1月20日宣布关闭“俄罗斯村”，该综合体吸引了众多俄罗斯游客和居民。地方观察人士警告说，由于执法力度不足，农田保护问题依然严峻。
该综合体于2020年5月建成，占地超过6公顷，其中1.8公顷的建设用地位于受保护的稻田和可持续农作物种植区内。根据巴厘岛警方的说法，该地区禁止商业开发者建设，这意味着综合体的建造违背了相关法规。警方指出，德国国籍的业主安德烈·弗雷因未取得合法许可而改变土地用途，涉及对农业用地保护的两项法律的违规行为。
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巴厘岛一处住宅和商业综合体的永久关闭引发了对该地区农田保护问题的担忧。当局于1月20日宣布关闭“俄罗斯村”，该综合体吸引了众多俄罗斯游客和居民。地方观察人士警告说，由于执法力度不足，农田保护问题依然严峻。
该综合体于2020年5月建成，占地超过6公顷，其中1.8公顷的建设用地位于受保护的稻田和可持续农作物种植区内。根据巴厘岛警方的说法，该地区禁止商业开发者建设，这意味着综合体的建造违背了相关法规。警方指出，德国国籍的业主安德烈·弗雷因未取得合法许可而改变土地用途，涉及对农业用地保护的两项法律的违规行为。
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DeepSeek addition to ClouDr medical AI platform drives share-price surge
ClouDr Group's shares have surged after integrating DeepSeek's AI technology, enhancing its platform's efficiency in healthcare operations. This move has led to a notable increase in the company's stock value, reaching a four-month high. The integration aims to improve data-mining capabilities, specifically for chronic patient management, as stated by ClouDr's CEO Kuang Ming.
DeepSeek has gained traction in China as a prominent tech start-up due to its efficient open-source large language models, which have impressed experts globally. The V3 model, launched recently, was developed at a comparatively low cost and with fewer resources, highlighting its competitive advantage. ClouDr's adoption of this technology allows for upgrades in its medical knowledge systems and clinical decision-support, leveraging a vast database of electronic health records to enhance diagnostic processes. Both companies are situated in Hangzhou, underscoring the region's growing influence in the tech industry.
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ClouDr Group's shares have surged after integrating DeepSeek's AI technology, enhancing its platform's efficiency in healthcare operations. This move has led to a notable increase in the company's stock value, reaching a four-month high. The integration aims to improve data-mining capabilities, specifically for chronic patient management, as stated by ClouDr's CEO Kuang Ming.
DeepSeek has gained traction in China as a prominent tech start-up due to its efficient open-source large language models, which have impressed experts globally. The V3 model, launched recently, was developed at a comparatively low cost and with fewer resources, highlighting its competitive advantage. ClouDr's adoption of this technology allows for upgrades in its medical knowledge systems and clinical decision-support, leveraging a vast database of electronic health records to enhance diagnostic processes. Both companies are situated in Hangzhou, underscoring the region's growing influence in the tech industry.
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Mourning Barbie Hsu, US man calls China home, proposal gone wrong: 5 trending stories
Chinese netizens have used the AI chatbot DeepSeek to mimic Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu's style in farewell letters. This creative use of technology reflects the deep impact Hsu had on her fans, who mourn her passing by emulating her distinctive writing style. The chatbot's ability to generate personalized messages highlights the growing role of AI in personal expression and remembrance.
Meanwhile, an American man's journey to becoming a "foreign village chief" in Yunnan has captured widespread attention. After exploring 110 countries, he found a home in the picturesque southwestern Chinese province, where he felt welcomed by the locals. This story underscores the cultural exchange and personal connections that can arise from global exploration. In another trending story, a Chinese man's marriage proposal went awry when his girlfriend almost ate the ring hidden in a cake, showcasing how sometimes well-intentioned surprises can lead to unexpected situations.
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Chinese netizens have used the AI chatbot DeepSeek to mimic Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu's style in farewell letters. This creative use of technology reflects the deep impact Hsu had on her fans, who mourn her passing by emulating her distinctive writing style. The chatbot's ability to generate personalized messages highlights the growing role of AI in personal expression and remembrance.
Meanwhile, an American man's journey to becoming a "foreign village chief" in Yunnan has captured widespread attention. After exploring 110 countries, he found a home in the picturesque southwestern Chinese province, where he felt welcomed by the locals. This story underscores the cultural exchange and personal connections that can arise from global exploration. In another trending story, a Chinese man's marriage proposal went awry when his girlfriend almost ate the ring hidden in a cake, showcasing how sometimes well-intentioned surprises can lead to unexpected situations.
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Hong Kong police probe death of 3 dogs in suspected poisoning
香港警方正在调查新界地区三只狗的死亡事件，怀疑与毒害有关，这一事件引发了对动物虐待案件的关注。据悉，警方在周四凌晨1点13分接到报告，称在上水的林塘美村一处仓库附近发现三只狗的尸体。现场有呕吐物的痕迹，进一步加深了对毒害的怀疑。
在调查过程中，警方还发现了一只两个月大的小狗幸存于现场，虽然没有明显的身体伤害，但仍被送往当地的防止虐待动物协会。此案被列为疑似动物虐待，正在由大埔警区的刑事调查组处理，目前尚未有任何逮捕行动。值得注意的是，去年12月，2020年香港小姐冠军谢嘉怡也曾表示，她的两只狗因疑似中毒而死亡，另一只则面临危险，这一事件同样引发了公众对动物保护的关注。
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香港警方正在调查新界地区三只狗的死亡事件，怀疑与毒害有关，这一事件引发了对动物虐待案件的关注。据悉，警方在周四凌晨1点13分接到报告，称在上水的林塘美村一处仓库附近发现三只狗的尸体。现场有呕吐物的痕迹，进一步加深了对毒害的怀疑。
在调查过程中，警方还发现了一只两个月大的小狗幸存于现场，虽然没有明显的身体伤害，但仍被送往当地的防止虐待动物协会。此案被列为疑似动物虐待，正在由大埔警区的刑事调查组处理，目前尚未有任何逮捕行动。值得注意的是，去年12月，2020年香港小姐冠军谢嘉怡也曾表示，她的两只狗因疑似中毒而死亡，另一只则面临危险，这一事件同样引发了公众对动物保护的关注。
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Google introduces new class of cheap AI models as cost concerns intensify
Google has announced updates to its Gemini language models, introducing a new "Flash-Lite" product that is competitively priced against low-cost AI models, such as those by Chinese competitor DeepSeek. This move comes as part of Google's strategy to diversify its offerings with various versions of Gemini that differ in cost and performance. The company has released Gemini 2.0 Flash to the public, after a developer preview, and introduced Flash-Lite alongside a new version of its "Pro" model for testing.
These updates follow positive reception of the previous Flash model, prompting Google to develop the more affordable Flash-Lite, according to Koray Kavukcuoglu, CTO of Google's DeepMind AI lab. The decision to offer cost-effective AI solutions reflects growing investor scrutiny over the development expenses of AI models. This scrutiny intensified after DeepSeek disclosed its relatively low expenditure of under $6 million on its model's final training run, highlighting the stark contrast with the presumably higher costs faced by leading US AI developers. Google's latest releases aim to maintain competitiveness in the evolving AI landscape while addressing cost concerns.
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Google has announced updates to its Gemini language models, introducing a new "Flash-Lite" product that is competitively priced against low-cost AI models, such as those by Chinese competitor DeepSeek. This move comes as part of Google's strategy to diversify its offerings with various versions of Gemini that differ in cost and performance. The company has released Gemini 2.0 Flash to the public, after a developer preview, and introduced Flash-Lite alongside a new version of its "Pro" model for testing.
These updates follow positive reception of the previous Flash model, prompting Google to develop the more affordable Flash-Lite, according to Koray Kavukcuoglu, CTO of Google's DeepMind AI lab. The decision to offer cost-effective AI solutions reflects growing investor scrutiny over the development expenses of AI models. This scrutiny intensified after DeepSeek disclosed its relatively low expenditure of under $6 million on its model's final training run, highlighting the stark contrast with the presumably higher costs faced by leading US AI developers. Google's latest releases aim to maintain competitiveness in the evolving AI landscape while addressing cost concerns.
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Africa’s expanding rail links benefit Chinese contractors and mineral needs
Chinese rail contractors are strengthening their presence in East Africa by securing a US$2.15 billion contract to build a railway linking Tanzania's Dar es Salaam port to Burundi's nickel mines. This project aims to enhance the region's connectivity and capitalize on its rich mineral resources, particularly nickel, which is crucial for the global shift towards green energy. The railway, once completed, is expected to transport 3 million tonnes of ore annually.
This undertaking is part of a broader strategy by China to invest in infrastructure projects across Africa, supported by a concessional loan from the African Development Bank. The 282km railway line, to be built by a consortium including China Railway Engineering Group, marks the third such contract awarded to Chinese firms in the region. With an estimated 185 million tonnes of nickel, Burundi's reserves make it a significant player in the global mineral market. The project also aligns with the Tanzania Railways Corporation's commitment to the Standard Gauge Railway initiative, which seeks to connect Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, further boosting regional economic integration.
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Chinese rail contractors are strengthening their presence in East Africa by securing a US$2.15 billion contract to build a railway linking Tanzania's Dar es Salaam port to Burundi's nickel mines. This project aims to enhance the region's connectivity and capitalize on its rich mineral resources, particularly nickel, which is crucial for the global shift towards green energy. The railway, once completed, is expected to transport 3 million tonnes of ore annually.
This undertaking is part of a broader strategy by China to invest in infrastructure projects across Africa, supported by a concessional loan from the African Development Bank. The 282km railway line, to be built by a consortium including China Railway Engineering Group, marks the third such contract awarded to Chinese firms in the region. With an estimated 185 million tonnes of nickel, Burundi's reserves make it a significant player in the global mineral market. The project also aligns with the Tanzania Railways Corporation's commitment to the Standard Gauge Railway initiative, which seeks to connect Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, further boosting regional economic integration.
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Malaysia calls Trump plan to move Palestinians from Gaza ‘ethnic cleansing’
By Joseph Sipalan
Malaysia said on Thursday the proposal by US President Donald Trump to remove Palestinians from Gaza was “ethnic cleansing” and Southeast Asian nations have unanimously rejected the idea, which bulldozes all rights of the Muslim group.
Trump on Wednesday in a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a plan for “long-term ownership” of Gaza by the United States that included relocating the territory’s residents elsewhere.
The comments by the notoriously bombastic president were later nuanced by his spokeswoman, but have still caused anxiety and outrage over the potential for Palestinians who have endured nearly year and half of conflict to be expelled from their land.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said that all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) agreed that any attempt to remove Palestinians from Gaza was unacceptable.
“Our stated position is that Asean and Malaysia as chair this year do not agree with any form of violation of international laws,” Mohamad told parliament on Thursday.
“We do not agree with any violation of UN charters. We do not agree with violations of human rights, the Geneva Convention or others.”
This is the first joint position taken by Asean on US foreign policy since Trump returned to the White House for a second term on January 20.
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By Joseph Sipalan
Malaysia said on Thursday the proposal by US President Donald Trump to remove Palestinians from Gaza was “ethnic cleansing” and Southeast Asian nations have unanimously rejected the idea, which bulldozes all rights of the Muslim group.
Trump on Wednesday in a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a plan for “long-term ownership” of Gaza by the United States that included relocating the territory’s residents elsewhere.
The comments by the notoriously bombastic president were later nuanced by his spokeswoman, but have still caused anxiety and outrage over the potential for Palestinians who have endured nearly year and half of conflict to be expelled from their land.
Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said that all 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) agreed that any attempt to remove Palestinians from Gaza was unacceptable.
“Our stated position is that Asean and Malaysia as chair this year do not agree with any form of violation of international laws,” Mohamad told parliament on Thursday.
“We do not agree with any violation of UN charters. We do not agree with violations of human rights, the Geneva Convention or others.”
This is the first joint position taken by Asean on US foreign policy since Trump returned to the White House for a second term on January 20.
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Hong Kong considering complaint to WTO over Trump tariffs: minister
By Lo Hoi-ying
Hong Kong’s commerce minister has said the government is considering launching a dispute with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over America’s “unreasonable” tariffs on the city’s goods, but has dismissed concerns about the policy’s impact.
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah said on Thursday that the Hong Kong government strongly disapproved of the extra 10 per cent tariffs imposed on products from the city.
He also argued the move showed America’s disregard for Hong Kong’s status as a member of the global trade body.
“We are an independent customs territory. This move is extremely unreasonable and dismissive of WTO regulations,” he told a radio programme.
“We will look into the measure and investigate whether it violates WTO agreements. If necessary, we will not rule out taking action according to the guidelines.”
Yau said the United States had made a mistake in imposing the additional tariffs and called on them to “handle the decision prudently”.
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By Lo Hoi-ying
Hong Kong’s commerce minister has said the government is considering launching a dispute with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over America’s “unreasonable” tariffs on the city’s goods, but has dismissed concerns about the policy’s impact.
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau Ying-wah said on Thursday that the Hong Kong government strongly disapproved of the extra 10 per cent tariffs imposed on products from the city.
He also argued the move showed America’s disregard for Hong Kong’s status as a member of the global trade body.
“We are an independent customs territory. This move is extremely unreasonable and dismissive of WTO regulations,” he told a radio programme.
“We will look into the measure and investigate whether it violates WTO agreements. If necessary, we will not rule out taking action according to the guidelines.”
Yau said the United States had made a mistake in imposing the additional tariffs and called on them to “handle the decision prudently”.
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South Korea blocks Chinese AI DeepSeek from government computers
By Park Chan-kyongAgence France-Presse
South Korea’s defence and trade ministries said on Thursday they had blocked DeepSeek’s access to work computers, following a request from the country’s data watchdog for the Chinese artificial intelligence start-up to clarify how it manages user information.
DeepSeek launched its R1 chatbot last month, claiming it matches the capacity of AI pacesetters in the United States for a fraction of the investment.
South Korea, along with countries such as France and Italy, have asked questions about DeepSeek’s data practices, submitting a written request for information about how the company handles user information.
Seoul’s defence ministry said on Thursday it had blocked DeepSeek from military computers connected to the internet, while the trade ministry said that access had been temporarily restricted on all PCs within the agency.
“Access to DeepSeek from military work computers has been blocked,” a defence ministry spokesperson told This Week in Asia.
“The ministry has reinforced security precautions regarding the use of generative AI and implemented necessary pre-emptive measures for military personnel’s work devices.”
The trade ministry said DeepSeek has not responded to the data watchdog’s inquiry.
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By Park Chan-kyongAgence France-Presse
South Korea’s defence and trade ministries said on Thursday they had blocked DeepSeek’s access to work computers, following a request from the country’s data watchdog for the Chinese artificial intelligence start-up to clarify how it manages user information.
DeepSeek launched its R1 chatbot last month, claiming it matches the capacity of AI pacesetters in the United States for a fraction of the investment.
South Korea, along with countries such as France and Italy, have asked questions about DeepSeek’s data practices, submitting a written request for information about how the company handles user information.
Seoul’s defence ministry said on Thursday it had blocked DeepSeek from military computers connected to the internet, while the trade ministry said that access had been temporarily restricted on all PCs within the agency.
“Access to DeepSeek from military work computers has been blocked,” a defence ministry spokesperson told This Week in Asia.
“The ministry has reinforced security precautions regarding the use of generative AI and implemented necessary pre-emptive measures for military personnel’s work devices.”
The trade ministry said DeepSeek has not responded to the data watchdog’s inquiry.
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Uptick in mainland Chinese, foreign visitors to Hong Kong over Lunar New Year
By Jess Ma
Hong Kong welcomed more mainland Chinese and overseas tourists over the Lunar New Year break compared with the 2024 holiday, a development that industry leaders have called encouraging while urging the city to raise its game in terms of offerings.
Immigration Department statistics showed 1.6 million visitors from the mainland arrived in Hong Kong between January 25 and February 4, a 3.5 per cent increase over the same period last year.
In terms of Hong Kong’s festive period, which spanned eight days between January 28 and February 4, 1.2 million mainland visitors entered the city, or 85 per cent of the 1.4 million total arrivals. On a daily basis, an average of 150,000 mainland tourists arrived.
During the eight-day period, the number of overseas visitors jumped by 11 per cent to 205,093 and included many short-haul travellers from Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand.
“The mainland market is recovering, and I am confident about the tourism sector’s outlook in 2025,” Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, told the Post on Wednesday.
“The mainland tourist numbers over the Lunar New Year holiday are within expectations, even with slight growth.”
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By Jess Ma
Hong Kong welcomed more mainland Chinese and overseas tourists over the Lunar New Year break compared with the 2024 holiday, a development that industry leaders have called encouraging while urging the city to raise its game in terms of offerings.
Immigration Department statistics showed 1.6 million visitors from the mainland arrived in Hong Kong between January 25 and February 4, a 3.5 per cent increase over the same period last year.
In terms of Hong Kong’s festive period, which spanned eight days between January 28 and February 4, 1.2 million mainland visitors entered the city, or 85 per cent of the 1.4 million total arrivals. On a daily basis, an average of 150,000 mainland tourists arrived.
During the eight-day period, the number of overseas visitors jumped by 11 per cent to 205,093 and included many short-haul travellers from Singapore, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand.
“The mainland market is recovering, and I am confident about the tourism sector’s outlook in 2025,” Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, told the Post on Wednesday.
“The mainland tourist numbers over the Lunar New Year holiday are within expectations, even with slight growth.”
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