Panama says won’t negotiate with US over canal, ahead of Rubio visit
巴拿马总统何塞·劳尔·穆利诺明确表示，不会与美国就巴拿马运河的所有权进行谈判。他在准备接待唐纳德·特朗普的国务卿马尔科·鲁比奥时重申，运河的所有权问题已经“封存”，并强调运河属于巴拿马。
特朗普在1月20日的就职演说中声称，中国实际上在“运营”这条水道，而这条水道是美国在1999年交给巴拿马的。对此，穆利诺表示，谈判是不可能的，并指出巴拿马长期以来与美国保持友好关系，已经向联合国投诉特朗普的威胁。
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巴拿马总统何塞·劳尔·穆利诺明确表示，不会与美国就巴拿马运河的所有权进行谈判。他在准备接待唐纳德·特朗普的国务卿马尔科·鲁比奥时重申，运河的所有权问题已经“封存”，并强调运河属于巴拿马。
特朗普在1月20日的就职演说中声称，中国实际上在“运营”这条水道，而这条水道是美国在1999年交给巴拿马的。对此，穆利诺表示，谈判是不可能的，并指出巴拿马长期以来与美国保持友好关系，已经向联合国投诉特朗普的威胁。
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UN experts urge Thailand to ditch royal defamation laws
联合国人权专家呼吁泰国废除皇室诽谤法，称其模糊且广泛使用产生了寒蝉效应。该法律保护泰国君主制免受批评，每项罪行可判处长达15年监禁。批评者认为，政府利用该法律压制异议。
根据国际法，个人有权批评包括国王在内的公职人员，并和平倡导任何公共机构的改革，包括君主制。联合国专家在联合声明中指出，泰国的皇室诽谤法既严厉又模糊，赋予当局和法院广泛的自由裁量权来界定罪行。自2020年以来，该法律导致超过270人被拘留、起诉和惩罚，其中许多人被法院判处长期连续刑期。这些专家包括人权维护者、集会自由、司法独立和言论自由的特别报告员，以及任意拘留问题工作组的成员。
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联合国人权专家呼吁泰国废除皇室诽谤法，称其模糊且广泛使用产生了寒蝉效应。该法律保护泰国君主制免受批评，每项罪行可判处长达15年监禁。批评者认为，政府利用该法律压制异议。
根据国际法，个人有权批评包括国王在内的公职人员，并和平倡导任何公共机构的改革，包括君主制。联合国专家在联合声明中指出，泰国的皇室诽谤法既严厉又模糊，赋予当局和法院广泛的自由裁量权来界定罪行。自2020年以来，该法律导致超过270人被拘留、起诉和惩罚，其中许多人被法院判处长期连续刑期。这些专家包括人权维护者、集会自由、司法独立和言论自由的特别报告员，以及任意拘留问题工作组的成员。
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No survivors expected in Washington DC passenger jet collision: officials
可能所有64名飞机乘客和人员遇难：一架商业航机与一架美国军方直升机在华盛顿DC的波塔马克河上空相撞，飞机随即坠入冰冷的河水中。目前尚未确认是否有生还者。
救援人员在极其寒冷的环境中工作，风力强劲，水面覆盖着薄层冰，严重影响了他们的工作。这次事故发生在飞机正准备在罗纳德里根华盛顿国家机场降落时。一架CRJ700商务飞机与一架出于弗吉尼亚州贝尔沃尔军事基地的UH-60黑鹰直升机相撞。飞机在河床中分成三段。
事故发生时，飞机从威奇托（Kansas）起飞，载有60名乘客和4名机组人员。飞机获得了降落在跑道33的许可，而直升机则是参加训练飞行，机上有3名军人。事故发生后，美国运输部长塞恩达菲，华盛顿哥伦比亚特区市长墨利尔波塞尔等官员已经到达事故现场发表新闻发布会。
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可能所有64名飞机乘客和人员遇难：一架商业航机与一架美国军方直升机在华盛顿DC的波塔马克河上空相撞，飞机随即坠入冰冷的河水中。目前尚未确认是否有生还者。
救援人员在极其寒冷的环境中工作，风力强劲，水面覆盖着薄层冰，严重影响了他们的工作。这次事故发生在飞机正准备在罗纳德里根华盛顿国家机场降落时。一架CRJ700商务飞机与一架出于弗吉尼亚州贝尔沃尔军事基地的UH-60黑鹰直升机相撞。飞机在河床中分成三段。
事故发生时，飞机从威奇托（Kansas）起飞，载有60名乘客和4名机组人员。飞机获得了降落在跑道33的许可，而直升机则是参加训练飞行，机上有3名军人。事故发生后，美国运输部长塞恩达菲，华盛顿哥伦比亚特区市长墨利尔波塞尔等官员已经到达事故现场发表新闻发布会。
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China’s Lunar New Year TV gala honours American who ‘showed kindness to Chinese people’
中国驻美国大使谢锋对一位美国人的善举表示赞赏，认为这是两国人民之间友谊的体现。此人名叫伊凡·凯尔，他是一位来自明尼阿波利斯的典当商，向中国捐赠了一本描绘二战期间日本战争暴行的照片集，包括著名的1937年南京大屠杀。
在周二晚上的春晚中，谢锋在社交媒体上发文称：“看到伊凡出现在我们的春节晚会上真是太好了！对于任何对中国人民表现善意的人，中国都会以善意回报。伊凡，你现在有14亿中国朋友！”这场名为“春晚”的年度综艺节目自1983年首播以来，已成为中国春节庆祝活动的重要组成部分。同时，凯尔的出现在一定程度上反映了北京希望在与华盛顿竞争的背景下，促进与美国的个人交流。
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中国驻美国大使谢锋对一位美国人的善举表示赞赏，认为这是两国人民之间友谊的体现。此人名叫伊凡·凯尔，他是一位来自明尼阿波利斯的典当商，向中国捐赠了一本描绘二战期间日本战争暴行的照片集，包括著名的1937年南京大屠杀。
在周二晚上的春晚中，谢锋在社交媒体上发文称：“看到伊凡出现在我们的春节晚会上真是太好了！对于任何对中国人民表现善意的人，中国都会以善意回报。伊凡，你现在有14亿中国朋友！”这场名为“春晚”的年度综艺节目自1983年首播以来，已成为中国春节庆祝活动的重要组成部分。同时，凯尔的出现在一定程度上反映了北京希望在与华盛顿竞争的背景下，促进与美国的个人交流。
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Hong Kong authorities urged to provide clear answer on rescue of scam farm victims
香港当局被敦促明确救援计划，以帮助被迫在东南亚诈骗农场工作的居民。在农历新年期间，一些受害者的家属未能与他们取得联系，感到情况异常担忧。前区议员余德宝表示，通常在节日期间，受害者会通过电话或短信向家人报告他们的安全，但今年却没有这样的消息。
余德宝在社交媒体上指出，家属们对受害者的健康和安全感到越来越焦虑，希望政府能给出明确的救援计划，以缓解他们的担忧。为此，香港安全局本月派遣了一个工作组前往泰国，讨论如何救援12名被诱骗至泰国并被迫在缅甸和柬埔寨诈骗农场工作的香港人，其中两人已返回香港。
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香港当局被敦促明确救援计划，以帮助被迫在东南亚诈骗农场工作的居民。在农历新年期间，一些受害者的家属未能与他们取得联系，感到情况异常担忧。前区议员余德宝表示，通常在节日期间，受害者会通过电话或短信向家人报告他们的安全，但今年却没有这样的消息。
余德宝在社交媒体上指出，家属们对受害者的健康和安全感到越来越焦虑，希望政府能给出明确的救援计划，以缓解他们的担忧。为此，香港安全局本月派遣了一个工作组前往泰国，讨论如何救援12名被诱骗至泰国并被迫在缅甸和柬埔寨诈骗农场工作的香港人，其中两人已返回香港。
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China’s groundbreaking algorithm, cyberattack on DeepSeek: SCMP daily highlights
中国研究人员开发出一种高性能算法，能够在消费级GPU上解决复杂的材料设计问题，速度比传统方法快800倍。这一突破性进展为材料科学和工程领域带来了新的可能性，尤其是在需要高效计算的应用场景中。
与此同时，针对中国人工智能初创公司DeepSeek的网络攻击最近被确认源自美国，这一事件引发了对网络安全和国际关系的关注。此外，随着中国消费者越来越倾向于肉类为主的西方饮食，国家在粮食供应方面面临的挑战愈发严峻。尽管中国仅拥有全球不到十分之一的可耕地，却需要养活近五分之一的人口，这一矛盾在资源需求不断增加的背景下显得尤为突出。
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中国研究人员开发出一种高性能算法，能够在消费级GPU上解决复杂的材料设计问题，速度比传统方法快800倍。这一突破性进展为材料科学和工程领域带来了新的可能性，尤其是在需要高效计算的应用场景中。
与此同时，针对中国人工智能初创公司DeepSeek的网络攻击最近被确认源自美国，这一事件引发了对网络安全和国际关系的关注。此外，随着中国消费者越来越倾向于肉类为主的西方饮食，国家在粮食供应方面面临的挑战愈发严峻。尽管中国仅拥有全球不到十分之一的可耕地，却需要养活近五分之一的人口，这一矛盾在资源需求不断增加的背景下显得尤为突出。
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Uganda nurse dies from Ebola in first outbreak since 2022
一名乌干达护士死于埃博拉病毒，这是自2023年上次疫情结束以来的首例死亡病例。这名32岁的男性患者是乌干达首都坎帕拉穆拉戈医院的员工。尽管在乌干达多个地点接受治疗，但最终实验室检测证实其感染了埃博拉病毒。患者于周三去世，死后检测也确认了这一点。卫生部常任秘书戴安娜·阿特温表示，卫生当局已“完全控制了局势”。
埃博拉病毒通过接触感染者的体液或受污染的物品传播，以致命的出血热形式出现。其症状包括发烧、呕吐、腹泻、肌肉疼痛，有时还会出现内外部出血。目前，乌干达卫生部已列出至少44名与患者有过接触的人士，其中包括30名医院的医护人员和患者。这一事件再次让人们关注到埃博拉疫情的风险和防控的重要性。
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一名乌干达护士死于埃博拉病毒，这是自2023年上次疫情结束以来的首例死亡病例。这名32岁的男性患者是乌干达首都坎帕拉穆拉戈医院的员工。尽管在乌干达多个地点接受治疗，但最终实验室检测证实其感染了埃博拉病毒。患者于周三去世，死后检测也确认了这一点。卫生部常任秘书戴安娜·阿特温表示，卫生当局已“完全控制了局势”。
埃博拉病毒通过接触感染者的体液或受污染的物品传播，以致命的出血热形式出现。其症状包括发烧、呕吐、腹泻、肌肉疼痛，有时还会出现内外部出血。目前，乌干达卫生部已列出至少44名与患者有过接触的人士，其中包括30名医院的医护人员和患者。这一事件再次让人们关注到埃博拉疫情的风险和防控的重要性。
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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.
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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.
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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。
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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。
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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。
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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。
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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。
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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。
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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.
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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.
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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。
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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。
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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.
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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.
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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。
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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。
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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。
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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。
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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.
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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.
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