Divisive study finds link between fluoride and childhood IQ loss
一项有争议的新研究可能重新点燃关于水中氟化物安全性的辩论，研究表明儿童接触氟化物的水平越高，智商越低。这项研究于周一发表在《美国医学会杂志（JAMA）儿科》上，引发了一些科学家的反对，他们批评研究方法，捍卫氟化物的已知牙齿健康益处，并警告研究结果可能不适用于美国典型的水氟化水平。
这项研究的发布恰逢当选总统唐纳德·特朗普准备就职，他的卫生部长提名人罗伯特·F·肯尼迪是氟化水的公开批评者，而目前约有两亿美国人，即近三分之二的人口，饮用氟化水。来自国家环境健康科学研究所的研究人员回顾了包括加拿大、中国和印度在内的10个国家的74项关于氟化物暴露与儿童智商的研究。该团队在八月时曾帮助制定官方政府建议，认为“有中等信心”认为较高水平的氟化物与智商降低有关。
现在，由凯拉·泰勒领导的研究团队告诉法新社，他们的新分析发现氟化物暴露与智商降低之间存在“统计学上显著的关联”。这一发现可能会对公共卫生政策产生深远影响，尤其是在氟化物使用广泛的地区。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
一项有争议的新研究可能重新点燃关于水中氟化物安全性的辩论，研究表明儿童接触氟化物的水平越高，智商越低。这项研究于周一发表在《美国医学会杂志（JAMA）儿科》上，引发了一些科学家的反对，他们批评研究方法，捍卫氟化物的已知牙齿健康益处，并警告研究结果可能不适用于美国典型的水氟化水平。
这项研究的发布恰逢当选总统唐纳德·特朗普准备就职，他的卫生部长提名人罗伯特·F·肯尼迪是氟化水的公开批评者，而目前约有两亿美国人，即近三分之二的人口，饮用氟化水。来自国家环境健康科学研究所的研究人员回顾了包括加拿大、中国和印度在内的10个国家的74项关于氟化物暴露与儿童智商的研究。该团队在八月时曾帮助制定官方政府建议，认为“有中等信心”认为较高水平的氟化物与智商降低有关。
现在，由凯拉·泰勒领导的研究团队告诉法新社，他们的新分析发现氟化物暴露与智商降低之间存在“统计学上显著的关联”。这一发现可能会对公共卫生政策产生深远影响，尤其是在氟化物使用广泛的地区。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Google to bring Gemini AI to TV sets running its software
Alphabet将通过在其Google Assistant语音控制系统中加入Gemini，为运行Google TV操作系统的电视机进行AI升级。在CES科技展上，谷歌展示了升级后的Google TV软件，增强了自然语音命令、内容搜索功能和YouTube的深度整合。
Gemini升级预计将在今年晚些时候推出，用户将能够进行更自然的对话，而无需每次命令都重复“嘿，谷歌”的唤醒词。谷歌在记者演示中展示了用户可以轻松调取保存在Google Photos账户中的旅行视频。此外，此次更新是谷歌首次将Gemini功能引入运行其操作系统的第三方电视机，如索尼、海信和TCL等品牌，之前这一功能仅在谷歌自家的流媒体盒子上推出。谷歌的Google TV平台正与三星、亚马逊和Roku等主要电视操作系统展开竞争。
谷歌还预览了一种新型“始终在线”模式，利用传感器判断用户是否靠近，从而提供定制的信息，例如新闻和天气预报。TCL预计将在2025年底成为首个推出此模式的制造商，海信则计划在2026年跟进。这项技术的引入可能会进一步提升用户与电视的互动体验。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Alphabet将通过在其Google Assistant语音控制系统中加入Gemini，为运行Google TV操作系统的电视机进行AI升级。在CES科技展上，谷歌展示了升级后的Google TV软件，增强了自然语音命令、内容搜索功能和YouTube的深度整合。
Gemini升级预计将在今年晚些时候推出，用户将能够进行更自然的对话，而无需每次命令都重复“嘿，谷歌”的唤醒词。谷歌在记者演示中展示了用户可以轻松调取保存在Google Photos账户中的旅行视频。此外，此次更新是谷歌首次将Gemini功能引入运行其操作系统的第三方电视机，如索尼、海信和TCL等品牌，之前这一功能仅在谷歌自家的流媒体盒子上推出。谷歌的Google TV平台正与三星、亚马逊和Roku等主要电视操作系统展开竞争。
谷歌还预览了一种新型“始终在线”模式，利用传感器判断用户是否靠近，从而提供定制的信息，例如新闻和天气预报。TCL预计将在2025年底成为首个推出此模式的制造商，海信则计划在2026年跟进。这项技术的引入可能会进一步提升用户与电视的互动体验。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
US moves 11 Guantanamo detainees to Oman after more than 2 decades without charge
美国国防部最近将11名也门男子转移至阿曼，这些人已在古巴关塔那摩湾的美国海军基地被拘留超过20年，未被指控任何罪行。这一转移标志着拜登政府在清理关塔那摩最后一批未被控罪的拘留者方面的最新努力，也是其任内最大的行动。
这一行动使关塔那摩的拘留人数降至15人，这是自2002年以来的最低点。当时，乔治·W·布什政府将关塔那摩转变为拘留大多数在“反恐战争”中被捕的穆斯林男子的场所。此次转移的人员中包括沙卡维·阿尔哈吉，他因在监禁期间多次进行绝食抗议而经历了多次住院治疗，之前他还在CIA的拘留中遭受了两年的虐待。
权利组织和一些立法者一直在推动美国政府关闭关塔那摩，或至少释放所有未被控罪的拘留者。在关塔那摩的拘留人数曾在高峰时达到约800人，而如今的转移行动则反映出对这一长期争议问题的重新关注。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
美国国防部最近将11名也门男子转移至阿曼，这些人已在古巴关塔那摩湾的美国海军基地被拘留超过20年，未被指控任何罪行。这一转移标志着拜登政府在清理关塔那摩最后一批未被控罪的拘留者方面的最新努力，也是其任内最大的行动。
这一行动使关塔那摩的拘留人数降至15人，这是自2002年以来的最低点。当时，乔治·W·布什政府将关塔那摩转变为拘留大多数在“反恐战争”中被捕的穆斯林男子的场所。此次转移的人员中包括沙卡维·阿尔哈吉，他因在监禁期间多次进行绝食抗议而经历了多次住院治疗，之前他还在CIA的拘留中遭受了两年的虐待。
权利组织和一些立法者一直在推动美国政府关闭关塔那摩，或至少释放所有未被控罪的拘留者。在关塔那摩的拘留人数曾在高峰时达到约800人，而如今的转移行动则反映出对这一长期争议问题的重新关注。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
What’s driving South Korea’s political chaos?
在韩国总统府外，不同政府力量之间的对峙引发了广泛关注。被弹劾的总统尹锡悦自几周前以来始终处于总统府内，拒绝回应逮捕和搜查令。上周末，多名调查人员试图进入总统府时，与数百名安全警卫发生了冲突，突显了这一政治危机的紧张局势。
尹锡悦上个月作出的惊人决定——在与主导国会的反对派陷入僵局之际宣布实施戒严，进一步加剧了这一政治局势的不确定性。如今，警方及负责反腐败的政府机构正在讨论更为强硬的措施来拘留尹锡悦，而上周的拘捕尝试已以失败告终，这一切都让人们担忧南韩政治的未来。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
在韩国总统府外，不同政府力量之间的对峙引发了广泛关注。被弹劾的总统尹锡悦自几周前以来始终处于总统府内，拒绝回应逮捕和搜查令。上周末，多名调查人员试图进入总统府时，与数百名安全警卫发生了冲突，突显了这一政治危机的紧张局势。
尹锡悦上个月作出的惊人决定——在与主导国会的反对派陷入僵局之际宣布实施戒严，进一步加剧了这一政治局势的不确定性。如今，警方及负责反腐败的政府机构正在讨论更为强硬的措施来拘留尹锡悦，而上周的拘捕尝试已以失败告终，这一切都让人们担忧南韩政治的未来。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Earthquake strikes China’s Tibet region, killing 9 people, state media reports
西藏自治区发生6.8级地震，造成9人死亡，数人被困在废墠下。这场地震于周二早上在西藏自治区的丁日县（Tingri）发生，位于西藏自治区西部的希格赛州（Xigaze Prefecture）。据中国中央电视台（CCTV）报道，当地官员已部署超过300名救援人员和医疗人员。丁日县政府表示，他们正在组织撤离居民以应对余震。丁日县的村庄报告称，大多数房屋已经塌陷，人们被困在废墠下。村庄官员表示，他们正在进行疏散工作，以防止余震带来的风险。同时，他们也在组织医疗救援工作，并将尽快恢复生活水电供应。据悉，目前还没有更多的伤亡报告。
这场地震造成了严重的破坏，丁日县的村庄遭受了严重的损失。政府官员表示，他们正在加紧救援工作，并将尽快恢复生活水电供应。同时，他们也呼吁人们继续关注这次地震的影响，并为受影响地区提供支持。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
西藏自治区发生6.8级地震，造成9人死亡，数人被困在废墠下。这场地震于周二早上在西藏自治区的丁日县（Tingri）发生，位于西藏自治区西部的希格赛州（Xigaze Prefecture）。据中国中央电视台（CCTV）报道，当地官员已部署超过300名救援人员和医疗人员。丁日县政府表示，他们正在组织撤离居民以应对余震。丁日县的村庄报告称，大多数房屋已经塌陷，人们被困在废墠下。村庄官员表示，他们正在进行疏散工作，以防止余震带来的风险。同时，他们也在组织医疗救援工作，并将尽快恢复生活水电供应。据悉，目前还没有更多的伤亡报告。
这场地震造成了严重的破坏，丁日县的村庄遭受了严重的损失。政府官员表示，他们正在加紧救援工作，并将尽快恢复生活水电供应。同时，他们也呼吁人们继续关注这次地震的影响，并为受影响地区提供支持。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Australia’s prime minister joins intense debate over beach cabanas
澳大利亚总理安东尼·阿尔巴尼斯对在全国海滩上使用便携式阳伞预留优质位置的做法表示反对，称这一行为“不可接受”，违背了国家的平等精神。在夏季高温的背景下，这一争论引发了广泛关注，尤其是在一些地区气温已超过40摄氏度（104华氏度）。
便携式阳伞在澳大利亚越来越受欢迎，因其提供的阴凉空间比普通伞更大，尤其在皮肤癌发病率最高的国家中显得尤为重要。然而，社交媒体上流传的空旷海滩上摆放着大量阳伞的照片，引发了激烈的讨论，部分人认为这种行为“反澳大利亚”，而另一些人则赞赏其创造性。阿尔巴尼斯在接受《今日》节目采访时强调，澳大利亚的海滩属于每一个人，任何人都不应“预留”位置。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
澳大利亚总理安东尼·阿尔巴尼斯对在全国海滩上使用便携式阳伞预留优质位置的做法表示反对，称这一行为“不可接受”，违背了国家的平等精神。在夏季高温的背景下，这一争论引发了广泛关注，尤其是在一些地区气温已超过40摄氏度（104华氏度）。
便携式阳伞在澳大利亚越来越受欢迎，因其提供的阴凉空间比普通伞更大，尤其在皮肤癌发病率最高的国家中显得尤为重要。然而，社交媒体上流传的空旷海滩上摆放着大量阳伞的照片，引发了激烈的讨论，部分人认为这种行为“反澳大利亚”，而另一些人则赞赏其创造性。阿尔巴尼斯在接受《今日》节目采访时强调，澳大利亚的海滩属于每一个人，任何人都不应“预留”位置。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Shanghai draws S Koreans in droves as China’s visa-free entry entices travellers
南韩游客正涌向中国，特别是上海，利用中国的免签政策享受周末假期。随着海外游客的增加，上海成为了南韩人逃离工作压力和国内政治动荡的新宠，街头巷尾都能见到他们的身影。
在上海，南韩游客穿着时尚，活跃于如东方明珠塔和黄浦江沿岸的热门景点，尽管他们无法在中国使用Instagram等社交媒体分享美好时光。为振兴经济和提升国际形象，中国在后疫情时代放宽了对外国游客的限制，现有近40个国家的公民可享受30天的免签入境政策。上海的游客人数也在快速增长，2023年接待了456万外国游客，是前一年的两倍，南韩成为最大客源国。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
南韩游客正涌向中国，特别是上海，利用中国的免签政策享受周末假期。随着海外游客的增加，上海成为了南韩人逃离工作压力和国内政治动荡的新宠，街头巷尾都能见到他们的身影。
在上海，南韩游客穿着时尚，活跃于如东方明珠塔和黄浦江沿岸的热门景点，尽管他们无法在中国使用Instagram等社交媒体分享美好时光。为振兴经济和提升国际形象，中国在后疫情时代放宽了对外国游客的限制，现有近40个国家的公民可享受30天的免签入境政策。上海的游客人数也在快速增长，2023年接待了456万外国游客，是前一年的两倍，南韩成为最大客源国。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
North Korea’s hypersonic missile test puts US, and Trump, on notice
北朝鲜在周一成功试射了一枚超音速中程弹道导弹，展示了其日益增强的武器能力，这一举动恰逢美国国务卿对该地区的访问。此次试射被视为对即将就任的美国总统特朗普的挑衅，北朝鲜领导人金正恩称该导弹是国家战略武器库的基石，能够有效突破敌方防御。
金正恩在国家媒体上表示，这一超音速导弹系统将可靠地遏制任何可能影响国家安全的太平洋地区对手。他强调，该导弹具备穿透密集防御的能力，能够实施“毁灭性军事打击”。据称，导弹在试射中飞行了1500公里，速度超过12马赫，达到近100公里的高度后分离出一个超音速滑翔体，旨在规避拦截并进行精确打击。
尽管北朝鲜声称导弹的飞行数据，但韩国军方对此表示怀疑，认为其实际射程更接近1100公里。如果北朝鲜的说法属实，该武器理论上能够打击位于关岛的美国军事基地。若这一测试得到验证，北朝鲜将成为少数能够开发超音速导弹技术的国家之一。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
北朝鲜在周一成功试射了一枚超音速中程弹道导弹，展示了其日益增强的武器能力，这一举动恰逢美国国务卿对该地区的访问。此次试射被视为对即将就任的美国总统特朗普的挑衅，北朝鲜领导人金正恩称该导弹是国家战略武器库的基石，能够有效突破敌方防御。
金正恩在国家媒体上表示，这一超音速导弹系统将可靠地遏制任何可能影响国家安全的太平洋地区对手。他强调，该导弹具备穿透密集防御的能力，能够实施“毁灭性军事打击”。据称，导弹在试射中飞行了1500公里，速度超过12马赫，达到近100公里的高度后分离出一个超音速滑翔体，旨在规避拦截并进行精确打击。
尽管北朝鲜声称导弹的飞行数据，但韩国军方对此表示怀疑，认为其实际射程更接近1100公里。如果北朝鲜的说法属实，该武器理论上能够打击位于关岛的美国军事基地。若这一测试得到验证，北朝鲜将成为少数能够开发超音速导弹技术的国家之一。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
After years of delays, Malaysia, Singapore to finalise vast SEZ
马来西亚和新加坡的领导人即将签署长期拖延的协议，以建立柔佛-新加坡特别经济区（JS-SEZ）。这个广阔的自由贸易区将允许在全球最繁忙的边界之一上流动熟练工人，促进两国之间的经济合作。
JS-SEZ借鉴了深圳经济特区的模式，将提供税收优惠，简化柔佛与新加坡之间的货物和人员流动。柔佛州拥有丰富的土地和资源，满足新加坡对能源密集型数据中心的需求，而新加坡的跨国企业则希望在土地稀缺且昂贵的金融中心之外寻求新的立足点。预计这一经济区将为柔佛带来近60亿美元的年度经济增长，推动基础设施建设、住宅开发和就业机会的增加。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
马来西亚和新加坡的领导人即将签署长期拖延的协议，以建立柔佛-新加坡特别经济区（JS-SEZ）。这个广阔的自由贸易区将允许在全球最繁忙的边界之一上流动熟练工人，促进两国之间的经济合作。
JS-SEZ借鉴了深圳经济特区的模式，将提供税收优惠，简化柔佛与新加坡之间的货物和人员流动。柔佛州拥有丰富的土地和资源，满足新加坡对能源密集型数据中心的需求，而新加坡的跨国企业则希望在土地稀缺且昂贵的金融中心之外寻求新的立足点。预计这一经济区将为柔佛带来近60亿美元的年度经济增长，推动基础设施建设、住宅开发和就业机会的增加。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Zendaya and Tom Holland engaged, sources confirm, 9 years after they met on Spider-Man set
据多家美国媒体报道，Zendaya Coleman和Tom Holland在相识近九年后已订婚。两位明星在2017年电影《蜘蛛侠：返校季》的拍摄现场相遇，最近在金球奖红毯上的一次亮相中，Zendaya的左手上出现了一枚戒指，引发了人们对他们订婚的猜测。
这枚戒指的来源被证实是Holland，他同样28岁。知情人士向TMZ透露，这对低调的情侣在假期期间进行了亲密的求婚。另一位家庭消息人士向《人物》杂志确认了这一消息，并透露Zendaya的戒指是一颗超过五克拉的“东西方枕形”切割钻石，镶嵌在18K黄金上，由英国珠宝设计师Jessica McCormack制作。
在金球奖颁奖典礼上，社交媒体上流传的一些视频显示Zendaya向电影高管Amy Pascal展示了这枚新戒指，进一步证实了Holland的求婚消息。两人的甜蜜爱情故事和这次订婚无疑吸引了众多粉丝的关注。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
据多家美国媒体报道，Zendaya Coleman和Tom Holland在相识近九年后已订婚。两位明星在2017年电影《蜘蛛侠：返校季》的拍摄现场相遇，最近在金球奖红毯上的一次亮相中，Zendaya的左手上出现了一枚戒指，引发了人们对他们订婚的猜测。
这枚戒指的来源被证实是Holland，他同样28岁。知情人士向TMZ透露，这对低调的情侣在假期期间进行了亲密的求婚。另一位家庭消息人士向《人物》杂志确认了这一消息，并透露Zendaya的戒指是一颗超过五克拉的“东西方枕形”切割钻石，镶嵌在18K黄金上，由英国珠宝设计师Jessica McCormack制作。
在金球奖颁奖典礼上，社交媒体上流传的一些视频显示Zendaya向电影高管Amy Pascal展示了这枚新戒指，进一步证实了Holland的求婚消息。两人的甜蜜爱情故事和这次订婚无疑吸引了众多粉丝的关注。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Operation Santa Claus: Hong Kong-based investment firm keeps cash flowing for charity
香港的国际投资管理公司Segantii Capital Management在过去14年中向Operation Santa Claus（OSC）捐赠了1400万港元（约180万美元），以支持社区的慈善项目。该公司认为，资助有价值的事业能够为社区带来丰厚的回报。
Operation Santa Claus是由《南华早报》和香港公共广播机构RTHK联合举办的年度筹款活动，自1988年启动以来，已为353个项目筹集超过3.83亿港元，当前支持11个非政府组织（NGO）。Segantii自2011年起与OSC合作，致力于推动本地慈善事业的发展。公司首席执行官Kurt Ersoy表示：“OSC为希望支持香港本地慈善机构的人提供了独特的机会。”
via SCMP Full Text Feed
香港的国际投资管理公司Segantii Capital Management在过去14年中向Operation Santa Claus（OSC）捐赠了1400万港元（约180万美元），以支持社区的慈善项目。该公司认为，资助有价值的事业能够为社区带来丰厚的回报。
Operation Santa Claus是由《南华早报》和香港公共广播机构RTHK联合举办的年度筹款活动，自1988年启动以来，已为353个项目筹集超过3.83亿港元，当前支持11个非政府组织（NGO）。Segantii自2011年起与OSC合作，致力于推动本地慈善事业的发展。公司首席执行官Kurt Ersoy表示：“OSC为希望支持香港本地慈善机构的人提供了独特的机会。”
via SCMP Full Text Feed
China’s Harbin winter festival opens with record-breaking ice and snow display
By Cynthia H. W. Chan
The 41st Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival opened on Sunday, attracting more than 800,000 visitors on its first day.
The annual event is held in China’s northeastern province of Heilongjiang. This year’s show has expanded to cover 1 million square metres (11 million sq ft), with around 300,000 cubic metres of ice and snow used to make landmark buildings and sculptures – the largest amount ever used for the festival.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Cynthia H. W. Chan
The 41st Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival opened on Sunday, attracting more than 800,000 visitors on its first day.
The annual event is held in China’s northeastern province of Heilongjiang. This year’s show has expanded to cover 1 million square metres (11 million sq ft), with around 300,000 cubic metres of ice and snow used to make landmark buildings and sculptures – the largest amount ever used for the festival.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
China-North Korea relations start the new year on a new low
By Cao XinCao Zhong
New year, new greetings. And the most notable feature of North Korea’s festive diplomacy is its emphasis on its relationship with Russia – and its downgrading of its ties with China. Clearly, Pyongyang intends to flatter Russia and pressure China to extract benefits from both while operating from a stronger position. This approach is reminiscent of the late Kim Il-sung’s tactics in securing maximum benefit from the Soviet Union and Mao-era China.
When his grandson, Kim Jong-un, sent New Year greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 30, there was no mention of peace but instead an emphasis on hopes of a war victory and the “warmest comradely trust”.
North Korean media reported: “Hoping that the new year 2025 will be recorded as the first year of war victory in the 21st century, when the Russian army and people defeat neo-Nazism and achieve a great victory, he wished Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin greater success in his responsible and heavy state leadership activities and the Russian people prosperity, well-being and happiness.”
Kim repeatedly mentioned the strategic partnership with Russia, clearly aiming to highlight North Korea’s importance to Moscow and bolster its international status. In a heavily militaristic tone, Kim extended his “best wishes to the fraternal Russian people and all the service personnel of the brave Russian army in the name of his own, the Korean people and all the service personnel of the armed forces”.
This voicing of support, from one army to another, emphasises Pyongyang’s contribution to Russia’s war effort, in particular, the sending of thousands of North Korean soldiers to fight Ukraine. It is a message to the world, including the United States, Japan, South Korea and China, that the new military alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow is going strong, and probably also meant to boost morale at home.
Clearly, at least before Russia’s war on Ukraine ends, the atmosphere of cooperation between Russia and North Korea is likely to continue. For both parties, this is an objective necessity, with North Korea’s need being particularly strong.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Cao XinCao Zhong
New year, new greetings. And the most notable feature of North Korea’s festive diplomacy is its emphasis on its relationship with Russia – and its downgrading of its ties with China. Clearly, Pyongyang intends to flatter Russia and pressure China to extract benefits from both while operating from a stronger position. This approach is reminiscent of the late Kim Il-sung’s tactics in securing maximum benefit from the Soviet Union and Mao-era China.
When his grandson, Kim Jong-un, sent New Year greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 30, there was no mention of peace but instead an emphasis on hopes of a war victory and the “warmest comradely trust”.
North Korean media reported: “Hoping that the new year 2025 will be recorded as the first year of war victory in the 21st century, when the Russian army and people defeat neo-Nazism and achieve a great victory, he wished Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin greater success in his responsible and heavy state leadership activities and the Russian people prosperity, well-being and happiness.”
Kim repeatedly mentioned the strategic partnership with Russia, clearly aiming to highlight North Korea’s importance to Moscow and bolster its international status. In a heavily militaristic tone, Kim extended his “best wishes to the fraternal Russian people and all the service personnel of the brave Russian army in the name of his own, the Korean people and all the service personnel of the armed forces”.
This voicing of support, from one army to another, emphasises Pyongyang’s contribution to Russia’s war effort, in particular, the sending of thousands of North Korean soldiers to fight Ukraine. It is a message to the world, including the United States, Japan, South Korea and China, that the new military alliance between Pyongyang and Moscow is going strong, and probably also meant to boost morale at home.
Clearly, at least before Russia’s war on Ukraine ends, the atmosphere of cooperation between Russia and North Korea is likely to continue. For both parties, this is an objective necessity, with North Korea’s need being particularly strong.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
‘Giant toilet’ Japan flat goes viral for affordable price, attracts interest from China
By Yating Yang
A six-square-metre rental flat in Tokyo, described by Japanese netizens as a “giant toilet” because of its “prison-style” layout, has gone viral online, attracting much interest from Chinese netizens.
The level of attention in the flat came on the back of a surge in foreign tourists traveling to Japan in 2024, which led to fully booked hotels across the country and drove up accommodation prices.
Its convenient location and affordable price make it stand out as a popular choice.
Japanese government sources show that the number of foreign visitors to the country from January to June in 2024 reached a record high of 17,777,200 in the first half of the year.
In October alone, Japan welcomed 3,312,000 foreign visitors, marking a 31.6 percent increase on the previous year.
The flat, in the Waseda area near Waseda University in Tokyo, is just a two-minute walk from Waseda Station and offers an exceptional location.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Yating Yang
A six-square-metre rental flat in Tokyo, described by Japanese netizens as a “giant toilet” because of its “prison-style” layout, has gone viral online, attracting much interest from Chinese netizens.
The level of attention in the flat came on the back of a surge in foreign tourists traveling to Japan in 2024, which led to fully booked hotels across the country and drove up accommodation prices.
Its convenient location and affordable price make it stand out as a popular choice.
Japanese government sources show that the number of foreign visitors to the country from January to June in 2024 reached a record high of 17,777,200 in the first half of the year.
In October alone, Japan welcomed 3,312,000 foreign visitors, marking a 31.6 percent increase on the previous year.
The flat, in the Waseda area near Waseda University in Tokyo, is just a two-minute walk from Waseda Station and offers an exceptional location.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Chinese scientists build the most precise timing machine for electronic warfare
By Stephen Chen
A timepiece that could profoundly change the nature of future warfare has been created by Chinese scientists.
Standing 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) tall and roughly the size of a single-door refrigerator, the caesium atomic fountain clock can be loaded onto a military truck and, after enduring long-distance transport with bumpy roads and other harsh environments, it can still cap the uncertainty of its timekeeping to less than one-fifth to the quadrillionth of a second.
This feat was once deemed impossible, as only the atomic clocks that set international standard time can achieve this precision, and those clocks are all large and need to be housed in a guarded laboratory against all environmental disturbances.
A high-precision timekeeping system is the backbone of modern warfare, enabling radars separated by thousands of miles to operate in unison, as they detect and track elusive stealth fighters. It also improves the quality of signals in electronic warfare and facilitates the transmission of vast amounts of data.
Extremely accurate timekeeping machines can even help turn science fiction into reality, such as combining lasers or microwaves emitted by different combat platforms into a single deadly beam to destroy enemies with tremendous energy.
The NIM-TF3 atomic clock, manufactured by the National Institute of Metrology of China, can operate autonomously for long periods without the need for professional maintenance, making it highly suitable for open-world applications.
In a peer-reviewed paper published in the Chinese-language Metrology Journal on December 18, the project team, led by Professor Lin Pingwei, said that the clock’s long-term stability reached an astonishing level of five quadrillionths in actual tests.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Stephen Chen
A timepiece that could profoundly change the nature of future warfare has been created by Chinese scientists.
Standing 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) tall and roughly the size of a single-door refrigerator, the caesium atomic fountain clock can be loaded onto a military truck and, after enduring long-distance transport with bumpy roads and other harsh environments, it can still cap the uncertainty of its timekeeping to less than one-fifth to the quadrillionth of a second.
This feat was once deemed impossible, as only the atomic clocks that set international standard time can achieve this precision, and those clocks are all large and need to be housed in a guarded laboratory against all environmental disturbances.
A high-precision timekeeping system is the backbone of modern warfare, enabling radars separated by thousands of miles to operate in unison, as they detect and track elusive stealth fighters. It also improves the quality of signals in electronic warfare and facilitates the transmission of vast amounts of data.
Extremely accurate timekeeping machines can even help turn science fiction into reality, such as combining lasers or microwaves emitted by different combat platforms into a single deadly beam to destroy enemies with tremendous energy.
The NIM-TF3 atomic clock, manufactured by the National Institute of Metrology of China, can operate autonomously for long periods without the need for professional maintenance, making it highly suitable for open-world applications.
In a peer-reviewed paper published in the Chinese-language Metrology Journal on December 18, the project team, led by Professor Lin Pingwei, said that the clock’s long-term stability reached an astonishing level of five quadrillionths in actual tests.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Young Hongkongers say adapting to mainland Chinese work culture key to smooth transition
By Harvey KongAmbrose Li
Business administration graduate Tin Lau Tin-yat did not have to think twice about going to work in mainland China under Hong Kong’s Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme.
The programme offers young Hongkongers with at least a bachelor’s degree an opportunity to work across the border for up to 18 months, earning no less than HK$18,000 (US$2,310) a month.
“The good thing about this programme is that with the same salary I may earn in Hong Kong, I can have a very good quality of life on the mainland,” he said.
“It also allows Hongkongers to have a very different perspective. On the mainland, you see a lot of interesting industries in which you can develop a career.”
However, the past 15 months have not all been smooth sailing. Like other Hongkongers interviewed by the Post, Lau found it hard at first to cope with the work culture.
At a tech company in Shenzhen, he landed in hot water for addressing a client by his first name during meetings. His supervisor was taken aback, because the client was the co-founder of his company.
“After we returned to the office, he reminded me to be more careful when addressing clients,” Lau said.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Harvey KongAmbrose Li
Business administration graduate Tin Lau Tin-yat did not have to think twice about going to work in mainland China under Hong Kong’s Greater Bay Area Youth Employment Scheme.
The programme offers young Hongkongers with at least a bachelor’s degree an opportunity to work across the border for up to 18 months, earning no less than HK$18,000 (US$2,310) a month.
“The good thing about this programme is that with the same salary I may earn in Hong Kong, I can have a very good quality of life on the mainland,” he said.
“It also allows Hongkongers to have a very different perspective. On the mainland, you see a lot of interesting industries in which you can develop a career.”
However, the past 15 months have not all been smooth sailing. Like other Hongkongers interviewed by the Post, Lau found it hard at first to cope with the work culture.
At a tech company in Shenzhen, he landed in hot water for addressing a client by his first name during meetings. His supervisor was taken aback, because the client was the co-founder of his company.
“After we returned to the office, he reminded me to be more careful when addressing clients,” Lau said.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Chinese investments boost Abu Dhabi economy, supporting ports, energy and property
By Salina Li
Chinese companies are contributing to the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy with increasing investments in ports, industry, energy and property, according to an official of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
Investments by Chinese companies into the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are creating jobs, fostering infrastructure development and strengthening the emirate’s status as a global business hub, said Hareb Al Mheiri, executive director of the investor growth sector at ADIO, which is responsible for supporting investment in the emirate.
“One prominent trend is the increasing involvement of Chinese firms in port development and industrial zones, such as the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group, which is enhancing the emirate’s industrial capabilities,” Al Mheiri said in an interview.
The property market has also seen a surge in Chinese investment, with a focus on luxury residential projects and hospitality, he said. This is being driven in part by a rising number of Chinese tourists, spurring further investments in tourism infrastructure.
“Chinese companies are establishing manufacturing facilities [here], capitalising on the emirate’s strategic location and favourable business environment to tap into regional markets,” Al Mheiri said.
Abu Dhabi, which holds 90 per cent of the UAE’s oil reserves and most of the sovereign wealth, is seeking to diversify its economy and grow its status as a financial centre and free zone.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Salina Li
Chinese companies are contributing to the diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy with increasing investments in ports, industry, energy and property, according to an official of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
Investments by Chinese companies into the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are creating jobs, fostering infrastructure development and strengthening the emirate’s status as a global business hub, said Hareb Al Mheiri, executive director of the investor growth sector at ADIO, which is responsible for supporting investment in the emirate.
“One prominent trend is the increasing involvement of Chinese firms in port development and industrial zones, such as the China-UAE Industrial Capacity Cooperation Demonstration Zone at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi Group, which is enhancing the emirate’s industrial capabilities,” Al Mheiri said in an interview.
The property market has also seen a surge in Chinese investment, with a focus on luxury residential projects and hospitality, he said. This is being driven in part by a rising number of Chinese tourists, spurring further investments in tourism infrastructure.
“Chinese companies are establishing manufacturing facilities [here], capitalising on the emirate’s strategic location and favourable business environment to tap into regional markets,” Al Mheiri said.
Abu Dhabi, which holds 90 per cent of the UAE’s oil reserves and most of the sovereign wealth, is seeking to diversify its economy and grow its status as a financial centre and free zone.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
