Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific to give out 4 weeks of pay for staff bonuses
By Cannix Yau
Cathay Pacific Airways will dish out at least a month’s worth of pay to staff for this year’s bonuses on the back of the Hong Kong flag carrier’s strong financial results in 2024.
In a letter to employees on Thursday morning, Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por said the bonus pay was due to the company’s robust performance last year.
“I’m pleased to share that we will be distributing at least four weeks of eligible pay this year. Stay tuned,” he wrote.
The promised bonus pay follows the company’s successful efforts to rebuild after the pandemic, which saw it return to 100 per cent of pre-Covid flight levels this month.
“Our strong financial performance for two years in a row also made it possible for us to commit more than HK$100 billion [US$12.8 billion] in investments into further elevating our customers’ experience in the future,” Lam said.
More to follow …
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By Cannix Yau
Cathay Pacific Airways will dish out at least a month’s worth of pay to staff for this year’s bonuses on the back of the Hong Kong flag carrier’s strong financial results in 2024.
In a letter to employees on Thursday morning, Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por said the bonus pay was due to the company’s robust performance last year.
“I’m pleased to share that we will be distributing at least four weeks of eligible pay this year. Stay tuned,” he wrote.
The promised bonus pay follows the company’s successful efforts to rebuild after the pandemic, which saw it return to 100 per cent of pre-Covid flight levels this month.
“Our strong financial performance for two years in a row also made it possible for us to commit more than HK$100 billion [US$12.8 billion] in investments into further elevating our customers’ experience in the future,” Lam said.
More to follow …
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Philippines ‘blindsided’ by mounting security threats amid fresh espionage claims
菲律宾正面临日益严峻的安全威胁，分析人士警告称，国家在反情报能力和监管基础设施方面存在不足，这引发了对近期间谍活动的忧虑。这一警告是在菲律宾武装部队宣布正在调查一名涉嫌中国间谍与该国军事设施之间的联系之后提出的，此外还涉及在国内水域发现的水下无人机以及外籍人士中假身份证的泛滥。
菲律宾海军发言人特立南上校指出，似乎有一个外部势力在“有意并有计划地绘制出该国的地图”，尽管他没有指明具体国家。他强调，所有的声明都是基于事实。同时，军方发言人帕迪拉上校表示，军方正从更宏观的角度审视这些问题，并试图在多个孤立的现象之间找到联系，包括已经被禁止的离岸博彩运营商（Pogos）。
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菲律宾正面临日益严峻的安全威胁，分析人士警告称，国家在反情报能力和监管基础设施方面存在不足，这引发了对近期间谍活动的忧虑。这一警告是在菲律宾武装部队宣布正在调查一名涉嫌中国间谍与该国军事设施之间的联系之后提出的，此外还涉及在国内水域发现的水下无人机以及外籍人士中假身份证的泛滥。
菲律宾海军发言人特立南上校指出，似乎有一个外部势力在“有意并有计划地绘制出该国的地图”，尽管他没有指明具体国家。他强调，所有的声明都是基于事实。同时，军方发言人帕迪拉上校表示，军方正从更宏观的角度审视这些问题，并试图在多个孤立的现象之间找到联系，包括已经被禁止的离岸博彩运营商（Pogos）。
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Hong Kong’s Paul Chan discusses cooperation with global leaders at Davos forum
香港财政局局长在达沃斯的世界经济论坛上与70多位全球政治和商业领袖讨论了避免“新非合作常态”的策略。他在会议中强调了香港的“新优势”，并表达了在绿色转型、金融服务发展和城市管理等领域加强合作的意愿。
Chan Mo-po表示，此次论坛为香港展示最新经济和社会发展的机会，并强调了在“一国两制”原则下的独特优势。会议的主题为“智能时代的合作”，吸引了大约3000名来自世界各地的政治和金融领袖，讨论重建国际信任和寻找新的增长来源等重要议题。
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香港财政局局长在达沃斯的世界经济论坛上与70多位全球政治和商业领袖讨论了避免“新非合作常态”的策略。他在会议中强调了香港的“新优势”，并表达了在绿色转型、金融服务发展和城市管理等领域加强合作的意愿。
Chan Mo-po表示，此次论坛为香港展示最新经济和社会发展的机会，并强调了在“一国两制”原则下的独特优势。会议的主题为“智能时代的合作”，吸引了大约3000名来自世界各地的政治和金融领袖，讨论重建国际信任和寻找新的增长来源等重要议题。
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Malaysia’s Anwar faces heat over ‘absurd’ rules on anti-corruption rally
By Hadi Azmi
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his government – once vocal advocates of the right to protest – have come under criticism from civil society groups and their own supporters for imposing restrictions on an anti-corruption rally planned for this weekend.
Since coming to power after 25 years as Malaysia’s key opposition figure, Anwar has been chided for backsliding on his reform promises and instead defending laws such as the Sedition Act and Press Printing and Publication Act, which were once used to silence his own street movement.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution told the organisers of Saturday’s march that they must ask for permission from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the owners of Sogo shopping centre to protest, saying the streets outside those places are not “public spaces”.
The People’s Rally Against Corruption, led by student groups, will start outside the plaza in central Kuala Lumpur – a symbolic starting point for many mass marches under Anwar’s Reformasi movement – and proceed to Independence Square.
Zaid Malek, the director of rights group Lawyers for Liberty, took Saifuddin to task for the apparent attempt to impede the rally.
“Following this absurd logic, no public gathering can take place in Malaysia so long as surrounding building owners object to it,” Zaid, who provided legal advice to the organisers, said.
“Why is the government so afraid of anti-corruption rally when they have made a boast of fighting corruption?” he said, adding they have complied with the 2012 Peaceful Assembly Act stipulations.
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By Hadi Azmi
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his government – once vocal advocates of the right to protest – have come under criticism from civil society groups and their own supporters for imposing restrictions on an anti-corruption rally planned for this weekend.
Since coming to power after 25 years as Malaysia’s key opposition figure, Anwar has been chided for backsliding on his reform promises and instead defending laws such as the Sedition Act and Press Printing and Publication Act, which were once used to silence his own street movement.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution told the organisers of Saturday’s march that they must ask for permission from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the owners of Sogo shopping centre to protest, saying the streets outside those places are not “public spaces”.
The People’s Rally Against Corruption, led by student groups, will start outside the plaza in central Kuala Lumpur – a symbolic starting point for many mass marches under Anwar’s Reformasi movement – and proceed to Independence Square.
Zaid Malek, the director of rights group Lawyers for Liberty, took Saifuddin to task for the apparent attempt to impede the rally.
“Following this absurd logic, no public gathering can take place in Malaysia so long as surrounding building owners object to it,” Zaid, who provided legal advice to the organisers, said.
“Why is the government so afraid of anti-corruption rally when they have made a boast of fighting corruption?” he said, adding they have complied with the 2012 Peaceful Assembly Act stipulations.
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Positive US-China ties top concern for Hong Kong-based businesses: AmCham poll
根据最新调查，积极的美中关系是香港企业在未来一年最关心的问题。大多数受访者认为，美国要改善与香港的关系，首先需要更好地理解香港与中国大陆的法律差异。调查显示，79%的企业没有计划在未来三年内将总部迁出香港。
这项由香港美国商会（AmCham HK）发布的商业情绪调查还发现，85%的受访者认为，香港政府应将“更多关注商业问题，减少对国家安全言论的关注”作为改善与美国关系的最佳途径。商会指出，几乎所有公司（97%）都表示，良好的双边关系对他们在香港和中国的业务至关重要。这项调查是在去年12月至今年1月间进行的，涵盖了500家香港本地企业，回应率为18%。
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根据最新调查，积极的美中关系是香港企业在未来一年最关心的问题。大多数受访者认为，美国要改善与香港的关系，首先需要更好地理解香港与中国大陆的法律差异。调查显示，79%的企业没有计划在未来三年内将总部迁出香港。
这项由香港美国商会（AmCham HK）发布的商业情绪调查还发现，85%的受访者认为，香港政府应将“更多关注商业问题，减少对国家安全言论的关注”作为改善与美国关系的最佳途径。商会指出，几乎所有公司（97%）都表示，良好的双边关系对他们在香港和中国的业务至关重要。这项调查是在去年12月至今年1月间进行的，涵盖了500家香港本地企业，回应率为18%。
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Elon Musk vs Wikipedia: a clash over how to describe ‘Nazi salute’
Elon Musk is stirring controversy by trolling Wikipedia and advocating for its defunding after the site described his recent hand gesture, which some interpreted as a Hitler salute. This incident has ignited a clash between Musk's social media platform X and the online encyclopedia, highlighting their contrasting philosophies.
The conflict underscores the differences between Musk's X, which has relaxed content moderation rules leading to increased disinformation, and Wikipedia, founded by Jimmy Wales, which strives for factual neutrality. Musk's recent actions, including his support for Donald Trump, position him at the center of U.S. politics, while Wikipedia and mainstream media challenge him by holding him accountable for his statements and actions.
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Elon Musk is stirring controversy by trolling Wikipedia and advocating for its defunding after the site described his recent hand gesture, which some interpreted as a Hitler salute. This incident has ignited a clash between Musk's social media platform X and the online encyclopedia, highlighting their contrasting philosophies.
The conflict underscores the differences between Musk's X, which has relaxed content moderation rules leading to increased disinformation, and Wikipedia, founded by Jimmy Wales, which strives for factual neutrality. Musk's recent actions, including his support for Donald Trump, position him at the center of U.S. politics, while Wikipedia and mainstream media challenge him by holding him accountable for his statements and actions.
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Hong Kong police question 2 polling institute workers in national security probe
香港国家安全警察已召唤两名民调机构员工参与调查，该调查与一名逃犯有关。这名逃犯是香港公众舆论研究所的前副执行董事钟金华，他因涉嫌违反国家安全法而被警方通缉。警方在对钟的家人及一名主要民调人士进行询问后，决定调查该机构的员工。
调查显示，民调机构的研究与数据科学经理朱建强和研究执行员袁浩轩已被分别带到屯门和沙田的警察局进行询问。警方上周查扣了香港公众舆论研究所的物品，并带走了该机构的主席钟廷耀。钟金华于2022年移居英国，警方在上个月将他列为六名在海外的逃犯之一，此次行动突显了香港在国家安全法实施后的高压政策。
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香港国家安全警察已召唤两名民调机构员工参与调查，该调查与一名逃犯有关。这名逃犯是香港公众舆论研究所的前副执行董事钟金华，他因涉嫌违反国家安全法而被警方通缉。警方在对钟的家人及一名主要民调人士进行询问后，决定调查该机构的员工。
调查显示，民调机构的研究与数据科学经理朱建强和研究执行员袁浩轩已被分别带到屯门和沙田的警察局进行询问。警方上周查扣了香港公众舆论研究所的物品，并带走了该机构的主席钟廷耀。钟金华于2022年移居英国，警方在上个月将他列为六名在海外的逃犯之一，此次行动突显了香港在国家安全法实施后的高压政策。
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The US is deeply dependent on China’s rare earths. Can Trump change that?
美国正努力降低对中国稀土供应的依赖，寻求开发自身丰富的稀土矿藏。稀土元素是生产高端电子产品和先进武器所需的重要矿物，而美国长期以来主要依赖中国的供应。这种对外依赖加剧了美国的战略脆弱性，尤其是在中国加强出口管制的背景下。
尽管美国拥有稀土矿藏，但由于政府的监管政策和地方对采矿项目的反对，这些资源却长期未被开发。行业分析师指出，经济学家保罗·克鲁曼曾描述美国从“不要在我家附近”转变为“在任何地方都不建任何东西”，这种转变导致了国内基本工业水平的普遍抑制。这种复杂的局面使得美国在面对全球竞争时必须寻求更多的自给自足，以确保国家安全和经济稳定。
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美国正努力降低对中国稀土供应的依赖，寻求开发自身丰富的稀土矿藏。稀土元素是生产高端电子产品和先进武器所需的重要矿物，而美国长期以来主要依赖中国的供应。这种对外依赖加剧了美国的战略脆弱性，尤其是在中国加强出口管制的背景下。
尽管美国拥有稀土矿藏，但由于政府的监管政策和地方对采矿项目的反对，这些资源却长期未被开发。行业分析师指出，经济学家保罗·克鲁曼曾描述美国从“不要在我家附近”转变为“在任何地方都不建任何东西”，这种转变导致了国内基本工业水平的普遍抑制。这种复杂的局面使得美国在面对全球竞争时必须寻求更多的自给自足，以确保国家安全和经济稳定。
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Japan’s Masahiro Nakai retires from showbiz amid sex scandal
日本知名电视主持人中居正广因卷入性丑闻宣布退休。这位前流行乐团SMAP成员于周四在其粉丝网站上透露，他将退出娱乐圈，原因是有媒体报道称他在2023年6月与一名20多岁的女性发生了非自愿的性行为，并因此达成了9000万日元（约57.5万美元）的庭外和解。
中居正广，52岁，曾是SMAP的领导者，该团体自1988年成立以来在日本及亚洲广受欢迎，直到2016年解散。在丑闻曝光之前，他一直活跃于电视节目中担任主持人，如今的退休决定标志着他事业的重大转折。此事件也引发了对日本娱乐行业性骚扰问题的广泛关注和讨论。
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日本知名电视主持人中居正广因卷入性丑闻宣布退休。这位前流行乐团SMAP成员于周四在其粉丝网站上透露，他将退出娱乐圈，原因是有媒体报道称他在2023年6月与一名20多岁的女性发生了非自愿的性行为，并因此达成了9000万日元（约57.5万美元）的庭外和解。
中居正广，52岁，曾是SMAP的领导者，该团体自1988年成立以来在日本及亚洲广受欢迎，直到2016年解散。在丑闻曝光之前，他一直活跃于电视节目中担任主持人，如今的退休决定标志着他事业的重大转折。此事件也引发了对日本娱乐行业性骚扰问题的广泛关注和讨论。
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Asia’s energy markets may stay volatile over Trump’s oil ambition and sanctions
亚洲能源市场正面临加剧的不确定性，主要由于西方对俄罗斯石油运输的新制裁以及美国总统特朗普推动扩大国内石油产量的政策。分析师警告，这种价格波动可能会持续数月，给全球油价带来压力。
印度和中国作为全球最大的石油消费国，正受到这些制裁的直接影响。特朗普在就职首日宣布美国面临国家能源紧急状态，暗示美国可能会增加石油产量。随着制裁的实施，基准布伦特原油价格在1月中旬从圣诞节的73美元上涨至80美元，随后又回落至79.13美元。
本月早些时候，拜登政府宣布对200多家与俄罗斯石油销售和运输相关的实体和个人实施制裁，包括183艘被认为是逃避制裁的“影子舰队”。与此同时，英国政府也对俄罗斯两大能源公司Gazprom Neft和Surgutneftegas实施制裁，称其利润正在“充实普京的战争资金，助长乌克兰战争”。
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亚洲能源市场正面临加剧的不确定性，主要由于西方对俄罗斯石油运输的新制裁以及美国总统特朗普推动扩大国内石油产量的政策。分析师警告，这种价格波动可能会持续数月，给全球油价带来压力。
印度和中国作为全球最大的石油消费国，正受到这些制裁的直接影响。特朗普在就职首日宣布美国面临国家能源紧急状态，暗示美国可能会增加石油产量。随着制裁的实施，基准布伦特原油价格在1月中旬从圣诞节的73美元上涨至80美元，随后又回落至79.13美元。
本月早些时候，拜登政府宣布对200多家与俄罗斯石油销售和运输相关的实体和个人实施制裁，包括183艘被认为是逃避制裁的“影子舰队”。与此同时，英国政府也对俄罗斯两大能源公司Gazprom Neft和Surgutneftegas实施制裁，称其利润正在“充实普京的战争资金，助长乌克兰战争”。
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New Zealand takes a page from Singapore’s foreign investment playbook to propel economy
新西兰总理克里斯托弗·卢克森宣布，将放宽外资投资规则，以刺激经济增长和增加就业机会。这一举措出现在新西兰经济在第三季度意外陷入衰退的背景下，政府希望通过引入更多外资来扭转不利局面。
卢克森在年度国情演讲中提到，将设立“投资新西兰”作为外资投资的一站式服务平台，借鉴爱尔兰和新加坡的成功经验，简化投资流程并为外国投资者提供个性化支持。此举预计将促进银行、金融科技、交通、能源和制造业等领域的资本投资，帮助新西兰实现更多初创企业和首次公开募股，提升收入水平。与此同时，新西兰中央银行自八月份以来已将官方现金利率下调125个基点，并预期在下月的会议上再次下调50个基点，以应对经济活动收缩和通胀放缓的双重挑战。
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新西兰总理克里斯托弗·卢克森宣布，将放宽外资投资规则，以刺激经济增长和增加就业机会。这一举措出现在新西兰经济在第三季度意外陷入衰退的背景下，政府希望通过引入更多外资来扭转不利局面。
卢克森在年度国情演讲中提到，将设立“投资新西兰”作为外资投资的一站式服务平台，借鉴爱尔兰和新加坡的成功经验，简化投资流程并为外国投资者提供个性化支持。此举预计将促进银行、金融科技、交通、能源和制造业等领域的资本投资，帮助新西兰实现更多初创企业和首次公开募股，提升收入水平。与此同时，新西兰中央银行自八月份以来已将官方现金利率下调125个基点，并预期在下月的会议上再次下调50个基点，以应对经济活动收缩和通胀放缓的双重挑战。
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China breaks durian import record as Vietnam, Malaysia nip at Thailand’s heels
By Mia Nulimaimaiti
With China’s durian imports breaking records in 2024 – reaching nearly US$7 billion in value – competition for its market, the world’s largest, has intensified as Vietnam and Malaysia ramp up their efforts to dethrone Thailand as chief provider of the beloved tropical fruit.
According to customs data, China imported a record 15.6 billion kilograms of durian in 2024, up 9.4 per cent year on year. Import value rose 4.1 per cent to an all-time high of US$6.99 billion – though this was slow compared to the explosive 66 per cent growth rate observed in 2023 after Vietnam entered the market in earnest.
In December, China brought in almost US$160 million worth of the fruit for its domestic supply – still sourced almost entirely from abroad – for a 12 per cent year-on-year increase.
Imports of the fruit from Thailand saw a 7.6 per cent increase year-on-year in December, despite a 12 per cent decline last year overall for a total value of US$4 billion.
Thailand has long dominated China’s durian market, accounting for 68 per cent of imports in 2023. However, its market share in China dropped to 57 per cent last year, a fall attributed to quality issues from the overuse of industrial plantations and a decline in production following a bout of extreme heat.
China’s General Administration of Customs mandated Thailand and Vietnam provide test reports for their durian crops after detecting excessive levels of the chemical dye Basic Yellow 2 – a known carcinogen – according to a report by Thai media outlet Bangkok Insight earlier this month. Since January 10, Chinese authorities have inspected random samples of the fruits at all border crossings.
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By Mia Nulimaimaiti
With China’s durian imports breaking records in 2024 – reaching nearly US$7 billion in value – competition for its market, the world’s largest, has intensified as Vietnam and Malaysia ramp up their efforts to dethrone Thailand as chief provider of the beloved tropical fruit.
According to customs data, China imported a record 15.6 billion kilograms of durian in 2024, up 9.4 per cent year on year. Import value rose 4.1 per cent to an all-time high of US$6.99 billion – though this was slow compared to the explosive 66 per cent growth rate observed in 2023 after Vietnam entered the market in earnest.
In December, China brought in almost US$160 million worth of the fruit for its domestic supply – still sourced almost entirely from abroad – for a 12 per cent year-on-year increase.
Imports of the fruit from Thailand saw a 7.6 per cent increase year-on-year in December, despite a 12 per cent decline last year overall for a total value of US$4 billion.
Thailand has long dominated China’s durian market, accounting for 68 per cent of imports in 2023. However, its market share in China dropped to 57 per cent last year, a fall attributed to quality issues from the overuse of industrial plantations and a decline in production following a bout of extreme heat.
China’s General Administration of Customs mandated Thailand and Vietnam provide test reports for their durian crops after detecting excessive levels of the chemical dye Basic Yellow 2 – a known carcinogen – according to a report by Thai media outlet Bangkok Insight earlier this month. Since January 10, Chinese authorities have inspected random samples of the fruits at all border crossings.
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Explosive new wildfire erupts near Los Angeles, forcing mass evacuations
洛杉矶周边爆发新一轮大火,数十万人受威胁。该地区仍在经历两起致命烈火的阴影,引发了对新的大火威胁的恐惧。
近日,一场新的野火在洛杉矶北部肆虐,席卷了卡斯提克湖附近的丘陵地带,风力凶猛,火势迅速扩散,仅几小时内就覆盖了超过3800公顷(9400英亩)的土地。强劲的干旱的圣安娜风吹散了火焰,推进了火焰前的烟尘和烟囱。
由于风力强劲,卡斯提克湖周边的31万人被强制疏散,该湖位于洛杉矶56公里(35英里)以北,邻近圣克里斯托弗市。被疏散的人在疏散的同时,也表现出极大的担忧,其中一人对传媒表示,"我只希望我的房子不被烧了"。
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洛杉矶周边爆发新一轮大火,数十万人受威胁。该地区仍在经历两起致命烈火的阴影,引发了对新的大火威胁的恐惧。
近日,一场新的野火在洛杉矶北部肆虐,席卷了卡斯提克湖附近的丘陵地带,风力凶猛,火势迅速扩散,仅几小时内就覆盖了超过3800公顷(9400英亩)的土地。强劲的干旱的圣安娜风吹散了火焰,推进了火焰前的烟尘和烟囱。
由于风力强劲,卡斯提克湖周边的31万人被强制疏散,该湖位于洛杉矶56公里(35英里)以北,邻近圣克里斯托弗市。被疏散的人在疏散的同时,也表现出极大的担忧,其中一人对传媒表示,"我只希望我的房子不被烧了"。
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Rubio backs Manila, condemns Beijing’s ‘dangerous’ actions in South China Sea
美国国务卿马尔科·鲁比奥在首次与菲律宾外长恩里克·马纳洛通话中重申了华盛顿对马尼拉的承诺，并谴责北京在南海的“危险和不稳定”行为。鲁比奥在通话中强调了美国在与菲律宾的共同防御条约下的坚定承诺，表示华盛顿将继续支持其最古老的亚洲盟友。
通话中，鲁比奥与马纳洛讨论了包括中国在南海的“危险和不稳定行为”在内的“共同关切问题”。这些评论凸显了随着两国间紧张局势的上升，鲁比奥对中国的直接批评。菲律宾最近对中国海警船在黄岩岛附近的存在表示强烈谴责，而中国则指责马尼拉在区域争端中“夸大”问题。此外，上周中国军方在南海进行了两天的战斗准备巡逻，恰逢菲律宾与美国的首次双边海上演习，进一步加深了双方的紧张关系。
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美国国务卿马尔科·鲁比奥在首次与菲律宾外长恩里克·马纳洛通话中重申了华盛顿对马尼拉的承诺，并谴责北京在南海的“危险和不稳定”行为。鲁比奥在通话中强调了美国在与菲律宾的共同防御条约下的坚定承诺，表示华盛顿将继续支持其最古老的亚洲盟友。
通话中，鲁比奥与马纳洛讨论了包括中国在南海的“危险和不稳定行为”在内的“共同关切问题”。这些评论凸显了随着两国间紧张局势的上升，鲁比奥对中国的直接批评。菲律宾最近对中国海警船在黄岩岛附近的存在表示强烈谴责，而中国则指责马尼拉在区域争端中“夸大”问题。此外，上周中国军方在南海进行了两天的战斗准备巡逻，恰逢菲律宾与美国的首次双边海上演习，进一步加深了双方的紧张关系。
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CTF Life partners with Kai Tak Sports Park to promote sports, culture and tourism
By Advertising partner
[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.]
In recent years, Hong Kong athletes have achieved unprecedented success on the international stage.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, they secured a historic six-medal haul, including one gold, two silver and three bronze.
The 2024 Paris Olympics saw them reach new heights with a record two gold and two bronze medals – the city’s highest Olympic gold medal tally to date.
Among the medalists were Cheung Ka-long, who won his second consecutive Olympic medal in fencing, and Vivian Kong Man-wai, who clinched bronze in the women’s épée, further solidifying Hong Kong’s presence in international sports.
This success stems not only from the dedication and talent of Hong Kong’s athletes but also from strong government support and investments in sports infrastructure.
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By Advertising partner
[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.]
In recent years, Hong Kong athletes have achieved unprecedented success on the international stage.
At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, they secured a historic six-medal haul, including one gold, two silver and three bronze.
The 2024 Paris Olympics saw them reach new heights with a record two gold and two bronze medals – the city’s highest Olympic gold medal tally to date.
Among the medalists were Cheung Ka-long, who won his second consecutive Olympic medal in fencing, and Vivian Kong Man-wai, who clinched bronze in the women’s épée, further solidifying Hong Kong’s presence in international sports.
This success stems not only from the dedication and talent of Hong Kong’s athletes but also from strong government support and investments in sports infrastructure.
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17 Filipinos among 25 Galaxy Leader crew members freed by Yemen’s Houthis
By Associated Press
Yemen’s Houthi rebels said on Wednesday they released the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier seized in November 2023 at the start of their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Gaza war.
The move by the Iranian-backed Houthis marks their latest effort to de-escalate their attacks following a ceasefire in Gaza. It comes as the White House announced US President Donald Trump was reinstating a terrorism designation he made on the group late in his first term that had been revoked by former president Joe Biden.
Trump issued an executive order on Wednesday that sets in motion a process for re-establishing the foreign terrorist organisation designation. Biden lifted the designation early in his term, citing the humanitarian threat that the sanctions posed to ordinary Yemenis.
The rebels said they released the sailors after mediation by Oman, a sultanate on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula that has long been an interlocutor with the Houthis.
Oman’s foreign ministry later confirmed that the crew had flown from Sanaa to Muscat aboard an Omani air force plane.
The Houthis also said Hamas separately requested the release of the ship’s crew of 25, who included mariners from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Mexico.
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By Associated Press
Yemen’s Houthi rebels said on Wednesday they released the crew of the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle carrier seized in November 2023 at the start of their attacks on shipping in the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Gaza war.
The move by the Iranian-backed Houthis marks their latest effort to de-escalate their attacks following a ceasefire in Gaza. It comes as the White House announced US President Donald Trump was reinstating a terrorism designation he made on the group late in his first term that had been revoked by former president Joe Biden.
Trump issued an executive order on Wednesday that sets in motion a process for re-establishing the foreign terrorist organisation designation. Biden lifted the designation early in his term, citing the humanitarian threat that the sanctions posed to ordinary Yemenis.
The rebels said they released the sailors after mediation by Oman, a sultanate on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula that has long been an interlocutor with the Houthis.
Oman’s foreign ministry later confirmed that the crew had flown from Sanaa to Muscat aboard an Omani air force plane.
The Houthis also said Hamas separately requested the release of the ship’s crew of 25, who included mariners from the Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Mexico.
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