Hong Kong couple jailed up to 3 years for repeatedly abusing three-year-old son
香港一对夫妇因长期虐待他们三岁的儿子而被判入狱，刑期最高可达三年。这名幼童遭受了包括掌掴面部、高空抛摔以及用金属尺击打头部等虐待，导致其大脑和眼睛可能受到永久性损伤。
法庭获悉，这对失业的夫妇在2022年末至2023年初的十天里，还曾将孩子赤身裸体地留在寒冷的环境中，并使其挨饿。这名23岁的母亲和她26岁的男友黄逸鸣（非孩子生父）共同承认了一项虐待或忽略儿童的罪名。黄逸鸣还承认有意对这名幼童造成严重的身体伤害。据悉，这名孩子在2019年11月出生六个月后就被送往寄养家庭，由于被诊断出患有语言障碍和发育迟缓，他在不同的家庭中度过了最初的几年，直到2022年圣诞节期间，他的母亲获得了社会福利署的批准，才得以短暂地和他住在一起。母亲被判入狱两年半，男友被判入狱三年。
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香港一对夫妇因长期虐待他们三岁的儿子而被判入狱，刑期最高可达三年。这名幼童遭受了包括掌掴面部、高空抛摔以及用金属尺击打头部等虐待，导致其大脑和眼睛可能受到永久性损伤。
法庭获悉，这对失业的夫妇在2022年末至2023年初的十天里，还曾将孩子赤身裸体地留在寒冷的环境中，并使其挨饿。这名23岁的母亲和她26岁的男友黄逸鸣（非孩子生父）共同承认了一项虐待或忽略儿童的罪名。黄逸鸣还承认有意对这名幼童造成严重的身体伤害。据悉，这名孩子在2019年11月出生六个月后就被送往寄养家庭，由于被诊断出患有语言障碍和发育迟缓，他在不同的家庭中度过了最初的几年，直到2022年圣诞节期间，他的母亲获得了社会福利署的批准，才得以短暂地和他住在一起。母亲被判入狱两年半，男友被判入狱三年。
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In turbulent Trump times, China frames itself as defender of world stability
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi used his annual press conference to position China as a stabilizing force for world peace, contrasting this with the perceived disruptive role of the United States. He emphasized that in a turbulent world, China offers certainty and stands on the right side of history.
Wang Yi's remarks, delivered during the "two sessions" in Beijing, subtly criticized the US approach to global issues while highlighting China's commitment to the developing world. This comes as the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House raises concerns about further shifts in US foreign policy and potential global instability.
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi used his annual press conference to position China as a stabilizing force for world peace, contrasting this with the perceived disruptive role of the United States. He emphasized that in a turbulent world, China offers certainty and stands on the right side of history.
Wang Yi's remarks, delivered during the "two sessions" in Beijing, subtly criticized the US approach to global issues while highlighting China's commitment to the developing world. This comes as the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House raises concerns about further shifts in US foreign policy and potential global instability.
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Trump wants the US to be the world’s crypto capital. Will China take notice?
Donald Trump's creation of a US cryptocurrency reserve and the upcoming White House Crypto Summit are poised to draw global attention, particularly if the reserve becomes substantial enough to influence trading and market prices. The initiative, formalized through an executive order, aims to establish a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve" and "US Digital Asset Stockpile" to enhance the US's strategic position in the digital asset space, utilizing assets already held by federal government offices.
While a significant cryptocurrency reserve could potentially bolster the US dollar's role in international trade, some countries, including China, are likely to maintain their distance from Washington's economic influence. China already has safeguards in place to mitigate any potential impact from the US cryptocurrency reserve, reflecting a broader trend of nations seeking economic independence from the US. The reserve will be initially capitalized with cryptocurrency units forfeited to the US Department of Treasury through legal proceedings.
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Donald Trump's creation of a US cryptocurrency reserve and the upcoming White House Crypto Summit are poised to draw global attention, particularly if the reserve becomes substantial enough to influence trading and market prices. The initiative, formalized through an executive order, aims to establish a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve" and "US Digital Asset Stockpile" to enhance the US's strategic position in the digital asset space, utilizing assets already held by federal government offices.
While a significant cryptocurrency reserve could potentially bolster the US dollar's role in international trade, some countries, including China, are likely to maintain their distance from Washington's economic influence. China already has safeguards in place to mitigate any potential impact from the US cryptocurrency reserve, reflecting a broader trend of nations seeking economic independence from the US. The reserve will be initially capitalized with cryptocurrency units forfeited to the US Department of Treasury through legal proceedings.
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China’s ‘heart will always be with the Global South’ in a changing world: Wang Yi
China is intensifying its focus on strengthening ties with the Global South amid renewed trade tensions with the US, economic challenges, and increasing geopolitical pressures. Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of the Global South, referring to it multiple times during a recent press conference, highlighting China's ambition to lead developing nations.
This strategic emphasis on the Global South reflects China's desire to build solidarity and counter external pressures. Wang Yi positioned the Global South as a crucial force for global peace, development, and governance, signaling China's intent to leverage its relationships with these nations to navigate a complex international landscape, especially with the uncertainties arising from the US.
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China is intensifying its focus on strengthening ties with the Global South amid renewed trade tensions with the US, economic challenges, and increasing geopolitical pressures. Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of the Global South, referring to it multiple times during a recent press conference, highlighting China's ambition to lead developing nations.
This strategic emphasis on the Global South reflects China's desire to build solidarity and counter external pressures. Wang Yi positioned the Global South as a crucial force for global peace, development, and governance, signaling China's intent to leverage its relationships with these nations to navigate a complex international landscape, especially with the uncertainties arising from the US.
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Hong Kong seizes 6 million illicit cigarettes, heated tobacco products
香港海关查获两起案件，共计超过600万支怀疑非法香烟和加热烟草制品，价值超过2900万港元。其中一起案件涉及香港市面上不常见的品牌，另一起案件涉及中国内地游客从日本携带商品入境。两名男子被捕，包括一名44岁的本地货车司机。
海关在货车和仓库中查获约600万支怀疑非法香烟，估计市值约2800万港元，潜在应缴税款约1900万港元。这些香烟属于在香港及周边地区相对冷门的品牌，海关人员表示，相信这些产品原本计划出口到其他国家，但不排除部分流入本地非法香烟市场销售的可能性。此外，海关还在另一起行动中查获了9万支怀疑非法香烟和11万支加热烟草制品。
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香港海关查获两起案件，共计超过600万支怀疑非法香烟和加热烟草制品，价值超过2900万港元。其中一起案件涉及香港市面上不常见的品牌，另一起案件涉及中国内地游客从日本携带商品入境。两名男子被捕，包括一名44岁的本地货车司机。
海关在货车和仓库中查获约600万支怀疑非法香烟，估计市值约2800万港元，潜在应缴税款约1900万港元。这些香烟属于在香港及周边地区相对冷门的品牌，海关人员表示，相信这些产品原本计划出口到其他国家，但不排除部分流入本地非法香烟市场销售的可能性。此外，海关还在另一起行动中查获了9万支怀疑非法香烟和11万支加热烟草制品。
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Trump says he wrote to Iran urging nuclear talks
美国总统特朗普表示，他已致信伊朗，敦促其就防止发展核武器问题展开谈判，否则可能面临军事行动。特朗普强调，不能允许伊朗拥有核武器，希望通过谈判解决问题，否则军事干预对伊朗来说将是“可怕的事情”。
这一表态源于2015年达成的伊朗核协议（JCPOA），该协议限制伊朗的核计划以换取解除制裁。然而，特朗普在2018年退出了该协议，导致协议破裂。此后，伊朗逐渐放弃了对协议的遵守。
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美国总统特朗普表示，他已致信伊朗，敦促其就防止发展核武器问题展开谈判，否则可能面临军事行动。特朗普强调，不能允许伊朗拥有核武器，希望通过谈判解决问题，否则军事干预对伊朗来说将是“可怕的事情”。
这一表态源于2015年达成的伊朗核协议（JCPOA），该协议限制伊朗的核计划以换取解除制裁。然而，特朗普在2018年退出了该协议，导致协议破裂。此后，伊朗逐渐放弃了对协议的遵守。
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Crack down on corruption, deploy technology – Xi Jinping’s twin missions for China’s military
President Xi Jinping has urged military lawmakers to intensify the fight against corruption within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and to leverage technology to enhance combat capabilities. Xi emphasized the importance of robust supervision and in-depth investigations into corruption during a meeting with National People’s Congress deputies from the PLA and armed police, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
This renewed call for anti-corruption efforts echoes Beijing's recent emphasis on "deepening political rectification" within the military, a theme highlighted in Premier Li Qiang's annual work report. The anti-corruption campaign has already led to the downfall of several high-ranking military officials, including former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, as well as Miao Hua, a former member of the Central Military Commission, demonstrating the breadth and depth of the ongoing effort to root out corruption in the armed forces and defense industry.
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President Xi Jinping has urged military lawmakers to intensify the fight against corruption within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and to leverage technology to enhance combat capabilities. Xi emphasized the importance of robust supervision and in-depth investigations into corruption during a meeting with National People’s Congress deputies from the PLA and armed police, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
This renewed call for anti-corruption efforts echoes Beijing's recent emphasis on "deepening political rectification" within the military, a theme highlighted in Premier Li Qiang's annual work report. The anti-corruption campaign has already led to the downfall of several high-ranking military officials, including former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe, as well as Miao Hua, a former member of the Central Military Commission, demonstrating the breadth and depth of the ongoing effort to root out corruption in the armed forces and defense industry.
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China, it’s time for ‘the talk’: sex education urged for children as adults balk at babies
中国人口专家呼吁，为应对人口出生率下降的趋势，应从儿童时期开始加强性健康教育，以保护未来的生育能力。这一建议旨在从根本上解决人口危机，而非仅仅鼓励成年人生育。
中国人口与发展研究中心主任贺丹在“两会”期间提出，尽早对年轻人进行生殖健康教育，有助于保护他们未来的生育能力。与此同时，中央政府计划在今年晚些时候为有孩子的家庭提供补贴，这是国家层面的首次承诺，此前已有地方政府提供类似补贴。贺丹强调，保护人口生育能力的措施将直接影响一对夫妇最终生育的孩子数量。
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中国人口专家呼吁，为应对人口出生率下降的趋势，应从儿童时期开始加强性健康教育，以保护未来的生育能力。这一建议旨在从根本上解决人口危机，而非仅仅鼓励成年人生育。
中国人口与发展研究中心主任贺丹在“两会”期间提出，尽早对年轻人进行生殖健康教育，有助于保护他们未来的生育能力。与此同时，中央政府计划在今年晚些时候为有孩子的家庭提供补贴，这是国家层面的首次承诺，此前已有地方政府提供类似补贴。贺丹强调，保护人口生育能力的措施将直接影响一对夫妇最终生育的孩子数量。
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Betting on China’s bull market, ‘revolutionary’ light-speed chip: SCMP daily highlights
China's export growth slowed in the first two months of 2025, following a surge in late 2024. This slowdown is attributed to companies front-loading shipments to the United States to avoid new tariffs that have since taken effect.
Amid global instability, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has positioned China as a force for peace and stability. He stated that Beijing will actively pursue peace while firmly protecting its national interests. Additionally, insights into the key figures shaping diplomacy, military strategy, economic policy, security measures, and scientific advancements within the teams of both Xi Jinping and Donald Trump are being explored.
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China's export growth slowed in the first two months of 2025, following a surge in late 2024. This slowdown is attributed to companies front-loading shipments to the United States to avoid new tariffs that have since taken effect.
Amid global instability, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has positioned China as a force for peace and stability. He stated that Beijing will actively pursue peace while firmly protecting its national interests. Additionally, insights into the key figures shaping diplomacy, military strategy, economic policy, security measures, and scientific advancements within the teams of both Xi Jinping and Donald Trump are being explored.
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Grisly discovery in Bali as foreign national found dead in rooftop water tank, sparking probe
一具疑似外国人的裸体尸体在巴厘岛水箱中被发现，引发了当地警方的调查。目前调查的重点是尸体如何进入水箱，以及是否存在犯罪行为。
巴厘岛国家搜救机构表示，尸体是在金巴兰一间民宿的屋顶水箱中被发现的。房主因无法打开水龙头而请来水管工检查水箱，从而发现了这具尸体。警方初步判断死者为外国人，因为其皮肤白皙，头发为棕色卷发，但身份尚未确认。尸体上有擦伤和瘀伤，具体死因仍在调查中。
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一具疑似外国人的裸体尸体在巴厘岛水箱中被发现，引发了当地警方的调查。目前调查的重点是尸体如何进入水箱，以及是否存在犯罪行为。
巴厘岛国家搜救机构表示，尸体是在金巴兰一间民宿的屋顶水箱中被发现的。房主因无法打开水龙头而请来水管工检查水箱，从而发现了这具尸体。警方初步判断死者为外国人，因为其皮肤白皙，头发为棕色卷发，但身份尚未确认。尸体上有擦伤和瘀伤，具体死因仍在调查中。
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Tencent heats up AI video-generation competition in China with new open-source product
Tencent has intensified competition in China's AI video-generation sector by launching its open-source HunyuanVideo-I2V model for developers. This image-to-video model, building upon Tencent's HunyuanVideo foundation model, enables users to transform static photos into high-resolution, five-second video clips using short text prompts.
The new model is accessible on platforms like GitHub and HuggingFace, and it allows users to add lip-synched voice and background sound effects to their videos. This move comes amid growing competition from companies like Kuaishou, ByteDance, and Alibaba, all vying for dominance in China's burgeoning AI video-generation market, spurred by OpenAI's Sora model. Tencent claims HunyuanVideo is the world's largest open-source model for video generation.
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Tencent has intensified competition in China's AI video-generation sector by launching its open-source HunyuanVideo-I2V model for developers. This image-to-video model, building upon Tencent's HunyuanVideo foundation model, enables users to transform static photos into high-resolution, five-second video clips using short text prompts.
The new model is accessible on platforms like GitHub and HuggingFace, and it allows users to add lip-synched voice and background sound effects to their videos. This move comes amid growing competition from companies like Kuaishou, ByteDance, and Alibaba, all vying for dominance in China's burgeoning AI video-generation market, spurred by OpenAI's Sora model. Tencent claims HunyuanVideo is the world's largest open-source model for video generation.
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‘What has it achieved?’: China’s top diplomat Wang Yi takes aim at Trump’s foreign policy
China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, directly criticized former US President Donald Trump's foreign policy, asserting that it failed to contain China or improve America. Wang questioned the effectiveness of Trump's trade war, suggesting it neither reduced the trade deficit nor enhanced US competitiveness. He emphasized that China would retaliate against any unwarranted pressure from the US.
Wang's remarks came during a press conference at China's annual "two sessions" parliamentary gathering. Despite limited opportunities for American media to pose questions, a significant portion of the inquiries focused on US-China relations. Wang used these opportunities to subtly and overtly challenge Washington's approach on various global issues, ranging from global governance to technological competition and economic development, portraying the US as an irresponsible major power.
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China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, directly criticized former US President Donald Trump's foreign policy, asserting that it failed to contain China or improve America. Wang questioned the effectiveness of Trump's trade war, suggesting it neither reduced the trade deficit nor enhanced US competitiveness. He emphasized that China would retaliate against any unwarranted pressure from the US.
Wang's remarks came during a press conference at China's annual "two sessions" parliamentary gathering. Despite limited opportunities for American media to pose questions, a significant portion of the inquiries focused on US-China relations. Wang used these opportunities to subtly and overtly challenge Washington's approach on various global issues, ranging from global governance to technological competition and economic development, portraying the US as an irresponsible major power.
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France’s Derichebourg Group plans to set up Hong Kong’s plane parts centre: source
The Derichebourg Group, a leading French operator, plans to invest heavily in establishing Asia’s first aircraft parts processing and trading center in Hong Kong. This initiative aims to bolster Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub, with facilities planned for both Hong Kong International Airport and the Northern Metropolis.
The Derichebourg Group specializes in aeronautical subcontracting, serving commercial and military aircraft needs for constructors, airlines, leasing companies, and financial institutions globally. Their services include aircraft repair, maintenance, furnishing, technical support, and logistics. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po previously mentioned the involvement of a leading French aerospace company in this plan, confirming the significance of Derichebourg's investment in Hong Kong's aviation future.
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The Derichebourg Group, a leading French operator, plans to invest heavily in establishing Asia’s first aircraft parts processing and trading center in Hong Kong. This initiative aims to bolster Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub, with facilities planned for both Hong Kong International Airport and the Northern Metropolis.
The Derichebourg Group specializes in aeronautical subcontracting, serving commercial and military aircraft needs for constructors, airlines, leasing companies, and financial institutions globally. Their services include aircraft repair, maintenance, furnishing, technical support, and logistics. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po previously mentioned the involvement of a leading French aerospace company in this plan, confirming the significance of Derichebourg's investment in Hong Kong's aviation future.
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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi says doubting 1971 UN stand on Taiwan is ‘absurd’
中国外交部长王毅强调，1971年联合国决议在“一个中国原则”上不存在任何含糊之处，并重申台湾是中国的一个省份。他同时谴责任何与此相反的观点，认为其“荒谬且危险”。
王毅在北京“两会”期间的记者会上表示，台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分。针对“联合国2758号决议不等同于‘一个中国原则’，且不妨碍台湾参与国际组织”的说法，王毅驳斥称，这是对联合国权威和战后国际秩序的公然挑战，并敦促散布此类论调者补充基本常识。1971年的联合国2758号决议承认中华人民共和国是中国在联合国的唯一合法代表，并将蒋介石的代表从联合国及其相关组织中驱逐。
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中国外交部长王毅强调，1971年联合国决议在“一个中国原则”上不存在任何含糊之处，并重申台湾是中国的一个省份。他同时谴责任何与此相反的观点，认为其“荒谬且危险”。
王毅在北京“两会”期间的记者会上表示，台湾是中国领土不可分割的一部分。针对“联合国2758号决议不等同于‘一个中国原则’，且不妨碍台湾参与国际组织”的说法，王毅驳斥称，这是对联合国权威和战后国际秩序的公然挑战，并敦促散布此类论调者补充基本常识。1971年的联合国2758号决议承认中华人民共和国是中国在联合国的唯一合法代表，并将蒋介石的代表从联合国及其相关组织中驱逐。
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Why does Trump want to torpedo China’s shipbuilding industry?
美国前总统特朗普宣布计划成立白宫造船办公室，旨在通过税收优惠重振美国造船业。此举正值中美两国在造船领域竞争加剧之际，美国将中国在该行业的领先地位视为潜在的经济和军事威胁。美国的目标是挑战中国在造船领域的主导地位，并提升自身的海运能力。
美国国内对中国造船业的担忧日益增长，认为中国可能利用其在全球航运中的主导地位来损害美国利益。参议员Mark Kelly强调，美国80%的进口商品依赖海运，这使得美国容易受到供应链中断和港口拥堵的影响。通过重振美国造船业，美国希望减少对外国的依赖，增强国家安全。
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美国前总统特朗普宣布计划成立白宫造船办公室，旨在通过税收优惠重振美国造船业。此举正值中美两国在造船领域竞争加剧之际，美国将中国在该行业的领先地位视为潜在的经济和军事威胁。美国的目标是挑战中国在造船领域的主导地位，并提升自身的海运能力。
美国国内对中国造船业的担忧日益增长，认为中国可能利用其在全球航运中的主导地位来损害美国利益。参议员Mark Kelly强调，美国80%的进口商品依赖海运，这使得美国容易受到供应链中断和港口拥堵的影响。通过重振美国造船业，美国希望减少对外国的依赖，增强国家安全。
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To Europe’s shock, Trump is bringing back great power geopolitics
The world, especially Europe, is stunned by recent shifts in the Ukraine war narrative, particularly within the White House, with Trump framing Ukraine as the cause of the conflict and blaming NATO for provoking Russia. This stance has disrupted the Western consensus on supporting Ukraine's sovereignty.
The US has opposed UN resolutions condemning Russia and Trump has demanded Ukraine repay military aid, potentially with minerals and rare earths. This contrasts sharply with the EU's aspirations for superpower status, revealing its geopolitical limitations. Europe is in a state of panic, realizing it may be more of a chess piece than a player in the evolving global order due to America's changing priorities under the "America first" policy.
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The world, especially Europe, is stunned by recent shifts in the Ukraine war narrative, particularly within the White House, with Trump framing Ukraine as the cause of the conflict and blaming NATO for provoking Russia. This stance has disrupted the Western consensus on supporting Ukraine's sovereignty.
The US has opposed UN resolutions condemning Russia and Trump has demanded Ukraine repay military aid, potentially with minerals and rare earths. This contrasts sharply with the EU's aspirations for superpower status, revealing its geopolitical limitations. Europe is in a state of panic, realizing it may be more of a chess piece than a player in the evolving global order due to America's changing priorities under the "America first" policy.
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Taiwanese woman denied bail in Hong Kong over 2019 money-laundering case
一名台湾女子因涉嫌六年前的洗钱罪在香港被还押候审。 这名55岁的陈慧芝被控于2019年12月19日从中国银行账户清洗了15,000美元。西九龙法院拒绝批准她的保释。
据报道，陈慧芝上个月随一个台湾旅行团进入香港时被捕，该团成员包括国民党立法委员傅崐萁和花莲县的其他官员。法庭文件显示，被告称其从事业务发展工作。她在法庭上与台湾当局的关系并未被披露。
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一名台湾女子因涉嫌六年前的洗钱罪在香港被还押候审。 这名55岁的陈慧芝被控于2019年12月19日从中国银行账户清洗了15,000美元。西九龙法院拒绝批准她的保释。
据报道，陈慧芝上个月随一个台湾旅行团进入香港时被捕，该团成员包括国民党立法委员傅崐萁和花莲县的其他官员。法庭文件显示，被告称其从事业务发展工作。她在法庭上与台湾当局的关系并未被披露。
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France’s ex-spy chief gets 4 years’ jail in influence-peddling trial
Bernard Squarcini, the former head of France's domestic intelligence agency, has been sentenced to four years in prison, with two years suspended, for using his security contacts for personal gain. The Paris court found him guilty of leveraging his position to obtain confidential information, including for the benefit of luxury conglomerate LVMH.
Squarcini, nicknamed "le Squale," also received a €200,000 fine and a five-year ban from intelligence or advisory work. While LVMH's chief, Bernard Arnault, testified during the trial, he was never charged and denied any knowledge of the scheme. Despite the sentence, it's expected that Squarcini will serve his jail time with an electronic tag, a common practice in France for shorter sentences. He plans to appeal the verdict.
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Bernard Squarcini, the former head of France's domestic intelligence agency, has been sentenced to four years in prison, with two years suspended, for using his security contacts for personal gain. The Paris court found him guilty of leveraging his position to obtain confidential information, including for the benefit of luxury conglomerate LVMH.
Squarcini, nicknamed "le Squale," also received a €200,000 fine and a five-year ban from intelligence or advisory work. While LVMH's chief, Bernard Arnault, testified during the trial, he was never charged and denied any knowledge of the scheme. Despite the sentence, it's expected that Squarcini will serve his jail time with an electronic tag, a common practice in France for shorter sentences. He plans to appeal the verdict.
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Was Manus another DeepSeek moment? Chinese AI agent faces doubts after rapid rise to fame
Chinese AI agent Manus is facing skepticism regarding its technological capabilities due to limited availability caused by server capacity shortages after its launch. Despite being touted as a breakthrough following DeepSeek's low-cost AI models, very few users have been able to test Manus, and the team's X account was also suspended, raising questions about its readiness and the team's handling of the launch.
The invitation-only access to Manus has led to a scramble for access, with some users selling invitations or renting accounts on online marketplaces, prompting accusations of scarcity marketing tactics. Manus AI's product partner acknowledged the server limitations and apologized for underestimating public interest, stating that the current version is still in its early stages. The X account suspension is potentially linked to cryptocurrency scams exploiting the platform's traffic, and the team is working to resolve the issue.
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Chinese AI agent Manus is facing skepticism regarding its technological capabilities due to limited availability caused by server capacity shortages after its launch. Despite being touted as a breakthrough following DeepSeek's low-cost AI models, very few users have been able to test Manus, and the team's X account was also suspended, raising questions about its readiness and the team's handling of the launch.
The invitation-only access to Manus has led to a scramble for access, with some users selling invitations or renting accounts on online marketplaces, prompting accusations of scarcity marketing tactics. Manus AI's product partner acknowledged the server limitations and apologized for underestimating public interest, stating that the current version is still in its early stages. The X account suspension is potentially linked to cryptocurrency scams exploiting the platform's traffic, and the team is working to resolve the issue.
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Mongolia still expects new Russia-China gas pipeline to go ahead
Mongolia maintains that the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project, designed to transport Russian natural gas to China via Mongolia, is still expected to proceed. This is despite growing speculation that the project has stalled due to geopolitical tensions and China's potential reluctance to increase its reliance on Russian energy imports.
The pipeline, if completed, would divert 50 billion cubic metres of Russian natural gas annually from Europe to China. While the project was omitted from Mongolia's 2024-28 work program and updates from Chinese and Russian officials have been scarce, Mongolia's First Deputy Prime Minister Gantumur Luvsannyam insists that negotiations are ongoing and progressing, explaining its omission from the program due to the necessity of multilateral agreement.
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Mongolia maintains that the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline project, designed to transport Russian natural gas to China via Mongolia, is still expected to proceed. This is despite growing speculation that the project has stalled due to geopolitical tensions and China's potential reluctance to increase its reliance on Russian energy imports.
The pipeline, if completed, would divert 50 billion cubic metres of Russian natural gas annually from Europe to China. While the project was omitted from Mongolia's 2024-28 work program and updates from Chinese and Russian officials have been scarce, Mongolia's First Deputy Prime Minister Gantumur Luvsannyam insists that negotiations are ongoing and progressing, explaining its omission from the program due to the necessity of multilateral agreement.
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