Hang Lung Properties profit slumps 46% on lower leasing profits, higher finance costs
Hong Kong developer Hang Lung Properties experienced a significant decline in earnings for 2024, with profits dropping by 45.8% compared to the previous year. The company's net profit attributable to shareholders fell to HK$2.1 billion, a sharp decrease from HK$3.97 billion, due to reduced operating leasing profits and increased finance costs. This also included a net revaluation loss on some properties, highlighting the financial challenges faced by the developer.
The decline in revenue was driven by a 6% drop in overall rental income, with a 4% decrease from its mainland China portfolio and a more pronounced 9% fall in Hong Kong. Hang Lung Properties attributed part of this downturn to weakened consumer confidence in mainland China, affected by lackluster economic conditions, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and a sluggish global economy. Although the Chinese central government has introduced stimulus measures aimed at improving the economic outlook, the company remains cautious about their potential impact. As a result, both rental revenue and tenant sales from its mainland mall portfolio experienced declines of 3% and 14%, respectively, underscoring the broader challenges in the real estate sector.
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Hong Kong developer Hang Lung Properties experienced a significant decline in earnings for 2024, with profits dropping by 45.8% compared to the previous year. The company's net profit attributable to shareholders fell to HK$2.1 billion, a sharp decrease from HK$3.97 billion, due to reduced operating leasing profits and increased finance costs. This also included a net revaluation loss on some properties, highlighting the financial challenges faced by the developer.
The decline in revenue was driven by a 6% drop in overall rental income, with a 4% decrease from its mainland China portfolio and a more pronounced 9% fall in Hong Kong. Hang Lung Properties attributed part of this downturn to weakened consumer confidence in mainland China, affected by lackluster economic conditions, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and a sluggish global economy. Although the Chinese central government has introduced stimulus measures aimed at improving the economic outlook, the company remains cautious about their potential impact. As a result, both rental revenue and tenant sales from its mainland mall portfolio experienced declines of 3% and 14%, respectively, underscoring the broader challenges in the real estate sector.
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Shanghai issues more consumption vouchers after shock fall in retail sales
By Mia Nulimaimaiti
Shanghai has announced plans to issue another round of consumption vouchers, as the Chinese metropolis tries to reverse a downturn in consumer spending.
The city of 25 million people disclosed on Thursday that retail sales had fallen 3.1 per cent in 2024 – only the second time the consumption measure has declined in more than 40 years.
Retail sales in Shanghai dropped to 1.79 trillion yuan (US$246 billion) last year, driven mainly by plunging sales of everyday household goods and catering services, according to data released by the Shanghai Statistics Bureau.
Since 1978, Shanghai had only previously recorded an annual fall in retail sales on one occasion: 2022, when the city was subjected to a two-month Covid lockdown that led to a 9.1 per cent decline, according to data from Wind.
The results reflect a chronic lack of confidence among consumers amid a period of economic uncertainty in China, with households focusing on cutting their expenditure and boosting their savings.
China’s household savings rate surged to 55 per cent last year, an increase of 11.2 percentage points from 2023 and the highest level recorded since 1952, Chinese media outlet Caixin reported on Monday.
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By Mia Nulimaimaiti
Shanghai has announced plans to issue another round of consumption vouchers, as the Chinese metropolis tries to reverse a downturn in consumer spending.
The city of 25 million people disclosed on Thursday that retail sales had fallen 3.1 per cent in 2024 – only the second time the consumption measure has declined in more than 40 years.
Retail sales in Shanghai dropped to 1.79 trillion yuan (US$246 billion) last year, driven mainly by plunging sales of everyday household goods and catering services, according to data released by the Shanghai Statistics Bureau.
Since 1978, Shanghai had only previously recorded an annual fall in retail sales on one occasion: 2022, when the city was subjected to a two-month Covid lockdown that led to a 9.1 per cent decline, according to data from Wind.
The results reflect a chronic lack of confidence among consumers amid a period of economic uncertainty in China, with households focusing on cutting their expenditure and boosting their savings.
China’s household savings rate surged to 55 per cent last year, an increase of 11.2 percentage points from 2023 and the highest level recorded since 1952, Chinese media outlet Caixin reported on Monday.
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China’s R&D growth passes US$496 billion in steady rise to hi-tech dominance
中国的研发资金增长已连续三年放缓，但投资强度在稳步上升，表明该国在推动高科技自我依赖的背景下仍在不断推进创新。根据国家统计局发布的初步估计，2024年的研发资金超过3.6万亿元人民币（约4960亿美元），比去年增长了8.3%。这一增长发生在中国继续主导全球研究产出的同时。
研发强度，即研发支出与GDP的比率，是衡量国家科技实力和创新能力的重要指标。2023年，中国的研发强度保持在2.68%的水平，这显示出尽管增长速度有所放缓，国家仍在持续加强科技投资。近年来，中国致力于推动原创创新和前沿研究，以增强技术自给能力并在与美国的竞争中占据更强的地位。
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中国的研发资金增长已连续三年放缓，但投资强度在稳步上升，表明该国在推动高科技自我依赖的背景下仍在不断推进创新。根据国家统计局发布的初步估计，2024年的研发资金超过3.6万亿元人民币（约4960亿美元），比去年增长了8.3%。这一增长发生在中国继续主导全球研究产出的同时。
研发强度，即研发支出与GDP的比率，是衡量国家科技实力和创新能力的重要指标。2023年，中国的研发强度保持在2.68%的水平，这显示出尽管增长速度有所放缓，国家仍在持续加强科技投资。近年来，中国致力于推动原创创新和前沿研究，以增强技术自给能力并在与美国的竞争中占据更强的地位。
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Top Japan restaurant roasted for serving inferior ingredients to Chinese guests
一间中国米其林三星餐厅在东京的分店因被指控为来自中国的顾客提供劣质食材而引发了网络反感。这家名为“新荣记”的高档餐厅以台州菜为主，在线上食品影响者的揭露中显示，其在东京的菜单所用的食材远低于预期。影响者在社交媒体上分享了她所点的88,000日元（约560美元）的完整套餐，发现在她的菜单上，珍贵的太平洋海螺和霍丹鸡被便宜的蜗牛片和鸽子肉取代。
她表示，这些低质量的食材与她从网上找到的另一份菜单相比，令人失望。此外，她还发现坐在旁边的日本顾客享用了中国毛蟹和煲仔饭，而她却只能吃到普通的白米饭。这一事件引发了广泛讨论，许多人对此表示愤怒，认为作为米其林三星餐厅，应该对所有顾客提供相同水平的服务和食材，尤其是在国际分店中。
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一间中国米其林三星餐厅在东京的分店因被指控为来自中国的顾客提供劣质食材而引发了网络反感。这家名为“新荣记”的高档餐厅以台州菜为主，在线上食品影响者的揭露中显示，其在东京的菜单所用的食材远低于预期。影响者在社交媒体上分享了她所点的88,000日元（约560美元）的完整套餐，发现在她的菜单上，珍贵的太平洋海螺和霍丹鸡被便宜的蜗牛片和鸽子肉取代。
她表示，这些低质量的食材与她从网上找到的另一份菜单相比，令人失望。此外，她还发现坐在旁边的日本顾客享用了中国毛蟹和煲仔饭，而她却只能吃到普通的白米饭。这一事件引发了广泛讨论，许多人对此表示愤怒，认为作为米其林三星餐厅，应该对所有顾客提供相同水平的服务和食材，尤其是在国际分店中。
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Hong Kong police arrest 2 more suspects over Yuen Long knife attack
香港警方在与元朗一宗致命刀袭事件相关的调查中，逮捕了两名新嫌疑人，使总拘捕人数增至六人。这起事件造成一名男子死亡，另一人受伤，警方在周五的社交媒体公告中透露了这一消息，但未提供新逮捕者的身份或被拘留的具体情况。
据了解，这两名新嫌疑人分别为26岁和23岁，均为当地黑帮成员并在建筑行业工作。消息来源指出，他们没有前科记录。此外，之前已有四名嫌疑人被逮捕，其中包括两名27岁和29岁的男子，分别在屯门和香港国际机场被捕。此案的进展引发了公众对当地治安的广泛关注。
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香港警方在与元朗一宗致命刀袭事件相关的调查中，逮捕了两名新嫌疑人，使总拘捕人数增至六人。这起事件造成一名男子死亡，另一人受伤，警方在周五的社交媒体公告中透露了这一消息，但未提供新逮捕者的身份或被拘留的具体情况。
据了解，这两名新嫌疑人分别为26岁和23岁，均为当地黑帮成员并在建筑行业工作。消息来源指出，他们没有前科记录。此外，之前已有四名嫌疑人被逮捕，其中包括两名27岁和29岁的男子，分别在屯门和香港国际机场被捕。此案的进展引发了公众对当地治安的广泛关注。
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In Japan, ‘mind-blowingly expensive’ cabbages make beloved dish hard to digest
日本的“炸猪排”因卷心菜价格飙升而面临调整。由于气候变化导致的极端天气影响了农作物，卷心菜的价格已上涨至平时的三倍，东京的餐厅不得不减少每份的卷心菜供应。
这一现象被媒体称为“卷心菜冲击”，是由于去年夏季的高温和暴雨毁坏了农作物，导致卷心菜价格飙升。与此同时，消费者和餐饮业者也在应对通货膨胀带来的压力，能源费用和基本食品价格如米、面粉和食用油均在上涨。餐厅老板志川胜美表示，虽然他已准备好应对面粉价格的上涨，但卷心菜的涨价让他感到意外，因为“炸猪排和卷心菜就像不可分割的朋友”。
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日本的“炸猪排”因卷心菜价格飙升而面临调整。由于气候变化导致的极端天气影响了农作物，卷心菜的价格已上涨至平时的三倍，东京的餐厅不得不减少每份的卷心菜供应。
这一现象被媒体称为“卷心菜冲击”，是由于去年夏季的高温和暴雨毁坏了农作物，导致卷心菜价格飙升。与此同时，消费者和餐饮业者也在应对通货膨胀带来的压力，能源费用和基本食品价格如米、面粉和食用油均在上涨。餐厅老板志川胜美表示，虽然他已准备好应对面粉价格的上涨，但卷心菜的涨价让他感到意外，因为“炸猪排和卷心菜就像不可分割的朋友”。
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Rebels close in on eastern DR Congo’s largest city as army battles to halt advance
在刚果民主共和国东部，M23叛军正在逐步逼近主要城市戈马，引发了当地居民的恐慌。随着叛军控制了距离戈马仅27公里的萨克镇，冲突也导致数百名受伤平民被送往主要医院。这一局势的恶化让戈马这座拥有约200万居民的城市面临直接威胁。
M23叛军最近在与刚果军队的战斗中取得显著进展，并向戈马逼近。戈马作为一个安全和人道主义工作的重要区域，其附近的战斗引发了远处爆炸声。M23是约100个武装团体之一，长期以来在这个矿产资源丰富的地区争夺控制权，而这场冲突已导致全球最大的 humanitarian crisis 之一。
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在刚果民主共和国东部，M23叛军正在逐步逼近主要城市戈马，引发了当地居民的恐慌。随着叛军控制了距离戈马仅27公里的萨克镇，冲突也导致数百名受伤平民被送往主要医院。这一局势的恶化让戈马这座拥有约200万居民的城市面临直接威胁。
M23叛军最近在与刚果军队的战斗中取得显著进展，并向戈马逼近。戈马作为一个安全和人道主义工作的重要区域，其附近的战斗引发了远处爆炸声。M23是约100个武装团体之一，长期以来在这个矿产资源丰富的地区争夺控制权，而这场冲突已导致全球最大的 humanitarian crisis 之一。
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Can the Gaza ceasefire hold while Trump attempts to broker Middle East peace?
未来巴勒斯坦人在加沙和西岸的命运将取决于美国总统特朗普是否能够推动以色列与阿拉伯世界的关系正常化。这一局势的复杂性在于，特朗普需要对以色列总理内塔尼亚胡施加极大压力，以结束在加沙的战争，而他自己对三阶段停火协议的执行并不乐观。
尽管面临挑战，特朗普在新闻发布会上表示，他预计以色列与沙特阿拉伯将很快建立正式外交关系。特朗普的中东特使维特科夫也承认，谈判结束以色列与哈马斯之间冲突的困难，但他对停火协议能够促进以色列与阿拉伯国家关系正常化持乐观态度。他甚至提议美国可能首次直接与哈马斯接触，以实现特朗普在中东的更广泛目标。
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未来巴勒斯坦人在加沙和西岸的命运将取决于美国总统特朗普是否能够推动以色列与阿拉伯世界的关系正常化。这一局势的复杂性在于，特朗普需要对以色列总理内塔尼亚胡施加极大压力，以结束在加沙的战争，而他自己对三阶段停火协议的执行并不乐观。
尽管面临挑战，特朗普在新闻发布会上表示，他预计以色列与沙特阿拉伯将很快建立正式外交关系。特朗普的中东特使维特科夫也承认，谈判结束以色列与哈马斯之间冲突的困难，但他对停火协议能够促进以色列与阿拉伯国家关系正常化持乐观态度。他甚至提议美国可能首次直接与哈马斯接触，以实现特朗普在中东的更广泛目标。
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Chinese knifeman sentenced to death for deadly attack on Japanese school bus
一名因袭击日本母子并致一名试图制止袭击的中国公交车乘务员死亡而被判处死刑的男子，已在苏州中级人民法院审理完毕。这起案件发生在去年7月，法院认定52岁的周嘉生犯有谋杀和伤害罪，尽管法院没有详细说明他的动机，但据报道他因失业和债务问题失去了生活的意志。
周嘉生在周四的简短听证会上出庭，听证会仅持续约10分钟，期间日本驻上海总领事冈田胜和其他外交人员出席。此案在日本引起了广泛关注，许多记者在法院外聚集，等待听证会的进展。尽管尚未透露他是否会提出上诉，但案件的结果可能会对两国关系产生一定影响。
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一名因袭击日本母子并致一名试图制止袭击的中国公交车乘务员死亡而被判处死刑的男子，已在苏州中级人民法院审理完毕。这起案件发生在去年7月，法院认定52岁的周嘉生犯有谋杀和伤害罪，尽管法院没有详细说明他的动机，但据报道他因失业和债务问题失去了生活的意志。
周嘉生在周四的简短听证会上出庭，听证会仅持续约10分钟，期间日本驻上海总领事冈田胜和其他外交人员出席。此案在日本引起了广泛关注，许多记者在法院外聚集，等待听证会的进展。尽管尚未透露他是否会提出上诉，但案件的结果可能会对两国关系产生一定影响。
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UK pizzeria charges US$123 for Hawaiian pizza … to put people off buying it?
一家位于英格兰诺里奇的时尚比萨店对菠萝披萨发起了“战争”，以高达100英镑（约123美元）的价格出售这一争议配料的披萨，旨在劝阻顾客点这道菜。 Lupa Pizza在其外卖应用程序上新增了这款配有火腿和菠萝的比萨，并在描述中写道：“是的，100英镑就可以点它。也点瓶香槟吧！来吧，你这个怪物！”
店主弗朗西斯·沃尔夫（Francis Wolf）表示：“我们强烈不喜欢菠萝披萨，我们觉得它根本不适合比萨。”另一位店主兼主厨昆·贾诺兰（Quin Jianoran）则提到，他们在餐厅里备有罐装菠萝，以防有人点这道菜，但至今还没有人下单。随着比萨在全球的流行，许多外国创新配料常常让意大利人感到困惑和震惊。
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一家位于英格兰诺里奇的时尚比萨店对菠萝披萨发起了“战争”，以高达100英镑（约123美元）的价格出售这一争议配料的披萨，旨在劝阻顾客点这道菜。 Lupa Pizza在其外卖应用程序上新增了这款配有火腿和菠萝的比萨，并在描述中写道：“是的，100英镑就可以点它。也点瓶香槟吧！来吧，你这个怪物！”
店主弗朗西斯·沃尔夫（Francis Wolf）表示：“我们强烈不喜欢菠萝披萨，我们觉得它根本不适合比萨。”另一位店主兼主厨昆·贾诺兰（Quin Jianoran）则提到，他们在餐厅里备有罐装菠萝，以防有人点这道菜，但至今还没有人下单。随着比萨在全球的流行，许多外国创新配料常常让意大利人感到困惑和震惊。
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Trump wants to reconnect with ‘smart guy’ Kim Jong-un for North Korea talks
美国总统特朗普表示，他将再次与朝鲜领导人金正恩接触，称其为“聪明的家伙”。在周四的采访中，特朗普提到他与金正恩之间曾有过三次会晤，并形容两人“相爱”。
特朗普在2017至2021年任期内与金正恩建立了罕见的外交关系，尽管他的国务卿马尔科·鲁比奥承认，这一努力并未达成任何持久的协议以结束朝鲜的核计划。特朗普在接受福克斯新闻采访时表示：“我会的，他喜欢我。”
朝鲜声称其寻求核武器是为了应对来自美国及其盟友（包括韩国）的威胁。自1950至1953年冲突结束以来，两韩仍处于技术上的战争状态，未签署和平条约。朝鲜这个孤立且贫困的国家，已多次进行核试验，并定期试射其弹道导弹，以此作为其国家威望的象征。
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美国总统特朗普表示，他将再次与朝鲜领导人金正恩接触，称其为“聪明的家伙”。在周四的采访中，特朗普提到他与金正恩之间曾有过三次会晤，并形容两人“相爱”。
特朗普在2017至2021年任期内与金正恩建立了罕见的外交关系，尽管他的国务卿马尔科·鲁比奥承认，这一努力并未达成任何持久的协议以结束朝鲜的核计划。特朗普在接受福克斯新闻采访时表示：“我会的，他喜欢我。”
朝鲜声称其寻求核武器是为了应对来自美国及其盟友（包括韩国）的威胁。自1950至1953年冲突结束以来，两韩仍处于技术上的战争状态，未签署和平条约。朝鲜这个孤立且贫困的国家，已多次进行核试验，并定期试射其弹道导弹，以此作为其国家威望的象征。
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US chipmaker Texas Instruments’ forecast signals semiconductor slump is persisting
By Bloomberg
US semiconductor giant Texas Instruments gave a disappointing earnings forecast for the current period, hurt by still-sluggish chip demand and higher manufacturing costs.
Profit will be 94 cents to US$1.16 a share in the first quarter, the company said in a statement on Thursday. The midpoint of that range, US$1.05 a share, was well below the US$1.17 that analysts projected on average. Sales will be US$3.74 billion to US$4.06 billion, compared with an estimate of US$3.86 billion.
Much of the electronics industry remains mired in a slump – contributing to nine straight quarters of sales declines at the company. Manufacturing expenses also have affected profit, Texas Instruments executives said.
The Dallas-based company gets the biggest portion of its sales from manufacturers of industrial equipment and vehicles, making its projections a bellwether for much of the global economy.
Three months ago, Texas Instruments executives said some of the firm’s end markets were showing signs of emerging from an inventory glut, but the rebound has not come as quickly as some investors anticipated.
The company’s shares slipped about 3 per cent in extended trading after the announcement. The stock had gained about 7 per cent this year through the close of regular trading.
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By Bloomberg
US semiconductor giant Texas Instruments gave a disappointing earnings forecast for the current period, hurt by still-sluggish chip demand and higher manufacturing costs.
Profit will be 94 cents to US$1.16 a share in the first quarter, the company said in a statement on Thursday. The midpoint of that range, US$1.05 a share, was well below the US$1.17 that analysts projected on average. Sales will be US$3.74 billion to US$4.06 billion, compared with an estimate of US$3.86 billion.
Much of the electronics industry remains mired in a slump – contributing to nine straight quarters of sales declines at the company. Manufacturing expenses also have affected profit, Texas Instruments executives said.
The Dallas-based company gets the biggest portion of its sales from manufacturers of industrial equipment and vehicles, making its projections a bellwether for much of the global economy.
Three months ago, Texas Instruments executives said some of the firm’s end markets were showing signs of emerging from an inventory glut, but the rebound has not come as quickly as some investors anticipated.
The company’s shares slipped about 3 per cent in extended trading after the announcement. The stock had gained about 7 per cent this year through the close of regular trading.
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AI, big data and space tech: China’s plan to beef up emergency communications
By Meredith Chen
China is looking to create a powerful communication network based on cutting-edge technologies to improve the country’s emergency responses, according to a plan released by Beijing.
It calls for progress on key technologies used in emergency communications, research and development of new equipment, and for networks to be made more resilient.
The plan – which was released by 14 central government departments last week – also calls for further use and development of artificial intelligence, big data and space technology to improve emergency communications.
Beijing has set a target date of 2027 for emergency communications to “enter a fast track of high-quality development, achieving breakthroughs in key technologies for integrated air, space, ground and sea operations”.
“[We should] promote the research and development of key technologies suitable for extreme scenarios, such as cross-operator emergency roaming, drone aerial communication, indoor positioning and navigation, and underground signal enhancement,” according to the plan.
It says there will be a focus on developing high-mobility equipment such as drones, all-terrain vehicles and high-altitude base stations, as well as lightweight portable equipment like backpack base stations and other gear suitable for use in extreme conditions like severe cold and in dense forests.
China’s emergency response capabilities and communication networks have been challenged in recent years by frequent natural disasters.
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By Meredith Chen
China is looking to create a powerful communication network based on cutting-edge technologies to improve the country’s emergency responses, according to a plan released by Beijing.
It calls for progress on key technologies used in emergency communications, research and development of new equipment, and for networks to be made more resilient.
The plan – which was released by 14 central government departments last week – also calls for further use and development of artificial intelligence, big data and space technology to improve emergency communications.
Beijing has set a target date of 2027 for emergency communications to “enter a fast track of high-quality development, achieving breakthroughs in key technologies for integrated air, space, ground and sea operations”.
“[We should] promote the research and development of key technologies suitable for extreme scenarios, such as cross-operator emergency roaming, drone aerial communication, indoor positioning and navigation, and underground signal enhancement,” according to the plan.
It says there will be a focus on developing high-mobility equipment such as drones, all-terrain vehicles and high-altitude base stations, as well as lightweight portable equipment like backpack base stations and other gear suitable for use in extreme conditions like severe cold and in dense forests.
China’s emergency response capabilities and communication networks have been challenged in recent years by frequent natural disasters.
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Vapes turn cash cow for corrupt Malaysian officials, netting US$45,000 monthly from smugglers
在吉隆坡国际机场自由商业区，腐败的执法人员每月从电子烟走私者手中收取近20万林吉特（约合45,216美元）的贿赂。马来西亚反腐败委员会（MACC）首席专员阿赞·巴基表示，这些执法人员从离开KLIA货物检查中心的货车中收取贿赂，具体金额取决于货车的类型。
阿赞指出，对于一吨的货车，贿赂金额为150林吉特；三吨货车为300林吉特；五吨货车为500林吉特；而超过五吨的货车则需支付750林吉特。他补充道，平均每天有约20辆货车通过自由商业区，贿赂总额在4,000林吉特到6,000林吉特之间。这些货车在检查中被放行，涉及的主要违法行为是电子烟走私。
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在吉隆坡国际机场自由商业区，腐败的执法人员每月从电子烟走私者手中收取近20万林吉特（约合45,216美元）的贿赂。马来西亚反腐败委员会（MACC）首席专员阿赞·巴基表示，这些执法人员从离开KLIA货物检查中心的货车中收取贿赂，具体金额取决于货车的类型。
阿赞指出，对于一吨的货车，贿赂金额为150林吉特；三吨货车为300林吉特；五吨货车为500林吉特；而超过五吨的货车则需支付750林吉特。他补充道，平均每天有约20辆货车通过自由商业区，贿赂总额在4,000林吉特到6,000林吉特之间。这些货车在检查中被放行，涉及的主要违法行为是电子烟走私。
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Where did the first dinosaurs evolve? Scientists may have found the location
研究人员提出，恐龙的起源可能位于现代撒哈拉沙漠和亚马逊雨林之间的地区。这一结论基于目前已知的最古老恐龙化石的发现位置、早期恐龙之间的进化关系以及三叠纪时期地球的地理状况。
在恐龙首次出现在化石记录时，地球的所有大陆都属于一个巨大的超级大陆盘古大陆。根据伦敦大学学院和自然历史博物馆的古生物学博士生乔尔·希斯的说法，恐龙是在这一大陆的南部区域，即冈瓦纳地区出现的。随着地壳运动，今天的撒哈拉沙漠和亚马逊雨林被数千公里的距离和海洋隔开，但在三叠纪时期，它们却是相连的。
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研究人员提出，恐龙的起源可能位于现代撒哈拉沙漠和亚马逊雨林之间的地区。这一结论基于目前已知的最古老恐龙化石的发现位置、早期恐龙之间的进化关系以及三叠纪时期地球的地理状况。
在恐龙首次出现在化石记录时，地球的所有大陆都属于一个巨大的超级大陆盘古大陆。根据伦敦大学学院和自然历史博物馆的古生物学博士生乔尔·希斯的说法，恐龙是在这一大陆的南部区域，即冈瓦纳地区出现的。随着地壳运动，今天的撒哈拉沙漠和亚马逊雨林被数千公里的距离和海洋隔开，但在三叠纪时期，它们却是相连的。
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By Agence France-Presse
Is there anybody out there? Yes! says a Republican congressman: the aliens are right under the ocean.
US congressional Representative Tim Burchett said in an interview Wednesday that an admiral – whom he did not identify – had told him of an alien craft moving at incredible speeds in the sea.
“They tell me something’s moving at hundreds of miles an hour underwater … as large as a football field, underwater,” the Tennessee congressman told disgraced former Republican congressman Matt Gaetz, who now hosts a show on right-wing news outlet One America News.
“This was a documented case and I have an admiral telling me this stuff.”
Burchett, known for claims that the US government is hiding existence of UFOs and other alien activity, said anything is possible given “the vastness of God’s great universe”.Congressman Tim Burchett. Photo: TNS
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China’s soft power moment has arrived with RedNote’s unexpected global success
最近，越来越多的TikTok用户转向RedNote应用，这可能是中国展示其软实力的重大时刻，尽管北京官员对此发展感到意外。RedNote的全球成功为中国政策制定者提供了宝贵的经验，表明软实力可以自发产生，而非通过精心策划的官方宣传活动来实现。
本月初，在美国即将禁止TikTok之际，数百万美国用户转向了RedNote这一中国社交媒体平台，亦称小红书。根据分析公司Similarweb的数据，仅在一天内，美国iPhone用户的RedNote账户数量从约40万激增至180万，并且这一数字还在继续上升。这些用户自称为“TikTok难民”，在TikTok预计下线的同一周下载了这一中国应用，使RedNote成为美国苹果应用商店中下载量最高的免费应用。美国总统特朗普在周一发布命令，推迟了该应用的禁令，为这些用户赢得了喘息之机。
RedNote的崛起恰逢中国多年来努力提升其软实力的背景。软实力这一概念由美国政治学家约瑟夫·奈提出，指的是一个国家在不使用强制手段的情况下影响他国的能力。在2007年第十七次全国代表大会上，前中国领导人胡锦涛承诺将软实力作为外交政策的延伸。
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最近，越来越多的TikTok用户转向RedNote应用，这可能是中国展示其软实力的重大时刻，尽管北京官员对此发展感到意外。RedNote的全球成功为中国政策制定者提供了宝贵的经验，表明软实力可以自发产生，而非通过精心策划的官方宣传活动来实现。
本月初，在美国即将禁止TikTok之际，数百万美国用户转向了RedNote这一中国社交媒体平台，亦称小红书。根据分析公司Similarweb的数据，仅在一天内，美国iPhone用户的RedNote账户数量从约40万激增至180万，并且这一数字还在继续上升。这些用户自称为“TikTok难民”，在TikTok预计下线的同一周下载了这一中国应用，使RedNote成为美国苹果应用商店中下载量最高的免费应用。美国总统特朗普在周一发布命令，推迟了该应用的禁令，为这些用户赢得了喘息之机。
RedNote的崛起恰逢中国多年来努力提升其软实力的背景。软实力这一概念由美国政治学家约瑟夫·奈提出，指的是一个国家在不使用强制手段的情况下影响他国的能力。在2007年第十七次全国代表大会上，前中国领导人胡锦涛承诺将软实力作为外交政策的延伸。
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Trump orders release of last JFK, RFK and MLK assassination files
美国总统唐纳德·特朗普宣布解密约翰·F·肯尼迪总统的最后一份机密文件,这起案件已持续60多年,至今仍引发众多阴谋论。特朗普于周四在白宫 Oval Office 签署了行政命令,同时还将解密肯尼迪兄弟罗伯特·F·肯尼迪和民权领袖马丁·路德·金 Jr.的1960年代暗杀案文件。
在签署命令时,特朗普表示:"这是一个很大的文件,很多人等待了几十年。"他还说:"一切都会被揭露。"
在签署命令后,特朗普将他使用的笔交给了自己的助手,并说:"让它送给罗伯特·F·肯尼迪 Jr.,"他是约翰·F·肯尼迪的侄子,并且是特朗普提名的卫生部长候选人。
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美国总统唐纳德·特朗普宣布解密约翰·F·肯尼迪总统的最后一份机密文件,这起案件已持续60多年,至今仍引发众多阴谋论。特朗普于周四在白宫 Oval Office 签署了行政命令,同时还将解密肯尼迪兄弟罗伯特·F·肯尼迪和民权领袖马丁·路德·金 Jr.的1960年代暗杀案文件。
在签署命令时,特朗普表示:"这是一个很大的文件,很多人等待了几十年。"他还说:"一切都会被揭露。"
在签署命令后,特朗普将他使用的笔交给了自己的助手,并说:"让它送给罗伯特·F·肯尼迪 Jr.,"他是约翰·F·肯尼迪的侄子,并且是特朗普提名的卫生部长候选人。
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