Meta taps US Republican Joel Kaplan to replace Nick Clegg as leader of global policy team
By Agence France-Presse
Former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said on Thursday he is stepping down from his role as president of Meta’s global affairs and will be replaced by Republican stalwart Joel Kaplan.
Clegg joined Meta in late 2018 as the company grappled with the fallout of the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal.
Clegg ceding his job to Kaplan, who served as deputy chief of staff for policy under then-president George W Bush from 2006-2009, comes as Republican Donald Trump is set to return to the White House.
“As a new year begins, I have come to the view that this is the right time for me to move on,” Clegg said in a post on social media.
“I hope I have played some role in seeking to bridge the very different worlds of tech and politics - worlds that will continue to interact in unpredictable ways across the globe.”
Clegg referred to his years as Meta as an adventure, saying that when he arrived at the company it was undergoing rapid growth that brought with it scrutiny and controversy.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Agence France-Presse
Former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said on Thursday he is stepping down from his role as president of Meta’s global affairs and will be replaced by Republican stalwart Joel Kaplan.
Clegg joined Meta in late 2018 as the company grappled with the fallout of the Cambridge Analytica privacy scandal.
Clegg ceding his job to Kaplan, who served as deputy chief of staff for policy under then-president George W Bush from 2006-2009, comes as Republican Donald Trump is set to return to the White House.
“As a new year begins, I have come to the view that this is the right time for me to move on,” Clegg said in a post on social media.
“I hope I have played some role in seeking to bridge the very different worlds of tech and politics - worlds that will continue to interact in unpredictable ways across the globe.”
Clegg referred to his years as Meta as an adventure, saying that when he arrived at the company it was undergoing rapid growth that brought with it scrutiny and controversy.
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Mike Johnson elected speaker of US House as Trump’s Republicans unite behind him
By Reuters
US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson was reelected to the chamber’s top job on Friday in a lengthy vote that highlighted persistent divisions among Donald Trump’s Republicans on Capitol Hill.
Johnson appeared to initially fall short of the majority he would need to retain his job in an hour-long roll-call vote, but two Republican opponents switched their votes to support him after more than half an hour of negotiations. He won re-election with 218 votes – the minimum number needed.
Republicans control the chamber by a razor-thin 219-215 majority.
The vote was an early test of the party’s ability to hang together as it advances Trump’s agenda of tax cuts and border enforcement. It also tested Trump’s clout on Capitol Hill, where a handful of Republicans have already shown a willingness to defy him.
House Republicans have been racked by internal divisions over the last two years. Johnson was elevated to speaker after the party ousted his predecessor Kevin McCarthy in the middle of his term.
Members of Congress milled around the chamber for more than half an hour after voting had concluded, while Johnson and his lieutenants could be seen trying to persuade the holdouts.
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By Reuters
US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson was reelected to the chamber’s top job on Friday in a lengthy vote that highlighted persistent divisions among Donald Trump’s Republicans on Capitol Hill.
Johnson appeared to initially fall short of the majority he would need to retain his job in an hour-long roll-call vote, but two Republican opponents switched their votes to support him after more than half an hour of negotiations. He won re-election with 218 votes – the minimum number needed.
Republicans control the chamber by a razor-thin 219-215 majority.
The vote was an early test of the party’s ability to hang together as it advances Trump’s agenda of tax cuts and border enforcement. It also tested Trump’s clout on Capitol Hill, where a handful of Republicans have already shown a willingness to defy him.
House Republicans have been racked by internal divisions over the last two years. Johnson was elevated to speaker after the party ousted his predecessor Kevin McCarthy in the middle of his term.
Members of Congress milled around the chamber for more than half an hour after voting had concluded, while Johnson and his lieutenants could be seen trying to persuade the holdouts.
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US sanctions Chinese cybersecurity firm for alleged role in Beijing-sponsored hacks
By Laura Zhou
The US has imposed sanctions on a Beijing-based cybersecurity company for its alleged role in Chinese government-sponsored hacks against critical US infrastructure.
Integrity Technology Group, known as Integrity Tech, was accused of playing a role in “multiple computer intrusion incidents against US victims,” the Treasury Department said on Friday.
In a statement, it said the incidents had been publicly linked to a Chinese-sponsored hacking group nicknamed Flax Typhoon, which the Treasury said had been active since at least 2021 and was “known for frequently targeting organisations in US critical infrastructure sectors”.
“Chinese malicious cyber actors continue to be one of the most active and most persistent threats to US national security,” the department said.
“These actors continue to target US government systems as part of their efforts, including the recent targeting of Treasury’s own IT infrastructure.”
The sanctions followed the department’s announcement on Monday that Chinese state-sponsored hackers had infiltrated its workstations and unclassified documents.
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By Laura Zhou
The US has imposed sanctions on a Beijing-based cybersecurity company for its alleged role in Chinese government-sponsored hacks against critical US infrastructure.
Integrity Technology Group, known as Integrity Tech, was accused of playing a role in “multiple computer intrusion incidents against US victims,” the Treasury Department said on Friday.
In a statement, it said the incidents had been publicly linked to a Chinese-sponsored hacking group nicknamed Flax Typhoon, which the Treasury said had been active since at least 2021 and was “known for frequently targeting organisations in US critical infrastructure sectors”.
“Chinese malicious cyber actors continue to be one of the most active and most persistent threats to US national security,” the department said.
“These actors continue to target US government systems as part of their efforts, including the recent targeting of Treasury’s own IT infrastructure.”
The sanctions followed the department’s announcement on Monday that Chinese state-sponsored hackers had infiltrated its workstations and unclassified documents.
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Man arrested for supplying drugs to One Direction singer Liam Payne: Argentine police
By Agence France-Presse
Argentine police on Friday arrested one of the two men accused of supplying drugs to British singer Liam Payne before he fell to his death from the third floor of his hotel room in Buenos Aires.
Braian Paiz, who is accused of having supplied cocaine to Payne, is one of five defendants indicted in connection with the death of the 31-year-old former One Direction pop star in October.
Three of the five were charged with manslaughter and the other two with supplying illegal drugs, prosecutors said earlier this week.
Prosecutors said that Payne had consumed cocaine, alcohol and a prescription antidepressant before falling to his death from the balcony of his room at the Casa Sur Hotel.
Paiz, 24, is accused of supplying Payne with drugs two days before this death.
In November, Paiz denied in a television interview having given drugs to Payne, although he said that he met the pop star and spent time with him at his hotel.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Agence France-Presse
Argentine police on Friday arrested one of the two men accused of supplying drugs to British singer Liam Payne before he fell to his death from the third floor of his hotel room in Buenos Aires.
Braian Paiz, who is accused of having supplied cocaine to Payne, is one of five defendants indicted in connection with the death of the 31-year-old former One Direction pop star in October.
Three of the five were charged with manslaughter and the other two with supplying illegal drugs, prosecutors said earlier this week.
Prosecutors said that Payne had consumed cocaine, alcohol and a prescription antidepressant before falling to his death from the balcony of his room at the Casa Sur Hotel.
Paiz, 24, is accused of supplying Payne with drugs two days before this death.
In November, Paiz denied in a television interview having given drugs to Payne, although he said that he met the pop star and spent time with him at his hotel.
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US allocates US$306 million in new bird flu funding before Trump takes office
By Agence France-Presse
US President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration said on Friday that it will allocate US$306 million to bolster the nation’s bird flu response before president-elect Donald Trump takes office.
The new funding will support national, state and local preparedness and monitoring programmes, as well as research into potential medical countermeasures against the H5N1 virus.
“While the risk to humans remains low, we are always preparing for any possible scenario that could arise,” Health Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
“Preparedness is the key to keeping Americans healthy and our country safe.”
The United States has reported 66 human cases of bird flu since the start of 2024, though experts believe the true number could be higher, with cases potentially going undetected among cattle and poultry workers.
While the virus has not been found to spread from person to person, the amount of bird flu circulating among animals and humans has alarmed scientists, because it might combine with seasonal influenza and mutate into a more transmissible form – potentially triggering a deadly pandemic.
The funding announcement comes amid concern over how the incoming Trump administration will handle the threat.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Agence France-Presse
US President Joe Biden’s outgoing administration said on Friday that it will allocate US$306 million to bolster the nation’s bird flu response before president-elect Donald Trump takes office.
The new funding will support national, state and local preparedness and monitoring programmes, as well as research into potential medical countermeasures against the H5N1 virus.
“While the risk to humans remains low, we are always preparing for any possible scenario that could arise,” Health Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement.
“Preparedness is the key to keeping Americans healthy and our country safe.”
The United States has reported 66 human cases of bird flu since the start of 2024, though experts believe the true number could be higher, with cases potentially going undetected among cattle and poultry workers.
While the virus has not been found to spread from person to person, the amount of bird flu circulating among animals and humans has alarmed scientists, because it might combine with seasonal influenza and mutate into a more transmissible form – potentially triggering a deadly pandemic.
The funding announcement comes amid concern over how the incoming Trump administration will handle the threat.
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In New Year speech, Greenland’s leader steps up push for independence from Denmark
By Reuters
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede emphasised his desire to pursue independence from Denmark, its former colonial ruler, during his New Year speech, marking a significant change in the rhetoric surrounding the Arctic island’s future.
Egede’s speech, which comes on the heels of comments by US president-elect Donald Trump expressing his wish for “ownership and control” of Greenland, also expressed a desire to strengthen Greenland’s cooperation with other countries.
“It is about time that we ourselves take a step and shape our future, also with regard to who we will cooperate closely with, and who our trading partners will be,” he said.
An independence movement has gained traction in Greenland in recent years in part due to revelations of misconduct by Danish authorities during the 20th century, including an involuntary birth control campaign launched in the 1960s.
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 but is now a self-governing territory of Denmark and in 2009 achieved the right to claim independence through a vote. In 2023, Greenland’s government presented its first draft constitution.
“The history and current conditions have shown that our cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark has not succeeded in creating full equality,” Egede said.
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By Reuters
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede emphasised his desire to pursue independence from Denmark, its former colonial ruler, during his New Year speech, marking a significant change in the rhetoric surrounding the Arctic island’s future.
Egede’s speech, which comes on the heels of comments by US president-elect Donald Trump expressing his wish for “ownership and control” of Greenland, also expressed a desire to strengthen Greenland’s cooperation with other countries.
“It is about time that we ourselves take a step and shape our future, also with regard to who we will cooperate closely with, and who our trading partners will be,” he said.
An independence movement has gained traction in Greenland in recent years in part due to revelations of misconduct by Danish authorities during the 20th century, including an involuntary birth control campaign launched in the 1960s.
Greenland was a Danish colony until 1953 but is now a self-governing territory of Denmark and in 2009 achieved the right to claim independence through a vote. In 2023, Greenland’s government presented its first draft constitution.
“The history and current conditions have shown that our cooperation with the Kingdom of Denmark has not succeeded in creating full equality,” Egede said.
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Rudy Giuliani in court as lawyers for election workers pursue US$148 million judgment
By Associated Press
Rudy Giuliani, former New York mayor, showed up on Friday for a contempt hearing to decide whether he has dodged and deceived lawyers trying to recover a US$148 million judgment won on behalf of two Georgia election workers.
Judge Lewis J. Liman has said he may rule at the hearing whether Giuliani faces civil sanctions over his failure to turn over some assets.
Giuliani requested a day earlier to appear remotely at the hearing, but he changed his mind and came to court after the judge indicated that making a remote appearance would limit his options at the proceeding.
The lawyers claim Giuliani has displayed a “consistent pattern of wilful defiance” of Liman’s October order to give up assets, after he was found liable in 2023 for defaming the poll workers by falsely accusing them of tampering with ballots during the 2020 presidential election.
They said in court papers earlier this week that he has turned over a Mercedes-Benz and his New York flat, but not the paperwork necessary to monetise the assets. And they said he has failed to surrender valuable watches and sports memorabilia, including a signed Joe DiMaggio shirt, and not “a single dollar from his non-exempt cash accounts”.
Liman said in an order last week that Giuliani’s lawyer should be ready to explain why Giuliani should not be held in contempt with resulting sanctions that could make it less likely that he gets to keep his Florida home. A trial over the disposition of the Palm Beach condominium and World Series rings is scheduled for mid-January.
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By Associated Press
Rudy Giuliani, former New York mayor, showed up on Friday for a contempt hearing to decide whether he has dodged and deceived lawyers trying to recover a US$148 million judgment won on behalf of two Georgia election workers.
Judge Lewis J. Liman has said he may rule at the hearing whether Giuliani faces civil sanctions over his failure to turn over some assets.
Giuliani requested a day earlier to appear remotely at the hearing, but he changed his mind and came to court after the judge indicated that making a remote appearance would limit his options at the proceeding.
The lawyers claim Giuliani has displayed a “consistent pattern of wilful defiance” of Liman’s October order to give up assets, after he was found liable in 2023 for defaming the poll workers by falsely accusing them of tampering with ballots during the 2020 presidential election.
They said in court papers earlier this week that he has turned over a Mercedes-Benz and his New York flat, but not the paperwork necessary to monetise the assets. And they said he has failed to surrender valuable watches and sports memorabilia, including a signed Joe DiMaggio shirt, and not “a single dollar from his non-exempt cash accounts”.
Liman said in an order last week that Giuliani’s lawyer should be ready to explain why Giuliani should not be held in contempt with resulting sanctions that could make it less likely that he gets to keep his Florida home. A trial over the disposition of the Palm Beach condominium and World Series rings is scheduled for mid-January.
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Hong Kong to launch waiting list for appointments at public dental clinics
By Jiang Chuqin
Hong Kong health authorities will add a waiting list on Monday to a newly launched online booking system for public dental clinics after a high absence rate was recorded during the first two working days of its implementation.
The Department of Health announced the arrangement on Friday, after 40 of the 151 people allocated a quota spot at its six dental clinics via a new online registration system failed to show up on Tuesday or Thursday as scheduled, citing reasons such as scheduling conflicts or that they forgot about the booking. The no-shows accounted for 26 per cent of the bookings.
The department added it would continue to monitor the attendance rates.
“If the situation warrants, a mechanism to deter absenteeism and abuse may be introduced as necessary,” a spokesman said.
The department said the waiting list system would be introduced on Monday to fill any vacancies.
Individuals aged 65 or above who have completed the online registration but who were not selected by the computer ballot will be prioritised on the list.
If there is a slot available, they will receive a call to arrange a visit to their first-choice clinic.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Jiang Chuqin
Hong Kong health authorities will add a waiting list on Monday to a newly launched online booking system for public dental clinics after a high absence rate was recorded during the first two working days of its implementation.
The Department of Health announced the arrangement on Friday, after 40 of the 151 people allocated a quota spot at its six dental clinics via a new online registration system failed to show up on Tuesday or Thursday as scheduled, citing reasons such as scheduling conflicts or that they forgot about the booking. The no-shows accounted for 26 per cent of the bookings.
The department added it would continue to monitor the attendance rates.
“If the situation warrants, a mechanism to deter absenteeism and abuse may be introduced as necessary,” a spokesman said.
The department said the waiting list system would be introduced on Monday to fill any vacancies.
Individuals aged 65 or above who have completed the online registration but who were not selected by the computer ballot will be prioritised on the list.
If there is a slot available, they will receive a call to arrange a visit to their first-choice clinic.
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Air Busan flight from Hong Kong aborts landing in Korea amid wheels scare
By Ng Kang-chung
A flight from Hong Kong with 112 passengers on board was forced to abort its landing in Busan, South Korea, after the pilot reportedly failed to confirm that the aircraft’s wheels had been deployed.
The Air Busan Airbus A321 aircraft was eventually cleared to land after air traffic controllers at Busan airport visually confirmed that the landing gear was operating properly, South Korean media reports said on Friday.
The scare came days after the deadliest plane crash on South Korean soil. A Jeju Air flight from Bangkok crash-landed at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla province, killing 179 people on board. Only two crew members on the Boeing 737-800 survived Sunday’s crash.
The ill-fated flight carrying 181 people had attempted a wheelless or so-called belly landing amid undercarriage issues suspected to have been caused by a bird strike, skidding and crashing into a runway wall, triggering an explosion.
On Friday, Air Busan flight BX392 departed from Hong Kong at 1.50am, carrying 112 passengers. It reportedly encountered an issue with its landing gear status during its approach to Gimhae International Airport in Busan.
The pilot was unable to confirm if the landing gear was functioning, prompting a decision to circle around for additional checks.
Following the go-around, air traffic controllers visually inspected the landing gear and confirmed it had been deployed correctly. The aircraft subsequently landed without incident.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Ng Kang-chung
A flight from Hong Kong with 112 passengers on board was forced to abort its landing in Busan, South Korea, after the pilot reportedly failed to confirm that the aircraft’s wheels had been deployed.
The Air Busan Airbus A321 aircraft was eventually cleared to land after air traffic controllers at Busan airport visually confirmed that the landing gear was operating properly, South Korean media reports said on Friday.
The scare came days after the deadliest plane crash on South Korean soil. A Jeju Air flight from Bangkok crash-landed at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla province, killing 179 people on board. Only two crew members on the Boeing 737-800 survived Sunday’s crash.
The ill-fated flight carrying 181 people had attempted a wheelless or so-called belly landing amid undercarriage issues suspected to have been caused by a bird strike, skidding and crashing into a runway wall, triggering an explosion.
On Friday, Air Busan flight BX392 departed from Hong Kong at 1.50am, carrying 112 passengers. It reportedly encountered an issue with its landing gear status during its approach to Gimhae International Airport in Busan.
The pilot was unable to confirm if the landing gear was functioning, prompting a decision to circle around for additional checks.
Following the go-around, air traffic controllers visually inspected the landing gear and confirmed it had been deployed correctly. The aircraft subsequently landed without incident.
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Ex-Dassault aerospace physicist leaves US for China to lead new energy research
By Dannie Peng
Eminent computational physicist Chen Hudong – an elected member of the US National Academy of Engineering (NAE) – has left the United States after more than four decades to take up a full-time position in China.
Chen retired in April as scientific director of software multinational Dassault Systèmes, part of the French Dassault Group which also boasts one of the world’s largest manufacturers of combat aircraft, including Mirages and Rafales.
The software industry veteran has joined the College of Energy Engineering (CEE) at the prestigious Zhejiang University in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, according to a recruitment notice that appeared on its website last month.
In the post, the CEE said it plans to set up a team that will be led by Chen to address the strategic needs of China’s energy transition and the development of digitalisation, informatisation and intelligence.
The team will research computational methods and software development to promote the deep integration of high-performance computing and artificial intelligence technologies in energy engineering.
Chen will also be contributing to the high-quality development of new energy and the cultivation of the country’s next generation of excellent talent, it said.
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By Dannie Peng
Eminent computational physicist Chen Hudong – an elected member of the US National Academy of Engineering (NAE) – has left the United States after more than four decades to take up a full-time position in China.
Chen retired in April as scientific director of software multinational Dassault Systèmes, part of the French Dassault Group which also boasts one of the world’s largest manufacturers of combat aircraft, including Mirages and Rafales.
The software industry veteran has joined the College of Energy Engineering (CEE) at the prestigious Zhejiang University in the eastern Chinese city of Hangzhou, according to a recruitment notice that appeared on its website last month.
In the post, the CEE said it plans to set up a team that will be led by Chen to address the strategic needs of China’s energy transition and the development of digitalisation, informatisation and intelligence.
The team will research computational methods and software development to promote the deep integration of high-performance computing and artificial intelligence technologies in energy engineering.
Chen will also be contributing to the high-quality development of new energy and the cultivation of the country’s next generation of excellent talent, it said.
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Cathay apologises over 54-hour delay to flight going from Toronto to Hong Kong
By Edith Lin
Cathay Pacific Airways has apologised after a flight from Canada bound for Hong Kong was forced to divert to Iceland when a passenger became ill and then flew back to Toronto for a crew change, causing a more than two-day delay.
The airline said on Friday that flight CX829 was diverted to Keflavik International Airport after departing Toronto for Hong Kong so a passenger could receive urgent medical help.
After refuelling, the flight returned to Toronto to comply with crew member flying hour restrictions, it said.
“[The] captain of the flight made the decision in order to observe the statutory requirements on crew operation and rest hours set by the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, as the remaining crew hours [would] not allow the flight to make it to Hong Kong,” the spokesman said.
Cathay said it arranged hotel accommodation, meals and transport for the passengers in Toronto. Their flight was scheduled to depart with a new crew at 3.30pm (Eastern standard time) on Friday.
The flight was expected to take more than 15 hours, meaning the affected passengers would land in Hong Kong 54 hours later than originally scheduled.
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By Edith Lin
Cathay Pacific Airways has apologised after a flight from Canada bound for Hong Kong was forced to divert to Iceland when a passenger became ill and then flew back to Toronto for a crew change, causing a more than two-day delay.
The airline said on Friday that flight CX829 was diverted to Keflavik International Airport after departing Toronto for Hong Kong so a passenger could receive urgent medical help.
After refuelling, the flight returned to Toronto to comply with crew member flying hour restrictions, it said.
“[The] captain of the flight made the decision in order to observe the statutory requirements on crew operation and rest hours set by the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department, as the remaining crew hours [would] not allow the flight to make it to Hong Kong,” the spokesman said.
Cathay said it arranged hotel accommodation, meals and transport for the passengers in Toronto. Their flight was scheduled to depart with a new crew at 3.30pm (Eastern standard time) on Friday.
The flight was expected to take more than 15 hours, meaning the affected passengers would land in Hong Kong 54 hours later than originally scheduled.
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Muslims gather at Hong Kong mosque for funeral of car crash victims
By Jiang ChuqinJohnny WanFiona Sun
Thousands of Muslims have attended the funeral for two men killed in a car crash on New Year’s Day in Hong Kong, offering prayers for the deceased and condolences to the families.
The ceremony was held at the Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre in Wan Chai on Friday for Ihtsham Ali, 30, and Mohammad Faisal, 34, who died in the early hours of Wednesday, along with a third victim, Mohammad Nadeem Adalat.
“For their families, every new year for the rest of their lives will just keep reminding them of this,” said Aizaz Khan, a 31-year-old who went to the same secondary school as Faisal. “It is very sad and heartbreaking.”
Now a professional cricket player for the Hong Kong team, Khan recalled playing the sport against Faisal and remembered his former schoolmate as “nice and soft-spoken”.
The funeral started after Asr, one of the daily Islamic prayer times, with the two bodies laid out on stretchers being carried to the centre at around 4.40pm.
Many of the Asr attendees chose to stay for the Janazah prayer, a special ceremony to seek pardon and send blessings for the deceased.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Jiang ChuqinJohnny WanFiona Sun
Thousands of Muslims have attended the funeral for two men killed in a car crash on New Year’s Day in Hong Kong, offering prayers for the deceased and condolences to the families.
The ceremony was held at the Masjid Ammar and Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre in Wan Chai on Friday for Ihtsham Ali, 30, and Mohammad Faisal, 34, who died in the early hours of Wednesday, along with a third victim, Mohammad Nadeem Adalat.
“For their families, every new year for the rest of their lives will just keep reminding them of this,” said Aizaz Khan, a 31-year-old who went to the same secondary school as Faisal. “It is very sad and heartbreaking.”
Now a professional cricket player for the Hong Kong team, Khan recalled playing the sport against Faisal and remembered his former schoolmate as “nice and soft-spoken”.
The funeral started after Asr, one of the daily Islamic prayer times, with the two bodies laid out on stretchers being carried to the centre at around 4.40pm.
Many of the Asr attendees chose to stay for the Janazah prayer, a special ceremony to seek pardon and send blessings for the deceased.
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Surgery via satellite: China conducts ultra-remote medical procedures in world first
By Ling Xin
The world’s first satellite-based, ultra-remote surgeries have been conducted by China – a breakthrough which could potentially help treat injuries in high-intensity combat scenarios.
Using the Apstar-6D broadband communications satellite, 36,000km above the Earth, doctors from the People’s Liberation Army General Hospital remotely conducted five operations from Lhasa in Tibet, Dali in Yunnan and Sanya in Hainan, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday.
The patients, located in Beijing, underwent procedures on their liver, gallbladder or pancreas with the assistance of a domestically developed surgical robot system. All reportedly recovered and were discharged the following day.
Data for each precise movement during the surgeries travelled a two-way distance of nearly 150,000km – a first on both domestic and international fronts, according to CCTV.
“This series of remote surgeries spanned China’s mountains and straits, demonstrating the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of performing complex long-distance operations using home-grown satellite technologies and robotic systems,” CCTV said.
The achievement was a significant breakthrough in integrating medical and information technology, opening up new possibilities for trauma care systems in the future, it added.
Launched in 2020, Apstar-6D is a high-throughput communications satellite with a total capacity of 50 gigabits per second and an expected lifespan of 15 years. It provides extensive coverage across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing particularly on air and sea traffic routes.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Ling Xin
The world’s first satellite-based, ultra-remote surgeries have been conducted by China – a breakthrough which could potentially help treat injuries in high-intensity combat scenarios.
Using the Apstar-6D broadband communications satellite, 36,000km above the Earth, doctors from the People’s Liberation Army General Hospital remotely conducted five operations from Lhasa in Tibet, Dali in Yunnan and Sanya in Hainan, state broadcaster CCTV reported on Wednesday.
The patients, located in Beijing, underwent procedures on their liver, gallbladder or pancreas with the assistance of a domestically developed surgical robot system. All reportedly recovered and were discharged the following day.
Data for each precise movement during the surgeries travelled a two-way distance of nearly 150,000km – a first on both domestic and international fronts, according to CCTV.
“This series of remote surgeries spanned China’s mountains and straits, demonstrating the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of performing complex long-distance operations using home-grown satellite technologies and robotic systems,” CCTV said.
The achievement was a significant breakthrough in integrating medical and information technology, opening up new possibilities for trauma care systems in the future, it added.
Launched in 2020, Apstar-6D is a high-throughput communications satellite with a total capacity of 50 gigabits per second and an expected lifespan of 15 years. It provides extensive coverage across the Asia-Pacific region, focusing particularly on air and sea traffic routes.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
At least 30 killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes
By Associated Press
At least 30 people, including children, were killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes overnight and into Friday morning, hospital staff said, as sirens also sounded across Israel and stalled ceasefire talks were set to resume.
Staff at the Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital said more than a dozen women and children were killed in strikes that hit various places in central Gaza, including Nuseirat, Zawaida, Maghazi and Deir al Balah.
Dozens of people were also killed across the enclave the previous day, bringing the total of people killed in the past 24 hours to 56.
The Israeli army did not comment on the latest strikes.
However, in a statement on Friday, it said during the past day it had struck dozens of Hamas gathering points and command and control centres throughout Gaza, areas where the group had planned and executed attacks.
The army said measures were taken to mitigate civilian harm, such as using precise munitions and aerial surveillance.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Associated Press
At least 30 people, including children, were killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes overnight and into Friday morning, hospital staff said, as sirens also sounded across Israel and stalled ceasefire talks were set to resume.
Staff at the Al Aqsa Martyrs hospital said more than a dozen women and children were killed in strikes that hit various places in central Gaza, including Nuseirat, Zawaida, Maghazi and Deir al Balah.
Dozens of people were also killed across the enclave the previous day, bringing the total of people killed in the past 24 hours to 56.
The Israeli army did not comment on the latest strikes.
However, in a statement on Friday, it said during the past day it had struck dozens of Hamas gathering points and command and control centres throughout Gaza, areas where the group had planned and executed attacks.
The army said measures were taken to mitigate civilian harm, such as using precise munitions and aerial surveillance.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
