FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Kowie Geldenhuys EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Paulo Coutinho www.macaudailytimes.com.mo

T. 10º/ 16º Air Quality Bad TUESDAY “ THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ ” MOP 8.00

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MAINLAND TOURIST HAS BEEN PJ UNFOLDS CASE OF HIRING AFTER MORE THAN A YEAR OF OVERHAUL, SEARCHED BY AUTHORITIES AND NÜWA AT CITY OF DREAMS WILL BE PLACED UNDER MEDICAL OBSERVATION OF ILLEGAL CONSTRUCTION UNVEILING ITS NEWLY REFURBISHED AT THE CLINICAL CENTRE IN COLOANE WORKERS INVOLVING 17 PEOPLE GUESTROOMS ON MARCH 31 P2 P4 P5 AP PHOTO

China Bad weather prompted more than 200 Chinese fishing vessels to anchor at a reef VISITORS PLUNGE claimed by the Philippines, Beijing said yesterday, sidestepping accusations Tourist arrivals in from Manila of a move by ’s vast South China Sea maritime militia to February dropped to assert control in the area. However, China’s Foreign 427,122, a decline of Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying pointedly told reporters at a briefing that 23.3% month-to-month Whitsun Reef was part of P5 the Spratly Islands, one of the main archipelagoes in the South China Sea, which China claims virtually in its entirety. More on p6 AP PHOTO

Myanmar The BBC said yesterday that a journalist from its Burmese- language service was released by authorities in Myanmar but gave no details, as protesters in the Southeast Asian nation continued their broad civil disobedience movement against last month’s military coup. The journalist, Aung Thura, was detained on March 19 by men who appeared to be plainclothes security agents while reporting outside a court in the capital of Naypyitaw. AP PHOTO

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on his first visit to Afghanistan as Pentagon chief, said that the Biden administration BLOOMBERG wants to see “a responsible end” to America’s longest war, but the level of violence must decrease for COVID-19 “fruitful” diplomacy to have a chance. With questions swirling about how long U.S. Locals called Plan to troops will remain in the country, Austin said that “in terms of an end date on to take jabs redirect traffic or setting a specific date for withdrawal, that’s the to pave the way underground domain of my boss.” for travel scrapped More on backpage P3 P2 page 2 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo 澳門 23.03.2021 tue

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

Household internet users climb New Central Library abandons to 183,500

The number of Macau plan to move traffic underground households using the internet climbed by 1,200 RENATO MARQUES year-on-year to 183,500 in 2020, according to the HE new Macao Central Library, Statistics and Census Twhich will be built on the for- Service (DSEC) - 91.9% mer site of Hotel Estoril in Tap Seac of the total households Square, will abandon its plan to AGENCY PHOTO MACAU in Macau. The tally re-direct traffic underground from of households using the Avenida de Sidónio Pais, the fiber optic broadband Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC) told the connection also Times. increased by 6.5% year- In a written reply to questions on-year, accounting submitted to the bureau regarding for 80.5% of the total the project, the IC confirmed that household Internet the plan to build a new section of connections. The share the road tunnel at Tap Seac Squa- of households using re and consequently expand the mobile broadband grew Square up to the library is no longer by 0.1% point year-on- year to 98.0%. being considered. “In the early planning stage of the project of the Youth Centre of CPI drops due Tap Seac for Cultural, Recreational to declining and Sporting Activities, the cons- hotel room truction of a vehicle underpass on rates part of the Avenida de Sidónio Pais was considered so that the area of The composite the could be ex- Consumer Price Index panded and connected with the (CPI) for February land where the former Estoril Hotel dropped by 0.95% year- is situated,” the IC said. on-year to 102.6. The “The Transport Bureau was tural Affairs Bureau attaches great consultation period. “IC will in- According to the IC president, Statistics and Census asked to conduct a preliminary as- importance to public concerns corporate the relevant opinions Mok Ian Ian, the new central li- Service indicated that sessment. However, the road at the about the connection between the in the design requirements of the brary building is expected to be the drop was mainly due entry and exit of the [formerly con- Tap Seac Square and the New Ma- next phase of the project, including completed late 2024 or early 2025 to declining package tour sidered] vehicle underpass would charges and hotel room cao Central Library. Therefore, we consideration of building an [extra with a budgeted cost of around rates amid the Covid-19 have to be quite steep or [call for] a will work with the relevant depart- level in the] underground car park.” MOP500 million. The design of the pandemic. Other factors very long tunnel. This would affect ments to explore the feasibility of The idea of creating a new traffic library was recently contracted to were the seasonal sale of different roads accessing Avenida building pedestrian facilities, such underpass was first raised during the Dutch architecture firm Meca- clothing, reduced charges de Sidónio Pais, and create seve- as a footbridge or an undergrou- the presentation of the now scra- noo. for telecommunications ral complications for the transport nd passage, in order to provide the pped Youth Activity Center, which In some of the four design pro- services and lower network. Therefore, this [proposal] public with a more convenient and would have taken up a far larger posals received by the IC from dif- vegetable prices, and can hardly be achieved in the short safer environment.” area. This included the use of land ferent architecture companies, the falling prices of gasoline, term.” The bureau also acknowledged currently occupied by the Estoril expansion of the square to the pe- pork and vegetables from Addressing questions regarding that some of the accessibility and Swimming pool, which would have rimeter of the building was consi- their elevated levels a the accessibility of the new buil- traffic-related concerns had also been relocated to a different part of dered, transforming the road into a year ago. ding, the IC added that “The Cul- been expressed during the public the building. pedestrian and garden area.

tered with a NAT which had negative results. Mainland tourist apprehended and placed Health authorities also said that, so far, all NATs have been negative, mea- under medical observation in Coloane ning the risk of infection is not high and that the RENATO MARQUES virus Response and Coor- ch 9 to the Eighth Hospi- to the Special Emergen- dergo mandatory medi- man from Xi’an represen- dination Center reported. tal in Xi’an for surveillan- cy Service of the Conde cal observation in isola- ts a low risk for Macau. 52-year-old man The actions from local ce and monitoring, the de São Januário Hospital tion. The authorities also A from Xi’an was sear- health authorities were health authorities infor- Center to undergo a nu- The authorities also said they recorded in- ched by the police au- taken after a report from med, highlighting that cleic acid test (NAT). identified a friend of this formation from guests thorities in Macau and Zhuhai’s Municipal Heal- he was not considered a Results from the test man and the taxi driver staying on the same floor placed under medical th Department claiming close contact person of a were negative for Co- who transported him at MGM Cotai and ho- observation at the Public that the man, who ente- Covid-19 patient. vid-19 but the man was from the border post to tel staff who might have Health Clinical Centre in red Macau last Saturday After being located in still transported to the the MGM Cotai Hotel, been in contact with the Coloane yesterday mor- (March 20) has been pre- the early hours of Mon- Public Health Clinical where he was staying. man for follow-up, if ne- ning, the Novel Corona- viously admitted on Mar- day, the man was taken Centre in Coloane to un- Both were also adminis- cessary.

www.macaudailytimes.com.mo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (DIRECTOR)_Paulo Coutinho [email protected] A MACAU TIMES PUBLICATIONS LTD PUBLICATION ASSISTANT EDITOR_Lynzy Valles SENIOR WRITER_Honey Tsang CONTRIBUTING EDITORS_Leanda Lee, Severo Portela, Sheyla Zandonai ADMINISTRATOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Kowie Geldenhuys [email protected] NEWSROOM AND CONTRIBUTORS_Albano Martins, Annabel Jackson, Anthony Lam, Daniel Beitler, Emilie Tran, OFFICE MANAGER Juliana Cheang [email protected] REACHING OUT! Irene Sam, Ivo Carneiro de Sousa, Jacky I.F. Cheong, Jenny Lao-Phillips, João Palla Martins, Joseph Cheung, Julie ADDRESS Av. da Praia Grande, 599, Edif. Comercial Rodrigues, 12 Floor C, Zhu, Juliet Risdon, Linda Kennedy, Paulo Cordeiro de Sousa, Renato Marques, Richard Whitfield, Viviana Seguí MACAU SAR Telephones: +853 287 160 81/2 Fax: +853 287 160 84 DESIGNERS_Eva Bucho, Miguel Bandeira | ASSOCIATE CONTRIBUTORS_JML Property, MdME Lawyers, Advertisement [email protected] +20,000 PokerStars, Ruan Du Toit Bester | NEWS AGENCIES_ Associated Press, Bloomberg, MacauHub, MacauNews, Xinhua For subscription and general issues: [email protected] | Printed at Welfare Printing Ltd Like us on facebook.com/mdtimes SECRETARY_Yang Dongxiao [email protected] send newsworthy information and press releases to: [email protected] website: www.macaudailytimes.com.mo www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 3 tue 23.03.2021 澳門 MACAU

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

vaccination. “Only those incidents di- rectly related to the vaccine can be covered in the insuran- Locals called on to take jabs to ce,” he stressed. The authorities will capita- lize on group vaccination to stimulate the city’s overall vac- pave the way for expedited travel cination rate, he pointed out HONEY TSANG “We will allocate loca- tions and time slots for herds ONSIDERING the of people who hail from the willingness has re- same alliances, organizations, mained low among departments and so on, to re- Macau’s residents to ceive their jabs together at the Creceive a coronavirus inocula- time,” he said. tion, locals should take the jabs The authorities are now as early as possible to help the considering rolling out vacci- city achieve herd community, nation outreach activities to which may lay the foundation extend the inoculation servi- for hassle-free travel in the fu- ce beyond the government’s ture, Dr. Tai Wa Hou, coordina- health facilities to other ve- tor of the Health Bureau’s Co- nues like schools in due cou- vid-19 Vaccination Operation, rse. said yesterday at the regular The government is also stu- Covid-19 media briefing. dying the feasibility to exempt “Considering the pandemic Covid-19 testing for travel after situation in Macau has remai- the vaccination rate reaches a ned relatively stable, the locals certain level, Tai said, adding have not had the urge or a high that the authorities have been inclination to take the jabs at proactively in discussion with the moment,” he explained. other governments regarding As of yesterday, Macau saw expedited travel for vaccina- a total of 77,587 people who ted people. registered for the vaccination The steady absence rate, he cked up Macau’s absence rate treatment without any signs of However, he stressed the program. Among this figure, pointed out, is a testament to against Hong Kong’s, which long-term effects or complica- implementation of vaccine 37,707 already received their residents’ confidence in the had surged due to public con- tions. passports is still in its infan- doses. two currently available types cern following the emergence When asked by the media cy. Hence, the government On the positive side, the of vaccine — the inactivated of some cases requiring hospi- whether the current insurance has not yet set a timeframe for absence rate of the inocula- vaccine developed by China’s tal treatment after their jabs. package offered by the gover- that, despite hopes that it will tion scheme over the past two state-owned pharmaceutical Since the kickoff of the vac- nment would cover the afo- be achieved. weeks hovered between 7% to company Sinopharm Group cination scheme in Macau, rementioned serious adverse The Covid-19 briefing was 9%, and has not shown any and the mRNA-based vaccine a total of 110 adverse events event, Tai said the particular held yesterday, which also signs of spike after cases of ad- developed by German drug have been reported, including case will not be regarded as an marked the first day for the verse reactions following the manufacturer BioNTech and one serious adverse event, al- eligible insurer as the reason first batch of locals to receive vaccination were reported, Tai proxied by Fosun Pharma. though the 67-year-old male for hospitalization was con- their second dose of inactiva- said. In the briefing, Tai also sta- has been discharged after firmed to be unrelated to the ted vaccine.

Consulate sets Residents to receive vaccination up new service to certificates after two injections cater to Portuguese HONEY TSANG by the 28th day. residing in HKSAR If there is still no ESIDENTS will get a appointment registered HE Portuguese Con- tional users resident in Rvaccination certificate on the 28th day, the SSM Tsulate General in [Hong Kong], which will and a record card upon re- will send out another Hong Kong launched a be in force until normal ceiving the two doses ne- message to the individual new remote service yes- consular stays can be cessary for the Covid-19 after five days. terday aiming to provi- resumed by travelling vaccination, Dr Tai Wa Macau has seen a to- de consulate services to employees of this Con- Hou, coordinator of the tal of 77,587 people who the Portuguese commu- sulate General to the Health Bureau’s Covid-19 registered for the vacci- nity in Hong Kong. Honorary Consulate in Vaccination Operation, nation program. Of this This comes after it re- Hong Kong, as soon as confirmed yesterday. figure, 37,707 have alrea- ceived complaints from border restrictions be- Tai’s remarks came on dy received their doses the community in the tween the two Special March 22 which marks and another 1,700, or 4% neighboring region who Administrative Regions the first day the first batch vaccination date and a residents to register and of the total, were deemed faced problems in ac- are canceled.” of residents took their se- QR code for authorities take their second jabs in ineligible for vaccination cessing basic consular Earlier in January, cond doses of vaccine. to access the details with time. after evaluation. services such as pass- Portuguese nationals in Macau’s Chief Executi- ease. Medical staff also give Most of these 1,700 port or citizen card re- Hong Kong were exclu- ve Ho Iat Seng, along with “We are hoping that an on-site reminder to people were found to newals. ded from casting their other officials had already the vaccination certifica- those who had just recei- have some chronic disea- According to a state- votes for the presiden- taken the second dose, Tai te can be used as a travel ved the first dose. In ad- ses, such as high blood ment it published on its tial elections as a result disclosed. passport for locals to tra- dition, the SSM will send pressure or diabetes. social media page, the of border restrictions The vaccination certi- vel with greater conve- a message to the indivi- Tai stressed that those consulate noted, “This that have been impo- ficate and portable record nience in the future,” Tai dual on the 21st day after who were rejected in the is a temporary solution sed due to the Covid-19 card will have the same added. the first vaccination to first vaccination attempt to satisfy the most ur- pandemic which di- information, including The Health Bureau remind them to make an can still be inoculated af- gent needs and requests sallowed the installa- the receiver’s identity, the (SSM) has a reminder appointment for the se- ter they return to heathy for renewal of passport tion of polling stations type of vaccine taken, the system in place to advise cond dose of vaccination parameters. and citizen card to na- in Hong Kong. LV page 4 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 23.03.2021 tue

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

Sales of CRIME The PJ questioned the workers restaurants and learned that they entered Ma- in Jan ‘less cau only with their passports and satisfactory’ At least 17 construction without any other work-related documents or authorizations. The percentage of The workers told the PJ that restaurants and similar workers illegally hired they did not know the Macau ID establishments which documents and work permits in reported a year-on- RENATO MARQUES their possession were fake and year rise in receipts, or they were each asked to pay a fee a steady performance local businessman is being of MOP2,000 for the handling of in January 2021 (25%) Acharged over the hiring of ille- the working documents before remained at the same gal workers for civil construction MARQUES RENATO starting the job. level as in December as well as for the forgery of dozens They also revealed that they 2020, according to of documents to support such an were paid on a daily basis, earning data from the Statistics illegal job, the Judiciary Police (PJ) a salary of MOP600 per day. The PJ and Census Service. In revealed yesterday in a specially or- spokesperson did not reveal at this terms of the Business ganized press conference. time where the construction site Performance Index According to the force, a total was located. that reflects the of 17 illegal workers are currently In a search conducted at the trend of year-on-year confirmed as being involved in the suspect’s house, the PJ also found changes in receipts of case, but the PJ suspects that as the three computers. On one of them a business, the indices investigation continues, it will be were approximately 90 document for restaurants & similar establishments (21.2) and determined that this figure is much images for Macau ID cards, blue retail trade (29.6) were higher. cards, and Construction Sector both below 50, which The investigation started after Occupational Safety Cards. This implied that the business a person from the mainland filed discovery is why the PJ suspects performance of these a complaint with the PJ claiming that the number of illegal workers two industries in January that the local man was illegally hi- might be larger than the 17 cur- was less satisfactory ring workers from the mainland to rently discovered. compared to the same perform construction work, and Detained for questioning, the month last year. that the local man was forging do- suspect refused to cooperate with cuments for such a purpose. the PJ and choose to remain silent. SSM hosts The complainant told PJ that he The suspect was presented yes- was aware of the case because he terday to the Public Prosecutions third Chinese knew this local man and had been Office to be charged for the cri- medicine asked to invest money into the mes of document forgery as well online business, and assist in recruiting as employment of illegal workers training workers in the mainland. according to Article 16 of the Law At that time, the complainant needed some funds for investment plainant called off the deal with the 6/2004 – Illegal Immigration Law, The third round of presented several documents to and help in hiring manpower in local businessman and requested which states that “Anyone who traditional Chinese the PJ which included identifica- the mainland. the return of his investment mo- constitutes an employment rela- medicine (TCM) training tion cards of non-resident workers The victim agreed to invest in ney. tionship with any individual who in 2021 was hosted (blue cards), a Macau ID card, se- the business, handing over a total Since the man only returned is not the holder of any of the online on March 21 by veral mainland China identifica- of RMB300,000. He also arranged RMB100,000, the victim decided to documents required by law to be the WHO Collaborating tion cards, and Construction Sec- for workers from the mainland expose the scheme by filing a case admitted as a worker, regardless Centre for Traditional tor Occupational Safety Cards. The to come to Macau to work for the at the PJ. of the nature and form of the con- Medicine, a subsidiary of complainant said that all of the do- company. In the course of the investiga- tract, or the type of remuneration the Health Bureau (SSM). Some 95 local Chinese cuments were forged, and he took Just one month after these tion, the PJ found that there were at or consideration, is punishable medicine doctors, Chinese them from some of the workers he workers started their job in Macau, least 17 workers involved, but they with up to two years imprison- medicine practitioners helped to hire. one of them reached out to him suspect that many more had alrea- ment.” and Chinese medicine- The complainant also told the claiming that he had been stopped dy left Macau. In the case of recidivism, the related professionals were PJ that he met the local business- from working at the construction They also discovered several sentence can be increased to eight selected by lottery to man in June 2019 in Macau throu- site after the site’s security guard forged documents, including iden- years imprisonment. attend the training, which gh a friend. At the time, the sus- discovered that he was using for- tification cards and even a forged The PJ will continue to investi- revolved around TCM pect said he had a company that ged documents. certificate to prove the authenticity gate the case in an attempt to find treatments on spleen, had been assigned several cons- Several other similar cases of a Macau ID card, which was also more suspects and workers invol- stomach and skin diseases. truction projects in Macau and he followed at which time the com- a forgery. ved, the same spokesperson said.

Macao Water to partially subsidize facilities maintenance in old buildings AGENCY PHOTO MACAU

HONEY TSANG with the remaining 20% to leakage, or severe rusting in ger from Macao Water at an be subsidized by the flat ow- their water supply facilities. explanatory briefing. HE Macao Water Su- ners or dwellers. The upper During the first stage, The total renovation Tpply Company Limi- funding limit will be set for the company will issue an fee will be first paid by the ted has set aside MOP10 MOP50,000 in each case, advisory notice to eligib- company, which will later million for the water facili- broken down to an estima- le recipients to encourage apply the respective charge ties maintenance project. ted fund of around MOP100 flat owners and dwellers to into each household’s water Commencing on April 1, to MOP200 for each apart- sign up for the renovataion bill. “The households, the- the project will provide sub- ment. project. refore, do not need to face sidies to owners residing in The eligible recipients for The notice will spell out the headache for paying the Each case will be evalua- toration might be carried buildings which are more the funding will be limited the total estimated expendi- upfront cost themselves in ted and vetted before being out, Chu added. than 20 years old to recon- to flat owners on the lower ture for the waterpipe pro- advance,” he explained. granted the funding. He expects the scheme dition timeworn water faci- floors —seventh or lower — ject and the tally for each The Company will com- If a maintenance project will benefit around 5,000 lities. of buildings older than 20 household in every concer- mission a third-party com- does not receive approval apartments across approxi- The Company will spon- years, which have been en- ned building, said Chu Wai pany to carry out the reno- from two-thirds of the buil- mately 400 to 500 buildings sor 80% of the total cost, during cracked structures, Man, deputy general mana- vation. ding’s dwellers, a forced res- in Macau within three years. www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 5 tue 23.03.2021 澳門 MACAU

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

TOURISM month, of which 106,452 (44.2% of total) came from Zhuhai. Nüwa to Meanwhile, there were 40,037 visitors from Hong Kong and reopen on 6,410 from Taiwan. Mar 31 Visitor arrivals plunge to Prior to the pandemic, the SAR received nearly 40 million tourists in 2019 – nearly 35 FTER more than a year of million more than the 2020 visi- Aoverhaul, Nüwa at City of just over 427,000 in Feb tor arrivals – crippling the eco- Dreams will be unveiling its newly nomy due to its heavy reliance refurbished guestrooms, suites, and LYNZY VALLES upon the sector. The visitor arri- villas on March 31. vals in 2020 plummeted to 5.92 The hotel offers around 290 luxu- OURIST arrivals in million, representing an 85% rious guest rooms accentuated with the Macau SAR has VALLES LYNZY year-on-year decline. “touches of oriental elegance and dropped to 427,122 in This year, the government is Asian-inspired elements,” Melco Re- February, registering aiming for a target of six to 10 sorts & Entertainment announced Ta decline of 23.3% month-to- million tourist arrivals. in a statement. -month, according to the latest The expectation is a long The Nüwa hotel at City of Dreams data provided by the Statistics shot for the Macao Govern- Macau was originally slated to and Census Service (DSEC). The ment Tourism Office (MGTO) reopen on February 8, following re- figure, however, represented an as it has previously acknow- furbishment works. The renovation uplift of 173.1% year-on-year ledged that it is “hard” to fo- of the hotel kicked off in early 2020. when the Covid-19 pandemic recast the yearly arrivals and Nüwa will feature the three Mi- began to spread in February last MGTO has to be more prudent chelin-starred and Black Pearl three- year. about this year’s projection, -diamond restaurant Jade Dragon, The source of visitors conti- given the fickle nature of Co- which showcases spe- nues to be from the mainland, year the mainland government gradually been able to apply vid-19 — as reflected in dai- cialties. which surged by 426.4% year- discouraged its citizens from for IVS since the SAR opened ly arrivals climbing to peaks Currently, Nüwa is offering a ti- -on-year to 380,649, with those travel due to the new outbreaks its borders in August to these during Christmas and New me-limited offer and hotel package, travelling under the Individual that occurred during that time. residents in a bid to recuperate Year holidays last year but dro- available from today and valid until Visit Scheme (IVS) (163,157) es- Currently, the central gover- tourist arrivals. pping since January due to ou- June 30, 2021 calating by 2,702.4%. nment is still not issuing group The easing of entry in the city tbreaks in mainland China. In May last year, the gaming ope- Tourism arrivals in January visas to its citizens despite calls through measures such as the According to a recent report rator noted that the closure of the stood at 556,765 with the Chi- from the city’s tourism authori- cancelation of quarantine from issued by Fitch Ratings, do- Michelin-starred restaurants at City nese New Year holiday and the ties. However, local officials have those arriving from the main- mestic tourism led by China is of Dreams: the two-Michelin starred easing of visa restrictions. The previously stressed that this re- land has also contributed to the gaining traction, as the contain- French contemporary restaurant Chinese holiday is another sea- quest is still under negotiation. arrival numbers. ment of the pandemic sets the The Tasting Room; and one-Miche- son in which the city generally Despite the group visas not Visitors from the nine Pearl stage for the gradual normaliza- lin starred Japanese sushi restau- expects an increased flow of being issued, Macau’s num- River Delta cities in the Greater tion of domestic activity in parts rant Shinji by Kanesaka, was due to tourist arrivals. However, this ber-one source market has Bay Area totaled 240,933 this of the Asia Pacific region. Nüwa’s refurbishment. LV ad page 6 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo CHINA 中國 23.03.2021 tue

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

in asserting the country’s mariti- me claims. They have also been China denies incursion as 200 accused of massive overfishing and degrading coral reefs, backed up by a Chinese military that has ships dock at Philippine reef built airfields and missile bases on manmade islands constructed AD weather prompted more “Recently, due to the sea condi- A Philippine government wat- of Palawan. It lies well within the by piling sand and concrete atop Bthan 200 Chinese fishing ves- tions, some Chinese fishing boats chdog overseeing the disputed re- country’s exclusive economic fragile marine ecosystems. sels to anchor at a reef claimed by have taken shelter from the wind gion released pictures from Mar- zone, over which the Philippines China has refused to recogni- the Philippines, Beijing said yes- near the Whitsun Reef. I think it is ch 7 of the vessels moored side “enjoys the exclusive right to ex- ze a 2016 ruling from a tribunal terday, sidestepping accusations very normal and hope all parties by side in one of the most hotly ploit or conserve any resources,” in The Hague that invalidated from Manila of a move by China’s can look at it rationally,” Hua said contested areas of the strategic the government watchdog said. almost all of China’s historical vast South China Sea maritime at the daily briefing. waterway. Foreign Secretary Teo- For decades China, the Phi- claims to the South China Sea, and militia to assert control in the Philippine Defense Secretary doro Locsin tweeted late Sunday lippines and four other gover- routinely protests the presence area. Delfin Lorenzana called on Sun- that the Philippines has filed a di- nments have been locked in a of other countries’ navies in what However, China’s Foreign day for China to “stop this incur- plomatic protest over the Chinese tense territorial standoff over the are overwhelmingly viewed as Ministry spokesperson Hua sion and immediately recall these presence. resource-rich South China Sea, international waters. China says Chunying pointedly told repor- boats violating our maritime righ- The reef, which Manila calls through which an estimated $5 it doesn’t restrict right of passage ters at a briefing that Whitsun Reef ts and encroaching into our sove- Julian Felipe, is a shallow, boome- trillion in international trade tra- through the area, but has repea- was part of the Spratly Islands, reign territory.” rang-shaped coral region about vels annually. tedly sparred with other claimants one of the main archipelagoes in The presence of the vessels was 175 nautical miles (324 kilome- China’s fishing fleets have long over resource exploitation, mili- the South China Sea, which China a “provocative action of militari- ters) west of Bataraza town in followed government orders to tary activities and even projects to claims virtually in its entirety. zing the area,” Lorenzana said. the western Philippine province assist the coast guard and navy explore ancient sea wrecks. AP

NYU Shanghai AP PHOTO seeking answers after police detain nine students

EW York University said yesterday it was Nseeking more information from Chinese au- thorities after nine students from its Shanghai cam- pus were temporarily detained in what appeared to be police dragnet for drug suspects. A statement from the university said two studen- ts were held as part of a police action outside a bar and the other seven were at a birthday party at an off-campus apartment on March 12 when police arrived and brought all present in for drug testing. “None of the students were found to have used or been in possession of drugs and none were ar- rested,” NYU Shanghai said in a statement. China hosts a large number of foreign students, a number increased by the opening of satellite campuses by British and American universities. “Being brought in for testing as part of a drug sweep was understandably frightening for our stu- dents [...] Since then we have continued to provide Eight activists jailed in Shenzhen support for the affected students,” said a statement from the school sent to The Associated Press on Monday. returned to Hong Kong Police who arrived at the birthday party were apparently looking for a specific individual but it IGHT activists detai- to local newspaper South a Shenzhen court of ille- Quinn Moon and Tang Kai- wasn’t clear who that was and no one was arrested. Ened at sea as they sou- China Morning Post, which gally crossing the mariti- -yin, remain in prison ser- The students at the bar that same night told ght to flee Hong Kong by cited an anonymous police me border and sentenced ving two- and three-year school authorities that, upon leaving the venue, speedboat have finished source. to seven-month jail terms. sentences, respectively, for they were approached by a person wearing plain- serving jail sentences in The eight men are part While Hong Kong is part of organizing an illegal bor- clothes who showed a badge they did not recognize. China and were handed of a larger group of 12 China, travelers must still der crossing. One tried to leave, both were detained and suffered over yesterday to authori- Hong Kong pro-democra- pass through immigration Two detainees were not minor injuries, and all other bar patrons and staff, ties in Hong Kong, where cy activists and protesters when going to and from charged on the mainland all of them Chinese citizens, were also detained and they may face further pro- who were detained at sea the mainland, which sur- because they were younger subjected to drug testing. secution. in August last year during rounds Hong Kong by land than 18 at the time of the The students, who were not identified by name The group of eight ac- an ill-fated attempt to rea- and sea. arrest; they were handed or nationality, were all released by the next morning tivists aged 19 to 31 had ch self-ruled Taiwan. Many It is not clear if the eight over to Hong Kong autho- after their drug tests came back negative, NYU said. been jailed in the southern of the them were facing activists will also be char- rities in December. “We are currently seeking more information city of Shenzhen, and re- prosecution in Hong Kong ged in Hong Kong upon Beijing and Hong Kong from city authorities to better understand last turned to Hong Kong in due to their involvement in their return. Hong Kong authorities have taken a weekend’s police actions,” the university’s state- batches, according to a anti-government protests police said in a statement tougher stance on the city’s ment said. police statement. Pro-de- that began in mid-2019, that the suspects were re- pro-democracy movement There was no immediate response to reques- mocracy activist Andy Li and one had been arrested turned to the city after the over the past year, imple- ts for comment from the Shanghai police. People was the first of the group to on suspicion of collusion completion of legal pro- menting a tough national caught using recreational drugs such as marijuana be returned to the city af- with a foreign country to ceedings by mainland au- security law aimed at cra- and cocaine can be locked up for months or longer ter serving a seven-month endanger national security. thorities. cking down on dissent. in China, while dealers can receive the death sen- prison sentence, according They were convicted by Two of the defendants, MDT/AP tence. AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 7 tue 23.03.2021 中國 CHINA

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advertorial Second Canadian goes on trial in Beijing on spying charges SAM MCNEIL

second Cana- AP PHOTO dian citizen held for more than two years on spyingA charges in apparent retaliation for Canada’s ar- rest of a senior executive of the telecoms giant Huawei went on trial in Beijing yesterday. The trial of analyst and former diplomat Michael Kovrig in Beijing follows an initial hearing in the case of entrepreneur Michael Spavor in the northeastern city of Dandong on Friday. Canadian diplomats have been refused access Jim Nickel (center) the deputy chief of Mission for the Canadian Embassy in China, with foreign to trials and been told diplomats is chased by cameramen as they arrive at No. 2 Intermediate People’s Court in Beijing hearings would be held behind closed doors be- “The Canadian side made dealings with Iran, which including canola oil seed, cause of alleged national irresponsible remarks on is under American finan- and handed death sen- security concerns. Diplo- China’s law-based han- cial sanctions. tences to another four Ca- mats and journalists have dling of the cases of Ca- The two Canadians nadians convicted of drug shown up nonetheless nadian citizens with some have been held ever since, smuggling. to seek information and other countries’ diplomats while Meng has been re- The U.S. and Canada show support. in China, which is a gross leased on bail. They were have pledged to work to- Outside Beijing’s No. 2 interference in China’s ju- charged in June 2020 un- gether with China to seek Intermediate Court, Jim dicial sovereignty.” der China’s broadly defi- the release of Kovrig and Nickel, the Canadian Em- China’s handling of the ned national security laws. Spavor, but meetings be- bassy’s deputy chief of cases is “beyond reproa- Canadian Prime Minis- tween top U.S. and Chi- mission, told journalists ch,” Hua said, while calling ter Justin Trudeau blasted nese diplomats last week he had been told the trial Canada hypocritical be- Beijing for holding the trial — the first since President had begun, but was barred cause it also reserves the “in secret” without access Joe Biden took office — from entry in what he said right to try cases involving for consular officials. seemed to offer little hope. was a violation of China’s state secrets behind closed “Their arbitrary deten- U.S. Secretary of State international and bilateral doors. tion is completely unac- Antony Blinken said Chi- treaty obligations. The Chinese govern- ceptable, as is the lack nese human rights abuses “Michael Kovrig has ment has provided almost of transparency around “threaten the rules-based been detained for more no information about the these court proceedings,” order that maintains global than two years now. He’s accusations against the Trudeau said in Ottawa. stability,” while senior Chi- been arbitrarily detained two, but a newspaper run “China needs to un- nese foreign policy adviser and now we see that the by the ruling Communist derstand that it is not just Yang Jiechi said China “will court process itself is not Party alleges they colla- about two Canadians. It’s not accept unwarranted transparent,” Nickel told borated in stealing state about respect for the rule accusations from the U.S. reporters. “We’re very trou- secrets and sending them of law and relationships side,” and that relations bled by this but we thank abroad. No verdict has with a broad range of Wes- had fallen “into a period of those who have come out been announced in Spa- tern countries that are at unprecedented difficulty.” from the embassies here in vor’s case and it wasn’t play with the arbitrary de- President and head of Beijing and the internatio- clear if additional hearings tention and the coercive the Chinese Communist nal support that we’ve had would be held. diplomacy that they’ve en- Party Xi Jinping is driving for Michael, for Canada However, such cases are gaged in.” the assertive approach to and the call that many of almost always predetermi- Meng’s case has deeply foreign relations, alongsi- us are making for their im- ned in China, and Beijing angered China’s govern- de bold domestic policies mediate release.” is seen as using Kovrig and ment, which has promo- to eliminate poverty and Nickel said 26 countries Spavor as leverage to ob- ted Huawei as a global restore rapid economic had sent representatives to tain the release of Huawei leader in mobile commu- growth following the co- show their support, inclu- executive Meng Wanzhou, nications technology, and ronavirus pandemic, said ding the U.S., the U.K, Aus- who was arrested at the re- sees her detention as a Steve Tsang, director of the tralia and many European quest of the U.S. at the air- deliberate attempt to ma- SOAS China Institute at nations. It wasn’t clear how port in Vancouver, British lign Chinese companies the University of London. long the trial would last or Columbia, in December and impede the nation’s “Xi is extremely ambi- when a verdict would be 2019. The two Canadians growing economic and tious, and he compares announced. were detained in China political clout. Beijing has himself [...] to Mao Zedong At a daily afternoon just days later. demanded her immediate and the first Emperor of news briefing, Chinese Fo- Meng is sought by the and unconditional relea- China,” Tsang wrote in an reign Ministry spokesper- U.S. on fraud charges re- se and has also restricted email to The Associated son Hua Chunying said, lated to the telecom giant’s various Canadian exports, Press. AP page 8 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo WORLD 國際 23.03.2021 tue

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

EXCLUSIVE this day in history

1983 Reagan launches Cyber attack tied to China boosts Cold War into space development bank’s chief JOSHUA GOODMAN, America recognize Guaidó MIAMI as Venezuela’s legitimate

AP PHOTO leader, China is a staunch HE cyberattack ally of President Nicolás Ma- crested just as fi- duro nance officials Claver-Carone was the from across Latin U.S. official driving the di- TAmerica were descending plomatic standoff with on Washington to comme- China at the IDB. As the morate the 60th anniversary top White House official of the Inter-American Deve- for Latin America, he was lopment Bank. also the architect of “Ame- President Reagan has unveiled plans to combat nuclear war in space. On Sept. 24, 2019, reques- rica Rising,” a program that The Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) proposes a ts from more than 15,000 in- sought to curb the inroads defensive shield, using laser or particle beam tech- ternet addresses throughout being made by China in nology to “intercept and destroy” incoming missiles China flooded the bank’s Latin America, where it has as they travel through the stars. website, knocking part of it displaced the U.S. as a top Mauricio Claver-Carone, deputy assistant to President Donald Trump Defense analysts have described it as the first intermittently offline. To un- and senior director for Western Hemisphere affairs arriving in La Paz, trading partner in countries major attempt to move away from the 30 year-old clog the network, the bank Bolivia (January 2020) such as Argentina, Brazil, Cold War strategy of Mutually Assured Destruction took the drastic step of blo- and Chile. (MAD) - where the threat of nuclear attack acts as cking all traffic from China. According to the IDB do- a deterrent. But the attackers persis- In curtailing China’s in- some in the region who cument, on Sept. 19, 2019, In a televised address from the White House the US ted, and as officials gathered fluence, Claver-Carone is supported Claver-Carone traffic to the IDB website leader said: “We seek neither military superiority nor for a day of conferences with looking to curry favor with when Trump was in office — surged to more than four political advantage. Our only purpose - one all peo- athletes, academics and ce- Democrats who question such as Brazil and Colombia times normal levels, forcing ple share - is to search for ways to avert the danger lebrity chefs the bombard- his leadership but share his — might switch allegiances the main website and publi- of nuclear war.” ment intensified. mistrust of Beijing. If he suc- to appeal to the new sheriff cations page offline. At first, Speaking just half an hour after the House of Re- Details of the attack, whi- ceeds, they can help him de- in town: President Joe Biden. the bank defended itself by presentatives (H0R) had rejected the Republican ch has not been previously liver on what was the main “The argument that an blocking individual IP ad- Party’s demands for 10% increases in defence spen- reported, are contained in pledge of his unorthodox underfunded bank is an dresses. ding, President Reagan attempted to justify his $2 an IDB internal document candidacy: U.S. support for a opportunity for China is But then “the attackers trillion, five-year military spending plans. reviewed by The Associated capital increase so the bank very compelling,” said Dan switched tactics and started In the first major congressional revolt against Mr Press. can help the region dig out Restrepo, who served in to throw requests from more Reagan’s economic policies the HoR have voted in News of the attacks is sur- from a pandemic-induced the same National Security than 15,000 IP addresses Democrat proposals to reduce the Republican bud- get by more than half. facing just as the bank’s new recession that’s the worst in Council role as Claver-Ca- spread throughout China,” The President said: “They’re the same kind that led president, Mauricio Claver- more than a century. rone during the Obama ad- according to the internal do- the democracies to neglect their defences in the -Carone, seeks to leverage There are early signs he ministration. “But it doesn’t cument. “By Tuesday 24th 1930s and invited the tragedy of World War II.” his hawkish views on China may be making some hea- answer how you adequate- evening all income traffic Senior White House aide Michael Deaver reported from his time in the Trump dway. This month, a biparti- from China was blocked, a ly fund the bank and with a positive reaction to Mr Reagan’s scheme: “He has decision the allowed us to administration to outma- san group of five lawmakers what leadership.” had the most favorable response to any speech sin- neuver those in Washington led by Sen. Bob Menendez, As far as cyber-disrup- come back online.” ce he was elected President.” and beyond still fuming over head of the Senate Foreign tions go, the attack against Unthwarted, the atta- Critics argue SDI contravenes the Soviet-Ameri- his politically charged elec- Relations Committee, pro- the IDB was too small to ckers pivoted again, this can Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty of 1972. tion last year. posed legislation authori- generate concern beyond time relying on 180,000 IP Article V of the treaty states: “Each party under- Claver-Carone, the for- zing an $80 billion capital the bank. Last year, more addresses from countries takes not to develop, test or deploy anti-ballistic mer National Security Cou- increase that would boost than 10 million similar dis- including Singapore and Ja- missile systems or components.” ncil’s senior director for lending at the Washington- tributed denial of service pan. In all, the attack lasted President Reagan has stressed SDI does not entail Western Hemisphere affairs, -based bank by 60%. (DDoS) attacks were obser- for months but was effec- the actual development of a defensive shield, but is chaired last week in Colom- “People need to accept ved throughout the world, tively contained after three a programme for research and development. bia his first annual meeting that he won,” said Dan Run- according to digital security weeks when the bank tur- of the IDB since he was de, a former official with firm NETSCOUT. ned to Amazon to build a elected last fall over the ob- the U.S. Agency for Interna- But occurring amid the more robust firewall. jections of Democrats and tional Development in the IDB’s gala celebration it was While there is no indica- some regional governmen- George W. Bush administra- fraught with symbolism. tion the site was breached, ts who complained he was tion and an expert on mul- The bash in Washington “the downtime affected our breaking the longstanding tilateral institutions at the was hastily organized after digital presence and had a tradition of a Latin Ameri- Center for Strategic and In- the Trump administration negative impact in different can being at the helm. ternational Studies. “Those six months earlier rallied communication endea- A geopolitical ideologue, who are not happy haven’t allies to force the cancella- vors,” the document says. Claver-Carone seems in no gone through the five sta- tion of the IDB gathering in “It also made our vulnera- In context rush to abandon his disdain ges of grief yet. They’re stuck the Chinese city of Cheng- bilities explicit for third par- Reagan’s SDI became known as “Star Wars” - after the ties, which could potentially for Beijing’s growing in- somewhere between denial du, which was to be some- George Lucas film. fluence in Washington’s ba- and anger.” thing of a breaking out party make us the target of new President Andropov of the USSR was highly critical of the ckyard. In sharp contrast to But Sen. Patrick Leahy, for China a decade after it attacks and impact the re- plan, saying it violated the 1972 ABM Treaty and there was his predecessor, Luis Alberto the powerful chairman of joined the bank. putation of the IDB brand.” little difference between building up weapons for purport- Moreno of Colombia, who the Senate Appropriations While the U.S. had been Still, it’s impossible to edly defensive or offensive purposes. The Democrats in the US - and even some Republicans - eagerly promoted Chinese know who was behind the Committee, has yet to sign trying to derail the meeting claimed Reagan’s initiative was an expensive and unfeasible investment in the region, on after warning last year for months, China’s denial attack. diversion from his administration’s domestic failures. Claver-Carone recently floa- that the choice of Claver-Ca- of a visa to a representative While China has some SDI signalled a new round in the Arms Race and a worsen- ted the possibility of inviting rone, a “polarizing Ameri- of Venezuelan opposition of the world’s most skilled ing of the relationship between the US and the USSR. Taiwan, the island democra- can,” to lead the IDB would leader Juan Guaidó gave it hackers, security experts The increasing financial strain it placed the Soviet Union under contributed to the break up of the regime. cy claimed by the commu- say that doesn’t necessarily hurt — not help — the case the opportunity to act de- SDI was abandoned in 1993 and the department was re- nist Beijing government as for a funding boost. The- cisively. While the IDB and mean it is behind the atta- named the Ballistic Missile Defence organisation. part of its territory. re’s also an expectation that the bulk of nations in Latin cks. MDT/AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 9 tue 23.03.2021 資訊／娛樂 INFOTAINMENT

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

YOUR STARS The Born Loser by Chip Sansom

Aries Taurus

Mar. 21-Apr. 19 Apr. 20-May. 20 It’s an ideal day to focus on family Monday’s skies are a strange mix ties and sprucing up your home of busy and aimless, Taurus. The environment. Save your productive moon careens through connection- efforts for another day; it’s hard to hungry Cancer, prompting you to get anything off the ground due to tell your story and activate your the moon’s lack of connections. need for self-expression.

Gemini Cancer

May. 21-Jun. 21 Jun. 22-Jul. 22 Mixed messages seem to permeate Today’s skies arrive with Monday’s skies, Gemini. The the message that it’s time to moon cruises through initiating turn that loving energy back Cancer all day, pointing your towards yourself, physically awareness towards your finances, and emotionally, as the moon resources, and work routine. floats through your sign. SUDOKU WEATHER Leo Virgo MIN MAX CONDITION Jul. 23-Aug. 22 Aug. 23-Sep. 22 Easy Easy+ CHINA The moon cruises through As a Virgo, you come equipped Beijing -6 clear sensitive Cancer all day but with a natural drive for -19 finds herself lacking initiative expertise and efficiency. You Harbin -28 -20 cloudy and energy due to her lack can put those skills to good use of connections with other today if you aim them towards Tianjin -16 -8 clear planets. your current long-term goals. Urumqi -24 -16 clear Xi’an -3 overcast Libra Scorpio -10 Lhasa -3 12 clear Sep.23-Oct. 22 Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Chengdu 0 3 overcast The moon slides through It’s all too easy for you to get Chongqing 5 8 drizzle connection-concerned Cancer all bogged down from time to time, day, but her lack of connection Scorpio. Today’s skies arrive with Kunming 7 19 overcast makes it difficult to get new efforts a simple intent: to help you refresh Nanjing -4 cloudy up and running. Stick to projects your perspective and revitalize -8 you already have underway! your current philosophy on life. Shanghai -6 3 overcast Wuhan -4 2 clear Sagittarius Capricorn Medium Hard Hangzhou -4 4 overcast Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Taipei 9 15 drizzle That grouchy person who tries This time of year always sends Guangzhou 7 15 overcast to steal your parking space, the your focus towards the roots overbearing boss who spends more beneath your foundation, Hong Kong 13 18 cloudy time breathing down your neck than Capricorn. Today’s skies try to doing their own job, the roommate briefly redirect your attention to who never cleans up their messes. your current relationship story. WORLD Aquarius Pisces Moscow -5 -4 flurry Frankfurt -1 4 sleet Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Feb.19-Mar. 20 Paris 0 3 sleet Today’s cosmic landscape pushes You’re not likely to be in the you to exert yourself, Aquarius. mood for any kind of labor today, London 0 5 sleet The moon roams through Pisces. Your attention is more initiative-taking Cancer all day, centered around creative efforts, a New York 0 7 overcast focusing your energy on any romantic rendezvous, or activities looming tasks on your to-do list. that promote fun over focus.

CROSSWORDS USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

ACROSS 1- ___ sapiens; 5- Slap; 10- ___ silly question...; 14- Perched on; 15- Hickory-nut; 16- Golda of Israel; 17- Poultry enclosure; 18- Poker Flat chronicler; 19- Leaf with Sanscrit writing?; 20- Liquid hydrocarbon; 22- Wide of the mark; 24- Rifle (through); 25- Notion; 26- Counsel; 29- Stuttering; 33- Swell!; 34- “One Emergency calls 999 Taxi 28 939 939 / 2828 3283 Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” author; 35- Actress Arthur; 36- Record; 37- Get the better of; 38- Actor Connery; 39- “Hold On Tight” band; 40- Aggregate of qualities Fire department 28 572 222 Water Supply – Report 2822 0088 that make good character; 41- Author Calvino; 42- Strive; 44- Book of elementary principles; 45- Fishing vessel, perhaps; 46- Din; 47- Banner; 50- Unselfish; 54- PJ (Open line) 993 Telephone – Report 1000 Crescent-shaped figure; 55- Son of Abraham; 57- Concerning; 58- Let’s just leave ___ that; 59- Nothing; 60- At hand; 61- Catch a view of; 62- Muse with a lyre; 63- PJ (Picket) 28 557 775 Electricity – Report 28 339 922 Strong wind; PSP 28 573 333 28 716 081 DOWN: 1- Cut ruthlessly; 2- Oklahoma Native; 3- Heath; 4- Adverse; 5- Globe; 6- Had in mind; 7- Farm measure; 8- Feline; Customs 28 559 944 9- Submerged to the mid-leg; 10- Ethically Yesterday’s solution neutral; 11- Actress Ward; 12- Potter’s S. J. Hospital 28 313 731 oven; 13- I smell ___!; 21- Just okay; 23-

Be dependent; 25- Point in question; 26- Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com Kiang Wu Hospital 28 371 333 Pays to play; 27- Passed out; 28- Visible exhalation; 29- Golfer Calvin; 30- Girder; Commission Against 31- Bobby of the Black Panthers; 32- Big house; 34- Prepared to pray; 37- Arrange; Corruption (CCAC) 28326 300 38- Rousing; 40- Awestruck; 41- Dies ___; 43- State of existing; 44- Blanketlike cloak; IAM 28 387 333 46- Hit back, perhaps; 47- Peace Nobelist Wiesel; 48- Kernels; 49- Lose one’s cool; Tourism 28 333 000 50- Big bash; 51- Fit for service; 52- Russian river; 53- Withered; 56- Title of a knight; Airport 59 888 88

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Ghosn says he is innocent. Japan has put Ghosn on Interpol’s wan- AP PHOTO ted list, but Lebanon has no ex- tradition treaty with Japan. Yamamoto said Japan was still determined to see Ghosn put on trial. Michael Taylor, 60, with the help of another man, George-An- toine Zayek, hid Ghosn in a large black box supposedly containing audio equipment, although they knew Ghosn was not allowed to leave the country while awaiting trial, according to the prosecu- tors. The box passed through air- port security in Osaka, central Japan, and was loaded onto a pri- vate jet that flew Ghosn to Turkey. Peter Taylor, 28, is accused of meeting with Ghosn and helping his father carry out the escape. Authorities say the Taylors were paid at least $1.3 million. The Taylors’ lawyers in the U.S. fought the extradition, saying they might be treated unfairly in Japan and subjected to “mental and physical torture.” They also argued that jumping bail is not a crime under Japane- se law. That is technically accura- te, but most people who escape NISSAN SCANDAL are easily caught in Japan. Zayek is not in custody. Yama- moto declined to comment on Japan charges Americans with Zayek’s whereabouts. Japanese prosecutors say they have enough evidence to convict helping Ghosn flee, jump bail the Taylors. If convicted, the Taylors face YURI KAGEYAMA, TOKYO Prosecutors said the Taylors ged they can continue to be de- to the Taylors’ extradition. up to three years in prison and a were formally charged with hel- tained. A court will decide whe- The Taylors were not imme- fine of up to 300,000 yen ($2,900). APANESE prosecutors charged ping a criminal escape, although ther they will be granted bail. diately available for comment, MDT/AP Jtwo Americans, Michael Taylor dates and other details of a trial Yamamoto said prosecutors as is standard in Japan’s criminal Separately, Greg Kelly, a former and his son Peter, yesterday in the were undecided. The prosecutors are requesting continued de- system, where more than 99% of Nissan executive vice president, escape of former Nissan Chair- sought their extradition for mon- tention on the grounds the two those who go on trial are found is on trial on charges of under-re- man Carlos Ghosn to Lebanon, ths after they were arrested and might flee or conceal evidence. guilty. porting Ghosn’s compensation. while he was out on bail. detained in the U.S. last May. He declined to elaborate on the Ghosn, who led Nissan Motor Kelly, an American, says he is in- Tokyo District Prosecutors Tokyo Deputy Chief Prosecu- Taylors’ health and other condi- Co. for nearly two decades, was nocent as he did not know about have been questioning the Taylo- tor Hiroshi Yamamoto said Mon- tions, but said appropriate pro- arrested in November 2018 and such actions. rs since they were extradited day was the last day the Taylors cedures were being taken. later charged with under-repor- Nissan, as a company, is also from the United States earlier this could have been detained wi- “We continue to be grateful ting his compensation and brea- standing trial. Nissan has ack- month. They have been detained thout charges under Japanese to the U.S. authorities for their ch of trust. nowledged wrongdoing. at a Tokyo detention center since law. cooperation and hope to proceed He jumped bail and escaped A verdict is not expected for March 2. Now that they have been char- with the trial,” he said, referring to Lebanon in December 2019. months. MDT/AP

CORPORATE BITS Sands Cares holds guided tour of The Londoner Wynn to host new edition of ‘Wynn Guest Chef Series’ issued by the gaming in a statement. operator. They comple- These experienced chefs will ted missions throughout lead guests on a gastronomic the journey in order to win journey to experience the fla- the prize of one night of vors of China’s North and South accommodation at The from April to June this year at Londoner Macao, and en- Wynn Macau and Wynn Palace joyed afternoon refresh- Cotai. ments and entertainment Throughout their Macau visit, at Portuguese restaurant the celebrity chefs will also de- Chiado. vote time toward sharing their “The outing is also the culinary expertise with local stu- first activity of the new dents at “The Eight Great Cuisi- A group of 20 Sands Ca- During “The Londoner Sands Cares Family Health nes of China” master class ses- res Ambassadors recently Discovery Journey,” the and Wellness Series, whi- sions. These educational events hosted about 80 members 100 participants split into ch aims to strengthen fa- will be held at the Wynn F&B of the Women’s General four groups to visit some mily bonding and parent- Academy and at other Macau Association of Macau at of the hotel’s famous lo- child communication, and higher educational institutions The Londoner Macao for cations such as the Tea to promote family health,” With the arrival of spring, Wynn the country will descend upon such as the Macao Institute for a guided tour of the newly Cups, Londoner Guards Wilfred Wong, president is set to host a new edition of the Macau to take part in a series of Tourism Studies (IFTM) and the launched British-themed and Londoner Taxi, ac- of Sands China Ltd re- “Wynn Guest Chef Series.” Chi- 14 events for three consecuti- Macau University of Science integrated resort. cording to a statement marked. na’s leading chefs from all across ve months, Wynn announced and Technology (MUST). www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 11 tue 23.03.2021 體育 SPORTS

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

FOOTBALL mination from the Europa League last week. But Tottenham helped its chances of qualifying for the Champions League by beating Leicester ousts Man United Aston Villa 2-0 in the Premier Lea- gue yesterday [Macau time] to move within three points of four- th-place Chelsea. to join Chelsea in cup semis Tottenham received some as- sistance from neighbor Arsenal HILE its neighbor recovering from 3-0 down to draw is chasing a qua- 3-3 with West Ham, which missed

druple, Manches- AP PHOTO a chance to move level on points ter United now has with Chelsea after conceding Ale- onlyW one route to ending a four- xandre Lacazette’s equalizer. -year trophy drought. The opener in the 29th minute Losing 3-1 at Leicester in the FA came after Lucas Moura and Har- Cup quarterfinals yesterday [Ma- ry Kane played a one-two, resul- cau time] realistically leaves Ole ting in Carlos Vinicius being teed Gunnar Solskjaer with only the up for a tap-in for his first league Europa League to produce his first goal since joining on loan for the trophy as United manager. United season from Benfica in October. faces Granada in the quarterfinals Tottenham doubled its lead of the Europa League. midway through the second half “We didn’t have the spark to- when Kane clinically scored from night and it’s understandable,” the penalty spot, having been fou- Solskjaer said. “They’ve been led by Matty Cash. Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech (right) scores his side’s second goal during the English FA Cup quarterfinal soccer match unbelievable, the last three or four “The last couple of games months, playing every three or have not been good enough in all four days, and it’s just caught up achievement. Kelechi Iheanacho’s double of us in terms of budget or whate- areas,” Kane said. “We knew we with us — all the games, all the It will be lucrative, too, and for and Youri Tielemans’ strike elimi- ver else, maybe history,” Leicester had to bounce back, especially traveling. Thursday night in Mi- Leicester, which is only a point nated United, which had leveled manager Brendan Rodgers said. before the international break, we lan took a lot out of us, today we behind United in third. through Mason Greenwood. Lei- “But the ambition is there to win didn’t want to go away with three didn’t have that extra zip. We just But while Brendan Rodgers cester has the easier route to the titles and be competitive.” losses or two losses and a draw, didn’t have enough against a good knows the value of steering Lei- final after being drawn to play The FA Cup semifinals next but the boys put in a great shift team.” cester back into the Champions Southampton. month take place a week before and we deserved it. But with United second in the League for the first time since The other semifinal will pit the League Cup final between City “Our attitude, in the last couple Premier League, albeit 14 points Claudio Ranieri’s side won the Man City against Chelsea, which and Tottenham. That is Jose Mou- of games that had dropped below behind Manchester City, securing Premier League in 2016, the status beat Sheffield United 2-0 in Sun- rinho’s only way of delivering To- our standards, but we are working Champions League qualification of a trip to a first FA Cup semifinal day’s other quarterfinal. ttenham’s first trophy since 2008 hard together, all in the same di- could be the most significant since 1982 is also notable. “There are lots of teams ahead after the north London club’s eli- rection.” MDT/AP

ad AstraZeneca: US data shows vaccine the effective for all ages BUZZ AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine provided strong protection led rollout. The study comprised more than 30,000 volunteers, against sickness and eliminated hospitalizations and deaths of whom two-thirds were given the vaccine while the rest got from the disease across all age groups in a late-stage study in dummy shots. the United States, the company announced yesterday. In a statement, AstraZeneca said its COVID-19 vaccine was AstraZeneca said its experts did not identify any safety con- 79% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 and was cerns related to the vaccine, including finding no increased risk 100% effective in stopping severe disease and hospitalization, of rare blood clots identified in Europe. though it has not yet published full data. Investigators said the OPINION Although AstraZeneca’s vaccine has been authorized in more vaccine worked across all ages, including older people — so- than 50 countries, it has not yet been given the green light in mething experts wanted better data on. Two doses of the Astra- World Views the U.S. — and has struggled to gain public trust amid a troub- Zeneca vaccine were given to people four weeks apart. David Fickling, MDT/Bloomberg

Blackstone puts too many chips on a $6.2 billion casino bid Taiwan gives health AP PHOTO

It’s not hard to see why Blackstone Group Inc. would see value in the stricken Australian casino workers island’s first operator Crown Resorts Ltd. The EU yesterday imposed The private equity firm, which is offering to take sanctions on four Chinese over the operator of casinos in Melbourne, Perth AstraZeneca doses officials accused of and Sydney for A$8.02 billion ($6.2 billion), wou- responsibility for abuses ld inherit one of the best balance sheets in the HUIZHONG WU, TAIPEI against Uyghur Muslims in a raft of measures industry and by default remove one of the main AP PHOTO targeting alleged human issues hanging over the stock. EALTH care workers rights offenders around By bringing in its own management to run the received the first shots H the world, despite warnings show — the normal course of business for most in Taiwan’s COVID-19 vac- that Beijing could retaliate. private equity takeovers — Blackstone would au- cination drive yesterday, The four are senior officials tomatically be carrying out the wholesale mana- beginning a campaign that in the northwest region gement restructuring that Crown will likely need won’t use supplies from Chi- of Xinjiang. The sanctions if it’s to hold onto its gaming licenses following a na amid uneven distribution involve a freeze on their damning money laundering inquiry. assets in the EU and a ban Any gambler (or investor) knows not to put too of the vaccines globally. Taiwan has on hand on them traveling in the much weight on a run of losses, since the future is bloc. still unwritten. Viewed that way, Crown is a more 117,000 doses of the Astra- attractive stock than it’s been in many years. The Zeneca vaccine, which it is Sydney casino, a significant drain on cash in re- distributing to healthcare Su Tseng-chang receives a shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine at cent years, opened in December. Gambling acti- AP PHOTO workers across 57 hospitals. National Taiwan University Hospital in Taipei yesterday vity is currently suspended following the inquiry, Taiwanese premier Su but cash is flowing in thanks to A$870 million of Tseng-chang launched the apartment sales in its harborside tower amid a drive by receiving the first vaccine, 5.05 million doses Taiwan has yet to annou- red-hot real estate market. UK A protest in the city of shot at National Taiwan Uni- of the Moderna vaccine, and nce a vaccination campaign The worst of coronavirus appears to be in the Bristol against new policing past in Melbourne, too, with 1,000 people now versity Hospital in the capital 4.76 million doses of vacci- for the public. legislation turned into allowed on Crown’s main gaming floor and other Taipei. “After 30 minutes of nes through COVAX. Countries around the violent clashes that left at restrictions being lifted progressively. With Aus- rest, there’s no signs of any Currently, Taiwan has world are scrambling for least 20 officers injured tralia expecting to open its international borders discomfort,” he said. recorded 1,006 confirmed vaccines, which have been — two of them seriously once vaccination of the local population is com- The rest period is for mo- cases of COVID-19, most of distributed unevenly with — widespread damage to pleted, expected in late October, there’s even a nitoring recipients for any those from visitors coming rich countries buying up a a police station and police vehicles torched, police said chance that foreign tourists could return not adverse reactions. from abroad. It has been one majority of the doses. China long after a deal is finished. yesterday. Seven people Last week, more than a of the most successful pla- has stepped in to offer hun- The problem is that these benefits already look were arrested during the dozen nations suspended ces in the world in the battle dreds of millions of doses priced into the stock. On a forecast price-earnin- protest. gs ratio, Crown is currently trading at 48.3 times use of the AstraZeneca vac- against the pandemic, owing of its own vaccines across its blended forward 12-months earnings estima- cine after a few dozen people to strict public health and the developing world, but tes, putting this trouble-plagued company on a among the millions who’ve border control measures. Taiwan has refrained from AP PHOTO marginally more generous multiple than the 47.8 received the vaccine deve- The island is planning to buying them. times rating ascribed to tech darling Amazon. loped blood clots. The Eu- administer its full initial su- Taiwanese law bans im- com Inc. ropean Union’s drug regula- pply to 117,000 individuals to port of Chinese vaccines Even if you switch to an enterprise value model tory agency concluded after ensure the broadest protec- made for human use. The Greece’s health minister is to strip out the effects of Crown’s superior balan- a review it couldn’t rule out a tion. The first dose provides island’s health minister had requisitioning the services ce sheet and estimate earnings over the next 24 direct link but the benefits of an efficacy rate of 71% and said in February there were of private sector doctors months to give a more post-Covid flavor to the from certain specialties in exercise, the price looks steep. Crown’s current using the vaccine outweigh the second dose — meant no considerations to amen- the possible risks. to be given eight weeks later ding the law and no experts the wider Athens region to valuation of 11.2 times earnings before interest, help fight a renewed surge Taiwan has signed con- — boosts its effectiveness to have made a special recom- tax, depreciation and amortization puts it in the in coronavirus infections company of Las Vegas Sands Corp., MGM Resorts tracts securing 10 million 81%, authorities have said mendation for Chinese vac- that is straining hospitals to International and Wynn Resorts Ltd. That seems doses of the AstraZeneca previously. cines. MDT/AP their limits. Vassilis Kikilias excessive, though, since all of those businesses said Monday said he was make a substantial slice of their money in Ma- ordering those from the cau, a market from which Crown is absent that’s specialties of pathology, now sputtering back to life after a Covid-induced AP Photo/Oded Balilty pneumonology and general shutdown. THE DECISIVE MOMENT medicine to help. The Place it next to the more comparable casinos requisition order is for one which can’t depend on Macau’s cash gusher, and month for 206 doctors, Crown’s valuation looks distinctly rich. That 11.2 health authorities said. times multiple is a larger number than its pre- vious partner in the Chinese gambling resort, Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd., and well above what any gambling company without Ma- AP PHOTO cau exposure can boast. That’s pretty bold for a company that still can’t quite guarantee it will be allowed to operate in its main markets at all, pending the outcome of two France Ikea’s French more government inquiries and license reviews. subsidiary and several of Blackstone helped revive Crown from its Co- its executives were set vid- and scandal-induced slump last April when to go on trial yesterday it bought Melco’s 10% stake for A$8.15 a share, over accusations that helping to set a floor under its price ever since. they illegally spied on Now it’s adding another 19% premium to the sha- employees and customers. re price that’s prevailed since first-half results a Trade unions reported month ago. the furniture and home Every gambler knows it’s a bad idea to bid goods company to French authorities in 2012, accusing against yourself. The pile of chips Blackstone is it of collecting personal data pushing onto the table suggests it’s forgotten that Laid bare. A statue by an unidentified artist depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin by fraudulent means and the fact. Netanyahu naked was set up in Habima Square, Tel Aviv, Israel, where it stood for a couple of hours before being removed by the municipality. illicit disclosure of personal information.