Syrian leader Sharaa meets Chinese envoy in first bilateral exchange since fall of Assad
Syria's new President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with the Chinese ambassador to Damascus, marking the first public bilateral engagement since Bashar al-Assad's overthrow in December. The meeting, reported by Syrian state media, comes after China's embassy in Damascus was looted following Assad's fall, introducing a potentially complex dynamic between the two nations.
China had been a supporter of Assad, and the new Islamist rulers in Syria have incorporated foreign fighters, including Uygurs, into the Syrian armed forces. This decision to include Islamist militants in official roles could raise concerns among foreign governments and Syrian citizens, despite the new administration's promises of tolerance and non-interference. China has previously accused some Uygurs of involvement in terrorism and has denied allegations of abusing the ethnic minority, adding another layer of sensitivity to the evolving relationship.
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Syria's new President Ahmed al-Sharaa met with the Chinese ambassador to Damascus, marking the first public bilateral engagement since Bashar al-Assad's overthrow in December. The meeting, reported by Syrian state media, comes after China's embassy in Damascus was looted following Assad's fall, introducing a potentially complex dynamic between the two nations.
China had been a supporter of Assad, and the new Islamist rulers in Syria have incorporated foreign fighters, including Uygurs, into the Syrian armed forces. This decision to include Islamist militants in official roles could raise concerns among foreign governments and Syrian citizens, despite the new administration's promises of tolerance and non-interference. China has previously accused some Uygurs of involvement in terrorism and has denied allegations of abusing the ethnic minority, adding another layer of sensitivity to the evolving relationship.
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Will Indonesia’s Bali adopt a Bhutan-style levy to deter ‘low-class foreign tourists’?
巴厘岛官员正在考虑效仿不丹的旅游模式，对外国游客收取高额费用，以应对大量低消费游客对当地经济和声誉造成的威胁。巴厘岛边缘旅游演员联盟负责人I Wayan Puspa Negara提议向外国游客收取每日费用，类似于不丹的可持续发展费，旨在筛选具有消费能力的游客。
不丹对外国游客（印度人除外）收取每日100美元的固定费用，并且游客必须从官方旅行社聘请导游、司机和交通工具。巴厘岛省长Wayan Koster此前也曾提出类似的想法，希望将巴厘岛的游客数量限制在每年40万，从而提高游客的整体消费水平和旅游质量。
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巴厘岛官员正在考虑效仿不丹的旅游模式，对外国游客收取高额费用，以应对大量低消费游客对当地经济和声誉造成的威胁。巴厘岛边缘旅游演员联盟负责人I Wayan Puspa Negara提议向外国游客收取每日费用，类似于不丹的可持续发展费，旨在筛选具有消费能力的游客。
不丹对外国游客（印度人除外）收取每日100美元的固定费用，并且游客必须从官方旅行社聘请导游、司机和交通工具。巴厘岛省长Wayan Koster此前也曾提出类似的想法，希望将巴厘岛的游客数量限制在每年40万，从而提高游客的整体消费水平和旅游质量。
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Chinese gobble up goods as subsidy scheme, trade-ins fuel consumption, but can it last?
中国通过更新消费品以旧换新计划和加倍补贴计划，显著促进了汽车、家电和电子产品的销售。这项举措是刺激国内消费和推动经济增长的关键政策，旨在提振关键行业，巩固国家长期经济复苏。
年初扩展的补贴计划为智能手机、平板电脑和智能手表等数字产品提供补贴，对价格低于6000元人民币的产品提供15%的补贴，每件商品补贴上限为500元。商务部数据显示，截至周三，已有超过2670万消费者申请这些补贴，电动汽车和电动自行车等也因以旧换新计划而销量大增，全国旧车报废量同比增长约35%，新能源乘用车零售额增长超过20%。
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中国通过更新消费品以旧换新计划和加倍补贴计划，显著促进了汽车、家电和电子产品的销售。这项举措是刺激国内消费和推动经济增长的关键政策，旨在提振关键行业，巩固国家长期经济复苏。
年初扩展的补贴计划为智能手机、平板电脑和智能手表等数字产品提供补贴，对价格低于6000元人民币的产品提供15%的补贴，每件商品补贴上限为500元。商务部数据显示，截至周三，已有超过2670万消费者申请这些补贴，电动汽车和电动自行车等也因以旧换新计划而销量大增，全国旧车报废量同比增长约35%，新能源乘用车零售额增长超过20%。
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Most Singaporeans say budget sweeteners inadequate to cushion rising living costs: survey
A recent poll indicates that a majority (55%) of Singapore residents feel the government's latest budget measures, totaling nearly S$124 billion, are insufficient to address the rising cost of living. The survey, conducted by Milieu Insight, highlights concerns that shopping vouchers and subsidies for aged care aren't enough to offset increased prices for essential goods and services like food and housing.
This sentiment poses a challenge for the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) as they prepare for a general election later this year. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who delivered the budget and became premier in May 2024, acknowledged the public's struggle to adjust to "new price realities" and promised continued support. The budget includes S$800 in vouchers for households, tax rebates, and aid for families, low-income individuals, and the elderly, alongside infrastructure spending, but the survey suggests these measures may not be perceived as adequate amid slower economic growth and potential tariff wars.
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A recent poll indicates that a majority (55%) of Singapore residents feel the government's latest budget measures, totaling nearly S$124 billion, are insufficient to address the rising cost of living. The survey, conducted by Milieu Insight, highlights concerns that shopping vouchers and subsidies for aged care aren't enough to offset increased prices for essential goods and services like food and housing.
This sentiment poses a challenge for the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) as they prepare for a general election later this year. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who delivered the budget and became premier in May 2024, acknowledged the public's struggle to adjust to "new price realities" and promised continued support. The budget includes S$800 in vouchers for households, tax rebates, and aid for families, low-income individuals, and the elderly, alongside infrastructure spending, but the survey suggests these measures may not be perceived as adequate amid slower economic growth and potential tariff wars.
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Quirky China: sausage man mimics Trump, watch gang snared, twin woman has third baby shock
中国一位男子模仿美国前总统特朗普在网上推销中国香肠，引发关注。 这位中年男子通过填充外套使自己看起来更胖，模仿特朗普的口音和手势，用流利的英语在重庆街头推销香肠。
在网络流传的短视频中，他用特朗普式的口吻说：“你来到了中国，来到了重庆。你知道吗？你一定要尝尝这个。我为你准备了最好的东西。” 这一行为在社交媒体上引起了广泛讨论。
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中国一位男子模仿美国前总统特朗普在网上推销中国香肠，引发关注。 这位中年男子通过填充外套使自己看起来更胖，模仿特朗普的口音和手势，用流利的英语在重庆街头推销香肠。
在网络流传的短视频中，他用特朗普式的口吻说：“你来到了中国，来到了重庆。你知道吗？你一定要尝尝这个。我为你准备了最好的东西。” 这一行为在社交媒体上引起了广泛讨论。
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Hong Kong vows to tackle ticket scalping for Kai Tak Sports Park opening show
香港政府誓言打击炒卖启德体育园开幕式门票的行为。此前有报道称，原价仅为10港元的门票在二级市场上被炒至高达1800港元（约232美元）。文化、体育及旅游局局长表示，已联系警方处理此事。
在8500张门票通过官方渠道在30分钟内售罄后，当局呼吁市民保持警惕。有媒体报道称，Carousell平台上有人以高达1800港元的价格出售门票，也有人出价1000港元求购。目前，该平台上已难觅高价票，但仍有卖家表示愿意以1300港元出售原价10港元的门票。
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香港政府誓言打击炒卖启德体育园开幕式门票的行为。此前有报道称，原价仅为10港元的门票在二级市场上被炒至高达1800港元（约232美元）。文化、体育及旅游局局长表示，已联系警方处理此事。
在8500张门票通过官方渠道在30分钟内售罄后，当局呼吁市民保持警惕。有媒体报道称，Carousell平台上有人以高达1800港元的价格出售门票，也有人出价1000港元求购。目前，该平台上已难觅高价票，但仍有卖家表示愿意以1300港元出售原价10港元的门票。
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Tourists wearing this hat in Vietnam may face US$3,000 fine, entry denial
By The Korea Times
A Vietnam-focused travel agency has warned tourists against wearing a “Vietnam war veteran hat” when travelling to the country, citing cases of entry denial.
An advisory from a Vietnam travel agency gained attention on South Korean online communities such as DC Inside on Thursday.
The agency reported that a recent traveller wearing a Vietnam war veteran hat was denied entry at the airport. “A group of tourists wearing the hat was also fined US$3,000 after being stopped by authorities,” it warned. The agency further cautioned that “wearing the hat on the streets could lead to conflicts with locals”.
The agency included a photo of a hat with the phrase “Vietnam war Hero Korea” as an example. The hat is typically worn by elderly veterans who served in the Vietnam war and was created to commemorate the contributions of South Korean soldiers.
In South Korea, there are organisations such as the Korean Disabled Veteran’s Association by Agent-Orange in Vietnam war and the Vietnam Veterans Association Korea for those who served in the war.
Commonly referred to as the “Vietnam war” in South Korea, the conflict lasted for 20 years from 1955, pitting the communist North Vietnamese government against the US-backed South Vietnamese forces. At the request of the United States, South Korea deployed 320,000 troops to support South Vietnam.
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By The Korea Times
A Vietnam-focused travel agency has warned tourists against wearing a “Vietnam war veteran hat” when travelling to the country, citing cases of entry denial.
An advisory from a Vietnam travel agency gained attention on South Korean online communities such as DC Inside on Thursday.
The agency reported that a recent traveller wearing a Vietnam war veteran hat was denied entry at the airport. “A group of tourists wearing the hat was also fined US$3,000 after being stopped by authorities,” it warned. The agency further cautioned that “wearing the hat on the streets could lead to conflicts with locals”.
The agency included a photo of a hat with the phrase “Vietnam war Hero Korea” as an example. The hat is typically worn by elderly veterans who served in the Vietnam war and was created to commemorate the contributions of South Korean soldiers.
In South Korea, there are organisations such as the Korean Disabled Veteran’s Association by Agent-Orange in Vietnam war and the Vietnam Veterans Association Korea for those who served in the war.
Commonly referred to as the “Vietnam war” in South Korea, the conflict lasted for 20 years from 1955, pitting the communist North Vietnamese government against the US-backed South Vietnamese forces. At the request of the United States, South Korea deployed 320,000 troops to support South Vietnam.
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China drills ‘ultra-deep’ oil well to help shore up energy needs
中国石油天然气集团公司宣布，中国已从一口10910米深的油井中开采石油和天然气，这是地球上第二深的钻井。该油井名为深地塔科1井，位于中国西部新疆维吾尔自治区的塔里木油田，也是亚洲第一口“超深”油井。
据新华社报道，该油井的经理王春生表示，钻探到10000米左右用了270天，但最后900米的开采却花费了300多天。在钻探深度达到10000米时，团队面临井壁不稳定、钻井工具损坏和地下泄漏等挑战。由于国家能源安全问题，中国石油巨头正在加紧国内油气勘探力度，以降低对进口的依赖。中国是世界第二大经济体，其大部分原油依赖进口，主要来自俄罗斯和沙特阿拉伯。去年，中国进口了5.53亿吨原油，同比下降1.9%，而国内产量总计2.128亿吨，同比增长1.8%。
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中国石油天然气集团公司宣布，中国已从一口10910米深的油井中开采石油和天然气，这是地球上第二深的钻井。该油井名为深地塔科1井，位于中国西部新疆维吾尔自治区的塔里木油田，也是亚洲第一口“超深”油井。
据新华社报道，该油井的经理王春生表示，钻探到10000米左右用了270天，但最后900米的开采却花费了300多天。在钻探深度达到10000米时，团队面临井壁不稳定、钻井工具损坏和地下泄漏等挑战。由于国家能源安全问题，中国石油巨头正在加紧国内油气勘探力度，以降低对进口的依赖。中国是世界第二大经济体，其大部分原油依赖进口，主要来自俄罗斯和沙特阿拉伯。去年，中国进口了5.53亿吨原油，同比下降1.9%，而国内产量总计2.128亿吨，同比增长1.8%。
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Woman drugged, robbed elderly men in deadly ‘romance scam on steroids’, FBI says
一名女子利用在线约会应用引诱至少四名老年男性见面，然后用镇静剂麻醉他们，并窃取了数十万美元。联邦调查局官员称这是一起“邪恶”的爱情骗局。其中三名受害者已经死亡，该女子被指控与其中一人的死亡有关。
这名女子名叫奥罗拉·菲尔普斯，现年43岁，目前被拘留在墨西哥。她面临21项指控，包括电信欺诈、身份盗窃和一项导致死亡的绑架罪。据称，菲尔普斯在2021年和2022年期间针对这些受害者，其中一名受害者在昏迷后醒来，原因是菲尔普斯在一周内给他服用了处方镇静剂。在其中一起案件中，菲尔普斯被指控绑架了一名受害者，她给受害者注射了大量镇静剂，然后用轮椅将他带到美国-墨西哥边境，最后带到墨西哥城的一家酒店房间，受害者后来在那里被发现死亡。
联邦调查局官员表示，在使受害者失去能力后，菲尔普斯偷走了他们的汽车，从他们的银行账户中取款，使用他们的信用卡购买奢侈品和黄金，甚至试图获取他们的社会保障和退休账户。当局称，这起案件是“类固醇上的爱情骗局”。
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一名女子利用在线约会应用引诱至少四名老年男性见面，然后用镇静剂麻醉他们，并窃取了数十万美元。联邦调查局官员称这是一起“邪恶”的爱情骗局。其中三名受害者已经死亡，该女子被指控与其中一人的死亡有关。
这名女子名叫奥罗拉·菲尔普斯，现年43岁，目前被拘留在墨西哥。她面临21项指控，包括电信欺诈、身份盗窃和一项导致死亡的绑架罪。据称，菲尔普斯在2021年和2022年期间针对这些受害者，其中一名受害者在昏迷后醒来，原因是菲尔普斯在一周内给他服用了处方镇静剂。在其中一起案件中，菲尔普斯被指控绑架了一名受害者，她给受害者注射了大量镇静剂，然后用轮椅将他带到美国-墨西哥边境，最后带到墨西哥城的一家酒店房间，受害者后来在那里被发现死亡。
联邦调查局官员表示，在使受害者失去能力后，菲尔普斯偷走了他们的汽车，从他们的银行账户中取款，使用他们的信用卡购买奢侈品和黄金，甚至试图获取他们的社会保障和退休账户。当局称，这起案件是“类固醇上的爱情骗局”。
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China ready to take control as US and UK back out of AI Action Summit statement
Analysts suggest China could step into a leadership role in AI governance after the US and UK declined to sign a global declaration on "inclusive and sustainable" AI at a recent Paris summit. This declaration, signed by over 60 countries including China, aims to establish safeguards ensuring AI is open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure, and trustworthy.
The UK cited "national security and global governance concerns" for not signing, while the US, through Vice-President J.D. Vance, expressed concerns that excessive regulations could stifle the AI industry. Some experts believe the UK prioritized its alliance with the US in this decision. The absence of the US and UK leaves an opening for China to shape the global AI landscape, while countries in the Global South are unlikely to take sides in any AI rivalry between China and the US.
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Analysts suggest China could step into a leadership role in AI governance after the US and UK declined to sign a global declaration on "inclusive and sustainable" AI at a recent Paris summit. This declaration, signed by over 60 countries including China, aims to establish safeguards ensuring AI is open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure, and trustworthy.
The UK cited "national security and global governance concerns" for not signing, while the US, through Vice-President J.D. Vance, expressed concerns that excessive regulations could stifle the AI industry. Some experts believe the UK prioritized its alliance with the US in this decision. The absence of the US and UK leaves an opening for China to shape the global AI landscape, while countries in the Global South are unlikely to take sides in any AI rivalry between China and the US.
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Hong Kong temperatures to dip to 13 degrees on Monday next week
香港天文台预测，下周一香港气温将降至摄氏13度（华氏55.4度）。 周六天气仍然较凉，气温介于15至17度。预计下周中期气温将略有回升。
受东北季候风影响，香港气温将逐渐下降，并在周一早晨变得相当寒冷。下周中期，季候风将逐渐缓和，广东沿海地区的气温将略有上升，并可能出现零星降雨。
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香港天文台预测，下周一香港气温将降至摄氏13度（华氏55.4度）。 周六天气仍然较凉，气温介于15至17度。预计下周中期气温将略有回升。
受东北季候风影响，香港气温将逐渐下降，并在周一早晨变得相当寒冷。下周中期，季候风将逐渐缓和，广东沿海地区的气温将略有上升，并可能出现零星降雨。
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Show me the money: unveiling Hong Kong’s 10 biggest spenders in government
香港财政司司长陈茂波呼吁各政府部门勒紧裤腰带，以应对预计近1000亿港元的财政赤字。此举引发部分人士担忧，认为预算削减可能导致弱势群体生活成本上升，这或将与其他政府政策相悖，并损害香港的长期发展。
在各政府部门中，社会福利署支出最高，达到1086.2亿港元，约占公共支出的18%，主要用于社会保障，包括为弱势群体提供支持。卫生局位居第二，支出为967.7亿港元，约占总支出的16%，其中超过96%的资金流向医院管理局，该机构负责管理43家公立医院和机构。教育局排名第三，支出为796.9亿港元，占总支出的13%，其中约40%用于中学教育，31%用于小学教育。
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香港财政司司长陈茂波呼吁各政府部门勒紧裤腰带，以应对预计近1000亿港元的财政赤字。此举引发部分人士担忧，认为预算削减可能导致弱势群体生活成本上升，这或将与其他政府政策相悖，并损害香港的长期发展。
在各政府部门中，社会福利署支出最高，达到1086.2亿港元，约占公共支出的18%，主要用于社会保障，包括为弱势群体提供支持。卫生局位居第二，支出为967.7亿港元，约占总支出的16%，其中超过96%的资金流向医院管理局，该机构负责管理43家公立医院和机构。教育局排名第三，支出为796.9亿港元，占总支出的13%，其中约40%用于中学教育，31%用于小学教育。
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Trump says Russia attacked Ukraine in U-turn, predicts deal on minerals soon
By Reuters
President Donald Trump reversed course on Friday and said Russia did in fact invade Ukraine, and that Kyiv would soon sign a minerals agreement with the United States as part of efforts to end the Ukraine war.
Trump had said on Tuesday that Ukraine “should have never started” the war three years ago, prompting a wave of criticism both domestically and internationally.
Pressed on the subject in an interview with Fox News Radio on Friday, he acknowledged Russia had invaded Ukraine on the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Russia attacked, but they shouldn’t have let him attack,” Trump said, adding that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and then US president Joe Biden should have taken steps to avert the invasion.
Later, Trump predicted a minerals agreement would be reached soon.
“We’re signing an agreement, hopefully in the next fairly short period of time,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about a possible deal for Ukraine’s minerals.
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By Reuters
President Donald Trump reversed course on Friday and said Russia did in fact invade Ukraine, and that Kyiv would soon sign a minerals agreement with the United States as part of efforts to end the Ukraine war.
Trump had said on Tuesday that Ukraine “should have never started” the war three years ago, prompting a wave of criticism both domestically and internationally.
Pressed on the subject in an interview with Fox News Radio on Friday, he acknowledged Russia had invaded Ukraine on the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“Russia attacked, but they shouldn’t have let him attack,” Trump said, adding that Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and then US president Joe Biden should have taken steps to avert the invasion.
Later, Trump predicted a minerals agreement would be reached soon.
“We’re signing an agreement, hopefully in the next fairly short period of time,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office when asked about a possible deal for Ukraine’s minerals.
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PLA steps up Taiwan military patrols over Lunar New Year holiday
During the Lunar New Year holiday, China's military significantly increased its activity near Taiwan, signaling a continued pressure campaign. Taiwan's defense ministry reported a rise in PLA aircraft and naval vessels operating in the area compared to the previous year, with a notable increase in aircraft crossing the median line.
This escalation aligns with a trend observed since William Lai Ching-te, from the DPP, assumed office in Taiwan. Analysts interpret Beijing's actions as a normalization of its military presence, reinforcing its claim over Taiwan and its willingness to use force if necessary to assert control.
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During the Lunar New Year holiday, China's military significantly increased its activity near Taiwan, signaling a continued pressure campaign. Taiwan's defense ministry reported a rise in PLA aircraft and naval vessels operating in the area compared to the previous year, with a notable increase in aircraft crossing the median line.
This escalation aligns with a trend observed since William Lai Ching-te, from the DPP, assumed office in Taiwan. Analysts interpret Beijing's actions as a normalization of its military presence, reinforcing its claim over Taiwan and its willingness to use force if necessary to assert control.
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Ex-Miss HK winner and other pet owners bewildered by spate of poisonings
By Sammy Heung
Within 30 seconds of eating meat left on a street in Lam Tsuen, two dogs belonging to former Hong Kong beauty queen Lisa-Marie Tse Ga-ye, Peachy and Summer, began foaming at the mouth and dropped to the ground, overcome by seizures.
“[Peachy] was kind of jumping back, she was very scared … There was like this white horrible, horrible foam just coming out like every second,” the Miss Hong Kong 2020 winner recalled.
“When I turned round back from Peachy, then Summer started to have seizures as well.”
Her two dogs ate what appeared to be a mixture of roasted pork and chicken covered in white powder. Peachy died during the ride to the veterinarian, while Summer was alive when she arrived at the clinic only for her heart to stop 15 minutes later.
Tse adopted Summer, a dachshund, at 12 weeks old in Scotland in 2017, and met Peachy, a mixed-breed, who was 12 weeks old, at a charity event in 2021.
“I’ve been emotionally traumatised,” she said. “That’s like two months of absolute horribleness and both my dogs are dead now.”
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By Sammy Heung
Within 30 seconds of eating meat left on a street in Lam Tsuen, two dogs belonging to former Hong Kong beauty queen Lisa-Marie Tse Ga-ye, Peachy and Summer, began foaming at the mouth and dropped to the ground, overcome by seizures.
“[Peachy] was kind of jumping back, she was very scared … There was like this white horrible, horrible foam just coming out like every second,” the Miss Hong Kong 2020 winner recalled.
“When I turned round back from Peachy, then Summer started to have seizures as well.”
Her two dogs ate what appeared to be a mixture of roasted pork and chicken covered in white powder. Peachy died during the ride to the veterinarian, while Summer was alive when she arrived at the clinic only for her heart to stop 15 minutes later.
Tse adopted Summer, a dachshund, at 12 weeks old in Scotland in 2017, and met Peachy, a mixed-breed, who was 12 weeks old, at a charity event in 2021.
“I’ve been emotionally traumatised,” she said. “That’s like two months of absolute horribleness and both my dogs are dead now.”
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Malaysia rages at Trump’s Gaza ‘Riviera’ gambit – but what can it do?
By Hadi Azmi
Donald Trump’s brazen proposal to expel more than 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and morph the war-torn territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East” has ignited a firestorm of outrage in Malaysia, Asia’s most vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause.
First to condemn the plan was the Malaysian chapter of the influential Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Movement against Israel, calling Trump’s idea “shockingly ill-conceived” and one that “belongs in the dustbin”.
Since the outbreak of war in Gaza more than 500 days ago, the movement has spearheaded a boycott campaign that resonated deeply with the Malaysian public, dealing a major blow to Western brands perceived as having ties to Israel including Starbucks, McDonald’s and KFC.
For many in the Muslim-majority nation that has long supported the Palestinian cause, Trump’s announcement completely undercut the fragile ceasefire deal with Hamas that he had loudly claimed credit for.
Malaysian accountant Nor Aida Yassin expressed disbelief, saying the Gaza plan “tops the list” of the bizarre and contentious things the US president has said in his first weeks back in office.
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By Hadi Azmi
Donald Trump’s brazen proposal to expel more than 2 million Palestinians from Gaza and morph the war-torn territory into the “Riviera of the Middle East” has ignited a firestorm of outrage in Malaysia, Asia’s most vocal advocate for the Palestinian cause.
First to condemn the plan was the Malaysian chapter of the influential Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Movement against Israel, calling Trump’s idea “shockingly ill-conceived” and one that “belongs in the dustbin”.
Since the outbreak of war in Gaza more than 500 days ago, the movement has spearheaded a boycott campaign that resonated deeply with the Malaysian public, dealing a major blow to Western brands perceived as having ties to Israel including Starbucks, McDonald’s and KFC.
For many in the Muslim-majority nation that has long supported the Palestinian cause, Trump’s announcement completely undercut the fragile ceasefire deal with Hamas that he had loudly claimed credit for.
Malaysian accountant Nor Aida Yassin expressed disbelief, saying the Gaza plan “tops the list” of the bizarre and contentious things the US president has said in his first weeks back in office.
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I look Chinese but don’t speak the language. Is that so bad?
By Christina Pantin
Tôi không phải là người Việt Nam, tôi là người Mỹ gốc Malaysia. (“I’m not Vietnamese; I’m an American originally from Malaysia.”)
This was the first phrase I asked my Vietnamese language instructor to teach me as I took up the bureau chief position for Reuters in Hanoi. I found it necessary to recite this often to establish my background at the outset, because to many Vietnamese, I looked Vietnamese.
It occurred to me as I moved back to Hong Kong in 2019 that I might need to memorise something similar in Cantonese. I am ethnically Chinese, and I think I look Chinese (or at least Asian; I’ve been mistaken for a Thai in Bangkok, and a Filipina in Manila). I did eventually settle on a phrase, sik teng mm sik gong, which covers a multitude of my linguistic sins – “I understand, but can’t speak.”
My Chinese vocabulary has been frozen in time since primary school, when conversations were simple in our hometown, Petaling Jaya, a satellite city of Kuala Lumpur. My siblings and I spoke Chinese to our live-in amah, our paternal grandmother, taxi drivers, market vendors and in restaurants.
My parents are to blame. While neither had higher education, both became native-level English speakers, reading voraciously and passing down the reading bug to their five children. We devoured all manner of English-language material, written, spoken and on celluloid. Working for an American oil company, my father brought home Time and Newsweek magazines, and the Western influence was further transmitted via music: Frank Sinatra and Perry Como, Mozart and Bach, Fiddler on the Roof and My Fair Lady, and later, Police and Earth, Wind and Fire. (And, OK, don’t hate me, but even Abba.)
The exception was when our parents took us to every Bruce Lee film screened in Kuala Lumpur, as well as any “historical” Chinese movie, like one about the Boxer Rebellion. I guess it was their way of giving us a touchstone for being Chinese, or in the case of Lee, letting us connect with a rare global Chinese icon.
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By Christina Pantin
Tôi không phải là người Việt Nam, tôi là người Mỹ gốc Malaysia. (“I’m not Vietnamese; I’m an American originally from Malaysia.”)
This was the first phrase I asked my Vietnamese language instructor to teach me as I took up the bureau chief position for Reuters in Hanoi. I found it necessary to recite this often to establish my background at the outset, because to many Vietnamese, I looked Vietnamese.
It occurred to me as I moved back to Hong Kong in 2019 that I might need to memorise something similar in Cantonese. I am ethnically Chinese, and I think I look Chinese (or at least Asian; I’ve been mistaken for a Thai in Bangkok, and a Filipina in Manila). I did eventually settle on a phrase, sik teng mm sik gong, which covers a multitude of my linguistic sins – “I understand, but can’t speak.”
My Chinese vocabulary has been frozen in time since primary school, when conversations were simple in our hometown, Petaling Jaya, a satellite city of Kuala Lumpur. My siblings and I spoke Chinese to our live-in amah, our paternal grandmother, taxi drivers, market vendors and in restaurants.
My parents are to blame. While neither had higher education, both became native-level English speakers, reading voraciously and passing down the reading bug to their five children. We devoured all manner of English-language material, written, spoken and on celluloid. Working for an American oil company, my father brought home Time and Newsweek magazines, and the Western influence was further transmitted via music: Frank Sinatra and Perry Como, Mozart and Bach, Fiddler on the Roof and My Fair Lady, and later, Police and Earth, Wind and Fire. (And, OK, don’t hate me, but even Abba.)
The exception was when our parents took us to every Bruce Lee film screened in Kuala Lumpur, as well as any “historical” Chinese movie, like one about the Boxer Rebellion. I guess it was their way of giving us a touchstone for being Chinese, or in the case of Lee, letting us connect with a rare global Chinese icon.
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Donald Trump abruptly sacks top US military general CQ Brown
By Associated Press
US President Donald Trump abruptly fired Air Force General CQ Brown as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday, sidelining a history-making fighter pilot and respected officer as part of a campaign to rid the military of leaders who support diversity and equity in the ranks.
The ouster of Brown, only the second black general to serve as chairman, is sure to send shock waves through the Pentagon. His 16 months in the job had been consumed with the war in Ukraine and the expanded conflict in the Middle East.
“I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family,” Trump posted on social media.
Trump said he was nominating Air Force Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine to be the next chairman. Caine is a career F-16 pilot who served on active duty and in the National Guard, and had most recently served as the associate director for military affairs at the CIA, according to his official military biography.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a statement praising both Caine and Brown, announced the firings of two additional senior officers: Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti and Vice-Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Jim Slife.
Brown had spent the day at the US-Mexico border, assessing the military’s rapid build-up of forces to meet Trump’s executive order on countering illegal immigration.
Trump acted despite support for Brown among key members of Congress and a seemingly friendly meeting with him in mid-December, when the two were seated next to each other for a time at the army-navy football game. Brown had been meeting regularly with Hegseth, who took over the top Pentagon job just four weeks ago.
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By Associated Press
US President Donald Trump abruptly fired Air Force General CQ Brown as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on Friday, sidelining a history-making fighter pilot and respected officer as part of a campaign to rid the military of leaders who support diversity and equity in the ranks.
The ouster of Brown, only the second black general to serve as chairman, is sure to send shock waves through the Pentagon. His 16 months in the job had been consumed with the war in Ukraine and the expanded conflict in the Middle East.
“I want to thank General Charles ‘CQ’ Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country, including as our current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader, and I wish a great future for him and his family,” Trump posted on social media.
Trump said he was nominating Air Force Lieutenant General Dan “Razin” Caine to be the next chairman. Caine is a career F-16 pilot who served on active duty and in the National Guard, and had most recently served as the associate director for military affairs at the CIA, according to his official military biography.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, in a statement praising both Caine and Brown, announced the firings of two additional senior officers: Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Franchetti and Vice-Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Jim Slife.
Brown had spent the day at the US-Mexico border, assessing the military’s rapid build-up of forces to meet Trump’s executive order on countering illegal immigration.
Trump acted despite support for Brown among key members of Congress and a seemingly friendly meeting with him in mid-December, when the two were seated next to each other for a time at the army-navy football game. Brown had been meeting regularly with Hegseth, who took over the top Pentagon job just four weeks ago.
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