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

T. 24º/ 28º Air Quality Bad WEDNESDAY “ THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’ ” MOP 8.00

N.º 3744 31 Mar 2021 HKD 10.00

MGTO INTENDS TO FORGE STRATEGIC AN EDUCATION: GOV’T ECONOMY CHIEF CLAIMS LACK PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL ENTERPRISES OF SPACE IS HINDERING MACAU TO AUGMENT MACAU’S OVERALL TRAVEL OFFICIALS RECEIVE DEVELOPMENT, POINTS HENGQIN AS EXPERIENCE: SENNA FERNANDES BRIEFING ON YOUTH APPS THE ONLY OPTION: AL PLENARY P5 P2 P4

Taiwan The president of the Pacific island nation of Palau was visiting Taiwan yesterday along with the U.S. ambassador to his country, a show of solidarity as China increases diplomatic, economic XI FINALIZES HONG KONG and military pressure on Taiwan. China has banned its citizens from visiting Palau, but Taiwan has responded by introducing a travel ELECTION CHANGES, bubble between the two. More on p8

P3,10 AP PHOTO CEMENTING CHINA CONTROL

North Korea called South Korea’s president “a parrot raised by America” yesterday, resuming its trademark derisive rhetoric against its rivals amid renewed animosities on the Korean Peninsula. Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, issued the latest verbal salvo after South Korean President Moon Jae-in criticized the North’s missile launches last week. She said Moon’s “illogical and brazen-faced” comments echoed the U.S. stance.

Thailand’s prime minister denied yesterday that his country’s security forces forced villagers back to Myanmar who had fled from military airstrikes, saying they returned home on their own accord. Prime Minister Prayuth Chan- ocha, nevertheless, said his country is ready to shelter anyone who is escaping fighting, as it has done many times in recent decades. BLOOMBERG AP PHOTO BLOOMBERG Ho Iat Seng China’s Afghanistan Attackers yesterday gunned down vaccination three women working to reaffirms administer the anti-polio vaccine, officials said, a day importance plan could after authorities launched a new campaign against the lift GDP crippling children’s disease. of safe The women were killed in growth two separate attacks in election Jalalabad, the capital of to 9.3% Nangarhar province. this year More on backpage P3 P7 page 2 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 31.03.2021 wed

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

G2E Asia Online Education officials receive Expo to briefing on youth apps convene ANTHONY LAM in January 2021 in the hopes of achieving a mechanism for joint on May 25 ACAU’S education officials, collaboration in prevention, con- Mamong other social icons, trol and action, to provide joint HONEY TSANG have been briefed about which support for spiritual development mobile apps are currently popu- among youths. LOBAL Gaming Expo lar among the younger genera- At the press conference G(G2E) Asia — conside- tions, officials from the Education following the committee plenary, red to be a key annual ca- and Youth Development Bureau the official refrained from going sino fair for Asia’s gaming (DSEDJ) revealed yesterday after a into detail on the topics that were and entertainment industry Youth Affairs Committee plenary. discussed. So far, with regards — has made up lost grou- They were introduced to such to young people’s psychological nd and is set to convene an apps by Lee Kwok Hoo, Director needs, the DSEDJ relies on non- online Expo & Conferen- of the Macau Social Services Of- -government organizations’ effor- ce, aimed at helping global fice of the Sheng Kung Hui (SKH); ts, including the Caritas Macau’s industry professionals to Un Lai Mui; SKH’s Service Coor- Life Hotline, as well as the SKH. transcend travel restrictions dinator and Iao Meng Lei, SKH’s On the other hand, the DSEDJ and showcase their produc- Social Worker. The entity is an and Culture, Elsie Ao Ieong U, who and physical health and hoped to will focus on policy making, in- ts and network digitally on organizational member of the replied to lawmaker Sulu Sou’s bring together the strengths of the cluding the injection of life edu- May 25. Committee. spoken inquiry on Monday regar- various social sectors in order to cation into the curriculum in the The online event, titled However, the officials refrai- ding youths obtaining negative safeguard their well-being. hopes of disseminating self-caring G2E Asia Online Expo & ned from revealing what those views, values and opinions on the Wong Ka Ki, Chief of the De- values. Cross-departmental admi- Conference, will focus on apps are. Internet. partment of Non-Higher Educa- nistration, according to the DSEDJ the iGaming sector. It will Cheong Man Fai, Chief of the Some members of the Commi- tion of the DSEDJ, expressed hope officials, is also a priority. function as a lead-off acti- Youth Department of the DSEDJ, ttee demanded that the SKH steps that services can be more appro- Lao Wan Seong, Deputy vity for the forthcoming in- admitted that the use of mobile up its work in this respect. priate, with conversations invol- Commander-General of the Uni- -person event, scheduled to apps to make new friends is ine- The representatives from the ving frontline workers and the tary Police Services (SPU), pre- take place at The Venetian vitable in today’s world. However, SKH also discussed and exchan- policies and training programs set sented on the public recruitment Macao from August 17-19. she stressed that these apps may ged opinions with members on forth afterwards. of civil protection volunteers. Lao “This [G2E Asia Online pose risks to young people becau- promoting the development of Subsequently, Wong presen- said that the SPU is recruiting be- Expo & Conference] will se there may be incorrect values or young people’s physical and men- ted work related to the “Working tween March 29 and April 27 for 80 serve as an engagement traps associated with the apps. tal health. group for monitoring the men- vacancies in supplementary civil opportunity as the industry The comment aligns with the The members expressed that tal and physical health of you- protection work. Locals aged be- gets ready for an exciting re- opinion of one of her superinten- they paid close attention to the ng people - Transporting love.” tween 18 and 55 years are eligible turn to Macau with G2E Asia dents, Secretary for Social Affairs development of youths’ mental This working group was founded to apply. taking place in August 2021,” the official website states. The digital conference will serve as a one-stop pla- or products, such as local-bran- tform for industry professio- ded beer. nals to market themselves, MGTO to partner with local The novel “Tourism+” strategy build fresh connections, and was first announced by Secretary keep tabs on up-to-date glo- for Economy and Finance Lei Wai bal gaming trends. enterprises to foster tourism Nong in November last year. G2E Asia, traditionally In the annual media briefing held yearly in Macau in May, HONEY TSANG held in February this year, which was postponed twice last XINHUA outlined the MGTO’s work plans year due to Covid-19 – first HE Macao Government Tou- for the year, the MGTO confir- to July 2020; then to De- Trism Office (MGTO) is inten- med that “deepening ‘Tourism+’ cember 2020 – before the ding to forge a tighter partnership cross-sector integration” would organizers Reed Exhibitions with local enterprises and co- be one of its five goals in 2021. and the American Gaming -create a diverse range of tourism The authorities from the Association announced its offerings and products to aug- MGTO will hone in on tightening full cancellation in August ment Macau’s overall travel expe- the integration between tourism last year. rience, director of MGTO Maria and several focus industries, “We look forward to brin- Helena de Senna Fernandes said. such as culture and creativity, ging the gaming community The proposed endeavor will be e-commerce, sports, the meetin- together at G2E Asia, as the consistent with the “Tourism+” gs, incentives, conferences and industry continues to re- concept — which is a strategic fo- exhibitions (MICE) sectors, and cover from the devastating cus of merging the city’s tourism so on. impacts of Covid-19,” Jose- industry with other sectors in or- The blending with other in- phine Lee, chief operating der to foster the development of dustries is to “promote extensive officer of Reed Exhibitions Macau’s tourism and economy. nandes said in an interview with cultural elements and transform growth of the tourism industry China said previously. “Tourism intrinsically is a hi- TDM earlier. them into innovative tourism of- chain,” and enhance the com- G2E Asia made its first ghly compatible industry, which Fernandes also called on the ferings to intrigue global tourists. petitiveness of Macau tourism appearance in Macau at the can be blended into many other local creative and arts industry to The MGTO has been collabo- industry, an official statement Macau Tower in 2007. elements [or industries],” Fer- capitalize on Macau’s distinctive rating with many local brands states.

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 wed 31.03.2021 澳門 MACAU

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

Health Bureau to retain essential China sharply reduces elected services during Easter holiday

During the Easter holiday seats in Hong Kong legislature between April 2 and 6, HINA has sharply re- the Health Bureau will duced the number of retain regular services at the A&E Department, as directly elected seats in AP PHOTO Hong Kong’s legislature well as regular Covid-19 Cin a setback for the territory’s al- vaccination services at ready beleaguered democracy mo- the government hospital and all Health Centers, vement. which will also provide The changes were announced flu jabs in the morning. yesterday after a two-day meeting The Coloane Health of China’s top legislature. Center will provide on- The legislature will be expan- call medical services. ded to 90 seats, and only 20 will be The Blood Transfusion elected by the public. Currently, Service will take holidays half of the 70-seat legislature — 35 from April 2 to 4. Nucleic seats — is directly elected. acid testing services will The move is part of a two-pha- remain regular at the se effort to rein in political protest government hospital. and opposition in Hong Kong. From left: HK Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang Kwok-wai, Chief Executive Carrie Lam and permanent Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Roy Tang China imposed a national securi- Vehicle owners ty law on Hong Kong last year and should pay is following up this year with a re- tion Committee which also choo- for their leader. would vet the candidates. vamp of the electoral process. ses the city’s leader. “I may as well say this very ca- “It’s a very sad day for Hong circulation The crackdown comes in the The committee, which will be tegorically that the central govern- Kong. The election system is com- tax by tonight wake of months of pro-democracy expanded from 1,200 to 1,500 ment is very sincere to give Hong pletely dismantled,” said former to avoid fine protests in 2019 that brought hun- members, is dominated by su- Kong people so-called more de- lawmaker and Democratic Party dreds of thousands to the streets pporters of the central govern- mocracy, that is, universal suffra- member Emily Lau. The payment period and turned violent as the govern- ment in Beijing. ge,” Lam said. “They are going to get rid of for the annual Vehicle ment resisted the movement’s de- Election hopefuls will undergo She blamed pro-democracy opposition voices because under Circulation Tax is set to mands. vetting by the national security po- lawmakers for objecting in 2014 to this new system ... I don’t think end today. Owners are reminded to make timely China’s top legislature, the Stan- lice and a committee that oversees a proposal that would have allowed any self-respecting individual payment to avoid getting ding Committee of the National national security in the city. residents to vote for the chief exe- will want to take part,” Lau said. fined. As of Monday, People’s Congress, amended Hong A new separate body will also cutive on the condition that Beijing MDT/AGENCIES over 20,000 cars still Kong’s constitution to pave the be established to review the qua- had their taxes unpaid. lifications of candidates for office way for the changes. The Hong Owners are encouraged Kong government is now tasked in Hong Kong to ensure the city is to make payment online with revising its electoral laws and governed by “patriots,” in the lan- Full support from Macau authorities at the Transport Bureau’s holding an election. guage of the central government. BOTH of the Macau SAR government prosperity and stability of Hong Kong website by 6pm, or at In the current 70-member legis- Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam and the Liaison Office of the Central in the long run.” over 120 bank outlets lature, voters elect half the mem- said at a news conference yester- People’s Government in the Ma- The Macau SAR government will or 25 government bers and the other half are chosen day that the new committee to cau Special Administrative Region work strictly in line with the principle e-kiosks across the city. by constituencies representing vet candidates will consist of a yesterday released statements to ex- of “One Country, Two Systems” and Government Service various professions and interest few government officials who are press their full support for the passage ensure the firm implementation of Offices, Post Offices, groups. Many of the constituen- also trusted by the central gover- of amendments to Annex I and Annex the principle of “patriots governing and the Financial Service cies lean pro-Beijing, ensuring that nment. II to the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Macau.” Bureau counters are also wing a majority in the legislature. Lam dismissed concerns that Special Administrative Region . It also pledges to ensure that the Leg- providing the service. The new body will have 20 elec- the changes will affect plans for According to the release published islative Assembly Election, scheduled by the government, the approved on September 12 this year, proceeds ted members, 30 chosen by the the city to achieve universal suf- amendment can “safeguard [the] safely. Macau sees 17% constituencies and 40 by an Elec- frage and allow residents to vote YoY reduction in cargo exports in February

Macau’s cargo export CE reiterates importance of safe election this year in February totaled HE government must legislation related to the de- MOP730 million in value, Tensure that the Legislati- fense of National Security, as down 17% year-on- ve Assembly (AL) elections, well as the state of operation year (YoY). It saw a value scheduled for September of the national security de- of MOP640 million in this year, will run smoothly, fense enforcement bodies. re-exports, down 21% Chief Executive (CE) Ho Iat At the conclusion of the YoY. Casino-related merchandise saw the Seng reiterated during the meeting, the CE identified greatest decrease of first plenary of the year of several risks and challen- 87%. Local product the National Security De- ges that could affect ge- exportation rose by 30% fense Commission. Ho is neral security, as well as to about MOP91 million. also the president of the giving members impor- Imports, meanwhile, Commission. ternal powers. ditional areas. Vice-President of the tant guidance in relation doubled to MOP776 At various occasions Ho remarked that the Ho also warned that Commission and Secretary to this year’s work, such as million. The trade deficit prior to this, including some uncertainty regarding such concerns may even for Security, Wong Sio Chak, ensuring that the new en- in February amounted to taking place in the country’s the global environment undermine the national and members, Secretary for forcement entities for the about MOP7 billion. In the capital city, the head of the caused by the pandemic security in the traditional Administration and Justice, defense of National Securi- first two months of 2021, Special Administrative Re- and its consequences has context. Therefore, the SAR Cheong Weng Chon, and ty come into full operation the Mainland remained gion (SAR) Government has shown that the impacts must firmly pursue the ge- Director of the Judiciary Po- by the year’s end and make Macau’s top import origin reiterated the importance and non-traditional threa- neral concept of national lice, Sit Chong Meng, repor- progress in complementary location, while Hong of ensuring a safe election ts in the area of security​​ are security, as presented by ted on the most up-to-date legislation in the area of Na- Kong was the top export that is not influenced by ex- no less damaging than tra- President Xi Jinping. work and complementary tional Security. AL destination. page 4 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 31.03.2021 wed

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

and efficient solution to this pro- blem. Gov’t has no solutions for Assuming that their vote con- tributed to the approval of the law that is currently in force, the repatriation and hiring of TNRs lawmakers called on the govern- ment to state clearly their posi- RENATO MARQUES tion about what can be done to change the situation. HE government has no other On this topic, Sou said, “I ne-

Tsolutions for the resolution VALLES LYNZY ver thought that the government of the problems related to the would be so stubborn [in not ac- number of former non-resident ting on this problem]. I always workers (TNR) currently stran- thought that with some adminis- ded in Macau due to Covid-19. trative procedure things could be This acknowledgment was done,” he said. made by the lawmakers at the Sou’s point was complemen- Legislative Assembly (AL), where ted by Song, who added, “We are the Secretary for Economy and in a dilemma. The AL approved Finance, Lei Wai Nong, yesterday [the law] but now due to its limi- replied to inquiries on several tations the government cannot topics. do anything. What are we going The topic raised by lawmakers to do about it? Just wait? This Chan Hong and Wong Kit Cheng cannot be the only possible solu- was namely the continuation of tion. Something must be done!” problems related to the stranded she said, adding that the solution TNRs and the difficulties in hi- given by the Secretary of hiring ring of new TNRs, particularly for mainland domestic workers is domestic work. unacceptable. Lei could not provide any new ding the recently approved law of 41 repatriation flights [orga- for the mainland, since with the “We know that TNRs from the solution from the government for hiring non-resident workers nized] helped over 4,000 people cancelation of their “blue cards,” mainland can’t solve the problem side other than the ones pre- or the establishment of extraor- stranded in Macau to return to their status as workers, were re- of the local families. The sala- viously known, which involve dinary measures that could cir- their countries.” He further noted voked and so they cannot even ries are much higher [than those the repatriation of the stranded cumvent it to solve the problems. that the majority of the requests be vaccinated against Covid-19 from South Asian countries]. They workers to their countries. Helping give replies from the came from people from the Phi- with the Chinese vaccine. need to pay at least 7,000 to 8,000 “The government has been government side, the represen- lippines, Myanmar, and Vietnam. “Not even [if they are] paying [patacas] and families can’t su- providing help in finding repa- tative from the Public Security According to lawmaker Chan, [for the vaccines] can they get pport those expenses, especially triation flights for these workers, Police Force (PSP) said, “At the there are still more than 1,000 vaccinated. The government and now,” she said. so they can return to their coun- time when the law [for the hiring people in Macau stranded in a the health authorities have not Lam also said, “There are no tries,” Lei said, adding that the of TNRs] was approved, it did situation that can pose serious even considered this possibility,” [domestic workers from the main- city’s Civil Aviation Authority has not consider any provision that risks to themselves as well as to Wong said, adding that there is land] wishing to come to Macau. been working on this matter. allowed any exceptions,” a fact society, as “these people have no a clear and obvious lack of com- We have this experience from the For the hiring of new workers, that led the official to conclude, income, no means of sustainable munication and cooperation employment agencies that have mostly for domestic work, the “We have no grounds to support livelihoods. They can only dedi- between different government no offer. If it’s needed [we should] Secretary said that families must extraordinary measures.” He no- cate themselves to illegal work or departments contributing to the revise the law. I hope the govern- resort to hiring workers from the ted that the PSP is adopting an criminal activities to survive.” deadlock of the issue. ment can admit that and express mainland. exception system that allows the Addressing the rules recently Sulu Sou, Agnes Lam, Song that will. We hope that we can find Such responses did not plea- stranded former workers as well enforced by the mainland au- Pek Kei, Angela Leong, Mak Soi effective measures that can help se the lawmakers who grilled the as tourists to renew their visas thorities that could open slightly Kun, José Pereira Coutinho, Ip Sio the families and I hope the gover- Secretary and other government to stay in Macau until a solution the door to help on this problem, Kai, Ella Lei, Zheng Anting, and nment clearly marks its position.” officials present at the AL. for their exit from Macau can be lawmaker Wong noted that it is Wang Sio Man were some of the Despite the many positions in The lawmakers wanted to hear found. impossible for any of the stran- lawmakers that joined in on the favor of a solution, Lei could not the position of the government According to the same repre- ded workers to comply with the discussion, all in favor of the need advance anything regarding the on the possibility of either amen- sentative from the PSP, “ a total requirements to obtain a visa for the government to find a fast intentions of the government.

Hengqin as solution to Macau’s limited space: Economy chief

RENATO MARQUES mited and that is why the for land in Hengqin is pre- adding, “our rules do not government must resort cisely the contribution that apply for the companies HE lack of land resour- to regional cooperation to such industry or econo- based outside Macau.” Tces in Macau is cur- diversify the economy. He mic activity will have for The lawmaker said that, tailing Macau’s economic also noted that the partici- the development of Macau in his opinion, the govern- MARQUES RENATO development, the Secretary pation from Macau in the and, further, how linked the ment should work harder at for Economy and Finance, development of Hengqin is company is with the SAR, finding “at least one” of tho- Lei Wai Nong, said in a reply not only an expectation of noting that the government se projects that can be im- to a lawmaker inquiry at the the central government but will continue to pursue plemented in Macau to ef- Legislative Assembly (AL) is also in line with the local such goals. fectively be under the scope yesterday. government policies that However, Au was critici- of the local authorities and “The lack of space is the aim at “a bilateral business zing the idea of using 400 be able to contribute to the element that is stopping model.” billion patacas of govern- creation of jobs locally. our development,” Lei said Lei said that in this field, ment resources to develop Responding to Au’s opi- in a reply to lawmaker Au Macau has received reques- an area located outside of nion, Lei insisted that the Kam San, who was questio- ts from the medicine and Macau’s territory and of collaboration with the nei- ning the high investments logistics sectors seeking which “we can’t perceive ghboring city of Zhuhai being made by the local land-space in Hengqin to what are the real benefits.” in Hengqin “is giving us government on Hengqin develop their businesses. Au commented that opportunities,” adding that Island. Lei also replied to Au such money would be in the future, the govern- According to the Secre- that one of the main fac- channeled out of Macau ment will develop policies tary, Macau’s land resour- tors taken into account in and out of reach from Ma- regarding the movement of ces and space are very li- the approval of requests cau’s laws and regulations, capital across the border. www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 5 wed 31.03.2021 澳門 MACAU

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

Grand MGM hosted Two Sessions Lisboa Palace to explanatory event to educate staff open in HONEY TSANG H1 2021,

OLLOWING the conclu- Angela sion of the Two Sessions, MGM China Holdings Li- Leong mited (MGM) earlier hos- Fted a “Sharing Session on Natio- confirms nal People’s Congress (NPC) and HONEY TSANG National Political Consultative Conference” to help its staff keep RAND Lisboa Palace (GLP) abreast of China’s development. Gis slated to open in the first According to the group’s state- half of 2021 as scheduled, An- ment released on March 29, the gela Leong On Kei, executive di- event, which took place at MGM rector and co-chairman of SJM Cotai, was part of the group’s Na- Chinese medicine, financial ser- of the Committee for Liaison with “Our nation has embarked on Holdings Ltd, confirmed on the tional Education Series. vices and high-tech industries, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and a new journey to reach the second sidelines of an event hosted by MGM invited the city’s big and more. Overseas Chinese under the Na- centenary goal, which coincides the group on Monday. names from local alliances and Chui said Macau should proac- tional Committee of Chinese Peo- with the momentous post-pan- When addressing the media, unions to expound on major poli- tively explore and grasp every ple’s Political Consultative Confe- demic economic recovery. MGM Leong called on the SAR gover- cies set out at the “Two Sessions.” opportunity. It is also essential for rence (CPPCC), a member of the will join hands with team mem- nment and travel industry to The speakers gave in-depth insi- Macau to support the nation’s po- Standing Committee of the All- bers to align with the nation’s step up efforts in promoting ghts into the impact of these di- licies and stay innovative, he said. -China Women’s Federation and development directions, and we Macau in a bid to draw more rections on the city’s economy. Ho Sut Heng, a member of President of the Women’s General pledge to contribute by making visitors into the city. Chui Sai Peng, a member of NPC and President of Macau Fe- Association of Macau, called on the best of our resources,” Pansy The HKD39 billion GLP, NPC, deputy delegation leader deration of Trade Unions (FAOM), the women in Macau to grasp Ho, Co-chairperson & Executive which marks the group’s first of Macau’s NPC delegation, and said that China has focused on opportunities brought about by Director of MGM, affirmed. venture on the Cotai Strip, was a member of the Legislative As- high-quality development in the the 14th Five-Year Plan. The event was also attended originally scheduled to open in sembly of Macau, was among the future. She suggested that Ma- Ho’s remarks came after Pre- by Zuo Xianghua, Deputy Direc- the first quarter of this year but speakers at the event. He said the cau enhance its competitiveness sident Xi Jinping said earlier that tor General of Economic Affairs was pushed back to the second Two Sessions brought out new across different aspects and push the nation’s women should be Department of the Liaison Office quarter. concepts designed to foster the forward with works regarding builders of great causes, advoca- of the Central People’s Govern- Earlier, JP Morgan said it is development of the city, inclu- economic diversification. tes of civilization and go-getters ment in the Macau SAR, and key forecasting an opening of GLP ding Macau’s development of Ho Teng Iat, Deputy Director who dare to realize their dreams. members of MGM. around the May-June period. ad page 6 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo CHINA 中國 31.03.2021 wed

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

is ad-supported, including some songs by YG. YouTube refuses to remove In response to the memo from executives, an employee comment anti-Asian song, drawing staff ire on an internal message board ra- cked up more than 430 up-votes NICO GRANT Tube said it removed more than from colleagues: “This is your per- 97,000 videos and over 46 million fect opportunity to demonstrate OUTUBE’S refusal to remove comments for violating the com- your leadership as a lead for ‘Racial Ya song some employees find BLOOMBERG pany’s policies on hate speech. Justice Initiative.’ Which side of the racist to people of Asian origin has The debate at YouTube is the Edmund Pettus Bridge do you want caused a fracas inside the com- latest example of Silicon Valley to be on?” The latter statement re- pany, the latest clash in a growing workers and executives being at fers to Bloody Sunday, when Black national debate about anti-Asian loggerheads over the societal or civil rights activists marching from hate. moral implications of a company’s Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery Workers at Google’s YouTube re- business decisions. Alphabet In- were brutally attacked by police in cently posted on internal message c.’s Google has previously faced 1965. boards to criticize executives who worker outrage over an effort to The YouTube executives ple- decided against taking down vi- build a censored search engine for dged to hold a special townhall, deos featuring the rap song “Meet department, and another content tting a precedent that may lead to China, an AI contract with the U.S. coordinated with YouTube’s head the Flockers,” which debuted in policy leader, denied the request in us having to remove a lot of other military and a giant exit package for of diversity and inclusion, to dis- 2014 from recording artist YG. The an email to staff on March 22. music on YouTube,” they added in an executive accused of sexual mis- cuss the issue. That happened last track, about a burglary, includes “We find this video to be highly the email, a copy of which was ob- conduct. week and employees left the vir- lyrics that encourage the targeting offensive and understand it is pain- tained by Bloomberg. tual meeting unsatisfied. of neighborhoods where Chinese ful for many to watch, including “YouTube has an open They took to Memegen, people live. many in Trust & Safety and espe- culture and employees are The track, about a Google’s internal meme Over the past year, there’s been a cially given the ongoing violence encouraged to share their burglary, includes generator page, to ridicu- surge in violence against members against the Asian community,” the views, even when they di- le their bosses. of Asian-American and Pacific Is- executives wrote. While the lyrics sagree with a decision,” a lyrics that encourage Workers especially lander communities, culminating may otherwise violate the com- YouTube spokeswoman criticized one executive’s in the fatal shooting of eight peo- pany’s hate speech policy, they said in a statement. “We’ll the targeting of statement that his wife is ple, including six Asian-American said YouTube makes exceptions continue this dialogue as neighborhoods where Asian-American during women, at three Atlanta area spas for clips that have an Educational, part of our ongoing work the townhall. on March 16. Documentary, Scientific or Artistic to balance openness with Chinese people live “Asian wives are not The disagreement over “Meet (EDSA) context. protecting the YouTube a credential,” one em- the Flockers” began when some “While we debated this decision community at large.” The com- While the YouTube decision on ployee wrote. The message was su- YouTube employees asked the at length amongst our policy exper- pany asked Bloomberg to keep the “Meet the Flockers” underscores a perimposed on a photo of woman company’s Trust & Safety team ts, we made the difficult decision to executives’ names confidential for belief in artistic expression, music wearing a T-shirt that read, “I don’t to purge the song from the video leave the video up to enforce our security reasons. is a significant revenue stream for need to know about your Asian platform. An executive from that policy consistently and avoid se- In the final quarter of 2020, You- the platform because much of it wife.” MDT/BLOOMBERG ad www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 7 wed 31.03.2021 中國 CHINA

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

advertorial ECONOMY Vaccination plan could lift GDP growth to 9.3% HINA’S ambi- to 70% of the population improve, the research ins- could end up 0.2 percen- tious plan to vaccinated. titution said. tage points lower from the vaccinate 40% of This would translate China’s vaccination baseline case at 8.7%, the its population by into a 0.4 percentage point drive has so far lagged the report said. Cthe end of June could pave gain to the gross domestic U.S. and European coun- “While China’s econo- the way for lifting the eco- product growth rate from tries, with only 107 million mic outlook depends less nomy’s growth rate to 9.3% Oxford Economics’s 8.9% of its residents, or 3.8% of on the speed of vaccine this year, Oxford Economi- baseline scenario, which the population, being ad- rollout than other coun- cs forecast. assumes five to six million ministered the shots. The tries’ do, it does matter for Business confidence doses are administered per government’s successful a ‘full’ return to normalcy and consumer spending day, according to its report containment of the virus domestically and to clo- will improve should Chi- released yesterday. had previously made it se the immunity gap with na be able to achieve its Household consump- cautious about pushing for other countries, which will targeted rate, which Ox- tion this year could increa- vaccination. allow China to open its bor- ford Economics estimates se by 7% from its pre-Covid Read More: Facing Re- ders safely,” Tommy Wu, will require inoculating 10 level in 2019, while export sistance, China Pushes lead economist at Oxford million people a day - twi- of tourism services will re- Back 50 Million Vaccine Economics, wrote in the ce the current pace. If Bei- cover to about 50% of its Target report. jing is able to maintain that 2019 level in the second In a worse-than-expec- Economists expect Chi- rate in the quarter through half of the year, and im- ted scenario, where only na’s GDP to expand 8.5% September as well, it could ports of tourism services 40% of population will be this year, based on median translate into some form of will recover around 70%. vaccinated by the end of forecast of a Bloomberg herd immunity, with 60% Fixed investment will also the year, economic growth poll. MDT/BLOOMBERG

nomic support. In Beijing yesterday, Fo- AP PHOTO reign Ministry spokesper- son Hua Chunying repea- ted China’s opposition to formal exchanges between Taiwan and the U.S. “We hope the U.S will pay great attention to China’s concerns and act prudently on the issue of Taiwan so as to avoid fur- ther damage to China-U.S. relations,” Hua told repor- Palau President Surangel Whipps (right) and Taiwan VP William Lai ters at a daily briefing. Chinese warplanes have increasingly been en- STRAIT TENSIONS tering Taiwan’s southern airspace, with 10 aircraft reporting flying through the area on Monday. Chi- Palau president visits Taiwan na has also protested over an agreement to boost cooperation between the despite Chinese pressure U.S. and Taiwanese coast HE president of the Pa- “model for safe two-way brought under Beijing’s guards that follows visits Tcific island nation of Pa- travel that has been closely control by force if dee- by U.S. Cabinet officials to lau was visiting Taiwan yes- watched not just by our med necessary and it has Taiwan and new sales of terday along with the U.S. own people but also by the worked to internationally warplanes and other de- ambassador to his country, entire world.” isolate the island. fensive equipment. a show of solidarity as Chi- China has banned its Taiwan has just 15 for- Beijing severed direct na increases diplomatic, citizens from visiting Pa- mal diplomatic allies but contacts with Taiwan’s go- economic and military lau, but Taiwan has res- operates a network of tra- vernment after the elec- pressure on Taiwan. ponded by introducing de offices around the wor- tion of Tsai and her inde- Palau President Suran- a travel bubble between ld that act as de-facto em- pendence-leaning Demo- gel Whipps said during a the two that will allow vi- bassies, including in the cratic Progressive Party ad- meeting with Taiwan’s Pre- sitors to avoid being qua- United States, Japan and ministration in 2016. Tsai sident Tsai Ing-wen that he rantined. most other major nations. was reelected last year to a and his delegation “feel like The presence on the trip China has blocked second four-year term. home when we are here.” of the U.S. ambassador to Taiwan’s participation in Taiwan still enjoys In her welcoming state- Palau, John Hennessey-Ni- international organiza- strong U.S. support, howe- ment, Tsai noted Whipps land, was a further sign of tions including the Uni- ver, and the Trump admi- was the first foreign leader Washington’s support for ted Nations and sought nistration last year sent to visit Taiwan since the Taiwan, despite the lack to scupper the island’s the highest-level U.S. go- beginning of the pande- of formal diplomatic rela- relationships with other vernment delegation since mic and said a travel bub- tions between the two. countries by threatening the U.S. switched relations ble established between China claims Taiwan to withdraw its own diplo- from Taipei to Beijing in the two sides would be a as its own territory to be matic presence and eco- 1979. MDT/AP page 8 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo WORLD 國際 31.03.2021 wed

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

this day in history AP PHOTO 1986 Greater London Council abolished

Thousands of people have taken part in festivities to mark the historic final hours of 97 years of local rule in London. A throng of 250,000 people have gathered on the Sou- th Bank in London, home to the Greater London Council, which will not exist from midnight tonight. Festivities will end with the largest display of fireworks ever seen in the city after a week of events costing £250,000. Six other Labour-led metropolitan county councils will come to an end today ending 12 years of the strategic ad- ministration of the metropolitan county councils. These are the West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Mer- seyside, Tyne and Wear, West Yorkshire and South Yorkshi- re councils. The disbanding of seven of the largest councils in Europe European Council President Charles Michel, displayed in screens, speaks during an online joint press conference with WHO’s Tedros A. was ordered by the government to cut bureaucracy and Ghebreyesus in Brussels yesterday increase efficiency, amid a swathe of criticism across the political spectrum. The government insisted transferring their powers to local councils and quangos would create greater electoral accountability. But hopes of achieving 7,000 job cuts in London, with a corresponding saving of £50 million, have proved an ove- World leaders call for pandemic restimate as most have moved to jobs within the new or- ganisations. In the metropolitan districts some 32,000 staff and 600 councillors are affected by the changes, with the same treaty, but short on details number of councillors and 20,000 staff affected in London. Despite job cuts staff are out supporting the festivities MARIA CHENG, LONDON international cooperation cember. Joining Tedros at cation any country wou- around the country and in London there are giant screens and solidarity” and address yesterday’s briefing, Michel ld soon change its own bearing farewell messages from celebrities. ORE than 20 issues like surveillance sys- said the global community approach to responding to The last GLC concert to be staged at the festival hall will heads of go- tems and responding to ou- needs to “build a pande- the pandemic. China, Rus- include Haydn’s Farewell Symphony, by the Philharmonic vernment and tbreaks. mic defense for future ge- sia and the United States Orchestra, lit with candles until the final one is blown out by global agen- International regula- nerations that extends far didn’t join in signing the its leader Ken Livingstone. Mcies called in a commen- tions governing health and beyond today’s crisis. For statement. Many people are wearing badges bearing the message tary published yesterday implemented by WHO al- this, we must translate the WHO legal officer So- “we’ll meet again”, mirroring a banner on the GLC’s building for an international treaty ready exist — and can be political will into concrete lomon said the pandemic County Hall, where flags are flying at half-mast, opposite for pandemic preparedness disregarded by countries actions.” treaty might also address the Houses of Parliament. Despite the taunts from the GLC to Mrs Thatcher’s go- that they say will protect with few consequences. Gian Luca Burci, a for- issues such as the sharing vernment over its forced closure, the building will become future generations in the Despite an obligation for mer WHO legal counsel of vaccine technology and the property of the London Residuary Body. wake of COVID-19. nations to share critical who is now a professor at vaccine supplies, but gave It is one of the quangos charged with completing the But there were few de- epidemic data and mate- the Graduate Institute of no indication how that mi- dismantling of the councils as more power passes to Whi- tails to explain how such an rials quickly with WHO, for international affairs in Ge- ght happen. Despite WHO’s tehall. example, China declined to neva, described the pro- agreement might actually calls for patents to be wai- Courtesy BBC News compel countries to act do so when the coronavirus posal as an attempted “big ved during the pandemic, more cooperatively. first broke out. fix” involving information rich countries have conti- World Health Organiza- And with no enforce- sharing, preparedness and nued to oppose efforts by tion Director-General Te- ment powers, WHO offi- response, saying the con- poor countries to compel dros Adhanom Ghebreye- cials had little means of cept is “like a Christmas them to share vaccine ma- sus and leaders including compelling them to share tree, frankly.” nufacturing technology. In context Prime Minister Boris John- details, an AP investigation “But to me, the risk is Tedros pleaded with rich Once Labour regained control of the GLC from the Tories in son of Britain, Premier Ma- last year found. that it diverts attention countries last week to im- May 1981 the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was deter- rio Draghi of Italy and Presi- Steven Solomon, WHO’s from the tool that we have” mediately donate 10 million mined to abolish the council. dent Paul Kagame of Rwan- principal legal officer, said — WHO’s existing Interna- COVID-19 vaccines so that There began a four year political battle to remove the coun- da proposed “a renewed the proposed pandemic tional Health Regulations, immunization campaigns cil, run by the Labour politician Ken Livingstone, whose far- left policies earned him the title Red Ken. collective commitment” treaty would need to be ra- Burci said recently. He said could start in all countries An initial attempt was defeated, but a Bill published in 1984 to reinforce preparedness tified by lawmakers in the his fear was those regula- within the first 100 days precipitated the end of the GLC. and response systems by participating countries. tions would get short shrift of the year. Not a single In May 1997 Labour was elected to power with a manifesto leveraging the U.N. health “Specifics about enfor- and receive “cosmetic im- country has yet publicly of- commitment to allow Londoners a referendum on whether agency’s constitution. cement will be up to mem- provements, but funda- fered to share its vaccines they wanted a new mayor and a Greater London Authority. They overwhelmingly voted for a council which came into “The world cannot afford ber states to decide on,” So- mentally remain a weak immediately. Of the more existence in July 2000 with Ken Livingstone as mayor. to wait until the pandemic lomon said. instrument.” than 459 million vaccines He won the mayoral election as an independent after Labour is over to start planning for European Council Pre- Although the 25 signa- administered globally, the expelled him for not supporting the party’s official candidate. the next one,” Tedros said sident Charles Michel first tories of the commentary majority have been in just He was re-admitted into the party in January 2004 after during a news conference. laid out the idea of a pan- called for “solidarity,” and 10 countries — and 28% in Prime Minister Tony Blair admitted he was wrong about his prediction that Mr Livingstone would be a “disaster” for He said the treaty would demic treaty at the U.N. greater “societal commit- just one. WHO didn’t iden- London. provide “a framework for General Assembly in De- ment,” there was no indi- tify the countries. MDT/AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 9 wed 31.03.2021 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 easy to make progress beneath You’re moving forward at the today’s cosmic landscape, Aries. same time that you’re shedding The deep-feeling Scorpio moon old skin, so even if you’re aligns with the visionary pairing feeling tender and raw in this of mental Mercury and inspired transitory time, know that Neptune. you’re on the right track.

Gemini Cancer

May. 21-Jun. 21 Jun. 22-Jul. 22 It’s an ideal day for sharing The creatively fertile Scorpio your work on a larger platform. moon spends the day in a pleasant Elsewhere, the sun locks arms with connection with mental Mercury self-disciplined Saturn, helping and dreamy Neptune, helping create you feel grounded, capable, and inspired visions to pour into passion ready to explore new horizons. projects or other leisurely activities. SUDOKU WEATHER Leo Virgo MIN MAX CONDITION Jul. 23-Aug. 22 Aug. 23-Sep. 22 Easy Easy+ CHINA This pairing gives you a warm As a Virgo, your ruling planet Beijing 21 c l o u d y but serious approach towards is the communicative, trickster 6 relationship matters - one that planet Mercury. Today’s skies Harbin 2 11 c l o u d y benefits from future-oriented find Mercury on the move, as it conversations concerning transitions from highly sensitive Tianjin 9 22 c l e a r commitment and plans. Pisces into courageous Aries. Urumqi -1 8 snow storm Xi’an 22 overcast Libra Scorpio 10 Lhasa 3 15 c l o u d y Sep.23-Oct. 22 Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Chengdu 17 24 drizzle It’s easy to jump back into a The moon remains in your sign Chongqing 18 27 c l o u d y steady workflow today, Libra. The all day, linking arms with mentally moon slides through laser-focused sharp Mercury and visionary Kunming 14 25 c l o u d y Scorpio, harmoniously aligning Neptune. This energy makes it an Nanjing 23 overcast with messenger Mercury and ideal day for working on creative 16 inspired Neptune. passion projects. Shanghai 14 19 overcast Wuhan 17 21 moderate rain Sagittarius Capricorn Medium Hard Hangzhou 15 21 drizzle Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Taipei 20 25 drizzle The moon slinks through The path before you is starting to Guangzhou 23 31 c l o u d y privacy-seeking Scorpio all light up, Capricorn. Today’s skies day, encountering a variety of witness the helpful alignment of Hong Kong 24 29 c l o u d y challenging aspects. Keep yourself the illuminating sun and your sane by focusing on activities that ruling planet, self-disciplined help you restore internal balance. Saturn. WORLD Aquarius Pisces Moscow 0 5 drizzle Frankfurt 4 22 clear Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Feb.19-Mar. 20 Paris 6 22 cloudy It’s an ideal day to enter into This pairing brings style and promising new commitments. panache to your self-expression and London 5 19 clear The Scorpio moon’s connection makes you hard to miss. Meanwhile, to expressive Mercury and the sun and stable Saturn form a New York 4 15 clear visionary Neptune boosts your pact to help you bring your talents visibility on the work front. out into the light of day.

CROSSWORDS USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

ACROSS 1- Coal-rich region; 5- Wise one; 9- Permit; 12- As it happens; 13- Chaplin persona; 15- Architect Saarinen; 16- Citrus coolers; 17- “Steal This Book” author Hoffman; 18- Lawless character; 19- Dizzying sensation; 21- Duped; 23- Above; 24- Put into service; 25- Gazes fixedly; 28- Skin preparation; 33- Roofing items; 34- Raines Emergency calls 999 Taxi 28 939 939 / 2828 3283 of film; 35- Morse element; 36- Far out!; 37- Coral island; 38- Month after avril; 39- Neck of the woods; 41- Yemen’s capital; 42- Baked dough; 44- Slipper; 46- Compel Fire department 28 572 222 Water Supply – Report 2822 0088 by intimidation; 47- ___-la-la; 48- “The Time Machine” race; 49- Ghastly; 53- Mafioso; 57- Long poem, such as those attributed to Homer; 58- Out of line; 60- Body of an PJ (Open line) 993 Telephone – Report 1000 organism; 61- Social standing; 62- Severe; 63- “Topaz” author; 64- Able was I ___ I saw Elba; 65- 24 hour periods; 66- Tombstone lawman; PJ (Picket) 28 557 775 Electricity – Report 28 339 922

DOWN: 1- Croat, e.g.; 2- Adjutant; 3- Affirm solemnly; 4- Bring back; 5- Phases; 6- PSP 28 573 333 Macau Daily Times 28 716 081 Shady recess; 7- Shoot the breeze; 8- Expel gas or odor; 9- Vichyssoise ingredient; 10- Sea-going eagle; 11- Tailless amphibian; Customs 28 559 944 14- Scrutiny; 15- Overstep; 20- Folk Yesterday’s solution singer Burl; 22- Belief; 25- Leash; 26- S. J. Hospital 28 313 731 Ornamental coronet; 27- Pilgrim John;

28- Doppelganger; 29- Earthen pot; 30- Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com Kiang Wu Hospital 28 371 333 Circus employee; 31- Son of Abraham; 32- Reproach; 34- Catchall abbr.; 37- To the Commission Against extent that; 40- Set upon; 42- Simpleton; 43- Publish again; 45- Heavenly body; 46- Corruption (CCAC) 28326 300 Buffoons; 48- Abrasive mineral; 49- Nothing more than; 50- On ___ with; 51- Motion IAM 28 387 333 picture; 52- Cornerstone abbr.; 54- When said three times, a 1970 war movie; 55- Tourism 28 333 000 Foreign dignitary; 56- Coarse file, angry tone of voice; 59- New Zealand parrot; Airport 59 888 88

ad page 10 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo BUSINESS 經濟 31.03.2021 wed

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

of England and Wales, said the move will affect “all Bri- Xi’s shifting China is compelling tish companies who do bu- siness with Chinese clients” because lawyers involved in investors to run, hide or hire dispute resolution for Hong OR any company doing Kong firms could be de- Fbusiness in China, the nied access to the territory. choice is now clearer than He called for the “Western ever: Avoid commenting on BLOOMBERG world” to insist on dispu- any controversial subjects te resolution mechanisms or risk losing access to the outside China for all future world’s second-largest eco- contracts. nomy. “Today it is the mem- Over the past few weeks, bers of Essex Court Cham- President Xi Jinping’s go- bers who are sanctioned,” vernment endorsed a boy- Sandhurst wrote on the cott against retailers like website of the Society of Hennes & Mauritz AB and Conservative Lawyers. “But slapped sanctions on a ran- tomorrow it might be Clif- ge of organizations - inclu- ford Chance, Freshfields or ding a group of barristers in some other major city law the U.K. - over statements firm or Chambers of bar- made on alleged forced la- risters which wittingly or bor in Xinjiang. Then yes- otherwise offends the Chi- terday, he signed off on nese state.” sweeping changes to Hong Xi’s move yesterday to Kong’s election system to officially revamp Hong give Beijing veto power over Kong’s election system cou- any candidates. ld unleash another round China’s more aggressive of criticism and potential stance, triggered in part by sanctions against Western collective action by the U.S. nations, which have failed and its allies to sanction to change China’s behavior. Chinese officials, is forcing The changes allow a small companies to quickly weigh the world anemic, most in China and manage cor- according to Margaret Inc. and search giant Bai- group of mainland and what they will do to main- companies are either kee- porate social responsibility, Lewis, a law professor and du Inc. among companies Hong Kong national se- tain access to 1.4 billion ping their heads down or now it’s difficult to show China specialist at Seton bringing multi-billion curity officials to vet every consumers with ever-mo- stepping up investments. that outside influence has Hall University. dollar deals. candidate standing for re spending power. So far, While it used to be easier any impact on changing the “You end up in this di- New York-based Citi- election, ensuring that only with growth in the rest of for companies to operate Communist Party’s actions, lemma of stay in and be group Inc. plans to hire those loyal to Beijing are complicit or pull out,” she as many as 1,700 staff in able to implement policy. said. “The middle ground Hong Kong as it seeks to tap ad between those two is in- growing links between the DANGEROUS DECISIONS creasingly difficult to find. financial hub and rising af- Hong Kong leader Carrie It’s a starker decision now.” fluence in southern main- Lam said the changes will The best strategy for land cities such as Guan- help the investment clima- brands like H&M facing a gzhou and Shenzhen. A te, a position echoed by for- boycott in China is to lay pandemic-induced hunger mer chief executive Leung low and wait until the ba- for technology stocks and Chun-ying in an interview cklash “blows over,” Joerg the threat of U.S. delistings yesterday. “A lot of opportu- Wuttke, head of the Eu- have been a boon for the nities,” he said when asked ropean Union Chamber financial hub, driving a sur- about Hong Kong’s eco- of Commerce in China, ge in initial and secondary nomic future. “It is a ques- told Bloomberg TV yester- share sales. tion of opening our minds, day. Indeed, several com- For some international our eyes and ears to these panies pulled statements law firms advising com- opportunities and then just on Xinjiang off their web- panies, however, the en- share with the international sites. vironment for working in community.” Hong Kong just got a lot But while Xi’s actions in COMPLICATED PICTURE trickier. China’s retaliatory Hong Kong and Xinjiang “It’s a complicated pic- sanctions against the U.K. may look tough and Chi- ture,” Wuttke said. “On the included the Essex Court nese officials are talking to one hand, China saved the Chambers, which a promi- the world “like now they skin of many companies nent lawyer warned could have nothing to learn,” the last year,” he said. “At the have much bigger conse- moves could end up back- same time, you have of quences for investors. firing among companies course this kind of political After being hit with the and countries, according to pressure that is on you, and sanctions, the Financial Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a po- again a topic like Xinjiang is Times reported that the litical science professor at a no-win situation.” chambers removed a re- Hong Kong Baptist Univer- Many foreign companies ference from its website sity who’s authored several with good relations are ex- to a legal opinion by some books on Chinese foreign panding their presence, of its lawyers implicating policy. particularly as Hong Kong’s the Chinese government “It’s a kind of nervou- finance sector booms this in alleged genocide in Xin- sness, which is a sign of year due to an influx of jiang. The Communist Par- weakness and a sign that IPOs and SPAC listings. Ini- ty-backed Global Times they don’t feel secure,” he tial public offerings in the newspaper said the action said. “And that’s worriso- city have already hit almost showed that China’s sanc- me, because when you’re $11 billion as of mid March, tion were an “effective de- insecure you may embark a close to 500% jump from terrent against rumors.” on dangerous decisions a year earlier, with video But Guy Sandhurst, for- and actions toward others.” streaming platform Bilibili merly chairman of the Bar MDT/BLOOMBERG www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 11 wed 31.03.2021 體育 SPORTS

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

ATHLETICS FOOTBALL Cristiano Ronaldo’s World champion Naser gets armband up court date for doping rules case for auction ORLD cham- in Serbia pion sprinter HE Portugal captain’s armband which

Salwa Eid Na- AP PHOTO TCristiano Ronaldo slammed into the ser will have a ground after his apparent winning goal was two-dayW appeal hearing next disallowed in a World Cup qualifier against month that could lead to a Serbia was put up for auction yesterday. ban from the Tokyo Olympi- A charity group which is trying to collect cs for breaking anti-doping money for the surgery of a 6-month-old boy rules. from Serbia with spinal muscular atrophy The Court of Arbitration got the armband from a stadium worker for Sport said yesterday it will who picked it up after the match ended in a hear the case involving the 2-2 draw on Saturday in Belgrade. 400-meter runner over two The group said the blue armband with days on April 22-23. the letter C will be in an online auction for The World Anti-Doping three days. Agency and World Athletics Ronaldo walked off the field moments both filed appeals at CAS to before the final whistle after his injury-time challenge an independent goal was not allowed by officials. The Juven- tribunal ruling last year that tus player dinked the ball over the Serbia cleared Naser on a technicali- men’s 400 since 1985 to win each day by sample collection whereabouts failures from goalkeeper and it apparently crossed the ty for doping tests she missed. the world title 18 months ago officials. March 2019-January 2020, line before being cleared by an opposing de- A verdict could be annou- in Doha, Qatar, while she was Athletes can be banned for but they technically counted fender. nced urgently with the Dia- under investigation. two years if they have three as spanning more than one While heading straight into the dressing mond League track series set The 22-year-old Bahraini failures within one year. year according to anti-doping room before the final whistle, Ronaldo an- to start in May. The first wo- was allowed to keep the title Naser denied wrongdoing rules. grily threw down his captain armband near men’s 400 race is on May 23 in despite being charged by the last year when the investiga- The ruling also swung on the touchline. Rabat, Morocco. Athletics Integrity Unit with tion was revealed and said a fourth possible violation for Ronaldo was publicly criticized for the The women’s 400 event at “whereabouts” failures — missed tests could happen to a sample that could not be action and some believe his angry display the Tokyo Olympics is sche- missed tests and incorrect up- any athlete. taken in April 2019 when of- could lead to FIFA sanctions if the governing duled from Aug. 3-6. dates on a database detailing Naser was found by a tri- ficials went to her apartment body deems his reaction to be offensive or Naser ran the fastest wo- where athletes can be found bunal in London to have three building in Riffa, Bahrain. AP violent conduct. AP ad BioNTech increases vaccine the production estimates BUZZ German pharmaceutical company BioNTech says that after as of March 23 and signed orders for 1.4 billion doses for delivery ramping up its manufacturing and supply systems, it expects to in 2021. Discussions on further orders were ongoing, it said. manufacture this year up to 2.5 billion doses of the coronavirus The company attributed the increased capacity to optimized vaccine it developed with U.S. partner Pfizer. production processes and the start of production at a new plant The two companies had previously spoken of being able to in Marburg, Germany; the expansion of its manufacturing and make 2 billion doses in 2021. Mainz-based BioNTech said yester- and supply network; and regulatory approval for six doses to be OPINION day that it had delivered 200 million doses of the vaccine globally drawn from each vial, rather than five. World Views Brooke Sutherland, MDT/Bloomberg Airline change AP PHOTO fees shouldn’t AP PHOTO return after Covid

Airline change fees are a pre-pandemic re- lic and they should stay that way. In 2019, U.S. carriers generated $2.8 billion in Germany’s biggest revenue from penalizing customers for changing industrial union and a flight booking, according to the Transportation employers yesterday Department. Those fees often applied even if the reached a deal that will reason for the switch was a personal or family give workers a one-time emergency. But when the coronavirus pande- “corona bonus” and mic presented airlines with the greatest emer- envisions an extra annual gency the industry had ever faced, it forced a payment starting next reckoning over the onerous fees. United Airlines year. The agreement Holdings Inc. moved first, announcing in August features a 500-euro that it would permanently drop $200 change “corona bonus” for each fees for most domestic tickets. Just one day la- employee to be paid out ter, Delta Air Lines Inc. and American Airlines in June, with apprentices Group Inc. followed suit. (Southwest Airlines Co. getting a 300-euro has never charged change fees.) With the pan- payment. demic dragging on, American upped the ante in November and also dropped fees for certain in-

ternational flights that previously could amount AP PHOTO to as much as $750. Delta and United soon co- pied that move, too. German state suspends It was as if they remembered they were in the customer-service business. “The only way in the long term we can be suc- AstraZeneca vaccine Romania Anti-restriction cessful with customers was to eliminate change protesters took to fees,” United CEO Scott Kirby said earlier this the streets in several month at a JPMorgan Chase & Co. conferen- use for under-60s Romanian cities against ce. “That’s why we did it permanently.” The ques- new pandemic measures tion, though, is what permanent really means. FRANK JORDANS, BERLIN ded the benefits of the vac- had received the AstraZe- cine outweighed the risks neca shot already could that came into force a There’s a significant amount of money at stake. day earlier amid rising Airlines need passengers more than passengers HE German state of but recommended that rest assured that it provides COVID-19 infections. need airlines at the moment, but that dynamic TBerlin has again sus- warnings about possible good protection against More than a thousand is likely to flip in time and carriers’ new resolve to pended the use of AstraZe- rare side effects should be the coronavirus. people gathered in forego these extra fees may weaken. Even so, this neca’s coronavirus vaccine provided to patients and “Still, we need to treat it the capital, Bucharest, is one pandemic change that should — and likely for those aged under 60 doctors. carefully and wait for the sounding horns and will — stick. due to new reports of unu- Most European Union talks taking place at the fe- chanting “Freedom!” Slapping passengers with fees again would crea- sual blood clots in people countries, including Ger- deral level,” said Kalayci. as they marched te unneeded bad will. Morale could suffer, too. to the government The airline employees that would have to enfor- who have received the many, have since resumed Some 2.7 million doses headquarters in central ce any new change fees have already had to deal shots, officials said yester- use of the vaccine. of the AstraZeneca vacci- Victory Square. One man with enough during the pandemic, from risking day. ne have been was detained by police their lives to show up for work, enforcing face- The decision After a review by administered in for not wearing a face -mask compliance and depending on the fickle was taken as a pre- Germany so far. mask. generosity of Congress for job security. Indeed, caution ahead of medical experts, the Meanwhile, United’s Kirby said the change-fee pivot was as a meeting today some countries US suspended a trade deal with Myanmar until a much about the company’s culture as it was about [Macau time] of re- European Medicines are still hesitant customers. “You’ve been there for 30 years, and democratic government presentatives from about giving you’ve had to see a customer come up and say, Agency concluded is restored in the ‘Hey, my grandmother passed away and I need to all of Germany’s 16 the AstraZene- Southeast Asian country. change my flight.’ And you say ‘Well thank you, states and further the benefits of the ca shot to older U.S. Trade Representative sir. You can, sir, but you’ve got to pay $200,’” Kir- recommendations people. In Ma- Katherine Tai said the by said. “We forced our employees to defend the expected from na- vaccine outweighed drid, residents United States was immediately suspending indefensible. That creates a jaded environment.” tional medical re- aged between “all U.S. engagement with Change fees are also just bad business: Whate- the risks gulators, said Ber- 60 to 65 years Burma under the 2013 ver airlines make in penalties, they risk losing in lin’s top health offi- old started re- Trade and Investment market share. cial, Dilek Kalayci. Earlier yesterday, two ceiving the vaccine yester- Framework Agreement.’’ Leisure travel is the game now and two low- The meeting was called state-owned hospitals in day ahead of those aged -cost carriers catering to sun-and-snow markets — Frontier Group Holdings Inc. and Sun Country after the country’s medical Berlin announced that they between 66 to 79 becau- Airlines Holdings Inc. — are raising fresh capital regulator announced that had stopped giving Astra- se Spain has yet to revise AP PHOTO through initial public offerings. it had received a total of 31 Zeneca’s coronavirus vacci- new data provided by As- That doesn’t mean airlines won’t make anything reports of rare blood clots ne to female staff members traZeneca about how well off of last-minute trip changes. Notably, Delta, in people who recently re- aged under 55 The heads it works in the older age United and American all exempt the cheapest ceived the vaccine. Nine of of five university hospitals group. “basic economy” tickets from their newly flexi- the people died and all but in western Germany called Spain is currently using Mexican President ble policies. Flights originating from an interna- two of the cases involved for a temporary halt to the the Pfizer/BioNTech and Andrés Manuel López tional destination may also still be subject to pe- women aged 20 to 63, the vaccine for all younger wo- Moderna vaccines for peo- Obrador has proposed nalties. Be sure to read the fine print: United, for Paul Ehrlich Institute said. men, citing the blood clot ple over 80. yet another law to example, is waiving change fees on international weaken private gas firms flights originating from the U.S., while Delta is Reports of an unusual risk. Spanish health autho- and strengthen the eliminating them for flights out of North America form of blood clot in the Kalayci, the Berlin state rities have said that they hand of an inefficient and American is offering this benefit for trips out head, known as sinus vein health minister, said the are hoping to speed up the state-owned company, of both North and South America. Passengers are thrombosis, prompted se- suspension of AstraZeneca rollout of vaccines with the the latest in a series still required to pay the difference in fares, and veral European countries vaccines for younger peo- arrival of the jab developed of measures aimed at credits usually expire after a year. Carriers may to temporarily halt the use ple was a precautionary by the pharmaceutical com- turning back private- make cutbacks to other passenger amenities to of the AstraZeneca vaccine measure. pany Janssen, a subsidiary sector involvement make up for foregone fees. Airlines are still, well, in the energy sector. earlier this month. “We have not had a case of Johnson & Johnson, whi- airlines. But change fees as we knew them seem López Obrador said the ch has also been approved dead enough. After a review by medi- of serious side effects in proposed law is meant [Abridged] cal experts, the European Berlin yet,” she said, ad- for use in Europe and requi- to combat contraband Medicines Agency conclu- ding that all of those who res one shot only. MDT/AP gasoline imports.