AIIB president calls for ‘fundamental reforms’ to global institutions
Global institutions require systemic changes to become more inclusive of emerging economies, according to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) president Jin Liqun. Jin emphasized the need for fundamental reforms to address the lack of binding authority and insufficient representation of developing countries in these institutions. He highlighted these issues during his speech at the Fullerton Forum, organized by the University of Hong Kong’s Centre on Contemporary China and the World, stressing that it is crucial to rectify global governance problems for a more equitable international framework.
The core of the problem, as Jin pointed out, lies in the outdated structures of many international organizations, which were established under the influence of the world's most advanced economies. This historical setup has left emerging economies with limited influence in global political and economic affairs. Jin criticized the current dysfunction of these institutions, which he believes fail to meet expectations due to their inability to adapt to the changing global landscape. The call for reform underscores a growing recognition of the need for a governance system that reflects the realities of an increasingly interconnected world, where emerging markets seek a greater role in decision-making processes.
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Global institutions require systemic changes to become more inclusive of emerging economies, according to Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) president Jin Liqun. Jin emphasized the need for fundamental reforms to address the lack of binding authority and insufficient representation of developing countries in these institutions. He highlighted these issues during his speech at the Fullerton Forum, organized by the University of Hong Kong’s Centre on Contemporary China and the World, stressing that it is crucial to rectify global governance problems for a more equitable international framework.
The core of the problem, as Jin pointed out, lies in the outdated structures of many international organizations, which were established under the influence of the world's most advanced economies. This historical setup has left emerging economies with limited influence in global political and economic affairs. Jin criticized the current dysfunction of these institutions, which he believes fail to meet expectations due to their inability to adapt to the changing global landscape. The call for reform underscores a growing recognition of the need for a governance system that reflects the realities of an increasingly interconnected world, where emerging markets seek a greater role in decision-making processes.
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Indonesia, France agree to repatriate French death row convict Atlaoui
印度尼西亚与法国日前签署协议，将一名因毒品罪被判死刑的法国公民塞尔日·阿特劳伊送回法国。这位61岁的男子自2005年起在印度尼西亚服刑，预计将于2月4日返回法国。印度尼西亚法律与人权事务部长尤斯里尔·伊赫扎·马亨德拉表示，此次协议代表着两国政府的合作。
阿特劳伊在2005年因在雅加达附近的一家毒品工厂被捕。印度尼西亚近年来在处理高发毒品相关案件上采取了更加灵活的措施，最近还释放了多名知名囚犯，包括一名菲律宾母亲和“巴厘九人”毒贩团伙的最后五名成员。虽然签署协议的时间最初定于周三，但经过两次推迟后，最终在周五完成了正式签署。
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印度尼西亚与法国日前签署协议，将一名因毒品罪被判死刑的法国公民塞尔日·阿特劳伊送回法国。这位61岁的男子自2005年起在印度尼西亚服刑，预计将于2月4日返回法国。印度尼西亚法律与人权事务部长尤斯里尔·伊赫扎·马亨德拉表示，此次协议代表着两国政府的合作。
阿特劳伊在2005年因在雅加达附近的一家毒品工厂被捕。印度尼西亚近年来在处理高发毒品相关案件上采取了更加灵活的措施，最近还释放了多名知名囚犯，包括一名菲律宾母亲和“巴厘九人”毒贩团伙的最后五名成员。虽然签署协议的时间最初定于周三，但经过两次推迟后，最终在周五完成了正式签署。
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Project delays giving Hong Kong a reputation for procrastination
The Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, set to open soon, symbolizes both the city's ambitious development goals and the challenges it faces in infrastructure execution. Despite the HK$30 billion investment, attendees of trial events encounter a challenging walk from nearby MTR stations, navigating through ongoing construction. This raises questions about the preparedness for upcoming international events like the Hong Kong Sevens and concerts by global artists such as Coldplay.
Kai Tak's redevelopment opportunities began in 1998, following the relocation of the old airport. However, progress has been slow, prompting reflections on the inefficiencies in planning and execution over the past 26 years. These delays highlight concerns about the city's famed infrastructure capabilities, especially as it embarks on larger projects like the Northern Metropolis and Kau Yi Chau artificial islands. The contrast between the scale of Kai Tak's transformation and these future developments underscores the need for more effective management to realize Hong Kong's vision as a leading global city.
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The Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong, set to open soon, symbolizes both the city's ambitious development goals and the challenges it faces in infrastructure execution. Despite the HK$30 billion investment, attendees of trial events encounter a challenging walk from nearby MTR stations, navigating through ongoing construction. This raises questions about the preparedness for upcoming international events like the Hong Kong Sevens and concerts by global artists such as Coldplay.
Kai Tak's redevelopment opportunities began in 1998, following the relocation of the old airport. However, progress has been slow, prompting reflections on the inefficiencies in planning and execution over the past 26 years. These delays highlight concerns about the city's famed infrastructure capabilities, especially as it embarks on larger projects like the Northern Metropolis and Kau Yi Chau artificial islands. The contrast between the scale of Kai Tak's transformation and these future developments underscores the need for more effective management to realize Hong Kong's vision as a leading global city.
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Chinese nationals ignore embassy warnings in gold rush to DRC’s troubled east
中国驻民主刚果（刚果金）大使馆已发出警告，呼吁中国公民和企业尽快撤出东部地区，以应对日益恶化的安全形势。大使馆指出，确保安全的风险仍然很高，并建议仍在该地区的中国公民和企业立即前往安全地带。
尽管面临警告，越来越多的中国国籍人士依然被这片战乱区域的丰富矿产资源所吸引。尤其是在高风险的南基伍省，许多 arriving的中国人都得到当地高层政治家的保护。资源治理研究员埃里克·米卡拉诺表示，这些中国人在前往南基伍之前已知晓安全形势及矿产开采的相关程序。此外，随着金价的上涨，这一金矿热潮愈演愈烈，金价在2023年底前的价格约为2000美元，而去年则攀升至每盎司2600美元以上，吸引了更多投资者。
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中国驻民主刚果（刚果金）大使馆已发出警告，呼吁中国公民和企业尽快撤出东部地区，以应对日益恶化的安全形势。大使馆指出，确保安全的风险仍然很高，并建议仍在该地区的中国公民和企业立即前往安全地带。
尽管面临警告，越来越多的中国国籍人士依然被这片战乱区域的丰富矿产资源所吸引。尤其是在高风险的南基伍省，许多 arriving的中国人都得到当地高层政治家的保护。资源治理研究员埃里克·米卡拉诺表示，这些中国人在前往南基伍之前已知晓安全形势及矿产开采的相关程序。此外，随着金价的上涨，这一金矿热潮愈演愈烈，金价在2023年底前的价格约为2000美元，而去年则攀升至每盎司2600美元以上，吸引了更多投资者。
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Singapore court sentences man to 19 ½ years for raping daughter’s helper
一名67岁男子因在新加坡强奸女儿的家政工被判处19年半监禁。案件发生在2020年1月5日，当时该男子的家人出国，只有他和家政工在家。法院裁定他对两项强奸罪和两项猥亵罪成立。
根据检方的指控，男子在家中邀请家政工一起看电视，并提供酒水和“补充注射”。他在客厅的沙发上给她注射后，随后对她进行了性侵犯。该男子表示将对判决和刑期提出上诉，并获得了暂缓执行的权利。
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一名67岁男子因在新加坡强奸女儿的家政工被判处19年半监禁。案件发生在2020年1月5日，当时该男子的家人出国，只有他和家政工在家。法院裁定他对两项强奸罪和两项猥亵罪成立。
根据检方的指控，男子在家中邀请家政工一起看电视，并提供酒水和“补充注射”。他在客厅的沙发上给她注射后，随后对她进行了性侵犯。该男子表示将对判决和刑期提出上诉，并获得了暂缓执行的权利。
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Hong Kong’s lived-in home prices complete third year of decline in worst run since 2003
香港的房价在2023年12月继续下跌，这标志着连续三年的下滑。由于地缘政治和通胀风险的影响，全球央行进一步降息的前景变得更加渺茫。根据评估局的数据，二手住宅市场在上个月价格下降了0.65%，尽管在10月和11月有所反弹，全年价格也下跌了7.13%。
这一轮价格下滑已累计减少了27%，是自1993年开始官方月度记录以来的第二长跌幅，仅次于1997年至2003年间的58%崩溃。这一时期包括了亚洲金融危机和互联网泡沫破裂。市场分析指出，特朗普重返白宫可能会引发通胀和全球贸易的不稳定，加上经济学家对美联储降息的速度和力度持谨慎态度，未来的房地产市场情绪也将受到影响。
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香港的房价在2023年12月继续下跌，这标志着连续三年的下滑。由于地缘政治和通胀风险的影响，全球央行进一步降息的前景变得更加渺茫。根据评估局的数据，二手住宅市场在上个月价格下降了0.65%，尽管在10月和11月有所反弹，全年价格也下跌了7.13%。
这一轮价格下滑已累计减少了27%，是自1993年开始官方月度记录以来的第二长跌幅，仅次于1997年至2003年间的58%崩溃。这一时期包括了亚洲金融危机和互联网泡沫破裂。市场分析指出，特朗普重返白宫可能会引发通胀和全球贸易的不稳定，加上经济学家对美联储降息的速度和力度持谨慎态度，未来的房地产市场情绪也将受到影响。
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Hong Kong plans to ban vaping, possessing e-cigarette cartridges in public areas: source
香港当局计划在公共场所实施电子烟烟弹的全面禁令，以逐步减少吸烟率至7.8%。这一提案是在公众对包括禁止替代吸烟产品和香味香烟在内的十项措施进行激烈讨论后提出的，旨在应对日益严重的吸烟问题。
根据知情人士的透露，禁令将分两个阶段实施，第一阶段将在立法会提交立法提案的第一季度内开始，届时公共场所将禁止吸烟及持有电子烟等替代吸烟产品的材料。第二阶段则会将禁令扩展至全市范围。尽管此举旨在改善公共健康，但一些商界领袖警告称，这可能会影响到游客和商人对香港的吸引力。
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香港当局计划在公共场所实施电子烟烟弹的全面禁令，以逐步减少吸烟率至7.8%。这一提案是在公众对包括禁止替代吸烟产品和香味香烟在内的十项措施进行激烈讨论后提出的，旨在应对日益严重的吸烟问题。
根据知情人士的透露，禁令将分两个阶段实施，第一阶段将在立法会提交立法提案的第一季度内开始，届时公共场所将禁止吸烟及持有电子烟等替代吸烟产品的材料。第二阶段则会将禁令扩展至全市范围。尽管此举旨在改善公共健康，但一些商界领袖警告称，这可能会影响到游客和商人对香港的吸引力。
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What is killing the bunnies on Japan’s ‘Rabbit Island’? Arrested man suspected of 77 deaths
A man has been arrested for allegedly killing a rabbit on Japan's "Rabbit Island," Okunoshima, and is suspected in the deaths of 77 more rabbits. Riku Hotta, a 25-year-old from Otsu City, was charged with violating the Animal Welfare Act after being witnessed kicking a rabbit to death. The incident has drawn attention due to Okunoshima's reputation as a sanctuary for rabbits, attracting tourists from around the world.
The discovery of numerous rabbit deaths on the island since November last year had initially led to suspicions of an infectious disease outbreak. However, the circumstances suggested human involvement, prompting local photographer Takayuki Nakamura, who has documented the island's rabbits for decades, to express concerns on his blog. The arrest of Hotta has intensified scrutiny over the protection of the island's rabbit population, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and conservation efforts to preserve this unique tourist attraction.
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A man has been arrested for allegedly killing a rabbit on Japan's "Rabbit Island," Okunoshima, and is suspected in the deaths of 77 more rabbits. Riku Hotta, a 25-year-old from Otsu City, was charged with violating the Animal Welfare Act after being witnessed kicking a rabbit to death. The incident has drawn attention due to Okunoshima's reputation as a sanctuary for rabbits, attracting tourists from around the world.
The discovery of numerous rabbit deaths on the island since November last year had initially led to suspicions of an infectious disease outbreak. However, the circumstances suggested human involvement, prompting local photographer Takayuki Nakamura, who has documented the island's rabbits for decades, to express concerns on his blog. The arrest of Hotta has intensified scrutiny over the protection of the island's rabbit population, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and conservation efforts to preserve this unique tourist attraction.
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Russia says it repelled massive Ukrainian drone attack on 13 regions including Moscow
俄罗斯国防部表示，俄防空系统成功拦截并摧毁了乌克兰夜间发起的大规模无人机袭击，共有121架无人机被击落，目标涉及包括莫斯科在内的13个地区。该事件未造成伤亡或损失的详细报告。此次袭击显示出乌克兰在军事对抗中的升级，但俄方表示已有效应对。
无人机袭击的范围广泛，莫斯科及其周边地区成为重点防御区域。其中，莫斯科及其周边地区共击落七架无人机，其他无人机则针对边境地区和库尔斯克等地，这些地区仍有乌克兰军队的活动。特别是20架无人机袭击了莫斯科东南的梁赞地区，当地社交媒体上流传的视频显示，疑似油库和发电站遭到袭击，并引发大火。虽然这些视频尚未得到官方确认，但梁赞州州长帕维尔·马尔科夫证实，紧急服务部门正在处理一处因无人机残骸导致的房屋火灾。
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俄罗斯国防部表示，俄防空系统成功拦截并摧毁了乌克兰夜间发起的大规模无人机袭击，共有121架无人机被击落，目标涉及包括莫斯科在内的13个地区。该事件未造成伤亡或损失的详细报告。此次袭击显示出乌克兰在军事对抗中的升级，但俄方表示已有效应对。
无人机袭击的范围广泛，莫斯科及其周边地区成为重点防御区域。其中，莫斯科及其周边地区共击落七架无人机，其他无人机则针对边境地区和库尔斯克等地，这些地区仍有乌克兰军队的活动。特别是20架无人机袭击了莫斯科东南的梁赞地区，当地社交媒体上流传的视频显示，疑似油库和发电站遭到袭击，并引发大火。虽然这些视频尚未得到官方确认，但梁赞州州长帕维尔·马尔科夫证实，紧急服务部门正在处理一处因无人机残骸导致的房屋火灾。
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Hong Kong billiard halls can apply from Saturday to admit children as young as 8
香港的台球厅周六起开始接受申请，允许八岁及以上儿童进入。这项措施旨在鼓励当地青少年参与台球等体育运动。以往规定要求进入台球厅的顾客必须年满16岁，且青少年不得在晚上8点至早上10点间停留在此类场所。
除了入场年龄的放宽，现行规定还禁止穿着校服的青少年进入台球厅。休闲及文化服务署表示，将会在处理申请时考虑场地的运营情况、环境、设施及现场活动等多项因素。该部门希望通过放宽相关规定，促进台球运动在香港的发展，让更多年轻人能够接触这一项目。
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香港的台球厅周六起开始接受申请，允许八岁及以上儿童进入。这项措施旨在鼓励当地青少年参与台球等体育运动。以往规定要求进入台球厅的顾客必须年满16岁，且青少年不得在晚上8点至早上10点间停留在此类场所。
除了入场年龄的放宽，现行规定还禁止穿着校服的青少年进入台球厅。休闲及文化服务署表示，将会在处理申请时考虑场地的运营情况、环境、设施及现场活动等多项因素。该部门希望通过放宽相关规定，促进台球运动在香港的发展，让更多年轻人能够接触这一项目。
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Worker, 61, dies after 3-metre fall at Hong Kong construction site
一名61岁的工人在香港一个建筑工地上从至少三米高的地方坠落，导致其不幸身亡。警方在周五下午1点14分接到报告，称该男子在沙田的富坛，位于白子和路与松头下路交界处的工地上坠落，坠落高度约为三到四米。急救人员到达现场后确认他已无生命迹象。
该事件被认定为一起工业事故，劳工处已迅速派遣工作人员前往现场进行调查，以确定事故原因。值得注意的是，刚在周一，另一名58岁的工人在跑马地从梯子上跌落，随后在医院去世，这引发了对工地安全的广泛关注。
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一名61岁的工人在香港一个建筑工地上从至少三米高的地方坠落，导致其不幸身亡。警方在周五下午1点14分接到报告，称该男子在沙田的富坛，位于白子和路与松头下路交界处的工地上坠落，坠落高度约为三到四米。急救人员到达现场后确认他已无生命迹象。
该事件被认定为一起工业事故，劳工处已迅速派遣工作人员前往现场进行调查，以确定事故原因。值得注意的是，刚在周一，另一名58岁的工人在跑马地从梯子上跌落，随后在医院去世，这引发了对工地安全的广泛关注。
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Philippines launches ‘surface action groups’ to strengthen South China Sea patrols and defence
菲律宾海军推出了一项新的策略，通过协调多艘战舰组建“海上行动小组”以加强在南海的巡逻和防御能力。这一变化旨在提高该国的领土防卫和威慑能力，但专家警告称，这可能会使资源紧张并暴露出潜在的脆弱性。
在周三的宣布中，海军发言人约翰·帕西·阿尔科斯表示，单船巡逻将被多艘战舰同时行动的“海面行动小组”所取代，以覆盖更多的辖区。这一转变与马尼拉的新战略——综合群岛防御概念（CADC）相一致，旨在保护国家的专属经济区及海域，同时增强其作战能力。阿尔科斯补充说，大多数菲律宾海上作战舰艇具备“反潜战能力”。
尽管采用海上行动小组可能增强海军在西菲律宾海的存在，但分析人士警告，这可能会降低整体覆盖能力，使舰船更容易受到针对性攻击。同时，中国声称大部分南海，并拒绝菲律宾及其他国家的竞争主张，甚至不承认2016年国际仲裁裁决的合法性，导致该地区的紧张局势持续升级。
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菲律宾海军推出了一项新的策略，通过协调多艘战舰组建“海上行动小组”以加强在南海的巡逻和防御能力。这一变化旨在提高该国的领土防卫和威慑能力，但专家警告称，这可能会使资源紧张并暴露出潜在的脆弱性。
在周三的宣布中，海军发言人约翰·帕西·阿尔科斯表示，单船巡逻将被多艘战舰同时行动的“海面行动小组”所取代，以覆盖更多的辖区。这一转变与马尼拉的新战略——综合群岛防御概念（CADC）相一致，旨在保护国家的专属经济区及海域，同时增强其作战能力。阿尔科斯补充说，大多数菲律宾海上作战舰艇具备“反潜战能力”。
尽管采用海上行动小组可能增强海军在西菲律宾海的存在，但分析人士警告，这可能会降低整体覆盖能力，使舰船更容易受到针对性攻击。同时，中国声称大部分南海，并拒绝菲律宾及其他国家的竞争主张，甚至不承认2016年国际仲裁裁决的合法性，导致该地区的紧张局势持续升级。
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Singapore boosts digital hub status with US$760 million undersea cable linking America
新加坡与美国西海岸的首个直连海底光缆系统获得美国登陆许可。这条由Keppel有限公司、Meta子公司Edge Cable Holdings USA LLC和印尼电信国际公司合作的Bifrost电缆系统计划于2025年下半年投入商业运营，进一步强化新加坡作为亚洲数字枢纽的地位。
Bifrost电缆系统跨越超过20,000公里，通过爪哇海和苏拉威西海连接美国与新加坡，并途经印尼。该项目估值约7.6亿美元，其中Keppel的投资份额为3.5亿美元。新加坡致力于增加海底电缆登陆容量，以巩固其作为全球互联网系统枢纽的地位。在美中竞争的背景下，东南亚国家因不结盟而受益，科技巨头则寻找不经由中国的亚洲带宽扩展路径。
新加坡预计通过海底电缆和数据中心将吸引约200亿新加坡元（约合14.8亿美元）的投资。根据2023年数码发展与信息部长Josephine Teo的说法，新加坡还计划投入多达120亿新加坡元用于建设新型绿色数据中心。这些投资将进一步推动该国数字经济的快速增长。
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新加坡与美国西海岸的首个直连海底光缆系统获得美国登陆许可。这条由Keppel有限公司、Meta子公司Edge Cable Holdings USA LLC和印尼电信国际公司合作的Bifrost电缆系统计划于2025年下半年投入商业运营，进一步强化新加坡作为亚洲数字枢纽的地位。
Bifrost电缆系统跨越超过20,000公里，通过爪哇海和苏拉威西海连接美国与新加坡，并途经印尼。该项目估值约7.6亿美元，其中Keppel的投资份额为3.5亿美元。新加坡致力于增加海底电缆登陆容量，以巩固其作为全球互联网系统枢纽的地位。在美中竞争的背景下，东南亚国家因不结盟而受益，科技巨头则寻找不经由中国的亚洲带宽扩展路径。
新加坡预计通过海底电缆和数据中心将吸引约200亿新加坡元（约合14.8亿美元）的投资。根据2023年数码发展与信息部长Josephine Teo的说法，新加坡还计划投入多达120亿新加坡元用于建设新型绿色数据中心。这些投资将进一步推动该国数字经济的快速增长。
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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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