China’s high-speed rail network on track to breach 50,000km milestone in 2025
By He Huifeng
China’s railway operator is laying track for a record-breaking 2025, with the country’s total high-speed railway mileage projected to reach over 50,000km and transport revenue set to surpass 1 trillion yuan (US$137 billion).
While the network’s expansion will widen domestic travel options and reduce logistics costs, it also presents an opportunity for Beijing to export its cutting-edge technology and construction capacity overseas, particularly as the national capital prepares to host the World High-Speed Railway Congress in July.
China will add another 2,600km of high-speed railway to its 48,000km network this year, the state-owned China State Railway Group – also known as China Railway – said at its annual work conference on Wednesday as reported by official news agency Xinhua.
With the first high-speed passenger line only opening in 2008, achieving the milestone in 2025 would indicate an extraordinary pace of expansion.
As of 2024, high-speed lines accounted for 30 per cent of the national railway operating mileage of 162,000km, a significant increase from the 20 per cent proportion reported in 2017.
Despite some doubts from overseas about the network’s debt burden and profitability, China Railway reported a 2.7 per cent rise in operating revenue last year, reaching 990.18 billion yuan on a wave of passenger and cargo transport.
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By He Huifeng
China’s railway operator is laying track for a record-breaking 2025, with the country’s total high-speed railway mileage projected to reach over 50,000km and transport revenue set to surpass 1 trillion yuan (US$137 billion).
While the network’s expansion will widen domestic travel options and reduce logistics costs, it also presents an opportunity for Beijing to export its cutting-edge technology and construction capacity overseas, particularly as the national capital prepares to host the World High-Speed Railway Congress in July.
China will add another 2,600km of high-speed railway to its 48,000km network this year, the state-owned China State Railway Group – also known as China Railway – said at its annual work conference on Wednesday as reported by official news agency Xinhua.
With the first high-speed passenger line only opening in 2008, achieving the milestone in 2025 would indicate an extraordinary pace of expansion.
As of 2024, high-speed lines accounted for 30 per cent of the national railway operating mileage of 162,000km, a significant increase from the 20 per cent proportion reported in 2017.
Despite some doubts from overseas about the network’s debt burden and profitability, China Railway reported a 2.7 per cent rise in operating revenue last year, reaching 990.18 billion yuan on a wave of passenger and cargo transport.
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China’s nuclear power drive gains steam as major new reactor comes online
By Frank Chen
China’s rapidly expanding nuclear power industry passed a major milestone on New Year’s Day, as the first reactor at a sprawling new plant on the country’s southeastern coastline started feeding power into the national grid.
The move marks the first time a Hualong One – China’s third-generation nuclear reactor – has been put into large-scale commercial operation, according to its developer, as China cranks up its efforts to become a leading player in nuclear energy.
The plant in Zhangzhou, Fujian province, is set to be China’s largest nuclear facility using third-generation technology, with plans for six reactors each with a capacity of over a million kilowatts.
The first reactor at the plant passed safety evaluations and went into operation on January 1, and another four are currently under construction.
China has made significant investments in developing its nuclear power capabilities in recent years, as it seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign technology and ramp up its clean energy capacity.
Developed by the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation, the Hualong One reactor incorporates China’s own third-generation nuclear technology and is capable of generating about 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year – enough to meet the annual demand of 1 million people.
Each reactor produces enough power to cut China’s coal consumption by 3.12 million tons per year, saving 8.16 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
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By Frank Chen
China’s rapidly expanding nuclear power industry passed a major milestone on New Year’s Day, as the first reactor at a sprawling new plant on the country’s southeastern coastline started feeding power into the national grid.
The move marks the first time a Hualong One – China’s third-generation nuclear reactor – has been put into large-scale commercial operation, according to its developer, as China cranks up its efforts to become a leading player in nuclear energy.
The plant in Zhangzhou, Fujian province, is set to be China’s largest nuclear facility using third-generation technology, with plans for six reactors each with a capacity of over a million kilowatts.
The first reactor at the plant passed safety evaluations and went into operation on January 1, and another four are currently under construction.
China has made significant investments in developing its nuclear power capabilities in recent years, as it seeks to reduce its reliance on foreign technology and ramp up its clean energy capacity.
Developed by the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation, the Hualong One reactor incorporates China’s own third-generation nuclear technology and is capable of generating about 10 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year – enough to meet the annual demand of 1 million people.
Each reactor produces enough power to cut China’s coal consumption by 3.12 million tons per year, saving 8.16 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
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Hong Kong’s food and environment agency files report over alleged data theft
By Natalie Wong
Hong Kong’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has filed a police report over a suspected theft of data involving the personal information of about 100 residents.
The incident, which came to light on Thursday, centred on two internal files stored in the department’s office in Kowloon City that contained records of complaints from dozens of residents regarding environmental nuisances in the area.
The files included names and contact information such as phone numbers and email addresses of the individuals.
“The office area where the suspected theft occurred requires password access and is secured with a separate lock,” a department spokesman said.
“Given the potential criminal nature of this incident, we have reported it to the police and will fully cooperate with the investigation.”
The department said it also apologised to all affected individuals and notified the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.
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By Natalie Wong
Hong Kong’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has filed a police report over a suspected theft of data involving the personal information of about 100 residents.
The incident, which came to light on Thursday, centred on two internal files stored in the department’s office in Kowloon City that contained records of complaints from dozens of residents regarding environmental nuisances in the area.
The files included names and contact information such as phone numbers and email addresses of the individuals.
“The office area where the suspected theft occurred requires password access and is secured with a separate lock,” a department spokesman said.
“Given the potential criminal nature of this incident, we have reported it to the police and will fully cooperate with the investigation.”
The department said it also apologised to all affected individuals and notified the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.
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Singapore wants to host more mega-events in 2025, boosting regional growth, amid neighbour envy
By Kimberly Lim
As Singapore sets its sights on hosting more blockbuster acts like Taylor Swift in 2025, its rise as a premier concert destination has drawn envy from its neighbours, but tourism experts argue the city state becoming a mega-event hub could actually drive growth opportunities across the region.
Last year, Singapore had a packed line-up of A-list events, such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and the Formula One race, attracting thousands of fans from all over the world.
American pop star Swift’s six sold-out shows in March drew more than 300,000 concertgoers from across the globe, though the concerts’ success sparked envy among Singapore’s Southeast Asian neighbours, with some accusing the city state of hogging exclusive deals and urging their own governments to step up.
However, tourism experts said Singapore’s success benefits the entire region, rather than detracting from it.
“The media buzz and the publicity surrounding Singapore’s apparent hijacking of her shows have woken up these countries to the rewards available in this market segment (high-end concerts) and their respective infrastructural or organisational shortfalls,” said Christopher Khoo, managing director of MasterConsult Services, a tourism consultancy company.
Kevin Cheong, a managing partner at tourism and destination development consultancy Syntegrate LLP, agreed that Singapore emerging as the preferred destination among these performers has benefits for neighbours too.
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By Kimberly Lim
As Singapore sets its sights on hosting more blockbuster acts like Taylor Swift in 2025, its rise as a premier concert destination has drawn envy from its neighbours, but tourism experts argue the city state becoming a mega-event hub could actually drive growth opportunities across the region.
Last year, Singapore had a packed line-up of A-list events, such as Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and the Formula One race, attracting thousands of fans from all over the world.
American pop star Swift’s six sold-out shows in March drew more than 300,000 concertgoers from across the globe, though the concerts’ success sparked envy among Singapore’s Southeast Asian neighbours, with some accusing the city state of hogging exclusive deals and urging their own governments to step up.
However, tourism experts said Singapore’s success benefits the entire region, rather than detracting from it.
“The media buzz and the publicity surrounding Singapore’s apparent hijacking of her shows have woken up these countries to the rewards available in this market segment (high-end concerts) and their respective infrastructural or organisational shortfalls,” said Christopher Khoo, managing director of MasterConsult Services, a tourism consultancy company.
Kevin Cheong, a managing partner at tourism and destination development consultancy Syntegrate LLP, agreed that Singapore emerging as the preferred destination among these performers has benefits for neighbours too.
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85 Hong Kong-listed companies miss deadline to put women on boards
By Enoch Yiu
A total of 85 Hong Kong-listed companies have failed to comply with a rule that requires them to have at least one woman on their boards of directors, according to the city’s bourse operator.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), which runs Asia’s third-largest stock market, announced the rule change three years ago, when about 800 firms or 40 per cent of listed companies had all-male boards. The deadline was Tuesday.
The companies that still lack women on their boards represent about 3 per cent of the exchange’s 2,650 listed companies, according to HKEX data. Some 41 per cent of listed companies have more than one woman on their boards.
“2025 is a milestone year for Hong Kong-listed companies, as single-gender boards are no longer allowed on HKEX’s markets,” said Katherine Ng, HKEX’s head of listing. “Our listed issuer community has overwhelmingly embraced this new chapter, creating hundreds of new roles for female directors. But we believe this is just the beginning.”
Among the 85 companies not in compliance, only 12 had no women on their boards during the three-year transitional period; the rest had women who later stepped down.
Most of the companies that failed to meet the requirement issued stock-exchange filings to explain the situation, with many indicating that they hope to appoint a woman to their boards within three to six months.
TravelSky Technology, China Railway Signal & Communication and Century Sunshine Group are among the listed companies that are not in compliance.
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By Enoch Yiu
A total of 85 Hong Kong-listed companies have failed to comply with a rule that requires them to have at least one woman on their boards of directors, according to the city’s bourse operator.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX), which runs Asia’s third-largest stock market, announced the rule change three years ago, when about 800 firms or 40 per cent of listed companies had all-male boards. The deadline was Tuesday.
The companies that still lack women on their boards represent about 3 per cent of the exchange’s 2,650 listed companies, according to HKEX data. Some 41 per cent of listed companies have more than one woman on their boards.
“2025 is a milestone year for Hong Kong-listed companies, as single-gender boards are no longer allowed on HKEX’s markets,” said Katherine Ng, HKEX’s head of listing. “Our listed issuer community has overwhelmingly embraced this new chapter, creating hundreds of new roles for female directors. But we believe this is just the beginning.”
Among the 85 companies not in compliance, only 12 had no women on their boards during the three-year transitional period; the rest had women who later stepped down.
Most of the companies that failed to meet the requirement issued stock-exchange filings to explain the situation, with many indicating that they hope to appoint a woman to their boards within three to six months.
TravelSky Technology, China Railway Signal & Communication and Century Sunshine Group are among the listed companies that are not in compliance.
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Chinese city investigates reports of baby trafficking by Shanxi hospital worker
By Phoebe Zhang
Chinese authorities are investigating reports that a hospital employee in Shanxi province has been involved in selling newborns.
The city of Datong has launched a team to investigate and vowed to “seriously deal with any illegal or disciplinary issues”, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Thursday.
The case was first reported to the police by an anti-trafficking advocate who goes by the name Shangguan Zhengyi. In a social media post on Thursday, the whistle-blower said he had received a tip about a cleaner at the Datong No. 1 People’s Hospital arranging buyers for infants.
The hospital’s obstetrics department is the largest in Shanxi, with six wards and 207 beds, according to its official website. It receives 210,000 outpatient visits every year and delivers 12,700 babies – about 40 per cent of the deliveries in Datong.
Shangguan went undercover to talk to the cleaner, a woman surnamed Wang. She sent him a message on November 5, saying a friend’s relative was about to give birth to a boy and would sell the infant for a minimum of 85,000 yuan (US$11,645). She asked Shangguan whether he would like to meet the family.
A few days later, he travelled to Datong and met Wang, gaining her trust, according to the social media post. Wang said she had worked at the hospital for years and had been setting up buyers with people who did not want their children, according to Shangguan.
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By Phoebe Zhang
Chinese authorities are investigating reports that a hospital employee in Shanxi province has been involved in selling newborns.
The city of Datong has launched a team to investigate and vowed to “seriously deal with any illegal or disciplinary issues”, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Thursday.
The case was first reported to the police by an anti-trafficking advocate who goes by the name Shangguan Zhengyi. In a social media post on Thursday, the whistle-blower said he had received a tip about a cleaner at the Datong No. 1 People’s Hospital arranging buyers for infants.
The hospital’s obstetrics department is the largest in Shanxi, with six wards and 207 beds, according to its official website. It receives 210,000 outpatient visits every year and delivers 12,700 babies – about 40 per cent of the deliveries in Datong.
Shangguan went undercover to talk to the cleaner, a woman surnamed Wang. She sent him a message on November 5, saying a friend’s relative was about to give birth to a boy and would sell the infant for a minimum of 85,000 yuan (US$11,645). She asked Shangguan whether he would like to meet the family.
A few days later, he travelled to Datong and met Wang, gaining her trust, according to the social media post. Wang said she had worked at the hospital for years and had been setting up buyers with people who did not want their children, according to Shangguan.
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Hong Kong’s Cathay, Singapore Airlines climb regional punctuality ranking
By Connor Mycroft
Cathay Pacific Airways and Singapore Airlines improved their regional standing in terms of on-time performance in 2024, with Hong Kong’s flag carrier ranking ninth and its neighbouring rival coming third, a flight intelligence service provider said on Thursday.
Cirium’s On-Time Performance Review showed that while Cathay Pacific had gone up in the regional ranking, its punctuality performance had declined from 2023. Its budget arm, Hong Kong Express, also dropped out of the top 10 low-cost carriers list.
The annual report measures how well airlines and airports adhere to flight schedules.
An airline’s punctuality is based on the percentage of its flights that arrived within 14 minutes and 59 seconds of the scheduled arrival time, while airports are measured based on departure times.
According to the report, Singapore Airlines ranked third in Asia-Pacific in 2024, compared with seventh a year prior. Its on-time performance also improved from 78.57 per cent to 78.67 per cent.
Cathay went up one spot from 10th in 2023 to 9th last year, despite its on-time performance dropping from 76.32 per cent to 75.19 per cent.
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By Connor Mycroft
Cathay Pacific Airways and Singapore Airlines improved their regional standing in terms of on-time performance in 2024, with Hong Kong’s flag carrier ranking ninth and its neighbouring rival coming third, a flight intelligence service provider said on Thursday.
Cirium’s On-Time Performance Review showed that while Cathay Pacific had gone up in the regional ranking, its punctuality performance had declined from 2023. Its budget arm, Hong Kong Express, also dropped out of the top 10 low-cost carriers list.
The annual report measures how well airlines and airports adhere to flight schedules.
An airline’s punctuality is based on the percentage of its flights that arrived within 14 minutes and 59 seconds of the scheduled arrival time, while airports are measured based on departure times.
According to the report, Singapore Airlines ranked third in Asia-Pacific in 2024, compared with seventh a year prior. Its on-time performance also improved from 78.57 per cent to 78.67 per cent.
Cathay went up one spot from 10th in 2023 to 9th last year, despite its on-time performance dropping from 76.32 per cent to 75.19 per cent.
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Did India plot with Maldives’ opposition to oust Muizzu or is it just a ‘conspiracy theory’?
By Biman Mukherji
India’s alleged role in a plan to oust Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu for his perceived pro-China stance would yield little strategic advantage and appears baseless, according to experts who cast doubt on an investigative report that New Delhi considered such a move.
Following the report, published by The Washington Post on December 30, former Maldivian leader Mohamed Nasheed expressed scepticism about the story in a social media post.
“I was unaware of any serious plot against the president, though some people always live in conspiracy. India would never back such a move, as they always support Maldives’ democracy. India has never dictated terms to us, either,” he wrote.
The Washington Post report, based on an internal document titled “Democratic Renewal Initiative”, had detailed a plan allegedly hatched by agents of India’s intelligence agency and Maldivian opposition politicians early last year to remove Muizzu from office.
The plot reportedly involved Maldivian opposition politicians proposing to bribe members of parliament to vote to impeach him. The conspirators also reportedly sought 87 million Maldivian rufiyaa (US$5.6 million) to pay off army and police officers and criminal gangs to ensure Muizzu’s removal.
The report went on to say, however, that the plotters did not manage to gather enough votes for impeachment and India did not pursue any attempt to overthrow Muizzu.
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By Biman Mukherji
India’s alleged role in a plan to oust Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu for his perceived pro-China stance would yield little strategic advantage and appears baseless, according to experts who cast doubt on an investigative report that New Delhi considered such a move.
Following the report, published by The Washington Post on December 30, former Maldivian leader Mohamed Nasheed expressed scepticism about the story in a social media post.
“I was unaware of any serious plot against the president, though some people always live in conspiracy. India would never back such a move, as they always support Maldives’ democracy. India has never dictated terms to us, either,” he wrote.
The Washington Post report, based on an internal document titled “Democratic Renewal Initiative”, had detailed a plan allegedly hatched by agents of India’s intelligence agency and Maldivian opposition politicians early last year to remove Muizzu from office.
The plot reportedly involved Maldivian opposition politicians proposing to bribe members of parliament to vote to impeach him. The conspirators also reportedly sought 87 million Maldivian rufiyaa (US$5.6 million) to pay off army and police officers and criminal gangs to ensure Muizzu’s removal.
The report went on to say, however, that the plotters did not manage to gather enough votes for impeachment and India did not pursue any attempt to overthrow Muizzu.
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Outgoing CUHK head to focus on medical research, remain involved in academia
By Harvey Kong
The outgoing president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has said he will focus on medical research and remain involved in academia after his tenure ends next week.
Rocky Tuan Sung-chi also said that one of the most unforgettable experiences during his tenure was the “unprecedented challenges” brought by the Covid-19 pandemic to the institution, according to remarks published in a university newsletter on Thursday.
The embattled head of the university would be stepping down on January 7 after resigning just days after starting a new term in one year ago, following months of chaos stemming from an overhaul of the institution’s governing body.
Tuan said during his tenure as the university’s vice-chancellor, he had served as the professor of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, taken part in research work and supervised six PhD students.
“After stepping down, I plan to continue these activities to stay updated on the latest developments in academia. I will also take an academic sabbatical to visit overseas institutions [and] explore new projects and ideas,” Tuan said when asked about his plans post-resignation.
The internationally renowned biomedical scientist said he would remain focused on research in stem cells and regenerative medicine, with several projects including studies on nerves and another on pain management that is part of the work at the university’s Peter Hung Pain Research Institute.
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By Harvey Kong
The outgoing president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has said he will focus on medical research and remain involved in academia after his tenure ends next week.
Rocky Tuan Sung-chi also said that one of the most unforgettable experiences during his tenure was the “unprecedented challenges” brought by the Covid-19 pandemic to the institution, according to remarks published in a university newsletter on Thursday.
The embattled head of the university would be stepping down on January 7 after resigning just days after starting a new term in one year ago, following months of chaos stemming from an overhaul of the institution’s governing body.
Tuan said during his tenure as the university’s vice-chancellor, he had served as the professor of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, taken part in research work and supervised six PhD students.
“After stepping down, I plan to continue these activities to stay updated on the latest developments in academia. I will also take an academic sabbatical to visit overseas institutions [and] explore new projects and ideas,” Tuan said when asked about his plans post-resignation.
The internationally renowned biomedical scientist said he would remain focused on research in stem cells and regenerative medicine, with several projects including studies on nerves and another on pain management that is part of the work at the university’s Peter Hung Pain Research Institute.
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Hong Kong retail sales fall for 9 straight months, with 7.3% year-on-year drop in November
By Kahon Chan
Hong Kong’s retail sales dropped for a ninth consecutive month in November, falling by 7.3 per cent year on year.
Provisional estimates from the Census and Statistics Department on Thursday put the total value of retail sales at HK$31.7 billion for the month.
A government spokesman said the value of total retail sales continued to decline “alongside the change in consumption patterns and the relatively strong Hong Kong dollar” – factors that would continue to weigh on the performance of the retail sector.
A breakdown of the provisional data showed the value of sales in apparel had fallen by 7.5 per cent year on year. Sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts also slipped by 5.4 per cent.
Other areas with poor performance included motor vehicles and parts, which were down by 34.4 per cent year on year, and furniture and fixtures, which fell by 20.5 per cent. Sales of Chinese drugs and herbs plummeted by 19.3 per cent, while that of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods also decreased by 18.0 per cent.
Few categories bucked the trend and showed positive growth, with the sale of supermarket goods increasing by 3.5 per cent in November, compared with the same month in 2023.
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By Kahon Chan
Hong Kong’s retail sales dropped for a ninth consecutive month in November, falling by 7.3 per cent year on year.
Provisional estimates from the Census and Statistics Department on Thursday put the total value of retail sales at HK$31.7 billion for the month.
A government spokesman said the value of total retail sales continued to decline “alongside the change in consumption patterns and the relatively strong Hong Kong dollar” – factors that would continue to weigh on the performance of the retail sector.
A breakdown of the provisional data showed the value of sales in apparel had fallen by 7.5 per cent year on year. Sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts also slipped by 5.4 per cent.
Other areas with poor performance included motor vehicles and parts, which were down by 34.4 per cent year on year, and furniture and fixtures, which fell by 20.5 per cent. Sales of Chinese drugs and herbs plummeted by 19.3 per cent, while that of electrical goods and other consumer durable goods also decreased by 18.0 per cent.
Few categories bucked the trend and showed positive growth, with the sale of supermarket goods increasing by 3.5 per cent in November, compared with the same month in 2023.
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Russian leader Putin tells government and top bank to work with China on AI
By Leopold Chen
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for more cooperation with China to develop artificial intelligence, as both nations try to gain a stronger foothold in the new tech frontier amid pressure from the US.
In a Kremlin document dated Monday, Putin ordered the Russian government and the country’s biggest lender Sberbank to “ensure further cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in technological research and development of artificial intelligence”.
He also told the government and the bank, which is leading the development of AI in Russia, to consider publishing an international journal to cover advances in artificial intelligence in the country.
Putin assigned the task to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Sberbank chief executive German Gref, with a progress report expected by April.
It comes three weeks after the AI Journey tech conference was held in Moscow, when Putin said Russia would work with Brics partners and other nations to develop the technology.
“China is making great strides in its technological development and is using vital instruments for its development,” Putin said at the conference on December 11. “Artificial intelligence … is one of these crucial instruments.”
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By Leopold Chen
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for more cooperation with China to develop artificial intelligence, as both nations try to gain a stronger foothold in the new tech frontier amid pressure from the US.
In a Kremlin document dated Monday, Putin ordered the Russian government and the country’s biggest lender Sberbank to “ensure further cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in technological research and development of artificial intelligence”.
He also told the government and the bank, which is leading the development of AI in Russia, to consider publishing an international journal to cover advances in artificial intelligence in the country.
Putin assigned the task to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Sberbank chief executive German Gref, with a progress report expected by April.
It comes three weeks after the AI Journey tech conference was held in Moscow, when Putin said Russia would work with Brics partners and other nations to develop the technology.
“China is making great strides in its technological development and is using vital instruments for its development,” Putin said at the conference on December 11. “Artificial intelligence … is one of these crucial instruments.”
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10 people shot outside New York nightclub, 4 suspects at large
By Associated Press
Ten people were injured in a shooting outside a nightclub in Queens, New York, on Wednesday night, according to the New York police department.
About 15 people were standing outside Amazura nightclub at 11.15pm in Jamaica when four men on foot approached the group of 16 to 20 year olds who were waiting to get into a private event. Three to four men opened fired on the group, chief of patrol Philip Rivera said during an early Thursday press conference.
About 30 shots were fired before the gunmen fled on foot. They were then seen getting into a light coloured Sedan with out of state plates.
There is “zero tolerance for these senseless shootings”, Rivera said.
Six women and four men were taken to area hospitals with non life threatening injuries, he said. All the victims were expected to survive.
A massive police presence and several ambulances could be seen outside Amazura in footage posted on social media.
The motive was not immediately known but Rivera said, “This is not terrorism.”
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By Associated Press
Ten people were injured in a shooting outside a nightclub in Queens, New York, on Wednesday night, according to the New York police department.
About 15 people were standing outside Amazura nightclub at 11.15pm in Jamaica when four men on foot approached the group of 16 to 20 year olds who were waiting to get into a private event. Three to four men opened fired on the group, chief of patrol Philip Rivera said during an early Thursday press conference.
About 30 shots were fired before the gunmen fled on foot. They were then seen getting into a light coloured Sedan with out of state plates.
There is “zero tolerance for these senseless shootings”, Rivera said.
Six women and four men were taken to area hospitals with non life threatening injuries, he said. All the victims were expected to survive.
A massive police presence and several ambulances could be seen outside Amazura in footage posted on social media.
The motive was not immediately known but Rivera said, “This is not terrorism.”
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China slaps dual-use export ban on 28 US defence contractors
By SCMP Reporter
China has banned the export of dual-use products to 28 US defence contractors, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
More to follow …
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By SCMP Reporter
China has banned the export of dual-use products to 28 US defence contractors, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
More to follow …
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Chinese team finds blood pressure medication shows promise for treating rare brain tumour
By Victoria Bela
Chinese researchers have found that treatment for an invasive, noncancerous brain tumour that causes complications including diabetes could lie in a cheap medication often prescribed for high blood pressure.
Using animal models that recreate human craniopharyngioma – a rare slow-growing tumour that affects the hypothalamus or pituitary gland – the team was able to investigate its growth and potential treatment options. They shared their findings in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Translational Medicine last month.
“Our research provides important ideas for the development of cancer drugs,” said study lead Wu Qingfeng, a principal investigator at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology.
According to Wu, the study could inform future work on identifying cell origins and gene mutations, the construction of animal models, high-throughput drug screening to identify potential treatments and the use of reverse translational research to study the mechanism of tumour growth.
Craniopharyngioma patients can have a wide range of symptoms, including morbid obesity, diabetes, visual effects and decreased hormone secretion, either due to the growth of the tumour or as a result of treatment.
Surgical removal is the primary treatment for the brain tumour, however it can come at a risk of complications and recurrence. This has made the tumour a challenge not only for neurosurgeons, but also endocrinologists.
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By Victoria Bela
Chinese researchers have found that treatment for an invasive, noncancerous brain tumour that causes complications including diabetes could lie in a cheap medication often prescribed for high blood pressure.
Using animal models that recreate human craniopharyngioma – a rare slow-growing tumour that affects the hypothalamus or pituitary gland – the team was able to investigate its growth and potential treatment options. They shared their findings in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Science Translational Medicine last month.
“Our research provides important ideas for the development of cancer drugs,” said study lead Wu Qingfeng, a principal investigator at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology.
According to Wu, the study could inform future work on identifying cell origins and gene mutations, the construction of animal models, high-throughput drug screening to identify potential treatments and the use of reverse translational research to study the mechanism of tumour growth.
Craniopharyngioma patients can have a wide range of symptoms, including morbid obesity, diabetes, visual effects and decreased hormone secretion, either due to the growth of the tumour or as a result of treatment.
Surgical removal is the primary treatment for the brain tumour, however it can come at a risk of complications and recurrence. This has made the tumour a challenge not only for neurosurgeons, but also endocrinologists.
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