Hong Kong institution uncovers 3 cases of fraudulent mainland applications
By William Yiu
A private higher education institution in Hong Kong said it discovered three cases of admissions fraud from mainland Chinese applicants last year, with some of the candidates asking others to attend entrance interviews or take international English tests on their behalf.
Tung Wah College, which is seeking to apply for university status the next school year, revealed the cases on Monday as it reported a fivefold year-on-year increase in its intake of mainland students and an 11 per cent rise in the salaries of its graduates in 2024.
Sally Chan Wai-chi, president of Tung Wah College with its main campus in Ho Man Tin, said the institution rejected the three fraudulent applications from mainland students, the first of such cases the school had encountered.
“We found out one individual tampered with gaokao results as it did not match the certificates sent by mainland authorities,” she said, referring to the national college entrance examination.
“Another involved a person attending an entrance interview that was not the real applicant.”
She said the fake interviewee was caught red handed during the interview when the interviewers checked the identification document the applicant sent.
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By William Yiu
A private higher education institution in Hong Kong said it discovered three cases of admissions fraud from mainland Chinese applicants last year, with some of the candidates asking others to attend entrance interviews or take international English tests on their behalf.
Tung Wah College, which is seeking to apply for university status the next school year, revealed the cases on Monday as it reported a fivefold year-on-year increase in its intake of mainland students and an 11 per cent rise in the salaries of its graduates in 2024.
Sally Chan Wai-chi, president of Tung Wah College with its main campus in Ho Man Tin, said the institution rejected the three fraudulent applications from mainland students, the first of such cases the school had encountered.
“We found out one individual tampered with gaokao results as it did not match the certificates sent by mainland authorities,” she said, referring to the national college entrance examination.
“Another involved a person attending an entrance interview that was not the real applicant.”
She said the fake interviewee was caught red handed during the interview when the interviewers checked the identification document the applicant sent.
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Zelensky says Ukraine won’t be part of US-Russia talks, can’t accept deals made without Kyiv
By Agencies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday his country will not take part in US-Russia talks this week on ending the war and will not accept the outcome of the talks if Ukraine doesn’t take part.
Speaking to journalists on a conference call from the United Arab Emirates, Zelensky said his government had not been invited to Tuesday’s planned talks in Saudi Arabia.
He said they would “yield no results,” given the absence of any Ukrainian officials, adding in comments carried by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency that the country “cannot recognise any things or any agreements about us without us. And we will not recognise such agreements.”
Ukraine wasn’t invited, which “makes the situation dangerous” because talks “should be held first with Ukraine to hear our position,” Ihor Brusylo, deputy chief of Zelensky’s office, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Monday. “The main thing is to avoid this back door, backdealing. It doesn’t help the situation.”
Zelensky said he would travel to Turkey on Monday and to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, but that his trip to the Arab nation was unrelated to the planned US-Russia talks.
Top Russian officials will hold talks with US counterparts on restoring ties, negotiating a peaceful settlement to the war in Ukraine and preparing a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, the Kremlin said on Monday.
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By Agencies
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday his country will not take part in US-Russia talks this week on ending the war and will not accept the outcome of the talks if Ukraine doesn’t take part.
Speaking to journalists on a conference call from the United Arab Emirates, Zelensky said his government had not been invited to Tuesday’s planned talks in Saudi Arabia.
He said they would “yield no results,” given the absence of any Ukrainian officials, adding in comments carried by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency that the country “cannot recognise any things or any agreements about us without us. And we will not recognise such agreements.”
Ukraine wasn’t invited, which “makes the situation dangerous” because talks “should be held first with Ukraine to hear our position,” Ihor Brusylo, deputy chief of Zelensky’s office, said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Monday. “The main thing is to avoid this back door, backdealing. It doesn’t help the situation.”
Zelensky said he would travel to Turkey on Monday and to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, but that his trip to the Arab nation was unrelated to the planned US-Russia talks.
Top Russian officials will hold talks with US counterparts on restoring ties, negotiating a peaceful settlement to the war in Ukraine and preparing a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, the Kremlin said on Monday.
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If Trump wants peace in Ukraine, he must reach a consensus with Europe
By Sun Chenghao
After listening to US Vice-President J.D. Vance’s speech on the first day of the Munich Security Conference, European colleagues of mine expressed confusion, disappointment and concern. Vance barely mentioned specific policies about Ukraine. Instead, he seemed to lecture Europe on building democracy, protecting free speech and increasing defence spending.
As a participant in the Munich Young Leaders programme, I joined several discussions throughout the conference and sensed European concerns about the Trump administration and transatlantic relations. While Europe has braced for a second wave of the “Trump shock”, shifts in US policy have still caught many off guard.
Some European colleagues told me that Vance’s speech was not only directed at Trump’s political base but also at Europe’s right-wing forces. Others even suspected that the US was intervening in Germany’s coming elections.
Europe’s mindset toward the US appears to be undergoing a more lasting shift, placing transatlantic relations at a crossroads. Yes, the US and many European countries remain allies, but Europe is beginning to question whether Washington’s new policies will outlast Trump.
If so, this would signal a fundamental paradigm shift in US domestic politics and foreign policy – one that not only widens economic and security rifts between the two sides but also erodes their once-strong consensus on shared values. From a more immediate and pragmatic perspective, how the US and Europe respond to the Russia-Ukraine war will be a critical test for transatlantic relations.
The US, Russia, Ukraine and Europe each have distinct considerations and strategic objectives. Washington is pushing for negotiations, reduced aid and more security responsibilities from Europe. Moscow is likely to be focused on ensuring its geopolitical security, its interests regarding Nato’s eastward expansion and at least partial sanctions relief.
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By Sun Chenghao
After listening to US Vice-President J.D. Vance’s speech on the first day of the Munich Security Conference, European colleagues of mine expressed confusion, disappointment and concern. Vance barely mentioned specific policies about Ukraine. Instead, he seemed to lecture Europe on building democracy, protecting free speech and increasing defence spending.
As a participant in the Munich Young Leaders programme, I joined several discussions throughout the conference and sensed European concerns about the Trump administration and transatlantic relations. While Europe has braced for a second wave of the “Trump shock”, shifts in US policy have still caught many off guard.
Some European colleagues told me that Vance’s speech was not only directed at Trump’s political base but also at Europe’s right-wing forces. Others even suspected that the US was intervening in Germany’s coming elections.
Europe’s mindset toward the US appears to be undergoing a more lasting shift, placing transatlantic relations at a crossroads. Yes, the US and many European countries remain allies, but Europe is beginning to question whether Washington’s new policies will outlast Trump.
If so, this would signal a fundamental paradigm shift in US domestic politics and foreign policy – one that not only widens economic and security rifts between the two sides but also erodes their once-strong consensus on shared values. From a more immediate and pragmatic perspective, how the US and Europe respond to the Russia-Ukraine war will be a critical test for transatlantic relations.
The US, Russia, Ukraine and Europe each have distinct considerations and strategic objectives. Washington is pushing for negotiations, reduced aid and more security responsibilities from Europe. Moscow is likely to be focused on ensuring its geopolitical security, its interests regarding Nato’s eastward expansion and at least partial sanctions relief.
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Top geophysicist Niu Fenglin leaves US for prestigious China role
Geophysicist Niu Fenglin, after two decades in the US, has returned to China to join the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) as a distinguished chair professor. Niu, known for his research on the Earth's deep structures and seismic diversity, left his full professorship at Rice University in Houston, Texas, in November to take up the position at USTC, a top university in Anhui province.
Niu's research focuses on developing imaging techniques to map the Earth's interior and understand its chemical and physical processes. Notably, his 2008 research published in Nature analyzed data from the San Andreas Fault, demonstrating that subtle seismic changes preceding earthquakes could be measured, marking "a new step forward in earthquake prediction." Niu graduated from USTC in 1988 and earned a PhD from the University of Tokyo before joining Rice University in 2002.
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Geophysicist Niu Fenglin, after two decades in the US, has returned to China to join the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) as a distinguished chair professor. Niu, known for his research on the Earth's deep structures and seismic diversity, left his full professorship at Rice University in Houston, Texas, in November to take up the position at USTC, a top university in Anhui province.
Niu's research focuses on developing imaging techniques to map the Earth's interior and understand its chemical and physical processes. Notably, his 2008 research published in Nature analyzed data from the San Andreas Fault, demonstrating that subtle seismic changes preceding earthquakes could be measured, marking "a new step forward in earthquake prediction." Niu graduated from USTC in 1988 and earned a PhD from the University of Tokyo before joining Rice University in 2002.
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Malaysia’s trade minister calls on Asean, Hong Kong, mainland China to shape the ‘Asian century’
马来西亚投资、贸易和工业部长Tengku Zafrul Aziz在吉隆坡举行的《南华早报》“中国会议：东南亚”上表示，2025年将是东盟年，他承诺将东盟的中心地位“不仅仅是一个理想”。他强调，香港可以作为东盟通往中国大陆的门户，而马来西亚可以为香港通往东盟及其他地区发挥同样的作用。
部长在闭幕词中感谢了香港特别行政区行政长官李家超，并表示本次会议的普遍共识是东盟和中国的潜力是无与伦比的，并且彼此保持联系的需求仍然强烈。他强调，关键在于坚持既定方针，克服前进道路上的各种挑战，充分发挥各自和共同的潜力。
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马来西亚投资、贸易和工业部长Tengku Zafrul Aziz在吉隆坡举行的《南华早报》“中国会议：东南亚”上表示，2025年将是东盟年，他承诺将东盟的中心地位“不仅仅是一个理想”。他强调，香港可以作为东盟通往中国大陆的门户，而马来西亚可以为香港通往东盟及其他地区发挥同样的作用。
部长在闭幕词中感谢了香港特别行政区行政长官李家超，并表示本次会议的普遍共识是东盟和中国的潜力是无与伦比的，并且彼此保持联系的需求仍然强烈。他强调，关键在于坚持既定方针，克服前进道路上的各种挑战，充分发挥各自和共同的潜力。
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Hong Kong to open applications for 5,060 light public flats from next week
香港将于下周一开放申请超过5000套临时公共住房，预计租户最早可在今年第四季度入住。房屋局局长何永贤表示，第二阶段“简约公屋”计划涉及5060套住房，包括观塘和上水的旧校舍改造房，以及位于启德和屯门的住房。
这些住房的月租金从约860港元到3270港元不等。第二阶段计划覆盖四个地点，包括启德的2970套住房（有适合四到五人的户型，也有中小型户型），以及屯门的1850套各种大小的住房。2月24日至3月17日提交的申请表将获优先处理。
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香港将于下周一开放申请超过5000套临时公共住房，预计租户最早可在今年第四季度入住。房屋局局长何永贤表示，第二阶段“简约公屋”计划涉及5060套住房，包括观塘和上水的旧校舍改造房，以及位于启德和屯门的住房。
这些住房的月租金从约860港元到3270港元不等。第二阶段计划覆盖四个地点，包括启德的2970套住房（有适合四到五人的户型，也有中小型户型），以及屯门的1850套各种大小的住房。2月24日至3月17日提交的申请表将获优先处理。
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Malaysia’s semiconductor sector to benefit from ‘neutrality’ amid US-China tech war
Malaysia's semiconductor industry is poised to benefit from the ongoing US-China tech war, as companies seek alternative locations in the global chip supply chain due to increasing trade restrictions. Experts suggest that Malaysia's neutral stance and existing strengths in back-end operations like chip testing and packaging make it an attractive option for businesses looking to serve both the US and Chinese markets.
The US government's tightening trade restrictions on China are creating opportunities for Malaysia to further develop its semiconductor sector. This assessment aligns with Malaysia's recent efforts to bolster its semiconductor industry, including the launch of the National Semiconductor Strategy backed by RM25 billion (US$5.6 billion) in funding, with the aim of transforming the country into a semiconductor powerhouse over the next decade.
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Malaysia's semiconductor industry is poised to benefit from the ongoing US-China tech war, as companies seek alternative locations in the global chip supply chain due to increasing trade restrictions. Experts suggest that Malaysia's neutral stance and existing strengths in back-end operations like chip testing and packaging make it an attractive option for businesses looking to serve both the US and Chinese markets.
The US government's tightening trade restrictions on China are creating opportunities for Malaysia to further develop its semiconductor sector. This assessment aligns with Malaysia's recent efforts to bolster its semiconductor industry, including the launch of the National Semiconductor Strategy backed by RM25 billion (US$5.6 billion) in funding, with the aim of transforming the country into a semiconductor powerhouse over the next decade.
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Musk’s DOGE faces legal scrutiny as judge calls rare court hearing on Presidents’ day holiday
美国法官安排了一次罕见的假日法庭听证会，以审理民主党州检察长提起的诉讼，旨在保护主要的联邦机构免受埃隆·马斯克领导的名为DOGE的政府成本削减团队的影响。该团队被指控在特朗普政府的领导下，通过访问政府机构的信息系统、解雇员工等方式，对多个部门造成了干扰。
此次听证会由美国华盛顿特区地方法院法官Tanya Chutkan召集，原因为13名民主党州检察长要求发布临时限制令，禁止马斯克的DOGE团队访问包括劳工部、教育部等多个政府机构的信息系统，并阻止他们解雇或停职政府雇员。检察长们希望该命令持续14天，以便他们有时间提交法律文件，以寻求更永久的禁令。
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美国法官安排了一次罕见的假日法庭听证会，以审理民主党州检察长提起的诉讼，旨在保护主要的联邦机构免受埃隆·马斯克领导的名为DOGE的政府成本削减团队的影响。该团队被指控在特朗普政府的领导下，通过访问政府机构的信息系统、解雇员工等方式，对多个部门造成了干扰。
此次听证会由美国华盛顿特区地方法院法官Tanya Chutkan召集，原因为13名民主党州检察长要求发布临时限制令，禁止马斯克的DOGE团队访问包括劳工部、教育部等多个政府机构的信息系统，并阻止他们解雇或停职政府雇员。检察长们希望该命令持续14天，以便他们有时间提交法律文件，以寻求更永久的禁令。
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Southeast Asia’s EV ambitions face ‘regulatory fragmentation’ roadblock: Xpeng president
Xpeng President Brian Gu warns that Southeast Asia's electric vehicle (EV) market, despite its high growth potential, faces significant challenges due to regulatory fragmentation and the lack of a unified legal framework. Inconsistent policies on manufacturing incentives and emerging technologies could discourage investment and hinder the region's ambition to become a major EV hub.
Speaking at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025, Gu highlighted that the absence of clear legal guidelines for advanced EV technologies makes it difficult for manufacturers like Xpeng to introduce new models and features in the region. This contrasts sharply with China, where the EV boom has spurred the creation of specific policies tailored to the sector, allowing companies like Xpeng to launch innovations such as its AI Chauffeur autonomous driving system, currently unavailable outside of China due to regulatory limitations.
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Xpeng President Brian Gu warns that Southeast Asia's electric vehicle (EV) market, despite its high growth potential, faces significant challenges due to regulatory fragmentation and the lack of a unified legal framework. Inconsistent policies on manufacturing incentives and emerging technologies could discourage investment and hinder the region's ambition to become a major EV hub.
Speaking at the South China Morning Post’s China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025, Gu highlighted that the absence of clear legal guidelines for advanced EV technologies makes it difficult for manufacturers like Xpeng to introduce new models and features in the region. This contrasts sharply with China, where the EV boom has spurred the creation of specific policies tailored to the sector, allowing companies like Xpeng to launch innovations such as its AI Chauffeur autonomous driving system, currently unavailable outside of China due to regulatory limitations.
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China accuses US of ‘serious backsliding’ on Taiwan with change to website
中国外交部指责美国在台湾问题上出现“严重倒退”，原因是美国国务院更新了其网站上关于台湾的政策说明，删除了其中“不支持台湾独立”的表述。 中方认为此举违反了一个中国原则，并向“台独”分裂势力发出了错误信号。
美国国务院表示，此次更新并不代表美国对台政策发生重大变化，仍然坚持一个中国政策。然而，中国外交部发言人郭家坤表示，美国的行为是“在台湾问题上的严重倒退”，敦促美国立即纠正错误，停止利用台湾遏制中国，并停止升级美台实质关系，避免进一步损害中美关系和台湾海峡的和平与稳定。
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中国外交部指责美国在台湾问题上出现“严重倒退”，原因是美国国务院更新了其网站上关于台湾的政策说明，删除了其中“不支持台湾独立”的表述。 中方认为此举违反了一个中国原则，并向“台独”分裂势力发出了错误信号。
美国国务院表示，此次更新并不代表美国对台政策发生重大变化，仍然坚持一个中国政策。然而，中国外交部发言人郭家坤表示，美国的行为是“在台湾问题上的严重倒退”，敦促美国立即纠正错误，停止利用台湾遏制中国，并停止升级美台实质关系，避免进一步损害中美关系和台湾海峡的和平与稳定。
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Hong Kong developer NWD to launch second State Pavilia offering after weekend sell-out
New World Development (NWD) is launching a second offering of 88 flats at its State Pavilia project in North Point on Wednesday after selling all 168 units offered during the initial phase of the redevelopment project on Saturday. The initial sale attracted over 7,800 orders, being oversubscribed 45 times, indicating strong market demand.
The new units range from 343 to 621 sq ft and are priced between HK$6.49 million and HK$15.4 million, with an average discounted price of HK$19,747 per square foot, slightly higher than the previous offering. Analysts suggest that the recent surge in the Hang Seng Index and the project's attractive location and pricing are motivating factors for buyers, potentially suppressing transaction volume in the second-hand market in the coming months.
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New World Development (NWD) is launching a second offering of 88 flats at its State Pavilia project in North Point on Wednesday after selling all 168 units offered during the initial phase of the redevelopment project on Saturday. The initial sale attracted over 7,800 orders, being oversubscribed 45 times, indicating strong market demand.
The new units range from 343 to 621 sq ft and are priced between HK$6.49 million and HK$15.4 million, with an average discounted price of HK$19,747 per square foot, slightly higher than the previous offering. Analysts suggest that the recent surge in the Hang Seng Index and the project's attractive location and pricing are motivating factors for buyers, potentially suppressing transaction volume in the second-hand market in the coming months.
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India ‘best solution’ for aerospace supply chain, with Airbus, Rolls-Royce driving growth
空中巴士、柯林斯宇航、普惠和罗尔斯·罗伊斯等航空巨头正在扩大从印度的零部件采购，这极大地推动了印度新兴航空航天产业的发展，并促使当地企业提升自身实力。 位于班加罗尔的Hical Technologies和JJG Aero等公司正乘着这股浪潮迅速发展。
Hical Technologies等印度本土公司为雷神技术和波音等公司提供零部件。该公司计划在三年内将其航空航天部门的收入翻一番，达到50亿卢比（约合5757万美元）。JJG Aero的首席执行官Anuj Jhunjhunwala表示，该公司用了12年时间才达到200万美元的收入，但在过去六年里飙升至2000万美元。埃森哲研究公司的数据显示，亚太地区的航空航天产业正在蓬勃发展，预计2024年的收入将比2019年高出54%，而北美和欧洲的收入仍分别比2019年低3%和4%。
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空中巴士、柯林斯宇航、普惠和罗尔斯·罗伊斯等航空巨头正在扩大从印度的零部件采购，这极大地推动了印度新兴航空航天产业的发展，并促使当地企业提升自身实力。 位于班加罗尔的Hical Technologies和JJG Aero等公司正乘着这股浪潮迅速发展。
Hical Technologies等印度本土公司为雷神技术和波音等公司提供零部件。该公司计划在三年内将其航空航天部门的收入翻一番，达到50亿卢比（约合5757万美元）。JJG Aero的首席执行官Anuj Jhunjhunwala表示，该公司用了12年时间才达到200万美元的收入，但在过去六年里飙升至2000万美元。埃森哲研究公司的数据显示，亚太地区的航空航天产业正在蓬勃发展，预计2024年的收入将比2019年高出54%，而北美和欧洲的收入仍分别比2019年低3%和4%。
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Hong Kong to become Muslim-friendly city for Asean businesses, tourists: John Lee
香港特首李家超承诺将香港打造成为对穆斯林友好的旅游目的地， 计划通过简化签证要求和增加清真食品供应等措施，吸引更多东南亚的商务人士和游客。他还强调将深化与东盟（Asean）的联系，并透露正与马来西亚政府商讨在当地开设香港在东南亚的第四个经贸办事处。
李家超是在《南华早报》中国论坛：东南亚会议上发表线上讲话时做出上述表示的。他特别提到放宽了柬埔寨、老挝、缅甸和越南公民申请香港多次入境签证的标准，并将有效期从两年延长至三年。此外，香港还将为参与商务、发展及相关活动的东盟国家访客提供自助入境服务，并鼓励酒店和其他场所提供适当的礼拜服务。
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香港特首李家超承诺将香港打造成为对穆斯林友好的旅游目的地， 计划通过简化签证要求和增加清真食品供应等措施，吸引更多东南亚的商务人士和游客。他还强调将深化与东盟（Asean）的联系，并透露正与马来西亚政府商讨在当地开设香港在东南亚的第四个经贸办事处。
李家超是在《南华早报》中国论坛：东南亚会议上发表线上讲话时做出上述表示的。他特别提到放宽了柬埔寨、老挝、缅甸和越南公民申请香港多次入境签证的标准，并将有效期从两年延长至三年。此外，香港还将为参与商务、发展及相关活动的东盟国家访客提供自助入境服务，并鼓励酒店和其他场所提供适当的礼拜服务。
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Can Southeast Asia be part of a new world order amid US-China tug of war?
Southeast Asia has the potential to be a key player in a new international order, but this hinges on China's strategic approach, particularly given the growing uncertainty surrounding the United States' role in the region. Experts at the "China Conference: Southeast Asia" in Kuala Lumpur highlighted the shifting power dynamics and their implications for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The conference speakers observed that ASEAN nations have been in a state of uncertainty, especially with President Trump's threats to broaden tariffs, impacting not only China but also countries with significant trade surpluses with the US. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor at Chulalongkorn University, noted that while ASEAN has traditionally engaged with China as its largest trading partner and the US as a security guarantor, Trump's focus on economic nationalism raises concerns about the US's continued commitment to Southeast Asia.
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Southeast Asia has the potential to be a key player in a new international order, but this hinges on China's strategic approach, particularly given the growing uncertainty surrounding the United States' role in the region. Experts at the "China Conference: Southeast Asia" in Kuala Lumpur highlighted the shifting power dynamics and their implications for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The conference speakers observed that ASEAN nations have been in a state of uncertainty, especially with President Trump's threats to broaden tariffs, impacting not only China but also countries with significant trade surpluses with the US. Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a professor at Chulalongkorn University, noted that while ASEAN has traditionally engaged with China as its largest trading partner and the US as a security guarantor, Trump's focus on economic nationalism raises concerns about the US's continued commitment to Southeast Asia.
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Xi Jinping backs China’s private sector at meeting with entrepreneurs
President Xi Jinping assured China's top entrepreneurs that the government's commitment to the private sector remains steadfast and unchanged. He emphasized that policies supporting the private economy are integral to the socialist system and will be consistently upheld, addressing concerns about potential shifts in policy direction.
This symposium, the first of its kind hosted by Xi since 2018, comes at a time when private sector confidence has been shaken by economic challenges, geopolitical tensions with the US, and regulatory crackdowns. Xi acknowledged these difficulties as temporary, arising from reform and industrial upgrades, and expressed confidence that they can be overcome, encouraging entrepreneurs to contribute their talents and make significant contributions.
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President Xi Jinping assured China's top entrepreneurs that the government's commitment to the private sector remains steadfast and unchanged. He emphasized that policies supporting the private economy are integral to the socialist system and will be consistently upheld, addressing concerns about potential shifts in policy direction.
This symposium, the first of its kind hosted by Xi since 2018, comes at a time when private sector confidence has been shaken by economic challenges, geopolitical tensions with the US, and regulatory crackdowns. Xi acknowledged these difficulties as temporary, arising from reform and industrial upgrades, and expressed confidence that they can be overcome, encouraging entrepreneurs to contribute their talents and make significant contributions.
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China’s middle class feels the squeeze as property slump hits pocketbooks
China's property income growth hit a decade low, increasing only 2.2% year-on-year in 2023, the lowest rate since 2014. This decline is impacting middle-class incomes, as property income, a crucial component of household income in developed regions, sees depreciation in asset value.
The slowdown in property income growth, primarily from rent, interest, and dividends, reflects the ongoing slump in China's real estate sector. For example, Beijing experienced a third consecutive year of decline in per-capita net income from properties, falling 0.6% to 12,205 yuan. This is largely due to decreasing rents, with a 3.3% average year-on-year decrease across 50 Chinese cities in December, and a steeper 5.4% drop in Beijing.
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China's property income growth hit a decade low, increasing only 2.2% year-on-year in 2023, the lowest rate since 2014. This decline is impacting middle-class incomes, as property income, a crucial component of household income in developed regions, sees depreciation in asset value.
The slowdown in property income growth, primarily from rent, interest, and dividends, reflects the ongoing slump in China's real estate sector. For example, Beijing experienced a third consecutive year of decline in per-capita net income from properties, falling 0.6% to 12,205 yuan. This is largely due to decreasing rents, with a 3.3% average year-on-year decrease across 50 Chinese cities in December, and a steeper 5.4% drop in Beijing.
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Shein faces investor pressure to slash valuation to US$30 billion, sources say
中国快时尚零售商Shein面临压力，其估值可能需要下调至约300亿美元。此前，该公司的估值曾超过这一数字的三倍。据知情人士透露，此次估值调整是为了帮助Shein在英国的潜在首次公开募股(IPO)顺利进行。
Shein的上市之路并不平坦，其供应链运营和劳工实践受到质疑，同时全球贸易关系和政治紧张局势也带来了不确定性。在赴美上市的目标受挫后，该公司去年将其IPO申请转向伦敦。Shein以其高销量、低成本的时尚产品成为全球最有价值的初创企业之一，其投资者包括IDG资本、阿布扎比主权财富基金Mubadala Investment、老虎环球基金和红杉中国等。
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中国快时尚零售商Shein面临压力，其估值可能需要下调至约300亿美元。此前，该公司的估值曾超过这一数字的三倍。据知情人士透露，此次估值调整是为了帮助Shein在英国的潜在首次公开募股(IPO)顺利进行。
Shein的上市之路并不平坦，其供应链运营和劳工实践受到质疑，同时全球贸易关系和政治紧张局势也带来了不确定性。在赴美上市的目标受挫后，该公司去年将其IPO申请转向伦敦。Shein以其高销量、低成本的时尚产品成为全球最有价值的初创企业之一，其投资者包括IDG资本、阿布扎比主权财富基金Mubadala Investment、老虎环球基金和红杉中国等。
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Chinese cities launch DeepSeek-driven services as local cadres jump on AI bandwagon
Chinese city governments are increasingly integrating DeepSeek, an AI start-up seen as a potential rival to OpenAI, into their online public services. This move signals strong government support and confidence in DeepSeek's capabilities, with officials actively studying the company and its founder.
Several cities in Guangdong province, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Dongguan, have already incorporated DeepSeek's AI models into their online platforms. Guangzhou, for example, is utilizing DeepSeek's R1 and V3 models to enhance policy explanations, manage hotlines, process requests, and streamline internal workflows, ultimately aiming to improve the efficiency of city services.
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Chinese city governments are increasingly integrating DeepSeek, an AI start-up seen as a potential rival to OpenAI, into their online public services. This move signals strong government support and confidence in DeepSeek's capabilities, with officials actively studying the company and its founder.
Several cities in Guangdong province, including Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Dongguan, have already incorporated DeepSeek's AI models into their online platforms. Guangzhou, for example, is utilizing DeepSeek's R1 and V3 models to enhance policy explanations, manage hotlines, process requests, and streamline internal workflows, ultimately aiming to improve the efficiency of city services.
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Chinese e-scooter brands Ninebot, Niu integrate DeepSeek AI for smarter rides
Leading Chinese electric two-wheeler brands, Ninebot and Niu Technologies, are integrating DeepSeek's artificial intelligence (AI) models to enhance smart-riding capabilities. Ninebot, backed by Xiaomi, announced its "deep integration" of DeepSeek, following a trend among vehicle makers, especially EV companies, to incorporate DeepSeek-powered features. Niu Technologies followed suit, claiming to be the first e-scooter brand to fully integrate DeepSeek's large language models (LLMs) as of February 9.
Ninebot stated that this integration will significantly enhance the intelligence of its products, offering users improved smart interactions and more efficient rides. The company's mobile app already incorporates AI features, with plans to include AI-powered content creation, data analytics, personalized recommendations, and intelligent services. Niu Technologies' move further underscores the growing importance of AI in the electric two-wheeler market.
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Leading Chinese electric two-wheeler brands, Ninebot and Niu Technologies, are integrating DeepSeek's artificial intelligence (AI) models to enhance smart-riding capabilities. Ninebot, backed by Xiaomi, announced its "deep integration" of DeepSeek, following a trend among vehicle makers, especially EV companies, to incorporate DeepSeek-powered features. Niu Technologies followed suit, claiming to be the first e-scooter brand to fully integrate DeepSeek's large language models (LLMs) as of February 9.
Ninebot stated that this integration will significantly enhance the intelligence of its products, offering users improved smart interactions and more efficient rides. The company's mobile app already incorporates AI features, with plans to include AI-powered content creation, data analytics, personalized recommendations, and intelligent services. Niu Technologies' move further underscores the growing importance of AI in the electric two-wheeler market.
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China husband divorces wife over surname dispute, woman wins custody of both children
一对中国夫妇因孩子姓氏问题离婚，丈夫邵先生无法接受儿子随母亲姓纪。 这起事件引发了中国社交媒体上关于子女继承父亲姓氏的传统习俗的激烈讨论。
据河南电视台报道，邵先生和纪女士在2019年生了一个女儿，随父亲姓邵，2021年生了一个儿子，随母亲姓纪。邵先生一直要求儿子改姓，双方因此长期争执，最终于2023年离婚。离婚后，两个孩子都跟随母亲生活。邵先生原本希望获得女儿的抚养权，放弃儿子的抚养权，但纪女士坚持要抚养两个孩子。
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一对中国夫妇因孩子姓氏问题离婚，丈夫邵先生无法接受儿子随母亲姓纪。 这起事件引发了中国社交媒体上关于子女继承父亲姓氏的传统习俗的激烈讨论。
据河南电视台报道，邵先生和纪女士在2019年生了一个女儿，随父亲姓邵，2021年生了一个儿子，随母亲姓纪。邵先生一直要求儿子改姓，双方因此长期争执，最终于2023年离婚。离婚后，两个孩子都跟随母亲生活。邵先生原本希望获得女儿的抚养权，放弃儿子的抚养权，但纪女士坚持要抚养两个孩子。
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