How China’s slowing consumer spending is affecting the recovery of F&B firms
By Yuke Xie
Tepid consumer spending and escalating competition are weighing on the performance of China’s food and beverage (F&B) chains, with analysts warning that chances of a sustained recovery remain slim in the absence of policy support targeted at the sector.
Mainland fresh drinks maker Nayuki is expecting an adjusted net loss of up to 970 million yuan (US$134 million) for 2024, compared with a profit of 20.9 million yuan the previous year, according to a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange this week. The company attributed the loss to consumption headwinds, intensifying competition and losses from the closure of underperforming stores. It also said it plans to continue shutting down locations nationwide.
Hotpot restaurant chain Xiabu Xiabu said in a filing to the Hong Kong exchange this week that it could record a 20 per cent decline in revenue to about 4.8 billion yuan for 2024, alongside a net loss of up to 410 million yuan. It specifically noted that a consumption downgrade continues to put pressure on its mid-to-high-end brand, Coucou.
While Beijing’s historic stimulus package unveiled in September has helped boost sales in certain sectors such as cars and household appliances, sales of liquor, beverages, and catering services – areas outside the purview of last year’s campaign – have worsened since then, according to Guo Shan, a partner at Hutong Research, an independent advisory firm for multinational companies in China.
“Subsidies to encourage trade-in of household appliances and cars have incentivised sales but also squeezed spending elsewhere,” Guo said. Overall retail sales grew by only 3.5 per cent in 2024 from a year earlier, she added, citing official data. Retail sales grew 7.2 per cent in 2023.
China’s consumer price index fell 0.7 per cent in February from a year earlier, reversing from January’s 0.5 per cent increase, according to official data released this week.
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By Yuke Xie
Tepid consumer spending and escalating competition are weighing on the performance of China’s food and beverage (F&B) chains, with analysts warning that chances of a sustained recovery remain slim in the absence of policy support targeted at the sector.
Mainland fresh drinks maker Nayuki is expecting an adjusted net loss of up to 970 million yuan (US$134 million) for 2024, compared with a profit of 20.9 million yuan the previous year, according to a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange this week. The company attributed the loss to consumption headwinds, intensifying competition and losses from the closure of underperforming stores. It also said it plans to continue shutting down locations nationwide.
Hotpot restaurant chain Xiabu Xiabu said in a filing to the Hong Kong exchange this week that it could record a 20 per cent decline in revenue to about 4.8 billion yuan for 2024, alongside a net loss of up to 410 million yuan. It specifically noted that a consumption downgrade continues to put pressure on its mid-to-high-end brand, Coucou.
While Beijing’s historic stimulus package unveiled in September has helped boost sales in certain sectors such as cars and household appliances, sales of liquor, beverages, and catering services – areas outside the purview of last year’s campaign – have worsened since then, according to Guo Shan, a partner at Hutong Research, an independent advisory firm for multinational companies in China.
“Subsidies to encourage trade-in of household appliances and cars have incentivised sales but also squeezed spending elsewhere,” Guo said. Overall retail sales grew by only 3.5 per cent in 2024 from a year earlier, she added, citing official data. Retail sales grew 7.2 per cent in 2023.
China’s consumer price index fell 0.7 per cent in February from a year earlier, reversing from January’s 0.5 per cent increase, according to official data released this week.
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Biohybrid robots at the gym? It might make them stronger, Chinese study finds
中国的一项新研究表明，由实验室培养的骨骼肌组织构建的生物混合机器人，可能需要像人类一样的锻炼计划，以实现逼真的敏捷性。研究人员发现，在人工肌肉的生长阶段，对其进行电气和机械“训练”，可以使其收缩强度几乎翻倍，并使生物混合的毛毛虫机器人比早期模型爬行得更快。
中国科学院的研究人员受到人类骨骼肌训练模式的启发，开发了一种电机械共刺激系统，用于增强人工骨骼肌组织的性能。该系统在人工骨骼肌生长过程中，同时施加电刺激和机械刺激，并可以根据人工骨骼肌组织收缩力的实时测量结果，动态调整机械阻力。
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中国的一项新研究表明，由实验室培养的骨骼肌组织构建的生物混合机器人，可能需要像人类一样的锻炼计划，以实现逼真的敏捷性。研究人员发现，在人工肌肉的生长阶段，对其进行电气和机械“训练”，可以使其收缩强度几乎翻倍，并使生物混合的毛毛虫机器人比早期模型爬行得更快。
中国科学院的研究人员受到人类骨骼肌训练模式的启发，开发了一种电机械共刺激系统，用于增强人工骨骼肌组织的性能。该系统在人工骨骼肌生长过程中，同时施加电刺激和机械刺激，并可以根据人工骨骼肌组织收缩力的实时测量结果，动态调整机械阻力。
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British couple attacked in Thailand found guilty of injuring neighbours: ‘horrible ordeal’
By SCMP’s Asia desk
A British couple settled in Thailand for retirement were found guilty of injuring their neighbours, despite being victims of physical aggression.
A local court in Hua Hin, Thailand, on Wednesday convicted 77-year-old Desmond Byrne and his 69-year-old wife Mary of causing superficial injuries and mental anguish to their neighbours.
They were also accused of contempt of court as they had shared their experience to the media while the proceedings were ongoing, an allegation they denied.
The couple from Middlesbrough in eastern England was handed a 20-day suspended jail term and a fine of 17,500 baht (US$520). They could reportedly pick up their passports and return to the United Kingdom after paying the fine on Thursday.
“Our idyllic retirement in paradise has landed us in a living hell,” Mary told The Sun, a British tabloid.
The Byrnes moved to Thailand in 2021 and bought a villa in Hua Hin, some 2½ hours’ drive from the capital Bangkok, at the price of £200,000 (US$258,585).
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By SCMP’s Asia desk
A British couple settled in Thailand for retirement were found guilty of injuring their neighbours, despite being victims of physical aggression.
A local court in Hua Hin, Thailand, on Wednesday convicted 77-year-old Desmond Byrne and his 69-year-old wife Mary of causing superficial injuries and mental anguish to their neighbours.
They were also accused of contempt of court as they had shared their experience to the media while the proceedings were ongoing, an allegation they denied.
The couple from Middlesbrough in eastern England was handed a 20-day suspended jail term and a fine of 17,500 baht (US$520). They could reportedly pick up their passports and return to the United Kingdom after paying the fine on Thursday.
“Our idyllic retirement in paradise has landed us in a living hell,” Mary told The Sun, a British tabloid.
The Byrnes moved to Thailand in 2021 and bought a villa in Hua Hin, some 2½ hours’ drive from the capital Bangkok, at the price of £200,000 (US$258,585).
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Chinese team wins award for AI booster that may help counter US chip ban
A Chinese research team from Moonshoot and Tsinghua University has won the Erik Riedel Best Paper Award at the USENIX FAST conference for their Mooncake system, an algorithm that significantly improves AI performance and reduces reliance on advanced GPUs. This innovation could help China circumvent US restrictions on exporting advanced chips, as Mooncake enhances efficiency and reduces computing power demands.
The Mooncake platform, which powers the Kimi chatbot, processes 100 billion tokens daily and is reportedly up to five times more efficient than previous systems. This development is particularly significant given the US government's restrictions on exporting advanced AI chips, including Nvidia chips, to China, measures designed to limit China's AI computational power and hinder the training and development of AI models.
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A Chinese research team from Moonshoot and Tsinghua University has won the Erik Riedel Best Paper Award at the USENIX FAST conference for their Mooncake system, an algorithm that significantly improves AI performance and reduces reliance on advanced GPUs. This innovation could help China circumvent US restrictions on exporting advanced chips, as Mooncake enhances efficiency and reduces computing power demands.
The Mooncake platform, which powers the Kimi chatbot, processes 100 billion tokens daily and is reportedly up to five times more efficient than previous systems. This development is particularly significant given the US government's restrictions on exporting advanced AI chips, including Nvidia chips, to China, measures designed to limit China's AI computational power and hinder the training and development of AI models.
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Hong Kong BN(O) passport holders exempt from needing ETA to travel to UK
By Xinyi Wu
Hongkongers holding British National (Overseas) passports no longer need to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) document before travelling to the United Kingdom.
The UK government updated its website on Thursday to reflect the development, expanding the original exemption that applied to BN(O) visa holders.
The change came after migration and citizenship minister Seema Malhotra confirmed the decision in a letter to a member of the parliament last week.
She wrote that the decision was based on the fact that the BN(O) passport is issued by the UK, thereby providing a greater level of assurance to the identity of the holder.
Malhotra added the move had been made on the basis of the close ties that the BN(O) community has with the UK and the historical commitments made to them.
Since January, non-European nationals who do not need a visa for short stays in the UK have had to obtain an ETA before arrival. This included Hongkongers who were BN(O) passport holders but did not have a visa.
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By Xinyi Wu
Hongkongers holding British National (Overseas) passports no longer need to obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) document before travelling to the United Kingdom.
The UK government updated its website on Thursday to reflect the development, expanding the original exemption that applied to BN(O) visa holders.
The change came after migration and citizenship minister Seema Malhotra confirmed the decision in a letter to a member of the parliament last week.
She wrote that the decision was based on the fact that the BN(O) passport is issued by the UK, thereby providing a greater level of assurance to the identity of the holder.
Malhotra added the move had been made on the basis of the close ties that the BN(O) community has with the UK and the historical commitments made to them.
Since January, non-European nationals who do not need a visa for short stays in the UK have had to obtain an ETA before arrival. This included Hongkongers who were BN(O) passport holders but did not have a visa.
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Tesla plans cheaper Model Y, self-driving upgrade to put brakes on China sales slide
Tesla is planning to introduce a cheaper version of its Model Y and enhance its autonomous driving software in China to combat declining sales in the competitive Chinese electric vehicle market. The new Model Y variant, expected to be 20% cheaper than existing models, will be produced at Tesla's Shanghai factory starting next year. Tesla is also collaborating with Baidu to improve its driver-assistance system by better integrating Baidu's map data, aiming to enhance the system's recognition of local lane markings and traffic signals.
Tesla's sales in China have been impacted by intense price competition and rapid technological advancements from domestic EV manufacturers. February saw a significant drop in deliveries from Tesla's Gigafactory 3, marking the lowest sales figures since July 2022. This decline reflects a broader trend where local rivals are offering midsize intelligent EVs at prices significantly lower than Tesla's, impacting Tesla's market share, which fell from over 16% in 2020 to 4.3% in February.
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Tesla is planning to introduce a cheaper version of its Model Y and enhance its autonomous driving software in China to combat declining sales in the competitive Chinese electric vehicle market. The new Model Y variant, expected to be 20% cheaper than existing models, will be produced at Tesla's Shanghai factory starting next year. Tesla is also collaborating with Baidu to improve its driver-assistance system by better integrating Baidu's map data, aiming to enhance the system's recognition of local lane markings and traffic signals.
Tesla's sales in China have been impacted by intense price competition and rapid technological advancements from domestic EV manufacturers. February saw a significant drop in deliveries from Tesla's Gigafactory 3, marking the lowest sales figures since July 2022. This decline reflects a broader trend where local rivals are offering midsize intelligent EVs at prices significantly lower than Tesla's, impacting Tesla's market share, which fell from over 16% in 2020 to 4.3% in February.
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Elon Musk and the worrying political reach of the super-rich
Elon Musk's influence on Donald Trump's political strategies raises concerns about the power of wealthy individuals in shaping government policy. James Ashley's book characterizes Musk as a complex figure, and this complexity is reflected in his role as a political muse to Trump, potentially wielding unprecedented influence for a private citizen.
While wealthy individuals have historically sought political influence, the scale of financial contributions in recent US elections is alarming. Open Secrets reports that billions were donated to both Republican and Democratic parties, with Musk being a significant donor. This has led to worries that government policies are increasingly influenced by the wealthy, threatening the integrity of democratic institutions.
Commentators and even millionaires themselves are expressing concern over the inappropriate interference of the super-rich in elections and public opinion. The presence of billionaires and multimillionaires in key government positions, alongside figures like Musk with no formal role, further amplifies these anxieties about the disproportionate influence of wealth on democratic processes.
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Elon Musk's influence on Donald Trump's political strategies raises concerns about the power of wealthy individuals in shaping government policy. James Ashley's book characterizes Musk as a complex figure, and this complexity is reflected in his role as a political muse to Trump, potentially wielding unprecedented influence for a private citizen.
While wealthy individuals have historically sought political influence, the scale of financial contributions in recent US elections is alarming. Open Secrets reports that billions were donated to both Republican and Democratic parties, with Musk being a significant donor. This has led to worries that government policies are increasingly influenced by the wealthy, threatening the integrity of democratic institutions.
Commentators and even millionaires themselves are expressing concern over the inappropriate interference of the super-rich in elections and public opinion. The presence of billionaires and multimillionaires in key government positions, alongside figures like Musk with no formal role, further amplifies these anxieties about the disproportionate influence of wealth on democratic processes.
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Trump’s remarks on North Korea could spark Seoul’s nuclear rethink
By Park Chan-kyong
Comments by US President Donald Trump recognising North Korea as a nuclear power could prompt the South to reassess its place under the American nuclear umbrella that has so far provided deterrence against its arch rival, observers warn.
While addressing North Korea as a “nuclear power”, Trump said on Thursday he still had a good relationship with its ruler Kim Jong-un, with whom he met three times in his first term.
“I would … I have a great relationship with Kim and we’ll see what happens, but certainly he’s a nuclear power,” the American leader said after being asked by reporters during an Oval Office meeting with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte whether he had plans to reestablish relations with the hermit regime.
Trump met Kim three times, including in Singapore in 2018 and in Hanoi the following year, but failed to seal a deal on North Korea’s denuclearisation due to differences in details on such an agreement.
Since then, Pyongyang has consistently refused dialogue with Washington.
After testing the Hwasong-19 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile in October last year, Kim declared he would never diverge from the path of “strengthening nuclear deterrence” under any circumstances.
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By Park Chan-kyong
Comments by US President Donald Trump recognising North Korea as a nuclear power could prompt the South to reassess its place under the American nuclear umbrella that has so far provided deterrence against its arch rival, observers warn.
While addressing North Korea as a “nuclear power”, Trump said on Thursday he still had a good relationship with its ruler Kim Jong-un, with whom he met three times in his first term.
“I would … I have a great relationship with Kim and we’ll see what happens, but certainly he’s a nuclear power,” the American leader said after being asked by reporters during an Oval Office meeting with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte whether he had plans to reestablish relations with the hermit regime.
Trump met Kim three times, including in Singapore in 2018 and in Hanoi the following year, but failed to seal a deal on North Korea’s denuclearisation due to differences in details on such an agreement.
Since then, Pyongyang has consistently refused dialogue with Washington.
After testing the Hwasong-19 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile in October last year, Kim declared he would never diverge from the path of “strengthening nuclear deterrence” under any circumstances.
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Donald Trump picks ex-ambassador Michael DeSombre for top Asian role at State Department
美国总统特朗普已提名美国驻泰国前大使迈克尔·德索姆布雷担任负责亚洲事务的最高外交官，此举预计将受到北京方面的欢迎。 德索姆布雷被提名为负责东亚和太平洋事务的助理国务卿，这项任命需要得到参议院的批准。
德索姆布雷曾在香港担任并购律师长达20年，特朗普表示，德索姆布雷担任美国驻泰国大使期间“做得非常出色”。如果获得确认，他将负责华盛顿的东亚外交政策，并负责监督中国事务协调办公室，该办公室成立于2022年12月，是上届政府在全球与中国竞争中的外交战略的核心。
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美国总统特朗普已提名美国驻泰国前大使迈克尔·德索姆布雷担任负责亚洲事务的最高外交官，此举预计将受到北京方面的欢迎。 德索姆布雷被提名为负责东亚和太平洋事务的助理国务卿，这项任命需要得到参议院的批准。
德索姆布雷曾在香港担任并购律师长达20年，特朗普表示，德索姆布雷担任美国驻泰国大使期间“做得非常出色”。如果获得确认，他将负责华盛顿的东亚外交政策，并负责监督中国事务协调办公室，该办公室成立于2022年12月，是上届政府在全球与中国竞争中的外交战略的核心。
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Zhao Leji calls for legal improvements to fight Taiwan independence, foreign forces
By Hayley WongAmber Wang
Mainland China’s No 3 official has called for “further improving” the legal system against Taiwan independence during a symposium in Beijing marking the 20th anniversary of the country’s anti-secession law.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), said on Friday that China should “resolutely crack down on Taiwanese secession and intervention of foreign forces”.
China has doubled down on “improving the legal system to penalise independence forces” and the “large-scale anti-secession, anti-intervention struggle” under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Zhao said at the event.
The last time such a meeting was held was in 2020, which marked the 15th anniversary of the law.
Zhao added that the country would continue to step up its confidence and determination to achieve reunification with Taiwan, which Beijing sees as part of its territory.
Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state. But Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to arming Taiwan for self-defence.
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By Hayley WongAmber Wang
Mainland China’s No 3 official has called for “further improving” the legal system against Taiwan independence during a symposium in Beijing marking the 20th anniversary of the country’s anti-secession law.
Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), said on Friday that China should “resolutely crack down on Taiwanese secession and intervention of foreign forces”.
China has doubled down on “improving the legal system to penalise independence forces” and the “large-scale anti-secession, anti-intervention struggle” under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Zhao said at the event.
The last time such a meeting was held was in 2020, which marked the 15th anniversary of the law.
Zhao added that the country would continue to step up its confidence and determination to achieve reunification with Taiwan, which Beijing sees as part of its territory.
Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state. But Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to arming Taiwan for self-defence.
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Hong Kong health chief confirms patients may pay separate fees for scans like MRI
香港公立医院门诊病人未来或将为CT扫描和MRI等服务额外付费。香港卫生局局长卢宠茂证实了这一消息，住院病人和急诊病人将不受影响。此举旨在改革香港的医疗补贴模式，调整后的费用将用于帮助重症患者。
政府计划调整费用至“合理的共同支付”水平，以应对CT和MRI等复杂影像检查日益增长的需求和过长的等待时间。目前，香港政府对门诊CT和MRI扫描提供100%的补贴，这导致了一定程度的资源滥用。费用调整也有助于引导患者先寻求家庭医生的帮助，从而避免滥用专科医疗资源。
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香港公立医院门诊病人未来或将为CT扫描和MRI等服务额外付费。香港卫生局局长卢宠茂证实了这一消息，住院病人和急诊病人将不受影响。此举旨在改革香港的医疗补贴模式，调整后的费用将用于帮助重症患者。
政府计划调整费用至“合理的共同支付”水平，以应对CT和MRI等复杂影像检查日益增长的需求和过长的等待时间。目前，香港政府对门诊CT和MRI扫描提供100%的补贴，这导致了一定程度的资源滥用。费用调整也有助于引导患者先寻求家庭医生的帮助，从而避免滥用专科医疗资源。
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Foxconn’s profits drop as iPhone sales falter, but AI boom offers hope
<p><strong>Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn) reported lower-than-expected quarterly earnings due to weak iPhone sales in China and increased investments in AI server production.</strong> The Taiwanese company's net income fell by 13% to NT$46.3 billion (US$1.4 billion), missing analysts' estimates of NT$54.4 billion.</p> <p>While Hon Hai's server manufacturing arm is expanding due to high demand for Nvidia chips used in AI development, a significant portion of its revenue still comes from iPhone assembly. Apple's reported decline in iPhone sales during the holiday quarter, coupled with uncertainties surrounding potential US tariffs in 2025 and doubts about the justification of AI-related expenditures, contributed to the disappointing results.</p>
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<p><strong>Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn) reported lower-than-expected quarterly earnings due to weak iPhone sales in China and increased investments in AI server production.</strong> The Taiwanese company's net income fell by 13% to NT$46.3 billion (US$1.4 billion), missing analysts' estimates of NT$54.4 billion.</p> <p>While Hon Hai's server manufacturing arm is expanding due to high demand for Nvidia chips used in AI development, a significant portion of its revenue still comes from iPhone assembly. Apple's reported decline in iPhone sales during the holiday quarter, coupled with uncertainties surrounding potential US tariffs in 2025 and doubts about the justification of AI-related expenditures, contributed to the disappointing results.</p>
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Suspected killer of Japanese live-streamer wanted world to know she owed him US$13,000
Kenichi Takano, a 42-year-old man arrested for fatally stabbing 22-year-old Airi Sato in Tokyo, reportedly told investigators he wanted the world to know she had failed to repay debts to him. Takano claimed Sato owed him over 2 million yen (US$13,000) and believed that creating an incident and subsequent trial would expose her actions.
Takano stated he had borrowed 1 million yen from consumer credit companies to lend to Sato. Police seized multiple bank transfer receipts, some showing payments to Sato, during a search of his home. According to sources, Takano attacked Sato without warning, inflicting over 30 injuries, including fatal wounds to her neck and chest, while she was live streaming in Shinjuku.
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Kenichi Takano, a 42-year-old man arrested for fatally stabbing 22-year-old Airi Sato in Tokyo, reportedly told investigators he wanted the world to know she had failed to repay debts to him. Takano claimed Sato owed him over 2 million yen (US$13,000) and believed that creating an incident and subsequent trial would expose her actions.
Takano stated he had borrowed 1 million yen from consumer credit companies to lend to Sato. Police seized multiple bank transfer receipts, some showing payments to Sato, during a search of his home. According to sources, Takano attacked Sato without warning, inflicting over 30 injuries, including fatal wounds to her neck and chest, while she was live streaming in Shinjuku.
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Japan’s Tokyo to ‘revitalise’ nightlife with US$3.8 million jolt to lure visitors after dark
Tokyo is investing in revitalizing its nightlife to attract more tourists and boost its economy. The city has allocated 558 million yen (US$3.8 million) in subsidies to support 12 nighttime events designed to showcase Tokyo's after-dark charm and energy, aiming to address the issue of many tourists missing out on the city's vibrant nighttime scene.
The initiative addresses the increasing number of foreign tourists and the demand to revitalize the nighttime economy. In Shibuya, a major tourist destination, the local tourism trade association launched a five-day pop-up nightlife information office, the Shibuya Warm-Up Station, offering personalized recommendations, luggage storage, and welcome drinks to encourage exploration of the area's nighttime offerings.
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Tokyo is investing in revitalizing its nightlife to attract more tourists and boost its economy. The city has allocated 558 million yen (US$3.8 million) in subsidies to support 12 nighttime events designed to showcase Tokyo's after-dark charm and energy, aiming to address the issue of many tourists missing out on the city's vibrant nighttime scene.
The initiative addresses the increasing number of foreign tourists and the demand to revitalize the nighttime economy. In Shibuya, a major tourist destination, the local tourism trade association launched a five-day pop-up nightlife information office, the Shibuya Warm-Up Station, offering personalized recommendations, luggage storage, and welcome drinks to encourage exploration of the area's nighttime offerings.
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China, Russia and Iran issue joint call for end to ‘illegal’ nuclear sanctions on Tehran
By Kawala Xie
China, Russia and Iran have called for an end of “illegal and unilateral sanctions” as well as “threats of force” against Tehran following three-way talks in Beijing on Friday.
In a joint statement released by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, the three countries said diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on “mutual respect” were the “only effective and viable options” for addressing the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme.
They added that all parties should work to “eliminate the root causes” of the problem, saying: “The three countries stressed the need to end all illegal unilateral sanctions. Relevant parties should … abandon sanctions pressure and threats of force.”
The statement did not explicitly mention the United States, but the meeting was held after Iran rejected Donald Trump’s proposal to restart nuclear talks.
During his first term as president, Trump pulled the United States out of an international deal in which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions.
Chinese foreign vice-minister Ma Zhaoxu appeared at a joint press conference alongside his Russian and Iranian counterparts Sergei Ryabkov and Kazem Gharibabadi, where he said: “We stressed the importance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and its time frame, and called on the parties concerned to avoid actions that escalate the situation and jointly create a favourable atmosphere and conditions for diplomatic efforts.”
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By Kawala Xie
China, Russia and Iran have called for an end of “illegal and unilateral sanctions” as well as “threats of force” against Tehran following three-way talks in Beijing on Friday.
In a joint statement released by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, the three countries said diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on “mutual respect” were the “only effective and viable options” for addressing the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme.
They added that all parties should work to “eliminate the root causes” of the problem, saying: “The three countries stressed the need to end all illegal unilateral sanctions. Relevant parties should … abandon sanctions pressure and threats of force.”
The statement did not explicitly mention the United States, but the meeting was held after Iran rejected Donald Trump’s proposal to restart nuclear talks.
During his first term as president, Trump pulled the United States out of an international deal in which Iran agreed to limit its nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions.
Chinese foreign vice-minister Ma Zhaoxu appeared at a joint press conference alongside his Russian and Iranian counterparts Sergei Ryabkov and Kazem Gharibabadi, where he said: “We stressed the importance of UN Security Council Resolution 2231 and its time frame, and called on the parties concerned to avoid actions that escalate the situation and jointly create a favourable atmosphere and conditions for diplomatic efforts.”
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Philippines set for ‘more robust’ Balikatan joint drills, but no mention of Typhon
菲律宾正准备进行今年最大规模的联合军事演习，旨在提升其国防能力。观察人士认为，马尼拉应该继续展示一种备受争议的美国制造的导弹系统，而北京坚决反对该系统。此次演习名为“肩并肩”(Balikatan)，第40届演习将是一次全面的战斗测试，澳大利亚国防军和日本自卫队也将参与。
去年的演习包括在菲律宾领海12海里外的击沉演习。新加坡S. Rajaratnam国际研究学院的研究员Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman表示，即将到来的“肩并肩”演习将继续对中国在第一岛链沿线形成威慑，菲律宾在南海的利益和台湾海峡的安全与该岛链息息相关。此前，Typhon导弹系统曾在去年的Salaknib演习和“肩并肩”联合演习中部署于菲律宾。
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菲律宾正准备进行今年最大规模的联合军事演习，旨在提升其国防能力。观察人士认为，马尼拉应该继续展示一种备受争议的美国制造的导弹系统，而北京坚决反对该系统。此次演习名为“肩并肩”(Balikatan)，第40届演习将是一次全面的战斗测试，澳大利亚国防军和日本自卫队也将参与。
去年的演习包括在菲律宾领海12海里外的击沉演习。新加坡S. Rajaratnam国际研究学院的研究员Muhammad Faizal Bin Abdul Rahman表示，即将到来的“肩并肩”演习将继续对中国在第一岛链沿线形成威慑，菲律宾在南海的利益和台湾海峡的安全与该岛链息息相关。此前，Typhon导弹系统曾在去年的Salaknib演习和“肩并肩”联合演习中部署于菲律宾。
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Chinese cities call for bids to dismantle makeshift Covid hospitals and recycle materials
By Vanessa Cai
Several Chinese cities have opened the bidding for firms to tear down makeshift hospitals built quickly during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to domestic media outlet Caixin.
Local authorities have been working to remove the facilities, with materials and equipment up for auction since last year, according to Caixin which cited public resource trading platforms.
The former makeshift hospitals, known as fangcang, to be removed are mostly those assembled from containers and placed in suburbs. Local authorities, supported mainly by government funds, aim to recycle materials and equipment from the facilities.
Under China’s zero-Covid policy, a large number of temporary hospitals were set up to achieve Beijing’s goal of accommodating all Covid-19 patients, regardless of how severe their symptoms were. In late 2022, mandatory quarantine requirements were lifted and makeshift hospitals across the country were left empty.
Domestic media reports have noted that dealing with these temporary buildings has been a “difficult problem to solve” for local governments. Over the past two years, hundreds of makeshift hospitals have been transformed, with some becoming official medical facilities and others dismantled.
According to the Caixin report, the bidding documents show that some cities require contractors to carry out protective dismantling of reusable materials and equipment before transferring some of the materials to government departments that will coordinate their recycling by state-owned enterprises.
Other cities say the materials belong to the winning bidder that dismantles the buildings and restores the site.
In a case in Dongguan in southern China’s Guangdong province, a local recycling company this month won the bid to dispose of a facility’s electrical cables for about 5.9 million yuan (US$815,000).
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Vanessa Cai
Several Chinese cities have opened the bidding for firms to tear down makeshift hospitals built quickly during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to domestic media outlet Caixin.
Local authorities have been working to remove the facilities, with materials and equipment up for auction since last year, according to Caixin which cited public resource trading platforms.
The former makeshift hospitals, known as fangcang, to be removed are mostly those assembled from containers and placed in suburbs. Local authorities, supported mainly by government funds, aim to recycle materials and equipment from the facilities.
Under China’s zero-Covid policy, a large number of temporary hospitals were set up to achieve Beijing’s goal of accommodating all Covid-19 patients, regardless of how severe their symptoms were. In late 2022, mandatory quarantine requirements were lifted and makeshift hospitals across the country were left empty.
Domestic media reports have noted that dealing with these temporary buildings has been a “difficult problem to solve” for local governments. Over the past two years, hundreds of makeshift hospitals have been transformed, with some becoming official medical facilities and others dismantled.
According to the Caixin report, the bidding documents show that some cities require contractors to carry out protective dismantling of reusable materials and equipment before transferring some of the materials to government departments that will coordinate their recycling by state-owned enterprises.
Other cities say the materials belong to the winning bidder that dismantles the buildings and restores the site.
In a case in Dongguan in southern China’s Guangdong province, a local recycling company this month won the bid to dispose of a facility’s electrical cables for about 5.9 million yuan (US$815,000).
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South Korean firms axe ads with actor Kim Soo-hyun over underage dating scandal
韩国企业纷纷撤下由金秀贤代言的广告，此前金秀贤的经纪公司否认了他与已故女演员在未成年时期的关系。 这位明星的争议事件导致其商业合作受到严重影响。
CJ集团旗下的烘焙连锁店Tous Les Jours宣布已终止与金秀贤的合约，并删除了所有包含金秀贤的社交媒体帖子和线下宣传物。此外，拥有超过一千万会员的折扣零售连锁店Homeplus也加入了取消合作的行列。金秀贤与Tous Les Jours的合作始于2012年，中断后于去年九月再次签约，但如今已提前结束。
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韩国企业纷纷撤下由金秀贤代言的广告，此前金秀贤的经纪公司否认了他与已故女演员在未成年时期的关系。 这位明星的争议事件导致其商业合作受到严重影响。
CJ集团旗下的烘焙连锁店Tous Les Jours宣布已终止与金秀贤的合约，并删除了所有包含金秀贤的社交媒体帖子和线下宣传物。此外，拥有超过一千万会员的折扣零售连锁店Homeplus也加入了取消合作的行列。金秀贤与Tous Les Jours的合作始于2012年，中断后于去年九月再次签约，但如今已提前结束。
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Hong Kong arrivals rise 7% to 8.4 million in first 2 months of 2025
香港旅游发展局周五表示，今年前两个月香港共接待了840万游客，比2024年同期增长7%。其中，非中国内地市场的增长势头强劲，游客人数激增20%，而中国内地游客人数同比增长4%。
尽管如此，中国内地游客人数仍达到650万，占前两个月游客总数的77.2%，其中包括农历新年假期。在非内地市场中，短途市场的游客人数增长最为显著，增长了26%，达到113万。来自东南亚国家（包括菲律宾和印度尼西亚）以及日本和韩国的游客数量均同比增长超过30%。在长途市场中，澳大利亚的游客人数也出现了强劲增长，增幅达34%。
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香港旅游发展局周五表示，今年前两个月香港共接待了840万游客，比2024年同期增长7%。其中，非中国内地市场的增长势头强劲，游客人数激增20%，而中国内地游客人数同比增长4%。
尽管如此，中国内地游客人数仍达到650万，占前两个月游客总数的77.2%，其中包括农历新年假期。在非内地市场中，短途市场的游客人数增长最为显著，增长了26%，达到113万。来自东南亚国家（包括菲律宾和印度尼西亚）以及日本和韩国的游客数量均同比增长超过30%。在长途市场中，澳大利亚的游客人数也出现了强劲增长，增幅达34%。
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5 celebrity cats amaze fans – Thai chic model, China ‘badass’ feline, Hawaii surfing kitty
一只在泰国曼谷夜市走红的黄色虎斑猫Je Phil成为了当地的“网红”。它因能驾驭各种时尚造型而备受欢迎，无论是中国戏曲服装、孙悟空装扮，还是配有假发和闪亮项链的时髦套装，都能展现出一种毫不费力的酷劲。
据Doggystep宠物店的主人透露，这只猫是在不到两个月大的时候被遗弃在街头的。现在，Je Phil就像一个优雅的时尚模特，经常耐心地与游客合影，享受着作为“网红”猫的生活。
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一只在泰国曼谷夜市走红的黄色虎斑猫Je Phil成为了当地的“网红”。它因能驾驭各种时尚造型而备受欢迎，无论是中国戏曲服装、孙悟空装扮，还是配有假发和闪亮项链的时髦套装，都能展现出一种毫不费力的酷劲。
据Doggystep宠物店的主人透露，这只猫是在不到两个月大的时候被遗弃在街头的。现在，Je Phil就像一个优雅的时尚模特，经常耐心地与游客合影，享受着作为“网红”猫的生活。
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