Trump demands end to North Sea ‘windmills’ in swipe at UK energy policy
美国总统当选人唐纳德·特朗普批评了英国的能源政策，要求国家“开放”老化的北海油气盆地，并废除风力发电机。他在社交媒体上发表评论，称英国正在犯一个“大错误”，主张恢复对传统能源的开采。北海是世界上最古老的海上油气盆地之一，自本世纪初以来，产量持续下降，同时也成为全球最大的海上风能区域之一。
特朗普的言论反映了他对风力发电的长期反对立场，尤其是在他曾试图阻止在他位于苏格兰的高尔夫球场附近建设风电场之后。他的评论恰逢英国政府试图通过扩大低碳经济战略来转变能源政策，承诺到2030年将海上风电的发电能力提升到60千兆瓦，并将在收入税收中使用来自石油和天然气的资金支持可再生能源项目。这与政府此前增加对北海油气生产商的盈利税，从35%提高到38%相一致，显示出二者之间的政策冲突与发展方向的区别。
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美国总统当选人唐纳德·特朗普批评了英国的能源政策，要求国家“开放”老化的北海油气盆地，并废除风力发电机。他在社交媒体上发表评论，称英国正在犯一个“大错误”，主张恢复对传统能源的开采。北海是世界上最古老的海上油气盆地之一，自本世纪初以来，产量持续下降，同时也成为全球最大的海上风能区域之一。
特朗普的言论反映了他对风力发电的长期反对立场，尤其是在他曾试图阻止在他位于苏格兰的高尔夫球场附近建设风电场之后。他的评论恰逢英国政府试图通过扩大低碳经济战略来转变能源政策，承诺到2030年将海上风电的发电能力提升到60千兆瓦，并将在收入税收中使用来自石油和天然气的资金支持可再生能源项目。这与政府此前增加对北海油气生产商的盈利税，从35%提高到38%相一致，显示出二者之间的政策冲突与发展方向的区别。
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Vietnam’s BrahMos plans spotlight India’s rising security role in Southeast Asia
越南计划购买印度的BrahMos导弹系统，这不仅是一笔价值7亿美元的军售交易，还反映了河内对中国的不安、减少对俄罗斯武器的依赖以及新德里在地区安全中日益重要的角色。这一交易预计将在几个月内最终确定，越南将成为继菲律宾之后第二个获得BrahMos导弹的国家。
BrahMos导弹是由印俄合资企业BrahMos Aerospace开发的超音速巡航导弹，速度可达2.8马赫，射程可达900公里。根据国际关系讲师Walter Ladwig的说法，印度向越南销售导弹将服务于两国的战略利益，尤其是在对中国“强硬行为”的担忧背景下。这一交易紧随菲律宾的导弹交易之后，进一步彰显了印度在东南亚安全领域的扩展角色。
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越南计划购买印度的BrahMos导弹系统，这不仅是一笔价值7亿美元的军售交易，还反映了河内对中国的不安、减少对俄罗斯武器的依赖以及新德里在地区安全中日益重要的角色。这一交易预计将在几个月内最终确定，越南将成为继菲律宾之后第二个获得BrahMos导弹的国家。
BrahMos导弹是由印俄合资企业BrahMos Aerospace开发的超音速巡航导弹，速度可达2.8马赫，射程可达900公里。根据国际关系讲师Walter Ladwig的说法，印度向越南销售导弹将服务于两国的战略利益，尤其是在对中国“强硬行为”的担忧背景下。这一交易紧随菲律宾的导弹交易之后，进一步彰显了印度在东南亚安全领域的扩展角色。
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Myanmar releases thousands of prisoners to mark Independence Day
缅甸军事政府在独立77周年之际释放了超过6000名囚犯，并减轻了其他囚犯的刑期。然而，被释放的囚犯中仅有少部分是因反对军政府而被监禁的政治犯。自2021年军方政变以来，缅甸社会经历了大规模的非暴力抵抗，现已演变为广泛的武装斗争。
根据国家电视台MRTV的报道，军事政府首脑敏昂莱已对5864名缅甸囚犯和180名外国囚犯实施了赦免，后者将被驱逐出境。这种大规模释放在缅甸的节假日和重大场合上并不罕见。同时，释放的囚犯被警告，若再次违法，将需服完原刑期及新刑期。敏昂莱还将144名囚犯的无期徒刑减为15年，尽管具体信息未被披露，其他囚犯的刑期也普遍减少了六分之一，但那些因违反反恐法等特定法律被定罪的囚犯则不在此列。
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缅甸军事政府在独立77周年之际释放了超过6000名囚犯，并减轻了其他囚犯的刑期。然而，被释放的囚犯中仅有少部分是因反对军政府而被监禁的政治犯。自2021年军方政变以来，缅甸社会经历了大规模的非暴力抵抗，现已演变为广泛的武装斗争。
根据国家电视台MRTV的报道，军事政府首脑敏昂莱已对5864名缅甸囚犯和180名外国囚犯实施了赦免，后者将被驱逐出境。这种大规模释放在缅甸的节假日和重大场合上并不罕见。同时，释放的囚犯被警告，若再次违法，将需服完原刑期及新刑期。敏昂莱还将144名囚犯的无期徒刑减为15年，尽管具体信息未被披露，其他囚犯的刑期也普遍减少了六分之一，但那些因违反反恐法等特定法律被定罪的囚犯则不在此列。
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Hong Kong to cut costs as deficit expected to hit nearly HK$100 billion
香港财政司司长承诺将在未来三到五年内专注于控制经常性支出的增长，并优先考虑公共工程，以重整预算，预计本财政年度的赤字将接近1000亿港元。财政司司长陈茂波在周六的讲话中指出，政府将实施更多的削减开支措施，以应对持续的财政赤字。
陈茂波还明确表示，他“绝对不同意”房价必然会下跌，并重申反对通过土地申请名单系统恢复土地销售，这一系统将确保政府对土地供应的全面控制。原本预计截至今年三月的财政年度赤字为481亿港元，但由于土地销售收入不及预期，赤字可能会达到约1000亿港元。随着财政赤字问题的再次浮现，陈司长在市民会议上更新了赤字预测，强调削减支出的重要性。
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香港财政司司长承诺将在未来三到五年内专注于控制经常性支出的增长，并优先考虑公共工程，以重整预算，预计本财政年度的赤字将接近1000亿港元。财政司司长陈茂波在周六的讲话中指出，政府将实施更多的削减开支措施，以应对持续的财政赤字。
陈茂波还明确表示，他“绝对不同意”房价必然会下跌，并重申反对通过土地申请名单系统恢复土地销售，这一系统将确保政府对土地供应的全面控制。原本预计截至今年三月的财政年度赤字为481亿港元，但由于土地销售收入不及预期，赤字可能会达到约1000亿港元。随着财政赤字问题的再次浮现，陈司长在市民会议上更新了赤字预测，强调削减支出的重要性。
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Rising ‘United States of Eurasia’ will need a development bank to support it
随着中国“一带一路”倡议的推进，欧亚大陆的国家有望实现更紧密的经济和政治整合。这一整合将改变全球经济格局，并可能加剧美国对这一潜在竞争对手的敌意，尤其是美国对“一带一路”倡议的反对态度，反映了其对欧亚一体化的担忧。
欧亚大陆覆盖55万平方公里，拥有超过50亿人口，构建这样一个大陆整体需要巨大的愿景和资金支持。中国在2013年提出“一带一路”倡议，并随后成立了亚洲基础设施投资银行（AIIB），旨在为这一宏伟计划提供融资。然而，AIIB行长金立群在2016年强调，银行将与“一带一路”倡议保持距离，以提升其作为独立多边机构的形象。
尽管这一决定在当时看似明智，且AIIB的金融证券获得了国际投资级别，但也被认为错失了应对全球基础设施挑战的良机。随着金立群的任期将在2026年结束，预计AIIB将逐步增加对“一带一路”倡议的金融支持，从而推动欧亚一体化进程。
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随着中国“一带一路”倡议的推进，欧亚大陆的国家有望实现更紧密的经济和政治整合。这一整合将改变全球经济格局，并可能加剧美国对这一潜在竞争对手的敌意，尤其是美国对“一带一路”倡议的反对态度，反映了其对欧亚一体化的担忧。
欧亚大陆覆盖55万平方公里，拥有超过50亿人口，构建这样一个大陆整体需要巨大的愿景和资金支持。中国在2013年提出“一带一路”倡议，并随后成立了亚洲基础设施投资银行（AIIB），旨在为这一宏伟计划提供融资。然而，AIIB行长金立群在2016年强调，银行将与“一带一路”倡议保持距离，以提升其作为独立多边机构的形象。
尽管这一决定在当时看似明智，且AIIB的金融证券获得了国际投资级别，但也被认为错失了应对全球基础设施挑战的良机。随着金立群的任期将在2026年结束，预计AIIB将逐步增加对“一带一路”倡议的金融支持，从而推动欧亚一体化进程。
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New contract for Hong Kong cruise terminal ‘could include docking day KPI’
香港的凯达邮轮码头运营合同的新竞标者可能需要满足以停靠天数为基础的关键绩效指标（KPI）。这是香港文化、体育及旅游局局长罗珊娜·罗在计划于今年启动的新招标活动前所提到的。现有的租赁协议将于2028年5月到期，政府将在此之前开始招标程序。
罗局长指出，新合同可能包含KPI，但成功中标者需要提前数年与邮轮公司进行准备讨论，因为邮轮的预订通常在旅行前两到三年完成。她提到，要求某个特定数量的邮轮在香港停靠可能不太实际，但可以设定每年停靠的天数目标。投标公司也可以提出他们有信心能够确保的停靠天数，这些都是重要的指标。
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香港的凯达邮轮码头运营合同的新竞标者可能需要满足以停靠天数为基础的关键绩效指标（KPI）。这是香港文化、体育及旅游局局长罗珊娜·罗在计划于今年启动的新招标活动前所提到的。现有的租赁协议将于2028年5月到期，政府将在此之前开始招标程序。
罗局长指出，新合同可能包含KPI，但成功中标者需要提前数年与邮轮公司进行准备讨论，因为邮轮的预订通常在旅行前两到三年完成。她提到，要求某个特定数量的邮轮在香港停靠可能不太实际，但可以设定每年停靠的天数目标。投标公司也可以提出他们有信心能够确保的停靠天数，这些都是重要的指标。
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South Korea fatal crash cockpit transcript nearly complete, investigators say
韩国调查人员表示，他们即将完成一场导致179人遇难的飞机坠毁事件的驾驶舱语音记录仪的转录工作。这段录音可能揭示了上周日从泰国飞往韩国的济州航空2216航班在降落时的最后时刻。该航班在降落时发生腹部着陆，随后撞上了机场跑道尽头的混凝土障碍物。
韩国和美国的调查人员，包括飞机制造商波音的代表，自灾难发生以来一直在位于西南部的务安进行现场勘查，以确定事故原因。韩国土地部在一份声明中表示：“驾驶舱语音记录仪的转录预计今天完成，飞行数据记录仪正在准备运往美国进行分析。”此外，调查人员本周还从事故现场恢复了飞机引擎。尽管波音737-800的确切坠毁原因尚不清楚，但调查人员已将鸟击、故障的起落架和跑道障碍物列为可能的问题。
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韩国调查人员表示，他们即将完成一场导致179人遇难的飞机坠毁事件的驾驶舱语音记录仪的转录工作。这段录音可能揭示了上周日从泰国飞往韩国的济州航空2216航班在降落时的最后时刻。该航班在降落时发生腹部着陆，随后撞上了机场跑道尽头的混凝土障碍物。
韩国和美国的调查人员，包括飞机制造商波音的代表，自灾难发生以来一直在位于西南部的务安进行现场勘查，以确定事故原因。韩国土地部在一份声明中表示：“驾驶舱语音记录仪的转录预计今天完成，飞行数据记录仪正在准备运往美国进行分析。”此外，调查人员本周还从事故现场恢复了飞机引擎。尽管波音737-800的确切坠毁原因尚不清楚，但调查人员已将鸟击、故障的起落架和跑道障碍物列为可能的问题。
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Hollywood film crews struggle with debt, job insecurity and loss of hiring diversity
Heather Fink, a freelance sound utility worker, found herself in a challenging situation after Hollywood strikes halted production, leaving her without work and increasing her anxiety. After struggling for months to make ends meet, she received a breakthrough opportunity to join the sound department of ABC’s long-running series Grey’s Anatomy for its 22nd season.
Fink, a graduate of New York University's film school, has spent over two decades in the film industry while pursuing her dreams of writing and directing. The work stoppages from the strikes significantly impacted her financial stability and mental health, prompting her to seek new opportunities. The offer for a full-time position on such a prominent show not only alleviated her financial concerns but also rekindled her passion for her craft, which she expressed immense gratitude for. This new role could serve as a pivotal point in her career, bridging her experience in sound with her artistic aspirations.
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Heather Fink, a freelance sound utility worker, found herself in a challenging situation after Hollywood strikes halted production, leaving her without work and increasing her anxiety. After struggling for months to make ends meet, she received a breakthrough opportunity to join the sound department of ABC’s long-running series Grey’s Anatomy for its 22nd season.
Fink, a graduate of New York University's film school, has spent over two decades in the film industry while pursuing her dreams of writing and directing. The work stoppages from the strikes significantly impacted her financial stability and mental health, prompting her to seek new opportunities. The offer for a full-time position on such a prominent show not only alleviated her financial concerns but also rekindled her passion for her craft, which she expressed immense gratitude for. This new role could serve as a pivotal point in her career, bridging her experience in sound with her artistic aspirations.
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China’s tech giants vow to fix algorithm issues amid government crackdown
中国主要互联网平台承诺改进其算法，以应对互联网监管机构针对推荐技术滥用的整治行动。在这一背景下，字节跳动的抖音宣布将建立一个安全中心，提升推荐系统的透明度，并加强对虚假信息和网络暴力的打击。同时，拼多多也表示正在积极构建一个健康的生态系统，以防止“大数据驱动的价格歧视”。
这些措施是在11月启动的为期三个月的官方活动之后出台的，旨在解决在线平台上算法的“典型问题”，如信息过滤泡沫和针对不同人群的不公平定价。与此同时，社交平台小红书也发布了邀请用户了解其算法如何工作的帖子，并提醒用户可以随时关闭个性化推荐，显示出其对公众意见的重视。这一系列改革措施标志着中国互联网行业在规范化和用户保护方面的努力。
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中国主要互联网平台承诺改进其算法，以应对互联网监管机构针对推荐技术滥用的整治行动。在这一背景下，字节跳动的抖音宣布将建立一个安全中心，提升推荐系统的透明度，并加强对虚假信息和网络暴力的打击。同时，拼多多也表示正在积极构建一个健康的生态系统，以防止“大数据驱动的价格歧视”。
这些措施是在11月启动的为期三个月的官方活动之后出台的，旨在解决在线平台上算法的“典型问题”，如信息过滤泡沫和针对不同人群的不公平定价。与此同时，社交平台小红书也发布了邀请用户了解其算法如何工作的帖子，并提醒用户可以随时关闭个性化推荐，显示出其对公众意见的重视。这一系列改革措施标志着中国互联网行业在规范化和用户保护方面的努力。
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‘History war’: Japan’s far-right slams Chinese and South Korean films ahead of WWII event
随着亚太地区准备纪念第二次世界大战结束80周年，日本保守派警告称，国家面临2025年的“历史战争”。他们指出，地区对手通过电影和电视剧强调本国公民的英雄主义以及日本军国主义者的残暴，可能会加剧对日本的敌意。
保守派人士认为，像去年在中国首映的电影《731》和在韩国大获成功的《哈尔滨》等影片，都是旨在鼓励对日本的仇恨的修正主义宣传。前学者、现任极右保守党议员的岛田洋一表示，某些国家将利用战争结束周年纪念日来推广他们的历史解读，尤其是在年轻一代中，这种影响力更为显著。
他进一步指出，类似的文化战争一直是极权国家影响自由世界舆论的工具，回顾历史可以发现，苏联在20世纪50年代试图控制好莱坞以传播其信息的做法并不鲜见。这种现象的再现并不令人意外，尤其是在那些长期接受反日教育的国家中。
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随着亚太地区准备纪念第二次世界大战结束80周年，日本保守派警告称，国家面临2025年的“历史战争”。他们指出，地区对手通过电影和电视剧强调本国公民的英雄主义以及日本军国主义者的残暴，可能会加剧对日本的敌意。
保守派人士认为，像去年在中国首映的电影《731》和在韩国大获成功的《哈尔滨》等影片，都是旨在鼓励对日本的仇恨的修正主义宣传。前学者、现任极右保守党议员的岛田洋一表示，某些国家将利用战争结束周年纪念日来推广他们的历史解读，尤其是在年轻一代中，这种影响力更为显著。
他进一步指出，类似的文化战争一直是极权国家影响自由世界舆论的工具，回顾历史可以发现，苏联在20世纪50年代试图控制好莱坞以传播其信息的做法并不鲜见。这种现象的再现并不令人意外，尤其是在那些长期接受反日教育的国家中。
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‘History war’: Japan’s far-right slams Chinese and South Korean films ahead of WWII event
By Julian Ryall
As Asia-Pacific prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, conservatives in Japan warn that the nation faces a “history war” in 2025 as regional rivals release films and television dramas that highlight the heroism of their citizens and the brutality of Japanese military rulers.
They claim that films such as 731, which was first screened in China last year and is due for worldwide release this summer, and Harbin, which is a box office hit in South Korea, are revisionist propaganda designed to encourage animosity towards Japan.
“It was obvious that some nations would use the anniversary of the end of the war to promote their interpretations of history, and we know that films have the power to be very influential,” said Yoichi Shimada, a former academic who won a seat in the October general election for the far-right Conservative Party.
“That is even more pronounced among younger generations and in countries where generations of people have grown up watching similar films, have been taught the same things in school and hear an anti-Japanese message every day from their state-run media,” he told This Week in Asia.
“We only have to look back at how the Soviet Union tried to control Hollywood in the 1950s to communicate its message and influence public opinion in the US,” he said.
“This kind of ‘cultural war’ has always been a tool for fascist countries to try to influence the minds of people in the free world, so it is no surprise to see this happening again now.”
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By Julian Ryall
As Asia-Pacific prepares to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, conservatives in Japan warn that the nation faces a “history war” in 2025 as regional rivals release films and television dramas that highlight the heroism of their citizens and the brutality of Japanese military rulers.
They claim that films such as 731, which was first screened in China last year and is due for worldwide release this summer, and Harbin, which is a box office hit in South Korea, are revisionist propaganda designed to encourage animosity towards Japan.
“It was obvious that some nations would use the anniversary of the end of the war to promote their interpretations of history, and we know that films have the power to be very influential,” said Yoichi Shimada, a former academic who won a seat in the October general election for the far-right Conservative Party.
“That is even more pronounced among younger generations and in countries where generations of people have grown up watching similar films, have been taught the same things in school and hear an anti-Japanese message every day from their state-run media,” he told This Week in Asia.
“We only have to look back at how the Soviet Union tried to control Hollywood in the 1950s to communicate its message and influence public opinion in the US,” he said.
“This kind of ‘cultural war’ has always been a tool for fascist countries to try to influence the minds of people in the free world, so it is no surprise to see this happening again now.”
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Malaysian police hunt for suspects in abduction, robbery of 2 Chinese tourists
By The Star
Four men are being hunted by Malaysian police after robbing two Chinese tourists in Pekan Gohtong Jaya near Pahang state’s Genting Highlands on Monday.
Bentong police superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar said the incident, which occurred at about 6.30pm, involved a 26-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman.
Officers at the Genting Highlands police station received information about the incident from a member of the public at around 7.40pm.
“The incident happened while both victims were walking in Pekan Gohtong Jaya when they were approached by four unidentified male suspects.
“The suspects forced both victims into a BMW vehicle, and a struggle ensued between them,” he said in a statement on Friday.
The female victim managed to escape from the vehicle, while the male victim was taken by the suspects.
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By The Star
Four men are being hunted by Malaysian police after robbing two Chinese tourists in Pekan Gohtong Jaya near Pahang state’s Genting Highlands on Monday.
Bentong police superintendent Zaiham Mohd Kahar said the incident, which occurred at about 6.30pm, involved a 26-year-old man and a 27-year-old woman.
Officers at the Genting Highlands police station received information about the incident from a member of the public at around 7.40pm.
“The incident happened while both victims were walking in Pekan Gohtong Jaya when they were approached by four unidentified male suspects.
“The suspects forced both victims into a BMW vehicle, and a struggle ensued between them,” he said in a statement on Friday.
The female victim managed to escape from the vehicle, while the male victim was taken by the suspects.
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New Orleans attacker plotted carnage weeks ago, kept suspected bomb materials at home: officials
By Associated Press
The man who rammed a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revellers in New Orleans had suspected bomb-making materials at his home and reserved the vehicle used in the deadly attack more than six weeks earlier, law enforcement officials said on Friday.
Federal authorities searching the home of Shamsud-Din Jabbar in Houston found a workbench in the garage and hazardous materials believed to have been used to make explosive devices, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the search. The officials were not authorised to speak about the ongoing inquiry and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The FBI investigation also revealed that Jabbar bought a cooler in Vidor, Texas, hours before the attack and gun oil from a store in Sulphur, Louisiana, the officials said. Authorities also determined Jabbar booked his rental of the pickup truck on November 14, suggesting he may have been plotting the attack for more than six weeks.
Authorities said 14 people were killed and about 30 were injured in the attack early Wednesday by Jabbar, a former army soldier who posted several videos on his Facebook hours before the attack previewing the violence he would unleash and proclaiming his support for Islamic State militant group. The coroner’s office listed the cause of death for all 14 victims as “blunt force injuries”.
Jabbar, 42, was fatally shot in a firefight with police at the scene of the deadly crash on Bourbon Street, famous worldwide for its festive vibes in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter.
Authorities found crude bombs that had been planted in the neighbourhood in an apparent attempt to cause more carnage. Two improvised explosive devices left in coolers several blocks apart were rendered safe at the scene, officials said. Other devices were determined to be non-functional.
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By Associated Press
The man who rammed a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year’s revellers in New Orleans had suspected bomb-making materials at his home and reserved the vehicle used in the deadly attack more than six weeks earlier, law enforcement officials said on Friday.
Federal authorities searching the home of Shamsud-Din Jabbar in Houston found a workbench in the garage and hazardous materials believed to have been used to make explosive devices, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the search. The officials were not authorised to speak about the ongoing inquiry and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The FBI investigation also revealed that Jabbar bought a cooler in Vidor, Texas, hours before the attack and gun oil from a store in Sulphur, Louisiana, the officials said. Authorities also determined Jabbar booked his rental of the pickup truck on November 14, suggesting he may have been plotting the attack for more than six weeks.
Authorities said 14 people were killed and about 30 were injured in the attack early Wednesday by Jabbar, a former army soldier who posted several videos on his Facebook hours before the attack previewing the violence he would unleash and proclaiming his support for Islamic State militant group. The coroner’s office listed the cause of death for all 14 victims as “blunt force injuries”.
Jabbar, 42, was fatally shot in a firefight with police at the scene of the deadly crash on Bourbon Street, famous worldwide for its festive vibes in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter.
Authorities found crude bombs that had been planted in the neighbourhood in an apparent attempt to cause more carnage. Two improvised explosive devices left in coolers several blocks apart were rendered safe at the scene, officials said. Other devices were determined to be non-functional.
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Pay cut for Hong Kong lawmakers would not benefit city: Legco president
By Harvey Kong
A reduction in lawmakers’ salaries will not benefit Hong Kong, the head of the city’s legislature has said as he denied the body was a “hand-raising machine” or “rubber stamp” for its support of government bills and funding requests.
Legislative Council president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen on Saturday also defended a recent trip made by him and other lawmakers to Japan, which drew criticism of unnecessary spending from the public.
Asked if there was a need to cut lawmakers’ and civil servants’ pay as the government deficit for the financial year ballooned to about HK$100 billion (US$12.86 billion), Leung warned such a move could be counterproductive.
“A lot of people are watching the salaries of civil servants as a benchmark. When civil servants reduce their salaries and the business sector reduce their salaries as well, everyone would have even less confidence in spending money,” he said.
“Everyone needs to be aware, it is easy to say, but the problems that would appear as a result would be much more serious.”
He argued that the best way to counter the effects of the deficit would be to boost public confidence by growing Hong Kong’s economic pie, so residents would be encouraged to invest, purchase homes and spend money.
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By Harvey Kong
A reduction in lawmakers’ salaries will not benefit Hong Kong, the head of the city’s legislature has said as he denied the body was a “hand-raising machine” or “rubber stamp” for its support of government bills and funding requests.
Legislative Council president Andrew Leung Kwan-yuen on Saturday also defended a recent trip made by him and other lawmakers to Japan, which drew criticism of unnecessary spending from the public.
Asked if there was a need to cut lawmakers’ and civil servants’ pay as the government deficit for the financial year ballooned to about HK$100 billion (US$12.86 billion), Leung warned such a move could be counterproductive.
“A lot of people are watching the salaries of civil servants as a benchmark. When civil servants reduce their salaries and the business sector reduce their salaries as well, everyone would have even less confidence in spending money,” he said.
“Everyone needs to be aware, it is easy to say, but the problems that would appear as a result would be much more serious.”
He argued that the best way to counter the effects of the deficit would be to boost public confidence by growing Hong Kong’s economic pie, so residents would be encouraged to invest, purchase homes and spend money.
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China’s civil servants to get long-delayed pay rise, but will it boost economy?
By William Zheng
After a few years of belt-tightening, millions of Chinese civil servants are expected to bring home a much-delayed pay rise ahead of Lunar New Year later this month.
Several civil servants and workers at public institutions in China said they had received notification from their finance or human resources departments about an increase in their basic monthly pay.
They said the amount, ranging from 300 to 500 yuan (US$41 to US$69), would be effective before the holiday, also known as Spring Festival, which falls on January 29. But the exact amount will vary depending on location, local budgets, position and seniority.
An official in the central government in Beijing said he and his colleagues were formally notified about the pay rise in the last week of December.
“It certainly helps to improve morale in the office as the festive season is just around the corner. But we are also reminded not to openly discuss it,” he said, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.
For those whose pay will rise by 500 yuan, the net increase in take-home pay is around 350 after social security contributions.
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By William Zheng
After a few years of belt-tightening, millions of Chinese civil servants are expected to bring home a much-delayed pay rise ahead of Lunar New Year later this month.
Several civil servants and workers at public institutions in China said they had received notification from their finance or human resources departments about an increase in their basic monthly pay.
They said the amount, ranging from 300 to 500 yuan (US$41 to US$69), would be effective before the holiday, also known as Spring Festival, which falls on January 29. But the exact amount will vary depending on location, local budgets, position and seniority.
An official in the central government in Beijing said he and his colleagues were formally notified about the pay rise in the last week of December.
“It certainly helps to improve morale in the office as the festive season is just around the corner. But we are also reminded not to openly discuss it,” he said, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.
For those whose pay will rise by 500 yuan, the net increase in take-home pay is around 350 after social security contributions.
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Japan firm uses AI to train new staff in handling difficult customers, coping with stress
By Zoey Zhang
A company in Japan has turned to artificial intelligence (AI) technology to train staff how to deal with demanding customers.
The move is aimed at boosting the adaptability of staff and enhancing their ability to cope with stress.
Constant exposure to high-pressure customer interactions has left many employees in the telephone service industry overworked, resulting in persistent labor shortages.
The technology company Interactive-Solutions has recently created iRolePlay, a ChatGPT-powered AI tool that trains customer service staff using simulated conversations.
ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI and launched in 2022, enables lifelike dialogue and smart text responses.
Tokyo Television reported that iRolePlay can simulate a range of customer personalities to provide training for customer service personnel.
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By Zoey Zhang
A company in Japan has turned to artificial intelligence (AI) technology to train staff how to deal with demanding customers.
The move is aimed at boosting the adaptability of staff and enhancing their ability to cope with stress.
Constant exposure to high-pressure customer interactions has left many employees in the telephone service industry overworked, resulting in persistent labor shortages.
The technology company Interactive-Solutions has recently created iRolePlay, a ChatGPT-powered AI tool that trains customer service staff using simulated conversations.
ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI and launched in 2022, enables lifelike dialogue and smart text responses.
Tokyo Television reported that iRolePlay can simulate a range of customer personalities to provide training for customer service personnel.
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Japan’s Nippon to file lawsuit over Biden’s decision to block US Steel sale
By Kyodo
Nippon Steel Corp. is set to file a lawsuit in response to US President Joe Biden’s decision to block its US$14.1 billion takeover of United States Steel Corp., sources close to the matter said on Saturday.
Biden on Friday said the deal posed a risk to national security while urging the Japanese and US steelmakers to “fully and permanently” abandon their plan, which has been backed by US Steel shareholders. The leadership of the powerful United Steelworkers union strongly objected to the acquisition.
Nippon Steel, the world’s fourth-largest steelmaker, and the smaller US Steel immediately released a joint statement saying the US authorities’ review of their deal was “manipulated to advance President Biden’s political agenda” and that they will “take all appropriate action to protect our legal rights”.
Biden’s order marked the first time an American president has banned a merger and acquisition deal involving a Japanese firm.
Japan’s industry minister Yoji Muto said: “It is incomprehensible and regrettable that the Biden administration has made this kind of decision, citing national security concerns.”
“The Japanese government has no choice but to regard this seriously,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
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By Kyodo
Nippon Steel Corp. is set to file a lawsuit in response to US President Joe Biden’s decision to block its US$14.1 billion takeover of United States Steel Corp., sources close to the matter said on Saturday.
Biden on Friday said the deal posed a risk to national security while urging the Japanese and US steelmakers to “fully and permanently” abandon their plan, which has been backed by US Steel shareholders. The leadership of the powerful United Steelworkers union strongly objected to the acquisition.
Nippon Steel, the world’s fourth-largest steelmaker, and the smaller US Steel immediately released a joint statement saying the US authorities’ review of their deal was “manipulated to advance President Biden’s political agenda” and that they will “take all appropriate action to protect our legal rights”.
Biden’s order marked the first time an American president has banned a merger and acquisition deal involving a Japanese firm.
Japan’s industry minister Yoji Muto said: “It is incomprehensible and regrettable that the Biden administration has made this kind of decision, citing national security concerns.”
“The Japanese government has no choice but to regard this seriously,” he said in a statement on Saturday.
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US agencies warn of possible copycat attacks after New Orleans truck rampage
By Reuters
US law enforcement and intelligence agencies are concerned about copycat vehicle-ramming attacks following the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans by a US Army veteran, according to a US law enforcement intelligence bulletin published on Friday.
The bulletin was issued a day after the FBI said Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas native, was “100 per cent inspired” by Islamic State militant group to drive a truck into New Year’s Day revellers in New Orleans, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens of others.
Jabbar, who flew an Isis flag from the rear of the truck he had rented, subsequently was killed in a shoot-out with police.
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security and the US National Counterterrorism Center “are concerned about possible copycat or retaliatory attacks,” said the intelligence bulletin published by the three agencies and reviewed by Reuters.
Such attacks “are likely to remain attractive for aspiring attackers given vehicles’ ease of acquisition and the low skill threshold necessary to conduct an attack,” said the bulletin issued to US law enforcement agencies.
The bulletin noted that as of Thursday, Isis had not claimed responsibility for the New Orleans attack. But the group’s online supporters celebrated it and a December 20 vehicle-ramming in Germany even though that incident did not appear to have been Isis-inspired, it said.
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By Reuters
US law enforcement and intelligence agencies are concerned about copycat vehicle-ramming attacks following the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans by a US Army veteran, according to a US law enforcement intelligence bulletin published on Friday.
The bulletin was issued a day after the FBI said Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a 42-year-old Texas native, was “100 per cent inspired” by Islamic State militant group to drive a truck into New Year’s Day revellers in New Orleans, killing at least 14 people and injuring dozens of others.
Jabbar, who flew an Isis flag from the rear of the truck he had rented, subsequently was killed in a shoot-out with police.
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security and the US National Counterterrorism Center “are concerned about possible copycat or retaliatory attacks,” said the intelligence bulletin published by the three agencies and reviewed by Reuters.
Such attacks “are likely to remain attractive for aspiring attackers given vehicles’ ease of acquisition and the low skill threshold necessary to conduct an attack,” said the bulletin issued to US law enforcement agencies.
The bulletin noted that as of Thursday, Isis had not claimed responsibility for the New Orleans attack. But the group’s online supporters celebrated it and a December 20 vehicle-ramming in Germany even though that incident did not appear to have been Isis-inspired, it said.
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Hong Kong villagers making way for new town hope to be resettled together
By Vivian Au
Retired fish farmer Lai Koon-shing has spent most of his life in a quiet corner of Hong Kong, a rural area set against a backdrop of mountains in the New Territories.
Yau Tam Mei Tsuen in Yuen Long has long been home to a farming community that produced rice, vegetables, poultry, pigs and fish.
Lai, 76, and his wife raised their four children there. Their extended family of 19 individuals from three generations occupy two village houses built on 8,000 sq m (86,111 sq ft) leased from the government.
When it is mealtime, everyone comes together. “This is one of the happiest moments for me,” Lai said.
He still has his fish pond, and some of his neighbours continue keeping chickens, but the close-knit community of about 1,300 knows their days there are numbered.
Yau Tam Mei Tsuen lies within the 63,790 sq m development site for the new development of Ngau Tam Mei, a key centre in the proposed Northern Metropolis megaproject near the border with mainland China.
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By Vivian Au
Retired fish farmer Lai Koon-shing has spent most of his life in a quiet corner of Hong Kong, a rural area set against a backdrop of mountains in the New Territories.
Yau Tam Mei Tsuen in Yuen Long has long been home to a farming community that produced rice, vegetables, poultry, pigs and fish.
Lai, 76, and his wife raised their four children there. Their extended family of 19 individuals from three generations occupy two village houses built on 8,000 sq m (86,111 sq ft) leased from the government.
When it is mealtime, everyone comes together. “This is one of the happiest moments for me,” Lai said.
He still has his fish pond, and some of his neighbours continue keeping chickens, but the close-knit community of about 1,300 knows their days there are numbered.
Yau Tam Mei Tsuen lies within the 63,790 sq m development site for the new development of Ngau Tam Mei, a key centre in the proposed Northern Metropolis megaproject near the border with mainland China.
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