Vietnam hopes to stop Trump’s US tariffs with trade talks
Vietnam is sending its top trade official to the US in an effort to de-escalate trade tensions and avoid potential tariffs that could harm its export-driven economy. Trade Minister Nguyen Hong Dien will meet with US officials, including the Commerce Secretary and the US Trade Representative, to discuss bilateral trade agreements and address US concerns.
The US has a significant trade deficit with Vietnam, reaching $123.5 billion in 2024, making it the third-largest deficit after China and Mexico. This has drawn scrutiny from the US, which is considering tariffs as part of its "America First" trade policy. Vietnam aims to maintain positive relationships with both the US and China, its top trading partners, and is among several nations seeking exemptions from potential US tariffs. Discussions are expected to cover topics like energy deals and preventing fraudulent labeling of product origins.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Vietnam is sending its top trade official to the US in an effort to de-escalate trade tensions and avoid potential tariffs that could harm its export-driven economy. Trade Minister Nguyen Hong Dien will meet with US officials, including the Commerce Secretary and the US Trade Representative, to discuss bilateral trade agreements and address US concerns.
The US has a significant trade deficit with Vietnam, reaching $123.5 billion in 2024, making it the third-largest deficit after China and Mexico. This has drawn scrutiny from the US, which is considering tariffs as part of its "America First" trade policy. Vietnam aims to maintain positive relationships with both the US and China, its top trading partners, and is among several nations seeking exemptions from potential US tariffs. Discussions are expected to cover topics like energy deals and preventing fraudulent labeling of product origins.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hospitalised Francis marks 12 years as pope with future uncertain
教宗方济各周四迎来担任天主教教会领袖12周年，在医院治疗一个月后，健康状况似乎已经脱离危险。 然而，此次住院经历也为他的未来蒙上了一层阴影，引发了人们对他领导全球近14亿天主教徒的能力的担忧。
这位88岁的教宗在2月14日因双肺肺炎入住罗马杰梅利医院，一度病情危重。虽然目前情况已经明显好转，梵蒂冈也证实他的病情稳定，但这是他教皇任期内最长、最令人担忧的一次住院。此前，教宗方济各一直拒绝因年龄或日益脆弱的健康状况而做出任何让步，尽管三年前他已经开始使用轮椅。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
教宗方济各周四迎来担任天主教教会领袖12周年，在医院治疗一个月后，健康状况似乎已经脱离危险。 然而，此次住院经历也为他的未来蒙上了一层阴影，引发了人们对他领导全球近14亿天主教徒的能力的担忧。
这位88岁的教宗在2月14日因双肺肺炎入住罗马杰梅利医院，一度病情危重。虽然目前情况已经明显好转，梵蒂冈也证实他的病情稳定，但这是他教皇任期内最长、最令人担忧的一次住院。此前，教宗方济各一直拒绝因年龄或日益脆弱的健康状况而做出任何让步，尽管三年前他已经开始使用轮椅。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Chinese influencer dies, ‘love nest’ scam, DeepSeek founder’s hometown: 5 trending stories
Recent trending stories in China include the tragic death of a young cosplay influencer and the unusual story of a woman who gave birth just a day after discovering her pregnancy. The influencer's death sparked widespread grief and sympathy online due to her struggles with finances and mental health. Meanwhile, the makeup blogger's experience of an unexpectedly rapid pregnancy and childbirth has garnered significant attention on social media.
Another story involves a woman who allegedly scammed multiple men out of a significant amount of money by enticing them to invest in a "love nest" before disappearing. These stories highlight a range of issues and experiences that have resonated with Chinese internet users recently, from mental health and financial struggles to unusual personal stories and instances of fraud.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Recent trending stories in China include the tragic death of a young cosplay influencer and the unusual story of a woman who gave birth just a day after discovering her pregnancy. The influencer's death sparked widespread grief and sympathy online due to her struggles with finances and mental health. Meanwhile, the makeup blogger's experience of an unexpectedly rapid pregnancy and childbirth has garnered significant attention on social media.
Another story involves a woman who allegedly scammed multiple men out of a significant amount of money by enticing them to invest in a "love nest" before disappearing. These stories highlight a range of issues and experiences that have resonated with Chinese internet users recently, from mental health and financial struggles to unusual personal stories and instances of fraud.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong urges tech advance as he meets HKUST leaders
Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, has urged Hong Kong's tertiary institutions to enhance their technological advancements and talent cultivation to better contribute to China's modernization. He emphasized the importance of higher education in serving national development and rejuvenation during a meeting with leaders from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on Wednesday.
Xia highlighted the unique advantages of the "one country, two systems" framework, encouraging institutions to align with national strategies, integrate into the Greater Bay Area, and strengthen education's role in technology and talent development. His remarks come as HKUST finalizes a proposal to establish Hong Kong's third medical school, aiming to bolster biomedical research and medical talent cultivation, further solidifying Hong Kong's position as a hub for high-calibre talent and contributing to both city governance and China's broader modernization goals.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, has urged Hong Kong's tertiary institutions to enhance their technological advancements and talent cultivation to better contribute to China's modernization. He emphasized the importance of higher education in serving national development and rejuvenation during a meeting with leaders from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) on Wednesday.
Xia highlighted the unique advantages of the "one country, two systems" framework, encouraging institutions to align with national strategies, integrate into the Greater Bay Area, and strengthen education's role in technology and talent development. His remarks come as HKUST finalizes a proposal to establish Hong Kong's third medical school, aiming to bolster biomedical research and medical talent cultivation, further solidifying Hong Kong's position as a hub for high-calibre talent and contributing to both city governance and China's broader modernization goals.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Skull fragments found in Spain point to previously unknown ancient humans
在西班牙发现的被称为“Pink”的成年人面部骨骼化石，可能属于一个新的人类物种，生活在超过110万年前，这使得它成为西欧已知最古老的人类面孔。此发现将西欧已知最古老的人类物种的年代大大提前，此前被认为是大约85万年前的纤细面孔的Homo antecessor。
这项发表在《自然》杂志上的研究表明，在西班牙北部的阿塔普埃尔卡考古遗址发现的“Pink”的上颌骨和部分颧骨化石，为欧洲人类进化史引入了一个新的角色。科学家们使用传统保护和修复技术，结合先进的成像和3D分析工具，对这些骨骼碎片进行了重建，并根据其年代和特征，推测其可能代表一个此前未知的早期人类物种。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
在西班牙发现的被称为“Pink”的成年人面部骨骼化石，可能属于一个新的人类物种，生活在超过110万年前，这使得它成为西欧已知最古老的人类面孔。此发现将西欧已知最古老的人类物种的年代大大提前，此前被认为是大约85万年前的纤细面孔的Homo antecessor。
这项发表在《自然》杂志上的研究表明，在西班牙北部的阿塔普埃尔卡考古遗址发现的“Pink”的上颌骨和部分颧骨化石，为欧洲人类进化史引入了一个新的角色。科学家们使用传统保护和修复技术，结合先进的成像和3D分析工具，对这些骨骼碎片进行了重建，并根据其年代和特征，推测其可能代表一个此前未知的早期人类物种。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Fury in Australia after US influencer Sam Jones hounds baby wombat
澳大利亚外交部长公开呼吁一位来访的美国网红“别再打扰小袋熊”。起因是该网红在Instagram上发布了一段视频，视频中她抓起一只野生小袋熊，并对着镜头说“我抓到了一只小袋熊”，随后又将它放回路边，这一行为引发了野生动物专家和动物爱好者的强烈不满。
这段视频迅速在澳大利亚媒体上传播，并引起了政府高层的关注。外交部长黄英贤在接受采访时表示，这段视频“看起来很糟糕”，并呼吁大家“别再打扰小袋熊”。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
澳大利亚外交部长公开呼吁一位来访的美国网红“别再打扰小袋熊”。起因是该网红在Instagram上发布了一段视频，视频中她抓起一只野生小袋熊，并对着镜头说“我抓到了一只小袋熊”，随后又将它放回路边，这一行为引发了野生动物专家和动物爱好者的强烈不满。
这段视频迅速在澳大利亚媒体上传播，并引起了政府高层的关注。外交部长黄英贤在接受采访时表示，这段视频“看起来很糟糕”，并呼吁大家“别再打扰小袋熊”。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Why Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt has become an unlikely online star in China
Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House press secretary, has become surprisingly popular in China due to her assertive defense of Trump and perceived combination of career and motherhood. Video clips of her confronting US journalists have circulated widely on Chinese social media, drawing admiration for her eloquence and composure.
Chinese internet users have praised Leavitt's ability to remain calm and assertive while defending controversial policies, seeing her as an example of a young, strong woman in the workplace. Some have specifically noted her beauty and eloquence, highlighting her temperament as both assertive and respectful.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House press secretary, has become surprisingly popular in China due to her assertive defense of Trump and perceived combination of career and motherhood. Video clips of her confronting US journalists have circulated widely on Chinese social media, drawing admiration for her eloquence and composure.
Chinese internet users have praised Leavitt's ability to remain calm and assertive while defending controversial policies, seeing her as an example of a young, strong woman in the workplace. Some have specifically noted her beauty and eloquence, highlighting her temperament as both assertive and respectful.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
‘Real reasons to be worried’: are US tariffs finally coming for Japan?
日本正在紧急安排与美国的进一步会谈，此前日本贸易大臣在华盛顿的会谈未能获得美国豁免对日本企业征收高额进口关税的承诺。外务大臣岩屋毅正试图在本周于加拿大举行的七国集团外长会议期间，与美国国务卿马可·卢比奥会面。
东京的分析人士对日本的努力是否会最终取得成果存在分歧。一些人指出，特朗普习惯于提出全面要求，但最终会做出让步，而另一些人则认为，除了为对美出口的最坏情况做好准备之外，东京几乎没有其他选择。天普大学东京校区国际关系学教授詹姆斯·布朗表示，日本有充分的理由感到担忧。最初，一切似乎都按计划进行，但特朗普随后将重点转向了加拿大、墨西哥和中国。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
日本正在紧急安排与美国的进一步会谈，此前日本贸易大臣在华盛顿的会谈未能获得美国豁免对日本企业征收高额进口关税的承诺。外务大臣岩屋毅正试图在本周于加拿大举行的七国集团外长会议期间，与美国国务卿马可·卢比奥会面。
东京的分析人士对日本的努力是否会最终取得成果存在分歧。一些人指出，特朗普习惯于提出全面要求，但最终会做出让步，而另一些人则认为，除了为对美出口的最坏情况做好准备之外，东京几乎没有其他选择。天普大学东京校区国际关系学教授詹姆斯·布朗表示，日本有充分的理由感到担忧。最初，一切似乎都按计划进行，但特朗普随后将重点转向了加拿大、墨西哥和中国。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Intel appoints Malaysian-born chip industry veteran Lip-Bu Tan as CEO
Intel назначил Лип-Бу Тана, бывшего члена совета директоров и ветерана чип-индустрии, своим новым генеральным директором. Это назначение сигнализирует о том, что компания, переживающая не лучшие времена, вряд ли разделит свои подразделения по разработке и производству чипов. Акции Intel выросли на 12% после объявления.
Назначение вступит в силу 18 марта и произошло через три месяца после увольнения предыдущего генерального директора Пэта Гелсингера, чей дорогостоящий план по восстановлению компании не оправдал ожиданий и подорвал доверие инвесторов. Тан, имеющий большой опыт в чип-индустрии и являющийся давним инвестором в перспективные стартапы, рассматривался как один из кандидатов на эту должность. Он заявил о намерении восстановить позиции Intel как компании мирового класса и наладить отношения с клиентами.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Intel назначил Лип-Бу Тана, бывшего члена совета директоров и ветерана чип-индустрии, своим новым генеральным директором. Это назначение сигнализирует о том, что компания, переживающая не лучшие времена, вряд ли разделит свои подразделения по разработке и производству чипов. Акции Intel выросли на 12% после объявления.
Назначение вступит в силу 18 марта и произошло через три месяца после увольнения предыдущего генерального директора Пэта Гелсингера, чей дорогостоящий план по восстановлению компании не оправдал ожиданий и подорвал доверие инвесторов. Тан, имеющий большой опыт в чип-индустрии и являющийся давним инвестором в перспективные стартапы, рассматривался как один из кандидатов на эту должность. Он заявил о намерении восстановить позиции Intel как компании мирового класса и наладить отношения с клиентами.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Trump criticises Ireland on trade during St Patrick’s Day visit
During Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin's US visit for St. Patrick's Day, he received an unexpected rebuke from President Donald Trump regarding trade and tariffs. Trump highlighted the "massive deficit" the US has with Ireland and criticized the European Union's retaliatory tariffs on US steel and aluminum, raising concerns about potential economic repercussions for Ireland.
Despite the tense exchange on trade, the meeting also had lighter moments, including Trump teasing Vice-President J.D. Vance about his shamrock socks worn in honor of the visit. While the encounter was less contentious than Trump's recent Oval Office dispute with Ukraine's President Zelensky, it underscored underlying trade tensions between the US and Ireland.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
During Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin's US visit for St. Patrick's Day, he received an unexpected rebuke from President Donald Trump regarding trade and tariffs. Trump highlighted the "massive deficit" the US has with Ireland and criticized the European Union's retaliatory tariffs on US steel and aluminum, raising concerns about potential economic repercussions for Ireland.
Despite the tense exchange on trade, the meeting also had lighter moments, including Trump teasing Vice-President J.D. Vance about his shamrock socks worn in honor of the visit. While the encounter was less contentious than Trump's recent Oval Office dispute with Ukraine's President Zelensky, it underscored underlying trade tensions between the US and Ireland.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Woman killed in Tokyo while live streaming stabbed more than 30 times over money dispute
Airi Sato, a 22-year-old woman, was fatally stabbed more than 30 times in Shinjuku, Tokyo, while live streaming, indicating a possible deep-seated grudge from her alleged assailant. The suspect, 42-year-old Kenichi Takano, has been arrested and is being investigated for the murder.
Takano admitted to police that he had lent Sato millions of yen, using his savings and taking out loans, and that the two were involved in a financial dispute. He tracked her down by watching her stream and confessed to being unable to accept her "making money from streaming while owing me money." He had purchased the knife used in the attack several months prior and brought it with him from his home in Tochigi prefecture.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Airi Sato, a 22-year-old woman, was fatally stabbed more than 30 times in Shinjuku, Tokyo, while live streaming, indicating a possible deep-seated grudge from her alleged assailant. The suspect, 42-year-old Kenichi Takano, has been arrested and is being investigated for the murder.
Takano admitted to police that he had lent Sato millions of yen, using his savings and taking out loans, and that the two were involved in a financial dispute. He tracked her down by watching her stream and confessed to being unable to accept her "making money from streaming while owing me money." He had purchased the knife used in the attack several months prior and brought it with him from his home in Tochigi prefecture.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Why is China quietly helping Africa build a Great Green Wall across the Sahara?
中国正在非洲“绿色长城”项目中发挥关键作用，通过提供技术、资金和战略支持，帮助应对撒哈拉沙漠扩张带来的挑战。该项目旨在恢复退化土地，减少碳排放，并创造就业机会，但由于资金短缺和政治不稳定等问题，进展缓慢。
中国科学院新疆生态与地理研究所的荒漠化专家雷加强在北京的一个研讨会上透露，中国正在幕后支持非洲的荒漠化治理。萨赫勒地区长期遭受干旱、森林砍伐和过度放牧的影响，生态环境恶化，中国希望通过参与该项目，为当地带来经济和社会效益，同时也提升中国的国际影响力。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
中国正在非洲“绿色长城”项目中发挥关键作用，通过提供技术、资金和战略支持，帮助应对撒哈拉沙漠扩张带来的挑战。该项目旨在恢复退化土地，减少碳排放，并创造就业机会，但由于资金短缺和政治不稳定等问题，进展缓慢。
中国科学院新疆生态与地理研究所的荒漠化专家雷加强在北京的一个研讨会上透露，中国正在幕后支持非洲的荒漠化治理。萨赫勒地区长期遭受干旱、森林砍伐和过度放牧的影响，生态环境恶化，中国希望通过参与该项目，为当地带来经济和社会效益，同时也提升中国的国际影响力。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Tesla pins hope on refreshed Model Y to regain share after sales dive in China
特斯拉在中国市场对其新款Model Y SUV收到了大量订单，这对于上月销量大幅下滑的这家美国电动汽车制造商来说是一个重大利好。上海的超级工厂正在提高这款畅销车型的产量，以确保能尽快交付给客户。
特斯拉2月份在中国大陆的销量跌至30,688辆，为2022年7月以来的最低水平，环比下降51.5%，同比下降49.2%。此次新款Model Y的推出旨在提振销量，但特斯拉仍面临来自比亚迪和小米等中国本土竞争对手的压力，这些公司正在激烈的市场竞争中争夺市场份额。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
特斯拉在中国市场对其新款Model Y SUV收到了大量订单，这对于上月销量大幅下滑的这家美国电动汽车制造商来说是一个重大利好。上海的超级工厂正在提高这款畅销车型的产量，以确保能尽快交付给客户。
特斯拉2月份在中国大陆的销量跌至30,688辆，为2022年7月以来的最低水平，环比下降51.5%，同比下降49.2%。此次新款Model Y的推出旨在提振销量，但特斯拉仍面临来自比亚迪和小米等中国本土竞争对手的压力，这些公司正在激烈的市场竞争中争夺市场份额。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Activist demands Japan revoke award for US general behind 500,000 deaths in WWII
A Japanese peace activist is demanding that Japan revoke the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, a post-war honor awarded to the late US Air Force General Curtis LeMay. LeMay masterminded the firebombing of Japanese cities during World War II, resulting in an estimated 500,000 deaths. The petition was submitted on the 80th anniversary of "Operation Meetinghouse," the firebombing of Tokyo that killed 100,000 civilians.
Gushiken Takamatsu, who has spent decades recovering remains of war victims in Okinawa, argues that LeMay does not deserve the honor, which he received in 1964 for his role in helping rebuild Japan's Air Self-Defense Force after the war. Takamatsu questions why the Japanese government would bestow such an award on someone responsible for so many civilian deaths, stating that even members of the Japanese military find the decision incomprehensible.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
A Japanese peace activist is demanding that Japan revoke the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, a post-war honor awarded to the late US Air Force General Curtis LeMay. LeMay masterminded the firebombing of Japanese cities during World War II, resulting in an estimated 500,000 deaths. The petition was submitted on the 80th anniversary of "Operation Meetinghouse," the firebombing of Tokyo that killed 100,000 civilians.
Gushiken Takamatsu, who has spent decades recovering remains of war victims in Okinawa, argues that LeMay does not deserve the honor, which he received in 1964 for his role in helping rebuild Japan's Air Self-Defense Force after the war. Takamatsu questions why the Japanese government would bestow such an award on someone responsible for so many civilian deaths, stating that even members of the Japanese military find the decision incomprehensible.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hong Kong seniors are an economic force, not a budget write-off
Hong Kong's decision to curb the HK$2 public transport fare scheme has fueled the perception that the government views its aging population as a financial strain. This perspective overlooks the potential economic contributions of senior citizens as both consumers and active participants in the workforce.
While Hong Kong promotes "aging in place," prioritizing home-based care, the current policy heavily favors reactive support over proactive investment in seniors' health and independence. A more effective approach would emphasize preventive care, particularly home safety, given that a significant percentage of senior injuries result from falls within the home.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hong Kong's decision to curb the HK$2 public transport fare scheme has fueled the perception that the government views its aging population as a financial strain. This perspective overlooks the potential economic contributions of senior citizens as both consumers and active participants in the workforce.
While Hong Kong promotes "aging in place," prioritizing home-based care, the current policy heavily favors reactive support over proactive investment in seniors' health and independence. A more effective approach would emphasize preventive care, particularly home safety, given that a significant percentage of senior injuries result from falls within the home.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Global funds exit China’s commercial properties with fourth year of net selling
外国投资者连续第四年成为中国商业房地产市场的净卖家，原因是通货紧缩和全球借贷成本上升降低了资本收益的潜力。去年，他们购买了价值 59 亿美元的办公楼、酒店、工业和零售物业，为 2014 年以来的最低水平，同时出售了价值 69 亿美元的资产。这种趋势反映出风险偏好减弱以及对中国经济前景的担忧。
去年的 9.69 亿美元净抛售额，使得 2021 年至 2024 年的累计资金外流达到 112 亿美元，超过了前两年的净流入总和。自 2020 年初新冠疫情爆发以来，除工业资产外，全球基金在每个细分市场均为净卖家。其中，办公物业受到的冲击最大，净处置额达到 19 亿美元，原因是空置率上升和租金面临下行压力。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
外国投资者连续第四年成为中国商业房地产市场的净卖家，原因是通货紧缩和全球借贷成本上升降低了资本收益的潜力。去年，他们购买了价值 59 亿美元的办公楼、酒店、工业和零售物业，为 2014 年以来的最低水平，同时出售了价值 69 亿美元的资产。这种趋势反映出风险偏好减弱以及对中国经济前景的担忧。
去年的 9.69 亿美元净抛售额，使得 2021 年至 2024 年的累计资金外流达到 112 亿美元，超过了前两年的净流入总和。自 2020 年初新冠疫情爆发以来，除工业资产外，全球基金在每个细分市场均为净卖家。其中，办公物业受到的冲击最大，净处置额达到 19 亿美元，原因是空置率上升和租金面临下行压力。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Chinese lawmakers urge action on age discrimination in job market
中国立法者呼吁政府部门率先消除就业市场中针对35岁以上人群的年龄歧视。近年来，中国就业市场中存在的隐性歧视问题日益凸显，例如招聘中的年龄限制、对已婚未育女性的偏见以及对非名校毕业生的歧视，加剧了中年求职者的焦虑。
全国人大代表郑功成指出，许多高校和政府部门在招聘博士毕业生时设置35岁的年龄上限，这违反了公平就业原则，迫使年轻人走上不间断的学术道路，几乎没有时间暂停或调整职业生涯。这种歧视与中国推迟退休年龄的政策相悖，如果35岁以上人群的就业问题得不到解决，延迟退休的目标将难以实现。年龄歧视的根源可以追溯到公务员招聘中的年龄限制，这种限制逐渐影响了私营企业的招聘行为，尤其是在竞争激烈的就业市场中，企业更倾向于雇用更年轻、工资更低的员工。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
中国立法者呼吁政府部门率先消除就业市场中针对35岁以上人群的年龄歧视。近年来，中国就业市场中存在的隐性歧视问题日益凸显，例如招聘中的年龄限制、对已婚未育女性的偏见以及对非名校毕业生的歧视，加剧了中年求职者的焦虑。
全国人大代表郑功成指出，许多高校和政府部门在招聘博士毕业生时设置35岁的年龄上限，这违反了公平就业原则，迫使年轻人走上不间断的学术道路，几乎没有时间暂停或调整职业生涯。这种歧视与中国推迟退休年龄的政策相悖，如果35岁以上人群的就业问题得不到解决，延迟退休的目标将难以实现。年龄歧视的根源可以追溯到公务员招聘中的年龄限制，这种限制逐渐影响了私营企业的招聘行为，尤其是在竞争激烈的就业市场中，企业更倾向于雇用更年轻、工资更低的员工。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
‘Playful’ beggars flood China tourist city for alcohol, cigarettes as new form of expression
Chinese youths are turning "playful begging" into a social trend, using it as a way to socialise, smoke, drink, chat, and take photos, with soliciting money being a secondary concern. This new phenomenon sees young people gathering in tourist hotspots like Dali, Yunnan province, displaying "begging" signs while engaging in leisure activities, sparking online discussions about their motives.
According to a participant, these "professional and playful beggars" form groups where the primary goal isn't financial gain. While some may share QR codes for small donations, they mainly enjoy the social interaction and often receive offers of cigarettes, beer, drinks, and snacks from passers-by. This trend highlights a shift in how young people are using the concept of begging, focusing more on creating a shared experience and social connection rather than traditional financial need.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Chinese youths are turning "playful begging" into a social trend, using it as a way to socialise, smoke, drink, chat, and take photos, with soliciting money being a secondary concern. This new phenomenon sees young people gathering in tourist hotspots like Dali, Yunnan province, displaying "begging" signs while engaging in leisure activities, sparking online discussions about their motives.
According to a participant, these "professional and playful beggars" form groups where the primary goal isn't financial gain. While some may share QR codes for small donations, they mainly enjoy the social interaction and often receive offers of cigarettes, beer, drinks, and snacks from passers-by. This trend highlights a shift in how young people are using the concept of begging, focusing more on creating a shared experience and social connection rather than traditional financial need.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hong Kong’s new task: go big on international ties, but can it pull it off?
Priscilla Leung, a law professor and lawmaker, organized an international summit in Hong Kong for top academics, explicitly excluding political discussions from the agenda. The two-day event, held in December, focused solely on tertiary education and aimed to provide foreign university leaders with a better understanding of Hong Kong's academic landscape.
The summit, hosted by the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship, attracted over 50 renowned guests from more than 20 countries and regions. Leung founded the association last year, inspired by Beijing's emphasis on "people-to-people" diplomacy amid rising geopolitical tensions, believing that such civilian-led initiatives can be more effective than government efforts in certain situations.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Priscilla Leung, a law professor and lawmaker, organized an international summit in Hong Kong for top academics, explicitly excluding political discussions from the agenda. The two-day event, held in December, focused solely on tertiary education and aimed to provide foreign university leaders with a better understanding of Hong Kong's academic landscape.
The summit, hosted by the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship, attracted over 50 renowned guests from more than 20 countries and regions. Leung founded the association last year, inspired by Beijing's emphasis on "people-to-people" diplomacy amid rising geopolitical tensions, believing that such civilian-led initiatives can be more effective than government efforts in certain situations.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Singapore tycoon Kwek Leng Beng drops lawsuit against CEO son to mend family divide
新加坡房地产亿万富翁郭令明撤销了对儿子的诉讼，这场家庭纠纷爆发和结束一样突然。此前，郭令明指控其子策划了一场董事会政变。根据郭令明周三晚间发布的声明，他将继续担任城市发展有限公司（CDL）的执行主席，其子郭益智将继续担任首席执行官。
郭令明在声明中表示，“所有董事会成员都同意为了CDL及其利益相关者的更大利益而搁置分歧。我们将继续专注于加强CDL的业务，符合良好的公司治理，现在和将来都是如此。” 此举似乎是弥合2月份公开爆发的重大家庭裂痕的重要一步。这场纠纷震动了CDL的股价，并促使顾问Catherine Wu辞去了在CDL酒店部门的无偿职务。CDL是新加坡最大的上市开发商，在郭令明指控其子策划董事会政变后陷入危机，他和CDL随后对小郭提起了诉讼。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
新加坡房地产亿万富翁郭令明撤销了对儿子的诉讼，这场家庭纠纷爆发和结束一样突然。此前，郭令明指控其子策划了一场董事会政变。根据郭令明周三晚间发布的声明，他将继续担任城市发展有限公司（CDL）的执行主席，其子郭益智将继续担任首席执行官。
郭令明在声明中表示，“所有董事会成员都同意为了CDL及其利益相关者的更大利益而搁置分歧。我们将继续专注于加强CDL的业务，符合良好的公司治理，现在和将来都是如此。” 此举似乎是弥合2月份公开爆发的重大家庭裂痕的重要一步。这场纠纷震动了CDL的股价，并促使顾问Catherine Wu辞去了在CDL酒店部门的无偿职务。CDL是新加坡最大的上市开发商，在郭令明指控其子策划董事会政变后陷入危机，他和CDL随后对小郭提起了诉讼。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
