G7 slams China’s ‘dangerous’ moves in South China Sea, voices support for Ukraine
The G7 has taken a firm stance against China's actions in the Indo-Pacific region, while also reaffirming its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity. This unified front was presented in a communique released on Friday, despite reported internal disagreements on trade, security, and Russia.
Specifically, the G7 foreign ministers condemned China's "militarisation and coercion" in the South China Sea, including the use of "dangerous manoeuvres and water cannons" against its neighbors. The group also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposing any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo and supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations. These statements come amid concerns that differing views within the G7, particularly regarding Russia, might undermine the group's ability to present a united front on key global issues like the war in Ukraine and China's growing influence.
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The G7 has taken a firm stance against China's actions in the Indo-Pacific region, while also reaffirming its support for Ukraine's territorial integrity. This unified front was presented in a communique released on Friday, despite reported internal disagreements on trade, security, and Russia.
Specifically, the G7 foreign ministers condemned China's "militarisation and coercion" in the South China Sea, including the use of "dangerous manoeuvres and water cannons" against its neighbors. The group also emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposing any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo and supporting Taiwan's participation in international organizations. These statements come amid concerns that differing views within the G7, particularly regarding Russia, might undermine the group's ability to present a united front on key global issues like the war in Ukraine and China's growing influence.
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Mark Carney sworn in as Canadian prime minister, now faces Trump
Mark Carney, former central banker, was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Canada, positioning him to address potential trade conflicts with the US under President Trump. This marks a significant moment as Carney becomes the first Canadian prime minister without prior political experience.
Carney's immediate plans include trips to London and Paris, signaling Canada's intent to strengthen European alliances amid strained relations with the United States. He has also restructured his cabinet, appointing Dominic LeBlanc as the new International Trade Minister and Francois-Philippe Champagne as Finance Minister, with a clear focus on navigating challenges posed by Washington.
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Mark Carney, former central banker, was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Canada, positioning him to address potential trade conflicts with the US under President Trump. This marks a significant moment as Carney becomes the first Canadian prime minister without prior political experience.
Carney's immediate plans include trips to London and Paris, signaling Canada's intent to strengthen European alliances amid strained relations with the United States. He has also restructured his cabinet, appointing Dominic LeBlanc as the new International Trade Minister and Francois-Philippe Champagne as Finance Minister, with a clear focus on navigating challenges posed by Washington.
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Can Hong Kong’s Hutchison ride out storm over Panama ports deal after Beijing attack?
By Cannix YauHarvey KongLam Ka-sing
Beijing’s veiled attack on Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison for selling its Panama Canal ports by posting a blistering newspaper commentary against it is an attempt to pile pressure on the conglomerate to either axe the deal or negotiate better terms that protect the national interest, observers have said.
But the experts warned on Friday that Hutchison, part of Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing’s empire, was now caught in a dilemma and might end up being punished by both the United States and China no matter how it acted now.
If it backed out of the deal, it could be seen as caving in to Beijing’s pressure and prompt punitive actions from the US. But if it went ahead, Li’s business empire might face political repercussions and be labelled unpatriotic even if it sought to show its loyalty by investing in mainland Chinese ports. As things stood, Li, said the analysts, was not always in the good books of the central government.
“It’s obvious that Beijing is using an indirect way to express its discontent about the planned deal and hopes Li can mend things by turning the deal in Beijing’s favour,” said Lau Siu-kai, a consultant with the semi-official Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies think tank.
“The planned deal is set to undermine the development of the nation’s Belt and Road Initiative and hit China’s maritime and shipping building industries as the US will wrest control of many overseas ports which may drastically raise tax on Chinese vessels.”
The belt and road plan is part of China’s vision to grow global trade among friendly nations.
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By Cannix YauHarvey KongLam Ka-sing
Beijing’s veiled attack on Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison for selling its Panama Canal ports by posting a blistering newspaper commentary against it is an attempt to pile pressure on the conglomerate to either axe the deal or negotiate better terms that protect the national interest, observers have said.
But the experts warned on Friday that Hutchison, part of Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing’s empire, was now caught in a dilemma and might end up being punished by both the United States and China no matter how it acted now.
If it backed out of the deal, it could be seen as caving in to Beijing’s pressure and prompt punitive actions from the US. But if it went ahead, Li’s business empire might face political repercussions and be labelled unpatriotic even if it sought to show its loyalty by investing in mainland Chinese ports. As things stood, Li, said the analysts, was not always in the good books of the central government.
“It’s obvious that Beijing is using an indirect way to express its discontent about the planned deal and hopes Li can mend things by turning the deal in Beijing’s favour,” said Lau Siu-kai, a consultant with the semi-official Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies think tank.
“The planned deal is set to undermine the development of the nation’s Belt and Road Initiative and hit China’s maritime and shipping building industries as the US will wrest control of many overseas ports which may drastically raise tax on Chinese vessels.”
The belt and road plan is part of China’s vision to grow global trade among friendly nations.
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‘Xenophobic’ US visa ban bill puts Chinese students in the geopolitical crosshairs – again
US House Republicans are poised to introduce a bill that would block Chinese citizens from obtaining student visas, citing espionage concerns. This move, though unlikely to pass, has sparked anxiety among Chinese students in the US, who fear potential disruptions to their academic pursuits and are preparing backup plans.
The bill, sponsored by Representative Riley Moore, aims to target all Chinese nationals, regardless of their field or level of study, based on allegations that many serve as intelligence gatherers or spies for the Chinese Communist Party. Chinese students represent the second-largest group of foreign students in the US, with 277,398 enrolled in the 2023-2024 academic year, a number that has been declining since 2019-2020.
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US House Republicans are poised to introduce a bill that would block Chinese citizens from obtaining student visas, citing espionage concerns. This move, though unlikely to pass, has sparked anxiety among Chinese students in the US, who fear potential disruptions to their academic pursuits and are preparing backup plans.
The bill, sponsored by Representative Riley Moore, aims to target all Chinese nationals, regardless of their field or level of study, based on allegations that many serve as intelligence gatherers or spies for the Chinese Communist Party. Chinese students represent the second-largest group of foreign students in the US, with 277,398 enrolled in the 2023-2024 academic year, a number that has been declining since 2019-2020.
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Trump says US had ‘very good’ talks with Putin, Ukraine war could end
唐纳德·特朗普总统表示，在与俄罗斯总统普京进行“富有成效的”讨论后，俄乌战争“很有可能”结束。特朗普在Truth Social上发文称，他与普京的讨论非常良好且富有成效，这场可怕的血腥战争最终很有可能结束。他还补充说，他已要求普京饶恕“完全被包围”的乌克兰军队的生命。
据消息人士透露，美国特使史蒂夫·威特科夫周四晚在莫斯科与普京举行了长时间的会晤。克里姆林宫发言人佩斯科夫表示，普京利用这次会晤通过威特科夫向特朗普传递了“信号”。他还表示，一旦威特科夫向特朗普汇报情况后，俄罗斯和美国将安排两国总统之间的通话时间。特朗普总统此前曾表示，他希望莫斯科和基辅达成迅速停火协议，以暂停这场冲突，他警告称这场冲突有可能升级为第三次世界大战，并且已经造成双方大量人员伤亡。
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唐纳德·特朗普总统表示，在与俄罗斯总统普京进行“富有成效的”讨论后，俄乌战争“很有可能”结束。特朗普在Truth Social上发文称，他与普京的讨论非常良好且富有成效，这场可怕的血腥战争最终很有可能结束。他还补充说，他已要求普京饶恕“完全被包围”的乌克兰军队的生命。
据消息人士透露，美国特使史蒂夫·威特科夫周四晚在莫斯科与普京举行了长时间的会晤。克里姆林宫发言人佩斯科夫表示，普京利用这次会晤通过威特科夫向特朗普传递了“信号”。他还表示，一旦威特科夫向特朗普汇报情况后，俄罗斯和美国将安排两国总统之间的通话时间。特朗普总统此前曾表示，他希望莫斯科和基辅达成迅速停火协议，以暂停这场冲突，他警告称这场冲突有可能升级为第三次世界大战，并且已经造成双方大量人员伤亡。
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Philippines’ Duterte attends ICC hearing via video link
罗德里戈·杜特尔特因其“毒品战争”面临谋杀指控，但他并未出席在海牙国际刑事法院举行的首次出庭听证会。法官表示，这位79岁的前菲律宾总统在被捕后从菲律宾飞往荷兰，感到疲惫，因此被允许通过视频连线参加会议。
杜特尔特周三乘坐飞机从马尼拉抵达荷兰，在国际刑事法院发出逮捕令后，被当局逮捕并被拘留。检察官指控他犯有危害人类罪，称其对平民发动了系统性袭击。据称，在他创建并武装的敢死队实施了广泛的法外处决期间，数千名所谓的毒品交易者和使用者被杀害。
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罗德里戈·杜特尔特因其“毒品战争”面临谋杀指控，但他并未出席在海牙国际刑事法院举行的首次出庭听证会。法官表示，这位79岁的前菲律宾总统在被捕后从菲律宾飞往荷兰，感到疲惫，因此被允许通过视频连线参加会议。
杜特尔特周三乘坐飞机从马尼拉抵达荷兰，在国际刑事法院发出逮捕令后，被当局逮捕并被拘留。检察官指控他犯有危害人类罪，称其对平民发动了系统性袭击。据称，在他创建并武装的敢死队实施了广泛的法外处决期间，数千名所谓的毒品交易者和使用者被杀害。
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Hong Kong urged to speed up adoption of electric lorries and taxis
香港智库公民交流中心(Civic Exchange)发布报告指出，香港需要加大力度推广电动货车和出租车，以更快地减少碳排放，并呼吁将停止注册燃油车的时间提前到2030年。该智库强调，香港需要赶上国家的环境目标，确保碳排放在2030年前达到峰值，并在2060年前实现碳中和。
根据政府2021年发布的计划，香港的目标是在2050年前实现碳中和，并在2035年前将碳排放量从2005年的水平降低50%。公民交流中心助理经理曾颖表示，政府的蓝图只能确保到2035年的减排，现在必须制定战略，以在2050年前实现碳中和，并为国家绿色目标做出贡献。该智库执行总监廖家明表示，虽然政府的蓝图使香港成为亚洲主要城市之一，承诺在2050年前实现碳中和，但仍需要为各个行业制定明确的五年计划。
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香港智库公民交流中心(Civic Exchange)发布报告指出，香港需要加大力度推广电动货车和出租车，以更快地减少碳排放，并呼吁将停止注册燃油车的时间提前到2030年。该智库强调，香港需要赶上国家的环境目标，确保碳排放在2030年前达到峰值，并在2060年前实现碳中和。
根据政府2021年发布的计划，香港的目标是在2050年前实现碳中和，并在2035年前将碳排放量从2005年的水平降低50%。公民交流中心助理经理曾颖表示，政府的蓝图只能确保到2035年的减排，现在必须制定战略，以在2050年前实现碳中和，并为国家绿色目标做出贡献。该智库执行总监廖家明表示，虽然政府的蓝图使香港成为亚洲主要城市之一，承诺在2050年前实现碳中和，但仍需要为各个行业制定明确的五年计划。
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South China Morning Post wins 12 prizes at Hong Kong News Awards
The South China Morning Post (SCMP) has won 12 awards at the Hong Kong News Awards 2024, including the top prize for Best Scoop. The Newspaper Society of Hong Kong announced the results, recognizing the SCMP's reporters across 11 categories for their outstanding journalistic work.
Senior reporter Edith Lin and news editor Jeffie Lam secured the Best Scoop award for exposing unauthorized structures in luxury properties. Other winning stories included reporting on a Dubai prince's shelved plans to open a family office in Hong Kong, a series on key figures in the city's scientific field, and excellence in news and business writing. Editor-in-chief Tammy Tam praised the winners and reaffirmed the SCMP's commitment to journalistic excellence amidst industry challenges.
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The South China Morning Post (SCMP) has won 12 awards at the Hong Kong News Awards 2024, including the top prize for Best Scoop. The Newspaper Society of Hong Kong announced the results, recognizing the SCMP's reporters across 11 categories for their outstanding journalistic work.
Senior reporter Edith Lin and news editor Jeffie Lam secured the Best Scoop award for exposing unauthorized structures in luxury properties. Other winning stories included reporting on a Dubai prince's shelved plans to open a family office in Hong Kong, a series on key figures in the city's scientific field, and excellence in news and business writing. Editor-in-chief Tammy Tam praised the winners and reaffirmed the SCMP's commitment to journalistic excellence amidst industry challenges.
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Eying world-class aviation hubs, China puts jet thrusters on customs clearances
中国正在升级其航空枢纽的货物清关流程，旨在提升效率、降低物流成本。 这项计划涉及优化航空货运清关、加快入境检查、改善航空港口和公共服务，以及规范物流成本，有望为贸易商带来便利，并减少运输延误。
多个政府部门将协同合作，提升国内重要运输集群的服务标准。一位在华分销瑞士手表超过40年的香港公司高管表示，目前空运货物到中国大陆已经非常便捷，他认为中国希望通过持续改进，在数字化方面引领行业标准，甚至可能推动无纸化贸易。
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中国正在升级其航空枢纽的货物清关流程，旨在提升效率、降低物流成本。 这项计划涉及优化航空货运清关、加快入境检查、改善航空港口和公共服务，以及规范物流成本，有望为贸易商带来便利，并减少运输延误。
多个政府部门将协同合作，提升国内重要运输集群的服务标准。一位在华分销瑞士手表超过40年的香港公司高管表示，目前空运货物到中国大陆已经非常便捷，他认为中国希望通过持续改进，在数字化方面引领行业标准，甚至可能推动无纸化贸易。
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Chinese student visas, ultra-long-lasting nuclear battery: SCMP daily highlights
美国众议院共和党人计划提出一项法案，阻止中国公民获得学生签证，理由是他们可能为北京充当间谍。 这项举措加剧了关于在吸引所需外国人才和解决国家安全问题之间进行平衡的辩论。
此外，中国科学家已经开发出该国首个基于碳的核电池，据称该电池可能在无需充电的情况下持续一个世纪。与此同时，30年前，时任美国第一夫人希拉里·克林顿在北京向来自189个国家的代表发表了一篇具有时代意义的演讲。
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美国众议院共和党人计划提出一项法案，阻止中国公民获得学生签证，理由是他们可能为北京充当间谍。 这项举措加剧了关于在吸引所需外国人才和解决国家安全问题之间进行平衡的辩论。
此外，中国科学家已经开发出该国首个基于碳的核电池，据称该电池可能在无需充电的情况下持续一个世纪。与此同时，30年前，时任美国第一夫人希拉里·克林顿在北京向来自189个国家的代表发表了一篇具有时代意义的演讲。
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Indonesia eyes strategic Middle East pivot to diversify from China and US
Analysts suggest the Middle East presents a significant opportunity for Indonesia to diversify its foreign partnerships beyond traditional allies like China and the United States. This shift is supported by Indonesia's non-aligned foreign policy approach, allowing it to forge stronger ties with Middle Eastern nations.
Recent developments highlight this trend, including a meeting between Indonesian and Qatari officials where they agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation, resulting in Qatar signing a Memorandum of Understanding to finance a major housing project in Indonesia. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund has considered similar commitments, and announced a planned $2 billion investment into Indonesian state-owned companies, focusing on infrastructure and renewable energy. These investments align with Indonesia's existing pattern of cooperation with the Middle East, primarily centered around trade and infrastructure development.
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Analysts suggest the Middle East presents a significant opportunity for Indonesia to diversify its foreign partnerships beyond traditional allies like China and the United States. This shift is supported by Indonesia's non-aligned foreign policy approach, allowing it to forge stronger ties with Middle Eastern nations.
Recent developments highlight this trend, including a meeting between Indonesian and Qatari officials where they agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation, resulting in Qatar signing a Memorandum of Understanding to finance a major housing project in Indonesia. Furthermore, Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund has considered similar commitments, and announced a planned $2 billion investment into Indonesian state-owned companies, focusing on infrastructure and renewable energy. These investments align with Indonesia's existing pattern of cooperation with the Middle East, primarily centered around trade and infrastructure development.
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Man’s best friend celebrates Holi, the festival of colours
在印度，宠物经常被视为家庭成员，并被纳入包括洒红节在内的各种庆祝活动中。这张照片中，一只狗舒适地坐在摩托车后座上，额头上点着鲜艳的红色粉末，象征着许多家庭对待宠物的方式。
洒红节是一个色彩缤纷的印度教节日，庆祝冬天的结束和善战胜恶。人们互相涂抹彩色粉末，伴随着节日音乐跳舞，并享用传统糖果。虽然彩色粉末通常被认为对宠物的皮肤、毛发和健康有害，但在洒红节期间，主人常常会在宠物的额头上点上粉末，以表达爱意和感情。
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在印度，宠物经常被视为家庭成员，并被纳入包括洒红节在内的各种庆祝活动中。这张照片中，一只狗舒适地坐在摩托车后座上，额头上点着鲜艳的红色粉末，象征着许多家庭对待宠物的方式。
洒红节是一个色彩缤纷的印度教节日，庆祝冬天的结束和善战胜恶。人们互相涂抹彩色粉末，伴随着节日音乐跳舞，并享用传统糖果。虽然彩色粉末通常被认为对宠物的皮肤、毛发和健康有害，但在洒红节期间，主人常常会在宠物的额头上点上粉末，以表达爱意和感情。
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What Trump really wants is to be rid of a ‘loser war’ in Ukraine
Donald Trump's approach to foreign policy, exemplified by his interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, signals a shift towards a more transactional and less altruistic role for the United States on the global stage. This is further underscored by his administration's stance on European defense spending and internal threats, suggesting a departure from the traditional American security umbrella.
This shift reflects a broader strategy under the "Make America Great Again" initiative, aiming to revitalize domestic manufacturing through protectionist measures and reassert American dominance. The lessons gleaned from the Ukraine war—namely, the fiscal and industrial drain of "forever wars" and the potential for smaller states to dictate US foreign policy—inform this approach, pushing for greater control over allies and a focus on strategic competition with China.
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Donald Trump's approach to foreign policy, exemplified by his interactions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, signals a shift towards a more transactional and less altruistic role for the United States on the global stage. This is further underscored by his administration's stance on European defense spending and internal threats, suggesting a departure from the traditional American security umbrella.
This shift reflects a broader strategy under the "Make America Great Again" initiative, aiming to revitalize domestic manufacturing through protectionist measures and reassert American dominance. The lessons gleaned from the Ukraine war—namely, the fiscal and industrial drain of "forever wars" and the potential for smaller states to dictate US foreign policy—inform this approach, pushing for greater control over allies and a focus on strategic competition with China.
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Hamas to release American hostage, ready for second-phase ceasefire talks
Hamas has agreed to release an American-Israeli dual national, believed to be the last living American hostage in Gaza. This decision follows a proposal from mediators aimed at continuing negotiations for the second phase of a ceasefire deal. Hamas also stated they would release the bodies of four other dual nationality hostages.
The agreement comes after meetings between Hamas leaders and US hostage negotiator Adam Boehler, focusing on the release of Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier from New Jersey. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been working to bridge the gap between Hamas and Israel to restart negotiations, facilitating the release of remaining hostages and the entry of aid into Gaza.
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Hamas has agreed to release an American-Israeli dual national, believed to be the last living American hostage in Gaza. This decision follows a proposal from mediators aimed at continuing negotiations for the second phase of a ceasefire deal. Hamas also stated they would release the bodies of four other dual nationality hostages.
The agreement comes after meetings between Hamas leaders and US hostage negotiator Adam Boehler, focusing on the release of Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier from New Jersey. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been working to bridge the gap between Hamas and Israel to restart negotiations, facilitating the release of remaining hostages and the entry of aid into Gaza.
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China’s fiery criticism of Panama port deal puts pressure on Li Ka-shing family
Beijing's sharp criticism of CK Hutchison Holdings' sale of its port assets near the Panama Canal to a US-led consortium has cast doubt on the deal's completion. The criticism, voiced through a pro-China newspaper article posted on the Hong Kong affairs office website, labels the sale a "betrayal," putting pressure on Li Ka-shing's family to reconsider the divestment.
The $23 billion deal involves CK Hutchison selling 80% of Hutchison Port Group, which includes a 90% stake in two Panama ports, to a BlackRock-led consortium. While analysts believe the deal isn't final due to pending conditions, they also note that it doesn't require approval from Chinese regulators, removing a major hurdle unless CK Hutchison chooses to withdraw.
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Beijing's sharp criticism of CK Hutchison Holdings' sale of its port assets near the Panama Canal to a US-led consortium has cast doubt on the deal's completion. The criticism, voiced through a pro-China newspaper article posted on the Hong Kong affairs office website, labels the sale a "betrayal," putting pressure on Li Ka-shing's family to reconsider the divestment.
The $23 billion deal involves CK Hutchison selling 80% of Hutchison Port Group, which includes a 90% stake in two Panama ports, to a BlackRock-led consortium. While analysts believe the deal isn't final due to pending conditions, they also note that it doesn't require approval from Chinese regulators, removing a major hurdle unless CK Hutchison chooses to withdraw.
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Vietnam boosts China’s aviation ambitions with C909 deal move
越南正朝着批准购买中国制造的支线客机的方向发展，这将助力中国扩大国产飞机在海外市场的份额。越南副总理陈红河已指示交通部提出法律修改建议，以“便利C909窄体客机的认证”。
越捷航空此前已表示有兴趣租赁C909，该飞机由中国商飞制造，前身为ARJ21。允许C909在越南飞行和运营的协议，将推进中国商飞将其客机（包括更大的C919）的使用扩展到中国境外的目标。中国国家发展和改革委员会表示，计划今年加速C909的海外扩张。
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越南正朝着批准购买中国制造的支线客机的方向发展，这将助力中国扩大国产飞机在海外市场的份额。越南副总理陈红河已指示交通部提出法律修改建议，以“便利C909窄体客机的认证”。
越捷航空此前已表示有兴趣租赁C909，该飞机由中国商飞制造，前身为ARJ21。允许C909在越南飞行和运营的协议，将推进中国商飞将其客机（包括更大的C919）的使用扩展到中国境外的目标。中国国家发展和改革委员会表示，计划今年加速C909的海外扩张。
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Brics ‘not anti-Western’ but must unite against ‘external shocks’: Chinese think tank
中国一家智库表示，金砖国家应提升其在世界舞台上的战略地位，共同应对包括西方对俄罗斯制裁在内的“外部冲击”。该智库认为，金砖国家并非与西方对立，而是一个旨在建立“公正合理的后西方秩序”的非西方平台，同时倡导发展中国家的需求。
上海国际问题研究院（SIIS）的这份报告发布之际，正值不断扩张的金砖国家集团因挑战西方在世界事务中的主导地位而面临越来越多的审视。金砖国家最初由巴西、俄罗斯、印度和中国于2009年成立，2010年南非加入后更名为金砖国家。此后，该集团已扩大到10个成员国。西方官员对金砖国家日益增长的影响力表示质疑，尤其是在该组织试图创建一种货币来挑战美元在全球贸易中的主导地位时。
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中国一家智库表示，金砖国家应提升其在世界舞台上的战略地位，共同应对包括西方对俄罗斯制裁在内的“外部冲击”。该智库认为，金砖国家并非与西方对立，而是一个旨在建立“公正合理的后西方秩序”的非西方平台，同时倡导发展中国家的需求。
上海国际问题研究院（SIIS）的这份报告发布之际，正值不断扩张的金砖国家集团因挑战西方在世界事务中的主导地位而面临越来越多的审视。金砖国家最初由巴西、俄罗斯、印度和中国于2009年成立，2010年南非加入后更名为金砖国家。此后，该集团已扩大到10个成员国。西方官员对金砖国家日益增长的影响力表示质疑，尤其是在该组织试图创建一种货币来挑战美元在全球贸易中的主导地位时。
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Hong Kong to spend at least HK$100 million studying new cross-border rail link
香港计划斥资至少1亿港元（约1287万美元）研究一项跨境铁路项目的设计，该项目将在深圳设立合作查验点。该铁路项目名为港深西部快线，旨在连接香港新界的洪水桥、厦村和流浮山与中国内地的深圳湾和前海。
消息人士称，合作查验点将设于内地，允许旅客在同一地点完成两地出入境手续，类似于西九龙高铁站和深圳湾口岸的做法。具体站点位置尚未最终确定，但政府计划投入至少1亿港元进行研究，并将公开招标。财政司司长陈茂波上月表示，政府正与内地部门合作推进该项目，预计今年启动研究。
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香港计划斥资至少1亿港元（约1287万美元）研究一项跨境铁路项目的设计，该项目将在深圳设立合作查验点。该铁路项目名为港深西部快线，旨在连接香港新界的洪水桥、厦村和流浮山与中国内地的深圳湾和前海。
消息人士称，合作查验点将设于内地，允许旅客在同一地点完成两地出入境手续，类似于西九龙高铁站和深圳湾口岸的做法。具体站点位置尚未最终确定，但政府计划投入至少1亿港元进行研究，并将公开招标。财政司司长陈茂波上月表示，政府正与内地部门合作推进该项目，预计今年启动研究。
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Towngas Smart Energy’s 2024 profit rises as bets on China’s renewable energy pay off
Towngas Smart Energy, a subsidiary of Hong Kong's sole gas provider, reported a 2% increase in net profit to HK$1.6 billion (US$206 million) for the past year, driven by strong performance in its renewable energy business in mainland China. The company's revenue also increased by 7.4% to HK$21.3 billion.
The surge in profitability was largely attributed to a fivefold increase in the renewable energy business's net profit, reaching HK$479 million, and steady profit growth in the gas business due to favorable cost pass-through outcomes. Encouraged by these results, the company declared a final dividend of HK$0.16 per share and a one-off special dividend of HK$0.03 per share, marking an 18.8% increase compared to the previous year, and anticipates continued double-digit growth in its renewable energy sector.
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Towngas Smart Energy, a subsidiary of Hong Kong's sole gas provider, reported a 2% increase in net profit to HK$1.6 billion (US$206 million) for the past year, driven by strong performance in its renewable energy business in mainland China. The company's revenue also increased by 7.4% to HK$21.3 billion.
The surge in profitability was largely attributed to a fivefold increase in the renewable energy business's net profit, reaching HK$479 million, and steady profit growth in the gas business due to favorable cost pass-through outcomes. Encouraged by these results, the company declared a final dividend of HK$0.16 per share and a one-off special dividend of HK$0.03 per share, marking an 18.8% increase compared to the previous year, and anticipates continued double-digit growth in its renewable energy sector.
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Could indefinite embryo storage lead to a baby boom in Hong Kong?
香港考虑取消冻卵、冻精和胚胎的储存年限，允许有需要的人无限期保存。目前香港对个人用途的卵子、精子或胚胎的储存期限限制为10年。香港人类生殖科技管理局提出了这项建议，并启动为期一个月的公众咨询。
此举旨在解除现有法律限制，让有生育需求的人可以更灵活地规划生育时间。公众咨询将收集各方意见，以进一步完善相关法规。目前香港提供相关服务的机构及其费用也是关注焦点。
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香港考虑取消冻卵、冻精和胚胎的储存年限，允许有需要的人无限期保存。目前香港对个人用途的卵子、精子或胚胎的储存期限限制为10年。香港人类生殖科技管理局提出了这项建议，并启动为期一个月的公众咨询。
此举旨在解除现有法律限制，让有生育需求的人可以更灵活地规划生育时间。公众咨询将收集各方意见，以进一步完善相关法规。目前香港提供相关服务的机构及其费用也是关注焦点。
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