US$524 billion needed to rebuild war-ravaged Ukraine, World Bank estimates
重建乌克兰经济的预估成本已升至5240亿美元，约为该国2024年预期经济产出的三倍。这项由世界银行、联合国、欧盟委员会和乌克兰政府联合进行的研究显示，俄罗斯的入侵对乌克兰的能源基础设施造成了严重破坏，损失同比增加了70%。
该研究涵盖了俄罗斯入侵三年以来至12月31日的数据，与一年前的4860亿美元的预估相比，增加了7%以上。其中，住房、交通、能源、商业和教育是受影响最严重的部门。乌克兰政府已拨款73.7亿美元用于解决2025年的优先需求，但在捐助者的支持下，仍存在近100亿美元的融资缺口。
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重建乌克兰经济的预估成本已升至5240亿美元，约为该国2024年预期经济产出的三倍。这项由世界银行、联合国、欧盟委员会和乌克兰政府联合进行的研究显示，俄罗斯的入侵对乌克兰的能源基础设施造成了严重破坏，损失同比增加了70%。
该研究涵盖了俄罗斯入侵三年以来至12月31日的数据，与一年前的4860亿美元的预估相比，增加了7%以上。其中，住房、交通、能源、商业和教育是受影响最严重的部门。乌克兰政府已拨款73.7亿美元用于解决2025年的优先需求，但在捐助者的支持下，仍存在近100亿美元的融资缺口。
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Singaporeans lost record US$822 million to scams in 2024
新加坡人在2023年因诈骗损失了创纪录的11亿新加坡元（8.22亿美元）。其中，加密货币诈骗占总损失的近四分之一，电子商务诈骗的案件数量最多。
新加坡警察部队的报告显示，诈骗造成的损失金额比2022年的6.518亿新加坡元增加了70.6%，案件数量增加了约11%，达到51501起。虽然65岁及以上的人只占诈骗受害者的8.4%，但每个受害者的平均损失金额是各年龄段中最高的。损失总额的增加主要由少数损失极高的案件驱动，其中四个案件的损失就达到了2.379亿新加坡元。
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新加坡人在2023年因诈骗损失了创纪录的11亿新加坡元（8.22亿美元）。其中，加密货币诈骗占总损失的近四分之一，电子商务诈骗的案件数量最多。
新加坡警察部队的报告显示，诈骗造成的损失金额比2022年的6.518亿新加坡元增加了70.6%，案件数量增加了约11%，达到51501起。虽然65岁及以上的人只占诈骗受害者的8.4%，但每个受害者的平均损失金额是各年龄段中最高的。损失总额的增加主要由少数损失极高的案件驱动，其中四个案件的损失就达到了2.379亿新加坡元。
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Chinese envoy urges ‘favourable atmosphere’ for Ukraine peace after UN resolution vote
China's UN ambassador Fu Cong has expressed support for creating a "favourable atmosphere" for a political settlement of the Ukraine war. This statement came after China voted in favor of a US-proposed UN Security Council peace resolution, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic efforts towards resolving the conflict.
Fu Cong emphasized that the Ukraine issue is at a critical juncture for negotiation and urged the international community, including the UN Security Council, to play a constructive role in fostering consensus for peace. He also reaffirmed China's support for all peace efforts and the involvement of all stakeholders in peace talks, highlighting Europe's role in addressing the root causes of the crisis and establishing a sustainable security framework.
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China's UN ambassador Fu Cong has expressed support for creating a "favourable atmosphere" for a political settlement of the Ukraine war. This statement came after China voted in favor of a US-proposed UN Security Council peace resolution, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic efforts towards resolving the conflict.
Fu Cong emphasized that the Ukraine issue is at a critical juncture for negotiation and urged the international community, including the UN Security Council, to play a constructive role in fostering consensus for peace. He also reaffirmed China's support for all peace efforts and the involvement of all stakeholders in peace talks, highlighting Europe's role in addressing the root causes of the crisis and establishing a sustainable security framework.
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China funeral home tasty noodles draw diners pretending to host services to gain access
中国西南部一家殡仪馆因其美味的米粉而意外走红。起因是一位当地网友在网上分享了在该殡仪馆食堂的用餐体验，大力推荐其米粉，引来大量食客慕名而来。
据报道，这家位于贵州省凯里市二龙殡仪馆的食堂，近期因其米粉而顾客盈门。由于食堂不对外开放，许多顾客假扮成参加葬礼的家属或朋友才能享用美食。这家殡仪馆的米粉每天在早上6点到8点以及晚上10点到10点半供应，但由于需求量大，等候时间可能长达一个小时。这一切都源于2月初一位当地博主分享了他母亲带他去殡仪馆吃米粉的经历，他在视频中表示米粉“绝对美味”，从而引发了病毒式传播。
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中国西南部一家殡仪馆因其美味的米粉而意外走红。起因是一位当地网友在网上分享了在该殡仪馆食堂的用餐体验，大力推荐其米粉，引来大量食客慕名而来。
据报道，这家位于贵州省凯里市二龙殡仪馆的食堂，近期因其米粉而顾客盈门。由于食堂不对外开放，许多顾客假扮成参加葬礼的家属或朋友才能享用美食。这家殡仪馆的米粉每天在早上6点到8点以及晚上10点到10点半供应，但由于需求量大，等候时间可能长达一个小时。这一切都源于2月初一位当地博主分享了他母亲带他去殡仪馆吃米粉的经历，他在视频中表示米粉“绝对美味”，从而引发了病毒式传播。
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China’s PLA offers details on live-fire Pacific drills led by Type 055 destroyer Zunyi
The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has released details about recent live-fire drills in the Pacific Ocean, focusing on aerial and maritime threats. These drills emphasized coordination, resupply operations, and joint operational capabilities, according to the PLA Navy.
This announcement follows closely after PLA Navy drills in the Tasman Sea, which put Australia and New Zealand on alert and led to flight diversions and naval monitoring. The naval task group, led by the destroyer Zunyi and including the frigate Hengyang and replenishment vessel Weishanhu, reportedly conducted exercises over several days in challenging sea conditions, training in command execution, weapons operation, and coordinated maneuvers. While the exact location and timing weren't specified, vessel names match those involved in the previous drills that sparked diplomatic tensions.
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The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) has released details about recent live-fire drills in the Pacific Ocean, focusing on aerial and maritime threats. These drills emphasized coordination, resupply operations, and joint operational capabilities, according to the PLA Navy.
This announcement follows closely after PLA Navy drills in the Tasman Sea, which put Australia and New Zealand on alert and led to flight diversions and naval monitoring. The naval task group, led by the destroyer Zunyi and including the frigate Hengyang and replenishment vessel Weishanhu, reportedly conducted exercises over several days in challenging sea conditions, training in command execution, weapons operation, and coordinated maneuvers. While the exact location and timing weren't specified, vessel names match those involved in the previous drills that sparked diplomatic tensions.
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Indonesian punk band’s apology for anti-police song sparks outcry over perceived censorship
印尼朋克乐队Sukatani因创作批评警察腐败的歌曲而公开道歉，引发了人权组织的强烈抗议，他们认为这是当局又一次的恐吓行为。该乐队的歌曲“Bayar, Bayar, Bayar”（付钱，付钱，付钱）指控警察在驾照办理、逃避交通传票、出狱甚至森林砍伐和驱逐等方面存在受贿行为。
Sukatani乐队的制作人兼吉他手Muhammad Syifa Al Lufti在社交媒体上发布的视频中表示，他们真诚地向警察局长和警察机构道歉，并呼吁所有社交媒体用户删除使用他们歌曲的视频。批评人士警告说，最近一系列对批评政府的艺术和表演的打压，是苏哈托新秩序时期的“典型”做法，并可能扼杀文化活动。
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印尼朋克乐队Sukatani因创作批评警察腐败的歌曲而公开道歉，引发了人权组织的强烈抗议，他们认为这是当局又一次的恐吓行为。该乐队的歌曲“Bayar, Bayar, Bayar”（付钱，付钱，付钱）指控警察在驾照办理、逃避交通传票、出狱甚至森林砍伐和驱逐等方面存在受贿行为。
Sukatani乐队的制作人兼吉他手Muhammad Syifa Al Lufti在社交媒体上发布的视频中表示，他们真诚地向警察局长和警察机构道歉，并呼吁所有社交媒体用户删除使用他们歌曲的视频。批评人士警告说，最近一系列对批评政府的艺术和表演的打压，是苏哈托新秩序时期的“典型”做法，并可能扼杀文化活动。
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How China’s challenge to Trump’s Gaza plan could boost Beijing’s Mideast influence
中国正在努力在中东地区保持平衡，既要与阿拉伯国家保持一致，又要改善与以色列的关系。这一策略旨在挑战美国提出的加沙地带巴勒斯坦人重新安置计划，并可能使中国成为一个更具影响力的地区参与者。中国明确反对美国总统特朗普提出的战后加沙计划，该计划包括迁移当地的巴勒斯坦居民。
中国外交部长王毅上周在联合国安理会表示，加沙不是政治“筹码”，并重申中国致力于“两国方案”。中国支持基于联合国1967年通过的决议的两国方案，即西岸和加沙应由巴勒斯坦人管辖。作为对巴勒斯坦人支持的一部分，北京计划向加沙运送6万个食品包，首批1.2万个已发货。与此同时，华盛顿宣布完全停止其对外援助，但这一举措被美国法院暂时阻止。
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中国正在努力在中东地区保持平衡，既要与阿拉伯国家保持一致，又要改善与以色列的关系。这一策略旨在挑战美国提出的加沙地带巴勒斯坦人重新安置计划，并可能使中国成为一个更具影响力的地区参与者。中国明确反对美国总统特朗普提出的战后加沙计划，该计划包括迁移当地的巴勒斯坦居民。
中国外交部长王毅上周在联合国安理会表示，加沙不是政治“筹码”，并重申中国致力于“两国方案”。中国支持基于联合国1967年通过的决议的两国方案，即西岸和加沙应由巴勒斯坦人管辖。作为对巴勒斯坦人支持的一部分，北京计划向加沙运送6万个食品包，首批1.2万个已发货。与此同时，华盛顿宣布完全停止其对外援助，但这一举措被美国法院暂时阻止。
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Hong Kong government adopts ChatGPT-style tool powered by DeepSeek
By Oscar Liu
More than 70 Hong Kong government departments have started using the beta version of a locally developed ChatGPT-style tool powered by DeepSeek’s data learning model, the city’s innovation chief has said.
The new tool, named “HKGAI V1” and developed by the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Centre (HKGAI) under the government’s InnoHK innovation programme, is expected to be made available to the industry and the public soon.
Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said on Tuesday the launch of DeepSeek earlier this year took the world by storm, prompting the centre’s research team to integrate the Hangzhou-based AI start-up’s data learning model with the processing capabilities of the “HKGAI V1” model.
“It fully embodies the values of ‘one country, two systems’ in Hong Kong, leading to the successful launch of ‘HKGAI V1’,” the minister said, as the tool debuted at a global launching ceremony at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
“From the centre’s inception to the official release of Hong Kong’s self-developed large language model, this journey from inception to creation inscribes a wonderful innovation legend beneath Lion Rock.
“As of now, I can tell you that more than 70 government departments have commenced trials and are aiding in training the model, showcasing the government’s strong support for this initiative.”
The “HKGAI V1” system, the world’s first model developed based on the DeepSeek full-parameter fine-tuning research model, is capable of delivering instant responses to user queries through a chatbot interface.
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By Oscar Liu
More than 70 Hong Kong government departments have started using the beta version of a locally developed ChatGPT-style tool powered by DeepSeek’s data learning model, the city’s innovation chief has said.
The new tool, named “HKGAI V1” and developed by the Hong Kong Generative AI Research and Development Centre (HKGAI) under the government’s InnoHK innovation programme, is expected to be made available to the industry and the public soon.
Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong said on Tuesday the launch of DeepSeek earlier this year took the world by storm, prompting the centre’s research team to integrate the Hangzhou-based AI start-up’s data learning model with the processing capabilities of the “HKGAI V1” model.
“It fully embodies the values of ‘one country, two systems’ in Hong Kong, leading to the successful launch of ‘HKGAI V1’,” the minister said, as the tool debuted at a global launching ceremony at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST).
“From the centre’s inception to the official release of Hong Kong’s self-developed large language model, this journey from inception to creation inscribes a wonderful innovation legend beneath Lion Rock.
“As of now, I can tell you that more than 70 government departments have commenced trials and are aiding in training the model, showcasing the government’s strong support for this initiative.”
The “HKGAI V1” system, the world’s first model developed based on the DeepSeek full-parameter fine-tuning research model, is capable of delivering instant responses to user queries through a chatbot interface.
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Were China’s ‘unprecedented’ naval drills in Tasman Sea ‘signal’ to Australia, New Zealand?
By Maria Siow
China’s “unprecedented” live-fire naval drills in waters between Australia and New Zealand have raised significant security concerns, with analysts suggesting that Canberra and Wellington would likely step up air and maritime surveillance capabilities to better monitor Chinese naval activities.
Both countries were also expected to invest in a wider range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, including working with the United States and other partners.
On Friday and Saturday, a Chinese Navy flotilla, consisting of its most powerful warship – the Type 055 Renhai class cruiser – held two live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea, which prompted passenger planes to change course mid-flight and raised concerns among officials in both countries.
Describing the drills as “unprecedented”, New Zealand defence minister Judith Collins said on Monday that Wellington had never seen a task force of this capability doing that kind of work.
“The weapons they have are extremely capable. One has 112 vertical launch cells and has a reported anti-ship ballistic missile range of 540 nautical miles,” she said.
On Saturday, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that even though the Chinese drills complied with international law, Beijing “could have given more notice.”
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By Maria Siow
China’s “unprecedented” live-fire naval drills in waters between Australia and New Zealand have raised significant security concerns, with analysts suggesting that Canberra and Wellington would likely step up air and maritime surveillance capabilities to better monitor Chinese naval activities.
Both countries were also expected to invest in a wider range of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, including working with the United States and other partners.
On Friday and Saturday, a Chinese Navy flotilla, consisting of its most powerful warship – the Type 055 Renhai class cruiser – held two live-fire exercises in the Tasman Sea, which prompted passenger planes to change course mid-flight and raised concerns among officials in both countries.
Describing the drills as “unprecedented”, New Zealand defence minister Judith Collins said on Monday that Wellington had never seen a task force of this capability doing that kind of work.
“The weapons they have are extremely capable. One has 112 vertical launch cells and has a reported anti-ship ballistic missile range of 540 nautical miles,” she said.
On Saturday, Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said that even though the Chinese drills complied with international law, Beijing “could have given more notice.”
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Made in China 2025: 4 questions on the country’s manufacturing upgrade 10 years on
China's "Made in China 2025" plan, initiated a decade ago, has spurred significant advancements across various industries, despite ongoing international controversy, particularly amid trade tensions with the US. The initiative, launched in 2015, aimed to transform China from a producer of cheap goods to a global manufacturing powerhouse, focusing on key sectors through state-led support.
While the Chinese government has publicly downplayed the program in recent years due to global resistance, it has undeniably reshaped the domestic economy. Chinese brands now dominate the electric vehicle market, and the domestically produced C919 passenger plane is operational. Although challenges remain in high-end sectors like semiconductors and aerospace, assessments indicate that China has achieved a substantial portion (around 86%) of its "Made in China 2025" objectives through a combination of policy support, tax incentives, resource allocation, and talent development.
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China's "Made in China 2025" plan, initiated a decade ago, has spurred significant advancements across various industries, despite ongoing international controversy, particularly amid trade tensions with the US. The initiative, launched in 2015, aimed to transform China from a producer of cheap goods to a global manufacturing powerhouse, focusing on key sectors through state-led support.
While the Chinese government has publicly downplayed the program in recent years due to global resistance, it has undeniably reshaped the domestic economy. Chinese brands now dominate the electric vehicle market, and the domestically produced C919 passenger plane is operational. Although challenges remain in high-end sectors like semiconductors and aerospace, assessments indicate that China has achieved a substantial portion (around 86%) of its "Made in China 2025" objectives through a combination of policy support, tax incentives, resource allocation, and talent development.
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New search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 begins in Indian Ocean
一架载有239人的马来西亚航空公司MH370航班在失踪近11年后，一支新的搜寻队伍已在印度洋展开行动，试图找到飞机残骸。美国和英国的科技公司Ocean Infinity将使用配备自主水下航行器的搜寻船Armada 7806，对海底进行搜索。
本次搜索将重点关注西澳大利亚珀斯海岸约1500公里外的15000平方公里区域，尤其是在研究人员认为最有可能发现残骸的四个热点区域。Ocean Infinity公司曾于2018年参与过一次无果的搜索，此次与马来西亚政府签订了“找不到不收费”的合同。MH370航班于2014年3月8日从吉隆坡起飞后失踪，原定飞往北京，但雷达和卫星数据显示飞机偏离了航线。
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一架载有239人的马来西亚航空公司MH370航班在失踪近11年后，一支新的搜寻队伍已在印度洋展开行动，试图找到飞机残骸。美国和英国的科技公司Ocean Infinity将使用配备自主水下航行器的搜寻船Armada 7806，对海底进行搜索。
本次搜索将重点关注西澳大利亚珀斯海岸约1500公里外的15000平方公里区域，尤其是在研究人员认为最有可能发现残骸的四个热点区域。Ocean Infinity公司曾于2018年参与过一次无果的搜索，此次与马来西亚政府签订了“找不到不收费”的合同。MH370航班于2014年3月8日从吉隆坡起飞后失踪，原定飞往北京，但雷达和卫星数据显示飞机偏离了航线。
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Trump’s tariffs won’t make America great again, quite the opposite in fact
Tariffs, a key tool in President Trump's economic policy, face a critical contradiction: they fuel the very inflation he aims to combat. Trump's victory hinged on voter anger over inflation, but his tariff policies and threats are contributing to rising prices, undermining his promise to "defeat" high inflation. Recent data shows inflation expectations have grown since his election, suggesting tariffs are having the opposite effect of his stated goal.
Trump also intends to rejuvenate American manufacturing using tariffs, but this approach faces challenges. Higher tariffs will drive up prices, compounded by wage inflation resulting from crackdowns on undocumented migrants. While some tariffs, like those on goods from Canada and Mexico, were quickly reversed after concessions, others, such as those on Chinese imports, have been relatively modest. The inconsistency and flip-flops in tariff policy create business uncertainties, highlighting the complex and potentially counterproductive nature of using tariffs to achieve conflicting economic goals.
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Tariffs, a key tool in President Trump's economic policy, face a critical contradiction: they fuel the very inflation he aims to combat. Trump's victory hinged on voter anger over inflation, but his tariff policies and threats are contributing to rising prices, undermining his promise to "defeat" high inflation. Recent data shows inflation expectations have grown since his election, suggesting tariffs are having the opposite effect of his stated goal.
Trump also intends to rejuvenate American manufacturing using tariffs, but this approach faces challenges. Higher tariffs will drive up prices, compounded by wage inflation resulting from crackdowns on undocumented migrants. While some tariffs, like those on goods from Canada and Mexico, were quickly reversed after concessions, others, such as those on Chinese imports, have been relatively modest. The inconsistency and flip-flops in tariff policy create business uncertainties, highlighting the complex and potentially counterproductive nature of using tariffs to achieve conflicting economic goals.
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‘I won’t give up on seeking justice,’ father of Hong Kong girl Chau Tin-yu says
针对周天瑜（Chau Tin-yu）输血延误致死案，香港律政司决定不予刑事起诉，死者父亲表示极度失望，将继续寻求更多调查细节。此前，警方已通知周天瑜的父亲，律政司在审查证据后认为，没有合理机会在法庭上获得定罪。
周天瑜四岁时被诊断出患有罕见癌症，在2020年5月于玛丽医院进行肿瘤切除手术时，因输血延误48分钟，导致心脏停跳52分钟，术后成为植物人。周父表示不会放弃为女儿寻求正义，将进一步了解案件调查情况。
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针对周天瑜（Chau Tin-yu）输血延误致死案，香港律政司决定不予刑事起诉，死者父亲表示极度失望，将继续寻求更多调查细节。此前，警方已通知周天瑜的父亲，律政司在审查证据后认为，没有合理机会在法庭上获得定罪。
周天瑜四岁时被诊断出患有罕见癌症，在2020年5月于玛丽医院进行肿瘤切除手术时，因输血延误48分钟，导致心脏停跳52分钟，术后成为植物人。周父表示不会放弃为女儿寻求正义，将进一步了解案件调查情况。
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China arms combat robots with controversial thermobaric weapon in urban warfare drill
Chinese military scientists are proposing equipping ground robots with thermobaric warheads for urban warfare, marking the first official disclosure of plans to deploy these controversial munitions on unmanned systems. This move aims to achieve "comprehensive annihilation" in complex urban environments where traditional weapons may be less effective due to GPS jamming, electromagnetic interference, and dense structures.
Recent People’s Liberation Army (PLA) urban warfare drills have highlighted the limitations of unmanned platforms armed solely with light weapons in rooting out enemies shielded in buildings or underground bunkers. Dang Chenguang, lead author of a study in the Journal of Ordnance Equipment Engineering, emphasized that modern cities have become "vortexes of warfare," necessitating more destructive solutions.
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Chinese military scientists are proposing equipping ground robots with thermobaric warheads for urban warfare, marking the first official disclosure of plans to deploy these controversial munitions on unmanned systems. This move aims to achieve "comprehensive annihilation" in complex urban environments where traditional weapons may be less effective due to GPS jamming, electromagnetic interference, and dense structures.
Recent People’s Liberation Army (PLA) urban warfare drills have highlighted the limitations of unmanned platforms armed solely with light weapons in rooting out enemies shielded in buildings or underground bunkers. Dang Chenguang, lead author of a study in the Journal of Ordnance Equipment Engineering, emphasized that modern cities have become "vortexes of warfare," necessitating more destructive solutions.
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Hong Kong’s Cross-Harbour Tunnel partially shut after falling concrete hits car
香港海底隧道因天花板混凝土脱落砸中车辆，部分路段被迫关闭超过一小时进行紧急维修。事故发生在周二下午1点06分，受影响的是通往香港岛方向的快车道，导致交通拥堵。
警方表示，掉落的混凝土块大约50厘米见方。事故未造成人员伤亡，受影响车道在下午2点48分重新开放。
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香港海底隧道因天花板混凝土脱落砸中车辆，部分路段被迫关闭超过一小时进行紧急维修。事故发生在周二下午1点06分，受影响的是通往香港岛方向的快车道，导致交通拥堵。
警方表示，掉落的混凝土块大约50厘米见方。事故未造成人员伤亡，受影响车道在下午2点48分重新开放。
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Police hint at China’s ‘two sessions’ timing with ban on low-flying aircraft
Beijing is set to implement heightened security measures ahead of the annual "Two Sessions" political meetings, with a ban on all drones and flying devices from March 1-12. These measures aim to ensure a secure environment as thousands of officials gather to discuss China's policy agenda.
The State Post Bureau has also emphasized the need for heightened security around Beijing during this period. The "Two Sessions" include the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference starting next Tuesday, and the National People’s Congress convening the following day, where lawmakers will discuss key policies related to the economy, trade, diplomacy, military affairs, and the environment. This year's meetings are particularly significant as they mark the final year of the 14th five-year development plan.
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Beijing is set to implement heightened security measures ahead of the annual "Two Sessions" political meetings, with a ban on all drones and flying devices from March 1-12. These measures aim to ensure a secure environment as thousands of officials gather to discuss China's policy agenda.
The State Post Bureau has also emphasized the need for heightened security around Beijing during this period. The "Two Sessions" include the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference starting next Tuesday, and the National People’s Congress convening the following day, where lawmakers will discuss key policies related to the economy, trade, diplomacy, military affairs, and the environment. This year's meetings are particularly significant as they mark the final year of the 14th five-year development plan.
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‘Good start’: China bids to reset ties with Japan amid Trump tariff storm
北京和东京通过近几个月来的一系列高层会晤，为重置经济关系开了一个“好头”，双方都希望以此对冲美国总统特朗普带来的不稳定因素。分析人士认为，这一系列举动表明中日两国都有意改善双边关系，以应对当前全球经济面临的挑战。
然而，地缘政治紧张局势可能会阻碍这两个亚洲大国将双边关系真正推向新的方向。尽管中国近期不断向日本示好，例如国务院副总理何立峰会见了来访的日本商业领袖，但由于历史和战略等因素的影响，中日关系的发展仍面临诸多挑战。同时，美国对中国商品加征关税以及普遍进口关税等举措，也促使中日两国寻求更紧密的合作，以应对外部压力。
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北京和东京通过近几个月来的一系列高层会晤，为重置经济关系开了一个“好头”，双方都希望以此对冲美国总统特朗普带来的不稳定因素。分析人士认为，这一系列举动表明中日两国都有意改善双边关系，以应对当前全球经济面临的挑战。
然而，地缘政治紧张局势可能会阻碍这两个亚洲大国将双边关系真正推向新的方向。尽管中国近期不断向日本示好，例如国务院副总理何立峰会见了来访的日本商业领袖，但由于历史和战略等因素的影响，中日关系的发展仍面临诸多挑战。同时，美国对中国商品加征关税以及普遍进口关税等举措，也促使中日两国寻求更紧密的合作，以应对外部压力。
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India, EU eye stronger trade ties amid looming US tariffs, global uncertainty
The European Union and India are scheduled to hold critical discussions this Friday to bolster trade relations, driven by concerns that potential US tariffs could disrupt global commerce. This meeting takes on increased significance as experts suggest that the looming threat of a trade war with the US, particularly under a potential second Trump administration, necessitates that both India and the EU explore and solidify alternative trade partnerships.
The discussions will include the second Trade and Technology Council session, mirroring a similar partnership India has with the United States. While India and the EU have been pursuing a free-trade agreement (FTA) for an extended period, progress has been slow due to various sticking points. The urgency to finalize an FTA is now amplified by the geopolitical landscape and the potential for increased trade tensions with the US, pushing both sides to overcome previous obstacles.
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The European Union and India are scheduled to hold critical discussions this Friday to bolster trade relations, driven by concerns that potential US tariffs could disrupt global commerce. This meeting takes on increased significance as experts suggest that the looming threat of a trade war with the US, particularly under a potential second Trump administration, necessitates that both India and the EU explore and solidify alternative trade partnerships.
The discussions will include the second Trade and Technology Council session, mirroring a similar partnership India has with the United States. While India and the EU have been pursuing a free-trade agreement (FTA) for an extended period, progress has been slow due to various sticking points. The urgency to finalize an FTA is now amplified by the geopolitical landscape and the potential for increased trade tensions with the US, pushing both sides to overcome previous obstacles.
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Fragile Gaza ceasefire faces key deadline. Will it last?
The initial ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, halting 15 months of intense conflict, is nearing its end with the future uncertain. While the first phase, involving hostage releases, concludes, crucial negotiations for a lasting ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza are stalled, raising concerns about renewed hostilities.
Hamas has fulfilled its obligation to release the 25 living hostages stipulated in the initial agreement, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, disputes over the treatment of released Palestinian prisoners and the status of over 60 remaining hostages, many presumed dead, have complicated matters. The delay in releasing additional Palestinian prisoners by Israel further exacerbates the fragile situation, casting a shadow over the prospects for extending the ceasefire and achieving a more comprehensive resolution.
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The initial ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, halting 15 months of intense conflict, is nearing its end with the future uncertain. While the first phase, involving hostage releases, concludes, crucial negotiations for a lasting ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza are stalled, raising concerns about renewed hostilities.
Hamas has fulfilled its obligation to release the 25 living hostages stipulated in the initial agreement, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, disputes over the treatment of released Palestinian prisoners and the status of over 60 remaining hostages, many presumed dead, have complicated matters. The delay in releasing additional Palestinian prisoners by Israel further exacerbates the fragile situation, casting a shadow over the prospects for extending the ceasefire and achieving a more comprehensive resolution.
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Alibaba previews new AI reasoning model to challenge DeepSeek R1, OpenAI o1
Alibaba has unveiled a preview of its new reasoning model, QwQ-Max, positioning it as a potential rival to industry leaders like OpenAI's o1 and DeepSeek's R1. This move intensifies the global artificial intelligence race, with QwQ-Max-Preview, built upon the advanced Qwen 2.5-Max model, demonstrating enhanced reasoning and problem-solving capabilities. The preview model is currently available for free on the Qwen chatbot website.
This development follows Alibaba's recent announcement of a significant AI infrastructure investment, underscoring the company's dedication to advancing AI technology. Alibaba has committed $53 billion over the next three years to cloud and AI infrastructure, marking China's largest private computing project. This investment aims to fuel competition within the domestic AI market, where companies and government agencies are increasingly adopting DeepSeek's open-source R1 reasoning model.
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Alibaba has unveiled a preview of its new reasoning model, QwQ-Max, positioning it as a potential rival to industry leaders like OpenAI's o1 and DeepSeek's R1. This move intensifies the global artificial intelligence race, with QwQ-Max-Preview, built upon the advanced Qwen 2.5-Max model, demonstrating enhanced reasoning and problem-solving capabilities. The preview model is currently available for free on the Qwen chatbot website.
This development follows Alibaba's recent announcement of a significant AI infrastructure investment, underscoring the company's dedication to advancing AI technology. Alibaba has committed $53 billion over the next three years to cloud and AI infrastructure, marking China's largest private computing project. This investment aims to fuel competition within the domestic AI market, where companies and government agencies are increasingly adopting DeepSeek's open-source R1 reasoning model.
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