Why the ‘Out of Taiwan’ language theory is a cross-strait battleground
By Meredith Chen
Researchers from mainland China are taking aim at an established language theory promoted by Taiwan’s ruling party in its efforts to carve out a separate identity for the island.
The latest salvo in the debate over the “Out of Taiwan” hypothesis came last month from a mainland academic who said the origins of the Austronesian peoples were in the mainland’s southeast coastal region – and not the self-ruled island.
The Austronesians are a group of ethnic communities spread across a vast region of the world – including Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands – who speak languages from the Austronesian language family, one of the world’s largest.
The Out of Taiwan theory suggests their homeland was Taiwan before they migrated across the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.
But in an article first published in January by an outlet affiliated with the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Ao Peng, from Fujian University of Technology’s Austronesian Language Family Research Institute, said the hypothesis was flawed and the Austronesian peoples originated 8,400 years ago along mainland China’s southeastern coast, with the main areas being today’s Fujian, Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces.
“In recent years, pro-independence forces in Taiwan have sought to divide the Chinese national community by promoting separatist rhetoric, claiming that Taiwan’s Austronesian peoples are not part of the Chinese nation and have not been influenced by Chinese civilisation,” Ao said in the article.
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By Meredith Chen
Researchers from mainland China are taking aim at an established language theory promoted by Taiwan’s ruling party in its efforts to carve out a separate identity for the island.
The latest salvo in the debate over the “Out of Taiwan” hypothesis came last month from a mainland academic who said the origins of the Austronesian peoples were in the mainland’s southeast coastal region – and not the self-ruled island.
The Austronesians are a group of ethnic communities spread across a vast region of the world – including Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands – who speak languages from the Austronesian language family, one of the world’s largest.
The Out of Taiwan theory suggests their homeland was Taiwan before they migrated across the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.
But in an article first published in January by an outlet affiliated with the National Ethnic Affairs Commission, Ao Peng, from Fujian University of Technology’s Austronesian Language Family Research Institute, said the hypothesis was flawed and the Austronesian peoples originated 8,400 years ago along mainland China’s southeastern coast, with the main areas being today’s Fujian, Zhejiang and Guangdong provinces.
“In recent years, pro-independence forces in Taiwan have sought to divide the Chinese national community by promoting separatist rhetoric, claiming that Taiwan’s Austronesian peoples are not part of the Chinese nation and have not been influenced by Chinese civilisation,” Ao said in the article.
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Hong Kong’s Cityline alerts police over bots used to buy tickets for K-pop’s NJZ
By Edith Lin
Hong Kong ticket vendor Cityline has made a report to police after an internal investigation found some users bought tickets for a concert by K-pop girl group NJZ at ComplexCon next month using unauthorised programmes.
Cityline said on Wednesday its technicians had investigated dozens of complaints made to the Consumer Council about the ticket purchasing process and found 20 per cent involved bots or unauthorised programmes.
“[We] have filed a police report regarding this situation,” the company said. “We reserve the right to pursue further action on these cases.”
The pop culture festival runs from March 21 to 23 and a highlight is expected to be a performance by NJZ, formerly known as NewJeans, on March 23.
But some fans complained on Monday that when they tried to buy tickets for that date through Cityline during a priority sale the date suddenly changed to one of the other two days of the festival.
The ticket platform stressed there were “no signs of system irregularities”.
As of noon on Wednesday, Cityline had found that half of the cases flagged to the consumer watchdog did not involve an attempt to buy a ticket for March 23. Another 15 per cent tried selecting tickets for different dates, ultimately proceeded with their choices for March 21 or 22 and completed the transaction.
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By Edith Lin
Hong Kong ticket vendor Cityline has made a report to police after an internal investigation found some users bought tickets for a concert by K-pop girl group NJZ at ComplexCon next month using unauthorised programmes.
Cityline said on Wednesday its technicians had investigated dozens of complaints made to the Consumer Council about the ticket purchasing process and found 20 per cent involved bots or unauthorised programmes.
“[We] have filed a police report regarding this situation,” the company said. “We reserve the right to pursue further action on these cases.”
The pop culture festival runs from March 21 to 23 and a highlight is expected to be a performance by NJZ, formerly known as NewJeans, on March 23.
But some fans complained on Monday that when they tried to buy tickets for that date through Cityline during a priority sale the date suddenly changed to one of the other two days of the festival.
The ticket platform stressed there were “no signs of system irregularities”.
As of noon on Wednesday, Cityline had found that half of the cases flagged to the consumer watchdog did not involve an attempt to buy a ticket for March 23. Another 15 per cent tried selecting tickets for different dates, ultimately proceeded with their choices for March 21 or 22 and completed the transaction.
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Indonesia’s Prabowo launches another ‘quick-win priority’ – free health checks
By Resty Woro Yuniar
Health experts have lauded Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s newly launched free health screening drive, but warn that poor access in rural areas, stigma associated with certain diseases and a lack of resources at related facilities could hinder the programme.
On Monday, the government launched the programme for all 280 million Indonesians, one of Prabowo’s so-called ‘quick win’ priority schemes aside from free lunch for students, toddlers, and pregnant women.
The programme, which is expected to cost 4.7 trillion rupiah (US$287.3 million) this year, provides a free voucher of basic health screening for every Indonesian, which can be claimed on – or up to 30 days after – their birthday, at 10,000 public health centres and 15,000 health clinics across the archipelago. Each voucher is valued at between 1.6 million rupiah and 2 million rupiah.
Under the initiative, citizens would be tested for their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol level, among others, Health Minister Budi Sadikin told reporters on Monday.
“All kinds of diseases, such as cancer, stroke, heart, kidney, are actually chronic diseases that take five years to get really bad. If it is detected early, it can be treated well and much cheaper,” Budi said during a visit to a public health centre in Surabaya.
Nearly 17,000 Indonesians took part on Monday, the programme’s first day, according to Budi. The government is targeting 60 million participants in the first year of the programme.
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By Resty Woro Yuniar
Health experts have lauded Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s newly launched free health screening drive, but warn that poor access in rural areas, stigma associated with certain diseases and a lack of resources at related facilities could hinder the programme.
On Monday, the government launched the programme for all 280 million Indonesians, one of Prabowo’s so-called ‘quick win’ priority schemes aside from free lunch for students, toddlers, and pregnant women.
The programme, which is expected to cost 4.7 trillion rupiah (US$287.3 million) this year, provides a free voucher of basic health screening for every Indonesian, which can be claimed on – or up to 30 days after – their birthday, at 10,000 public health centres and 15,000 health clinics across the archipelago. Each voucher is valued at between 1.6 million rupiah and 2 million rupiah.
Under the initiative, citizens would be tested for their blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol level, among others, Health Minister Budi Sadikin told reporters on Monday.
“All kinds of diseases, such as cancer, stroke, heart, kidney, are actually chronic diseases that take five years to get really bad. If it is detected early, it can be treated well and much cheaper,” Budi said during a visit to a public health centre in Surabaya.
Nearly 17,000 Indonesians took part on Monday, the programme’s first day, according to Budi. The government is targeting 60 million participants in the first year of the programme.
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Philippines feud heats up as Duterte camp hits back with corruption case against Marcos ally
By Raissa Robles
As the fallout deepens between the Philippines’ two biggest political clans with Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio facing an impeachment bid thought to be orchestrated by the president and his allies, the Duterte camp has countered with a corruption complaint filed against House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Observers are also mixed on how soon Duterte-Carpio would stand trial or whether it would take place at all, given the Congress recess and its dissolution after the May midterm election.
The latest corruption allegations against Romualdez were lodged with the Office of the Ombudsman currently headed by Samuel Martires, an appointee of former president and Sara’s father Rodrigo Duterte.
Under the law, the ombudsman can recommend the suspension, removal, or prosecution of public officials if he finds a prima facie case against an accused official. Martires’ tenure lapses in August.
The corruption complaint filed by former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and other Duterte allies accuses Romualdez and five other lawmakers of corruption by illegally inserting 241 billion pesos (US$4.1 billion) after the 2025 national budget was approved by Congress. They claimed the amounts for certain expenditure items had been intentionally left blank to allow for secret insertions later.
The same 2025 national budget was the subject of a January 27 petition before the Supreme Court questioning the budget’s constitutionality. Last week, the court ordered Speaker Romualdez, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and the presidential palace to counter the petition.
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By Raissa Robles
As the fallout deepens between the Philippines’ two biggest political clans with Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio facing an impeachment bid thought to be orchestrated by the president and his allies, the Duterte camp has countered with a corruption complaint filed against House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Observers are also mixed on how soon Duterte-Carpio would stand trial or whether it would take place at all, given the Congress recess and its dissolution after the May midterm election.
The latest corruption allegations against Romualdez were lodged with the Office of the Ombudsman currently headed by Samuel Martires, an appointee of former president and Sara’s father Rodrigo Duterte.
Under the law, the ombudsman can recommend the suspension, removal, or prosecution of public officials if he finds a prima facie case against an accused official. Martires’ tenure lapses in August.
The corruption complaint filed by former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and other Duterte allies accuses Romualdez and five other lawmakers of corruption by illegally inserting 241 billion pesos (US$4.1 billion) after the 2025 national budget was approved by Congress. They claimed the amounts for certain expenditure items had been intentionally left blank to allow for secret insertions later.
The same 2025 national budget was the subject of a January 27 petition before the Supreme Court questioning the budget’s constitutionality. Last week, the court ordered Speaker Romualdez, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero and the presidential palace to counter the petition.
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New cervical cancer cases in Hong Kong jump 30% in past decade
By Lo Hoi-ying
The number of newly diagnosed cervical cancer patients in Hong Kong has jumped 30 per cent in the past decade despite a citywide vaccination programme in schools, with experts urging women to go for regular screenings.
Gynaecologist Hextan Ngan Yuen-sheung said on Wednesday that there had been an increase in cervical cancer in women in the past decade, reversing a downward trend since the 1980s.
While the number of cervical cancer patients over the age of 65 has decreased, Ngan said more young women were getting diagnosed in recent years.
Between 2018 to 2022, the incidence rate of cervical cancer in women aged between 20 to 44 stood at 8.94 per 100,000 women, higher than the 7.72 per 100,000 women between 2003 and 2007.
“That shows a significant increase of 15.8 per cent,” said Ngan.
“Most of these women are pillars of their family and prioritise their children’s health, but if they are diagnosed, it would affect their lives greatly and their children might lose their mothers.”
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By Lo Hoi-ying
The number of newly diagnosed cervical cancer patients in Hong Kong has jumped 30 per cent in the past decade despite a citywide vaccination programme in schools, with experts urging women to go for regular screenings.
Gynaecologist Hextan Ngan Yuen-sheung said on Wednesday that there had been an increase in cervical cancer in women in the past decade, reversing a downward trend since the 1980s.
While the number of cervical cancer patients over the age of 65 has decreased, Ngan said more young women were getting diagnosed in recent years.
Between 2018 to 2022, the incidence rate of cervical cancer in women aged between 20 to 44 stood at 8.94 per 100,000 women, higher than the 7.72 per 100,000 women between 2003 and 2007.
“That shows a significant increase of 15.8 per cent,” said Ngan.
“Most of these women are pillars of their family and prioritise their children’s health, but if they are diagnosed, it would affect their lives greatly and their children might lose their mothers.”
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Baidu plans robotaxi service in Dubai as China’s tech giants expand across the Middle East
By Zhou Xin
China’s internet search and artificial intelligence (AI) giant Baidu is weighing bringing its robotaxi service to Dubai, according to sources, becoming the latest company from the country to expand its footprint in the Middle East.
Baidu, which received a licence in Hong Kong at the end of 2024 for testing autonomous vehicles through its Apollo Go robotaxi service, is in talks with the United Arab Emirates to bring the service to the Middle Eastern financial hub, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.
Baidu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Baidu CEO Robin Li this week attended the World Government Summit in Dubai, where he discussed the future of autonomous driving and cloud computing in a panel discussion with Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s minister of state for AI, digital economy, and remote work applications.
At the event, Li promoted the safety of Apollo Go vehicles, calling its autonomous driving system “10 times safer” than human drivers.
Apollo Go is operational across 11 cities in mainland China, including Wuhan, where it currently has a fleet of more than 400 robotaxis. The service had delivered 8 million rides nationwide as of November 2024.
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By Zhou Xin
China’s internet search and artificial intelligence (AI) giant Baidu is weighing bringing its robotaxi service to Dubai, according to sources, becoming the latest company from the country to expand its footprint in the Middle East.
Baidu, which received a licence in Hong Kong at the end of 2024 for testing autonomous vehicles through its Apollo Go robotaxi service, is in talks with the United Arab Emirates to bring the service to the Middle Eastern financial hub, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter.
Baidu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Baidu CEO Robin Li this week attended the World Government Summit in Dubai, where he discussed the future of autonomous driving and cloud computing in a panel discussion with Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s minister of state for AI, digital economy, and remote work applications.
At the event, Li promoted the safety of Apollo Go vehicles, calling its autonomous driving system “10 times safer” than human drivers.
Apollo Go is operational across 11 cities in mainland China, including Wuhan, where it currently has a fleet of more than 400 robotaxis. The service had delivered 8 million rides nationwide as of November 2024.
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China’s richest cities say medical costs are bleeding dry health insurance funds
By Luna Sun
A number of major Chinese cities have reported worrisome deficits in their government-run health insurance funds, as rising medical costs and a rapidly ageing population put greater strain on the system.
As a result, some analysts warn that the trend could become unsustainable in the long run, while significant reforms are needed to restore financial balance.
In 2024, Beijing and Tianjin reported big shortfalls in their urban and rural residents’ basic medical insurance (BMI) funds.
Beijing’s fund faced a shortfall of 525.6 million yuan (US$72 million), while Tianjin’s deficit reached 1.36 billion yuan, according to figures from the municipal governments.
China’s major economic powerhouses, including Shandong, Henan and Shanghai, the wealthiest city in the country, have also reported significant deficits in recent years.
The insurance shortfall has become a recurring issue among China’s metropolitan regions, exacerbated by rising healthcare costs, longer lifespans, and consequently, increased spending on treatment for chronic diseases.
Unlike mandatory employee insurance, residents’ BMI scheme is voluntary. As premiums rise, many – especially those in low-income groups or rural areas, or those who are generally healthier – may be reluctant to participate and opt out of the system, further straining the fund’s sustainability.
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By Luna Sun
A number of major Chinese cities have reported worrisome deficits in their government-run health insurance funds, as rising medical costs and a rapidly ageing population put greater strain on the system.
As a result, some analysts warn that the trend could become unsustainable in the long run, while significant reforms are needed to restore financial balance.
In 2024, Beijing and Tianjin reported big shortfalls in their urban and rural residents’ basic medical insurance (BMI) funds.
Beijing’s fund faced a shortfall of 525.6 million yuan (US$72 million), while Tianjin’s deficit reached 1.36 billion yuan, according to figures from the municipal governments.
China’s major economic powerhouses, including Shandong, Henan and Shanghai, the wealthiest city in the country, have also reported significant deficits in recent years.
The insurance shortfall has become a recurring issue among China’s metropolitan regions, exacerbated by rising healthcare costs, longer lifespans, and consequently, increased spending on treatment for chronic diseases.
Unlike mandatory employee insurance, residents’ BMI scheme is voluntary. As premiums rise, many – especially those in low-income groups or rural areas, or those who are generally healthier – may be reluctant to participate and opt out of the system, further straining the fund’s sustainability.
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Hong Kong taxi union threatens 5-day strike if city fails to clamp down on Uber
By Vivian Au
An influential taxi union will send an ultimatum to the Hong Kong government to demand a clampdown on illegal ride-hailing services run by operators such as Uber and Amap, and is threatening to hold a strike for five days next month.
The Hong Kong Tele-call Taxi Association said it held an internal meeting on Tuesday, where about 80 per cent of its 30,000 members primarily agreed to go on strike if authorities did not respond to its demands.
The union planned to write to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and the Transport Department to call for a halt to the operations of unregulated ride-hailing platforms and the prosecution of drivers offering services without a hire-car permit, it added.
It is currently illegal in Hong Kong for drivers of private vehicles to accept paid customers without a hire-car permit, with many ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Tada, Amap and Didi Chuxing operating unregulated. Amap is operated by Alibaba Group Holding, which owns the South China Morning Post.
Taxis that joined these ride-hailing platforms are deemed legal as cabs are licensed.
“The government has kept turning a blind eye to illegal ride-hailing platforms,” association chairman Wong Yu-ting said.
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By Vivian Au
An influential taxi union will send an ultimatum to the Hong Kong government to demand a clampdown on illegal ride-hailing services run by operators such as Uber and Amap, and is threatening to hold a strike for five days next month.
The Hong Kong Tele-call Taxi Association said it held an internal meeting on Tuesday, where about 80 per cent of its 30,000 members primarily agreed to go on strike if authorities did not respond to its demands.
The union planned to write to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu and the Transport Department to call for a halt to the operations of unregulated ride-hailing platforms and the prosecution of drivers offering services without a hire-car permit, it added.
It is currently illegal in Hong Kong for drivers of private vehicles to accept paid customers without a hire-car permit, with many ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Tada, Amap and Didi Chuxing operating unregulated. Amap is operated by Alibaba Group Holding, which owns the South China Morning Post.
Taxis that joined these ride-hailing platforms are deemed legal as cabs are licensed.
“The government has kept turning a blind eye to illegal ride-hailing platforms,” association chairman Wong Yu-ting said.
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UK refuses citizenship to undocumented migrants, making them ‘forever second class’
By Agence France-Presse
The British government on Wednesday said it was toughening immigration rules to make it almost impossible for undocumented migrants who arrive on small boats to later receive citizenship.
Under new guidance migrants arriving by sea, or hidden in the back of vehicles will normally be refused citizenship.
“This guidance further strengthens measures to make it clear that anyone who enters the UK illegally, including small boat arrivals, faces having a British citizenship application refused,” a Home Office spokesperson said.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government is under pressure to reduce migration after Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK party won roughly four million votes during the last general election – an unprecedented haul for a far-right party.
But the change to the rules has been criticised by some Labour MPs.
“If we give someone refugee status, it can’t be right to then refuse them a route to become a British citizen,” wrote lawmaker Stella Creasy on X, adding that the policy would leave them “forever second class”.
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By Agence France-Presse
The British government on Wednesday said it was toughening immigration rules to make it almost impossible for undocumented migrants who arrive on small boats to later receive citizenship.
Under new guidance migrants arriving by sea, or hidden in the back of vehicles will normally be refused citizenship.
“This guidance further strengthens measures to make it clear that anyone who enters the UK illegally, including small boat arrivals, faces having a British citizenship application refused,” a Home Office spokesperson said.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government is under pressure to reduce migration after Nigel Farage’s anti-immigration Reform UK party won roughly four million votes during the last general election – an unprecedented haul for a far-right party.
But the change to the rules has been criticised by some Labour MPs.
“If we give someone refugee status, it can’t be right to then refuse them a route to become a British citizen,” wrote lawmaker Stella Creasy on X, adding that the policy would leave them “forever second class”.
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What to know about Shiga toxin-producing E coli after Hong Kong doctor’s death
By Elizabeth Cheung
The death of a young Hong Kong doctor among a group of healthcare professionals presenting symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E coli infection has alarmed the city and prompted an investigation by authorities.
The deceased was among three doctors with Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung that formed an outbreak cluster that came to light on Tuesday.
The Post looks at the deadly bacteria and what one should do to avoid infection.
Most strains of E coli, which are commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals, are harmless.
But the Shiga toxin-producing E coli, among some other strains, can produce toxic substances and cause severe foodborne diseases.
It is transmitted mostly through consumption of contaminated food, such as raw or undercooked ground meat products, polluted fruits, vegetables and water, and unpasteurised dairy products.
The word “Shiga” was named after Japanese doctor and bacteriologist Kiyoshi Shiga, who in the late 19th century discovered the bacteria linked to the toxin.
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By Elizabeth Cheung
The death of a young Hong Kong doctor among a group of healthcare professionals presenting symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E coli infection has alarmed the city and prompted an investigation by authorities.
The deceased was among three doctors with Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung that formed an outbreak cluster that came to light on Tuesday.
The Post looks at the deadly bacteria and what one should do to avoid infection.
Most strains of E coli, which are commonly found in the gut of humans and warm-blooded animals, are harmless.
But the Shiga toxin-producing E coli, among some other strains, can produce toxic substances and cause severe foodborne diseases.
It is transmitted mostly through consumption of contaminated food, such as raw or undercooked ground meat products, polluted fruits, vegetables and water, and unpasteurised dairy products.
The word “Shiga” was named after Japanese doctor and bacteriologist Kiyoshi Shiga, who in the late 19th century discovered the bacteria linked to the toxin.
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Temu, Shein sales fall in week after Trump scrapped duty exemption, hitting China trade
By Bloomberg
Online shopping giants Temu and Shein have seen a sustained drop in sales in the week after US President Donald Trump scrapped a duty exemption that their small parcels benefit from, suggesting a chilling effect on American consumers who previously flocked to their ultra-cheap wares.
Shein’s US sales fell 16 per cent to 41 per cent for five days from February 5 while PDD Holdings’ Temu notched a fall of as much as 32 per cent during the period, according to Bloomberg Second Measure, which analyses credit and debit card data.
While the drop so far is only as big as the traditional post-Christmas fall-off in spending on these platforms, it reversed the growth trend seen in late January, and has lasted through February 9, the latest date for which data is available.
The pullback in spending began a day after Trump said that parcels under US$800 from China would no longer be exempt from customs duties, a category that covers the bulk of Shein’s and Temu’s deliveries to US consumers. While the revocation has yet to be implemented, shoppers may be put off by fears that they’ll be on the hook for extra fees.
Other factors like seasonality, market competition and macroeconomic changes may also be weighing on sales.
The two Chinese online retailers, who have been leveraging the small parcel rule to ship cheap goods to US consumers without paying tariffs, have been accelerating their efforts to mitigate the impact of the fresh US tariffs. Shein is said to ask some of its top apparel suppliers in China to set up new production capacity in Vietnam, while Temu is giving up substantial control of its Chinese supply chain with a so-called “half-custody” framework, Bloomberg News earlier reported.
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By Bloomberg
Online shopping giants Temu and Shein have seen a sustained drop in sales in the week after US President Donald Trump scrapped a duty exemption that their small parcels benefit from, suggesting a chilling effect on American consumers who previously flocked to their ultra-cheap wares.
Shein’s US sales fell 16 per cent to 41 per cent for five days from February 5 while PDD Holdings’ Temu notched a fall of as much as 32 per cent during the period, according to Bloomberg Second Measure, which analyses credit and debit card data.
While the drop so far is only as big as the traditional post-Christmas fall-off in spending on these platforms, it reversed the growth trend seen in late January, and has lasted through February 9, the latest date for which data is available.
The pullback in spending began a day after Trump said that parcels under US$800 from China would no longer be exempt from customs duties, a category that covers the bulk of Shein’s and Temu’s deliveries to US consumers. While the revocation has yet to be implemented, shoppers may be put off by fears that they’ll be on the hook for extra fees.
Other factors like seasonality, market competition and macroeconomic changes may also be weighing on sales.
The two Chinese online retailers, who have been leveraging the small parcel rule to ship cheap goods to US consumers without paying tariffs, have been accelerating their efforts to mitigate the impact of the fresh US tariffs. Shein is said to ask some of its top apparel suppliers in China to set up new production capacity in Vietnam, while Temu is giving up substantial control of its Chinese supply chain with a so-called “half-custody” framework, Bloomberg News earlier reported.
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Beijing slams Taiwan’s ‘absurd’ DeepSeek ban, dismisses security fears
By Xinlu Liang
Beijing has condemned Taiwan’s ruling party for ordering a ban on DeepSeek in government departments and public schools, while calling for cross-strait cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI).
The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of the State Council, which handles cross-strait relations and policies, also highlighted the global “popularity” of the AI model from the mainland start-up as it dismissed security concerns.
“The [mainland] Chinese AI model has gained widespread popularity among internet users worldwide,” TAO spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian said on Wednesday, encouraging Taiwanese to use the programme and support collaboration across the Taiwan Strait.
“The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government is driven by a ‘fear of China’ and ‘anti-China’ mentality. They are both afraid of and resentful toward products from the mainland, using national security as an excuse to impose bans,” Zhu said.
This approach was harmful to the interests of Taiwanese businesses and citizens, she warned, calling it “unreasonable and absurd”.
The DPP’s “anti-intellectual” and “anti-China” stance had triggered growing dissent in Taiwan, she added.
Zhu’s comments come a week after Taiwanese authorities banned DeepSeek over “national security” concerns.
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By Xinlu Liang
Beijing has condemned Taiwan’s ruling party for ordering a ban on DeepSeek in government departments and public schools, while calling for cross-strait cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI).
The Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) of the State Council, which handles cross-strait relations and policies, also highlighted the global “popularity” of the AI model from the mainland start-up as it dismissed security concerns.
“The [mainland] Chinese AI model has gained widespread popularity among internet users worldwide,” TAO spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian said on Wednesday, encouraging Taiwanese to use the programme and support collaboration across the Taiwan Strait.
“The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government is driven by a ‘fear of China’ and ‘anti-China’ mentality. They are both afraid of and resentful toward products from the mainland, using national security as an excuse to impose bans,” Zhu said.
This approach was harmful to the interests of Taiwanese businesses and citizens, she warned, calling it “unreasonable and absurd”.
The DPP’s “anti-intellectual” and “anti-China” stance had triggered growing dissent in Taiwan, she added.
Zhu’s comments come a week after Taiwanese authorities banned DeepSeek over “national security” concerns.
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Bangladesh rights group exposes 12 deaths in detention since protests ousted PM Sheikh Hasina
By Agence France-Presse
At least a dozen people died in detention in Bangladesh since last year’s protests, including by torture and gunshot wounds, a rights group said on Wednesday.
Odhikar, one of the South Asian nation’s largest human rights organisations, demanded justice from the interim government that took over after the student-led protests that toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
“The interim government should not let these crimes go unpunished,” Odhikar director ASM Nasiruddin Elan said. “Those involved in extrajudicial killings must be brought to justice.”
Odhikar detailed in a report how security forces during Hasina’s 15-year-long autocratic rule engaged in widespread killings to bolster her power – and accused the same agencies of continuing to commit human rights violations since she fled.
Hasina escaped into exile to neighbouring India on August 5, capping an uprising in which the United Nations said more than 1,400 people could have been killed, and has since defied an arrest warrant to face trial for crimes against humanity.
Since she left, Bangladeshi security forces have carried out sweeping arrests against supporters of Hasina’s Awami League party and loyalists of what they dub her “fascist” ex-government.
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By Agence France-Presse
At least a dozen people died in detention in Bangladesh since last year’s protests, including by torture and gunshot wounds, a rights group said on Wednesday.
Odhikar, one of the South Asian nation’s largest human rights organisations, demanded justice from the interim government that took over after the student-led protests that toppled former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
“The interim government should not let these crimes go unpunished,” Odhikar director ASM Nasiruddin Elan said. “Those involved in extrajudicial killings must be brought to justice.”
Odhikar detailed in a report how security forces during Hasina’s 15-year-long autocratic rule engaged in widespread killings to bolster her power – and accused the same agencies of continuing to commit human rights violations since she fled.
Hasina escaped into exile to neighbouring India on August 5, capping an uprising in which the United Nations said more than 1,400 people could have been killed, and has since defied an arrest warrant to face trial for crimes against humanity.
Since she left, Bangladeshi security forces have carried out sweeping arrests against supporters of Hasina’s Awami League party and loyalists of what they dub her “fascist” ex-government.
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Is Hong Kong’s economic slowdown putting a price on love over Valentine’s Day?
By Lam Ka-sing
Hong Kong’s slowing economy has put love to the test, with nearly half of men in relationships saying they plan to scale back Valentine’s Day celebrations this year by staying home, according to a survey from a matchmaking service.
The results of the poll released by HK Romance Dating on Wednesday found that 48 per cent of men said they planned to celebrate the occasion at home – the highest level in the survey’s five years and a sharp increase over the 17 per cent recorded last year.
This year’s survey saw researchers interview 461 couples between mid-January and early February.
The poll also showed 36 per cent of female respondents planned to stay in, compared with 19 per cent in 2024.
“This year, the economy worsened so people are not very willing to spend, or are more inclined to stay at home for celebrations,” said Winson Yu Ka-shing, the company’s marketing manager.
Hong Kong’s economic growth slowed to 2.5 per cent last year, down from 3.2 per cent in 2023. Retail sales have also declined for 10 consecutive months as of December, falling 9.7 per cent year on year that month.
Interest in giving gifts on Valentine’s Day has also fallen, with 27 per cent of men having no plans to buy their partners a present, up from 22 per cent last year.
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By Lam Ka-sing
Hong Kong’s slowing economy has put love to the test, with nearly half of men in relationships saying they plan to scale back Valentine’s Day celebrations this year by staying home, according to a survey from a matchmaking service.
The results of the poll released by HK Romance Dating on Wednesday found that 48 per cent of men said they planned to celebrate the occasion at home – the highest level in the survey’s five years and a sharp increase over the 17 per cent recorded last year.
This year’s survey saw researchers interview 461 couples between mid-January and early February.
The poll also showed 36 per cent of female respondents planned to stay in, compared with 19 per cent in 2024.
“This year, the economy worsened so people are not very willing to spend, or are more inclined to stay at home for celebrations,” said Winson Yu Ka-shing, the company’s marketing manager.
Hong Kong’s economic growth slowed to 2.5 per cent last year, down from 3.2 per cent in 2023. Retail sales have also declined for 10 consecutive months as of December, falling 9.7 per cent year on year that month.
Interest in giving gifts on Valentine’s Day has also fallen, with 27 per cent of men having no plans to buy their partners a present, up from 22 per cent last year.
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Renovating new office of former Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam to cost HK$2.8 million
By Jeffie Lam
Authorities are expected to spend about HK$2.8 million (US$359,350) on renovating the new office of former Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who will move from a prime commercial building to a government building.
The Office of Former Chief Executives last month confirmed that Lam’s workplace at One Pacific Place in Admiralty, where the annual rent of HK$5.67 million had sparked concerns about how taxpayers’ money was spent, would be relocated to the 23rd floor of Immigration Tower in Wan Chai when the three-year lease expired in May.
In response to an inquiry by lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun on Wednesday, No 2 official Eric Chan Kwok-ki said renovation work on Lam’s new office had started and would cost an estimated HK$2.8 million.
He added the government previously spent about HK$6.55 million to renovate her office in Admiralty but stressed it did not have to return the premises to its original state.
“The government liaised with the landlord, who agreed to take over the office in an as-is condition, and no reinstatement works will be required,” the chief secretary said.
Lam’s office came under scrutiny by lawmakers and the public when it was revealed the Admiralty space cost taxpayers an estimated HK$9.17 million in the 2023-24 financial year, including HK$5.67 million in rent.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Jeffie Lam
Authorities are expected to spend about HK$2.8 million (US$359,350) on renovating the new office of former Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who will move from a prime commercial building to a government building.
The Office of Former Chief Executives last month confirmed that Lam’s workplace at One Pacific Place in Admiralty, where the annual rent of HK$5.67 million had sparked concerns about how taxpayers’ money was spent, would be relocated to the 23rd floor of Immigration Tower in Wan Chai when the three-year lease expired in May.
In response to an inquiry by lawmaker Michael Tien Puk-sun on Wednesday, No 2 official Eric Chan Kwok-ki said renovation work on Lam’s new office had started and would cost an estimated HK$2.8 million.
He added the government previously spent about HK$6.55 million to renovate her office in Admiralty but stressed it did not have to return the premises to its original state.
“The government liaised with the landlord, who agreed to take over the office in an as-is condition, and no reinstatement works will be required,” the chief secretary said.
Lam’s office came under scrutiny by lawmakers and the public when it was revealed the Admiralty space cost taxpayers an estimated HK$9.17 million in the 2023-24 financial year, including HK$5.67 million in rent.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
