China’s Congolese cobalt edge, Labubu’s Hong Kong origins: 5 weekend reads you missed
本篇报道汇总了上周末亚洲及其他地区的重要新闻，旨在帮助读者了解最新动态。 其中包括刚果（金）的矿产资源开采情况，以及中国生物科技公司科济药业的最新发展。
详细报道包括对刚果（金）铜钴矿的关注，以及对科济药业创始人兼首席执行官Michelle Xia的介绍。此外，还有其他新闻事件的插图，旨在更生动地呈现新闻内容。
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本篇报道汇总了上周末亚洲及其他地区的重要新闻，旨在帮助读者了解最新动态。 其中包括刚果（金）的矿产资源开采情况，以及中国生物科技公司科济药业的最新发展。
详细报道包括对刚果（金）铜钴矿的关注，以及对科济药业创始人兼首席执行官Michelle Xia的介绍。此外，还有其他新闻事件的插图，旨在更生动地呈现新闻内容。
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China’s home prices drop for 21st straight month as property recovery remains elusive
中国的新房价格在2月份连续第21个月下跌，房地产市场持续低迷，这表明需要采取更有力的措施来稳定市场。根据国家统计局的数据，2月份70个主要城市的新房价格环比下降0.1%，与1月份的降幅相同。新房价格同比下降5.2%，略好于1月份5.4%的同比降幅。
二手房方面，2月份70个城市二手房价格环比下跌0.3%，与1月份的跌幅持平。同比来看，二手房价格下跌7.5%，跌幅较1月份的7.8%略有收窄。尽管整体数据不容乐观，但上海易居房地产研究院副院长严跃进认为，由于2月份是传统淡季，这样的降幅属于正常现象，并预测今年上半年房价跌幅将持续收窄，部分城市或将率先迎来价格上涨。
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中国的新房价格在2月份连续第21个月下跌，房地产市场持续低迷，这表明需要采取更有力的措施来稳定市场。根据国家统计局的数据，2月份70个主要城市的新房价格环比下降0.1%，与1月份的降幅相同。新房价格同比下降5.2%，略好于1月份5.4%的同比降幅。
二手房方面，2月份70个城市二手房价格环比下跌0.3%，与1月份的跌幅持平。同比来看，二手房价格下跌7.5%，跌幅较1月份的7.8%略有收窄。尽管整体数据不容乐观，但上海易居房地产研究院副院长严跃进认为，由于2月份是传统淡季，这样的降幅属于正常现象，并预测今年上半年房价跌幅将持续收窄，部分城市或将率先迎来价格上涨。
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Got a boyfriend? What colour is your underwear? Questions Japan’s female job hunters face
在日本，年轻女性在求职面试中面临着不当提问甚至性骚扰的情况。一些面试官会询问求职者是否有男友、结婚计划，甚至更私密的问题，例如男友是否经常留宿或内衣颜色。这些经历让年轻女性感到不适和困扰。
许多求职者还反映，面试官会邀请她们共进晚餐或饮酒，她们担心拒绝会影响求职结果。尽管一些女性在国际公司求职时没有遇到类似情况，但社交媒体上充斥着年轻女性分享的令人不安的面试经历，这表明职场性别歧视问题在日本依然存在。
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在日本，年轻女性在求职面试中面临着不当提问甚至性骚扰的情况。一些面试官会询问求职者是否有男友、结婚计划，甚至更私密的问题，例如男友是否经常留宿或内衣颜色。这些经历让年轻女性感到不适和困扰。
许多求职者还反映，面试官会邀请她们共进晚餐或饮酒，她们担心拒绝会影响求职结果。尽管一些女性在国际公司求职时没有遇到类似情况，但社交媒体上充斥着年轻女性分享的令人不安的面试经历，这表明职场性别歧视问题在日本依然存在。
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Chinese scientists turn tumours into ‘pork’ in radical cancer treatment
Chinese researchers have successfully engineered tumors to mimic pork tissue, triggering a powerful immune response that effectively targets and destroys cancer cells. This innovative approach repurposes the body's natural rejection mechanism, typically associated with organ transplants, to fight cancer with remarkable precision, leaving healthy cells unharmed.
The study, published in Cell, involved using a genetically modified virus to "disguise" cancer cells as foreign pig tissue. Early clinical trials have shown promising results, with 90% of patients with advanced, treatment-resistant cancers experiencing halted tumor growth or shrinkage. One cervical cancer patient was even declared clinically cured, showcasing the potential of this "tumor-to-pork" strategy as a breakthrough in cancer therapy, especially for cases where conventional treatments have proven ineffective. The research was led by Professor Zhao Yongxiang from Guangxi Medical University.
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Chinese researchers have successfully engineered tumors to mimic pork tissue, triggering a powerful immune response that effectively targets and destroys cancer cells. This innovative approach repurposes the body's natural rejection mechanism, typically associated with organ transplants, to fight cancer with remarkable precision, leaving healthy cells unharmed.
The study, published in Cell, involved using a genetically modified virus to "disguise" cancer cells as foreign pig tissue. Early clinical trials have shown promising results, with 90% of patients with advanced, treatment-resistant cancers experiencing halted tumor growth or shrinkage. One cervical cancer patient was even declared clinically cured, showcasing the potential of this "tumor-to-pork" strategy as a breakthrough in cancer therapy, especially for cases where conventional treatments have proven ineffective. The research was led by Professor Zhao Yongxiang from Guangxi Medical University.
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South Korea semiconductor exports to China sink as US tightens tech restrictions
South Korea's semiconductor exports to China, including Hong Kong, experienced a significant drop of 31.8% year-on-year last month, raising concerns about a potential slowdown in global demand. This decline follows a 22.5% contraction in January and contrasts with the growth observed in 2024, which had contributed to South Korea's economic expansion. The reduced chip sales to China, the world's second-largest economy, signal a worrying trend for the industry.
The export decline coincides with the United States implementing stricter export restrictions on advanced semiconductors to China, aiming to limit Beijing's progress in artificial intelligence and other high-tech sectors. These restrictions, imposed by the US Department of Commerce, specifically target high-bandwidth memory chips. Companies like SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, major memory-chip manufacturers with operations in China, are directly affected by these measures, further impacting South Korea's semiconductor exports.
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South Korea's semiconductor exports to China, including Hong Kong, experienced a significant drop of 31.8% year-on-year last month, raising concerns about a potential slowdown in global demand. This decline follows a 22.5% contraction in January and contrasts with the growth observed in 2024, which had contributed to South Korea's economic expansion. The reduced chip sales to China, the world's second-largest economy, signal a worrying trend for the industry.
The export decline coincides with the United States implementing stricter export restrictions on advanced semiconductors to China, aiming to limit Beijing's progress in artificial intelligence and other high-tech sectors. These restrictions, imposed by the US Department of Commerce, specifically target high-bandwidth memory chips. Companies like SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics, major memory-chip manufacturers with operations in China, are directly affected by these measures, further impacting South Korea's semiconductor exports.
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Thailand plans China visit to check on Uygur deportees’ welfare
A Thai government delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, will visit Kashi city in Xinjiang this week to check on the welfare of 40 Uygur refugees who were controversially deported to China last month. The visit, scheduled for March 18-20, comes after international condemnation of the deportation and subsequent US travel sanctions on Thai officials involved.
Thailand defended its decision to return the Uygurs, citing assurances from Beijing regarding their safety and reintegration. The visit is part of an agreement with Chinese authorities made when Thailand agreed to the deportation after the refugees spent a decade in detention. The US imposed visa restrictions on unspecified Thai officials involved in the deportation, reflecting a new policy to counter China's efforts to force the return of Uygurs and others.
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A Thai government delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, will visit Kashi city in Xinjiang this week to check on the welfare of 40 Uygur refugees who were controversially deported to China last month. The visit, scheduled for March 18-20, comes after international condemnation of the deportation and subsequent US travel sanctions on Thai officials involved.
Thailand defended its decision to return the Uygurs, citing assurances from Beijing regarding their safety and reintegration. The visit is part of an agreement with Chinese authorities made when Thailand agreed to the deportation after the refugees spent a decade in detention. The US imposed visa restrictions on unspecified Thai officials involved in the deportation, reflecting a new policy to counter China's efforts to force the return of Uygurs and others.
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Hong Kong property firm Gale Well trying to sell US$386 million in assets amid slump
香港房地产投资公司Gale Well Group计划出售价值约30亿港元（3.86亿美元）的资产，原因是银行对房地产市场持谨慎态度。该公司的创始人董漫亮表示，许多银行不看好房地产市场，不断催促投资者偿还贷款，导致许多投资者财务状况不佳，不得不以低于市场价的价格出售部分房产。
由于租金收入下降和估值缩水，越来越多的业主在高利率环境下难以履行偿债义务，导致不良资产激增。世邦魏理仕（CBRE）的颜 Reeves表示，2024年约有四分之三的房地产交易属于不良资产出售。银行除了催促还款外，还在调整商业楼宇的按揭贷款，以缩小贷款比例，要求业主补足差额，或支付6至12个月的本金和利息。Gale Well出售约10%的物业组合，以确保贷款比例更加安全，并让银行放心。
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香港房地产投资公司Gale Well Group计划出售价值约30亿港元（3.86亿美元）的资产，原因是银行对房地产市场持谨慎态度。该公司的创始人董漫亮表示，许多银行不看好房地产市场，不断催促投资者偿还贷款，导致许多投资者财务状况不佳，不得不以低于市场价的价格出售部分房产。
由于租金收入下降和估值缩水，越来越多的业主在高利率环境下难以履行偿债义务，导致不良资产激增。世邦魏理仕（CBRE）的颜 Reeves表示，2024年约有四分之三的房地产交易属于不良资产出售。银行除了催促还款外，还在调整商业楼宇的按揭贷款，以缩小贷款比例，要求业主补足差额，或支付6至12个月的本金和利息。Gale Well出售约10%的物业组合，以确保贷款比例更加安全，并让银行放心。
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Indonesia is No 1 for crocodile attacks. Is palm oil to blame?
Munirpa, an Indonesian woman, survived a near-fatal crocodile attack and bravely re-enacted the incident months later to raise awareness. The 48-year-old was attacked while disposing of rubbish near her home in West Sulawesi, Indonesia, when a four-meter crocodile seized her, nearly killing her before her husband intervened.
The incident highlights the increasing conflict between humans and crocodiles in the Central Mamuju district, where the Budong-Budong River meets the sea. With nearly 180 recorded crocodile attacks in Indonesia last year, residents are struggling to coexist with the protected species, prompting calls for government intervention to balance conservation efforts with public safety.
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Munirpa, an Indonesian woman, survived a near-fatal crocodile attack and bravely re-enacted the incident months later to raise awareness. The 48-year-old was attacked while disposing of rubbish near her home in West Sulawesi, Indonesia, when a four-meter crocodile seized her, nearly killing her before her husband intervened.
The incident highlights the increasing conflict between humans and crocodiles in the Central Mamuju district, where the Budong-Budong River meets the sea. With nearly 180 recorded crocodile attacks in Indonesia last year, residents are struggling to coexist with the protected species, prompting calls for government intervention to balance conservation efforts with public safety.
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Hong Kong’s demand for AI talent surges, with more than 2,000 job openings
香港雇主正在积极招聘人工智能(AI)人才，计划填补超过2000个相关职位，这反映了香港致力于转型为创新科技中心的决心。 这些职位空缺将在香港数码港举办的职业博览会上重点展示，吸引超过580家机构参与，包括初创企业、科技公司、政府部门以及恒生银行和中原地产等知名企业。
数码港智慧生活主管蔡伟表示，约70%的招聘者希望聘请AI专业人才，近60%的职位与AI应用相关。智慧生活领域涵盖环境、零售、健康、机器人、物联网和教育科技等多个方面。值得注意的是，教育科技领域占据了职位空缺的最大份额，达到29%。
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香港雇主正在积极招聘人工智能(AI)人才，计划填补超过2000个相关职位，这反映了香港致力于转型为创新科技中心的决心。 这些职位空缺将在香港数码港举办的职业博览会上重点展示，吸引超过580家机构参与，包括初创企业、科技公司、政府部门以及恒生银行和中原地产等知名企业。
数码港智慧生活主管蔡伟表示，约70%的招聘者希望聘请AI专业人才，近60%的职位与AI应用相关。智慧生活领域涵盖环境、零售、健康、机器人、物联网和教育科技等多个方面。值得注意的是，教育科技领域占据了职位空缺的最大份额，达到29%。
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Lifting embryo storage restriction a good first step for Hong Kong
Hong Kong lawmakers are being praised for their efforts in pushing for the lifting of restrictions on the storage of gametes or embryos for personal use. The Council on Human Reproductive Technology has formally proposed allowing residents to store embryos indefinitely, regardless of age, sex, or medical condition, and has launched a public consultation on the matter.
This move comes after a long struggle to convince the government, which initially resisted due to concerns that it would delay child-bearing decisions. However, lawmakers argued that limiting storage duration is an ineffective approach to encouraging earlier childbirth, especially considering the rising median age for first marriage in Hong Kong. Lawmakers like Nixie Lam, who used assisted reproduction to have her child, have been instrumental in advocating for this change, highlighting the need for greater support for those using assisted-fertility treatments.
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Hong Kong lawmakers are being praised for their efforts in pushing for the lifting of restrictions on the storage of gametes or embryos for personal use. The Council on Human Reproductive Technology has formally proposed allowing residents to store embryos indefinitely, regardless of age, sex, or medical condition, and has launched a public consultation on the matter.
This move comes after a long struggle to convince the government, which initially resisted due to concerns that it would delay child-bearing decisions. However, lawmakers argued that limiting storage duration is an ineffective approach to encouraging earlier childbirth, especially considering the rising median age for first marriage in Hong Kong. Lawmakers like Nixie Lam, who used assisted reproduction to have her child, have been instrumental in advocating for this change, highlighting the need for greater support for those using assisted-fertility treatments.
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Why the choice of the next Dalai Lama is such a sensitive issue for Beijing
随着达赖喇嘛接近90岁高龄，关于其继任者的争议预计将再次升温，这可能会对社会稳定以及中国与美国和印度的关系产生影响。达赖喇嘛自1959年中国人民解放军镇压西藏武装起义以来一直流亡印度。按照藏传佛教的传统，达赖喇嘛将会转世，并且他曾多次表示将在今年解决这个问题。
达赖喇嘛在本月出版的新书中暗示，他的继任者可能会在中国境外出生，这一提议迅速遭到北京方面的拒绝。北京方面称达赖喇嘛是“一个以宗教为幌子从事反华分裂活动的政治流亡者，无权代表西藏人民”。根据藏传佛教传统，达赖喇嘛是西藏的政治和精神领袖。当像达赖喇嘛这样的活佛去世后，他将会转世为一个小孩，而这个小孩必须通过一系列的寻找和仪式才能被找到。
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随着达赖喇嘛接近90岁高龄，关于其继任者的争议预计将再次升温，这可能会对社会稳定以及中国与美国和印度的关系产生影响。达赖喇嘛自1959年中国人民解放军镇压西藏武装起义以来一直流亡印度。按照藏传佛教的传统，达赖喇嘛将会转世，并且他曾多次表示将在今年解决这个问题。
达赖喇嘛在本月出版的新书中暗示，他的继任者可能会在中国境外出生，这一提议迅速遭到北京方面的拒绝。北京方面称达赖喇嘛是“一个以宗教为幌子从事反华分裂活动的政治流亡者，无权代表西藏人民”。根据藏传佛教传统，达赖喇嘛是西藏的政治和精神领袖。当像达赖喇嘛这样的活佛去世后，他将会转世为一个小孩，而这个小孩必须通过一系列的寻找和仪式才能被找到。
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Chinese woman, 103, passes away after 80-year wait for husband who worked abroad
中国一位名叫杜 Huzhen 的 103 岁老妇去世，她一生都在等待 80 多年前离家出走的丈夫归来。 杜 Huzhen 于 3 月 8 日在位于中国西南部的贵州省的家中去世。她的家人发布了讣告，但没有说明死因。
据上海晨报报道，杜 Huzhen 去世前一直手持一个旧枕套，那是她 1940 年结婚时使用的。她的丈夫黄俊夫比她小三岁。两人结婚后不久，黄俊夫就加入了国民党军队，奔赴全国各地作战。1943 年，杜 Huzhen 找到了黄俊夫，并陪伴他服兵役，直到她怀孕后才返回家乡。
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中国一位名叫杜 Huzhen 的 103 岁老妇去世，她一生都在等待 80 多年前离家出走的丈夫归来。 杜 Huzhen 于 3 月 8 日在位于中国西南部的贵州省的家中去世。她的家人发布了讣告，但没有说明死因。
据上海晨报报道，杜 Huzhen 去世前一直手持一个旧枕套，那是她 1940 年结婚时使用的。她的丈夫黄俊夫比她小三岁。两人结婚后不久，黄俊夫就加入了国民党军队，奔赴全国各地作战。1943 年，杜 Huzhen 找到了黄俊夫，并陪伴他服兵役，直到她怀孕后才返回家乡。
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Polls predict pay rises for Hong Kong professionals, with some hitting 5%
香港大部分从业者今年有望获得加薪。调查显示，超过三分之一的专业人士预计加薪幅度可达2.4%，部分人士甚至可达5%。这一趋势反映出香港就业市场前景的改善。
尽管如此，加薪幅度也存在差异。较低端的加薪幅度略高于香港最新的官方通胀预期1.8%，而公务员则面临冻薪，这与政府应对872亿港元赤字的努力有关。国际招聘机构瀚纳仕的调查显示，77%的香港专业人士有望在今年获得加薪，但也有五分之一的机构预计不会调整薪资，3%的机构表示将降薪。
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香港大部分从业者今年有望获得加薪。调查显示，超过三分之一的专业人士预计加薪幅度可达2.4%，部分人士甚至可达5%。这一趋势反映出香港就业市场前景的改善。
尽管如此，加薪幅度也存在差异。较低端的加薪幅度略高于香港最新的官方通胀预期1.8%，而公务员则面临冻薪，这与政府应对872亿港元赤字的努力有关。国际招聘机构瀚纳仕的调查显示，77%的香港专业人士有望在今年获得加薪，但也有五分之一的机构预计不会调整薪资，3%的机构表示将降薪。
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Indonesia’s military once called all the shots. It may again under Prabowo
印尼的权利组织强烈谴责一项拟议的军事法律修订，该修订可能为现役军人担任更多文职职位和从事商业活动铺平道路，这让人联想到独裁者苏哈托“新秩序”时代的标志。人权和民主活动人士担心，随着立法者推动修订2004年关于印尼国民军（TNI）的法律，被称为军事双重职能或“dwifungsi”的做法可能会卷土重来。
在苏哈托32年的统治下，军方渗透到国家政治以及国内事务中，因为它帮助苏哈托在各种危机中坚持掌权并维持秩序。印尼军事首长阿古斯·苏比扬托将军表示，目前的法律已经“过时”，因为它已经超过20年没有修订。阿古斯在周四与众议院的一次会议上说，2004年的军事法“被认为不再与解决‘实施国家政策和政治决定的基本规范’中的各种问题相关”。
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印尼的权利组织强烈谴责一项拟议的军事法律修订，该修订可能为现役军人担任更多文职职位和从事商业活动铺平道路，这让人联想到独裁者苏哈托“新秩序”时代的标志。人权和民主活动人士担心，随着立法者推动修订2004年关于印尼国民军（TNI）的法律，被称为军事双重职能或“dwifungsi”的做法可能会卷土重来。
在苏哈托32年的统治下，军方渗透到国家政治以及国内事务中，因为它帮助苏哈托在各种危机中坚持掌权并维持秩序。印尼军事首长阿古斯·苏比扬托将军表示，目前的法律已经“过时”，因为它已经超过20年没有修订。阿古斯在周四与众议院的一次会议上说，2004年的军事法“被认为不再与解决‘实施国家政策和政治决定的基本规范’中的各种问题相关”。
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Cuba reconnects electrical grid, restores power to much of Havana after island-wide outage
Cuba has reconnected its national electrical grid and restored power to most of Havana, nearly two days after an island-wide outage left 10 million people without electricity. Havana's electric company reported that approximately two-thirds of its customers in the city had their power restored late Sunday, with expectations of further improvements overnight. Residents across Havana celebrated as lights returned after the prolonged blackout.
The Cuban government attributes the energy crisis to the long-standing US trade embargo and recent sanctions imposed by former US President Donald Trump. These measures have strained the country's ability to maintain its aging infrastructure and secure necessary resources. In response, Cuba is seeking to reduce its reliance on outdated oil-fired power plants by developing large solar farms with assistance from China. The island-wide outage was triggered by a short circuit in a Havana substation, leading to a chain reaction that shut down power generation across the entire country, severely impacting daily life and commerce in the capital.
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Cuba has reconnected its national electrical grid and restored power to most of Havana, nearly two days after an island-wide outage left 10 million people without electricity. Havana's electric company reported that approximately two-thirds of its customers in the city had their power restored late Sunday, with expectations of further improvements overnight. Residents across Havana celebrated as lights returned after the prolonged blackout.
The Cuban government attributes the energy crisis to the long-standing US trade embargo and recent sanctions imposed by former US President Donald Trump. These measures have strained the country's ability to maintain its aging infrastructure and secure necessary resources. In response, Cuba is seeking to reduce its reliance on outdated oil-fired power plants by developing large solar farms with assistance from China. The island-wide outage was triggered by a short circuit in a Havana substation, leading to a chain reaction that shut down power generation across the entire country, severely impacting daily life and commerce in the capital.
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Trump’s tariffs to reshape global trade with key role for Hong Kong: StanChart chairman
即将卸任的渣打集团董事长何塞·维尼亚尔斯表示，美国总统特朗普不太可能对中国征收“超级关税”，尽管他的贸易政策可能会在亚洲、中东和非洲创造新的贸易联系和商业机会。他认为，市场担心的对华关税达到60%的情况不太可能发生，因为这些关税在谈判后会被修改。
尽管特朗普对加拿大、中国和墨西哥征收更高的关税，导致了针锋相对的回应，并给全球增长前景蒙上了阴影，但维尼亚尔斯淡化了人们对旷日持久且破坏性的贸易战的担忧。他表示，关税对全球增长和全球贸易不利，但他希望并猜测不会出现对中国的“超级关税”。特朗普本月对来自中国大陆、加拿大和墨西哥的某些商品征收高达25%的关税。
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即将卸任的渣打集团董事长何塞·维尼亚尔斯表示，美国总统特朗普不太可能对中国征收“超级关税”，尽管他的贸易政策可能会在亚洲、中东和非洲创造新的贸易联系和商业机会。他认为，市场担心的对华关税达到60%的情况不太可能发生，因为这些关税在谈判后会被修改。
尽管特朗普对加拿大、中国和墨西哥征收更高的关税，导致了针锋相对的回应，并给全球增长前景蒙上了阴影，但维尼亚尔斯淡化了人们对旷日持久且破坏性的贸易战的担忧。他表示，关税对全球增长和全球贸易不利，但他希望并猜测不会出现对中国的“超级关税”。特朗普本月对来自中国大陆、加拿大和墨西哥的某些商品征收高达25%的关税。
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Health fears for elderly UK man held by Taliban, daughter calls for father’s release
The daughter of a British man detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan is expressing serious concerns about his deteriorating health. Peter Reynolds, in his 70s, was detained last month along with his wife, Barbie, and a Chinese-American friend while traveling to their home in Bamyan province.
According to his daughter, Sarah Entwistle, Peter is suffering from a chest infection, eye infection, and digestive issues due to poor nutrition, and requires immediate access to medication. She also stated that her 79-year-old father has allegedly been beaten and shackled, and that her 75-year-old mother has been told she can no longer see him, which Entwistle calls a "shocking escalation."
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The daughter of a British man detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan is expressing serious concerns about his deteriorating health. Peter Reynolds, in his 70s, was detained last month along with his wife, Barbie, and a Chinese-American friend while traveling to their home in Bamyan province.
According to his daughter, Sarah Entwistle, Peter is suffering from a chest infection, eye infection, and digestive issues due to poor nutrition, and requires immediate access to medication. She also stated that her 79-year-old father has allegedly been beaten and shackled, and that her 75-year-old mother has been told she can no longer see him, which Entwistle calls a "shocking escalation."
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US hints at Ukraine concessions ahead of Trump-Putin call to discuss ceasefire
US officials are optimistic that a ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia could be reached within weeks. This positive outlook follows recent talks, including a meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin, and precedes an expected discussion between Presidents Trump and Putin this week.
While details remain unclear, the US has proposed a halt in fighting, a proposal Kyiv has reportedly accepted. However, Putin has raised "serious questions" and listed conditions, suggesting Ukraine may need to make significant concessions for a deal to materialize. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described his talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as "promising," hinting at a potential announcement soon.
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US officials are optimistic that a ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russia could be reached within weeks. This positive outlook follows recent talks, including a meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Vladimir Putin, and precedes an expected discussion between Presidents Trump and Putin this week.
While details remain unclear, the US has proposed a halt in fighting, a proposal Kyiv has reportedly accepted. However, Putin has raised "serious questions" and listed conditions, suggesting Ukraine may need to make significant concessions for a deal to materialize. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described his talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as "promising," hinting at a potential announcement soon.
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Economist Robin Xing on the revival of China’s animal spirits and surviving Trump 2.0
Investor sentiment towards China has improved significantly in recent weeks, driven by policy shifts and renewed efforts to stimulate the economy. Morgan Stanley's chief China economist, Robin Xing, notes a shift since September, with progress accelerating on restructuring debt, rebalancing towards consumption, and implementing reforms to boost confidence.
Prior to September, deflationary pressures hampered reflation efforts. However, recent measures like local government debt swaps, housing relief, modest consumption stimulus, and dialogues between leaders and the private sector have contributed to a more positive outlook. Xing estimates the progress on reflation has increased from 20% before September to roughly 50% currently.
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Investor sentiment towards China has improved significantly in recent weeks, driven by policy shifts and renewed efforts to stimulate the economy. Morgan Stanley's chief China economist, Robin Xing, notes a shift since September, with progress accelerating on restructuring debt, rebalancing towards consumption, and implementing reforms to boost confidence.
Prior to September, deflationary pressures hampered reflation efforts. However, recent measures like local government debt swaps, housing relief, modest consumption stimulus, and dialogues between leaders and the private sector have contributed to a more positive outlook. Xing estimates the progress on reflation has increased from 20% before September to roughly 50% currently.
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How small powers can survive the era of transactional diplomacy
In early 2025, the international landscape is marked by unpredictability, with the traditional rules-based order giving way to transactional diplomacy and strategic improvisation. Conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza highlight this shift, as leaders prioritize short-term domestic political considerations over established strategic doctrines, making it difficult to forecast international behavior.
This new normal is exemplified by the White House's conditional alliances and Russia's deepening relationship with North Korea, based on mutual short-term benefits rather than ideological alignment. China's increased defense budget and the expansion of its navy further reflect this strategic calculus in an unpredictable environment, as the country aims to project its power beyond its immediate region.
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In early 2025, the international landscape is marked by unpredictability, with the traditional rules-based order giving way to transactional diplomacy and strategic improvisation. Conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza highlight this shift, as leaders prioritize short-term domestic political considerations over established strategic doctrines, making it difficult to forecast international behavior.
This new normal is exemplified by the White House's conditional alliances and Russia's deepening relationship with North Korea, based on mutual short-term benefits rather than ideological alignment. China's increased defense budget and the expansion of its navy further reflect this strategic calculus in an unpredictable environment, as the country aims to project its power beyond its immediate region.
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