FOUNDER & PUBLISHER Kowie Geldenhuys EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Paulo Coutinho www.macaudailytimes.com.mo
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WHO TEAM URGES PATIENCE AFTER CAEAL ATTEMPTS NEW LEADERS OF MICE INDUSTRY FIRST LOOK FOR THE POSSIBLE CLARIFICATION IN DISTINGUISHING ARE SANGUINE ABOUT THE ORIGINS OF THE COVID VIRUS AMID SECTOR’S PROSPECT IN MACAU CONCERNS ABOUT THE STUDY NEWS REPORTS FROM PROPAGANDA IN THE SECOND HALF OF 2021 P8 P3 P4 AP PHOTO
China At least nine people have tested positive for The government is set to establish a new dedicated department and legal framework to lay the COVID-19 in a Chinese NORMALIZE TCM city on the border with P2 Myanmar, health officials groundwork for the surveillance and manufacturing of traditional Chinese medicine or TCM said yesterday. Five are Chinese citizens and four are Myanmar nationals, the Yunnan Province Health Commission said in a report posted online. The city of Ruili, with a population of about 210,000 people, said all residents would be tested for COVID-19 and would have to home quarantine for one week. AP PHOTO
Indonesian navy divers have recovered the cockpit voice recorder of a Sriwijaya Air jet that crashed into the Java Sea in January, killing all 62 people on board, officials said yesterday. The contents of the recorder were not immediately available. However, the device could help investigators determine what caused the Boeing 737-500 to nosedive into the ocean after it took off. AP PHOTO
Australia announced
yesterday it would BLOOMBERG begin building its own guided missiles in close collaboration with the U.S. as it seeks to boost its defense capabilities. The news comes amid growing WANG JUNHAO unease in the Pacific region about China’s increasing assertiveness and military abilities. Citing Presenting the “changing global environment,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison ‘To the said it would partner with a weapons manufacturer to build the missiles in a Moon’ plan that would create thousands of jobs as well Urzela or another P5 as export opportunities. jetfoil down P3 solo More on backpage page 2 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 01.04.2021 thu
MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER
tional Airport (MIA). Ho said he understood the fi- Macau set for tourism rebound nancial hardship that the global aviation industry has been facing since the outbreak of Covid-19. with expanded airport: CE The upcoming expanded MIA will lay a solid bedrock to reap the HONEY TSANG benefits of the future tourism re- bound, he added. HE Macau SAR government According to MIA, the PTB Tcapitalized on the downtime South Extension project is set to during the Covid-19 pandemic to be completed by mid-2021. Upon enhance the city’s airport infras- completion, the overall passen- tructure and gear itself up for the ger-handling capacity of the air- forthcoming influx of tourists in port will be increased by around the future, Chief Executive (CE) 28.2% from the current 7.8 million Ho Iat Seng remarked in a mee- passengers per year to 10 million ting with Zhao Xiaohang, chair- passengers annually. man of a local airline Air Macau, The total floor area of the PTB this week. will also grow by 17,000 square The discussion between the meters, with the addition of three two big names revolved around new passenger boarding bridges approaches to entice more holi- to the existing five. This will offer daymakers to visit Macau. “more space at the departure hall” Ho underscored the status of for travelers, Ho added. Macau as a “healthy, safe destina- From March 26 to 29, the Ma- tion,” as the city has kept the tally cao Government Tourism Office of local-transmitted cases at zero (MGTO) mounted a large-scale for more than a year. promotional campaign in Hang- The CE is eyeing a continuous zhou, titled “Macao Week in Han- collaboration between the gover- gzhou.” Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng (right) and Zhao Xiaohang, chairman of Air Macau nment and AirMacau, as well as As part of the exchange, both other local travel traders, in a bid Ho and Zhao attested their su- to strengthen the promotion of vid-19 in check, which has cata- tie-up with authorities to launch ment turned the downtime to pport for the roadshow, regarding Macau’s tourism towards Main- pulted it as the most-preferred impactful tourism promotions in an advantage and initiated the it as a constructive campaign pro- land holidaymakers. city destination for Mainland vi- the future. construction of the Passenger moting Macau’s distinctive tou- Zhao echoed Ho’s remarks, sitors. He reaffirmed the airline’s Earlier, in March 2020 at the Terminal Building (PTB) South rism appeal to visitors in the East saying that Macau has kept Co- commitment to bolstering the pandemic’s height, the govern- Extension at the Macau Interna- China region.
the coronavirus, has thus the community. played a “crucial role” in The forum, which adop- Gov’t to institute new department the fight against the pan- ted a hybrid format of both demic, she said. online and offline confe- The SAR government rences, was jointly held by and legislation for TCM: Ao Ieong U will double down on the Ministry of Foreign Af- enhancing the city’s medi- fairs and the National Ad- HONEY TSANG cal system and promoting ministration of Traditional the co-development of Chinese Medicine in Bei- HE SAR government is both Chinese and Western jing on March 30. Tset to establish a new medicine. In 2011, the SAR govern- dedicated department and Sun Chunlan, Vice Pre- ment and the Guangdong legal framework to lay the mier of the State Council, provincial government groundwork for the sur- said via a video conferen- entered a joint venture to veillance and manufactu- ce that the Central Gover- establish The Guangdong- ring of traditional Chinese nment will continue to -Macao Traditional Chine- medicine (TCM) in Macau, foster the development of se Medicine Science and the Secretary for Social Af- TCM, share with the global Technology Industrial Park fairs and Culture Ao Ieong medial experts effective on Hengqin Island. U has said. TCM treatments to combat The facility — the first Ao’s announcement the pandemic, and cultiva- industrial park in Hen- came amidst a speech she te TCM talents. gqin founded by both delivered at the “Forum Ao pledged that the Guangdong and Macau, on Traditional Chinese SAR government will align under the “Framework Medicine and Internatio- with China’s Belt and Agreement on Coopera- nal Cooperation to Fight Road initiative and team tion between Guangdong Against COVID-19 Pande- up with Mainland cities to and Macao” inked in Mar- mic” on March 30. to usher in a specialized she added, will be the esta- se medicines manufactu- launch further joint TCM ch 2011 — is purposed to Representing the Macau department to strengthen blishment of legislation re- red, imported and distri- projects. Such a move is promote the diversifica- SAR government, she dis- the supervision of TCM-re- garding the registration of buted in Macau. intended to accelerate tion of Macau’s economy closed that the Macau’s au- lated activities in the city. TCM to ensure the quality TCM, which has been the development of TCM, and the internationaliza- thorities are now planning Another undertaking, and safety of all the Chine- proved to help alleviate which can in turn benefit tion of TCM.
www.macaudailytimes.com.mo DIRECTOR & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF_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 & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Kowie Geldenhuys [email protected] NEWSROOM AND CONTRIBUTORS_Albano Martins, Annabel Jackson, Anthony Lam, Emilie Tran, Irene OFFICE MANAGER Juliana Cheang [email protected] REACHING OUT! Sam, Ivo Carneiro de Sousa, Jacky I.F. Cheong, Jenny Lao-Phillips, João Palla Martins, Joseph Cheung, ADDRESS Av. da Praia Grande, 599, Edif. Comercial Rodrigues, 12 Floor C, 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 thu 01.04.2021 澳門 MACAU
MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER CAEAL attempts new clarification in distinguishing news reports from propaganda
RENATO MARQUES what the Committee requires to be concealed the day before and HE Electoral Affairs on election day, only refers to Commission for the “information with specific refe-
Legislative Assembly MARQUES RENATO rences [to] electoral propaganda, Election (CAEAL) has which may be disseminated by Tsaid that what matters to classify the media on its online platfor- a media report as electoral pro- ms, and not those republished or paganda, is whether that report shared, indirectly, by social media constitutes an appeal to vote. platforms.” Content related to the political In the aforementioned mee- program of a certain list or group ting with the gaming concessio- is also of relevance to deciding naires, the president of CAEAL in- the acceptability of the material, formed media that topics related the president of the CAEAL, Tong to the rules during the electoral Hio Fong, said yesterday during a campaign and voting day were press briefing at the sidelines of a addressed. He had reminded meeting between the CAEAL and the concessionaires that besides representatives from the gaming complying with the rule of not concessionaires. having any election campaign According to Tong, “the [elec- activities held on their premises, tions] law defines clearly what they also have to supervise and [constitutes] a news report and alert the CAEAL in case others, what [constitutes] electoral pro- including their staff members, at- paganda.” tempted to disseminate electoral In response to media questions, propaganda, by any means, in- the president of CAEAL added that cially during the days of voting red that the report is favoring just the CAEAL regarding the duties of cluding the displaying of symbols, it is important to observe the con- and reflection. one or some of them.” media. slogans or numbers that point to tent of candidate interviews, he On a previous occasion, the re- In addition to media concer- In the letter, the MJA claimed a list or lists of candidates. claimed, saying, “If it is just a news marks from CAEAL were not well ns was the responsibility of the that a previous statement from Questioned as to whether the report there is no problem, but if received among journalists and journalists or media outlets when Tong misinterpreted news as elec- gaming concessionaires could or in the report, there is the inten- media outlets, who interpreted a citizen shares previously pub- toral propaganda. could not provide transportation tion to call attention to a particu- the restriction as a threat to press lished reports, during the period The association also claims or facilitate the voting of their sta- lar candidate/list or to call for the freedom. in which electoral campaigning that there is no such provision ff or other citizens, Tong said, “If vote [for] this candidate or, to in- In response to questions as to is not allowed. On this topic, Tong stating that media outlets need to it is just transportation or some centivize citizens not to vote [for] how to navigate the problem of clarified that in such cases, there hide or delete any election-related arrangements, there is no pro- another candidate, in this case, having news reports that will tou- is no liability of the media or jour- news on their online platforms blem, but if there are any propa- this is considered propaganda.” ch on political programs and ideas nalists but, instead, this falls on before reflection days and voting ganda materials or if there is any Under focus is a rule stipulated of a certain candidate or candi- the citizen. day, and commented the restric- attempt to [influence] a voting by the CAEAL that calls for the re- dates, Tong said, “If the report is In a recent letter published by tion is creating “white terror” for direction during the trip, this is moval of all electoral propaganda made with fairness and equity the Times, the Macau Journalists media professionals. also considered to be a breach of materials after the period of the and includes all candidates, in Association (MJA) expressed sho- The CAEAL noted in a state- the electoral law” and would carry electoral campaign, and espe- that case, [it] cannot be conside- ck at the interpretations made by ment on Tuesday evening that consequences.
cess (later Urzela) assisted during peak seasons. Another jetfoil dismantled: Urzela becomes Records show that the last trip from TurboJet-ow- ned Urzela took place on scrap metal, Pico and Guia next the afternoon of December 21, 2018. Following that, RENATO MARQUES said that the “Urzela” has the vessel had been stored served on the Hong Kong- in Hong Kong Shipyard in NOTHER jetfoil vessel Macau ferry route since Tsing Yi, together with Pico Ahas reportedly been 1980 after an initial life ser- and Guia, the other two dismantled at Hong Kong’s ving on the route between vessels also retired in 2018.
Wang Tak shipyard, the jet- AGENCY PHOTO MACAU the Canadian city of Victo- The acknowledgment foil Conservation Concern ria, British Columbia, and that Urzela and another Group has said in a state- the American city of Seattle, two vessels are to be scra- ment. under the name of “Flying pped helps cement the According to the same Princess,” since 1976. idea previously aired by the group, the dismantled je- Following that stint, the group that the jetfoil servi- tfoil is Urzela. The group vessel headed to Europe ce, affected by a passenger also noted that two other and served for some time shortage since the opening jetfoils (namely Pico and on the route between the of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai- Guia) will be the next in cities of Zeebrugge, Bel- -Macau Bridge and forced line. gium, and London, UK. to halt services for over one “After being retired in In 1979, a new jetfoil year due to the Covid-19 December 2018, jetfoil Ur- line connecting the UK pandemic, would not resu- zela was moved to Wang and France was established me services after the lifting Tak, the same shipyard that number, the vessel name, anticipating that Urzela is The group, which is and ran by a jetfoil named of the travel ban between scrapped Balsa and Santa and the company logo have very close to an end,” the knowledgeable of the his- Normandy Princess (later the two Special Administra- Maria. Currently, the hull been covered with paint, group said in the statement. tory of this type of vessel, Terceira), while Flying Prin- tive Regions. page 4 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 01.04.2021 thu
MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER
Unified scan-by- Wynn-sponsored customer mobile sailing contest to drive payment rolls out
FTER the consolidation collected and scan the QR economic diversification Aof the first phase of mo- code on the consumers’ ce- bile payment method, the llphones, the new function ANTHONY LAM second phase, in which cus- requires the consumers to tomers can pay by scanning scan the code. ESPONDING to the call by the QR codes with any local mo- Afterwards, they will have Rgovernment to promote spor- bile payment app, rolled out to key in the amount to be ts and sports tourism in Macau, it yesterday, the government deducted from their account was announced yesterday at a press has announced in a state- in order to actualize the pay- conference that Wynn will be the ment. ment. They may be required title sponsor for the “Wynn Cup” – With the rollout, provided by the platform to key in pas- Qingdao-Macao International Of- that a business has been up- swords to fulfil higher securi- fshore Race 2021. graded with the government- ty benchmarks. The event will be held between led “Simple Pay” function, It is crucial, the Monetary May 10 and 30. The 1,200-nautical customers can pay for com- Authority of Macao has re- mile race will embark from Qing- modities by scanning the QR minded business operators, dao, sail via Ningbo, Xiamen, Shen- code posted by the business. for them to safeguard their zhen, Zhuhai, and finish in Macau. The platforms providing the QR code because loss will The organizing committee stres- QR code and the mobile pay- incur should it be swapped sed that the route has been care- ment app being matched are with someone else’s code. fully selected, in that Qingdao and not necessary. The first phase facilitated Shenzhen are the two new demons- Furthermore, the development and associations will provide pro- Different from the scan- business operators scanning tration zones set by the Central Go- of the sports industry in China also fessional assistance as necessary. -by-shopkeeper method, in QR codes with the console vernment in the north and south of aligns with President Xi Jinping’s as- As an important international which the business opera- of any local mobile payment China, respectively. piration of making China a sports sports event following the Macau tors key in the amount to be service provider. AL Qingdao is the venue for the Chi- power, an essential part of the great SAR government’s official adminis- na-Shanghai Cooperation Organi- China Dream. tering of the 85 square kilometers of zation Demonstration Zone for Lo- “Sail to Celebrate 100 Years of waters in accordance with the law, cal Economic and Trade Coopera- Youth and Progress as the theme the Offshore Race provides space tion, whereas Shenzhen is the pilot and Vitality, Fashion, Openness, for a new development model fea- MICE leaders demonstration area for the concept Unity” is the slogan of the race, turing “Sports + Tourism + Exhibi- positive about of ‘socialism with Chinese characte- marking the 100th Anniversary of tion” through cross-sector coope- ristics.’ the founding of the Communist ration in hosting sports events for business in H2 2021 In his 2021 Policy Address, Chief Party of China (CPC). a new roadmap of developing the Executive Ho Iat Seng stated that As described by the organizing maritime economy of Macau. HONEY TSANG Edmund Wong I Mun, promoting the industrialization of committee, the offshore race is a gift Concurrently with the race itself, Chairman of the Association culture and sports is an important to the CPC in honor of its centenary a series of promotional activities HE meetings, incenti- of Advertising Agents of Ma- measure for economic transforma- jubilee. such as The International Marine Tves, conferences, and cau, told the media after the tion. In the future, efforts will be Safety will be closely monitored, Sports and Tourism Development exhibitions (MICE) industry event that he is supportive made to encourage the diversifica- according to the organizing commi- Forum, the Qingdao-Macau Sailing is sanguine about the pros- of the upskilling program. tion of sports and tourism by hos- ttee, which has taken into account Photography Contest, Macau Youth pect of the MICE sector in But he suggested that the ting international sports events and climate and weather factors, such Regatta, Sail Open Day, Road Show, Macau in the second half of government doubles down brand sports activities for a phased as tropical cyclones and the mee- Course Race, and Promotional 2021. on diversifying tourism offe- expansion of the sports industry ting of the cold and warm currents Symposiums will be held to facilita- Some leaders of the city’s rings in Macau by launching chain. during the period. Local authorities te economic and trade cooperation. MICE industry expressed more thematic travel packa- their optimism at an expla- ges, such as wedding travel, natory seminar yesterday to help prop up the industry. on March 31. The event Meanwhile, Song Xiao- delineated the outlook for dong, President of the Ma- Macau’s MICE sector and cao Convention & Exhi- Ponte 16 drags Success Universe key policies laid down in the bition Association, called Two Sessions. on the MICE organizers to The event was jointly forge a closer partnership from profit to loss in 2020 hosted by the Association with mainland China and of Advertising Agents of Ma- overseas enterprises to help HONEY TSANG million, representing from the impact of the cau, the Macao Convention foster the industry. a sharp plunge from Covid-19 pandemic & Exhibition Association In 2020, Macau’s MICE ONTE 16, a fla- a profit of HKD116.8 since early 2020. and the Macau Fair & Trade sector came to a standstill Pgship investment million in 2019. Considering global Association. in light of the pandemic, project of Hong Kong- The group unveiled tourism has come to Earlier, on March 30, the with the number of MICE -listed company Suc- the 2020 financial figu- a standstill, the avera- Secretary for Economy and events held in Macau falling cess Universe Group res for the Macau pro- ge occupancy rate of Finance Lei Wai Nong vowed by around 76% year-on- Ltd (Group), posted a perty in a report relea- Sofitel Macau at Ponte in a Legislative Assembly -year to only 362, whilst the negative adjusted ear- sed on March 30. 16 “remained low for (AL) meeting that the gover- number of participants and nings before interest, Overall, the Group 2020,” when compa- nment would strive to laun- attendees also showed a taxation, deprecia- registered a financial red to the equivalent ch the Exhibition Curation year-on-year drop of 54.6% tion, and amortization net loss of HKD141.9 figure of over 90% in and Arrangement training to 914,000, according to the (EBITDA) of HKD242.9 million for 2020. In 2019. program in the second or official data. million for the full year 2019, the company To mitigate financial third quarter of 2021. Despite the sharp fall, of 2020, a sharp fall posted a profit of difficulties, Ponte 16 The training scheme, Lei the fact that Macau mana- from the EBITDA gains HKD74.2 million. has been carrying out explained, is to help bolster ged to host some interna- of HKD377.5 million in “The turnaround measures to offset los- the infrastructure of the lo- tional MICE events was no 2019. from profit to loss,” ses, such as cost con- cal MICE sector and help it small feat, Lei added. The The Group’s shared the Group said, was tainment measures to be better prepared for the government will prioritize loss relating to Ponte predominantly due and flexible manpower future tourism revival af- hiring local talent to enga- 16 for 2020 was appro- to substantial losses arrangements, the sta- ter the Covod-19 pandemic ge in the MICE industry, he ximately HKD145.7 of Ponte 16, resulting tement said. subsides. stressed. www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 5 thu 01.04.2021 澳門 MACAU
MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER Presenting ‘To the Moon’ imbues energy to keep going, says the sole performer ANTHONY LAM performing. Instead of beco- her performance skills. “I think ming bogged down by the facts the audience will be able to see S the sole performer and memories of the lost family it, even children will … too,” she
ANTHONY LAM ANTHONY in the upcoming play members, she has gradually ab- said. “To the Moon,” Wang sorbed the energy from perfor- Marketed by the Macao Cul- Junhao, having played ming in the play to carry on. tural Centre as targeting junior moreA than 60 shows of the name- “Before, I considered [the pas- audiences, the 50-minute play sake production, is not only emo- sing of a relative] a fact difficult employs technology to transform tionally moved by the play, but to accept. Probably because I the stage instantly to suit the set. has also elevated her views on the have spent much time with older Some of the projected images in- topic of death. generations in the family,” she volve mathematical formulae for The story concerns a girl, Tara, recounted. The more she perfor- the composition of spaceships. who has spent a sweet summer med in this play, the more she Wang noted that they are all ge- holiday at her grandfather’s farm, felt her passed-on relatives being nuine. finds the latter having passed commemorated, not by others, In addition, the performer re- away one day. In the hopes of reu- but by herself. vealed that extra efforts have been niting with the beloved old man, “To me, it felt ceremonial,” injected to make the play more Tara decided to set off on an ex- she explained. She admitted that attractive to younger audiences. pedition, with a flock of geese, to every now and then, she recalls For example, as the play progres- the moon one late summer’s day. moments spent with her decea- ses, the backstage is unveiled to Discussing death in a play sui- sed relatives, but she no longer the audience. Wang thinks this table for children from the age feels devastated or depressed. is appealing to children because of four may be a challenge, but “Rather, I feel this is the energy they may want to know what is Wang stressed that the play does to keep moving. I feel empowered situated behind the scenes. not have to be viewed by children to make progress,” she said. ‘To the Moon’ will be staged only, and that adults will be able She pointed out that many of across five shows performed in to take home some insights as the scenes in the play coincided Mandarin with Chinese and En- well. with her own growing up. The glish surtitles, scheduled from Having presented such a topic resonances between the scenes this Friday to Sunday at the Small by herself alone on the stage for and her own adolescent expe- Auditorium of the Macao Cultu- years already, Wang has been ins- riences have made her more in- ral Centre. A small number of ti- pired by the time she has spent volved in the improvement of ckets are still available.
ad page 6 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo CHINA 中國 01.04.2021 thu
MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER
Kenyan filling station operators went on strike in 2018 after a fuel AP PHOTO tax was imposed to repay Chinese loans for a railway. The researchers hope to en- courage “soul-searching” by Bei- jing about whether secrecy and other restrictions are needed, Parks said. He said they hope bor- rowers “get smart on the need to do their homework before they sign these contracts.” Chinese officials received a copy of the report before its relea- se and responded with “detailed written comments” that empha- sized their need to “mitigate risk” in lending to weak economies, Parks said. “There were no requests that we change anything,” he said. “They wanted to make sure their perspective was understood.” Officials in charge of Belt and Road say the initiative benefits all countries involved and lending is on commercial terms, not aid. Report: Chinese loan terms Chinese leaders have forgiven interest owed by some Belt and Road borrowers and say they hamper post-virus debt talks want to keep debt manageable. Yesterday’s report noted, however, JOE McDONALD, BEIJING Communist Party tries to expand said. It said borrowers are requi- table when these countries are that Ecuador was reminded by its global influence to match the red to put oil or other revenue into trying to renegotiate, it is very di- Chinese bankers about its secrecy HINA’S loans to poor coun- country’s status as the second-bi- foreign accounts that can be sei- fficult for countries in repayment terms and told future lending mi- Ctries in Africa and Asia impose ggest economy. zed in the event of default. distress to get out of that situa- ght be jeopardized following leaks unusual secrecy and repayment State-owned Chinese banks, The pandemic “sapped the tion.” of loan details. terms that are hurting their ability unlike most official lenders, requi- repayment capacity of many The researchers looked at 100 Researchers led by AidData to renegotiate debts after the pan- re foreign borrowers to keep ter- borrowers,” but creditors are “re- contracts between Chinese len- released their first report in 2013 demic, a group of U.S. and Ger- ms and sometimes even the exis- luctant to renegotiate” without ders and government borrowers focusing on Chinese financing to man researchers said in a report tence of loans secret, according to knowing what is owed to Beijing, in 24 countries worth a total of Africa. yesterday. the researchers at the College of said one of the authors, Bradley $36.6 billion. The lenders for 84 In 2017, a report found China It adds to warnings about pro- William and Mary in Virginia, Ger- C. Parks, executive director of Ai- of those were the Export-Import was close to matching the United blems from Chinese lending, whi- many’s Kiel Institute for the World dData, a laboratory at the College Bank of China or the China Deve- States as a source of official grants ch surged after Beijing launched Economy and the Peterson Insti- of William and Mary in Virginia. lopment Bank. and loans but said much of that its Belt and Road Initiative in 2012 tute for International Economics Zambia in southern Africa is The researchers posted copies served Beijing’s economic inte- to expand trade with Asia, Africa and the Center for Global Develo- deadlocked in talks with bondhol- of contracts online for the public rests instead of those of the reci- and the Middle East by building pment in Washington. ders who refuse to negotiate until to read. pients. A 2018 report found Chi- railways and other infrastructure. Chinese banks insist on being they know its Chinese debts, ac- Leaders of poor countries wel- nese-financed railways in Africa China has become one of the repaid ahead of other creditors, cording to the report. come Beijing’s lending, but Belt and Asia were helping to reduce biggest lenders, especially to de- which can disrupt debt talks with “The stakes are quite high,” and Road has led to complaints economic inequality between re- veloping countries, as the ruling groups of lenders, their report Parks said. “If China is not at the they are left with too much debt. gions within countries. MDT/AP
BBC correspondent leaves China amid safety concerns veteran BBC corres- truths the Chinese authori- deliberate misinformation. Apondent whose cove- ties did not want the world “Sudworth left after rage angered China has left to know,” the BBC said in a months of personal atta- AP PHOTO the country amid concerns statement posted on Twit- cks and disinformation for his safety, the BBC and ter. targeting him and his BBC a journalist organization The BBC and Sudworth colleagues,” the Foreign said. declined further comment. Correspondents’ Club said. The BBC said yesterday Sudworth has repor- “These included videos that John Sudworth had re- ted from China for nine posted online by state me- located to Taiwan and wou- years. He won a George dia that named him and ld continue to be the British Polk Award last year for his used footage of him obtai- public broadcaster’s China reporting on internment ned from Chinese police correspondent. camps for Muslims in the cameras.” The Foreign Correspon- Xinjiang region. China says Pressure on foreign dents’ Club of China said the camps were vocational journalists working in Chi- that Sudworth had left last training centers and denies na has increased in the week “amid concerns for any abuses. past year. China expelled his safety and that of his fa- China has held a series 18 journalists working for mily.” of news conferences to re- The New York Times, The The organization said fute reports of human righ- Wall Street Journal and The that Sudworth’s wife, Yvon- ts violations in Xinjiang by Washington Post in 2020. ne Murray, a correspondent the BBC and other foreign Most were in response to for Irish broadcaster RTE, media. Chinese state media U.S. moves to force Chinese had left with him. and officials have accused state media to reduce their “John’s work has exposed the British broadcaster of staff in America. MDT/AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 7 thu 01.04.2021 中國 CHINA
MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER
The interagency body led by SOUTH CHINA SEA President Rodrigo Duterte’s na- tional security adviser released surveillance photos of the Chi- nese flotilla in the disputed areas, which the Philippine government Philippines hits China on vessels says are in its internationally re- cognized exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, where it has exclu- sive rights to fish and harness swarming six islands, reefs potential undersea gas and oil JIM GOMEZ, MANILA sels from the Chinese flotilla have deposits and other resources. apparently dispersed to five other “Their swarming ... poses a HE Philippine gover- areas in the Spratly group of is- threat to the peaceful exercise of nment said yesterday lands, including three Chinese- sovereign rights of the Philippi-
that more than 250 Chi- ARCHIVE AP PHOTO -occupied artificial islands, they nes in its EEZ,” the task force said. nese vessels it believes said. The Philippines regards the Tare manned by militia have been At least four Chinese navy Spratlys, where it occupies nine spotted near six Manila-claimed ships were at Chinese-occupied islands and islets, as part of its islands and reefs in the disputed Mischief Reef, the Philippine of- western province of Palawan. South China Sea and demanded ficials said. China took control of But the resource-rich chain of is- that China immediately remove the reef in 1995, drawing strong lands, islets and atolls is also clai- them. protests from the Philippines and med by China, Vietnam, Malay- The gathering of the Chinese- other claimant states. sia, Taiwan and Brunei. China has -flagged vessels, along with four About 45 Chinese vessels were turned seven disputed reefs into Chinese navy ships at a Chine- in the vicinity of the Philippine- missile-protected island bases, se-occupied manmade island -occupied island of Thitu, which ratcheting up tensions in recent base, “is hazardous to navigation Manila calls Pagasa, the officials years. and safety of life at sea” and may said. Duterte has nurtured friendly damage coral reefs and threaten “The Philippines calls on Chi- ties with Beijing since taking offi- the Philippines’ sovereign rights, na to immediately withdraw ce in 2016 and has been criticized a government body overseeing these vessels flying its flag,” the for not immediately demanding the disputed waters said. This satellite image shows Chinese vessels anchored in the Whitsun Reef National Task Force for the West Chinese compliance with an in- China has ignored a Philippine Philippine Sea said in a state- ternational arbitration ruling government diplomatic protest ment. “Neither the Philippines that invalidated Beijing’s historic and a call more than a week ago territory belongs to it and the Chi- lippine officials said 44 Chinese nor the international community claims to virtually the entire Sou- by Philippine Defense Secretary nese vessels were sheltering from “maritime militia” vessels were will ever accept China’s assertion th China Sea. China has refused Delfin Lorenzana for about 200 rough seas. still moored Monday at Whitsun of its so-called `indisputable in- to recognize the 2016 ruling, whi- Chinese vessels to leave Whitsun After carrying out aerial and Reef, which Manila calls Julian tegrated sovereignty’ over almost ch it called “a sham,” and conti- Reef, stating that the maritime maritime patrol missions, Phi- Felipe. More than 200 other ves- all of the South China Sea.” nues to defy it. MDT/AP ad page 8 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo WORLD 國際 01.04.2021 thu
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this day in history AP PHOTO 1957 BBC fools the nation
Liang Wannian (center) the Chinese co-leader of the joint China-WHO investigation into the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic, speaks during a press conference in Beijing yesterday WHO team urges patience after The BBC has received a mixed reaction to a spoof documentary broadcast this eve- ning about spaghetti crops in Switzerland. first look for origin of virus The hoax Panorama programme, narra- ted by distinguished broadcaster Richard JAMEY KEATEN, GENEVA said “it lacks crucial data, in- concerns about the late start remain unanswered. Dimbleby, featured a family from Ticino in formation ... It lacks access. to the study, the delayed de- “This is only a first start - Switzerland carrying out their annual spa- N international It lacks transparency.” She ployment of the expert team, we’ve only scratched the sur- ghetti harvest. team behind a lon- said the study did not rise to and the limited availability face of this very complex set It showed women carefully plucking g-awaited study of the level of the impact that of samples and data, but cal- of studies that need to be con- strands of spaghetti from a tree and laying the possible origins the pandemic has had on the led the report “a helpful first ducted,” Ben Embarek said. them in the sun to dry. ofA COVID-19 with Chinese world. step.” “We have pointed to many But some viewers failed to see the funny colleagues yesterday [Macau “That’s why we also have A statement on the Chi- additional studies that should side of the broadcast and criticised the time] called it a “first start,” called for additional forwar- nese Foreign Ministry’s web be conducted from now on.” BBC for airing the item on what is supposed while the United States and d-looking steps,” she said in site after the release pointed “This is a work in progress,” to be a serious factual programme. allies expressed concerns a briefing with reporters. “It to China’s cooperation with he added, “and we all have to Others, however, were so intrigued they about the findings and China doesn’t lead us to any closer WHO and said the Chinese be patient.” wanted to find out where they could pur- trumpeted its cooperation. (an) understanding or greater side of the team “offered ne- Ben Embarek said it was chase their very own spaghetti bush. Team leader Peter Ben knowledge than we had six to cessary facilitation for the difficult to know when -- if at Spaghetti is not a widely-eaten food in the Embarek of the World Heal- nine months ago about the team’s work, fully demonstra- all -- the precise origin of the UK and is considered by many as an exotic th Organization presented origin.” ting its openness, transparen- pandemic will come to light. delicacy. the team’s first-phase look Separately, in what it called cy and responsible attitude.” While the team members be- Mr Dimbleby explained how each year the end of March is a very anxious time for Spa- into the possible origins of a joint statement by 14 coun- It repeated China’s fre- lieve one hypothesis that the ghetti harvesters all over Europe as severe the pandemic that has killed tries, the State Department quent criticism of efforts to virus could have leaked from frost can impair the flavour of the spaghe- nearly 2.8 million people and said they were calling for “mo- politicize the issue, saying a laboratory was not likely, it tti. pummeled economies sin- mentum” for a second-phase that it will “jeopardize anti- was “not impossible” either, He also explained how each strand of look by experts and pointed -pandemic cooperation, and ce it first turned up in China he said. spaghetti always grows to the same length to the need for further animal cost more lives.” It also rei- over a year ago. “We haven’t seen or been thanks to years of hard work by generations The report, obtained by studies “to find the means of terated the Chinese govern- able to hear or see or look at of growers. The Associated Press earlier introduction into humans” of ment’s belief that the study of anything that would warrant This is believed to be one of the first times this week and formally pub- the coronavirus. the pandemic’s origins “shou- different conclusions from the medium of television has been used to lished yesterday said trans- The countries expressed ld be conducted in multiple our side,” he said. stage an April Fools Day hoax. mission of the virus from support for the WHO’s ex- countries and localities.” But in its report, the team bats to humans through ano- perts and staff, citing their Ben Embarek said the team proposed further research in Courtesy BBC News ther animal is the most likely “tireless” work toward ending members faced political pres- every area except the lab leak scenario and that a lab leak the pandemic and unders- sure from “all sides,” but insis- hypothesis — a speculative is “extremely unlikely.” The tanding its origins to help ted: “We were never pressured theory that was promoted by WHO chief has said all hypo- prevent a future one. But they to remove critical elements in former U.S. President Donald theses remain open. said the study had been “sig- our report.” He also pointed to Trump among others. It also After the report’s publica- nificantly delayed and lacked “privacy” issues in China that said the role played by a sea- tion, the U.S. and over a do- access to complete, original prevented sharing of some food market where human zen other countries expres- data and samples.” data, saying similar restric- cases were first identified was In context sed concerns about the study, Critics of China’s gover- tions exist in many countries. uncertain. The origins of April Fools Day are not clear nment in Washington and pointing to delays and a lack Joined by several team The report cited several but it is known that the tradition of practi- of access to samples and data beyond say it took too long to members for a news confe- reasons for all but dismissing cal joking and mischief-making dates back — without finger-pointing at allow in the team members: rence, Ben Embarek said that that possibility. to Ancient Roman times. Beijing directly. China res- Their roughly four-week vi- “where we did not have full “This is a dynamic pro- It would appear that the festival is closely ponded by reiterating its cri- sit to China in January and access to all the raw data we cess. Nothing is cast in stone. related to the coming of Spring. Ancient Romans and Celts celebrated a February came more than a ticism of efforts to “politicize” wanted, that has been put as There are no firm conclu- festival of practical joking at about the the issue. year after the coronavirus ou- a recommendation for the fu- sions,” Ben Embarek said. time of the Vernal Equinox, as do millions White House press secre- tbreak was first noticed in the ture studies.” “And I think that’s how we of India’s Hindus. tary Jen Psaki said the Biden city of Wuhan. That was a major theme for should look at the whole ou- The French also mark 1 April but instead of administration was still re- The European Union, in a the WHO team: More needs to tcome of this report — and April Fools they call it Poisson d’Avril (April Fish). viewing the WHO report, but separate statement, echoed be done, and many questions this work.” MDT/AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 9 thu 01.04.2021 資訊／娛樂 INFOTAINMENT
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YOUR STARS The Born Loser by Chip Sansom
Aries Taurus
Mar. 21-Apr. 19 Apr. 20-May. 20 There’s real heat growing Your social status is on a rapid between you and someone upswing, and you’ll be in high else. Unfortunately, this person demand by a wide array of people. probably isn’t emotionally Invitations will be coming your way available right now (no matter left and right, and you should let how available they may look). yourself be as choosy as you want. Gemini Cancer
May. 21-Jun. 21 Jun. 22-Jul. 22 If someone you know has recently You’re positively bursting with been making a lot of promises but pride today, but it’s not the bad delivering on none of them, today kind that alienates people and is the day to say something. Ask this makes you show off. It’s the good person why so many obligations kind, the kind that fills you with have been neglected lately. confidence and encourages you. SUDOKU WEATHER Leo Virgo MIN MAX CONDITION Jul. 23-Aug. 22 Aug. 23-Sep. 22 Easy Easy+ CHINA Have the celebrities in your social Could there be too much happening Beijing 18 cloudy circle been getting a bit too big in your life right now? Not according 10 for their britches lately? Popular to the stars. They say that your Harbin 0 15 clear people are not always popular for capacity for thinking fast, working the right reasons, and the chinks in faster, and enjoying every minute of Tianjin 12 17 cloudy their armor are beginning to show. the craziness is incredibly high. Urumqi 0 9 clear Libra Scorpio Xi’an 10 12 drizzle Lhasa 5 18 cloudy Sep.23-Oct. 22 Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Chengdu 14 18 overcast Pinning all of your hopes on one If you’ve been separated from the Chongqing 18 22 drizzle person isn’t a wise idea right now, world while nursing a bruised ego, so try to be realistic about your it’s time for you to get back into Kunming 15 26 cloudy expectations. This person might the game! Whether you feel ready Nanjing 18 overcast be pretty awesome, but they may or not, today is the day to step up 14 not be capable of delivering. and shift back into life. Shanghai 14 20 drizzle Wuhan 15 drizzle Sagittarius Capricorn 12 Medium Hard Hangzhou 16 22 drizzle to moderate rain Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Taipei 21 26 cloudy Having good luck isn’t always a Your desire to make a connection Guangzhou 24 30 cloudy passive experience. You can’t just with new people deserves to be wait for a kind genie to arrive at your satisfied, so reach out and approach Hong Kong 25 30 cloudy doorstep and grant you three wishes. that person who has been making In order to enjoy more luck in your you smile lately. It won’t be difficult life right now, you have to create it. to make new friends. WORLD Aquarius Pisces Moscow 3 7 drizzle Frankfurt 7 22 clear Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Feb.19-Mar. 20 Paris 9 20 clear Showing that you have the maturity Eavesdropping on interesting and tact to negotiate with someone conversations can be a fun London 6 20 clear who rubs you the wrong way will pastime, but it can also get you send a very powerful signal to into a lot of trouble if you aren’t New York 8 15 drizzle some important people you want careful. Play it safe and mind your to impress. own business.
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34- Temperate; 35- Gen. Robert ___; Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com Kiang Wu Hospital 28 371 333 37- Mouthpiece of a bridle; 39- Append; 41- Continue steadily; 42- Decorative flap Commission Against on a garment; 43- Dens; 44- Bodybuilder’s pride; 47- At full speed; 48- Africa’s most Corruption (CCAC) 28326 300 populous city; 49- Perfume compound; 50- Charged; 51- Cries of discovery; 52- IAM 28 387 333 Peak; 53- Composition in verse; 54- “Picnic” playwright; 55- Macho man; 56- On the Tourism 28 333 000 main; 59- Shade at the beach?; 60- 100 square meters; Airport 59 888 88
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MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER
Chinese company has a sales pre- sence on the ground in Taiwan.
AP PHOTO Shanghai-based Zai Lab Ltd. has licensed drugs for cancer and autoimmune diseases from U.S. companies Cullinan Oncology and Argenx for the Greater China region, including Taiwan. Chinese company CStone Pharmaceuti- cals has also licensed cancer dru- gs from Blueprint Medicines Corp and Agios Pharmaceuticals for places that include Taiwan. The confusion over Taiwan co- mes as Fosun’s rollout of BioNTe- ch shots elsewhere in the region also faces uncertainty. Hong Kong has temporarily suspended the vaccine after packaging defec- ts were found in some batches, while mainland China - which is aggressively rolling out its own, homegrown vaccines - is still yet to approve of the shot for use. Guo said he expects Beijing to approve the BioNTech vaccine PHARMA “before long,” but declined to give a timetable. Hong Kong’s govern- ment said it hopes to resume the Fosun says willing to supply BioNTech vaccinations this week after a probe found no safety is- BioNTech vaccine to Taiwan sues. MORE R&D HE Chinese company with claims is part of its territory but inoculation. two sides’ increasingly fraught re- Fosun considers its deal with Tthe deal to distribute BioN- which has its own government The Best and Worst Places to Be lations. BioNTech to be valuable and is Tech SE and Pfizer Inc.’s Covid-19 and sometimes forges its own as Global Vaccinations Take Off Taiwan’s government was seeking wider collaboration with vaccine in “Greater China” says it’s deals with foreign pharmaceutical making final preparations for the the German company beyond the willing to supply Taiwan, after the developers. TAIWAN RESPONDS 5 billion-dose deal with BioNTech Covid deal, Guo said, adding that contested island suggested Bei- The agreement between BioN- In response to Guo’s com- in January, but then “things chan- the vaccines business is “a very jing blocked it from securing the Tech and Guo’s Shanghai Fosun ments, Chuang Jen-hsiang, a ged,” Health Minister Chen Shih- important strategy for us going shot. Pharmaceutical Group Co. gives it spokesman for Taiwan’s Central -chung said in an interview Feb. forward.” Speaking in an interview from the right to distribute the vaccine Epidemic Command Center, said 17. “We believe there was political “Our scientists are also looking Shanghai, Guo Guangchang, the in mainland China, Hong Kong, that the government had spoken pressure,” said Chen, who didn’t for more, better partners around chairman of Fosun International Macau and Taiwan, Fosun says. directly to all vaccine providers explicitly name China, but “exter- the world,” he said. Ltd. - whose medical arm has the Taiwan has been pursuing its own including BioNTech. “There is nal forces.” Fosun Pharma spent more deal with Germany’s BioNTech supplies directly from BioNTech, no message from BioNTech to us Beijing later pushed back at the than 4 billion yuan ($609 million) - said the company “has the res- but sees a diminishing chance of saying that we should talk to Fo- suggestion it had blocked vaccine last year on R&D, according to its ponsibility, duty and willingness securing an agreement, the heal- sun instead,” he said. purchases, saying Taiwan’s gover- financial statement. That invest- to offer the best vaccine to the th minister said this week, after Taiwan has already signed off nment “should stop hyping up ment will go up this year, Guo Greater China region, including claiming in February “political on a supply deal with BioNTech, political issues under the pretext said. The company’s Indian unit Taiwan.” Guo said he hopes this pressure” scuppered a deal for 5 it’s just waiting for the company to of vaccine issues.” Gland Pharma Ltd. signed a deal “desire can soon be realized,” wi- million doses from the German respond, Chuang said. earlier this month to supply Rus- thout elaborating further. developer. While hugely succes- A representative for BioNTech ROCKY ROLLOUT sia with 252 million shots of the The blockbuster shot is the la- sful at containing Covid, Taiwan declined to comment. Deals covering Greater China Sputnik V vaccine and is exploring test source of tension between has struggled to procure vaccine It appears the German com- are not uncommon in the phar- more manufacturing partner- China and Taiwan, which Beijing supplies and is falling behind on pany has been caught up in the maceutical space, especially if a ships. MDT/BLOOMBERG
CORPORATE BITS SJM enticed Hangzhou tourists with promotions galore Sociedade de Jogos de Ma- intended to celebrate the “de- the Macau SAR government. cau, S.A. (SJM) had drummed velopment of Macau’s iconic “We are delighted to partner up its brand exposure in Han- Lisboa brand,” according to with the Macau Government in gzhou by launching a series of the group’s statement. Hangzhou in promoting Macau promotional activities at the Alongside the booth, SJM tourism and rejuvenating our “Macao Week in Hangzhou” also choreographed a dance economy,” Ho added. roadshow from March 26 to performance, namely “Macau Earlier, MGTO Director Maria 29. Love Story”, which was pre- Helena de Senna Fernandes The roadshow was organized sented at the roadshow. told Hangzhou’s trade partners by the Macao Government Besides, SJM launched a set on March 25 at a tourism-the- Tourism Office (MGTO), in an of attractive promotional of- med seminar that the MGTO attempt to showcase Macau’s fers for the brand’s hotels and is set to pursue a new strategy diverse tourism offers and forged a closer partnership to draw more mainland tourists promote the city as a “safe and with Hangzhou’s travel part- from non-Guangdong cities to health destination” to entice ners and travel agencies during visit Macau by riding on the Hi- prospective tourists from Han- the 4-day roadshow. gh-Speed Rail network. gzhou. Daisy Ho, Chairman of the “Our [promotional] strategy At the campaign, SJM set up Board of Directors of SJM, sta- will encourage visitation from a promotional booth, entitled ted in the statement that Ma- [mainland] cities with a [better] “Lisboa – Grand Lisboa – Grand cau has become a “safe tourist transportation network [con- Lisboa Palace.” It showcased city,” thanks to full backing by necting to Macau],” Fernandes the architectural models of the Central Government as said, adding such tactic is to the three properties adorned well as potent anti-pandemic help increase the average leng- with LED displays, which were measures implemented by th tourists stay in Macau. www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 11 thu 01.04.2021 體育 SPORTS
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TALES AZZONI, MADRID FOOTBALL | WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS ELGIUM and the Netherlands sco- red 15 goals com- bined in big routs Ronaldo scores, Belgium Bin World Cup qualifying yesterday [Macau time], while Portugal got one from Cristiano Ronaldo in and Dutch earn big routs its victory against a Luxem- bourg team that tinkered with another shock result. AP PHOTO Belgium crushed Bela- rus 8-0 to stay at the top in Group E, while the Dutch trashed Gibraltar 7-0 to go second behind Turkey in Group G. Minnow Luxembourg, which opened with a sur- prising win against Ireland, looked on its way to pulling off another upset after it took the lead against Por- tugal, but the visitors came from behind to stay at the top of Group A along with Serbia, which earlier de- feated Azerbaijan with another double by Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitro- vic. “It was a difficult first half,” Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches said. “Lu- xembourg started well, but I think we controlled the game. They had a set piece draw, staying winless in 11 got two more closer to the 2-1 to Slovakia. ch got its second victory by in the group. It was the fifth and scored, but I think that games under coach Ste- end. The result left the Rus- beating Malta 3-0. consecutive away loss for from that point on we con- phen Kenny. Memphis Depay had a sians tied at the top of Cyprus earlier defeated Slovenia in World Cup qua- trolled the game.” double for the Dutch, whi- Group H with Croatia, whi- Slovenia 1-0 for its first win lifying. MDT/AP ch trails Turkey by a point BELGIUM 8, BELARUS 0 after three matches. ad LUXEMBOURG 1, “The goals came later PORTUGAL 3 Hans Vanaken and Lean- than we had hoped, but at dro Trossard both scored least they came,” Depay After being held score- a pair of goals as Belgium said “We remained positive, less in the first two quali- trounced Belarus with four and things came good in fiers this year, Ronaldo sco- goals in each half. the end. The team spirit is red his 31st goal in World “I’m delighted with what great, and we have belief in Cup qualifying early in the I’ve seen from every player,” ourselves.” second half in Portugal’s Belgium coach Roberto Turkey missed a chance victory at Luxembourg. Martinez said. “I’ve seen to earn its third straight win He has now scored for players taking decisive ro- after squandering a 2-0 lead Portugal in every calendar les, I was very pleased with in a 3-3 draw with Latvia. year since his first inter- the performance of the national goal in 2004, and young guys and how this moved six away from tying group works together.” AZERBAIJAN 1, SERBIA 2 the all-time scoring record The home victory left for a men’s national team. Belgium three points ahead Mitrovic continued his The record of 109 goals is of the Czech Republic, whi- hot streak by scoring a dou- held by former Iran striker ch lost 1-0 at Wales thanks ble in Serbia’s win at Azer- Ali Daei, the only other to a late Daniel James goal baijan. male soccer player to sur- after an assist by Gareth He has scored five goals pass the 100-goal milesto- Bale. in the first three qualifiers. ne. Wales and Belarus are a He also had a double in the Gerson Rodrigues had point behind the Czech Re- opening 3-2 win against put the hosts ahead in the public with a game in hand. Ireland, and found the net 30th minute but Diogo once in the 2-2 draw against Jota equalized for Portugal Portugal. in the second minute of GIBRALTAR 0, Mitrovic opened the sco- stoppage time before Ro- NETHERLANDS 7 ring in the 16th and netted naldo and João Palhinha the winner in the 81st after added second-half goals. Gibraltar, ranked 195th Azerbaijan had scored in Portugal was coming off in the world, kept the Ne- the 59th. a 2-2 draw against Serbia. therlands largely at bay be- Both teams are tied with fore the break but collapsed seven points each from in the second half on the SLOVAKIA 2, RUSSIA 1 three matches. artificial turf of Victoria Sta- Ireland, the other Group dium. Like Turkey, Russia also A team, played a friendly The visitors added to missed a chance to win against World Cup host their 1-0 halftime lead with three straight to start its Qatar and was held to a 1-1 four goals by the 64th, then qualifying campaign, losing Coffee, Ikea furniture, livestock among the the Macau-bound objects stuck at the Suez Canal BUZZ Livestock and lumber. Oil and automobiles. Exercise equipment After nearly a week blockading more than 10% of global shipping and instant coffee. traffic, the Ever Given has finally been freed. But the consequences Those were just some of the products that were blocked by the ship could linger for weeks: Hundreds of ships have been stuck on either just dislodged from the Suez Canal, in a bizarre maritime drama that side of the Suez Canal, and it will take some time to clear the backlog. captivated people around the world and illustrated just how fragile The array of goods affected is mind-boggling. There were oil global supply chains can be. tankers, of course, and ships carrying liquified natural gas and bio- The list of Macau-bound containers was available at shiphappens. diesel. There were ships carrying automobiles, ships carrying crops OPINION news, an instant-made website that lists all the objects stuck in one and cement, and ships carrying live animals that will eventually end World Views of the most traveled maritime canal worldwide. up in Macau fine restaurants. Daniel Moss, MDT/Bloomberg
Can the world survive without dollar AP PHOTO diplomacy? AP PHOTO
The Federal Reserve’s rescue of the global financial system one year ago prevented a public health crisis from degenerating into market chaos. When histories Russia, France and of the Covid-19 pandemic are written, it would be shor- Germany’s leaders met by tsighted to ignore this exercise in financial diplomacy conference call yesterday that cemented the dollar’s role as a pillar of the world and discussed coronavirus economy. vaccines, the Iranian This flexing of monetary muscle raises big questions nuclear standoff and about the world’s dependence on the greenback and the conflicts in eastern the moral hazard it implies. What if the U.S. decides it Ukraine, Libya and Syria. no longer wishes to shoulder the responsibilities that In its readout of the call, come with being a global lender of last resort? For all the Kremlin noted that the allure of the America-in-decline narrative, the wor- the three leaders talked ld has few alternatives. about prospects for the registration of the In late March 2020, the Fed dramatically expanded Russia-designed Sputnik the supply of bucks to foreign central banks. It did this V vaccines in the European by opening dollar-liquidity swap lines with nine over- Union and the possibility seas monetary authorities, including those of Singa- of its shipments and joint pore, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. (The China, US consulted production in EU nations. Fed had existing deals with the U.K., euro zone, Japan, Canada and Switzerland.) It also established a program on safety as their EU is referring Poland that allowed more countries to temporarily exchange to Europe’s top court U.S. Treasury notes for dollars. over long-standing Not acting would have been disastrous. crafts headed to Mars concerns about respect Seven decades after the Bretton Woods agreement, for the rule of law and which shaped the post-World War II financial archi- S their respective spa- certify to Congress that it overall China strategy. the independence of the tecture, the dollar’s influence has only grown. “Despite Acecrafts headed to has protections in place to “As the administration country’s Supreme Court the widespread prediction that the world is evolving Mars, China and the U.S. safeguard information, ac- and Congress sets those judges, EU officials said towards a more multipolar system, the U.S. dollar re- held consultations earlier ting NASA Administrator policies, we look forward to yesterday. The bloc’s mains by far the most important anchor currency (or in this year in a somewhat Steve Jurczyk said during a how we can contribute in executive commission had the case of more flexible arrangements, reference cur- previously warned Poland unusual series of exchanges video meeting last week. respect to civil space dialo- rency), particularly when one considers the integration that it might go to the of China and former Soviet bloc in the global financial between the rivals. Jurczyk said the most gue and collaboration with European Court of Justice system,” wrote Ethan Ilzetski, Carmen Reinhart and China’s National Space recent exchange was about China,” he said. if the government did Kenneth Rogoff in a 2019 paper. Agency confirmed yester- China providing orbital and The area around Mars not take action to fix the How the U.S. has deployed its leverage is also ins- day that it had working-le- other data for its Mars mis- has become a bit more problems with the Polish tructive. The principal beneficiaries were allies and vel meetings and commu- sion so they could analyze crowded this year with the law on judicial power. partners. None of the nine additional central banks to nications with NASA from the risk of collision. “We do arrival of spacecraft from Hungary More than two get swaps were foes of Washington. There was a hard January to March “to ensu- have targeted engagement the U.S., China and the political reality to this. Yes, the Fed is independent in dozen Hungarian media re the flight safety” of their with them,” he said. U.A.E. setting U.S. monetary policy, but it is also acutely min- outlets yesterday sent dful of sensibilities in Congress. For an example of how crafts. His remarks were first NASA’s Perseveran- an open letter to the internationalism can quickly go south on Capitol Hill, U.S. law bans almost all reported by the SpaceNews ce rover landed on Mars government demanding look no further than Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s contacts between NASA website. in February and has be- greater transparency and testimony to the Senate Banking Committee this and China over concerns Jurczyk added that it will gun exploration. China’s access to hospitals for month. She ran into fierce Republican opposition to about technology theft and be up to the Biden admi- Tianwen-1 is orbiting Mars journalists covering the COVID-19 pandemic. proposals for an additional capital infusion to the In- the secretive, military-ba- nistration and Congress to in preparation for a lan- Only Hungary’s state ternational Monetary Fund. Republican Senator John cked nature of China’s space determine if and how the ding in May or June. The Kennedy of Louisiana said the cash influx would direct media have been allowed program. U.S. engages with China U.A.E. craft is only orbiting inside COVID wards, and money from U.S. taxpayers to adversaries like China However, exceptions can on non-military space acti- and will not attempt to journalists have complained and Russia. that a government order Though the Fed calibrated its actions deftly, those be made when NASA can vities as part of the nation’s land. MDT/AP prohibiting medical staff steps nonetheless underscore the vulnerability of the from speaking to reporters global financial system. The world may have become has made it impossible too dependent on the dollar and the Fed riding to the to report on worsening rescue. This is among the challenges identified in a Ja- THE DECISIVE MOMENT AP Photo/Ashley Landis conditions inside hospitals, nuary 2021 paper by Saleem Bahaj, an economist at the creating a false picture of Bank of England, and Ricardo Reis, a professor at the the situation’s severity. London School of Economics. “Are banks investing too heavily in foreign assets or relying too much on foreign borrowing leading to macro-financial fragility, and is
this fragility addressed by the swap lines?” they wrote. AP PHOTO The perils of addiction notwithstanding, we are stu- ck with dollar dominance for the foreseeable future. “What’s the counter-factual?” Reis asked in an tele- phone interview last week. Even if China was the only Brazil The leaders of all major economy to show any growth at all in 2020, and three branches of the its gross domestic product will likely surpass the U.S. armed forces jointly before the end of the decade, the yuan is miles from resigned yesterday being the world’s foreign-exchange backstop. What’s following President Jair more, it’s not clear that a world defined by serious com- Bolsonaro’s replacement petition, even a cold war among reserve currencies, is of the defense minister, necessarily a more stable one. When the system is ab- causing widespread laze, you don’t want squabbles about what type of fire apprehension of a military truck to drive to the scene, or doubts about whether its shakeup to serve the hoses fit the hydrant. president’s political China has grand strategic designs, but when there’s a interests. The Defense rupture in the plumbing of the world’s monetary sys- Ministry reported the tem, who you gonna call? The much-maligned U.S., resignations in a statement the power thought to be in its sunset years. released without giving No golden egg. A ballpark employee tries to tell a goose to leave center field between [Abridged] reasons. Replacements the second and third innings of a spring training baseball game in Arizona, U.S.. were not named.