Trump’s tough trade tactics risk turning the world away from America

Donald Trump's first term significantly altered the US trade conversation by emphasizing the strategic use of tariffs. Contrary to the previous belief that open markets would encourage adversarial nations to adopt American values, Trump's tariffs highlighted the complexities of how nations like China and Russia exploit the free-trade system. Although tariffs can increase consumer costs, the strategic application of such measures could have potentially reduced Europe's reliance on Russian oil and decreased the United States' dependence on essential imports from geopolitical rivals.

The shift in trade policy reflects a broader tension between idealism and pragmatism in international relations. While liberal advocates of free trade may have been overly optimistic about its benefits, Trump's aggressive tariff strategy risks alienating allies and undermining international cooperation. His threats of imposing substantial tariffs on countries like Canada, Mexico, China, and even Colombia, while aimed at protecting US interests, could lead to diplomatic strains and hinder global collaboration. The balance between maintaining a fair trade system and protecting national interests remains a delicate issue with significant geopolitical implications.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Is DeepSeek’s AI ‘distillation’ theft? OpenAI seeks answers over China’s breakthrough

中国人工智能初创公司DeepSeek因其成本效益显著的模型而引发硅谷和华尔街的关注,但同时也面临数据盗窃的指控。据《金融时报》报道,OpenAI声称DeepSeek通过“蒸馏”其GPT模型,低成本地训练了开源的V3和R1模型,这一做法在西方科技巨头中并不常见。OpenAI和其主要投资者微软正在调查与DeepSeek相关的团体是否在去年秋季通过应用程序接口(API)非法提取了大量数据。

蒸馏是一种训练小型模型以模仿大型模型行为的技术,许多公司在内部使用这一方法以缩小模型规模,同时保持相似的性能。然而,模型训练通常依赖于来源不明的数据,这使得一些专家质疑OpenAI在知识产权侵权指控中的诚意。康奈尔大学的高级讲师Lutz Finger指出,尽管蒸馏可能违反大多数服务条款,但大科技公司对此的指责显得讽刺,毕竟他们自己在训练模型时也可能违反了相关条款。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
China’s aerospace force reveals long-range radar in message to Xi Jinping

中国国家电视台近日播出了罕见的长程雷达近距离画面,展示了该系统在习近平主席新年致军队的信息中扮演的重要角色。这段视频中,展示了一座地面相控阵雷达站,前面站着“预警和监测”部队,表明该系统在提升中国对导弹威胁的早期预警能力方面的关键作用。

视频中,来自陆军、海军、空军和航天部队的代表们共同展示了这一雷达系统,强调了其在向习近平主席传达的信息中的重要性。尽管没有透露系统的具体细节,分析人士指出,这种先进的雷达是北京加强军事监控和应对能力的核心组成部分。画面中,雷达站的结构至少有六层高,排列成八角形的天线阵列,显示出其技术的复杂性和规模。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hamas frees 8 more hostages as Gaza truce holds

Hamas-led militants released eight hostages on Thursday amid ongoing efforts to maintain a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This release follows an agreement where Israel is expected to free 110 Palestinian prisoners. The process was marked by a chaotic scene as Palestinians crowded around and jeered at the hostages being handed over to the Red Cross. Despite this tension, the truce aims to bring an end to the deadly conflict that erupted after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This truce, although fragile, has persisted despite earlier disputes regarding the order of the hostage releases.

The first hostage released was Agam Berger, an Israeli soldier, in northern Gaza. Later, in Khan Younis, a southern Gaza city, the atmosphere turned chaotic during the handover at the site of a former Hamas leader's destroyed home. Thousands of people gathered, creating a tumultuous environment as hostages were transferred. Among them, Arbel Yehoud, a 29-year-old, appeared visibly shaken as militants led her through the crowd to Red Cross vehicles. These events underscore the tensions and high emotions surrounding the conflict and the ongoing efforts to secure peace and release captives.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
China, Thailand pledge joint action on Myanmar cyber scam centres, human trafficking

China and Thailand have committed to a joint effort to combat cyber scam gangs operating in Myanmar and address related human trafficking issues, as reported by Thai media. This initiative includes establishing at least one coordination centre to streamline their collaborative actions. The pledge follows a visit by a delegation from China’s Ministry of Public Security, led by Assistant Minister Liu Zhongyi, who is actively engaging with Thai authorities to tackle this cross-border crime.

The focus on these operations arises from China’s identification of 36 major Chinese telecom scam gangs in Myanmar's Myawaddy region. These gangs employ over 100,000 individuals to perpetrate phone scams, primarily targeting Chinese nationals. Many of the workers were reportedly coerced into participation, facing severe conditions, with some losing their lives. In response, the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) of Thailand proposed to exchange critical information with China to dismantle these networks. They aim to capture gang leaders and prevent the transfer of funds to scammers, demonstrating the serious implications and international cooperation needed to address this issue.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Power bank warning for passengers after fire on aircraft bound for Hong Kong

Experts have warned airline passengers to ensure their power banks are in good condition and from reputable brands before boarding flights, following an incident where a charging device allegedly caused a fire on a plane. The fire broke out on an Air Busan aircraft at Gimhae International Airport in South Korea as it was preparing for departure to Hong Kong. While investigations are still ongoing, local media reports suggest that a power bank stored in an overhead locker may have been the source of the fire.

The incident resulted in injuries to seven individuals, with one remaining hospitalized, as per the South Korean transport ministry. A total of 169 passengers and seven flight attendants and staff were safely evacuated using inflatable slides. This event underscores the importance of ensuring the safety of electronic devices on flights. Lo Kok-keung, a retired engineering professor, emphasized the need for passengers to check their power banks for signs of wear and avoid using older devices, which may have deteriorating internal components that could lead to short circuits.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Crowds gather early for Lunar New Year fireworks show in Hong Kong

数以万计的观众聚集在香港尖沙咀海滨,准备观看庆祝蛇年第二天的农历新年烟花表演。预计将有约40万人在九龙和香港岛的海滨观看这场长达23分钟的盛大表演。

为了确保活动的安全与顺利进行,尖沙咀地区实施了广泛的道路封闭,并有大量警力在场维持秩序。记者在下午4点时发现,部分弥敦道被封锁,警方使用橙色警戒带引导交通。此外,尖沙咀和东尖沙咀地铁站的部分出口也关闭,但地铁公司表示将增加列车班次以满足乘客需求。

在海滨,许多居民和游客提前到达,携带野餐垫、椅子和零食,争取最佳观赏位置。这样的热情氛围不仅体现了人们对农历新年的期待,也反映了香港作为国际都市的独特魅力。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hong Kong’s Chinese restaurants welcome Lunar New Year with 10% income growth

By Cannix YauHarvey Kong

Hong Kong’s Chinese restaurants enjoyed a 10 per cent rise in business over the Lunar New Year holiday, driven by a boost in consumer spending spurred by festive events and an increase in mainland Chinese visitors due to a revived multiple-entry visa scheme.

Simon Wong Ka-wo, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said on Thursday that the catering industry expected to make about HK$1.2 billion (US$154 million) during the three days before the festive holiday.

“This year the industry has enjoyed a brisk business with a 10 per cent rise in income,” he said.

“Despite the trend of Hongkongers travelling overseas and heading north to spend, there are more mainland visitors coming to the city thanks to the multiple-entry visa scheme, leading to the warming up of spending sentiment.”

The scheme, which allows Shenzhen residents to make an unlimited number of visits to the city within a year to boost the city’s economy, resumed on December 1.

“Also, with more festive events being organised, more locals are willing to dine out and spend. Actually, the industry has enjoyed a marked rise in business over the past two months as more Hongkongers are willing to stay out late,” Wong said.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
US Navy confirms drone ‘hellscape’ for use against PLA in Taiwan Strait is on track

美国海军官员表示,旨在对抗中国的无人机计划“Replicator”有望在2025年8月前按时完成。这一计划是美国军事对抗潜在台海战争的一部分,目标是部署数千种低成本无人机,以创建所谓的“无人领域”。

Replicator计划由国防创新单位(DIU)监督,重点是将各种水面和无人系统集成起来,形成有效应对中国军事威胁的能力。该计划的首席推行者前副国防部长凯瑟琳·希克斯在2023年首次公布这一倡议,强调了通过快速集成多种系统和软件,以更商业化的速度推进技术发展的重要性。此举旨在限制中国人民解放军在台海地区的军事行动,同时还计划研制反无人机系统,以对抗敌对的无人机。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Israel’s moves to secure Lebanon, Syria borders risk further destabilisation: analysts

Israel's continued occupation of southern Lebanon and parts of Syria, backed by the US, aims to secure its borders but risks destabilizing the region. Analysts warn that efforts to counter threats from Hezbollah and address uncertainties after the fall of the Assad regime in Syria may inadvertently fuel further instability, affecting both Lebanon and Syria's new governments.

Israel's decision not to withdraw from southern Lebanon, in violation of a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, poses a political challenge for Lebanon's government and the US administration. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the occupation by claiming insufficient enforcement of the agreement by Lebanon. These developments complicate US-Israel relations, as Israeli officials, like Ambassador Michael Herzog, face difficulties in gaining full support from the Trump administration for their actions. The situation highlights the delicate balance of regional power and the potential for escalating tensions.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
China boy informs police about dad having poppy husks after being scolded over homework

一名中国男孩因未完成作业而向警方举报父亲非法储存罂粟壳,这一事件引发了网友们的热议和幽默讨论。事件发生在宁夏回族自治区的永宁县,10岁的小男孩在受到父亲严厉训斥后,意外地将父亲卷入了警方的调查。

在中国,大学入学考试的激烈竞争使得教师和学校常常布置大量作业,以期提高学生的学业成绩。然而,这种出于好意的做法有时会适得其反,给家庭关系带来压力,并对父母的心理健康造成影响,尤其是当孩子无法满足期望时。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Indonesian protesters pelt Malaysian embassy with eggs over migrant worker shooting

在印度尼西亚首都雅加达,多名愤怒的抗议者因马来西亚海警在邻近水域致死一名印度尼西亚 migrant工人的事件向马来西亚大使馆投掷鸡蛋。1月24日,一名50岁的印尼 migrant工人在马来西亚海警因涉嫌侵犯该国海域而开火后被射杀,另外四人受伤,这一事件引发了激烈的抗议。

抗议活动发生在雅加达市中心,近百名来自不同权益组织和工会的示威者聚集在大使馆外,向大使馆扔鸡蛋,表达对事件的不满。示威者手举标语,要求追究并惩罚开枪的马来西亚警方。此次事件不仅引发了对马来西亚执法行为的质疑,也突显了印尼 migrant工人在海外工作的潜在风险和面临的重大安全挑战。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
China’s top memory chip maker CXMT narrows tech gap with leaders Samsung, Hynix, Micron

ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT) has successfully advanced its DRAM chip manufacturing technology to 16 nanometres, significantly narrowing the competitiveness gap with dominant players like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron Technology. This milestone is especially impressive given the backdrop of ongoing US sanctions against Chinese tech companies. Their new 16-gigabit chip leverages DDR5 technology, positioning CXMT well in the market expected to thrive through 2027.

The new chip, measuring approximately 67 square millimetres, boasts a storage density of 0.239Gb per square millimetre, showing a 20 percent reduction in memory cell size compared to its previous G3 technology. CXMT's evolution from its G1 node at 23nm to the current G4 highlights significant strides in technological capabilities, allowing the company to compete more effectively on the global stage. These advancements not only underscore CXMT's progress but also mark a notable achievement for China's semiconductor industry amidst challenging international relations.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Man who burned Koran in 2023 Sweden protest shot dead

2023年在瑞典多次焚烧《可兰经》的男子被枪杀,引发穆斯林国家的愤怒。警方确认,38岁的伊拉克基督徒Salwan Momika于周三晚上在索德尔泰利被射杀,媒体报道此事件后,他正在等待法庭对他的仇恨煽动罪是否成立作出裁决。

当前,斯德哥尔摩的法院已将判决推迟至2月3日,理由是“因Salwan Momika已去世,处理此案需要更多时间”。与此同时,另一名被告在社交媒体上发布了“我下一个”的言论,显示出对当前局势的担忧。瑞典安全局则表示,他们正在密切关注事件发展,以评估对瑞典安全的潜在影响,并确认警方正在主导调查。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Ethnic minority tenants seek inclusivity in Hong Kong ‘luxury’ public housing revamp

Ahmad Rida Nisar reminisces about her childhood home at Wah Fu Estate in Hong Kong, where she enjoyed a close-knit community and beautiful natural surroundings. After moving to Lai Chi Kok in 2021 to live with her husband, she finds herself missing the vibrant memories of her past, from celebrating Lunar New Year with family to cycling with her brother.

To preserve the essence of Wah Fu Estate, which is set for redevelopment, Ahmad was invited to create murals that reflect the daily lives of its residents. Her mural, measuring 2.7 by 2.7 meters, features the scenic Waterfall Bay and a large tree adorned with red flowers, symbolizing the community’s diversity and togetherness. This artistic endeavor not only honors her childhood memories but also aims to capture the spirit of a place that holds significant value for many families.

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Can Malaysia’s space dreams take off with Sabah’s bid to become rocket launch site?

马来西亚沙巴州计划成为东南亚卫星组装和发射的中心,关键在于培养航空航天和火箭工程师的人才。专家指出,这一目标的实现将吸引像埃隆·马斯克的SpaceX这样的公司。沙巴州政府上周宣布启动为期一年的可行性研究,旨在将该州打造成空间产业的工业中心。

这一计划最初在2023年提出,沙巴州政府与乌克兰的尤日诺设计局签署了谅解备忘录,该机构专注于火箭技术,同时与当地的国防和航空航天公司Sovereign Sengalang合作,探索沙巴作为区域发射场的潜力。沙巴拥有约1500公里的海岸线,靠近赤道,具备理想的火箭发射和回收条件。

沙巴首席部长哈吉吉·诺尔表示,该中心有潜力每年创造2亿林吉特(约合4550万美元)的收入,并带来5000个新工作岗位以及数百家新公司,涉及建筑、电子和物流等领域。这一发展不仅将推动地方经济,还可能在全球航天产业中占据一席之地。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Why DeepSeek disruption is the China risk Wall Street can’t ignore

中国人工智能初创公司DeepSeek的突破可能改变全球科技格局。该公司的大型语言模型据称以更低的计算成本和能源消耗,与硅谷竞争对手的表现相当,迅速引发了市场的关注和担忧。这一进展是对美国技术行业的重大挑战,尤其是在美国科技公司主导的AI热潮之际。

此次技术创新的影响十分深远,使投资者开始质疑美国在AI领域的优势和可持续性。DeepSeek的成功显示,未来可能不再需要庞大的资金投入来维持AI技术的发展,这一观点也引发了广泛的讨论。与此同时,华尔街对中国经济风险的警惕性较低,但地缘政治紧张局势仍对全球资产价格造成影响,尤其是在美国科技行业急剧成长的背景下。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Chinese scientist duo on team recognised for work in search of ripples in space-time

中国研究人员因在探测纳赫兹引力波方面的突出贡献获得了英国皇家天文学会的奖项。这项研究涉及宇宙中极低频率的时空涟漪,主要由上海天文台的刘果和陈思元领导的团队参与。该团队是欧洲脉冲星时刻阵列(EPTA)联盟的核心成员,最近获得了皇家天文学会的集体成就奖。

刘果曾在德国波恩的马克斯·普朗克电波天文学研究所工作,带领一个国际团队分析并发布了2023年一个重要的脉冲星计时数据集。此数据以十亿分之一秒的精度进行测量,依托于过去25年的观测数据,由六个世界上最灵敏的射电望远镜收集。脉冲星作为宇宙时钟,通过其时刻的微小变化,有助于揭示神秘的引力波。

与此同时,陈思元在法国国家科学研究中心和巴黎天文台领导团队,成功识别到一个具有统计意义的信号,表明探测有望为发现远处超大黑洞对的集体信号提供依据。他的研究成果与其他脉冲星时刻合作组的发现相吻合,进一步推动了纳赫兹引力波的研究进展。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Can virtual reality and AI help Hong Kong preserve martial arts, lion dances?

香港的一所大学研究团队利用虚拟现实和人工智能的优势,推动中国武术以及舞龙舞狮传统的传播。该项目由香港树仁大学发起,创建了一个基于当地两个武术协会3D扫描的虚拟建筑,允许用户与各种元素进行互动,包括舞狮头和历史照片,并附有解释这些物品背景的说明。

研究团队还开发了一个人工智能聊天机器人,用户可以通过它询问有关武术的问题,未来将扩展到舞龙和舞狮的内容。该聊天机器人的回答基于与七位太极和咏春高级大师进行的总计20万字的访谈。项目负责人李家文表示:“我们希望为所有对这些文化遗产感兴趣的人创造一个虚拟空间,无论他们身在何处,都能访问和了解这些文化。”

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Indonesia eyes India’s BrahMos missiles in major defence boost amid China tensions

印度与印度尼西亚之间一项可能高达4.5亿美元的BrahMos导弹交易正在进行,表明雅加达希望增强其海军实力,同时两国在应对中国日益扩张的领土野心方面寻求加强和多样化的防务联系。这一交易的讨论是在印尼总统普拉博沃·苏比安托最近访问印度期间进行的,期间他与印度总理纳伦德拉·莫迪达成了加强国防制造和海洋安全合作的共识。

虽然两位领导人并未直接提及中国,但莫迪强调印度和印度尼西亚致力于根据国际法促进“航行自由”,这一原则通常用于回应中国在南海及其他重要水域的扩张性海洋主张。尽管此次会晤未能最终确定导弹交易,但印度媒体报道指出,经过多年的谈判,目前谈判已进入“高级阶段”。如果最终达成协议,印度尼西亚将成为继菲律宾之后,第二个采购BrahMos导弹沿海版及其舰艇版的国家。

via SCMP Full Text Feed
Back to Top