Could Trump finally call off the cold war with China?
唐纳德·特朗普在2024年美国总统竞选中对中国国家主席习近平的赞美引发了广泛关注。在2023年7月的一次活动中，特朗普称赞习近平“聪明、杰出，完美无缺”，并表示没有人能与之相比。这一言论让人们感到困惑，因为特朗普一直以来将习近平视为其在新冷战中的主要对手。
特朗普对习近平的赞美并非偶然，他在多次场合表达了类似的看法，甚至在听闻对自己生命的威胁后，提到习近平给他写了一封“美丽的信”。与此形成对比的是，特朗普在谈及其他国际领导人时，特别是与美国对立的国家领导人时，展现了相似的态度，称普京为“机智”和“天才”。这种言论与美国历届领导人对敌对国家的传统描述截然不同，过去的领导人往往将这些国家视为“邪恶”的代表。
特朗普此类言论不仅是出于个人风格的反映，更是他试图塑造自身形象的一部分。通过将对手描绘成“聪明”的领导者，特朗普希望巩固自己作为美国总统的合法性，从而吸引选民支持。同时，这也反映了他对传统政治对手形象的挑战，试图重新定义美国的外交和安全话语。
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唐纳德·特朗普在2024年美国总统竞选中对中国国家主席习近平的赞美引发了广泛关注。在2023年7月的一次活动中，特朗普称赞习近平“聪明、杰出，完美无缺”，并表示没有人能与之相比。这一言论让人们感到困惑，因为特朗普一直以来将习近平视为其在新冷战中的主要对手。
特朗普对习近平的赞美并非偶然，他在多次场合表达了类似的看法，甚至在听闻对自己生命的威胁后，提到习近平给他写了一封“美丽的信”。与此形成对比的是，特朗普在谈及其他国际领导人时，特别是与美国对立的国家领导人时，展现了相似的态度，称普京为“机智”和“天才”。这种言论与美国历届领导人对敌对国家的传统描述截然不同，过去的领导人往往将这些国家视为“邪恶”的代表。
特朗普此类言论不仅是出于个人风格的反映，更是他试图塑造自身形象的一部分。通过将对手描绘成“聪明”的领导者，特朗普希望巩固自己作为美国总统的合法性，从而吸引选民支持。同时，这也反映了他对传统政治对手形象的挑战，试图重新定义美国的外交和安全话语。
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Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai admits to connecting Taiwan with ex-US officials: court
前香港媒体老板黎智英承认曾为台湾政府与三名美国前官员建立联系，提供关于外交关系的建议，但否认自己作为“中间人”来损害中国大陆利益的指控。在周四的审讯中，黎智英表示，他向前台湾领导人蔡英文转达了两位美国前官员的建议，强调需要现代化台湾军队，包括聘请退休的美国将军来帮助提升军事技术。
黎智英目前正在接受国家安全审判，曾花费26天在证人席上质证自己涉及的两项与外国势力勾结的阴谋罪以及一项印刷和分发煽动性出版物的阴谋罪。检方试图质疑他在国家安全法实施前是否试图影响中国大陆和香港的外交政策，并提到他与前美国副国防部长保罗·沃尔福威茨及美国陆军将军杰克·基恩的密切关系，暗示这些联系可能影响了他的行为。
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前香港媒体老板黎智英承认曾为台湾政府与三名美国前官员建立联系，提供关于外交关系的建议，但否认自己作为“中间人”来损害中国大陆利益的指控。在周四的审讯中，黎智英表示，他向前台湾领导人蔡英文转达了两位美国前官员的建议，强调需要现代化台湾军队，包括聘请退休的美国将军来帮助提升军事技术。
黎智英目前正在接受国家安全审判，曾花费26天在证人席上质证自己涉及的两项与外国势力勾结的阴谋罪以及一项印刷和分发煽动性出版物的阴谋罪。检方试图质疑他在国家安全法实施前是否试图影响中国大陆和香港的外交政策，并提到他与前美国副国防部长保罗·沃尔福威茨及美国陆军将军杰克·基恩的密切关系，暗示这些联系可能影响了他的行为。
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How a TikTok ban in the US would work – and why user workarounds won’t
美国社交媒体应用TikTok将在周日被禁止，除非达成出售协议或美国最高法院介入。这一禁令源于拜登总统签署的法律，这是美国首次试图关闭一个拥有约1.7亿用户的应用程序的访问。
该法律针对广泛的美国合作伙伴，旨在切断TikTok的服务，专家表示，这使得使用虚拟私人网络或更改手机国家设置等常见的规避方法变得无效或难以使用。尽管用户可能仍能访问功能较少的网页版，但专家警告这也可能无法正常工作。
实施禁令后，用户无需删除应用，但TikTok计划关闭服务，并向用户展示有关法律的信息，同时提供下载个人数据的选项。
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美国社交媒体应用TikTok将在周日被禁止，除非达成出售协议或美国最高法院介入。这一禁令源于拜登总统签署的法律，这是美国首次试图关闭一个拥有约1.7亿用户的应用程序的访问。
该法律针对广泛的美国合作伙伴，旨在切断TikTok的服务，专家表示，这使得使用虚拟私人网络或更改手机国家设置等常见的规避方法变得无效或难以使用。尽管用户可能仍能访问功能较少的网页版，但专家警告这也可能无法正常工作。
实施禁令后，用户无需删除应用，但TikTok计划关闭服务，并向用户展示有关法律的信息，同时提供下载个人数据的选项。
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At least 5 Hong Kong police officers arrested in connection with drug case
至少五名香港警察因涉及一起毒品案件被捕。据悉，这些警员来自大埔的北新界区域总部，并于周四被拘留。消息人士表示，他们与之前的一起毒品案件的调查有关。
香港警方发言人预计将提供更多细节。这一事件引发公众关注，尤其是鉴于去年三名来自荃湾的反黑警员因与黑帮合作而被定罪，这显示出警方内部可能存在的腐败问题。此案件可能对公众对警方的信任产生深远影响。
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至少五名香港警察因涉及一起毒品案件被捕。据悉，这些警员来自大埔的北新界区域总部，并于周四被拘留。消息人士表示，他们与之前的一起毒品案件的调查有关。
香港警方发言人预计将提供更多细节。这一事件引发公众关注，尤其是鉴于去年三名来自荃湾的反黑警员因与黑帮合作而被定罪，这显示出警方内部可能存在的腐败问题。此案件可能对公众对警方的信任产生深远影响。
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China’s yuan on the rise in oil trade, but petrodollar here to stay: report
中国数字人民币和金融科技的扩展正在推动原油贸易中的人民币结算，并加速美元石油体系的衰退。根据宏观经济预测公司的报告，这一变化虽然迅速，但完全取代美元的可能性仍然不大。
报告的首席经济学家戴安娜·乔伊列娃指出，美元在海湾地区的衰退已不再是“如果”，而是“何时”的问题，而这个“何时”比大多数人想象的要来得更快。尽管人民币在国际原油结算中的使用被视为人民币国际化的重要一步，但在可预见的未来，人民币完全取代美元的可能性依然渺茫。
作为全球最大的石油进口国，中国正在加速建立独立的金融基础设施，以减少对美元体系的依赖。报告特别提到的跨境银行支付系统（CIPS）和中国数字人民币在中央银行数字货币mBridge平台上的应用，为石油生产国提供了比美元结算渠道更具竞争力的选择，这些渠道在技术进步面前显得尤为脆弱。
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中国数字人民币和金融科技的扩展正在推动原油贸易中的人民币结算，并加速美元石油体系的衰退。根据宏观经济预测公司的报告，这一变化虽然迅速，但完全取代美元的可能性仍然不大。
报告的首席经济学家戴安娜·乔伊列娃指出，美元在海湾地区的衰退已不再是“如果”，而是“何时”的问题，而这个“何时”比大多数人想象的要来得更快。尽管人民币在国际原油结算中的使用被视为人民币国际化的重要一步，但在可预见的未来，人民币完全取代美元的可能性依然渺茫。
作为全球最大的石油进口国，中国正在加速建立独立的金融基础设施，以减少对美元体系的依赖。报告特别提到的跨境银行支付系统（CIPS）和中国数字人民币在中央银行数字货币mBridge平台上的应用，为石油生产国提供了比美元结算渠道更具竞争力的选择，这些渠道在技术进步面前显得尤为脆弱。
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In Kyiv, UK’s Keir Starmer vows to put Ukraine in ‘strongest position’ against Russia
英国首相基尔·斯塔默在与乌克兰总统泽连斯基会谈前表示，英国将全力支持乌克兰，以确保其在2025年能够更强有力地对抗俄罗斯。斯塔默强调“我们不能松懈”，这是他自去年7月就任以来首次访问乌克兰，旨在重申英国对乌克兰的支持。
斯塔默的此次访问正值德国国防部长皮斯托留斯两天前也访问乌克兰之际，欧洲领导人正评估如何在特朗普可能重返美国总统职位后，为乌克兰提供安全保障，以应对可能的和平协议。特朗普的回归引发了对乌克兰可能被迫让渡大片领土给俄罗斯的担忧，斯塔默在访问期间指出：“确保乌克兰处于最强大位置至关重要。”
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英国首相基尔·斯塔默在与乌克兰总统泽连斯基会谈前表示，英国将全力支持乌克兰，以确保其在2025年能够更强有力地对抗俄罗斯。斯塔默强调“我们不能松懈”，这是他自去年7月就任以来首次访问乌克兰，旨在重申英国对乌克兰的支持。
斯塔默的此次访问正值德国国防部长皮斯托留斯两天前也访问乌克兰之际，欧洲领导人正评估如何在特朗普可能重返美国总统职位后，为乌克兰提供安全保障，以应对可能的和平协议。特朗普的回归引发了对乌克兰可能被迫让渡大片领土给俄罗斯的担忧，斯塔默在访问期间指出：“确保乌克兰处于最强大位置至关重要。”
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Apple trails Huawei, Vivo in China smartphone market in 2024, iPhone leads fourth quarter
苹果在中国智能手机市场的竞争中经历了波动，尽管在2023年第四季度重回市场第一，但在2024年却降至第三。由于国内厂商的激烈竞争，苹果在去年第四季度的智能手机出货量同比下降25%，降至1310万部，略微领先于华为和Vivo，它们的出货量均为1290万部，三者市场份额均约为17%。
华为在2023年推出新款国产芯片后，迅速增长，第四季度出货量同比增长24%，全年增长37%，总出货量达到4600万部。相比之下，苹果全年出货量为4290万部，市场份额为15%，落后于Vivo和华为的17%和16%。整体而言，中国智能手机市场在经历两年的下滑后，第四季度出货量增长5%，全年增长4%，显示出恢复的迹象。
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苹果在中国智能手机市场的竞争中经历了波动，尽管在2023年第四季度重回市场第一，但在2024年却降至第三。由于国内厂商的激烈竞争，苹果在去年第四季度的智能手机出货量同比下降25%，降至1310万部，略微领先于华为和Vivo，它们的出货量均为1290万部，三者市场份额均约为17%。
华为在2023年推出新款国产芯片后，迅速增长，第四季度出货量同比增长24%，全年增长37%，总出货量达到4600万部。相比之下，苹果全年出货量为4290万部，市场份额为15%，落后于Vivo和华为的17%和16%。整体而言，中国智能手机市场在经历两年的下滑后，第四季度出货量增长5%，全年增长4%，显示出恢复的迹象。
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From cannibal to influencer: Indonesia’s Hannibal Lecter finds redemption on social media
从一个令人恐惧的罪犯到社交媒体影响者，Sumanto的转变引人注目。这位曾因食人罪而臭名昭著的印尼男子，如今通过分享励志名言，成为了许多人心目中的激励者，拥有超过18,000名Instagram粉丝。
Sumanto于2003年因在家中藏尸而被捕，此案震惊全国。他在被判定犯有食人罪后，声称对黑魔法的兴趣驱使他进行这些罪行，认为食用人肉能增强超自然力量。2006年获释后，他在社交媒体上找到了新的方向，开始制作包括健身、喂鱼和吃播等内容，逐渐赢得了公众的关注与支持。“他的内容不仅有趣，还很有益处，激励了很多人，”一位学生表示，Sumanto的励志信息与其黑暗的过去形成鲜明对比，吸引了众多追随者。
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从一个令人恐惧的罪犯到社交媒体影响者，Sumanto的转变引人注目。这位曾因食人罪而臭名昭著的印尼男子，如今通过分享励志名言，成为了许多人心目中的激励者，拥有超过18,000名Instagram粉丝。
Sumanto于2003年因在家中藏尸而被捕，此案震惊全国。他在被判定犯有食人罪后，声称对黑魔法的兴趣驱使他进行这些罪行，认为食用人肉能增强超自然力量。2006年获释后，他在社交媒体上找到了新的方向，开始制作包括健身、喂鱼和吃播等内容，逐渐赢得了公众的关注与支持。“他的内容不仅有趣，还很有益处，激励了很多人，”一位学生表示，Sumanto的励志信息与其黑暗的过去形成鲜明对比，吸引了众多追随者。
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US executive order targets China, other alleged cyberattackers days before Joe Biden exits
在乔·拜登总统任期结束前，白宫宣布了一项行政命令，以加强美国对中国及其他网络攻击者的安全和制裁能力。这项新规定要求提高软件安全标准，并实施更严格的验证和评估程序，旨在保护关键基础设施不受攻击。
国家安全委员会的网络与新兴技术副主任安妮·纽伯格表示，过去七个月里，政府对每起网络攻击事件进行了仔细审查，以了解攻击者的攻击方式。她强调，针对关键基础设施进行破坏性攻击的实体将面临制裁，政府将利用这一工具在全球范围内追责。纽伯格特别提到了中国黑客对财政部服务器和微软云账户的攻击，以及俄罗斯和其他犯罪团伙对能源、医疗和银行等基础设施的勒索攻击。
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在乔·拜登总统任期结束前，白宫宣布了一项行政命令，以加强美国对中国及其他网络攻击者的安全和制裁能力。这项新规定要求提高软件安全标准，并实施更严格的验证和评估程序，旨在保护关键基础设施不受攻击。
国家安全委员会的网络与新兴技术副主任安妮·纽伯格表示，过去七个月里，政府对每起网络攻击事件进行了仔细审查，以了解攻击者的攻击方式。她强调，针对关键基础设施进行破坏性攻击的实体将面临制裁，政府将利用这一工具在全球范围内追责。纽伯格特别提到了中国黑客对财政部服务器和微软云账户的攻击，以及俄罗斯和其他犯罪团伙对能源、医疗和银行等基础设施的勒索攻击。
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Malaysian father freed from Cambodian scam syndicate over lack of computer, English skills
By SCMP’s Asia desk
A Malaysian single father was freed from a Cambodian scam syndicate last week, with reports suggesting that his lack of computer skills may have contributed to his release.
The 38-year-old man, identified by reports as Xiao Fei, also mentioned that his limited English proficiency could have played a role, according to Singapore’s 8days news portal.
He and two fellow Malaysian captives were later rescued and returned home last Thursday, Malaysia’s The Sun newspaper reported.
Xiao Fei said he had been duped by a “friend” into travelling to Cambodia in November, lured by a job as a private driver with a promised salary of up to US$5,000. However, upon arrival, he was taken into a scam compound and was later deemed unfit to work.
During his time in captivity, which lasted for an undisclosed period, the syndicate provided him with food and accommodation and allowed him to roam the scam centre. He lost 20kg while being held, according to 8days.
He managed to reach out to another friend in Johor Bahru, although it was unclear how he did it. The friend in turn contacted Xiao Fei’s mother, and the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation and Cambodian authorities were then informed of his situation.
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By SCMP’s Asia desk
A Malaysian single father was freed from a Cambodian scam syndicate last week, with reports suggesting that his lack of computer skills may have contributed to his release.
The 38-year-old man, identified by reports as Xiao Fei, also mentioned that his limited English proficiency could have played a role, according to Singapore’s 8days news portal.
He and two fellow Malaysian captives were later rescued and returned home last Thursday, Malaysia’s The Sun newspaper reported.
Xiao Fei said he had been duped by a “friend” into travelling to Cambodia in November, lured by a job as a private driver with a promised salary of up to US$5,000. However, upon arrival, he was taken into a scam compound and was later deemed unfit to work.
During his time in captivity, which lasted for an undisclosed period, the syndicate provided him with food and accommodation and allowed him to roam the scam centre. He lost 20kg while being held, according to 8days.
He managed to reach out to another friend in Johor Bahru, although it was unclear how he did it. The friend in turn contacted Xiao Fei’s mother, and the Malaysian International Humanitarian Organisation and Cambodian authorities were then informed of his situation.
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From Philippines to Singapore: Alice Guo probe spotlights ‘domino effect’ of transnational crime
By Sam Beltran
Singapore authorities have launched an investigation into former Philippine mayor Alice Guo, accused of espionage and links to illegal gaming operations, in coordination with Manila – a development analysts say underscores the growing regional challenge of combating transnational crime.
The Singapore Police Force told local newspaper The Straits Times last week that it was working with Philippine authorities on the case due to the alleged involvement of Guo’s associates in the city state.
The force said it would deal with the suspects firmly “in accordance with our laws” should it receive “credible evidence” of their alleged offences, adding, “We do not tolerate anyone who may have committed crimes overseas and will take firm action against them if we have sufficient grounds.”
Guo, the embattled ex-mayor of Bamban town in Tarlac province, has faced accusations of being a Chinese spy and having links to illegal gaming operations in the Philippines that local authorities say are involved in human trafficking and money laundering.
She fled the country in July last year after being grilled by a Senate investigation and was later arrested by Indonesian authorities in Tangerang in August.
She evaded Philippine authorities amid continued Senate hearings in July, reportedly travelling to Malaysia by boat first before flying to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur on July 21, where she stayed for a month, and then travelled to Batam in Indonesia by ferry on August 18.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Sam Beltran
Singapore authorities have launched an investigation into former Philippine mayor Alice Guo, accused of espionage and links to illegal gaming operations, in coordination with Manila – a development analysts say underscores the growing regional challenge of combating transnational crime.
The Singapore Police Force told local newspaper The Straits Times last week that it was working with Philippine authorities on the case due to the alleged involvement of Guo’s associates in the city state.
The force said it would deal with the suspects firmly “in accordance with our laws” should it receive “credible evidence” of their alleged offences, adding, “We do not tolerate anyone who may have committed crimes overseas and will take firm action against them if we have sufficient grounds.”
Guo, the embattled ex-mayor of Bamban town in Tarlac province, has faced accusations of being a Chinese spy and having links to illegal gaming operations in the Philippines that local authorities say are involved in human trafficking and money laundering.
She fled the country in July last year after being grilled by a Senate investigation and was later arrested by Indonesian authorities in Tangerang in August.
She evaded Philippine authorities amid continued Senate hearings in July, reportedly travelling to Malaysia by boat first before flying to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur on July 21, where she stayed for a month, and then travelled to Batam in Indonesia by ferry on August 18.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
China shop becomes favourite for hundreds of students who flock there to watch TV for free
一家位于中国南方的零食店因大批小学生放学后涌入而走红网络。这家名为Feijuan Snack的店铺位于广东省遂溪县，以其低廉的价格和舒适的氛围吸引着年轻顾客。学生们在这里可以花费两元（约27美分）享用薯条，三元购买鸡排，或仅用一元享受辣味面。
此外，学生们喜欢在这里放学后免费观看电视，这成为他们日常生活的一部分。更有趣的是，这家店可能是中国首家在学生的要求下开业的店铺，店铺的装修也在学生的监督下完成。这种独特的经营模式使得Feijuan Snack不仅仅是个零食店，更成为了孩子们的社交空间，体现了他们的参与感和归属感。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
一家位于中国南方的零食店因大批小学生放学后涌入而走红网络。这家名为Feijuan Snack的店铺位于广东省遂溪县，以其低廉的价格和舒适的氛围吸引着年轻顾客。学生们在这里可以花费两元（约27美分）享用薯条，三元购买鸡排，或仅用一元享受辣味面。
此外，学生们喜欢在这里放学后免费观看电视，这成为他们日常生活的一部分。更有趣的是，这家店可能是中国首家在学生的要求下开业的店铺，店铺的装修也在学生的监督下完成。这种独特的经营模式使得Feijuan Snack不仅仅是个零食店，更成为了孩子们的社交空间，体现了他们的参与感和归属感。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
China’s local governments raise minimum wages to boost consumption
中国地方政府正在提高最低工资，以增强中低收入群体的消费能力，刺激经济增长。最近，山西、四川、内蒙古和新疆等五个省级地区相继上调最低工资，变化幅度从每月70元到超过200元不等。此举旨在应对当前经济面临的外部不确定性。
例如，重庆将最低月工资从2000元提高至2200元，增幅达到10%；而四川的增幅更为显著，从1870元上调至2200元，涨幅为17.6%。新疆的最低工资也从1540元提高至1750元，增幅为13.6%。由于中国各地生活水平差异，地方政府会根据实际情况自行设定最低工资标准，上海的最低工资最高，达到2690元，而北京位列第二，为2420元。值得注意的是，去年近一半的省级政府都提高了最低工资。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
中国地方政府正在提高最低工资，以增强中低收入群体的消费能力，刺激经济增长。最近，山西、四川、内蒙古和新疆等五个省级地区相继上调最低工资，变化幅度从每月70元到超过200元不等。此举旨在应对当前经济面临的外部不确定性。
例如，重庆将最低月工资从2000元提高至2200元，增幅达到10%；而四川的增幅更为显著，从1870元上调至2200元，涨幅为17.6%。新疆的最低工资也从1540元提高至1750元，增幅为13.6%。由于中国各地生活水平差异，地方政府会根据实际情况自行设定最低工资标准，上海的最低工资最高，达到2690元，而北京位列第二，为2420元。值得注意的是，去年近一半的省级政府都提高了最低工资。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Battle of the bulge: Malaysia’s police chief orders officers to lose excess fats
马来西亚警方要求员工减肥以提升职位机会。警察局长拉扎鲁丁·胡桑上周四下令所有警员若想晋升职位，必须减掉多余的体脂肪。这种措施是警方应对警员身材过胖问题的最新行动之一。
此举开始于今年，警员必须维持身体质量指数（BMI）低于28作为晋升职位的条件。拉扎鲁丁在上周四的一个事件中表示，这项倡议的重要性在于确保警员的健康和能力，进而提供更好的服务予公众和国家。这项举措也包括完成在线课程和合格测试，以应对因偏袒待遇而产生的质疑，以及确保成功候选者的能力和资格。
身体质量指数是全球医疗机构使用来估计个体体脂肪的工具，基于个体的身高和体重。马来西亚遵循世界卫生组织提出的BMI标准，排名25至29.9之间为超重，30或以上为肥胖。拉扎鲁丁的发言引发了马来西亚社交媒体上的反应，尽管大多数人支持倡议鼓励警员采取健康生活方式，但也提出了一些问题，询问新措施是否有效。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
马来西亚警方要求员工减肥以提升职位机会。警察局长拉扎鲁丁·胡桑上周四下令所有警员若想晋升职位，必须减掉多余的体脂肪。这种措施是警方应对警员身材过胖问题的最新行动之一。
此举开始于今年，警员必须维持身体质量指数（BMI）低于28作为晋升职位的条件。拉扎鲁丁在上周四的一个事件中表示，这项倡议的重要性在于确保警员的健康和能力，进而提供更好的服务予公众和国家。这项举措也包括完成在线课程和合格测试，以应对因偏袒待遇而产生的质疑，以及确保成功候选者的能力和资格。
身体质量指数是全球医疗机构使用来估计个体体脂肪的工具，基于个体的身高和体重。马来西亚遵循世界卫生组织提出的BMI标准，排名25至29.9之间为超重，30或以上为肥胖。拉扎鲁丁的发言引发了马来西亚社交媒体上的反应，尽管大多数人支持倡议鼓励警员采取健康生活方式，但也提出了一些问题，询问新措施是否有效。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hong Kong’s shuttered Physical gym chain owner sells 4 flats at over 40% discount
By Salina Li
An owner of Hong Kong gym chain Physical sold a number of residential assets at a huge loss after shuttering his business in September, citing high rents imposed by some of its landlords.
The disposal included four flats at the Park Haven development in Causeway Bay, which were sold at a discount of more than 40 per cent since December by Physical owner Luk Ngai-keung.
Luk was only able to recover HK$29 million (US$3.7 million) in the fire sale, a collective discount of 43 per cent from the HK$50 million that he paid for the four units. The most recent transaction involved a 428 sq ft, one-bedroom unit on the 22nd floor that sold for HK$7.4 million, according to the Land Registry. The keys were handed over on Monday.
The purchase price was 45 per cent lower than the HK$13.5 million he paid for the unit in 2014. He bought a total of six units using a holding company in 2014 for HK$80 million and the remaining two flats are currently for sale at a reduced price, according to the agent responsible for the sale. The agent added that the owner would like to cash in quickly and was willing to slash prices.
Physical, owned by Luk and his wife, Ho Yuk-wah, closed in September after 38 years in business after the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority told the fitness chain to pay about HK$3 million that it owed in outstanding contributions for about 740 staff members. It said two months of pension payments and related surcharges were unpaid.
In October, MTR Corp accused Luk and Ho of owing it nearly HK$2.8 million in rent and management fees, with some outstanding charges dating back to the previous December. The railway giant, which also operates shopping centres, was seeking to recover more than HK$320,000 from Physical and its owners over an outlet in Telford Plaza in Kowloon Bay.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Salina Li
An owner of Hong Kong gym chain Physical sold a number of residential assets at a huge loss after shuttering his business in September, citing high rents imposed by some of its landlords.
The disposal included four flats at the Park Haven development in Causeway Bay, which were sold at a discount of more than 40 per cent since December by Physical owner Luk Ngai-keung.
Luk was only able to recover HK$29 million (US$3.7 million) in the fire sale, a collective discount of 43 per cent from the HK$50 million that he paid for the four units. The most recent transaction involved a 428 sq ft, one-bedroom unit on the 22nd floor that sold for HK$7.4 million, according to the Land Registry. The keys were handed over on Monday.
The purchase price was 45 per cent lower than the HK$13.5 million he paid for the unit in 2014. He bought a total of six units using a holding company in 2014 for HK$80 million and the remaining two flats are currently for sale at a reduced price, according to the agent responsible for the sale. The agent added that the owner would like to cash in quickly and was willing to slash prices.
Physical, owned by Luk and his wife, Ho Yuk-wah, closed in September after 38 years in business after the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority told the fitness chain to pay about HK$3 million that it owed in outstanding contributions for about 740 staff members. It said two months of pension payments and related surcharges were unpaid.
In October, MTR Corp accused Luk and Ho of owing it nearly HK$2.8 million in rent and management fees, with some outstanding charges dating back to the previous December. The railway giant, which also operates shopping centres, was seeking to recover more than HK$320,000 from Physical and its owners over an outlet in Telford Plaza in Kowloon Bay.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
China accuses PVH Group of ‘inappropriate conduct’ on Xinjiang matters
中国商务部周四表示，PVH集团（Calvin Klein和Tommy Hilfiger的母公司）因涉及新疆问题而被指控“行为不当”，并将对此展开监管谈话。这一消息源于初步调查结果，商务部将在不久后公开更多详细信息。
此次调查于九月底开始，商务部的“不可靠实体名单”机制将使其能够对PVH集团进行进一步的监管。此外，早些时候，美国国土安全部已宣布禁止自37家中国企业进口与新疆维吾尔族人权问题相关的产品，这显示出新疆问题在国际贸易中愈发受到关注，相关企业也面临更大的法律与经济压力。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
中国商务部周四表示，PVH集团（Calvin Klein和Tommy Hilfiger的母公司）因涉及新疆问题而被指控“行为不当”，并将对此展开监管谈话。这一消息源于初步调查结果，商务部将在不久后公开更多详细信息。
此次调查于九月底开始，商务部的“不可靠实体名单”机制将使其能够对PVH集团进行进一步的监管。此外，早些时候，美国国土安全部已宣布禁止自37家中国企业进口与新疆维吾尔族人权问题相关的产品，这显示出新疆问题在国际贸易中愈发受到关注，相关企业也面临更大的法律与经济压力。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
After Yoon’s arrest, calls in South Korea for Kim Keon-hee to face charges intensify
By Park Chan-kyong
South Korea’s First Lady Kim Keon-hee is back in the spotlight after the arrest of impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol, with opposition parties urging for her to be taken into custody as well for alleged corruption and interference in state affairs.
When investigators served Yoon an arrest warrant at his residence on Wednesday on insurrection charges over his failed martial law bid, Yoon reportedly told visiting lawmakers from his ruling People Power Party (PPP) of his wife: “She dines little these days.”
One of the lawmakers, Kwon Young-jin, told journalists after seeing Kim at the residence: “She didn’t look well.”
Critics have referred to Kim as “VIP No. 1”, alleging that Yoon’s 52-year-old wife influenced his schedules, key policy decisions and personnel appointments.
“We’re not even sure who the real president was,” said the second-largest opposition party, Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP), in a statement hours after Yoon was arrested on Wednesday. RKP accused Kim of peddling influence and “deeply interfering with state affairs”, including allegedly playing a role in the selection of candidates for last year’s National Assembly elections.
“Kim Keon-hee is at the centre of all kinds of scandals. As she has been wielding the greatest influence over Yoon, her possible involvement in the insurrection cannot be ruled out,” the RKP statement added.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Park Chan-kyong
South Korea’s First Lady Kim Keon-hee is back in the spotlight after the arrest of impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol, with opposition parties urging for her to be taken into custody as well for alleged corruption and interference in state affairs.
When investigators served Yoon an arrest warrant at his residence on Wednesday on insurrection charges over his failed martial law bid, Yoon reportedly told visiting lawmakers from his ruling People Power Party (PPP) of his wife: “She dines little these days.”
One of the lawmakers, Kwon Young-jin, told journalists after seeing Kim at the residence: “She didn’t look well.”
Critics have referred to Kim as “VIP No. 1”, alleging that Yoon’s 52-year-old wife influenced his schedules, key policy decisions and personnel appointments.
“We’re not even sure who the real president was,” said the second-largest opposition party, Rebuilding Korea Party (RKP), in a statement hours after Yoon was arrested on Wednesday. RKP accused Kim of peddling influence and “deeply interfering with state affairs”, including allegedly playing a role in the selection of candidates for last year’s National Assembly elections.
“Kim Keon-hee is at the centre of all kinds of scandals. As she has been wielding the greatest influence over Yoon, her possible involvement in the insurrection cannot be ruled out,” the RKP statement added.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Why investors can be confident of Hong Kong’s finances
尽管香港的公共财政面临罕见压力，但长期来看，维持对这座城市未来繁荣的信心是有充分理由的。这一观点基于我作为长期商业领袖、投资者和居民的理性评估，主要通过风险、机会、领导力和执行力这三个视角来分析。
香港面临的风险和机会与其外部和内部环境的变化密切相关，其中包括地缘政治动荡、去全球化、保护主义、反华情绪及高经济不确定性等全球性挑战。而在本地市场，资本市场波动、房地产行业下滑以及消费者信心减弱都是亟待解决的问题。尽管如此，香港在多个关键金融驱动因素上展示出相当的韧性，例如2023年银行存款增长5%，2024年更是增长了6%。
与此同时，香港的股市在经历了四年的下跌后，恒生指数在2023年上涨了18%。此外，香港管理的资产在2023年超过4万亿美元，比2018年增长了30%。根据InvestHK的数据，2024年有超过500家企业选择在香港扩展或加速业务，这些都表明了香港在全球经济中的重要地位和未来发展的潜力。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
尽管香港的公共财政面临罕见压力，但长期来看，维持对这座城市未来繁荣的信心是有充分理由的。这一观点基于我作为长期商业领袖、投资者和居民的理性评估，主要通过风险、机会、领导力和执行力这三个视角来分析。
香港面临的风险和机会与其外部和内部环境的变化密切相关，其中包括地缘政治动荡、去全球化、保护主义、反华情绪及高经济不确定性等全球性挑战。而在本地市场，资本市场波动、房地产行业下滑以及消费者信心减弱都是亟待解决的问题。尽管如此，香港在多个关键金融驱动因素上展示出相当的韧性，例如2023年银行存款增长5%，2024年更是增长了6%。
与此同时，香港的股市在经历了四年的下跌后，恒生指数在2023年上涨了18%。此外，香港管理的资产在2023年超过4万亿美元，比2018年增长了30%。根据InvestHK的数据，2024年有超过500家企业选择在香港扩展或加速业务，这些都表明了香港在全球经济中的重要地位和未来发展的潜力。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
South Korean officer recounts fight to save Swedish man who died after 21 hospital refusals
一名64岁的瑞典国籍男子上个月在韩国去世，尽管当地当局和组织进行了不懈的医疗救助，这一事件突显了外国人在韩国的福利支持缺口。瑞典驻韩国大使馆于12月9日拨打112报警热线，请求对这名患有心理健康问题的瑞典国籍男子提供保护。警方在调查中发现他的情况十分危急。
这名男子于去年4月以免签证身份抵达韩国，因持有毒品被起诉并被禁止出境。尽管因精神疾病和缺乏犯罪意图在初审中被判无罪，但他的案件仍在上诉中。此外，他的左腿因严重坏疽需要立即截肢以挽救生命，但找到愿意进行手术的医院却困难重重。负责协助无家可归者的警官朴阿龙联系了首尔地区的21家医院，但均因该男子的外国国籍和手术费用高昂而拒绝接收他。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
一名64岁的瑞典国籍男子上个月在韩国去世，尽管当地当局和组织进行了不懈的医疗救助，这一事件突显了外国人在韩国的福利支持缺口。瑞典驻韩国大使馆于12月9日拨打112报警热线，请求对这名患有心理健康问题的瑞典国籍男子提供保护。警方在调查中发现他的情况十分危急。
这名男子于去年4月以免签证身份抵达韩国，因持有毒品被起诉并被禁止出境。尽管因精神疾病和缺乏犯罪意图在初审中被判无罪，但他的案件仍在上诉中。此外，他的左腿因严重坏疽需要立即截肢以挽救生命，但找到愿意进行手术的医院却困难重重。负责协助无家可归者的警官朴阿龙联系了首尔地区的21家医院，但均因该男子的外国国籍和手术费用高昂而拒绝接收他。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
