Singer Katy Perry and Bezos’ fiancée to fly to space on Blue Origin rocket
Pop star Katy Perry will be part of an all-female crew of six on Blue Origin's next space flight this spring. The company announced the star-studded journey, which will also include journalist Lauren Sanchez, fiancée of Blue Origin owner Jeff Bezos, and CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King.
Blue Origin began launching wealthy tourists and celebrities into suborbital space in 2021 aboard its New Shepard rocket. The flights typically last 10-11 minutes, providing passengers with a few minutes of microgravity as the capsule surpasses the Karman line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. To date, the company has flown 52 people to space across 10 crewed missions from its Launch Site One in West Texas.
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Pop star Katy Perry will be part of an all-female crew of six on Blue Origin's next space flight this spring. The company announced the star-studded journey, which will also include journalist Lauren Sanchez, fiancée of Blue Origin owner Jeff Bezos, and CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King.
Blue Origin began launching wealthy tourists and celebrities into suborbital space in 2021 aboard its New Shepard rocket. The flights typically last 10-11 minutes, providing passengers with a few minutes of microgravity as the capsule surpasses the Karman line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. To date, the company has flown 52 people to space across 10 crewed missions from its Launch Site One in West Texas.
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Trump says tariffs on Chinese imports will double to 20 per cent and go into effect next week
美国总统特朗普宣布，将对所有中国进口商品征收的关税从原定的10%提高到20%，于下周二生效。此举标志着与中国的经济对抗显著升级，目标是价值数十亿美元的双边贸易。
特朗普在社交媒体上发布了这一消息，理由是中国在芬太尼毒品贸易中的作用。“很大一部分毒品，特别是芬太尼，是在中国制造和供应的，”特朗普表示。他还宣布，将对所有来自墨西哥和加拿大的进口商品征收25%的关税，理由是他们未能充分阻止跨境贩运活动。这些关税也将于下周二生效。
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美国总统特朗普宣布，将对所有中国进口商品征收的关税从原定的10%提高到20%，于下周二生效。此举标志着与中国的经济对抗显著升级，目标是价值数十亿美元的双边贸易。
特朗普在社交媒体上发布了这一消息，理由是中国在芬太尼毒品贸易中的作用。“很大一部分毒品，特别是芬太尼，是在中国制造和供应的，”特朗普表示。他还宣布，将对所有来自墨西哥和加拿大的进口商品征收25%的关税，理由是他们未能充分阻止跨境贩运活动。这些关税也将于下周二生效。
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‘18 months needed to update 17,000 Octopus card readers for HK$2 fare change’
Hong Kong's HK$2 transport fare scheme will not see its new pricing model implemented until September of next year due to the extensive updates, checks, and tests required for 17,000 Octopus card readers on vehicles and ferries. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han explained the delay is necessary to ensure the accuracy and functionality of the updated system.
The proposed changes, announced in Wednesday's budget, include capping the number of trips at 240 per month and charging 20% of the full fare for trips exceeding HK$10. Sun also revealed that only a small fraction of users, about 360 elderly or disabled individuals, take more than 240 trips a month. The government aims to complete the update process in 18 months, a shorter timeframe than the 26 months it took to update the card readers when the age threshold for the concessionary fare was lowered previously.
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Hong Kong's HK$2 transport fare scheme will not see its new pricing model implemented until September of next year due to the extensive updates, checks, and tests required for 17,000 Octopus card readers on vehicles and ferries. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han explained the delay is necessary to ensure the accuracy and functionality of the updated system.
The proposed changes, announced in Wednesday's budget, include capping the number of trips at 240 per month and charging 20% of the full fare for trips exceeding HK$10. Sun also revealed that only a small fraction of users, about 360 elderly or disabled individuals, take more than 240 trips a month. The government aims to complete the update process in 18 months, a shorter timeframe than the 26 months it took to update the card readers when the age threshold for the concessionary fare was lowered previously.
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How Chinese PLA’s latest forays off Australia cap years of maritime tensions
China's recent naval drills in the Tasman Sea, off the coast of Australia, have heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. These drills are viewed as a demonstration of China's growing naval power and its assertiveness in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, areas where its territorial claims and actions are contested.
China's expansive claims in the South China Sea are disputed by several Southeast Asian nations. The Taiwan Strait is an even more sensitive issue, as Beijing considers Taiwan a part of China and opposes any foreign naval presence there. Australia, while not having territorial disputes with China, has increased its naval presence in the region, signaling its commitment to freedom of navigation and regional security, aligning with the US and other Western allies in countering China's growing influence.
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China's recent naval drills in the Tasman Sea, off the coast of Australia, have heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. These drills are viewed as a demonstration of China's growing naval power and its assertiveness in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait, areas where its territorial claims and actions are contested.
China's expansive claims in the South China Sea are disputed by several Southeast Asian nations. The Taiwan Strait is an even more sensitive issue, as Beijing considers Taiwan a part of China and opposes any foreign naval presence there. Australia, while not having territorial disputes with China, has increased its naval presence in the region, signaling its commitment to freedom of navigation and regional security, aligning with the US and other Western allies in countering China's growing influence.
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Will Donald Trump’s US immigration ‘gold cards’ appeal to China’s ultra-rich?
Donald Trump's proposed "gold card" immigration scheme, offering permanent residency to those investing US$5 million in the US, may face a lukewarm reception from wealthy Chinese investors due to uncertainties surrounding its implementation and vetting procedures. Immigration consultants express concern over the lack of specific details, potentially deterring ultra-rich individuals who prioritize long-term stability and predictability in their investment decisions.
The scheme, intended to replace the EB-5 visa program popular among Chinese immigrants, could also present challenges to China's anti-corruption efforts. While China's current economic climate might increase the appeal of diversifying wealth abroad, the lack of clarity in the new plan may prompt a cautious "wait and see" approach from potential investors, especially given the risks associated with future policy changes.
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Donald Trump's proposed "gold card" immigration scheme, offering permanent residency to those investing US$5 million in the US, may face a lukewarm reception from wealthy Chinese investors due to uncertainties surrounding its implementation and vetting procedures. Immigration consultants express concern over the lack of specific details, potentially deterring ultra-rich individuals who prioritize long-term stability and predictability in their investment decisions.
The scheme, intended to replace the EB-5 visa program popular among Chinese immigrants, could also present challenges to China's anti-corruption efforts. While China's current economic climate might increase the appeal of diversifying wealth abroad, the lack of clarity in the new plan may prompt a cautious "wait and see" approach from potential investors, especially given the risks associated with future policy changes.
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Hong Kong lawmaker denies minister’s claim axing student subsidy was discussed
Hong Kong's finance chief is facing criticism from lawmakers over the decision to cut a HK$2,500 annual grant for nearly 800,000 students. Legislators argue the move, aimed at addressing the HK$87.2 billion deficit, could negatively impact students' studies, with one representative from the educational functional constituency denying the government consulted the sector beforehand.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan defended the decision, stating the Education Bureau communicated with sector representatives, though he didn't name them. He acknowledged the impact of spending cuts but urged understanding given the tight budget. However, lawmaker Chu Kwok-keung, representing the education sector, refuted Chan's claim, stating neither the Education Bureau nor other authorities consulted him on abolishing the student subsidies.
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Hong Kong's finance chief is facing criticism from lawmakers over the decision to cut a HK$2,500 annual grant for nearly 800,000 students. Legislators argue the move, aimed at addressing the HK$87.2 billion deficit, could negatively impact students' studies, with one representative from the educational functional constituency denying the government consulted the sector beforehand.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan defended the decision, stating the Education Bureau communicated with sector representatives, though he didn't name them. He acknowledged the impact of spending cuts but urged understanding given the tight budget. However, lawmaker Chu Kwok-keung, representing the education sector, refuted Chan's claim, stating neither the Education Bureau nor other authorities consulted him on abolishing the student subsidies.
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HSBC cutting 900 staff at China digital wealth unit Pinnacle, sources say
汇丰银行重申了对中国大陆市场的承诺，尽管有消息称其数字财富管理业务 Pinnacle 正在大幅裁员，人数接近一半，约 900 人。汇丰表示，其目标是成为中国大陆领先的面向大众富裕阶层和高净值客户的国际财富管理机构，并且 2024 年在中国大陆的投资资产增长了 61%。
Pinnacle 成立于 2020 年，通过数字平台销售保险和基金产品。此次裁员反映了汇丰银行在中国市场面临的增长和盈利挑战，尤其是在该行削减成本以提高回报的背景下。此前有报道称，汇丰银行已开始调查 Pinnacle 的员工薪酬结构和供应商是否虚报费用，导致成本大幅上升，超过了收入增长。
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汇丰银行重申了对中国大陆市场的承诺，尽管有消息称其数字财富管理业务 Pinnacle 正在大幅裁员，人数接近一半，约 900 人。汇丰表示，其目标是成为中国大陆领先的面向大众富裕阶层和高净值客户的国际财富管理机构，并且 2024 年在中国大陆的投资资产增长了 61%。
Pinnacle 成立于 2020 年，通过数字平台销售保险和基金产品。此次裁员反映了汇丰银行在中国市场面临的增长和盈利挑战，尤其是在该行削减成本以提高回报的背景下。此前有报道称，汇丰银行已开始调查 Pinnacle 的员工薪酬结构和供应商是否虚报费用，导致成本大幅上升，超过了收入增长。
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Trump looking to strike ‘big deals’ to counter China’s belt and road projects: Rubio
美国总统特朗普正寻求达成更多协议，以对抗中国的“一带一路”倡议。国务卿马可·卢比奥表示，特朗普政府正在积极推动类似印度-中东-欧洲经济走廊的项目，以应对中国日益增长的影响力。
本月初，特朗普与印度总理莫迪达成合作协议，共同建设连接印度、中东和欧洲的交通线路。卢比奥警告说，“一带一路”倡议威胁美国利益，可能导致中国主导其贸易伙伴，但特朗普正努力扭转局面。他还表示，包括日本、韩国、菲律宾、澳大利亚和印度在内的印太地区国家，希望美国继续参与并发挥作用。
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美国总统特朗普正寻求达成更多协议，以对抗中国的“一带一路”倡议。国务卿马可·卢比奥表示，特朗普政府正在积极推动类似印度-中东-欧洲经济走廊的项目，以应对中国日益增长的影响力。
本月初，特朗普与印度总理莫迪达成合作协议，共同建设连接印度、中东和欧洲的交通线路。卢比奥警告说，“一带一路”倡议威胁美国利益，可能导致中国主导其贸易伙伴，但特朗普正努力扭转局面。他还表示，包括日本、韩国、菲律宾、澳大利亚和印度在内的印太地区国家，希望美国继续参与并发挥作用。
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SHKP’s earnings drop as slowdown erodes asset value amid dampened sentiment
香港最大的开发商新鸿基地产(SHKP)报告称，由于香港房地产市场低迷导致其投资物业价值缩水，中期利润下降了近五分之一。截至12月31日的六个月，净利润同比下降18%至75亿港元（9.677亿美元），这其中包含了其资产公允价值下降29亿港元的影响。不过，销售额增长了45%，接近400亿港元。
新鸿基地产主席兼董事总经理郭炳联表示，对美国降息预期的降低，以及地缘政治紧张局势加剧和贸易政策不可预测性增加带来的不确定性，都抑制了商业信心和经济活动的增长。他补充说，新鸿基地产将努力控制其资产负债率，并通过其租赁物业和非房地产业务组合建立可观的经常性收入，同时旨在通过加快房屋销售来产生更多现金。集团预计今年将推出多个项目，包括观塘Millennity下的购物中心和位于启德地铁站旁的The Cullinan Sky Mall。位于西九龙的国际 Gateway 中心，拥有 260 万平方英尺的办公空间，预计将于 2026 年开始交付。
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香港最大的开发商新鸿基地产(SHKP)报告称，由于香港房地产市场低迷导致其投资物业价值缩水，中期利润下降了近五分之一。截至12月31日的六个月，净利润同比下降18%至75亿港元（9.677亿美元），这其中包含了其资产公允价值下降29亿港元的影响。不过，销售额增长了45%，接近400亿港元。
新鸿基地产主席兼董事总经理郭炳联表示，对美国降息预期的降低，以及地缘政治紧张局势加剧和贸易政策不可预测性增加带来的不确定性，都抑制了商业信心和经济活动的增长。他补充说，新鸿基地产将努力控制其资产负债率，并通过其租赁物业和非房地产业务组合建立可观的经常性收入，同时旨在通过加快房屋销售来产生更多现金。集团预计今年将推出多个项目，包括观塘Millennity下的购物中心和位于启德地铁站旁的The Cullinan Sky Mall。位于西九龙的国际 Gateway 中心，拥有 260 万平方英尺的办公空间，预计将于 2026 年开始交付。
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Hong Kong’s 2 medical schools to get funding for extra 60 degree places
香港计划增加医科学生名额，以缓解长期以来医生短缺的问题。香港的两所医学院将获得资金，在9月份的本科课程中增加60个名额，其中50个名额专门为已获得学士学位、攻读第二个学位的学生而设。同时，政府还计划大力发展人工智能，计算机科学和信息技术学位的招生名额将增加40%。
根据最新的预算和教育局提交给立法会的文件显示，大学教育资助委员会（UGC）资助的本科医学课程的招生名额将从目前的590个增加到2025-26学年的650个。新增的60个名额中，50个将用于香港中文大学和香港大学开设的研究生入学通道，允许持有学士学位的人攻读医学作为第二学位。剩余的10个名额将分配给两所大学现有的第一年医学本科课程。
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香港计划增加医科学生名额，以缓解长期以来医生短缺的问题。香港的两所医学院将获得资金，在9月份的本科课程中增加60个名额，其中50个名额专门为已获得学士学位、攻读第二个学位的学生而设。同时，政府还计划大力发展人工智能，计算机科学和信息技术学位的招生名额将增加40%。
根据最新的预算和教育局提交给立法会的文件显示，大学教育资助委员会（UGC）资助的本科医学课程的招生名额将从目前的590个增加到2025-26学年的650个。新增的60个名额中，50个将用于香港中文大学和香港大学开设的研究生入学通道，允许持有学士学位的人攻读医学作为第二学位。剩余的10个名额将分配给两所大学现有的第一年医学本科课程。
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Typical ‘protectionism’: China slams US port-fee proposal, warns of retaliation
中国商务部强烈谴责美国拟议的港口收费和对铜加征关税计划，并誓言采取必要反制措施。商务部称美国的行为是“典型的单边主义和保护主义”，严重违反了世界贸易组织的规则，并警告美国“不要重蹈覆辙”。
商务部发言人何亚东表示，如果美国推进港口收费，将推高全球航运成本，扰乱全球供应链的稳定，还会增加美国的通胀压力，削弱美国商品的全球竞争力，最终反噬其自身经济和就业市场。美国贸易代表办公室（USTR）提议对中国建造的船舶征收高额港口费用，并调查对铜进口征收新关税的可能性，这些举措加剧了两国之间的贸易紧张关系。
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中国商务部强烈谴责美国拟议的港口收费和对铜加征关税计划，并誓言采取必要反制措施。商务部称美国的行为是“典型的单边主义和保护主义”，严重违反了世界贸易组织的规则，并警告美国“不要重蹈覆辙”。
商务部发言人何亚东表示，如果美国推进港口收费，将推高全球航运成本，扰乱全球供应链的稳定，还会增加美国的通胀压力，削弱美国商品的全球竞争力，最终反噬其自身经济和就业市场。美国贸易代表办公室（USTR）提议对中国建造的船舶征收高额港口费用，并调查对铜进口征收新关税的可能性，这些举措加剧了两国之间的贸易紧张关系。
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Civil servant pay freeze should not majorly impact Hong Kong’s private sector
香港公务员即将面临薪资冻结，但这预计不会对私营部门产生重大影响。人力资源研究人员和业内人士认为，由于公司已经确定了今年的薪酬调整水平，并且正面临员工短缺问题，因此政府的这一举措预计不会引起私营企业的效仿。
香港财政司司长陈茂波在他的预算演讲中宣布，为了缓解 872 亿港元的赤字，未来财政年度所有公务员的薪资将被冻结，并在 2027 年 4 月前裁减 10,000 个职位。尽管许多公司预计不会效仿，但一些行业观察家认为这些措施对于解决香港的赤字是必要的，并且可以为私营部门提供参考，因为许多公司已经在 1 月份进行了薪酬审查。香港中文大学管理学系高级讲师徐宝蓉表示，政府在做出此类决定时已经是最慢的，冻结薪资是政府想要控制人力的“强烈信号”。
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香港公务员即将面临薪资冻结，但这预计不会对私营部门产生重大影响。人力资源研究人员和业内人士认为，由于公司已经确定了今年的薪酬调整水平，并且正面临员工短缺问题，因此政府的这一举措预计不会引起私营企业的效仿。
香港财政司司长陈茂波在他的预算演讲中宣布，为了缓解 872 亿港元的赤字，未来财政年度所有公务员的薪资将被冻结，并在 2027 年 4 月前裁减 10,000 个职位。尽管许多公司预计不会效仿，但一些行业观察家认为这些措施对于解决香港的赤字是必要的，并且可以为私营部门提供参考，因为许多公司已经在 1 月份进行了薪酬审查。香港中文大学管理学系高级讲师徐宝蓉表示，政府在做出此类决定时已经是最慢的，冻结薪资是政府想要控制人力的“强烈信号”。
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Hong Kong’s DeepSeek-powered AI tool ranks first in world for safety: minister
香港创新科技及工业局局长孙东表示，一款由中国内地公司DeepSeek提供技术支持的香港本地开发人工智能工具“HKGAI V1”在安全性方面排名世界第一。孙东强调，政府非常重视系统安全，并引用一份未公开的报告来支持这一说法，同时驳斥了关于数据泄露的担忧。这一表态是在财政司司长陈茂波强调发展人工智能必要性之后做出的。
“HKGAI V1”目前正在香港超过70个政府部门试用。孙东回应《南华早报》关于政府数据泄露可能性的询问时表示，该模型采用了DeepSeek开发的基础设施以及香港政府自身优秀的数据处理系统。他补充说，一家本地公司对该模型进行了安全测试，结果显示其安全性在世界范围内名列前茅。
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香港创新科技及工业局局长孙东表示，一款由中国内地公司DeepSeek提供技术支持的香港本地开发人工智能工具“HKGAI V1”在安全性方面排名世界第一。孙东强调，政府非常重视系统安全，并引用一份未公开的报告来支持这一说法，同时驳斥了关于数据泄露的担忧。这一表态是在财政司司长陈茂波强调发展人工智能必要性之后做出的。
“HKGAI V1”目前正在香港超过70个政府部门试用。孙东回应《南华早报》关于政府数据泄露可能性的询问时表示，该模型采用了DeepSeek开发的基础设施以及香港政府自身优秀的数据处理系统。他补充说，一家本地公司对该模型进行了安全测试，结果显示其安全性在世界范围内名列前茅。
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China’s robotics star Unitree warns of scams as investors seek a way in
Unitree Robotics, a prominent Chinese robotics startup, has issued a warning about investment scams targeting individuals seeking to acquire shares in the company. This comes amid heightened investor interest in the humanoid robot sector and Unitree's rising profile.
The company clarified that all share transactions are managed directly by Unitree's financing head via official email, emphasizing that there are no intermediaries involved. This announcement follows increased attention on Unitree after its founder, Wang Xinxing, attended a high-profile business symposium hosted by President Xi Jinping. Furthermore, stocks associated with Unitree have surged after the company's robots performed at the Spring Festival Gala, increasing its visibility and attracting further investment interest.
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Unitree Robotics, a prominent Chinese robotics startup, has issued a warning about investment scams targeting individuals seeking to acquire shares in the company. This comes amid heightened investor interest in the humanoid robot sector and Unitree's rising profile.
The company clarified that all share transactions are managed directly by Unitree's financing head via official email, emphasizing that there are no intermediaries involved. This announcement follows increased attention on Unitree after its founder, Wang Xinxing, attended a high-profile business symposium hosted by President Xi Jinping. Furthermore, stocks associated with Unitree have surged after the company's robots performed at the Spring Festival Gala, increasing its visibility and attracting further investment interest.
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China’s shipbuilding, bid for 2030 maths Olympics: SCMP daily highlights
The US is attempting to counter China's economic influence in several key sectors, but faces potential challenges. A proposed US port fee aims to weaken China's dominant shipbuilding industry. However, it's uncertain whether Asian allies can compensate for the potential production shortfall.
In other developments, former US President Trump avoided a direct commitment to defend Taiwan, despite ongoing tensions with mainland China, while emphasizing his relationship with President Xi Jinping. Additionally, Trump's efforts to secure rare earth minerals from Greenland and Ukraine to challenge China's dominance in this sector may be hampered by the actual distribution of global reserves.
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The US is attempting to counter China's economic influence in several key sectors, but faces potential challenges. A proposed US port fee aims to weaken China's dominant shipbuilding industry. However, it's uncertain whether Asian allies can compensate for the potential production shortfall.
In other developments, former US President Trump avoided a direct commitment to defend Taiwan, despite ongoing tensions with mainland China, while emphasizing his relationship with President Xi Jinping. Additionally, Trump's efforts to secure rare earth minerals from Greenland and Ukraine to challenge China's dominance in this sector may be hampered by the actual distribution of global reserves.
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China takes leading role in setting global standards for senior care robots
Chinese experts have played a leading role in developing international standards for senior care robots, potentially accelerating the technology's commercialization. These standards, created by an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) working group, provide guidelines for the design, manufacturing, and certification of robots specifically designed to assist elderly populations.
The IEC working group, comprised of experts from multiple countries and co-led by Chinese and Korean representatives, has defined key functional requirements for eldercare robots. These requirements cover crucial areas such as health monitoring, emergency response, and mobility assistance. China's growing prominence in the humanoid robot industry, coupled with predictions of mass production and commercialization by 2025, positions it as a significant player in the future of senior care robotics.
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Chinese experts have played a leading role in developing international standards for senior care robots, potentially accelerating the technology's commercialization. These standards, created by an International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) working group, provide guidelines for the design, manufacturing, and certification of robots specifically designed to assist elderly populations.
The IEC working group, comprised of experts from multiple countries and co-led by Chinese and Korean representatives, has defined key functional requirements for eldercare robots. These requirements cover crucial areas such as health monitoring, emergency response, and mobility assistance. China's growing prominence in the humanoid robot industry, coupled with predictions of mass production and commercialization by 2025, positions it as a significant player in the future of senior care robotics.
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Are Europe and China stocks the better bet under ‘America first’?
Global stock markets are experiencing an unexpected shift, with European and Chinese equities outperforming the U.S. market despite the perceived strength of the American economy. This change is driven by a combination of factors, including political developments in Germany, the rise of Chinese AI technology like DeepSeek, and a drop in U.S. consumer confidence, suggesting a potential shift away from the "US exceptionalism" narrative that has dominated investment strategies.
While the S&P 500 has seen modest gains, the Euro Stoxx 50 and MSCI China indices have surged, indicating a growing preference for undervalued assets outside the U.S. This trend is further fueled by concerns over U.S. stock overvaluation and the potential unintended consequences of Trump's "America First" policies, which have intertwined domestic, foreign, and economic agendas, impacting trade, immigration, and technological competition.
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Global stock markets are experiencing an unexpected shift, with European and Chinese equities outperforming the U.S. market despite the perceived strength of the American economy. This change is driven by a combination of factors, including political developments in Germany, the rise of Chinese AI technology like DeepSeek, and a drop in U.S. consumer confidence, suggesting a potential shift away from the "US exceptionalism" narrative that has dominated investment strategies.
While the S&P 500 has seen modest gains, the Euro Stoxx 50 and MSCI China indices have surged, indicating a growing preference for undervalued assets outside the U.S. This trend is further fueled by concerns over U.S. stock overvaluation and the potential unintended consequences of Trump's "America First" policies, which have intertwined domestic, foreign, and economic agendas, impacting trade, immigration, and technological competition.
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France in talks with Kyiv over Ukraine’s minerals: ‘not looking for payback’
France is also negotiating with Ukraine for access to its critical mineral deposits, seeking to diversify its supply of vital resources. This revelation comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to sign a minerals deal with the United States, suggesting a broader international interest in Ukraine's mineral wealth.
French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that these discussions are driven by the needs of French defense industries for raw materials. He highlighted that President Emmanuel Macron initiated these talks, focusing on increasing the number of source countries for rare minerals, including rare earth elements like lithium and uranium, which are crucial for various technologies.
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France is also negotiating with Ukraine for access to its critical mineral deposits, seeking to diversify its supply of vital resources. This revelation comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to sign a minerals deal with the United States, suggesting a broader international interest in Ukraine's mineral wealth.
French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that these discussions are driven by the needs of French defense industries for raw materials. He highlighted that President Emmanuel Macron initiated these talks, focusing on increasing the number of source countries for rare minerals, including rare earth elements like lithium and uranium, which are crucial for various technologies.
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Facing overtourism, Japan offers rail to airport luggage delivery services
日本的交通运营商正在扩展行李递送服务，以解决主要城市因过度旅游而造成的行李拥堵问题。这些服务包括在火车站和机场之间的行李递送，旨在方便游客，让他们无需携带行李即可游览城市。
今年一月，名古屋的机场和铁路运营商进行了一项行李递送试验，游客可以在名铁名古屋火车站寄存行李，然后由工作人员将其运送至机场。类似的服务也适用于从札幌飞往东京和大阪的乘客。这两项服务都允许用户通过手机应用程序以英语、日语或中文追踪他们托运的行李。此举旨在提升游客的出行体验，并缓解旅游热点地区的交通压力。
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日本的交通运营商正在扩展行李递送服务，以解决主要城市因过度旅游而造成的行李拥堵问题。这些服务包括在火车站和机场之间的行李递送，旨在方便游客，让他们无需携带行李即可游览城市。
今年一月，名古屋的机场和铁路运营商进行了一项行李递送试验，游客可以在名铁名古屋火车站寄存行李，然后由工作人员将其运送至机场。类似的服务也适用于从札幌飞往东京和大阪的乘客。这两项服务都允许用户通过手机应用程序以英语、日语或中文追踪他们托运的行李。此举旨在提升游客的出行体验，并缓解旅游热点地区的交通压力。
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Hong Kong’s NPC deputies converge ahead of ‘two sessions’ in Beijing
香港特首李家超与港区全国人大代表会面，为即将到来的北京“两会”做准备，代表们将提出通过融入国家发展大局来促进香港经济的建议。 会议主要围绕如何通过国家发展战略促进香港经济增长展开，代表们提出了各自的建议。
李家超在会上主要听取了代表们的建议，并询问政府如何配合，以便代表们更好地履行职责。代表们的提案包括加强香港作为大湾区人才枢纽的角色，促进大湾区内资源的流动，以及巩固香港作为国际航运中心的地位。讨论议题还包括通过举办大型活动促进经济增长、低空经济和跨境数据流动等。
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香港特首李家超与港区全国人大代表会面，为即将到来的北京“两会”做准备，代表们将提出通过融入国家发展大局来促进香港经济的建议。 会议主要围绕如何通过国家发展战略促进香港经济增长展开，代表们提出了各自的建议。
李家超在会上主要听取了代表们的建议，并询问政府如何配合，以便代表们更好地履行职责。代表们的提案包括加强香港作为大湾区人才枢纽的角色，促进大湾区内资源的流动，以及巩固香港作为国际航运中心的地位。讨论议题还包括通过举办大型活动促进经济增长、低空经济和跨境数据流动等。
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