Singapore IC debate: is unmasking identification numbers safe?
By Kimberly Lim
Singapore’s decision to stop masking identification numbers of citizens and residents has sparked debate on privacy and security, with cybersecurity experts agreeing that while access to such information alone does not pose risks, there is a danger when it is paired with other stolen personal data.
The issue surfaced after some users of the revamped digital service business portal, operated by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), found that they could access the identification card numbers of other individuals through a search function.
Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) apologised for the concern caused, explaining its intent was to change the existing practice of masking identification numbers – or National Registration Identity Card (NRIC), colloquially called “IC” – only after educating the public that it was safe.
“As a unique identifier, the NRIC number is assumed to be known, just as our real names are known. There should therefore not be any sensitivity in having one’s full NRIC number made public, in the same way that we routinely share and reveal our full names to others,” the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), an agency which regulates and promotes data protection and sharing, also stressed that an NRIC should be used as an identifier rather than a means of authenticating identity.
“A person’s name and NRIC number identifies who the person is. Authentication is about proving you are who you claim to be. This requires proof of identity, for example, through a password, a security token or biometric data. As the NRIC number is not a secret, it should not be used by an organisation for authentication purposes.”
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By Kimberly Lim
Singapore’s decision to stop masking identification numbers of citizens and residents has sparked debate on privacy and security, with cybersecurity experts agreeing that while access to such information alone does not pose risks, there is a danger when it is paired with other stolen personal data.
The issue surfaced after some users of the revamped digital service business portal, operated by the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), found that they could access the identification card numbers of other individuals through a search function.
Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information (MDDI) apologised for the concern caused, explaining its intent was to change the existing practice of masking identification numbers – or National Registration Identity Card (NRIC), colloquially called “IC” – only after educating the public that it was safe.
“As a unique identifier, the NRIC number is assumed to be known, just as our real names are known. There should therefore not be any sensitivity in having one’s full NRIC number made public, in the same way that we routinely share and reveal our full names to others,” the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.
The Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC), an agency which regulates and promotes data protection and sharing, also stressed that an NRIC should be used as an identifier rather than a means of authenticating identity.
“A person’s name and NRIC number identifies who the person is. Authentication is about proving you are who you claim to be. This requires proof of identity, for example, through a password, a security token or biometric data. As the NRIC number is not a secret, it should not be used by an organisation for authentication purposes.”
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Hong Kong stock exchange to reduce minimum price changes to boost liquidity
By Aileen Chuang
Bourse operator Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) is set to reduce the minimum swing for stock prices by up to 60 per cent, in a move to bolster liquidity and transactions in Asia’s third-largest capital market.
The reduction of the minimum price change, which determines the tightest bid-ask spread allowed, will encourage smaller trades. It will apply to equities, real estate investment trusts and other applicable securities – excluding debt securities, exchange-traded options and products, and structured products – with the first phase being rolled out in mid-2025. The second phase will be implemented in mid-2026, subject to a review of the first phase’s results.
The announcement follows a consultation in June, in which HKEX received 110 responses, with the majority showing support, according to the consultation conclusions published on Tuesday.
Under the first phase, the minimum spread of securities that fall within the price bands of HK$10 to HK$20 and HK$20 to HK$50 will be reduced by 50 per cent and 60 per cent, respectively. The second phase will apply to securities in the HK$0.50 to HK$10 range, for which the minimum spread will drop by 50 per cent.
“HKEX is fully committed to elevating the depth and vibrancy of its markets, and this is reflected in the continuous roll-out of new microstructure enhancements,” said Wilfred Yiu, HKEX’s deputy CEO, co-chief operating officer and co-head of markets.
The reform aims to lower overall transaction costs and support a more efficient price-discovery process, he added.
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By Aileen Chuang
Bourse operator Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) is set to reduce the minimum swing for stock prices by up to 60 per cent, in a move to bolster liquidity and transactions in Asia’s third-largest capital market.
The reduction of the minimum price change, which determines the tightest bid-ask spread allowed, will encourage smaller trades. It will apply to equities, real estate investment trusts and other applicable securities – excluding debt securities, exchange-traded options and products, and structured products – with the first phase being rolled out in mid-2025. The second phase will be implemented in mid-2026, subject to a review of the first phase’s results.
The announcement follows a consultation in June, in which HKEX received 110 responses, with the majority showing support, according to the consultation conclusions published on Tuesday.
Under the first phase, the minimum spread of securities that fall within the price bands of HK$10 to HK$20 and HK$20 to HK$50 will be reduced by 50 per cent and 60 per cent, respectively. The second phase will apply to securities in the HK$0.50 to HK$10 range, for which the minimum spread will drop by 50 per cent.
“HKEX is fully committed to elevating the depth and vibrancy of its markets, and this is reflected in the continuous roll-out of new microstructure enhancements,” said Wilfred Yiu, HKEX’s deputy CEO, co-chief operating officer and co-head of markets.
The reform aims to lower overall transaction costs and support a more efficient price-discovery process, he added.
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Why a Trump economic boom is much less likely this time around
By Kenneth Rogoff
What could Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election mean for the American and global economies? In a December 2016 commentary titled “The Trump Boom?”, I argued that, despite concerns about Trump’s personality and economic policies, it was entirely plausible that the United States could experience robust gross domestic product growth – albeit with a risk of higher inflation.
For the “crime” of trying to be objective and suggesting the US economy might perform well under Trump, I was condemned by fellow economists and commentators. Many instead predicted a global recession and stock market crash.
Although I would not go so far as to predict a stock market collapse, my outlook for Trump’s second presidency is decidedly less optimistic. As in 2016, Trump is inheriting a strong economy. But he faces a more challenging economic landscape.
The world is more volatile. Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has been far more destabilising than its 2014 annexation of Crimea, and the Middle East is embroiled in an escalating regional conflict. Meanwhile, with China increasingly aggressive towards its neighbours, the risk of a confrontation in the South China Sea over the next few years is uncomfortably high.
During the 2016 campaign, both Trump and Bernie Sanders railed against the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) and advocated import tariffs. As president, Trump ended up imposing relatively modest tariffs, though still high enough to cost US consumers billions of dollars in higher prices.
This time, Trump has proposed far more radical tariffs of up to 60 per cent on Chinese goods. Even if negotiated down to 20 per cent, they would still fuel inflation and hurt low- and middle-income Americans.
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By Kenneth Rogoff
What could Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election mean for the American and global economies? In a December 2016 commentary titled “The Trump Boom?”, I argued that, despite concerns about Trump’s personality and economic policies, it was entirely plausible that the United States could experience robust gross domestic product growth – albeit with a risk of higher inflation.
For the “crime” of trying to be objective and suggesting the US economy might perform well under Trump, I was condemned by fellow economists and commentators. Many instead predicted a global recession and stock market crash.
Although I would not go so far as to predict a stock market collapse, my outlook for Trump’s second presidency is decidedly less optimistic. As in 2016, Trump is inheriting a strong economy. But he faces a more challenging economic landscape.
The world is more volatile. Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has been far more destabilising than its 2014 annexation of Crimea, and the Middle East is embroiled in an escalating regional conflict. Meanwhile, with China increasingly aggressive towards its neighbours, the risk of a confrontation in the South China Sea over the next few years is uncomfortably high.
During the 2016 campaign, both Trump and Bernie Sanders railed against the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) and advocated import tariffs. As president, Trump ended up imposing relatively modest tariffs, though still high enough to cost US consumers billions of dollars in higher prices.
This time, Trump has proposed far more radical tariffs of up to 60 per cent on Chinese goods. Even if negotiated down to 20 per cent, they would still fuel inflation and hurt low- and middle-income Americans.
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Philippine military upgrade but no mutual defence: pros and cons of Manila-Tokyo security deal
By Raissa Robles
The Philippine Senate’s approval of a military access agreement with Japan reflects Manila’s efforts to strengthen defence ties, but analysts caution it may complicate relations with Beijing by involving the Philippines in Japan’s expanding regional security role.
The Senate, which includes members from both ruling and opposition parties, unanimously approved a resolution concurring with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jnr’s ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), a defence deal that permits Japanese military forces to conduct training and exercises on Philippine soil and vice versa.
However, Japan’s Diet must still concur for the agreement to take effect.
The timing of the vote is uncertain after Shigeru Ishiba replaced the architect of the deal Fumio Kishida as Prime Minister of Japan on September 27. Although both are from the Liberal Democratic Party, Ishiba has proposed an “Asian version of Nato”, according to an October report by NPR.
Signed in July by Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, the RAA is designed to enhance joint drills, interoperability and access to facilities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defence Forces, marking a significant step in defence collaboration between Manila and Tokyo.
Army Brigadier General Michael Logico, deputy commander at the army’s Training Command and director of the Joint and Combined Training Center for the annual Balikatan exercises with the United States, hailed the senators’ move, saying the RAA would “make us better prepared [to counter China’s aggressive moves in the South China Sea]”.
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By Raissa Robles
The Philippine Senate’s approval of a military access agreement with Japan reflects Manila’s efforts to strengthen defence ties, but analysts caution it may complicate relations with Beijing by involving the Philippines in Japan’s expanding regional security role.
The Senate, which includes members from both ruling and opposition parties, unanimously approved a resolution concurring with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jnr’s ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), a defence deal that permits Japanese military forces to conduct training and exercises on Philippine soil and vice versa.
However, Japan’s Diet must still concur for the agreement to take effect.
The timing of the vote is uncertain after Shigeru Ishiba replaced the architect of the deal Fumio Kishida as Prime Minister of Japan on September 27. Although both are from the Liberal Democratic Party, Ishiba has proposed an “Asian version of Nato”, according to an October report by NPR.
Signed in July by Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jnr and Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, the RAA is designed to enhance joint drills, interoperability and access to facilities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Japan Self-Defence Forces, marking a significant step in defence collaboration between Manila and Tokyo.
Army Brigadier General Michael Logico, deputy commander at the army’s Training Command and director of the Joint and Combined Training Center for the annual Balikatan exercises with the United States, hailed the senators’ move, saying the RAA would “make us better prepared [to counter China’s aggressive moves in the South China Sea]”.
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Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai denies making appeal for hostilities against Beijing
By Brian Wong
Former Hong Kong media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying has denied indirectly appealing to foreign governments to conduct hostile activities against mainland China by claiming its economy would be “dead” if foreign investors backed out over the prospect of US sanctions.
Lai on Tuesday also pushed back against suggestions he had advocated for a greater US military presence in the South China Sea or closer ties between Washington and Taiwan to resist Beijing.
But he maintained that America’s return to the Asia-Pacific could reduce the risk of conflict in the region.
The founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily tabloid took to the witness box for the 18th day at West Kowloon Court, as he sought to justify comments he made in the “Live Chat with Jimmy Lai” online broadcast series after the national security law took effect in June 2020.
The 77-year-old has denied two conspiracy charges of collusion with foreign forces and a third count of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications.
The show, in which Lai shared his political views with mostly overseas guests, was broadcast on Apple Daily’s website between May and December of 2020.
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By Brian Wong
Former Hong Kong media boss Jimmy Lai Chee-ying has denied indirectly appealing to foreign governments to conduct hostile activities against mainland China by claiming its economy would be “dead” if foreign investors backed out over the prospect of US sanctions.
Lai on Tuesday also pushed back against suggestions he had advocated for a greater US military presence in the South China Sea or closer ties between Washington and Taiwan to resist Beijing.
But he maintained that America’s return to the Asia-Pacific could reduce the risk of conflict in the region.
The founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily tabloid took to the witness box for the 18th day at West Kowloon Court, as he sought to justify comments he made in the “Live Chat with Jimmy Lai” online broadcast series after the national security law took effect in June 2020.
The 77-year-old has denied two conspiracy charges of collusion with foreign forces and a third count of conspiracy to print and distribute seditious publications.
The show, in which Lai shared his political views with mostly overseas guests, was broadcast on Apple Daily’s website between May and December of 2020.
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Denmark will not extradite anti-whaling activist Paul Watson to Japan
By Agence France-Presse
Denmark on Tuesday decided against a Japanese extradition request for anti-whaling activist Paul Watson over charges dating back to a 2010 clash, his lawyer said.
Watson has been held since July when his ship docked in Nuuk – the capital of the Danish autonomous territory – on a 2012 Japanese warrant, which accuses him of causing damage to a whaling ship and injuring a whaler.
“He is free. We’ve just been informed by the Ministry of Justice, he’s not going to be extradited,” Watson’s lawyer Julie Stage said.
Watson was on Tuesday released from his detention in Greenland.
“The Greenland Police has today received the Ministry of Justice’s decision in the case of extradition for Paul Watson,” police said in a statement.
Watson, who featured in the reality TV series Whale Wars, founded Sea Shepherd and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation (CPWF) and is known for radical tactics including confrontations with whaling ships at sea.
According to documents viewed by AFP, Denmark reached its decision while considering the duration of Watson’s detention following his arrest and the time it would take for a possible extradition to be carried out.
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By Agence France-Presse
Denmark on Tuesday decided against a Japanese extradition request for anti-whaling activist Paul Watson over charges dating back to a 2010 clash, his lawyer said.
Watson has been held since July when his ship docked in Nuuk – the capital of the Danish autonomous territory – on a 2012 Japanese warrant, which accuses him of causing damage to a whaling ship and injuring a whaler.
“He is free. We’ve just been informed by the Ministry of Justice, he’s not going to be extradited,” Watson’s lawyer Julie Stage said.
Watson was on Tuesday released from his detention in Greenland.
“The Greenland Police has today received the Ministry of Justice’s decision in the case of extradition for Paul Watson,” police said in a statement.
Watson, who featured in the reality TV series Whale Wars, founded Sea Shepherd and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation (CPWF) and is known for radical tactics including confrontations with whaling ships at sea.
According to documents viewed by AFP, Denmark reached its decision while considering the duration of Watson’s detention following his arrest and the time it would take for a possible extradition to be carried out.
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Hong Kong’s John Lee to lead delegation to Macau for anniversary celebrations
By Kahon Chan
Hong Kong’s chief executive will lead a delegation to Macau on Thursday to join celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese administration, while the gaming hub is preparing for President Xi Jinping’s coming three-day visit.
Macau stepped up security measures on Tuesday, including implementing a ban on drones, and will suspend certain light rail services ahead of the president’s arrival on Wednesday afternoon.
On his visit, Xi is expected to attend a variety show on Thursday and will inaugurate incoming chief executive Sam Hou-fai and his new administration on Friday on the handover anniversary.
Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu confirmed that he would lead a delegation to Macau and attend the inauguration ceremony on Friday morning.
Lee said he anticipated many opportunities to engage the incoming Macau leader, noting that the two special administrative regions could complement each other and build on past foundations in driving diversification of their economies.
“Macau and Hong Kong are like brothers. We have had frequent exchanges and will maintain close communication,” Lee said ahead of the weekly meeting of the government’s decision-making Executive Council.
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By Kahon Chan
Hong Kong’s chief executive will lead a delegation to Macau on Thursday to join celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese administration, while the gaming hub is preparing for President Xi Jinping’s coming three-day visit.
Macau stepped up security measures on Tuesday, including implementing a ban on drones, and will suspend certain light rail services ahead of the president’s arrival on Wednesday afternoon.
On his visit, Xi is expected to attend a variety show on Thursday and will inaugurate incoming chief executive Sam Hou-fai and his new administration on Friday on the handover anniversary.
Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu confirmed that he would lead a delegation to Macau and attend the inauguration ceremony on Friday morning.
Lee said he anticipated many opportunities to engage the incoming Macau leader, noting that the two special administrative regions could complement each other and build on past foundations in driving diversification of their economies.
“Macau and Hong Kong are like brothers. We have had frequent exchanges and will maintain close communication,” Lee said ahead of the weekly meeting of the government’s decision-making Executive Council.
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China’s hypersonic drone near-space launch test revealed on video for the first time
By Zhang Tong
A new video has revealed a remarkable first in hypersonic flight – an unmanned Chinese MD series aircraft being launched in near space from a high-altitude balloon, reaching a speed of Mach 7 before landing safely to be reused later.
The full video, released by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), showcases the trials of the MD series and the drone developers behind the aircraft. The team from the Institute of Mechanics (IMECH) at CAS, known as the “Qian Xuesen Young Scientist Task Force”, were the same specialists who achieved the first horizontal landing of the hypersonic drone in 2020.
Hypersonic flight is a field of intense global strategic competition in advanced aerospace technology.
The MD-22 – the latest known model in the series – was first unveiled at the 2022 Zhuhai air show. The aircraft boasts a maximum range of 8,000km (4,971 miles) and can carry payloads of up to 600kg (1,323 pounds), delivering substantial strategic capabilities.
The concept of near-space hypersonic flight was first proposed by Qian Xuesen, the founding father of China’s space programme. He envisioned aircraft that could operate in the range between conventional aircraft and satellites, requiring mid-air launches for unparalleled flexibility.
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By Zhang Tong
A new video has revealed a remarkable first in hypersonic flight – an unmanned Chinese MD series aircraft being launched in near space from a high-altitude balloon, reaching a speed of Mach 7 before landing safely to be reused later.
The full video, released by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), showcases the trials of the MD series and the drone developers behind the aircraft. The team from the Institute of Mechanics (IMECH) at CAS, known as the “Qian Xuesen Young Scientist Task Force”, were the same specialists who achieved the first horizontal landing of the hypersonic drone in 2020.
Hypersonic flight is a field of intense global strategic competition in advanced aerospace technology.
The MD-22 – the latest known model in the series – was first unveiled at the 2022 Zhuhai air show. The aircraft boasts a maximum range of 8,000km (4,971 miles) and can carry payloads of up to 600kg (1,323 pounds), delivering substantial strategic capabilities.
The concept of near-space hypersonic flight was first proposed by Qian Xuesen, the founding father of China’s space programme. He envisioned aircraft that could operate in the range between conventional aircraft and satellites, requiring mid-air launches for unparalleled flexibility.
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Malaysia plans seafood air freight hub in Sabah state to meet China demand
By Joseph Sipalan
Malaysia intends to set up a cold storage air freight hub in Sabah state on Malaysian Borneo to boost its seafood exports to the Greater China area, as the Southeast Asian nation seeks to increase shipments of key exports to its largest trading partner.
Logistics plays a vital role in Malaysia’s strategy to position itself as the gateway to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) bloc, leveraging its central position in the region to promote trade and commerce between Southeast Asia and the world.
Air freight is the next step to grow Sabah state’s fisheries industry, allowing for quick and direct access to China’s market, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.
“Sabah produces a lot of seafood products, a lot of fisheries which can be exported to China,” Loke said at the Malaysia China Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
“This is something we are looking at, to upgrade and to develop Kota Kinabalu into a cold chain cargo facility to serve the larger China market,” he said, referring to Sabah’s capital city.
Sabah accounts for about a quarter of the country’s total fisheries output, according to the state government.
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By Joseph Sipalan
Malaysia intends to set up a cold storage air freight hub in Sabah state on Malaysian Borneo to boost its seafood exports to the Greater China area, as the Southeast Asian nation seeks to increase shipments of key exports to its largest trading partner.
Logistics plays a vital role in Malaysia’s strategy to position itself as the gateway to the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) bloc, leveraging its central position in the region to promote trade and commerce between Southeast Asia and the world.
Air freight is the next step to grow Sabah state’s fisheries industry, allowing for quick and direct access to China’s market, Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke said.
“Sabah produces a lot of seafood products, a lot of fisheries which can be exported to China,” Loke said at the Malaysia China Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
“This is something we are looking at, to upgrade and to develop Kota Kinabalu into a cold chain cargo facility to serve the larger China market,” he said, referring to Sabah’s capital city.
Sabah accounts for about a quarter of the country’s total fisheries output, according to the state government.
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Lawyer Christine Lee loses case against UK’s MI5 over Chinese spy alert
By Reuters
A lawyer has lost her case to sue Britain’s domestic spy agency MI5 after it issued an alert branding her a Chinese spy, a London tribunal ruled on Tuesday.
Lawyer Christine Lee had sued MI5 over the alert issued in January 2022 in which it alleged she was “involved in political interference activities” in the United Kingdom on behalf of China’s ruling Communist Party.
The warning was circulated to lawmakers by the House of Commons speaker, who said MI5 had found that Lee had “facilitated financial donations to serving and aspiring parliamentarians on behalf of foreign nationals based in Hong Kong and mainland China”.
It prompted Lee to sue the spy agency for unspecified damages, arguing the agency had acted unlawfully and unreasonably.
But the Investigatory Powers Tribunal rejected the claim brought by Lee and her son, saying MI5 was in its rights to issue the Interference Alert (IA) and that it had not breached their human rights.
“The implied powers of the Respondent (MI5) are not confined to meeting only actions intended to undermine Parliamentary democracy by unlawful, perhaps criminal, means; the Respondent is able to take steps to protect Parliamentary democracy in advance and not only after criminal acts have occurred,” the judgment said.
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By Reuters
A lawyer has lost her case to sue Britain’s domestic spy agency MI5 after it issued an alert branding her a Chinese spy, a London tribunal ruled on Tuesday.
Lawyer Christine Lee had sued MI5 over the alert issued in January 2022 in which it alleged she was “involved in political interference activities” in the United Kingdom on behalf of China’s ruling Communist Party.
The warning was circulated to lawmakers by the House of Commons speaker, who said MI5 had found that Lee had “facilitated financial donations to serving and aspiring parliamentarians on behalf of foreign nationals based in Hong Kong and mainland China”.
It prompted Lee to sue the spy agency for unspecified damages, arguing the agency had acted unlawfully and unreasonably.
But the Investigatory Powers Tribunal rejected the claim brought by Lee and her son, saying MI5 was in its rights to issue the Interference Alert (IA) and that it had not breached their human rights.
“The implied powers of the Respondent (MI5) are not confined to meeting only actions intended to undermine Parliamentary democracy by unlawful, perhaps criminal, means; the Respondent is able to take steps to protect Parliamentary democracy in advance and not only after criminal acts have occurred,” the judgment said.
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European Commission investigates TikTok for suspected election interference in Romania
By Finbarr Bermingham
The European Commission has opened a formal investigation under its powerful digital laws into TikTok’s alleged role in violating the integrity of the recent Romanian election.
Efforts to elect a new president in the EU and Nato member were derailed amid allegations of “aggressive hybrid action” by Russia to hijack the first round of voting in November.
This month, the country’s constitutional court dramatically annulled the first round just before a second-round run-off was scheduled to take place. The first round was surprisingly won by the far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, who was also leading in the polls for the run-off.
Alleged manipulation of TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform considered to be increasingly influential in Europe, has been at the centre of authorities’ complaints.
Georgescu’s surge was widely attributed to a viral campaign on the platform which helped bring him up from relative obscurity. The government in Romania immediately flagged that it had not been conducted within electoral rules.
The commission now alleges the platform’s “recommender systems” were open to “coordinated inauthentic manipulation or automated exploitation”.
It is also investigating TikTok’s policies on political advertising and paid-for content amid reports that influencers were paid to promote Georgescu without clearly marking the content as sponsored or politically-motivated.
“Following serious indications that foreign actors interfered in the Romanian presidential elections by using TikTok, we are now thoroughly investigating whether TikTok has violated the Digital Services Act by failing to tackle such risks. It should be crystal clear that in the EU all online platforms, including TikTok, must be held accountable,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
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By Finbarr Bermingham
The European Commission has opened a formal investigation under its powerful digital laws into TikTok’s alleged role in violating the integrity of the recent Romanian election.
Efforts to elect a new president in the EU and Nato member were derailed amid allegations of “aggressive hybrid action” by Russia to hijack the first round of voting in November.
This month, the country’s constitutional court dramatically annulled the first round just before a second-round run-off was scheduled to take place. The first round was surprisingly won by the far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, who was also leading in the polls for the run-off.
Alleged manipulation of TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform considered to be increasingly influential in Europe, has been at the centre of authorities’ complaints.
Georgescu’s surge was widely attributed to a viral campaign on the platform which helped bring him up from relative obscurity. The government in Romania immediately flagged that it had not been conducted within electoral rules.
The commission now alleges the platform’s “recommender systems” were open to “coordinated inauthentic manipulation or automated exploitation”.
It is also investigating TikTok’s policies on political advertising and paid-for content amid reports that influencers were paid to promote Georgescu without clearly marking the content as sponsored or politically-motivated.
“Following serious indications that foreign actors interfered in the Romanian presidential elections by using TikTok, we are now thoroughly investigating whether TikTok has violated the Digital Services Act by failing to tackle such risks. It should be crystal clear that in the EU all online platforms, including TikTok, must be held accountable,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
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China urges Trump to make the right choices as Beijing predicts more uncertainty in 2025
By Cyril Ip
China’s top diplomat Wang Yi has called on the incoming Trump administration to “make the right choices” to strengthen relations as Beijing commits to being a driver of peace and stability amid expected global uncertainty next year.
Wang made the remarks on Tuesday at the Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations, hosted by the foreign ministry-affiliated China Institute of International Studies.
“Looking forward to next year, the international situation is uncertain and unstable factors will increase significantly,” Wang said in his nearly 40-minute speech. “Faced with global turmoil and conflicts, China will firmly be a force for peace.”
He said that in fostering the collective advancement of humanity, Chinese diplomacy would continue to pursue noble causes, uphold justice and take the high road, while championing peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit.
“We will provide steadfast support for global strategic stability, underpinned by China’s own stability, and confront all global uncertainties with China’s certainty,” Wang said.
The decisions made by nations would shape the trajectory of the era and significantly affect global dynamics, Wang said, while stressing that cooperation between China and the US had the potential to reach “significant and positive outcomes”.
“We hope that the new US administration will make the right choices, meet China halfway, cease all interference, overcome obstacles, strive to enhance Sino-US relations, and achieve stable, healthy and sustainable development,” he said, adding that China remained open to dialogue.
Wang’s speech came hours after US president-elect Donald Trump said Beijing and Washington could work together “to solve all of the problems of the world” after extending an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to his second inauguration – a move praised by a Chinese embassy official.
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By Cyril Ip
China’s top diplomat Wang Yi has called on the incoming Trump administration to “make the right choices” to strengthen relations as Beijing commits to being a driver of peace and stability amid expected global uncertainty next year.
Wang made the remarks on Tuesday at the Symposium on the International Situation and China’s Foreign Relations, hosted by the foreign ministry-affiliated China Institute of International Studies.
“Looking forward to next year, the international situation is uncertain and unstable factors will increase significantly,” Wang said in his nearly 40-minute speech. “Faced with global turmoil and conflicts, China will firmly be a force for peace.”
He said that in fostering the collective advancement of humanity, Chinese diplomacy would continue to pursue noble causes, uphold justice and take the high road, while championing peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit.
“We will provide steadfast support for global strategic stability, underpinned by China’s own stability, and confront all global uncertainties with China’s certainty,” Wang said.
The decisions made by nations would shape the trajectory of the era and significantly affect global dynamics, Wang said, while stressing that cooperation between China and the US had the potential to reach “significant and positive outcomes”.
“We hope that the new US administration will make the right choices, meet China halfway, cease all interference, overcome obstacles, strive to enhance Sino-US relations, and achieve stable, healthy and sustainable development,” he said, adding that China remained open to dialogue.
Wang’s speech came hours after US president-elect Donald Trump said Beijing and Washington could work together “to solve all of the problems of the world” after extending an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to his second inauguration – a move praised by a Chinese embassy official.
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2 Chinese nationals admit breaking into Singapore home, stealing jewellery worth US$422,000
By CNA
Two men from a criminal syndicate in China scaled a fence of a house along Singapore’s Windsor Park Road and made off with S$570,000 (US$422,000) in jewellery.
Long Zhihua, 38, and Luo Changchang, 44, were caught before they returned to China, but the authorities did not manage to recover S$390,200 in jewellery belonging to the victim, a 53-year-old woman.
Both men, who are Chinese nationals, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count each of housebreaking.
Long has an additional charge of possessing stolen items, which will be taken into consideration when he is sentenced.
According to court documents, both men are part of a criminal syndicate from China. The duo came to Singapore for the purpose of breaking into houses to steal.
At least five other Chinese nationals from the same syndicate had come to Singapore around June this year for the same purpose.
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By CNA
Two men from a criminal syndicate in China scaled a fence of a house along Singapore’s Windsor Park Road and made off with S$570,000 (US$422,000) in jewellery.
Long Zhihua, 38, and Luo Changchang, 44, were caught before they returned to China, but the authorities did not manage to recover S$390,200 in jewellery belonging to the victim, a 53-year-old woman.
Both men, who are Chinese nationals, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to one count each of housebreaking.
Long has an additional charge of possessing stolen items, which will be taken into consideration when he is sentenced.
According to court documents, both men are part of a criminal syndicate from China. The duo came to Singapore for the purpose of breaking into houses to steal.
At least five other Chinese nationals from the same syndicate had come to Singapore around June this year for the same purpose.
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Hong Kong to host global heavyweights at Asian Financial Forum on ‘next growth engine’
By Aileen Chuang
Hong Kong is set to host the 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), the first major international financial and business event of 2025, under the theme “Powering the Next Growth Engine”.
The forum on January 13 and 14 will bring together 100 global policymakers and business leaders, financial experts and investors, entrepreneurs, tech giants and economists to discuss the latest developments in financial markets and investment opportunities, according to the organiser, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
It will be an opportunity for industry heavyweights to explore how Hong Kong can capitalise on its strengths as an international financial centre to seek breakthroughs, HKTDC added.
“The geopolitical and economic landscape of 2025 is set to be fraught with challenges, underscoring the importance of international collaboration,” said Luanne Lim, chairperson of the AFF steering committee and HSBC’s Hong Kong CEO.
The event will focus on the growth potential of emerging markets such as mainland China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as well as advancements in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, sustainability, philanthropy and family offices, she added.
“The forum continues to provide a premier platform for renowned global investors and fundraisers to collaborate and ignite new engines for growth with its strong international influence and diverse perspectives,” Lim said.
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By Aileen Chuang
Hong Kong is set to host the 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), the first major international financial and business event of 2025, under the theme “Powering the Next Growth Engine”.
The forum on January 13 and 14 will bring together 100 global policymakers and business leaders, financial experts and investors, entrepreneurs, tech giants and economists to discuss the latest developments in financial markets and investment opportunities, according to the organiser, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
It will be an opportunity for industry heavyweights to explore how Hong Kong can capitalise on its strengths as an international financial centre to seek breakthroughs, HKTDC added.
“The geopolitical and economic landscape of 2025 is set to be fraught with challenges, underscoring the importance of international collaboration,” said Luanne Lim, chairperson of the AFF steering committee and HSBC’s Hong Kong CEO.
The event will focus on the growth potential of emerging markets such as mainland China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as well as advancements in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, sustainability, philanthropy and family offices, she added.
“The forum continues to provide a premier platform for renowned global investors and fundraisers to collaborate and ignite new engines for growth with its strong international influence and diverse perspectives,” Lim said.
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Malaysia’s appointment of Thaksin and Hun Sen as Anwar’s advisers raise eyebrows
By Hadi AzmiReuters
Malaysia’s decision to appoint Thai ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and former Cambodian strongman Hun Sen as advisers to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has raised eyebrows given the controversies surrounding the two titans of Asean’s political scene.
On Monday, Anwar made the surprise announcement that the Thai billionaire had accepted his invitation to advise him when Malaysia takes over as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in January.
“Thank you for agreeing to this because we need the benefit of the experience of such a statesman,” Anwar said at a press conference in Putrajaya alongside Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, during her first official visit to Malaysia.
Anwar’s nemesis and two-time former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad was sceptical when asked by reporters about Thaksin’s appointment.
“I don’t know why. Thaksin is problematic, but I don’t want to say anything,” he said on Tuesday, adding that it was Anwar’s “right to do what he wants”.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan earlier confirmed that Anwar would also consult “elder statesmen”, including former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
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By Hadi AzmiReuters
Malaysia’s decision to appoint Thai ex-prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and former Cambodian strongman Hun Sen as advisers to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has raised eyebrows given the controversies surrounding the two titans of Asean’s political scene.
On Monday, Anwar made the surprise announcement that the Thai billionaire had accepted his invitation to advise him when Malaysia takes over as chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in January.
“Thank you for agreeing to this because we need the benefit of the experience of such a statesman,” Anwar said at a press conference in Putrajaya alongside Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin’s daughter, during her first official visit to Malaysia.
Anwar’s nemesis and two-time former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad was sceptical when asked by reporters about Thaksin’s appointment.
“I don’t know why. Thaksin is problematic, but I don’t want to say anything,” he said on Tuesday, adding that it was Anwar’s “right to do what he wants”.
Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan earlier confirmed that Anwar would also consult “elder statesmen”, including former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen.
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Hong Kong lawmakers spent 2 hours on average on each funding plan discussed
By Edith Lin
Hong Kong lawmakers spent about two hours on average vetting each of the 28 funding applications that required discussions this year, while a committee chairman said legislators took a “cautious” approach in scrutinising proposals.
Data revealed at a press conference held by the Legislative Council’s Finance Committee on Tuesday showed lawmakers approved a combined HK$250 billion (US$32.2 billion) for 58 funding applications in about 90 hours.
Only 28 proposals required discussion, taking up 54 hours and 49 minutes of the total, or an hour and 55 minutes for each application.
Addressing the forecast deficit of HK$100 billion for the 2024-25 financial year, committee chairman Ronick Chan Chun-ying said he was against cutting the salaries of civil servants and principal officials, arguing that effective measures were more important than a “goodwill gesture”.
He said the committee had spent about four hours vetting certain projects of public concern such as the Trunk Road T4 project that aimed to ease traffic congestion in Sha Tin.
Lawmakers’ criticism of the project’s initial cost of HK$7.1 billion prompted the Transport and Logistics Bureau to postpone its funding application and later scale it down to HK$6.8 billion. The committee approved the proposal in May.
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By Edith Lin
Hong Kong lawmakers spent about two hours on average vetting each of the 28 funding applications that required discussions this year, while a committee chairman said legislators took a “cautious” approach in scrutinising proposals.
Data revealed at a press conference held by the Legislative Council’s Finance Committee on Tuesday showed lawmakers approved a combined HK$250 billion (US$32.2 billion) for 58 funding applications in about 90 hours.
Only 28 proposals required discussion, taking up 54 hours and 49 minutes of the total, or an hour and 55 minutes for each application.
Addressing the forecast deficit of HK$100 billion for the 2024-25 financial year, committee chairman Ronick Chan Chun-ying said he was against cutting the salaries of civil servants and principal officials, arguing that effective measures were more important than a “goodwill gesture”.
He said the committee had spent about four hours vetting certain projects of public concern such as the Trunk Road T4 project that aimed to ease traffic congestion in Sha Tin.
Lawmakers’ criticism of the project’s initial cost of HK$7.1 billion prompted the Transport and Logistics Bureau to postpone its funding application and later scale it down to HK$6.8 billion. The committee approved the proposal in May.
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China’s ban on critical minerals to be felt across ‘all branches’ of US military
By Seong Hyeon Choi
China’s export ban on critical minerals to the United States could disrupt more than 1,000 US weapons production systems, according to a defence intelligence company report.
The analysis, published on December 3 by Govini, found that more than 20,000 individual parts used by the Pentagon and the US coastguard are captured under the ban, announced earlier this month by the Chinese commerce ministry.
The impact of the ban on the critical minerals antimony, gallium and germanium – used in everything from bullets and cables, to nuclear weapons, night vision goggles and even EV batteries – will be felt across all branches of the military, the report said.
According to the analysis, 6,335 of the affected weapons parts need antimony, 11,351 require gallium, while germanium is used in 12,777.
“Despite known US stockpiles, ensuring readiness and sustainment for the systems that depend on these minerals on a protracted basis will require precision,” it said.
“It is imperative that [the Department of Defence] have the ability to map supply and anticipate demand as it relates to specific weapons systems … to effectively mitigate the risk caused by the critical minerals export controls.”
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By Seong Hyeon Choi
China’s export ban on critical minerals to the United States could disrupt more than 1,000 US weapons production systems, according to a defence intelligence company report.
The analysis, published on December 3 by Govini, found that more than 20,000 individual parts used by the Pentagon and the US coastguard are captured under the ban, announced earlier this month by the Chinese commerce ministry.
The impact of the ban on the critical minerals antimony, gallium and germanium – used in everything from bullets and cables, to nuclear weapons, night vision goggles and even EV batteries – will be felt across all branches of the military, the report said.
According to the analysis, 6,335 of the affected weapons parts need antimony, 11,351 require gallium, while germanium is used in 12,777.
“Despite known US stockpiles, ensuring readiness and sustainment for the systems that depend on these minerals on a protracted basis will require precision,” it said.
“It is imperative that [the Department of Defence] have the ability to map supply and anticipate demand as it relates to specific weapons systems … to effectively mitigate the risk caused by the critical minerals export controls.”
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