Malaysians appalled by another corruption probe involving an ex-prime minister

前马来西亚总理伊斯迈尔·萨布里(Ismail Sabri Yaakob)因涉嫌腐败正在接受调查,此前反腐机构在其相关房产中发现了大量现金、金条和名表。 这起案件再次引发了马来西亚民众对于政治腐败的担忧,让人联想到前总理纳吉布·拉扎克(Najib Razak)因1MDB丑闻被调查时,也曾发现大量现金和奢侈品。

马来西亚反腐委员会(MACC)表示,在与伊斯迈尔·萨布里有关的“安全屋”中发现了价值近3800万美元的欧元、日元和美元,以及金条、珠宝和名表。伊斯迈尔·萨布里在2021年8月至2022年11月期间担任总理,是马来西亚历史上任期最短的总理,仅为15个月。此次突击搜查重新点燃了公众对于疫情期间高层腐败和缺乏监督的担忧。目前,伊斯迈尔·萨布里及其四名被捕的高级官员尚未对搜查或公众指控做出回应。

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Vance takes jab at Zelensky for ‘needling’ Trump during White House fracas

US Vice-President J.D. Vance has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of having a sense of entitlement and "needling" Donald Trump, amid reports that Trump is pressuring Zelensky to commit to peace talks with Russia and has paused aid to Ukraine. Vance's comments follow a tense confrontation between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office last week.

Vance stated that Zelensky displayed an unwillingness to engage in peace negotiations, which Trump has made a policy priority. He further confirmed that Ukrainian officials attempted to restart negotiations after the White House meeting, but these efforts were reportedly shut down by Trump, highlighting the pressure being exerted on Ukraine to pursue a peaceful resolution with Russia.

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US hands over 41 cultural relics to China under deal to return artefacts

The United States has repatriated 41 artifacts and antiques to China, fulfilling an agreement aimed at returning looted and smuggled relics to Beijing. The items, which range from Neolithic pottery to Qing dynasty objects related to Tibetan Buddhism, were handed over by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in New York to China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration.

The Manhattan prosecutor's office seized the 41 relics while handling cases and informed the Chinese consulate in New York. According to CCTV, the relics were "illegally exported from China." Matthew Bogdanos, an assistant district attorney, stated that returning the antiquities to their homeland was "the right thing to do." The Chinese administration worked with the consulate to ensure the items' return.

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Tencent’s AI chatbot dethrones DeepSeek in China’s iOS app store amid fierce competition

Tencent's Yuanbao, an AI chatbot, has become the most downloaded free app in China's iOS App Store, surpassing DeepSeek. This surge in popularity highlights the intensifying competition in China's rapidly growing AI sector, with major tech companies vying for user engagement.

Yuanbao's rise follows Tencent's integration of DeepSeek's R1 reasoning model in February, providing users with an alternative to its own Hunyuan model. A key factor in Yuanbao's increased adoption is the addition of a download button within WeChat, granting the app's massive 1.3 billion user base easy access. This strategic move has significantly boosted Yuanbao's daily active users, reaching 3 million by late February.

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Japan rejects Trump’s accusation of devaluing yen amid tariff threat

日本否认了美国总统特朗普关于其操纵日元以使当地制造商受益的指控。此前,特朗普暗示,如果他的要求得不到满足,他计划实施报复性关税。特朗普在白宫对记者表示,日元疲软使美国处于不利地位,并特别点名批评了日本和中国。

日本财务大臣加藤胜信回应称,日本并未采取货币贬值政策。此前,特朗普确认将对来自加拿大和墨西哥的进口商品征收25%的关税,中国也将面临额外的10%关税。特朗普曾表示,只需告知相关国家“我们需要稍微提高关税”,就能解决货币贬值问题。

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Philippine Navy modernises with 2 new warships, but experts warn of strategic trade-offs

The Philippine Navy is set to receive two advanced warships from South Korea, significantly boosting its ability to project power in the South China Sea. These 3,200-tonne guided missile frigates, BRP Miguel Malvar and BRP Diego Silang, are equipped with anti-submarine and anti-aircraft capabilities, enhancing the navy's capacity to secure its expansive maritime territory.

The acquisition is part of a 28 billion Philippine peso (US$483 million) deal with shipbuilder HD Hyundai, signed in 2021. Analysts see these warships as crucial for extending the Philippines' military reach beyond its exclusive economic zone. While the Philippine Coast Guard remains the frontline agency responding to Chinese incursions, these frigates provide a more visible and versatile means of projecting force in the contested waters.

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Southeast Asia must take the long view to survive US-China AI race

The US is prioritizing AI innovation and leadership over safety, raising concerns for Southeast Asia. At the Paris AI Action Summit, US representatives emphasized the importance of American leadership in AI development, from semiconductors to applications, seemingly at the expense of safety considerations. This "America first" approach to AI opportunities has implications for Southeast Asian countries, which are investing heavily in AI for economic growth and digital transformation.

This stance raises two key concerns: the de-prioritization of AI safety and the assumption that innovation is inherently beneficial. Southeast Asia has already experienced the negative impacts of unbridled misinformation and disinformation, making the US's focus on innovation over safety particularly troubling. Furthermore, the idea that innovation benefits everyone is questionable, especially when most of the world lags in AI capacity and remains reliant on technology designed by Silicon Valley and rules set by Washington. This approach risks exploitation, unsafety and ecological damage for the entire ecosystem.

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Late Hong Kong singer Khalil Fong’s music tops streaming sites across East Asia

香港歌手方大同去世后,他的歌曲在香港、中国大陆和台湾的音乐流媒体平台上登顶。 自方大同的唱片公司周六宣布他于2月21日“平静地离开了世界”后,他的音乐在各个流媒体平台上的播放量激增,他与病魔抗争了五年。

周二,方大同的歌曲占据了香港 Spotify 每日排行榜前 20 名的一半。他的热门歌曲,包括《Love Love Love》、《Love Song》以及他翻唱的王菲的《红豆》都排在前四名。《Twenty-three》是他去年 10 月发行的最后一张专辑《The Dreamer》中的一首歌,排名第二。 他去年复出时发行了这张专辑,他说这张专辑是“在不同的患病阶段”录制的。

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‘Shame day’: China’s internet users blast US embassy posts of Trump’s Zelensky rebuke

中国网民涌入美国驻华大使馆的社交媒体账号,嘲讽美国总统特朗普及其政府。起因是美国大使馆发布了特朗普与乌克兰总统泽连斯基会面后发表的声明,声明中特朗普表达了对泽连斯基的不满,认为其尚未准备好和平谈判,并指责他在椭圆形办公室不尊重美国。

美国大使馆的帖子还包括美国国务卿马可·卢比奥在CNN和ABC采访中的片段,卢比奥重申了特朗普的立场,并表示特朗普是“地球上唯一能够将俄罗斯总统普京带到谈判桌前的人”。截至周二下午,美国大使馆的微信账号已收到超过7000条评论,其中大多数为批评性言论,显示出中国网民对特朗普政府相关政策的强烈不满。

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Indonesia’s Bali eyes water taxis to tackle traffic woes

Bali plans to launch a water taxi service from Ngurah Rai International Airport by December to combat the island's severe traffic congestion. The service aims to provide a faster, more convenient transportation option for tourists traveling to popular resort areas like Kuta, Seminyak, and Uluwatu.

The initiative comes as Bali experiences a surge in tourism, exacerbating existing traffic problems. Trial runs using traditional canoes have shown promising results, with travel times to Uluwatu potentially reduced from over an hour by car to just 25-30 minutes using modern water taxis. Local authorities hope the water taxi service will encourage tourists to opt for sea transport, easing road congestion for both visitors and residents.

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China’s ‘two sessions’ a chance to boost Beijing’s image, but more transparency needed

中国两会是外国记者了解中国政治的难得机会。每年三月举行的全国人民代表大会和中国人民政治协商会议,合称“两会”,为外国记者提供了一个罕见的窗口,得以一窥中国政治的运作方式。

与西方国家的立法会议不同,外国记者只能参加中国两会期间的特定小组会议和活动。虽然北京的政治会议期间会举行一些新闻发布会,但问题需要事先提交,并且由主办方选择哪些媒体可以提前提问。答案和代表在小组讨论中的发言都是事先准备好的。但对于外国记者来说,这仍然是见到官员并听取他们谈论政策的宝贵机会。几十年前,记者们,特别是来自香港的记者,常常会在两会期间自发地接近部长和省级领导人,向他们提问。例如,1998年至2000年期间,时任广东省副省长的王岐山就曾多次在两会期间回答记者提问,当时他肩负着在广东国际信托投资公司(Gitic)倒闭后恢复外国投资者信心的任务。

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Ex-Ukraine foreign minister predicts China is ‘main beneficiary’ of Trump foreign policy

According to Ukraine's former Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, China stands to be the primary beneficiary of former US President Donald Trump's foreign policies, particularly his alignment with Russia regarding Ukraine. Kuleba's statement comes after a heated exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, signaling a potential shift in US-Ukraine relations.

Kuleba expressed surprise at the speed with which the US stance towards Ukraine has seemingly changed, suggesting that the US no longer considers itself an ally of Ukraine and Europe. This shift was further underscored by Trump's decision to halt military aid to Ukraine following the argument with Zelensky, where Trump criticized Zelensky for not being "thankful" enough and for "gambling with World War III." The incident has raised concerns among European leaders who could envision themselves in a similar situation, potentially impacting international relations and alliances.

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China tech contest features robotics, US$200,000 prize pool amid AI investment frenzy

Ant Group and several prestigious Chinese universities are co-organizing the ATEC Championship 2025, an innovation competition focused on "AI and robotics real-world challenges" and featuring robotics for the first time. The competition, offering over US$200,000 in prizes, reflects the growing interest in robotics within China's technology sector.

This marks the fifth ATEC Championship since 2020, with previous events centered on AI, cybersecurity, and other tech-related themes. The inclusion of robotics this year aligns with the increasing prominence of the field in China, highlighted by the recent presence of Unitree Robotics' founder at a high-profile business symposium hosted by President Xi Jinping.

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Man whose blood saved 2.4 million babies dies age 88

James Harrison, an Australian man known for saving 2.4 million babies through his blood plasma donations, has died at the age of 88. Harrison's donations, spanning six decades, contained a rare antibody used to create life-saving injections for unborn babies at risk of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN).

Harrison began donating plasma in 1954 and continued until he was 81, making 1,173 donations despite his fear of needles. He was recognized by Guinness World Records in 2005 for his contributions, though his record was surpassed in 2022. His grandson emphasized that Harrison's motivation was to help others, and he remained humble despite the recognition he received.

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Philippines dismisses ‘absurd’ Chinese online claims about Palawan

Philippine officials are refuting claims circulating among Chinese internet users that Palawan island belongs to China, dismissing them as "delusional" propaganda. The controversy stems from posts on platforms like Douyin and RedNote, some dating back to January, falsely asserting that Palawan was historically known as Zheng He Island, named after a Chinese explorer, and that China had recently "restored" this name.

These claims have sparked outrage among Filipino social media users, who emphasize Palawan's undisputed status as Philippine territory. While China has not officially claimed Palawan, which is over 1,500km from its nearest territory, some Chinese users are pushing for the island to be recognized as Chinese, with calls for its inclusion on Chinese maps of the South China Sea and the right for Chinese warships and military aircraft to operate around it.

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Double lottery win reignites South Korea’s conspiracy fever

Two winning lottery tickets were sold at the same shop in Siheung, South Korea, sparking fraud accusations and demands for a government explanation. The odds of winning the South Korean lottery are about one in 8 million, so the fact that two jackpot-winning tickets came from the same shop, "Comprehensive Lottery Super," has raised suspicions.

Of the 16 total jackpot winners, 10 used the lottery's automatic number-selection system, and two of those tickets were purchased at the same shop. An anonymous post on BobaeDream questioned the likelihood of this event, given the extremely low probability of winning, and the post quickly went viral, highlighting public distrust and calls for transparency.

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China police robot patrols streets, capturing public attention, bringing sci-fi to life

人形机器人在中国南方城市深圳的街道上与警察一同巡逻,引起了公众的广泛关注。 这些机器人身穿显眼的警察制服,执行巡逻任务,并积极与市民互动,例如与人握手、向人群挥手以及执行语音指令,吸引了众多目光,活跃了城市气氛。

这款型号为PM01的机器人于2024年12月24日发布,身高1.38米,重40公斤,单价8.8万元人民币(约合1.2万美元)。一段网络视频显示,该机器人在巡逻时与警察并排行走,并热情地与路人握手。

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Hong Kong’s sports chief pledges to bring football teams to Kai Tak Sports Park

香港文化、体育及旅游局局长表示,将努力引进海外足球队到新落成的启德体育园举行比赛,以推动该场地成为大型活动的中心。体育园的管理方已经接触了超过200家制作公司,希望吸引他们到这个拥有5万个座位的场地举办活动。具体活动细节将在稍后公布。

除了演唱会,启德体育园还将举办各种体育赛事,吸引海外足球队前来。耗资300亿港元的启德体育园已举行盛大的开幕典礼,当局希望它标志着香港大型活动、演唱会和体育赛事新时代的开始。亚太地区的健康竞争是好事,相信启德体育园会受欢迎。

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Trump’s tariffs against Canada and Mexico now in effect, igniting trade war

美国总统特朗普对加拿大和墨西哥征收的关税于周二生效,引发全球市场紧张,并导致美国在北美的盟友采取代价高昂的报复措施。与此同时,中国也宣布了针对美国的报复性关税,并计划向世界贸易组织提起诉讼。

根据规定,从周二凌晨开始,从加拿大和墨西哥进口的商品将被征收 25% 的关税,加拿大能源产品将被征收 10% 的关税。作为回应,加拿大总理特鲁多表示,加拿大将在 21 天内对超过 1000 亿美元的美国商品征收关税。墨西哥总统谢因鲍姆预计也将在新闻发布会上宣布墨西哥的回应措施。

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Philippine jet goes missing fighting communist insurgents

一架载有两名飞行员的菲律宾空军FA-50战斗机在南部省份执行夜间作战支援任务时失踪。该战机在前往目标区域前,于周一午夜左右与空军其他飞机失去联系。其他飞机已安全返回宿务省的空军基地。

失踪事件发生在菲律宾南部,当时地面部队正在与共产党游击队作战。目前正在进行大规模搜寻。空军发言人表示,希望尽快找到失踪人员和飞机,并呼吁大家一同祈祷。目前尚不清楚事件发生后,其余的FA-50是否会停飞。

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