Will this Chinese-engineered ‘bacterial assassin’ transform cancer treatment?
Chinese researchers have engineered bacteria to selectively destroy tumors in mice, achieving an 80% reduction in colorectal, melanoma, and bladder cancer volumes and a 100% survival rate. This breakthrough, published in Cell, demonstrates a potential method for evading human immune responses while targeting and eliminating cancer cells, even vaccinating survivors against future tumor development.
The engineered bacteria, a strain of Salmonella typhimurium called "Designer Bacterium 1" (DB1), utilizes a synthetic biological "kill switch" to bridge a major gap in immunotherapy. This approach allows for the precise targeting of malignancies while mitigating the inherent dangers of using bacteria in treatment. Researchers suggest that most human tumors already possess a molecular "key" that could make this bacterial therapy a universal cancer cure.
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Chinese researchers have engineered bacteria to selectively destroy tumors in mice, achieving an 80% reduction in colorectal, melanoma, and bladder cancer volumes and a 100% survival rate. This breakthrough, published in Cell, demonstrates a potential method for evading human immune responses while targeting and eliminating cancer cells, even vaccinating survivors against future tumor development.
The engineered bacteria, a strain of Salmonella typhimurium called "Designer Bacterium 1" (DB1), utilizes a synthetic biological "kill switch" to bridge a major gap in immunotherapy. This approach allows for the precise targeting of malignancies while mitigating the inherent dangers of using bacteria in treatment. Researchers suggest that most human tumors already possess a molecular "key" that could make this bacterial therapy a universal cancer cure.
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US targets 41 countries for travel curbs ranging from Iran to Pakistan: memo
The Trump administration is considering imposing sweeping travel restrictions on citizens from 41 countries. An internal memo reveals the potential ban, dividing the countries into three groups with varying levels of restrictions.
The first group of 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, could face a full visa suspension. A second group of five countries, such as Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan, may experience partial suspensions affecting tourist, student, and immigrant visas. The remaining 26 countries, including Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, could face partial visa suspensions if their governments fail to address identified deficiencies within 60 days. However, a US official cautioned that the list is subject to change and requires final approval from the administration.
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The Trump administration is considering imposing sweeping travel restrictions on citizens from 41 countries. An internal memo reveals the potential ban, dividing the countries into three groups with varying levels of restrictions.
The first group of 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, could face a full visa suspension. A second group of five countries, such as Eritrea, Haiti, Laos, Myanmar, and South Sudan, may experience partial suspensions affecting tourist, student, and immigrant visas. The remaining 26 countries, including Belarus, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan, could face partial visa suspensions if their governments fail to address identified deficiencies within 60 days. However, a US official cautioned that the list is subject to change and requires final approval from the administration.
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China’s 4 golden flowers: how Beijing invests its US$3.2 trillion reserves
中国拥有全球规模最大的外汇储备，截至2月末达到3.227万亿美元。为了管理这笔巨额财富，中国设立了四个境外投资机构，分别位于香港（华安）、新加坡（华新）、伦敦（华欧）和纽约（华美），它们隶属于国家外汇管理局（SAFE）。
这四个机构被业内称为“四朵金花”，它们自上世纪90年代起就已是中国外汇储备全球布局的重要组成部分。它们的主要任务是在全球范围内进行战略投资，涵盖股票、新兴市场和其他资产类别，从而实现外汇储备的多元化配置，提升跨时区和市场的投资管理能力。国家外汇管理局始终坚持“安全、流动、保值增值”的管理目标，并将可持续性作为长期目标，自1994年实行集中管理以来，一直秉持多元化和分散化的原则。
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中国拥有全球规模最大的外汇储备，截至2月末达到3.227万亿美元。为了管理这笔巨额财富，中国设立了四个境外投资机构，分别位于香港（华安）、新加坡（华新）、伦敦（华欧）和纽约（华美），它们隶属于国家外汇管理局（SAFE）。
这四个机构被业内称为“四朵金花”，它们自上世纪90年代起就已是中国外汇储备全球布局的重要组成部分。它们的主要任务是在全球范围内进行战略投资，涵盖股票、新兴市场和其他资产类别，从而实现外汇储备的多元化配置，提升跨时区和市场的投资管理能力。国家外汇管理局始终坚持“安全、流动、保值增值”的管理目标，并将可持续性作为长期目标，自1994年实行集中管理以来，一直秉持多元化和分散化的原则。
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Taiwan plugs imported parts gap in Brave Eagle military training jet production
台湾国防部表示，已成功开发出关键部件，以确保其自主研发的高级教练机按时交付。 这一进展对于台湾的国防计划至关重要，旨在提升飞行员驾驶F-16V等先进战斗机的训练水平，以应对来自北京日益增长的军事威胁。
此前，由于过去一年进口系统组件的短缺，导致66架T-5“勇鹰”教练机的生产延误，使得由政府支持的汉翔航空工业（AIDC）未能按原计划在2024年完成交付。为了解决这些短缺问题，台湾军方背景的中山科学研究院与AIDC合作，成功实现了液压油箱、轮舱门致动器和紧急冲压空气截止阀这三个关键部件的本地化生产，从而保障了生产进度。
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台湾国防部表示，已成功开发出关键部件，以确保其自主研发的高级教练机按时交付。 这一进展对于台湾的国防计划至关重要，旨在提升飞行员驾驶F-16V等先进战斗机的训练水平，以应对来自北京日益增长的军事威胁。
此前，由于过去一年进口系统组件的短缺，导致66架T-5“勇鹰”教练机的生产延误，使得由政府支持的汉翔航空工业（AIDC）未能按原计划在2024年完成交付。为了解决这些短缺问题，台湾军方背景的中山科学研究院与AIDC合作，成功实现了液压油箱、轮舱门致动器和紧急冲压空气截止阀这三个关键部件的本地化生产，从而保障了生产进度。
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In SAFE hands: China’s secret plan for a US$1 trillion reserves fund in Hong Kong
SAFE Investment Company, a Hong Kong-based fund manager, plays a significant role in managing a substantial portion of China's vast US$3.227 trillion foreign exchange reserves. This unassuming office, located in a 37-story tower overlooking Victoria Harbour, is one of the "golden flowers" established by the State Administration of Foreign Exchanges (SAFE) in 1997 to diversify reserves and maximize returns.
The existence of SAFE Investment Company gained renewed attention after the People's Bank of China (PBOC) announced plans to "significantly increase" the allocation of national reserves to Hong Kong. This move has sparked debate among analysts and lawmakers regarding the amount, rationale, strategy, and timing of this financial support, with estimates suggesting a potential tripling of the current 16% of reserves already held in Hong Kong.
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SAFE Investment Company, a Hong Kong-based fund manager, plays a significant role in managing a substantial portion of China's vast US$3.227 trillion foreign exchange reserves. This unassuming office, located in a 37-story tower overlooking Victoria Harbour, is one of the "golden flowers" established by the State Administration of Foreign Exchanges (SAFE) in 1997 to diversify reserves and maximize returns.
The existence of SAFE Investment Company gained renewed attention after the People's Bank of China (PBOC) announced plans to "significantly increase" the allocation of national reserves to Hong Kong. This move has sparked debate among analysts and lawmakers regarding the amount, rationale, strategy, and timing of this financial support, with estimates suggesting a potential tripling of the current 16% of reserves already held in Hong Kong.
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Putin tells Ukraine troops in Russia’s Kursk to surrender, ‘guarantees life’
Vladimir Putin has urged Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region to surrender, while Volodymyr Zelensky accuses him of sabotaging ceasefire efforts. Donald Trump has appealed to Putin to spare the lives of these troops, noting "productive" talks between his envoy and the Russian leader regarding a proposed 30-day ceasefire.
Russia has launched a counteroffensive in Kursk, reclaiming territory Ukraine seized last August. A defeat here would significantly undermine Ukraine's strategy to leverage control of the region in future peace negotiations. Putin stated that surrendering troops would be "guaranteed life and dignified treatment," echoing Trump's call for de-escalation.
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Vladimir Putin has urged Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region to surrender, while Volodymyr Zelensky accuses him of sabotaging ceasefire efforts. Donald Trump has appealed to Putin to spare the lives of these troops, noting "productive" talks between his envoy and the Russian leader regarding a proposed 30-day ceasefire.
Russia has launched a counteroffensive in Kursk, reclaiming territory Ukraine seized last August. A defeat here would significantly undermine Ukraine's strategy to leverage control of the region in future peace negotiations. Putin stated that surrendering troops would be "guaranteed life and dignified treatment," echoing Trump's call for de-escalation.
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As US pressures Japan to pay more for defence, will Trump’s demands ‘never end’?
US ambassador nominee to Japan, George Glass, has reiterated Washington's demand for Tokyo to increase its financial contribution towards the cost of maintaining American troops stationed in Japan. This statement, made during his Senate testimony, suggests that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba may need to reassess his approach to President Donald Trump on this contentious issue.
Glass's comments, while not entirely unexpected, reflect a growing unease in Japan regarding the US's reliability as an ally. This sentiment stems from Trump's past criticisms of NATO and his questioning of long-standing alliances, leading some to believe that the US might not fully honor its security treaty with Japan, even with increased financial contributions. Critics argue that Japan should prioritize strengthening its own defense capabilities and exploring new alliances in light of these concerns.
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US ambassador nominee to Japan, George Glass, has reiterated Washington's demand for Tokyo to increase its financial contribution towards the cost of maintaining American troops stationed in Japan. This statement, made during his Senate testimony, suggests that Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba may need to reassess his approach to President Donald Trump on this contentious issue.
Glass's comments, while not entirely unexpected, reflect a growing unease in Japan regarding the US's reliability as an ally. This sentiment stems from Trump's past criticisms of NATO and his questioning of long-standing alliances, leading some to believe that the US might not fully honor its security treaty with Japan, even with increased financial contributions. Critics argue that Japan should prioritize strengthening its own defense capabilities and exploring new alliances in light of these concerns.
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Hong Kong must ensure it won’t lose control of Northern Metropolis
香港政府计划在北部都会区划拨土地给私营企业，以吸引人工智能和生命科学等领域的新技术和就业机会。 此举是政府加速北部都会区发展的一部分，此前已宣布大规模土地处置试点计划，并与85家企业签署了谅解备忘录，表达对该项目的支持。
与传统的开发模式相比，大规模土地处置方案可能导致政府对土地的风险和回报控制力减弱，并可能减少税收收入。因此，政府应努力确保在此早期阶段不会放弃过多的控制权和利益，以维护北部都会区的长远利益。香港过去主要采用传统开发模式和公私合作模式，前者由政府主导规划和建设，后者则通过长期协议与私营企业合作，分担成本和收益。
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香港政府计划在北部都会区划拨土地给私营企业，以吸引人工智能和生命科学等领域的新技术和就业机会。 此举是政府加速北部都会区发展的一部分，此前已宣布大规模土地处置试点计划，并与85家企业签署了谅解备忘录，表达对该项目的支持。
与传统的开发模式相比，大规模土地处置方案可能导致政府对土地的风险和回报控制力减弱，并可能减少税收收入。因此，政府应努力确保在此早期阶段不会放弃过多的控制权和利益，以维护北部都会区的长远利益。香港过去主要采用传统开发模式和公私合作模式，前者由政府主导规划和建设，后者则通过长期协议与私营企业合作，分担成本和收益。
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US court allows Trump’s ban on DEI programmes pending appeal
A US appeals court has temporarily allowed the Trump administration to implement a ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at federal agencies and businesses with government contracts. This reverses a previous ruling by a federal judge in Maryland that had blocked the directives.
The 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, found that President Trump's orders, including one urging the Justice Department to investigate companies with DEI policies, were likely constitutional. However, two of the three judges on the panel expressed disagreement with the substance of Trump's orders, suggesting that agencies implementing them could risk violating the Constitution. The decision, which is part of a lawsuit by the city of Baltimore and other groups, will remain in effect while the Trump administration's appeal is pending, a process that could take several months.
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A US appeals court has temporarily allowed the Trump administration to implement a ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at federal agencies and businesses with government contracts. This reverses a previous ruling by a federal judge in Maryland that had blocked the directives.
The 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, found that President Trump's orders, including one urging the Justice Department to investigate companies with DEI policies, were likely constitutional. However, two of the three judges on the panel expressed disagreement with the substance of Trump's orders, suggesting that agencies implementing them could risk violating the Constitution. The decision, which is part of a lawsuit by the city of Baltimore and other groups, will remain in effect while the Trump administration's appeal is pending, a process that could take several months.
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China automated noodle shop prepares food in 48 seconds for US$1.4, no tipping required
中国深圳一家全自动面馆“未来面馆”走红，顾客只需9.9元（约1.4美元）即可在48秒内享用一碗面条，且无需支付小费。这家仅8平方米的小店提供十多种面条，顾客可以通过透明窗口观看整个自动化制作过程。
顾客通过自助服务终端下单并支付，机器人会在8秒内完成和面、压面、切面等工序。除了牛肉汤面和炒面外，菜单上还有卤蛋和烤香肠等小菜，价格从6元到20元不等（约82美分到3美元）。
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中国深圳一家全自动面馆“未来面馆”走红，顾客只需9.9元（约1.4美元）即可在48秒内享用一碗面条，且无需支付小费。这家仅8平方米的小店提供十多种面条，顾客可以通过透明窗口观看整个自动化制作过程。
顾客通过自助服务终端下单并支付，机器人会在8秒内完成和面、压面、切面等工序。除了牛肉汤面和炒面外，菜单上还有卤蛋和烤香肠等小菜，价格从6元到20元不等（约82美分到3美元）。
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‘Blissful’: Hong Kong Disneyland lures visitors looking for a place to study
越来越多的中国内地学生购买香港迪士尼乐园的年卡，将其作为学习场所。 像来自北京的Vixie Zhao一样，这些学生并非为了游玩，而是为了在乐园轻松愉悦的氛围中学习，他们表示这能帮助他们缓解压力，专注于学业。
这一趋势去年在上海迪士尼乐园兴起，最近也影响到香港。学生们在社交媒体上分享他们在迪士尼乐园学习的照片，并推荐他们最喜欢的学习地点和餐厅，他们认为在“地球上最快乐的地方做最痛苦的事情”是一种不错的选择。
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越来越多的中国内地学生购买香港迪士尼乐园的年卡，将其作为学习场所。 像来自北京的Vixie Zhao一样，这些学生并非为了游玩，而是为了在乐园轻松愉悦的氛围中学习，他们表示这能帮助他们缓解压力，专注于学业。
这一趋势去年在上海迪士尼乐园兴起，最近也影响到香港。学生们在社交媒体上分享他们在迪士尼乐园学习的照片，并推荐他们最喜欢的学习地点和餐厅，他们认为在“地球上最快乐的地方做最痛苦的事情”是一种不错的选择。
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How Singapore’s opposition hopes to loosen the PAP’s 66-year grip on power
Singapore's upcoming election is generating discussion not about whether the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) will win, but rather how much support the opposition can gain. With new electoral boundaries released this week, all parties are strategizing for what is predicted to be a May election.
The PAP, in power for 66 years, is one of the longest-ruling parties in modern parliamentary democracies and could become the longest-governing party in history if it wins the upcoming election. While the PAP typically secures over 60% of the popular vote, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has acknowledged a growing desire for opposition voices in Singapore.
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Singapore's upcoming election is generating discussion not about whether the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) will win, but rather how much support the opposition can gain. With new electoral boundaries released this week, all parties are strategizing for what is predicted to be a May election.
The PAP, in power for 66 years, is one of the longest-ruling parties in modern parliamentary democracies and could become the longest-governing party in history if it wins the upcoming election. While the PAP typically secures over 60% of the popular vote, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has acknowledged a growing desire for opposition voices in Singapore.
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SpaceX launches new crew to space station to replace Nasa’s stuck astronauts
A new crew launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday night to replace astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stuck there for nine months. The arrival of the replacement team, including NASA's Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan's Takuya Onishi, and Russia's Kirill Peskov, is scheduled for Saturday night, paving the way for Wilmore and Williams' return to Earth.
Wilmore and Williams have been aboard the ISS longer than expected due to delays in the arrival of their replacements. NASA aims for an overlap between the outgoing and incoming crews to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and information about the orbiting lab. The plan is for Wilmore and Williams to undock next week and splash down off the Florida coast, weather permitting, escorted by the astronauts who arrived on a SpaceX rescue mission last September.
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A new crew launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday night to replace astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who have been stuck there for nine months. The arrival of the replacement team, including NASA's Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japan's Takuya Onishi, and Russia's Kirill Peskov, is scheduled for Saturday night, paving the way for Wilmore and Williams' return to Earth.
Wilmore and Williams have been aboard the ISS longer than expected due to delays in the arrival of their replacements. NASA aims for an overlap between the outgoing and incoming crews to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and information about the orbiting lab. The plan is for Wilmore and Williams to undock next week and splash down off the Florida coast, weather permitting, escorted by the astronauts who arrived on a SpaceX rescue mission last September.
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US Senate passes bill to avert shutdown, House Democrats turn on Schumer for caving
美国参议院通过了一项临时支出法案，避免了政府部分停摆。此前，由于对特朗普总统大幅削减联邦劳动力的行动不满，民主党人一度采取强硬立场，但最终选择妥协。
经过数日激烈的辩论，参议院民主党领袖查克·舒默表示，他将投票支持该法案。舒默称，尽管他对该法案并不满意，但他认为，考虑到特朗普及其顾问埃隆·马斯克正在迅速采取行动削减开支，触发政府停摆将会导致更糟糕的结果。该法案在共和党控制的众议院已获得通过，主要维持支出稳定在截至9月30日的财政年度约6.75万亿美元的水平。民主党人对此表示不满，认为该法案将削减约70亿美元的开支，并且未能阻止特朗普停止国会授权支出和裁减数万个工作岗位的行动。与此同时，特朗普正与美国的一些最亲密盟友进行贸易战，引发了股市的大规模抛售，并加剧了人们对经济衰退的担忧。
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美国参议院通过了一项临时支出法案，避免了政府部分停摆。此前，由于对特朗普总统大幅削减联邦劳动力的行动不满，民主党人一度采取强硬立场，但最终选择妥协。
经过数日激烈的辩论，参议院民主党领袖查克·舒默表示，他将投票支持该法案。舒默称，尽管他对该法案并不满意，但他认为，考虑到特朗普及其顾问埃隆·马斯克正在迅速采取行动削减开支，触发政府停摆将会导致更糟糕的结果。该法案在共和党控制的众议院已获得通过，主要维持支出稳定在截至9月30日的财政年度约6.75万亿美元的水平。民主党人对此表示不满，认为该法案将削减约70亿美元的开支，并且未能阻止特朗普停止国会授权支出和裁减数万个工作岗位的行动。与此同时，特朗普正与美国的一些最亲密盟友进行贸易战，引发了股市的大规模抛售，并加剧了人们对经济衰退的担忧。
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US expels South African ambassador, saying he ‘hates’ Trump
美国国务卿马可·鲁比奥宣布南非驻美国大使易卜拉欣·拉苏尔为“不受欢迎的人”。鲁比奥指责拉苏尔是“煽动种族主义的政客”，憎恨美国和美国总统唐纳德·特朗普，因此不再欢迎他继续留在美国。
拉苏尔于1月13日向美国前总统乔·拜登递交了国书，开始了他的任期。美南两国关系在特朗普时期开始恶化，原因是美国削减了对南非的财政援助，不满其土地政策以及在国际法院对以色列提出的种族灭绝诉讼。
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美国国务卿马可·鲁比奥宣布南非驻美国大使易卜拉欣·拉苏尔为“不受欢迎的人”。鲁比奥指责拉苏尔是“煽动种族主义的政客”，憎恨美国和美国总统唐纳德·特朗普，因此不再欢迎他继续留在美国。
拉苏尔于1月13日向美国前总统乔·拜登递交了国书，开始了他的任期。美南两国关系在特朗普时期开始恶化，原因是美国削减了对南非的财政援助，不满其土地政策以及在国际法院对以色列提出的种族灭绝诉讼。
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A battle is playing out over Congolese cobalt. China is well ahead
The US and China are engaged in a fierce competition for critical minerals, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), largely due to the US having previously sold two major cobalt mines to China. These mines, Tenke Fungurume and Kisanfu, were sold by American mining giant Freeport-McMoRan to CMOC Group (formerly China Molybdenum) in 2016 and 2020, respectively, significantly boosting China's cobalt supply.
The DRC is the world's leading source of cobalt, accounting for approximately 70% of global production, a crucial mineral for manufacturing batteries used in electric vehicles and phones. These acquisitions allowed CMOC to become the world's largest cobalt producer by 2023, highlighting the strategic importance of the DRC in the global race for critical minerals and raising concerns about US access to these vital resources.
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The US and China are engaged in a fierce competition for critical minerals, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), largely due to the US having previously sold two major cobalt mines to China. These mines, Tenke Fungurume and Kisanfu, were sold by American mining giant Freeport-McMoRan to CMOC Group (formerly China Molybdenum) in 2016 and 2020, respectively, significantly boosting China's cobalt supply.
The DRC is the world's leading source of cobalt, accounting for approximately 70% of global production, a crucial mineral for manufacturing batteries used in electric vehicles and phones. These acquisitions allowed CMOC to become the world's largest cobalt producer by 2023, highlighting the strategic importance of the DRC in the global race for critical minerals and raising concerns about US access to these vital resources.
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Trump blasts foes and media in speech at US ‘Department of Injustice’
美国总统特朗普在司法部发表讲话时，猛烈抨击“非法”媒体和他的政治敌人，将一场本应关注法律和秩序的演讲变成了一场充满抱怨的指责。 特朗普指责其前任拜登将司法部“武器化”来对付他，并誓言要“揭露”他的敌人。
特朗普声称，他的前任将司法部变成了“不公正部”，并承诺要结束这种局面。自重返政坛以来，特朗普一直对司法部进行猛烈抨击，此前司法部曾对他提起两起刑事诉讼，其中包括一起指控他试图推翻2020年大选结果的案件。 特朗普誓言要更进一步，调查他的敌人，并表示他的政府将“驱逐政府中的流氓和腐败势力”，并“揭露他们的严重犯罪和严重不当行为”。
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美国总统特朗普在司法部发表讲话时，猛烈抨击“非法”媒体和他的政治敌人，将一场本应关注法律和秩序的演讲变成了一场充满抱怨的指责。 特朗普指责其前任拜登将司法部“武器化”来对付他，并誓言要“揭露”他的敌人。
特朗普声称，他的前任将司法部变成了“不公正部”，并承诺要结束这种局面。自重返政坛以来，特朗普一直对司法部进行猛烈抨击，此前司法部曾对他提起两起刑事诉讼，其中包括一起指控他试图推翻2020年大选结果的案件。 特朗普誓言要更进一步，调查他的敌人，并表示他的政府将“驱逐政府中的流氓和腐败势力”，并“揭露他们的严重犯罪和严重不当行为”。
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China’s observatory in Chile in doubt as US raises concerns about potential military use
A planned Chinese observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert, estimated to cost US$80 million, is facing potential cancellation due to concerns raised by US officials regarding its possible military applications. The Chilean government is currently reviewing the project, which was a partnership between a local university and the National Astronomical Observatory of China (NAOC), and has not ruled out blocking the agreement.
The observatory, intended to be built on Cerro Ventarrones, a prime location for astronomical studies, was designed to host approximately 100 telescopes for tracking deep-space events and near-Earth objects. This project is part of China's broader space strategy, which includes similar initiatives in Argentina and Venezuela. While Chilean scientists were to have limited access to the facilities, they were expected to participate in joint research with their Chinese counterparts.
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A planned Chinese observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert, estimated to cost US$80 million, is facing potential cancellation due to concerns raised by US officials regarding its possible military applications. The Chilean government is currently reviewing the project, which was a partnership between a local university and the National Astronomical Observatory of China (NAOC), and has not ruled out blocking the agreement.
The observatory, intended to be built on Cerro Ventarrones, a prime location for astronomical studies, was designed to host approximately 100 telescopes for tracking deep-space events and near-Earth objects. This project is part of China's broader space strategy, which includes similar initiatives in Argentina and Venezuela. While Chilean scientists were to have limited access to the facilities, they were expected to participate in joint research with their Chinese counterparts.
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Philippines faces tricky path to becoming less reliant on US
Philippine officials are emphasizing the need for self-reliance in defense and economic security, drawing lessons from a diplomatic incident between the US and Ukraine. Following a public reprimand and temporary suspension of US aid to Ukraine by the Trump administration, Filipino leaders are urging the Philippines to strengthen its own capabilities and diversify its partnerships.
This sentiment reflects a broader understanding that while the Philippines maintains a strong alliance with the US, it cannot solely depend on it. Given its limited military resources, the Philippines aims to balance its relationship with Washington while also cultivating ties with other regional powers, particularly China, to ensure strategic autonomy and avoid conflict amid geopolitical instability.
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Philippine officials are emphasizing the need for self-reliance in defense and economic security, drawing lessons from a diplomatic incident between the US and Ukraine. Following a public reprimand and temporary suspension of US aid to Ukraine by the Trump administration, Filipino leaders are urging the Philippines to strengthen its own capabilities and diversify its partnerships.
This sentiment reflects a broader understanding that while the Philippines maintains a strong alliance with the US, it cannot solely depend on it. Given its limited military resources, the Philippines aims to balance its relationship with Washington while also cultivating ties with other regional powers, particularly China, to ensure strategic autonomy and avoid conflict amid geopolitical instability.
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Gene Hackman’s dog probably died of dehydration and starvation, report says
在演员吉恩·哈克曼及其妻子位于圣达菲的家中发现的死亡犬只的检查显示，脱水和饥饿可能是导致其死亡的原因。圣达菲县动物控制机构的报告显示，这只狗出现了部分木乃伊化，胃里几乎是空的，只有少量的毛发和胆汁。
这只名为 Zinna 的克尔皮犬是这对夫妇的三只狗之一。它被发现死在阿拉卡瓦尸体附近浴室壁橱里的一个笼子里，而另外两只狗幸存了下来。当局上周证实，哈克曼死于心脏病，并伴有阿尔茨海默病的并发症，大约一周前，一种罕见的、由啮齿动物传播的疾病——汉坦病毒肺综合征——夺走了他妻子的生命。患有晚期阿尔茨海默病的哈克曼显然没有意识到他的妻子已经去世。
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在演员吉恩·哈克曼及其妻子位于圣达菲的家中发现的死亡犬只的检查显示，脱水和饥饿可能是导致其死亡的原因。圣达菲县动物控制机构的报告显示，这只狗出现了部分木乃伊化，胃里几乎是空的，只有少量的毛发和胆汁。
这只名为 Zinna 的克尔皮犬是这对夫妇的三只狗之一。它被发现死在阿拉卡瓦尸体附近浴室壁橱里的一个笼子里，而另外两只狗幸存了下来。当局上周证实，哈克曼死于心脏病，并伴有阿尔茨海默病的并发症，大约一周前，一种罕见的、由啮齿动物传播的疾病——汉坦病毒肺综合征——夺走了他妻子的生命。患有晚期阿尔茨海默病的哈克曼显然没有意识到他的妻子已经去世。
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