Sister of North Korea’s Kim, married with children to ‘tall and handsome’ man, defector says
Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, is reportedly married with two children. This information comes from Ryu Hyun-woo, a former North Korean diplomat who defected to South Korea in 2019. He claims to have met Kim Yo-jong's family in 2014.
Speculation about Kim Yo-jong's marital status has been circulating since 2015, with reports suggesting she married Choe Song, the son of a high-ranking North Korean official, Choe Ryong-hae. Ryu Hyun-woo stated that Kim Yo-jong and Choe Song met during a special course at Kim Il Sung University. The recent appearance of children with Kim Yo-jong in state media photographs further supports the claim that she is a mother.
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Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, is reportedly married with two children. This information comes from Ryu Hyun-woo, a former North Korean diplomat who defected to South Korea in 2019. He claims to have met Kim Yo-jong's family in 2014.
Speculation about Kim Yo-jong's marital status has been circulating since 2015, with reports suggesting she married Choe Song, the son of a high-ranking North Korean official, Choe Ryong-hae. Ryu Hyun-woo stated that Kim Yo-jong and Choe Song met during a special course at Kim Il Sung University. The recent appearance of children with Kim Yo-jong in state media photographs further supports the claim that she is a mother.
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Sun Hung Kai, Sino Land among 4 Hong Kong developers bidding for Tung Chung plot
Only four Hong Kong property developers submitted bids for a Tung Chung residential land parcel after the government revised requirements to attract more interest. Sino Land, Sun Hung Kai Properties, and K. Wah International were among the bidders for Town Lot 55 in Area 106B, a 37,268-square-metre plot expected to house 745 flats.
The government initially put the plot on the market in 2023 but withdrew it due to underwhelming bids. Authorities have since tried to accommodate more small and medium-sized units to reduce investment risk and increase developer participation, according to Midland Surveyors. However, the project's relatively remote location and abundant land supply in Tung Chung are expected to make developers cautious, with the site valued at approximately HK$521 million.
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Only four Hong Kong property developers submitted bids for a Tung Chung residential land parcel after the government revised requirements to attract more interest. Sino Land, Sun Hung Kai Properties, and K. Wah International were among the bidders for Town Lot 55 in Area 106B, a 37,268-square-metre plot expected to house 745 flats.
The government initially put the plot on the market in 2023 but withdrew it due to underwhelming bids. Authorities have since tried to accommodate more small and medium-sized units to reduce investment risk and increase developer participation, according to Midland Surveyors. However, the project's relatively remote location and abundant land supply in Tung Chung are expected to make developers cautious, with the site valued at approximately HK$521 million.
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Pope Francis taken to hospital for bronchitis treatment
Pope Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital Friday morning for tests and continued treatment for bronchitis. The Vatican confirmed the hospitalization, stating it was a necessary step to address the ongoing respiratory ailment. This comes after the Pope mentioned suffering from a "strong cold" earlier this month, later identified as bronchitis.
Despite his illness, Pope Francis has maintained a busy schedule, including meetings at his Vatican residence. Prior to his hospitalization, he met with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. The Pope's recent health history includes influenza and other ailments over the past two years, as well as two falls at his residence. He also spent nine days at Gemelli hospital in June 2023 for abdominal hernia surgery, highlighting the hospital's role as a designated treatment center for Popes.
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Pope Francis, 88, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital Friday morning for tests and continued treatment for bronchitis. The Vatican confirmed the hospitalization, stating it was a necessary step to address the ongoing respiratory ailment. This comes after the Pope mentioned suffering from a "strong cold" earlier this month, later identified as bronchitis.
Despite his illness, Pope Francis has maintained a busy schedule, including meetings at his Vatican residence. Prior to his hospitalization, he met with Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico. The Pope's recent health history includes influenza and other ailments over the past two years, as well as two falls at his residence. He also spent nine days at Gemelli hospital in June 2023 for abdominal hernia surgery, highlighting the hospital's role as a designated treatment center for Popes.
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DeepSeek spurs Baidu, other AI competitors to adopt open-source strategy
DeepSeek's release of powerful, low-cost AI models is pushing competitors like Baidu and OpenAI to consider an open-source strategy for AI development. This shift aims to improve efficiency and broaden the adoption of their AI products.
Baidu announced that the next generation of its Ernie LLM will be open source starting June 30, reversing its previous stance favoring closed-source AI development. This decision follows Baidu's move to make its Ernie Bot service free to use from April 1, ending a 17-month monetization effort and reflecting increased competition from companies like DeepSeek and Alibaba in China's AI market.
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DeepSeek's release of powerful, low-cost AI models is pushing competitors like Baidu and OpenAI to consider an open-source strategy for AI development. This shift aims to improve efficiency and broaden the adoption of their AI products.
Baidu announced that the next generation of its Ernie LLM will be open source starting June 30, reversing its previous stance favoring closed-source AI development. This decision follows Baidu's move to make its Ernie Bot service free to use from April 1, ending a 17-month monetization effort and reflecting increased competition from companies like DeepSeek and Alibaba in China's AI market.
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Trump’s tough talk with Modi on tariffs signals India is not off the hook
Narendra Modi与Donald Trump的会晤为美印在贸易和国防领域的合作奠定了基础，但同时印度也面临被美国加征关税的风险。Modi提出到2030年将两国贸易额提升至5000亿美元的目标。此外，双方还讨论了加强国防合作，包括联合生产反坦克导弹和海上巡逻机，美国也计划向印度提供F-35战斗机。
尽管双方在贸易额增长和国防合作上展现了积极意愿，但Trump也表达了对印度进口关税的担忧，认为其“非常不公平且力度过大”。他暗示美国将采取对等措施，并表示印度和泰国是亚洲国家中最容易受到美国贸易关税影响的国家之一。目前，印度对美国保持着贸易顺差，这可能是美国考虑对其加征关税的原因之一。
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Narendra Modi与Donald Trump的会晤为美印在贸易和国防领域的合作奠定了基础，但同时印度也面临被美国加征关税的风险。Modi提出到2030年将两国贸易额提升至5000亿美元的目标。此外，双方还讨论了加强国防合作，包括联合生产反坦克导弹和海上巡逻机，美国也计划向印度提供F-35战斗机。
尽管双方在贸易额增长和国防合作上展现了积极意愿，但Trump也表达了对印度进口关税的担忧，认为其“非常不公平且力度过大”。他暗示美国将采取对等措施，并表示印度和泰国是亚洲国家中最容易受到美国贸易关税影响的国家之一。目前，印度对美国保持着贸易顺差，这可能是美国考虑对其加征关税的原因之一。
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US research hub at heart of brain drain for scientists returning to China, study finds
A new study reveals that Cambridge, Massachusetts is the top source for young Chinese scientists returning to mainland China. Researchers analyzed the destinations of approximately 1,250 Chinese researchers who returned to China between 2009 and 2021, finding that Beijing and Shanghai were the most popular destinations, attracting over half of the returnees. The study highlights Cambridge's significance as a hub for talent returning to these major Chinese cities.
Cambridge is home to prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, as well as leading biotech companies. The study, conducted by researchers from Tianjin Normal University and the National Academy of Innovation Strategy, focused on scientists who had studied or worked abroad before benefiting from the National Outstanding Young Scientist Fund upon their return to China. Other key findings indicated that Singapore was a primary source for returnees heading to Nanjing, while Hong Kong was a significant source for those moving to Guangzhou and Wuhan.
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A new study reveals that Cambridge, Massachusetts is the top source for young Chinese scientists returning to mainland China. Researchers analyzed the destinations of approximately 1,250 Chinese researchers who returned to China between 2009 and 2021, finding that Beijing and Shanghai were the most popular destinations, attracting over half of the returnees. The study highlights Cambridge's significance as a hub for talent returning to these major Chinese cities.
Cambridge is home to prestigious universities like Harvard and MIT, as well as leading biotech companies. The study, conducted by researchers from Tianjin Normal University and the National Academy of Innovation Strategy, focused on scientists who had studied or worked abroad before benefiting from the National Outstanding Young Scientist Fund upon their return to China. Other key findings indicated that Singapore was a primary source for returnees heading to Nanjing, while Hong Kong was a significant source for those moving to Guangzhou and Wuhan.
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China daughter makes dummy out of clothes in bid to trick mum she is seated, studying
一名中国女孩为了逃避学习，用衣服制作了一个假人坐在椅子上伪装成自己，然后躲在一旁玩耍。这一幕被她的父母拍下并分享到社交媒体上，引发了中国网友的热议，大家纷纷称赞她的聪明和创造力。
据了解，这名女孩来自中国江苏省扬州市。她的父母在2月8日发布了一段视频，视频中，一个穿着黄色棉袄、戴着帽子的假人端坐在卧室的椅子上，看起来像是在认真“学习”。而当她的“诡计”被父母发现后，她还固执地辩解说：“我也在这里学习啊！” 这一事件反映了孩子们在面对学习压力时，可能会 проявлять 出一些意想不到的“对策”。
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一名中国女孩为了逃避学习，用衣服制作了一个假人坐在椅子上伪装成自己，然后躲在一旁玩耍。这一幕被她的父母拍下并分享到社交媒体上，引发了中国网友的热议，大家纷纷称赞她的聪明和创造力。
据了解，这名女孩来自中国江苏省扬州市。她的父母在2月8日发布了一段视频，视频中，一个穿着黄色棉袄、戴着帽子的假人端坐在卧室的椅子上，看起来像是在认真“学习”。而当她的“诡计”被父母发现后，她还固执地辩解说：“我也在这里学习啊！” 这一事件反映了孩子们在面对学习压力时，可能会 проявлять 出一些意想不到的“对策”。
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China’s Xi Jinping to hold high-level meeting on Monday with top tech entrepreneurs
Chinese President Xi Jinping will host a meeting next week with top entrepreneurs to acknowledge technological advancements and show support for the private sector. The meeting, expected to include 20-30 founders and CEOs from major Chinese tech companies, is particularly significant as China prepares for its annual legislative and advisory meetings to strategize economic growth amidst trade tensions with the US.
This meeting occurs as companies like DeepSeek and Huawei have achieved breakthroughs that help mitigate US restrictions. DeepSeek recently launched a low-cost large language model that rivals those of Silicon Valley giants, while the upcoming "two sessions" may introduce legislation to further protect the private sector, signaling a broader effort to bolster China's technological independence and economic resilience.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping will host a meeting next week with top entrepreneurs to acknowledge technological advancements and show support for the private sector. The meeting, expected to include 20-30 founders and CEOs from major Chinese tech companies, is particularly significant as China prepares for its annual legislative and advisory meetings to strategize economic growth amidst trade tensions with the US.
This meeting occurs as companies like DeepSeek and Huawei have achieved breakthroughs that help mitigate US restrictions. DeepSeek recently launched a low-cost large language model that rivals those of Silicon Valley giants, while the upcoming "two sessions" may introduce legislation to further protect the private sector, signaling a broader effort to bolster China's technological independence and economic resilience.
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Storm clouds gather for Chinese shipping lines as Trump threatens more tariffs
中国航运公司和集装箱制造商正面临新的挑战，美国总统特朗普计划对美国贸易伙伴征收对等关税，这增加了地缘政治的不确定性。上海集装箱运价指数上周下跌7.27%至1758.82，连续第五周下跌，该指数是衡量全球航运价格的关键指标。
该指数在去年7月达到3733.80的峰值，当时全球航运受到红海危机的影响。也门胡塞武装袭击了红海地区的船只，该地区通往苏伊士运河。克拉克森研究公司的董事总经理Stephen Gordon认为，指数下跌是季节性因素导致的，中国春节期间货运量有所下降。此外，由于企业赶在新关税实施前出货，去年第四季度集装箱运费有所上涨。克拉克森的报告指出，特朗普本月早些时候对中国进口商品加征10%的关税，可能影响高达9000万吨的海运贸易，占全球海运量的0.7%。
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中国航运公司和集装箱制造商正面临新的挑战，美国总统特朗普计划对美国贸易伙伴征收对等关税，这增加了地缘政治的不确定性。上海集装箱运价指数上周下跌7.27%至1758.82，连续第五周下跌，该指数是衡量全球航运价格的关键指标。
该指数在去年7月达到3733.80的峰值，当时全球航运受到红海危机的影响。也门胡塞武装袭击了红海地区的船只，该地区通往苏伊士运河。克拉克森研究公司的董事总经理Stephen Gordon认为，指数下跌是季节性因素导致的，中国春节期间货运量有所下降。此外，由于企业赶在新关税实施前出货，去年第四季度集装箱运费有所上涨。克拉克森的报告指出，特朗普本月早些时候对中国进口商品加征10%的关税，可能影响高达9000万吨的海运贸易，占全球海运量的0.7%。
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Indonesia to launch sovereign wealth fund with over US$900 billion in assets
印尼总统普拉博沃·苏比安托将于2月24日启动一项名为Danantara Indonesia的新主权财富基金，管理资产超过9000亿美元。该基金将效仿新加坡的淡马锡模式，专注于可再生能源、先进制造业、下游产业和食品生产等领域的可持续高影响力项目。
普拉博沃表示，这些投资将助力印尼实现到2029年经济年增长率达到8%的目标。Danantara Indonesia将接管政府在国有企业的全部股份，包括印尼曼迪利银行、印尼人民银行和印尼国家银行等主要银行。此外，政府通过效率措施节省了超过200亿美元的预算，这些资金将用于资助超过20个价值数十亿美元的项目，包括镍、铝土矿、铜和其他关键矿产的投资。
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印尼总统普拉博沃·苏比安托将于2月24日启动一项名为Danantara Indonesia的新主权财富基金，管理资产超过9000亿美元。该基金将效仿新加坡的淡马锡模式，专注于可再生能源、先进制造业、下游产业和食品生产等领域的可持续高影响力项目。
普拉博沃表示，这些投资将助力印尼实现到2029年经济年增长率达到8%的目标。Danantara Indonesia将接管政府在国有企业的全部股份，包括印尼曼迪利银行、印尼人民银行和印尼国家银行等主要银行。此外，政府通过效率措施节省了超过200亿美元的预算，这些资金将用于资助超过20个价值数十亿美元的项目，包括镍、铝土矿、铜和其他关键矿产的投资。
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Young Indonesians yearn to ‘run away’ overseas for work as frustration grows
A growing "cultural resistance" movement in Indonesia, using the hashtag #KaburAjaDulu ("Let's Run Away First"), reflects young Indonesians' desire to migrate abroad due to frustration with limited job opportunities and dissatisfaction with government policies. This movement, gaining traction on social media platforms like X and TikTok, sees individuals sharing their aspirations and exchanging advice on moving abroad for work or study.
The movement is fueled by a combination of factors, including economic dissatisfaction, declining quality of life, social injustice, and a perceived lack of adequate government policies. While some users express a longing for a better future elsewhere, others voice a desire to improve Indonesia from within, highlighting the complex emotions driving the online discourse. Some Indonesian abroad have also joined the conversation, offering practical advice and recommendations for those seeking opportunities in other countries, particularly in the technology sector.
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A growing "cultural resistance" movement in Indonesia, using the hashtag #KaburAjaDulu ("Let's Run Away First"), reflects young Indonesians' desire to migrate abroad due to frustration with limited job opportunities and dissatisfaction with government policies. This movement, gaining traction on social media platforms like X and TikTok, sees individuals sharing their aspirations and exchanging advice on moving abroad for work or study.
The movement is fueled by a combination of factors, including economic dissatisfaction, declining quality of life, social injustice, and a perceived lack of adequate government policies. While some users express a longing for a better future elsewhere, others voice a desire to improve Indonesia from within, highlighting the complex emotions driving the online discourse. Some Indonesian abroad have also joined the conversation, offering practical advice and recommendations for those seeking opportunities in other countries, particularly in the technology sector.
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Hong Kong’s Baptist University, like CityU, can ‘afford’ 3 to 5% spending cut
香港浸会大学表示，即使未来三年政府削减3%至5%的公共资金，也能应对。此表态是在香港城市大学做出类似声明后一天发布的。浸会大学校长卫炳江还表示，有信心赢得香港第三所医学院的竞标，并强调专家顾问委员会“不会受到地缘政治风险的影响”。
此前，香港财政司司长陈茂波表示，由于香港预计本财政年度将出现近1000亿港元的赤字，教育领域存在节省资金的空间。教育局局长蔡若莲也明确表示，当局将推动削减大学经费。卫炳江表示，所有八所公立大学都同意与政府共渡难关，但他也指出，如果削减幅度超过3%至5%，肯定会影响大学的运作。至于应对预算削减的措施，卫炳江表示，招收更多非本地学生或提高学费是可选项，但并非他的“首选”，因为教育质量应该得到保证。
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香港浸会大学表示，即使未来三年政府削减3%至5%的公共资金，也能应对。此表态是在香港城市大学做出类似声明后一天发布的。浸会大学校长卫炳江还表示，有信心赢得香港第三所医学院的竞标，并强调专家顾问委员会“不会受到地缘政治风险的影响”。
此前，香港财政司司长陈茂波表示，由于香港预计本财政年度将出现近1000亿港元的赤字，教育领域存在节省资金的空间。教育局局长蔡若莲也明确表示，当局将推动削减大学经费。卫炳江表示，所有八所公立大学都同意与政府共渡难关，但他也指出，如果削减幅度超过3%至5%，肯定会影响大学的运作。至于应对预算削减的措施，卫炳江表示，招收更多非本地学生或提高学费是可选项，但并非他的“首选”，因为教育质量应该得到保证。
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China Future Tech webinar | Beyond 2025: what’s next for China tech?
China's "Made in China 2025" plan, initially met with controversy and criticism, has largely achieved its objectives a decade later. Despite accusations of unfair policies and doubts about its planned economy approach, China has emerged as a major player in strategic industries like electric vehicles and robotics, according to a South China Morning Post review.
The Chinese government, while downplaying the plan publicly, continued to support key industries. As China's leaders prepare to discuss the nation's economic future in early March, a review of the successes and potential future directions of the "Made in China 2025" initiative is crucial. A live webinar will be held on February 25, 2025, to discuss these issues, with opportunities for audience Q&A.
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China's "Made in China 2025" plan, initially met with controversy and criticism, has largely achieved its objectives a decade later. Despite accusations of unfair policies and doubts about its planned economy approach, China has emerged as a major player in strategic industries like electric vehicles and robotics, according to a South China Morning Post review.
The Chinese government, while downplaying the plan publicly, continued to support key industries. As China's leaders prepare to discuss the nation's economic future in early March, a review of the successes and potential future directions of the "Made in China 2025" initiative is crucial. A live webinar will be held on February 25, 2025, to discuss these issues, with opportunities for audience Q&A.
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Russian drone hits Chernobyl cover, radiation levels normal
A Russian drone struck the protective cover at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, though he assured that radiation levels remained stable. The attack occurred amidst a larger Russian drone offensive, with over 100 drones launched across Ukraine, targeting northern regions where Chernobyl is located.
Zelensky highlighted the incident as evidence that Vladimir Putin is not seeking negotiations but rather escalating the conflict. The attack took place hours before Zelensky was scheduled to meet with US Vice-President J.D. Vance in Germany, where he intended to advocate for continued support for Ukraine amidst growing calls for a swift resolution to the nearly three-year war. CCTV footage confirmed the strike, showing an explosion near the Chernobyl structure.
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A Russian drone struck the protective cover at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, though he assured that radiation levels remained stable. The attack occurred amidst a larger Russian drone offensive, with over 100 drones launched across Ukraine, targeting northern regions where Chernobyl is located.
Zelensky highlighted the incident as evidence that Vladimir Putin is not seeking negotiations but rather escalating the conflict. The attack took place hours before Zelensky was scheduled to meet with US Vice-President J.D. Vance in Germany, where he intended to advocate for continued support for Ukraine amidst growing calls for a swift resolution to the nearly three-year war. CCTV footage confirmed the strike, showing an explosion near the Chernobyl structure.
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The ‘arm collector’: pioneering Pakistan woman MMA fighter breaks barriers
安妮塔·卡里姆成长于巴基斯坦北部崎岖地区，与三个毫不留情的哥哥一起磨练了格斗技巧，这为她日后成为巴基斯坦杰出的女子综合格斗（MMA）选手奠定了基础。 这种混合了泰拳、日本柔道和摔跤的格斗方式，让她在格斗界脱颖而出。
八年前，她赢得了进入拳击场的权利，迅速成为巴基斯坦首位参加国际比赛的女子MMA选手。早年的艰苦训练和家庭环境，为她在这项运动中取得成功提供了坚实的基础。
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安妮塔·卡里姆成长于巴基斯坦北部崎岖地区，与三个毫不留情的哥哥一起磨练了格斗技巧，这为她日后成为巴基斯坦杰出的女子综合格斗（MMA）选手奠定了基础。 这种混合了泰拳、日本柔道和摔跤的格斗方式，让她在格斗界脱颖而出。
八年前，她赢得了进入拳击场的权利，迅速成为巴基斯坦首位参加国际比赛的女子MMA选手。早年的艰苦训练和家庭环境，为她在这项运动中取得成功提供了坚实的基础。
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US Intelligence Community needs upgrade to stop Beijing forcibly taking Taiwan: report
A US think tank is advocating for a major overhaul of the US Intelligence Community's early-warning systems to better deter a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The proposal emphasizes the need for a real-time, integrated intelligence system spanning space, cyber, air, sea, and land, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making.
Authored by retired US Army Lieutenant-General Scott Berrier, the Atlantic Council proposal calls for breaking down silos between the 18 independent agencies within the US Intelligence Community. This unified approach would leverage advanced technologies like AI to counter the PLA's increasing use of cyber power against Taiwan, rather than relying solely on traditional military strength, ultimately aiming to give the US a decisive advantage in any potential conflict.
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A US think tank is advocating for a major overhaul of the US Intelligence Community's early-warning systems to better deter a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The proposal emphasizes the need for a real-time, integrated intelligence system spanning space, cyber, air, sea, and land, enabling faster and more accurate decision-making.
Authored by retired US Army Lieutenant-General Scott Berrier, the Atlantic Council proposal calls for breaking down silos between the 18 independent agencies within the US Intelligence Community. This unified approach would leverage advanced technologies like AI to counter the PLA's increasing use of cyber power against Taiwan, rather than relying solely on traditional military strength, ultimately aiming to give the US a decisive advantage in any potential conflict.
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Trump’s bid to collect tax on small Chinese parcels will cost the US
The US attempt to abolish the "de minimis" exemption for Chinese goods, initially introduced to streamline the entry of small packages, has faced significant challenges and been temporarily paused. This exemption, which allows goods below a certain value to enter without tariffs and extensive customs procedures, has become increasingly important with the rise of e-commerce, but efforts to curtail it have gained momentum in Congress.
The de minimis rule, particularly the US's relatively high threshold of $800, has been praised for its efficiency in facilitating trade, reducing costs, and speeding up deliveries. However, concerns about security and unfair competition have led to calls for its elimination or reduction, mirroring the lower thresholds in countries like the EU, Canada, and Japan. While the US's paused attempt highlights the complexities of balancing trade facilitation with regulatory concerns, Hong Kong stands apart by not applying any duties or tariffs, thus having no need for de minimis rules.
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The US attempt to abolish the "de minimis" exemption for Chinese goods, initially introduced to streamline the entry of small packages, has faced significant challenges and been temporarily paused. This exemption, which allows goods below a certain value to enter without tariffs and extensive customs procedures, has become increasingly important with the rise of e-commerce, but efforts to curtail it have gained momentum in Congress.
The de minimis rule, particularly the US's relatively high threshold of $800, has been praised for its efficiency in facilitating trade, reducing costs, and speeding up deliveries. However, concerns about security and unfair competition have led to calls for its elimination or reduction, mirroring the lower thresholds in countries like the EU, Canada, and Japan. While the US's paused attempt highlights the complexities of balancing trade facilitation with regulatory concerns, Hong Kong stands apart by not applying any duties or tariffs, thus having no need for de minimis rules.
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Why death of Dalai Lama’s brother Gyalo Thondup is the ‘end of an era’ for Tibetan exiles
Gyalo Thondup, the Dalai Lama's elder brother and a key figure in the Tibetan exile community, has died at 97, signaling a potential end to an era of direct negotiations between Dharamsala and Beijing. His passing is particularly significant as the Dalai Lama is expected to announce the process for choosing his successor this July, adding further complexity to the future of Tibetan leadership and its relationship with China.
Thondup played a crucial role in early negotiations with Beijing, though these talks have been suspended for decades. His death deprives Tibetan exiles of a leader with firsthand experience in dealing with the Chinese government. He left Tibet in 1952 and became instrumental in garnering international support for the Tibetan cause, initially advocating for complete independence before shifting to a position of seeking greater autonomy within China.
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Gyalo Thondup, the Dalai Lama's elder brother and a key figure in the Tibetan exile community, has died at 97, signaling a potential end to an era of direct negotiations between Dharamsala and Beijing. His passing is particularly significant as the Dalai Lama is expected to announce the process for choosing his successor this July, adding further complexity to the future of Tibetan leadership and its relationship with China.
Thondup played a crucial role in early negotiations with Beijing, though these talks have been suspended for decades. His death deprives Tibetan exiles of a leader with firsthand experience in dealing with the Chinese government. He left Tibet in 1952 and became instrumental in garnering international support for the Tibetan cause, initially advocating for complete independence before shifting to a position of seeking greater autonomy within China.
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Indonesia to chase new trade deals as ‘shocking’ Trump wields tariff threat
Indonesia plans to diversify its export markets and bolster protections for local manufacturers in response to rising global protectionism. Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri stated that while President Trump's tariff policies are concerning, Indonesia aims to capitalize on potential market opportunities arising from US tariffs on Chinese goods, while simultaneously safeguarding its own national trade interests.
The increasing risk of global trade disruptions is prompting Indonesia to adopt a cautious approach. The nation will continue pursuing trade agreements and strengthening measures to protect its domestic industries from cheap imports. Despite not having a free-trade agreement with the US, Indonesia's trade with China has significantly increased in recent years, highlighting the need for diversification. In 2023, Indonesia's trade with the US reached $38.3 billion, resulting in a $14.3 billion surplus for Jakarta.
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Indonesia plans to diversify its export markets and bolster protections for local manufacturers in response to rising global protectionism. Deputy Trade Minister Dyah Roro Esti Widya Putri stated that while President Trump's tariff policies are concerning, Indonesia aims to capitalize on potential market opportunities arising from US tariffs on Chinese goods, while simultaneously safeguarding its own national trade interests.
The increasing risk of global trade disruptions is prompting Indonesia to adopt a cautious approach. The nation will continue pursuing trade agreements and strengthening measures to protect its domestic industries from cheap imports. Despite not having a free-trade agreement with the US, Indonesia's trade with China has significantly increased in recent years, highlighting the need for diversification. In 2023, Indonesia's trade with the US reached $38.3 billion, resulting in a $14.3 billion surplus for Jakarta.
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Tech war: Trump administration reviews terms underpinning Chips Act awards, sources say
The White House is reportedly seeking to renegotiate awards under the US Chips and Science Act, potentially delaying some semiconductor disbursements. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the new administration is reviewing projects funded by the 2022 law, which allocated US$39 billion in subsidies to bolster American semiconductor production.
Washington's plan to renegotiate deals stems from an assessment and potential changes to current requirements. GlobalWafers, a Taiwanese company slated to receive US$406 million in grants for projects in Texas and Missouri, stated that the Chips Programme Office is reviewing conditions that may not align with President Trump's executive orders and policies. While GlobalWafers hasn't been directly notified of changes, they are scheduled to receive subsidies only upon achieving specific milestones later in 2025.
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The White House is reportedly seeking to renegotiate awards under the US Chips and Science Act, potentially delaying some semiconductor disbursements. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the new administration is reviewing projects funded by the 2022 law, which allocated US$39 billion in subsidies to bolster American semiconductor production.
Washington's plan to renegotiate deals stems from an assessment and potential changes to current requirements. GlobalWafers, a Taiwanese company slated to receive US$406 million in grants for projects in Texas and Missouri, stated that the Chips Programme Office is reviewing conditions that may not align with President Trump's executive orders and policies. While GlobalWafers hasn't been directly notified of changes, they are scheduled to receive subsidies only upon achieving specific milestones later in 2025.
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