In Malaysia, low-priced Chinese brands gain popularity in Western-dominated malls
中国连锁品牌蜜雪冰城因其低廉的价格，正在马来西亚迅速扩张并受到当地消费者的欢迎。学生 Nur Ristina Eiliyan 指出，在蜜雪冰城购买冰淇淋和奶茶只需 7 马币（约 1.58 美元），远低于其他地方的价格，这吸引了包括她和同学 Alia Kaizara 在内的许多顾客。
尽管蜜雪冰城在马来西亚市场相对较新，但其物美价廉的策略使其能够在竞争激烈的零售市场中脱颖而出。这家起源于中国郑州的品牌，如今已成为全球门店数量最多的餐饮连锁企业，在吉隆坡及周边地区迅速开设了 20 多家分店，为当地消费者提供了更实惠的选择。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
中国连锁品牌蜜雪冰城因其低廉的价格，正在马来西亚迅速扩张并受到当地消费者的欢迎。学生 Nur Ristina Eiliyan 指出，在蜜雪冰城购买冰淇淋和奶茶只需 7 马币（约 1.58 美元），远低于其他地方的价格，这吸引了包括她和同学 Alia Kaizara 在内的许多顾客。
尽管蜜雪冰城在马来西亚市场相对较新，但其物美价廉的策略使其能够在竞争激烈的零售市场中脱颖而出。这家起源于中国郑州的品牌，如今已成为全球门店数量最多的餐饮连锁企业，在吉隆坡及周边地区迅速开设了 20 多家分店，为当地消费者提供了更实惠的选择。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Berlin film festival top prize for coming-of-age drama, best director for China’s Huo Meng
Dag Johan Haugerud's Dreams (Sex Love) won the Golden Bear at the 75th Berlin Film Festival. The Norwegian film, starring Ella Overbye, is a coming-of-age drama that explores a young woman's first crush on a teacher and the art of writing. American director Todd Haynes, the jury president, commended the film for its flawless performances and insightful observations about desire.
The grand jury Silver Bear prize was awarded to Gabriel Mascaro's The Blue Trail, a dystopian film set in the Amazon. Chinese director Huo Meng received the best director award for Living the Land, a feature film depicting four generations of farmers. Haugerud's Golden Bear-winning film is the final installment in a three-part series exploring emotional and physical intimacy.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Dag Johan Haugerud's Dreams (Sex Love) won the Golden Bear at the 75th Berlin Film Festival. The Norwegian film, starring Ella Overbye, is a coming-of-age drama that explores a young woman's first crush on a teacher and the art of writing. American director Todd Haynes, the jury president, commended the film for its flawless performances and insightful observations about desire.
The grand jury Silver Bear prize was awarded to Gabriel Mascaro's The Blue Trail, a dystopian film set in the Amazon. Chinese director Huo Meng received the best director award for Living the Land, a feature film depicting four generations of farmers. Haugerud's Golden Bear-winning film is the final installment in a three-part series exploring emotional and physical intimacy.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Why Ne Zha 2 is part of a broader Chinese cultural renaissance
The Chinese animated film *Ne Zha 2* has become a global phenomenon, surpassing US$1 billion in box office receipts and becoming the highest-grossing animated film worldwide. This marks a significant milestone as it's the first non-Hollywood film to achieve this level of success, propelling it to the eighth-highest-grossing film in global history.
The film's success has ignited a wave of national pride in China, with many viewing it as a celebration of Chinese cultural heritage on the global stage. Even international media outlets like the BBC have noted the film's impact on national sentiment. Beyond China, *Ne Zha 2* has attracted overseas Chinese students and foreign audiences, eager to experience a story deeply rooted in Chinese tradition.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
The Chinese animated film *Ne Zha 2* has become a global phenomenon, surpassing US$1 billion in box office receipts and becoming the highest-grossing animated film worldwide. This marks a significant milestone as it's the first non-Hollywood film to achieve this level of success, propelling it to the eighth-highest-grossing film in global history.
The film's success has ignited a wave of national pride in China, with many viewing it as a celebration of Chinese cultural heritage on the global stage. Even international media outlets like the BBC have noted the film's impact on national sentiment. Beyond China, *Ne Zha 2* has attracted overseas Chinese students and foreign audiences, eager to experience a story deeply rooted in Chinese tradition.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Germany’s polls could reshape Europe as conservative Merz aims to lead amid far-right surge
德国大选预计将出现右倾趋势，默茨领导的保守派有望重新掌权，同时极右翼的德国另类选择党（AfD）预计将取得历史最好成绩。由于德国政治格局分散，默茨所在的联盟党（CDU/CSU）虽民调领先，但难以获得多数席位，需与其他党派进行组阁谈判。
选后谈判预计将充满挑战，竞选期间在移民问题和如何应对AfD等问题上已暴露出严重分歧。这可能导致不受欢迎的现任总理朔尔茨继续担任看守职务数月，延迟了振兴欧洲最大经济体的紧急政策的推出。此外，在美国总统特朗普威胁发动贸易战以及试图绕过欧洲达成乌克兰停火协议之际，德国的政治真空将对欧洲应对各种挑战构成影响，尤其依赖出口和长期依赖美国安全保障的德国将更加脆弱。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
德国大选预计将出现右倾趋势，默茨领导的保守派有望重新掌权，同时极右翼的德国另类选择党（AfD）预计将取得历史最好成绩。由于德国政治格局分散，默茨所在的联盟党（CDU/CSU）虽民调领先，但难以获得多数席位，需与其他党派进行组阁谈判。
选后谈判预计将充满挑战，竞选期间在移民问题和如何应对AfD等问题上已暴露出严重分歧。这可能导致不受欢迎的现任总理朔尔茨继续担任看守职务数月，延迟了振兴欧洲最大经济体的紧急政策的推出。此外，在美国总统特朗普威胁发动贸易战以及试图绕过欧洲达成乌克兰停火协议之际，德国的政治真空将对欧洲应对各种挑战构成影响，尤其依赖出口和长期依赖美国安全保障的德国将更加脆弱。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hong Kong’s civil service expected to cut contract staff amid deficit
香港政府部门预计将削减合同员工数量，以应对预计将达到近1000亿港元的财政赤字。一些部门已于去年开始减少合同员工，预计将进一步削减退休后服务合同计划（PRSC）和非公务员合同计划（NCSC）的员工数量。
政府不会立即解雇员工，而是等到合同到期后不再续签。公务员将承担被裁合同工的工作。学者和立法会议员呼吁使用人工智能改革公务员队伍，取代打字员等职位，以进一步节省开支。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
香港政府部门预计将削减合同员工数量，以应对预计将达到近1000亿港元的财政赤字。一些部门已于去年开始减少合同员工，预计将进一步削减退休后服务合同计划（PRSC）和非公务员合同计划（NCSC）的员工数量。
政府不会立即解雇员工，而是等到合同到期后不再续签。公务员将承担被裁合同工的工作。学者和立法会议员呼吁使用人工智能改革公务员队伍，取代打字员等职位，以进一步节省开支。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
China school demands parents sign up for physical discipline or pupils face forced transfer
一所位于中国南方广东省阳江市的私立学校——龙源实验学校，因要求家长签署同意对学生实施体罚的校规而受到批评。校规中允许的体罚措施包括鞭打手掌和长时间罚站，引发了公众的广泛关注和争议。
根据校规细则，教师可以对犯错的学生抽打手掌，但每次惩罚不得超过10下；罚站的时间最长可达两小时。校方声称，此举旨在让学生对自己的错误负责，提高他们的防错意识，培养他们成为守法公民。此外，该校规还禁止男生留长发，女生涂口红、做美甲或佩戴首饰。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
一所位于中国南方广东省阳江市的私立学校——龙源实验学校，因要求家长签署同意对学生实施体罚的校规而受到批评。校规中允许的体罚措施包括鞭打手掌和长时间罚站，引发了公众的广泛关注和争议。
根据校规细则，教师可以对犯错的学生抽打手掌，但每次惩罚不得超过10下；罚站的时间最长可达两小时。校方声称，此举旨在让学生对自己的错误负责，提高他们的防错意识，培养他们成为守法公民。此外，该校规还禁止男生留长发，女生涂口红、做美甲或佩戴首饰。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Chinese tech giant Tencent restructures AI product portfolio as competition heats up
Tencent Holdings is making significant changes to its AI product lineup, moving several key applications into its Cloud & Smart Industries Group (CSIG). This strategic shift aims to enhance Tencent's competitiveness in the rapidly evolving AI sector, allowing for better integration and monetization of its AI capabilities.
The reshuffle involves transferring apps like QQ Browser, Sogou Pinyin, and Ima from the Platform & Content Group to CSIG, following the earlier move of the AI chatbot Yuanbao. This reorganization reflects Tencent's renewed focus on product experience and user feedback, as it seeks to keep pace with rivals like Alibaba and Baidu, as well as emerging AI startups. The company confirmed the AI product portfolio reshuffle on Friday.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Tencent Holdings is making significant changes to its AI product lineup, moving several key applications into its Cloud & Smart Industries Group (CSIG). This strategic shift aims to enhance Tencent's competitiveness in the rapidly evolving AI sector, allowing for better integration and monetization of its AI capabilities.
The reshuffle involves transferring apps like QQ Browser, Sogou Pinyin, and Ima from the Platform & Content Group to CSIG, following the earlier move of the AI chatbot Yuanbao. This reorganization reflects Tencent's renewed focus on product experience and user feedback, as it seeks to keep pace with rivals like Alibaba and Baidu, as well as emerging AI startups. The company confirmed the AI product portfolio reshuffle on Friday.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
I Am Solo: South Korea’s messy, awkward dating show reflects a nation’s reality
《我是单身》这档韩国真人约会节目，以其真实、笨拙和贴近现实的风格，在充斥着浪漫爱情故事的韩国电视剧领域中脱颖而出，赢得了观众的喜爱。该节目自2021年首播以来，已播出超过180集，吸引了近300名参赛者，且人气持续高涨。
与Netflix的《单身即地狱》等其他光鲜亮丽的约会节目不同，《我是单身》在选角上采取了更为大众化的方式，参与者来自各行各业，更贴近普通人的生活。节目真实地展现了约会中的尴尬和不完美，让观众产生共鸣，这正是它受欢迎的原因。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
《我是单身》这档韩国真人约会节目，以其真实、笨拙和贴近现实的风格，在充斥着浪漫爱情故事的韩国电视剧领域中脱颖而出，赢得了观众的喜爱。该节目自2021年首播以来，已播出超过180集，吸引了近300名参赛者，且人气持续高涨。
与Netflix的《单身即地狱》等其他光鲜亮丽的约会节目不同，《我是单身》在选角上采取了更为大众化的方式，参与者来自各行各业，更贴近普通人的生活。节目真实地展现了约会中的尴尬和不完美，让观众产生共鸣，这正是它受欢迎的原因。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Elon Musk says all US government workers must justify their work or lose jobs
埃隆·马斯克表示，所有联邦雇员必须证明其工作的合理性，否则将面临失业。此前，美国总统特朗普敦促他“更积极地”削减政府开支。作为特朗普最大的捐助者，马斯克正在主导裁减政府部门员工的工作。
马斯克称，所有联邦雇员将收到一封电子邮件，要求说明上周完成了哪些工作。根据法新社获得的一份邮件副本，联邦工作人员被要求提交“大约5个要点，说明你上周完成了什么”。该邮件来自美国人事管理办公室，主题为“你上周做了什么？”，回复截止日期为周一晚上11:59。此前，特朗普在社交媒体上表示，马斯克“做得很好，但我希望看到他更积极”。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
埃隆·马斯克表示，所有联邦雇员必须证明其工作的合理性，否则将面临失业。此前，美国总统特朗普敦促他“更积极地”削减政府开支。作为特朗普最大的捐助者，马斯克正在主导裁减政府部门员工的工作。
马斯克称，所有联邦雇员将收到一封电子邮件，要求说明上周完成了哪些工作。根据法新社获得的一份邮件副本，联邦工作人员被要求提交“大约5个要点，说明你上周完成了什么”。该邮件来自美国人事管理办公室，主题为“你上周做了什么？”，回复截止日期为周一晚上11:59。此前，特朗普在社交媒体上表示，马斯克“做得很好，但我希望看到他更积极”。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Find the right tune in Hong Kong to allow for more buskers
香港的街头表演文化正在复苏，本地乐队 The Flame 的 Cantopop 表演吸引了数百名观众。 尽管过去几年受到社会动荡和疫情的影响，街头表演在香港逐渐恢复生机，为城市增添了文化色彩。
目前，香港的街头艺人需要向警方申请许可证，并且只能在指定的时间和地点表演，同时禁止接受小费。政府也在海滨等六个共享空间以及沙田大会堂的户外区域，允许街头艺人无需许可证即可表演。 然而，完全放开街头表演也存在扰民的风险，例如 2018 年旺角行人专用区就曾因噪音问题而叫停街头表演。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
香港的街头表演文化正在复苏，本地乐队 The Flame 的 Cantopop 表演吸引了数百名观众。 尽管过去几年受到社会动荡和疫情的影响，街头表演在香港逐渐恢复生机，为城市增添了文化色彩。
目前，香港的街头艺人需要向警方申请许可证，并且只能在指定的时间和地点表演，同时禁止接受小费。政府也在海滨等六个共享空间以及沙田大会堂的户外区域，允许街头艺人无需许可证即可表演。 然而，完全放开街头表演也存在扰民的风险，例如 2018 年旺角行人专用区就曾因噪音问题而叫停街头表演。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Cancelled taxi strike in Hong Kong highlights the need for government action
香港出租车行业与网约车平台之间的博弈再次以出租车司机取消罢工威胁告终，但消费者仍然是输家，因为整个行业的服务水平参差不齐。尽管取消罢工对消费者有利，但未能解决出租车服务质量的根本问题。
事件经过与以往类似：出租车工会以罢工相威胁，要求政府打击包括Uber在内的非法网约车服务。在政府承诺加强执法后，工会取消了罢工。与此同时，包括Uber在内的多家网约车平台仍在无监管状态下运营。政府表示正在研究网约车平台的监管问题，并承诺今年向立法机关提交立法框架，但公众对出租车服务的不满依然存在，罢工威胁反映出该行业对改进的抵制，以及对提供更好服务的竞争对手的反对。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
香港出租车行业与网约车平台之间的博弈再次以出租车司机取消罢工威胁告终，但消费者仍然是输家，因为整个行业的服务水平参差不齐。尽管取消罢工对消费者有利，但未能解决出租车服务质量的根本问题。
事件经过与以往类似：出租车工会以罢工相威胁，要求政府打击包括Uber在内的非法网约车服务。在政府承诺加强执法后，工会取消了罢工。与此同时，包括Uber在内的多家网约车平台仍在无监管状态下运营。政府表示正在研究网约车平台的监管问题，并承诺今年向立法机关提交立法框架，但公众对出租车服务的不满依然存在，罢工威胁反映出该行业对改进的抵制，以及对提供更好服务的竞争对手的反对。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Trump wants money back for Ukraine aid: ‘rare earth and oil, anything we can get’
美国总统特朗普表示，他正试图收回美国 ранее 援助乌克兰的数十亿美元资金。 特朗普政府正在与乌克兰谈判一项矿产资源协议，希望以此作为对其前任拜登政府向乌克兰提供战时援助的补偿。 特朗普在保守派政治行动会议上表示，他希望乌克兰用稀土、石油等资源来偿还美国的援助，并声称已经接近达成协议。
自上任以来，特朗普政府已开始调整美国的外交政策，包括试图绕过乌克兰和欧洲，直接与克里姆林宫进行外交接触。 特朗普认为，美国应该从对乌克兰的援助中获得回报，并强调这对美国来说是公平的。 他表示，如果不能达成协议，局势将会非常糟糕。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
美国总统特朗普表示，他正试图收回美国 ранее 援助乌克兰的数十亿美元资金。 特朗普政府正在与乌克兰谈判一项矿产资源协议，希望以此作为对其前任拜登政府向乌克兰提供战时援助的补偿。 特朗普在保守派政治行动会议上表示，他希望乌克兰用稀土、石油等资源来偿还美国的援助，并声称已经接近达成协议。
自上任以来，特朗普政府已开始调整美国的外交政策，包括试图绕过乌克兰和欧洲，直接与克里姆林宫进行外交接触。 特朗普认为，美国应该从对乌克兰的援助中获得回报，并强调这对美国来说是公平的。 他表示，如果不能达成协议，局势将会非常糟糕。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
The Chinese-origin scientists who helped to hone America’s leading edge in defence
The number of Chinese-origin scientists and engineers recognized for their work in the US defense industry has significantly declined in recent years. This trend is evident in the Asian-American Engineer of the Year (AAEOY) awards, where winners from defense-related institutions like Los Alamos National Laboratory and Lockheed Martin have become scarce, replaced by those in commercial sectors.
This shift coincides with growing US-China competition and increased anti-China sentiment in research, potentially stemming from the "China Initiative" that targeted scientists with suspected ties to Beijing. As China's military capabilities rapidly advance, closing the gap with the US, the defense industry appears to be narrowing opportunities for Chinese-origin experts, despite their historical contributions.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
The number of Chinese-origin scientists and engineers recognized for their work in the US defense industry has significantly declined in recent years. This trend is evident in the Asian-American Engineer of the Year (AAEOY) awards, where winners from defense-related institutions like Los Alamos National Laboratory and Lockheed Martin have become scarce, replaced by those in commercial sectors.
This shift coincides with growing US-China competition and increased anti-China sentiment in research, potentially stemming from the "China Initiative" that targeted scientists with suspected ties to Beijing. As China's military capabilities rapidly advance, closing the gap with the US, the defense industry appears to be narrowing opportunities for Chinese-origin experts, despite their historical contributions.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Indo-Pacific realities mean Pakistan-China alliance can only deepen
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari recently visited China to reaffirm their strategic partnership, addressing concerns over regional security and economic cooperation amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics. This visit served to reassure China of Pakistan's commitment to their long-standing alliance, particularly in light of perceived shifts towards the United States.
The Pakistan-China relationship, historically rooted in security interests, has expanded to encompass infrastructure and technology through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, challenges persist, including attacks on Chinese personnel and regional instability stemming from Afghanistan, which have led to reassessments of investment strategies. These security concerns, coupled with India's deepening ties with the US and its allies, necessitate careful diplomatic maneuvering by Pakistan to maintain its strong relationship with China.
During the visit, discussions likely centered on regional security, with Pakistan highlighting the infiltration of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants from Afghanistan as a key concern. The surge in terrorist activities within Pakistan since the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan underscores the complex security landscape and the need for continued cooperation between China and Pakistan to address these challenges.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari recently visited China to reaffirm their strategic partnership, addressing concerns over regional security and economic cooperation amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics. This visit served to reassure China of Pakistan's commitment to their long-standing alliance, particularly in light of perceived shifts towards the United States.
The Pakistan-China relationship, historically rooted in security interests, has expanded to encompass infrastructure and technology through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, challenges persist, including attacks on Chinese personnel and regional instability stemming from Afghanistan, which have led to reassessments of investment strategies. These security concerns, coupled with India's deepening ties with the US and its allies, necessitate careful diplomatic maneuvering by Pakistan to maintain its strong relationship with China.
During the visit, discussions likely centered on regional security, with Pakistan highlighting the infiltration of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants from Afghanistan as a key concern. The surge in terrorist activities within Pakistan since the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan underscores the complex security landscape and the need for continued cooperation between China and Pakistan to address these challenges.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Pope Francis in critical condition after breathing crisis, Vatican says
Pope Francis' health has deteriorated significantly, with the Vatican describing his condition as "critical" for the first time. The 88-year-old pontiff, who is battling double pneumonia, experienced a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis" requiring supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions due to a low platelet count associated with anaemia. Despite his condition, the Vatican stated that the Pope remains alert, although more unwell than the previous day, and the prognosis remains guarded.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14th after experiencing breathing difficulties for several days. The Vatican has announced that he will not appear in public on Sunday to lead prayer with pilgrims, marking the second consecutive week he will miss the event. Doctors had to administer a "high flow" of oxygen to address his breathing crisis, highlighting the severity of his condition.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Pope Francis' health has deteriorated significantly, with the Vatican describing his condition as "critical" for the first time. The 88-year-old pontiff, who is battling double pneumonia, experienced a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis" requiring supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions due to a low platelet count associated with anaemia. Despite his condition, the Vatican stated that the Pope remains alert, although more unwell than the previous day, and the prognosis remains guarded.
Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14th after experiencing breathing difficulties for several days. The Vatican has announced that he will not appear in public on Sunday to lead prayer with pilgrims, marking the second consecutive week he will miss the event. Doctors had to administer a "high flow" of oxygen to address his breathing crisis, highlighting the severity of his condition.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Thieves used his card to buy winning lottery ticket – now victim wants to split the cash
法国两名小偷使用偷来的银行卡购买了一张价值 50 万欧元（约合 52.3 万美元）的彩票，并且中了奖，但在兑奖前消失了，现在他们成了法国最著名的逃犯。失主 Jean-David E. 提出与这两名幸运的小偷分享奖金，但他同时也希望能够找回自己的钱包。
法国国家彩票运营商 La Française des Jeux (FDJ) 表示，截至周六，尚未有人提交彩票兑奖。Jean-David 的律师 Pierre Debuisson 称这是一个真实且不可思议的故事。Jean-David 本月早些时候发现，他的背包，包括银行卡和其他文件，在南部城市图卢兹从他的车里被盗。他联系银行冻结了银行卡，得知银行卡已经被人在当地一家商店使用。在商店里，一位店主告诉他，两个看起来无家可归的男子用他的银行卡购买了中奖的刮刮乐彩票。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
法国两名小偷使用偷来的银行卡购买了一张价值 50 万欧元（约合 52.3 万美元）的彩票，并且中了奖，但在兑奖前消失了，现在他们成了法国最著名的逃犯。失主 Jean-David E. 提出与这两名幸运的小偷分享奖金，但他同时也希望能够找回自己的钱包。
法国国家彩票运营商 La Française des Jeux (FDJ) 表示，截至周六，尚未有人提交彩票兑奖。Jean-David 的律师 Pierre Debuisson 称这是一个真实且不可思议的故事。Jean-David 本月早些时候发现，他的背包，包括银行卡和其他文件，在南部城市图卢兹从他的车里被盗。他联系银行冻结了银行卡，得知银行卡已经被人在当地一家商店使用。在商店里，一位店主告诉他，两个看起来无家可归的男子用他的银行卡购买了中奖的刮刮乐彩票。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hamas frees 6 Israeli hostages as end of Gaza ceasefire’s 1st phase nears
Hamas on Saturday freed six Israeli hostages as part of a fragile truce agreement, with the expectation that hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange. This marks the culmination of the first phase of the truce and follows an emotional period in Israel, including the identification of Shiri Bibas' remains after a previous handover of a different body.
The released hostages included Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, Tal Shoham, and Avera Mengistu, who were handed over to the Red Cross at ceremonies in Gaza. Bibas, along with her two young sons, had become symbols of the Israeli hostages' plight after being captured during Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack that initiated over 15 months of conflict in the Gaza Strip. In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered at "Hostages Square," reacting with applause and tears as they watched the live broadcast of the releases.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Hamas on Saturday freed six Israeli hostages as part of a fragile truce agreement, with the expectation that hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange. This marks the culmination of the first phase of the truce and follows an emotional period in Israel, including the identification of Shiri Bibas' remains after a previous handover of a different body.
The released hostages included Eliya Cohen, Omer Shem Tov, Omer Wenkert, Tal Shoham, and Avera Mengistu, who were handed over to the Red Cross at ceremonies in Gaza. Bibas, along with her two young sons, had become symbols of the Israeli hostages' plight after being captured during Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack that initiated over 15 months of conflict in the Gaza Strip. In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered at "Hostages Square," reacting with applause and tears as they watched the live broadcast of the releases.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Trump tariffs target US$29.3 billion in EU steel and aluminium
欧盟估计，特朗普政府的第一波钢铁和铝关税将影响高达280亿欧元（293亿美元）的欧盟出口，这将是美国总统贸易战的一次重大升级。欧盟认为，受影响的商品（包括衍生产品）价值约为特朗普上次针对欧盟金属行业时的四倍。
欧盟贸易主管马罗斯·谢夫乔维奇在访问华盛顿与美国官员会面后，向欧盟各国大使通报了情况。他警告说，情况正在变化，任何关税的细节和范围仍可能改变。特朗普宣布了一系列关税，包括最早可能于3月12日生效的针对钢铁和铝出口的25%关税。作为重写全球贸易规则的一部分，他还宣布了基于被视为美国贸易障碍的合作伙伴政策的对等关税。欧盟与美国的金属关税之争始于2018年特朗普的第一个任期，当时美国以国家安全为由，对近70亿美元的欧洲钢铁和铝出口征收关税。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
欧盟估计，特朗普政府的第一波钢铁和铝关税将影响高达280亿欧元（293亿美元）的欧盟出口，这将是美国总统贸易战的一次重大升级。欧盟认为，受影响的商品（包括衍生产品）价值约为特朗普上次针对欧盟金属行业时的四倍。
欧盟贸易主管马罗斯·谢夫乔维奇在访问华盛顿与美国官员会面后，向欧盟各国大使通报了情况。他警告说，情况正在变化，任何关税的细节和范围仍可能改变。特朗普宣布了一系列关税，包括最早可能于3月12日生效的针对钢铁和铝出口的25%关税。作为重写全球贸易规则的一部分，他还宣布了基于被视为美国贸易障碍的合作伙伴政策的对等关税。欧盟与美国的金属关税之争始于2018年特朗普的第一个任期，当时美国以国家安全为由，对近70亿美元的欧洲钢铁和铝出口征收关税。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Putin, China’s Xi to discuss US-Russia talks held in Saudi Arabia: Kremlin
俄罗斯总统普京预计将与中国国家主席习近平讨论最近美国和俄罗斯官员会谈的结果。克里姆林宫表示，此次讨论可能包括在沙特阿拉伯利雅得举行的美俄会谈的细节。
克里姆林宫发言人德米特里·佩斯科夫表示，普京计划向习近平介绍利雅得谈判的结果。如果会谈发生，这将是两人一个多月以来的第二次对话，他们上次通过视频连线于1月21日会面。普京还表示，他将很快向金砖国家同事通报利雅得谈判的结果。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
俄罗斯总统普京预计将与中国国家主席习近平讨论最近美国和俄罗斯官员会谈的结果。克里姆林宫表示，此次讨论可能包括在沙特阿拉伯利雅得举行的美俄会谈的细节。
克里姆林宫发言人德米特里·佩斯科夫表示，普京计划向习近平介绍利雅得谈判的结果。如果会谈发生，这将是两人一个多月以来的第二次对话，他们上次通过视频连线于1月21日会面。普京还表示，他将很快向金砖国家同事通报利雅得谈判的结果。
via SCMP Full Text Feed
Philippines removed from watchdog’s ‘dirty money’ list
The Philippines has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) list of nations under increased monitoring for money laundering and terrorist financing, a move expected to boost remittances and foreign investment. The Anti-Money Laundering Council anticipates that this will lead to faster and cheaper cross-border transactions, reduced compliance hurdles, and greater financial transparency.
The FATF's decision acknowledges the Philippines' intensified efforts to combat illicit financial activities. This development is particularly significant as it should ease the process and reduce costs for overseas Filipino workers sending money home, a crucial component of the country's economy. Furthermore, it may attract more investment at a time when the Philippines faces global economic uncertainties and regional tensions.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
The Philippines has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force's (FATF) list of nations under increased monitoring for money laundering and terrorist financing, a move expected to boost remittances and foreign investment. The Anti-Money Laundering Council anticipates that this will lead to faster and cheaper cross-border transactions, reduced compliance hurdles, and greater financial transparency.
The FATF's decision acknowledges the Philippines' intensified efforts to combat illicit financial activities. This development is particularly significant as it should ease the process and reduce costs for overseas Filipino workers sending money home, a crucial component of the country's economy. Furthermore, it may attract more investment at a time when the Philippines faces global economic uncertainties and regional tensions.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
