Alibaba’s Joe Tsai: Xi Jinping’s entrepreneur meeting fuels business confidence in China

President Xi Jinping's recent meeting with technology leaders has significantly boosted the confidence of Chinese companies, leading Alibaba to make substantial investments in AI. Alibaba chairman Joe Tsai emphasized the importance of the meeting, stating it sent a clear message that the government wants private enterprises to help stimulate the economy.

The symposium in February, attended by Alibaba founder Jack Ma and other tech executives, reinforced Alibaba's commitment to AI. The company plans to invest at least 380 billion yuan (US$52 billion) in cloud computing and AI infrastructure over the next three years, marking China’s largest-ever computing project financed by a single private business and exceeding their total AI infrastructure spending of the past decade.

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South Korean opposition leader Lee Jae-myung faces assassination threat, sparking police probe

韩国主要反对党共同民主党已要求警方保护其领导人李在明,原因是他们发现了一起据称的暗杀阴谋。 该阴谋涉及使用俄罗斯制造的违禁枪支,由退休特工策划,导致李在明取消了原定举行的抗议总统尹锡悦的集会。

共同民主党发言人表示,他们收到了前军事情报官员的线报,称有人计划走私俄罗斯手枪来暗杀李在明,并建议李在明在威胁消除之前避免公开露面。代理警察局长李浩英表示,由于网上针对执政党和反对党领导人的“大量威胁”,警方将进行“彻底调查”。

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3 Hong Kong schools with gastroenteritis outbreaks went to same restaurants on tours

香港三所学校的学生和教师在广东韶关交流期间出现肠胃炎症状,可能是由于在同一家餐厅食用了受污染的食物。卫生防护中心表示,截至周二,来自这三所学校的师生中,共有52人不适,当局正在继续调查这一系列潜在的大规模食物中毒事件。

卫生防护中心表示,不排除部分病例因食用受污染食物而感染的可能性,并已将相关餐厅通知广东当局,因为所有三个交流团的参与者都在同一家餐厅用餐。此外,有病例在访问期间呕吐,更多师生在返回香港后生病,因此,部分病例可能是通过人与人之间的传播或受污染的环境感染。

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AI is no longer a mere investment, but a matter of sovereignty

AI is emerging as a key battleground in global geopolitics, particularly between the US and China, with both nations vying for dominance in this transformative technology. The US is imposing increasing restrictions on semiconductor exports to China, while China is pushing forward with massive investments in AI infrastructure, exemplified by Alibaba's $48.3 billion commitment.

Despite US export controls, demand for Nvidia's AI chips remains strong in China, fueled by state-backed initiatives and cost-effective AI models from companies like DeepSeek. Cities like Shenzhen and Hangzhou are at the forefront of China's AI and robotics advancements. The US is also making significant investments, with tech giants planning to spend over $300 billion on AI infrastructure this year, alongside the ambitious $500 billion Stargate Project. This competition reflects a broader struggle for strategic autonomy, economic security, and geopolitical influence, reminiscent of past industrial revolutions.

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Hong Kong to host 3 major financial events, highlighting its role as top international hub

Hong Kong is positioning itself as a leading international financial center by hosting three major wealth and investment events in late March. The highlight is the third annual Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit on March 26, themed "Hong Kong of the world, for the world," showcasing the city's role as a "superconnector" and "super value-adder" between mainland China and the global economy.

Government officials emphasize Hong Kong's unique advantages, including its adherence to common law, international business standards, and the free flow of capital and information. Financial Secretary Paul Chan anticipates a strong year for IPOs, projecting US$17-20 billion in proceeds, driven by optimism in the tech sector and support from mainland authorities encouraging Chinese companies to list in Hong Kong. This reinforces the city's appeal for attracting top-tier talent and fostering tech innovation.

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7 men in Japan arrested for sexually abusing their daughters, sharing child porn in group chat

七名日本男子因涉嫌性侵未成年少女(包括自己的女儿)以及分享儿童色情内容而被捕。 这些嫌疑人年龄在30多岁到50多岁之间,被指控对未成年女性实施了性侵犯,其中部分嫌疑人还拍摄并分享了相关视频。

据报道,四名嫌疑人被认为在一个群聊中拍摄和分享视频,而另外三名嫌疑人被发现持有类似材料。这些逮捕行动发生在去年11月至今年3月期间,所有嫌疑人都已认罪。根据日本法律,与13岁以下女性发生性关系者将面临至少五年的监禁,制作、供应或持有儿童色情制品者将面临最高三年的监禁或300万日元(约合2万美元)的罚款。

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In wartime Ukraine, an all-female King Lear after actors were called to the front lines

Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the conscription of many men into the armed forces, the Chernihiv Regional Youth Theatre has adapted by casting women in traditionally male roles. This shift reflects a broader trend in Ukraine where women are stepping up to fill essential positions, contributing to both the economy and national morale.

The theatre's director, Roman Pokrovskyi, explained that the change was necessitated by the departure of male actors and stage workers to the front lines. The theatre has embraced this new reality by reimagining its productions and becoming a center for both artistic expression and wartime volunteer efforts. This adaptation mirrors the resilience and resourcefulness of Ukrainians in the face of the Russian invasion.

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China urged to prepare students for challenges of AI and ageing population

Chinese lawmakers and political advisors are calling for rapid reforms in the education system to address the challenges posed by AI and an aging population. This echoes President Xi Jinping's recent remarks emphasizing the need for education to evolve and cultivate scientific talent crucial for China's technological ambitions.

Gao Song, president of Sun Yat-sen University, highlighted that current university curricula rely on outdated knowledge, hindering students' ability to solve future problems in the AI era. He stressed the importance of fostering creativity to navigate an uncertain future. His university is encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and strengthening core courses like AI and logic, while also pursuing AI-driven R&D in areas like low-altitude aircraft and intelligent medical diagnosis.

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US live-streamer Johnny Somali faces deportation from South Korea after guilty pleas

Johnny Somali, an American content creator known for his provocative live streams, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges in South Korea, potentially leading to his deportation. The 24-year-old, whose real name is Ramsey Khalid Ismael, faces charges including obstruction of business and violations of the Minor Offences Act. He is currently barred from leaving the country.

Ismael is notorious for his inflammatory and disruptive behavior during his travels, often antagonizing locals and engaging in culturally insensitive acts, which has led to arrests in countries like Japan and Israel. According to immigration lawyer Kim Ju-hyeong, a guilty verdict would likely result in an expulsion order, especially considering the multiple charges and the serious nature of his offenses, making it unlikely he will receive a lighter penalty.

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Teenagers arrested over HK$278,000 ‘space oil’ seizure in Hong Kong

香港警方逮捕了一名18岁男子和一名15岁少女,他们涉嫌贩毒和藏毒,警方查获了价值约27.8万港元的毒品,包括氯胺酮和“太空油”电子烟弹。 这次逮捕行动突显了青少年毒品犯罪的问题,以及新型毒品如“太空油”对年轻人的吸引力。

警方周三表示,两人于周一在油麻地的一个住宅单位被捕。警方在文英街17-24号的一个单位内查获了约475克疑似氯胺酮,以及121个疑似含有液态依托咪酯的电子烟弹,俗称“太空油”,总价值约27.8万港元。依托咪酯是一种强效麻醉剂,近年来作为太空油的主要成分而臭名昭著,太空油是一种在年轻人中迅速流行的娱乐性药物,很容易在电子烟胶囊中获得。此外,警方还发现了一批疑似毒品包装工具。目前,两人面临毒品贩运和藏有毒品指控,并被拘留,油麻地警区警官正在继续调查。

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Philippines ramps up efforts to uncover alleged Chinese espionage, but can its laws catch up?

The Philippines has significantly increased its counter-intelligence operations in recent months, resulting in numerous arrests and investigations into suspected espionage. This rapid escalation highlights the growing concern over foreign spying activities within the country.

Recent incidents include the discovery of a suspected network of Chinese agents, investigations into donations of motorcycles to local police by individuals with alleged ties to Chinese intelligence, and the arrest of Chinese nationals accused of posing as tourists to spy on the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy in Palawan. Observers are now emphasizing the need to update the Philippines' anti-spying laws, although it remains uncertain whether the new lawmakers elected in May will prioritize this legislation.

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Transatlantic trade war back on as EU and US alliance teeters on brink of collapse

欧盟和美国之间的贸易战再次爆发。起因是美国重新对全球范围内的钢铁和铝征收关税,并且提高了铝产品的关税率,范围也扩大到包括厨具、窗框、健身器材和部分金属家具等产品。欧盟随即采取了反制措施。

欧盟对包括哈雷戴维森摩托车、佛罗里达橙汁、肯塔基波旁威士忌和李维斯牛仔裤等具有象征意义的美国商品征收关税,这些商品都是在特朗普第一任总统期间,为了惩罚那些在政治上对共和党总统重要的美国州而特别挑选的。此外,欧盟委员会还宣布了一系列新的关税,涵盖工业和农产品,将在与欧盟27个成员国协商后于4月中旬实施。总的来说,这次反击将涵盖价值260亿欧元(283亿美元)的商品,与特朗普关税所涵盖的260亿美元大致相当。这一系列针锋相对的关税行动使跨大西洋关系降至新低,并导致包括澳大利亚、加拿大和韩国在内的美国盟友质疑华盛顿是否仍然是一个值得信赖的伙伴。

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No losses caused by Hong Kong top talent scheme: labour minister

香港劳工及福利局局长孙玉菡表示,引进高端人才的“高端人才通行证计划”并未给香港带来任何损失。此前,有声音质疑该计划被滥用,部分人士可能仅为方便旅行、子女入学或享受税务优惠而申请该计划。孙玉菡强调,政府对签证续签持乐观态度,并将在2025年中公布更多续签细节。

孙玉菡解释称,尽管并非所有获批者最终都会在香港定居,但他们在港期间的消费,如住宿、餐饮和旅游等,都为香港经济做出了贡献。他补充说,这些人才并未占用香港的福利资源,因此该计划总体上对香港有利。政府已批准约9万份申请,其中约8万人已抵达香港。

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China’s innovation blitz, kung fu bot goes open source: 7 science highlights

China claims to have found an ancient solution for its fifth-generation jets, while the US faces challenges with delaminating radar-absorbent coatings on its stealth fighters like the F-22 Raptor. This contrast highlights differing approaches to maintaining stealth capabilities in advanced military aircraft.

In other news, Chinese mathematician Wang Hong has achieved a breakthrough by solving the Kakeya conjecture within three dimensions. This "infamous" geometry problem's solution could have significant implications for various fields, including imaging, data processing, cryptography, and wireless communication, showcasing China's growing influence in mathematical research.

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Australian man survives for 105 days with titanium heart in world first

一名40多岁的澳大利亚男子成为世界上首位安装完全人工心脏后出院的患者。该男子患有严重的心力衰竭,在接受心脏移植前,依靠钛金属制成的BiVacor全人工心脏(一种血液泵)存活了100多天。

去年11月22日,他在悉尼圣文森特医院接受了长达六个小时的手术,植入了人工心脏作为过渡措施,等待捐赠心脏。这是澳大利亚首次进行此类手术。今年2月初,他安装着人工心脏出院。本月初,在植入人工心脏105天后,他返回医院接受了捐赠心脏移植。圣文森特医院在一份声明中表示,这位患者保持了BiVacor患者从植入到移植的最长时间记录,这是人工心脏技术未来发展的重要一步,该技术的长期目标是让患者无需移植就能无限期地使用该设备。

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Greenland election surprises as winner favours slow independence

在格陵兰岛大选中,Demokraatit党意外胜出,表明选民支持以更慢的速度走向独立。此次选举也受到了特朗普此前计划收购该岛屿的影响。该党以29.9%的得票率成为最大赢家,显示出社会自由主义在该岛的影响力。

选举结果也突显了格陵兰民众在独立问题上的分歧。主张尽快与丹麦分道扬镳的Naleraq党以24.5%的得票率位居第二。新一届由31名成员组成的议会将决定格陵兰岛未来的发展方向,以及独立后可能结盟的国家。值得注意的是,Demokraatit党和Naleraq党在此次选举中获得的民众支持相较于四年前都有显著提升。

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Yun Guolin, Cambridge physicist and wearable tech specialist, returns to China from UK

Yun Guolin, a Cambridge University physicist known for his work in pressure-sensitive wearable tech, has returned to China to become a special professor at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). Yun will be working in the department of modern mechanics in Hefei, focusing on liquid metals, composite materials, and their applications in flexible sensors and stretchable electronics.

Prior to joining USTC, Yun was a senior research associate at the Cambridge Graphene Centre and a Royal Society Newton International Fellow at Cambridge's engineering department. He earned his bachelor's degree from USTC in 2017 and his PhD from the University of Wollongong in Australia in 2021. His research includes a wearable system using liquid metal composite sensor bracelets to detect forearm muscle movements and recognize hand gesture intent, which he published in Advanced Science last year.

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Real-life ‘Truman Show’: man in China live-streamed 24/7, becomes influencer without knowing

中国一名患有智力障碍的独居男子在不知情的情况下被村民全天候直播,意外成为了网络红人。 这位名叫冯殿武(音译),也被称为“民哥”的62岁老人,居住在河北省沧州市的一个农村,他的遭遇引发了广泛关注。

据报道,冯殿武年轻时因保护朋友而受伤,导致声带和认知能力受损。在父母去世后,他独自生活在一间破旧的小房子里,靠捡拾废品为生。尽管他 получал 一笔 небольшую 政府补贴,但当地人表示,大部分都被不法分子偷走,使他的经济状况更加拮据。2022年,一位名叫二峰的村民拍摄了一段冯殿武 ночью 捡拾白菜的视频,在中国大陆的社交媒体上迅速传播,视频中冯殿武神情茫然,口中念念有词,手里拿着从邻居家偷来的两颗白菜。

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Global EV sales soared in February, as China’s market kept its growth pace with 76% surge

Global electric vehicle (EV) sales surged in February, primarily driven by a remarkable 76% growth in China. This increase occurred despite import barriers erected by Europe and the United States aimed at curbing the dominance of Chinese EV brands. Worldwide, EV and hybrid sales jumped to 1.2 million units, a 50% increase compared to the previous year, with China accounting for approximately three-quarters of these sales.

China's EV market continues to exhibit significant strength, with overall car sales in the first two months of 2025 rising by 35% to 1.4 million units, representing about 60% of global sales during that period. Pure battery-driven EV sales in China grew by 46%, fueled by new models from companies like BYD, Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Zeekr, leading consumers to favor fully electric vehicles over plug-in hybrids. Plug-in hybrid sales grew at a slower pace of 22% compared to the previous year, indicating a shift in consumer preference towards pure EVs.

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Asia watches Trump’s tariff turmoil ‘with anxiety’, Singapore trade chief says

Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong has warned that the United States' tariffs on its major trading partners, along with similar actions by other countries, pose a significant threat to global economic growth. Gan expressed anxiety over President Trump's tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, emphasizing that these measures, even if not directly impacting all of Asia, could disrupt supply chains and slow trade and investment flows.

Singapore, a nation heavily reliant on open trade and a strategically located port, has closely monitored the US president's tariff policies. The imposition of a 25% US tariff on steel and aluminum imports, coupled with retaliatory measures from other nations and investigations into China's steel exports, underscores a growing trend of protectionism. Gan, also the minister for trade and industry, cautioned that these developments could "significantly set back the growth of the global economy," highlighting the potential for widespread economic disruption.

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