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BLUE CARDS AND OTHER NON- FOUR RETURNEES ATTACKS ON CHINESE-RUN FACTORIES RESIDENTS IN THE CITY ARE NOW IN MYANMAR DREW DEMANDS FROM ALLOWED TO ENTER MAINLAND TEST POSITIVE FOR BEIJING FOR PROTECTION FOR THEIR CHINA AND RETURN TO THE MSAR PROPERTY AND EMPLOYEES P5 COVID-19 P4 P8 AP PHOTO MACAU PHOTO AGENCY PHOTO MACAU

China’s capital and a wide swath of the country’s north were enveloped yesterday in the worst sandstorm in a decade, forcing the cancelation of hundreds of SHYGovernment’s RELIEF new stimulus package flights. Skyscrapers in the center of Beijing appeared to drop from sight amid the dust draws criticism, falls short to help SMEs and sand. Traffic was snarled P2-3 and more than 400 flights out of the capital’s two main airports were canceled amid high winds and low visibility.

Israel The Defense Ministry on Sunday said it has completed development of a new guided mortar system, giving the army a formidable new weapon against enemies embedded in crowded urban environments. Officials said the “Iron Sting” system, using both GPS and laser technology, would provide Israeli land forces a new level of precision while minimizing the risk of harming nearby civilians.

Middle East Arms imports to the Middle East rose by a quarter in the decade to 2020 even though arms sales globally remained stable over the same period, a Swedish watchdog said Monday. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, or SIPRI, said the Middle East figures were driven chiefly by the world’s largest arms importer, Saudi Arabia, which increased its purchases by 61%. Egypt’s imports rose 136% and Qatar’s 361%.

US The reading of the nominations for next month’s Academy Awards has begun. Priyanka Chopra Jonas and husband Nick Jonas are announcing the nominees during a presentation that’s streaming live on Oscars. org and Oscars.com and the Academy of Motion Migrant Pictures Arts and Sciences’ digital social platforms. The nominees for best groups pleased supporting actress are: Maria Bakalova, “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”; Glenn Close, with inclusion “Hillbilly Elegy”; Olivia Colman, “The Father”; Amanda Seyfried, “Mank”; Yuh-Jung of TNRs in new Youn, “Minari .” subsidy P3 More on backpage page 2 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 16.03.2021 tue

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER Third round of stimulus package set to roll out in phases from April HONEY TSANG duals and business weather the economic fallout brought about HE details regarding by the Covid-19 pandemic. the new round of the The previous two rounds of much-anticipated sti- financial measures, particularly mulus packages were the e-voucher schemes, were in- Tmade public yesterday morning, tended to inject capital into Ma- but experts say that the rules cau’s economy, which were con- for this digital voucher scheme sidered as “emergency” approa- are complicated, which may re- ches, Lei addressed the media. duce its efficiency to foster the “But this round of stimulus economy when compared to the package demands a combined previous two rounds of financial effort of the government and the subsidy. whole society, in a bid to gene- The particulars of the rate a more efficient and lasting MOP29.2 billion stimulus pa- cycled economic benefits in Ma- ckage was released by officials cau,” he added. yesterday morning. The scheme adopts a four-pronged approach, DETAILS OF including the MOP7.24 billion FOUR-PRONGED APPROACH cash handout scheme, MOP5.69 In the forthcoming plan, the billion domestic spending facili- cash handout scheme will be tation scheme, MOP334 million considered as the priority. Simi- vocational training scheme and lar to the first round of stimulus MOP15.96 billion tax incentive announced in February 2020, and allowance scheme. the government is set to roll In yesterday’s media briefing, out an early cash distribution of Secretary for Economy and Fi- MOP10,000 and MOP 6,000 to nance Lei Wai Nong stressed that each Macau resident and non- this financial stimulus will follow -Macau resident, respectively, a different tactic which neces- starting from April. sitates the consumption power Pre-pandemic, the SAR go- “initiated” by local consumers, vernment originally distributed when compared to the previous cash handouts to individuals two rounds launched last year — during the summer period. which were designed to play as a The domestic spending faci- cher, the spending discount for as the second focal point. Such The SAR government has financial lifeline handed out by litation scheme — comprised of seniors and the domestic travel scheme is slated to last from earmarked MOP5 billion in the the government to help indivi- three sub-programs: the e-vou- programs — will be considered May to the end of 2021. e-voucher program, the bene-

The well-intended scheme draws criticism due to ill preparation HOUGH the government has injected individual. Some may have one e-payment Nonetheless, she acknowledged that the GGR tally as well. Ta hefty sum of MOP29.2 billion into this account and some may have two.” this round succeeds in offering the much- “We don’t believe the latest stimulus will round of stimulus to drive domestic spen- Lam, who had been offering advice upon -need succor to some target groups, inclu- impact the GGR at all, [as] we expect that ding and stabilize the local economy, it has the drafting of this round’s relief measures, ding the tourism and casino sectors, and the latest with even more restrictions than drawn a lot of criticism from the public, suspected that the confusion is caused due the elderly. the previous [financial measures] will not with the negative judgments thrown upon to the haste to launch the packages. The stimulus has sparked many negative be redeemable in the casinos,” Ben Lee, the e-voucher scheme being the most pro- “The stimulus was launched weeks ear- critiques on social media platforms. Most managing partner of IGamiX Management nounced. lier than planned. The officials might not of them condemned the e-voucher scheme & Consulting, told the Times. “The details regarding how to recei- even ponder about the problem of over- that it has made many perplexed and can- The officials also rebutted the rumors ve and redeem the e-voucher is far too lapped subsidy for a person who has more not benefit the impoverished residents. that this round of stimulus was released complicated for a local to fathom. It had than one mobile payment accounts,” Lam When asked if the stimulus will help earlier than scheduled to console the pu- taken me a lot of time too to understand,” stressed. stimulate the city’s gross gaming revenue blic following the protest at the Labour Af- lawmaker Agnes Lam told the Times yes- “There are many limitations upon the (GGR) and push the government’s GGR fo- fairs Bureau (DSAL) by hundreds of cons- terday. usage of the e-vouchers as well. The sche- recast of MOP130 billion for 2021 higher, truction workers last Friday. With such a convoluted concept, it may me favors those who are financially able, Secretary for Economy and Finance Lei Lei said the government will double be more difficult for the subsidy to trickle instead of those who are scraping by and Wai Nong said that Macau’s gaming busi- down on helping the affected workers to into the market, she added. cannot afford daily expenses in Macau,” ness has been on the “growth trajectory,” land a job. But he also commented that When asked by the media following the the lawmaker added. ever since the resumption of quarantine- the budget allocated by the government press conference if an individual can recei- She suggests for the government to cla- -free travel between Macau and China in on public construction projects, involving ve double benefits if he or she holds two rify the details of the e-voucher scheme September 2020, but the industry still takes MOP18.5 billion, is “sufficient” in 2021. various mobile payment accounts, Tai Kin later and launch targeted relief measu- times to recover. However, there are usually different phases Ip, director of the Economic and Techno- res, such as a cash handout, exclusively to “The government has been evalua- that demand different construction profes- logical Development Bureau did not res- the underprivileged groups, who are the ting this year’s GGR figure, and we are still sions in each construction project, and this pond to the question directly and said: “It unemployed and those who are forced to working on it,” Lei said, adding that the vac- may lead to some some local construction depends on the payment behavior of each take no-pay leave. cination scheme is expected to help bolster workers staying unemployed. HT

www.macaudailytimes.com.mo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF (DIRECTOR)_Paulo Coutinho [email protected] A MACAU TIMES PUBLICATIONS LTD PUBLICATION ASSISTANT EDITOR_Lynzy Valles SENIOR WRITER_Honey Tsang CONTRIBUTING EDITORS_Leanda Lee, Severo Portela, Sheyla Zandonai ADMINISTRATOR AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Kowie Geldenhuys [email protected] NEWSROOM AND CONTRIBUTORS_Albano Martins, Annabel Jackson, Anthony Lam, Daniel Beitler, Emilie Tran, OFFICE MANAGER Juliana Cheang [email protected] REACHING OUT! Irene Sam, Ivo Carneiro de Sousa, Jacky I.F. Cheong, Jenny Lao-Phillips, João Palla Martins, Joseph Cheung, Julie ADDRESS Av. da Praia Grande, 599, Edif. Comercial Rodrigues, 12 Floor C, Zhu, Juliet Risdon, Linda Kennedy, Paulo Cordeiro de Sousa, Renato Marques, Richard Whitfield, Viviana Seguí MACAU SAR Telephones: +853 287 160 81/2 Fax: +853 287 160 84 DESIGNERS_Eva Bucho, Miguel Bandeira | ASSOCIATE CONTRIBUTORS_JML Property, MdME Lawyers, Advertisement [email protected] +20,000 PokerStars, Ruan Du Toit Bester | NEWS AGENCIES_ Associated Press, Bloomberg, MacauHub, MacauNews, Xinhua For subscription and general issues: [email protected] | Printed at Welfare Printing Ltd Like us on facebook.com/mdtimes SECRETARY_Yang Dongxiao [email protected] send newsworthy information and press releases to: [email protected] website: www.macaudailytimes.com.mo www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 3 tue 16.03.2021 澳門 MACAU

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER Third round of stimulus package set to roll out in phases from April MACAU PHOTO AGENCY PHOTO MACAU

Migrant groups pleased with inclusion of TNRs in new subsidy

LYNZY VALLES [an answer to] our prayers sin- the absence of flights. ce the start of the pandemic, Many are still taking the risk IGRANT group associa- especially to those who have of residing in the region in ho- Mtions are delighted over lost their jobs. I’m amazed that pes of acquiring new jobs des- the announcement of the new they have considered to assist pite the new employment law financial relief measure yester- and include blue card holders for non-resident workers. The day, which includes non-resi- this time,” said Jassy Santos, new employment law does not dent workers (TNRs). This is ficiaries of which are extended to payment cards, the Macau Pass chairperson of the Progressi- allow them to be hired by lo- the first time that these group all people residing in Macau, in- — also known as their senior citi- ve Labor Union of Domestic cal employers directly as they of workers in the region are in- cluding all Macau ID holders, blue zen cards. Moreover, the seniors Workers. would need to leave the city cluded in the stimulus package cardholders, and foreign national can enjoy benefits through this For Yosa Wariyanti, presi- and return with a work permit contrary to the past two rou- students. program and the aforementioned dent of the Migrant Workers – something that is impossible nds. In comparison to the two pre- e-voucher programmer simulta- Union (IMWU), the inclusion now due to the border closure. Some of the region’s migrant vious electronic consumption vou- neously. of the blue card holders marks However, many migrant group associations have assis- cher schemes — which distributed Through the third sub-program, a “history” among the commu- workers refuse to go back ted their fellow workers during MOP3,000 and MOP5,000 to every the MOP120 million domestic tra- nity. home – despite repatriation fli- the peak of the Covid-19 pan- Macau ID holder in May and Au- vel program, a Macau resident can “The government is making ghts – as they would face ano- demic where many of them, gust 2020 respectively — this year’s enjoy a subsidy of MOP280 and history again. We are happy to ther hurdle in seeking employ- particularly those who are in e-voucher scheme requires an in- MOP200 when spending on do- receive this news,” said Wa- ment in the city once the bor- the hospitality industry, expe- dividual to spend first before being mestic tours and local accommo- riyanti. der reopens and would need to rienced a pay cut due to the no- granted an e-voucher. It also invol- dation, respectively. The move is to “During these hard times, pay agency fees. -pay leave scheme. ves more constraints regarding the encourage locals to travel domes- we actually needed some It has been over a year since These associations began to granting and redemption of e-vou- tically and foster the city’s tourism help as this pandemic really the pandemic and it has caused raise funds among themselves, chers. industry. impacted us.” Up until now, massive layoffs due to econo- along with the support of seve- For instance, an individual can The third focal point will be cen- the group is still distributing mic downturn. Last year, there ral private groups and indivi- receive five MOP10 coupons af- tered on the MOP334 million vo- small packs of groceries at were a total of 177,663 non-re- duals, to stretch their support ter spending MOP50 through one cational training scheme, in which their shelter for those who sident workers registered in to those unemployed. of the city’s eight digital payment the government will offer subsidi- have been laid off and are still Macau, down 9.6%, or 18,875 “This assistance has been platforms. In addition, a practice zed vocation training programs to stranded in the region due to fewer year-on-year. of “3-times boosting effect” will local employees. This year’s sche- be applied to the redemption of me — with no limit set in terms the e-voucher, meaning an indivi- of the quota of participants and dual can redeem one MOP10 cou- allowing those who are on unpaid pon whenever they spend at least leave to apply even without the re- Gov’t to provide up to MOP20M MOP30 in each transaction. Each ferral by the employers — is dee- coupon is only valid for 15 days, med as an enhanced version, said for company upgrade, rental with a monthly limit of MOP600 the director of the Labour Affairs and a daily limit of MOP200. Bureau (DSAL), Wong Chi Hong. It OMPANIES will be able to ding corporate equipment. In As for the maximum sub- When taking into account the is extended to benefit casino staff Cget up to MOP20 million another type of subsidy, it will sidy each successful subsidy payment pattern among the elder- for this round as well. in government subsidies to subsidize the rental of a com- applicant will be able to obtain, ly, most of whom are more inclined The MOP15.96 billion tax incen- upgrade their equipment and pany. Both subsidies are set at the government has set it to to use cash, Lei said, the govern- tive and allowance scheme will be offset their rental costs, a Chief 4% of the interest rate or the MOP10 million for each type of ment will also launch a dedicated the last focus. It covers measures Executive Dispatch yesterday rental. subsidy. consumption program for the ci- like the rebate of 70% occupational stipulated. The scheme has two ceilings The scheme was estab- ty’s seniors aged 65 or above. The tax paid in 2019; exemption of 5% The details announced are set at different levels concer- lished, as stated in the Executi- move involves an investment of tourism tax for tourism-related bu- crucial in commencing the go- ning different types of subsi- ve Order 7/2021, to encourage MOP567 million. sinesses; deduction of the income vernment’s company upgrade dies. The interest subsidy has a companies to improve their The eligible elderly can enjoy an supplementary tax for 2020 for the boost scheme. ceiling of MOP600 million per competitiveness, so as to make instant discount of MOP10 when small and medium enterprises; and The government will subsi- year. At the same time, the cei- progress in economic diversifi- they spend MOP30 on each tran- allowances for medical, educational dize the interest on loans obtai- ling for the rental subsidy is set cation and sustainable develo- saction through their contactless purposes and so on. ned for the purpose of upgra- at MOP200 million per year. pment. AL page 4 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 16.03.2021 tue

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

4 returnees test CE: Patriots governing positive for Covid-19

Macau a social, LYNZY VALLES The second individual is a 20-year-old student in OUR local residents England and was diagno- political foundation Fwho flew from Europe sed at the end of October via Taipei tested positive with Covid-19. At that LYNZY VALLES prehensively the work for Covid-19, the Novel time, he developed fever relating to safeguarding Coronavirus Response and underwent self-iso- HE Chief Executive national security.” and Coordination Centre lation. He also took two THo Iat Seng empha- In his speech, the CE announced in a statement NATs on March 10 and 11, sised yesterday the de- also remarked that the- last night. which both tested negati- termination of the SAR re is a need for Macau to On Sunday (March 14), ve. On March 12, he took a government to adhere to proactively align with the a total of 30 residents flew train from England to Paris the fundamental princi- national 14th Five-Year back to Macau and were to catch the flight to Taipei. ple of “patriots governing Plan, which was released subjected to a nucleic acid The third individual is Macau.” at the Two Sessions, in test (NAT). The results of a 44-year-old female who In a bid to maintain order to engage further in these tests were negative was also diagnosed with Macau’s long-term sta- the national development and the passengers were Covid-19 in December. bility and prosperity, the effort. sent to a quarantine hotel The NAT carried out on city’s top official highligh- in Beijing, Ho stressed ts at core. Macau’s second Five- to undergo medical obser- February 25 and March 12 ted that it is vital to persist the need “for unswerving “The Legislative As- -Year Development Plan vation. were negative. in the principle of “pa- effort to ensure ‘patriots sembly election should would be formulated with Yesterday, all the retur- The fourth individual triots governing Macau,” governing Macau’” as it be held in a law-based, a view to Macau’s practi- nees tested for antibodies, is a 52-year-old busi- calling on government of- is the “social and political fair, just, open, and clean cal situation, and in line of which four of them nessman who has been ficials to pay close atten- foundation of the city.” manner, while making with national strategies, had abnormal results and working in Ghana. On Fe- tion to the aspirations set “This would ensure the sure the ‘One country, two Ho revealed, adding that were sent to the public bruary 25, he took a flight out in the recent annual steady progress in Macau systems’ principle was the SAR would spare no hospital. from Kotoka International meeting of the National of the ‘One country, two steadfastly applied in Ma- effort in seizing develop- The first individual is a Airport to Amsterdam and People’s Congress (NPC) systems’ principle,” he cau without being bent or ment opportunities pre- 36-year-old man who is a stayed in the region until and the Chinese People’s said. distorted,” said the CE. sented by the country. clerk in England. On De- March 12. Political Consultative He also reminded that In addition, Ho said This includes comple- cember 17, he was diag- The NATs he took on Conference (CPPCC). the upcoming Legislative that the government menting Macau’s respec- nosed with Covid-19 in February 25, March 8 and In a briefing session Assembly elections in Ma- would firmly adhere to tive advantages with tho- the UK and was subjected March 12 all tested nega- held yesterday to share cau, set for September 12, the holistic view of na- se of the mainland, and to home isolation treat- tive. information on policies must be held in line with tional security, “devoting advancing – in a coordi- ment. The NAT carried out He flew from Amster- and aspirations outlined the political principle and effort to staying highly vi- nated way – development on February 8 and March dam to Paris to catch the in the recent Two Sessions standard of having patrio- gilant and fortifying com- mechanisms. 12 were negative. flight to Taipei. ad www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 5 tue 16.03.2021 澳門 MACAU

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

Tai pointed out that the health authorities in Europe have investi- gated the cases. According to him, they did not find any clear connec- Doors to the mainland tion between the blood clots and the vaccine. “They have concluded that getting the AstraZeneca vacci- open for blue card holders ne has greater benefits than risks,” Tai said. ANTHONY LAM Macau from other countries after Although he said the local heal- spending 21 days in the main- th department will closely monitor ON-RESIDENT land. the development, the introduction workers (TNRs) and She was asked, for example, of the vaccine in Macau should go other non-Macau re- if a tourist can travel to Macau as planned for the time being. sidents in the city on from Indonesia with a valid Chi- In a recent severe adverse event Nlegal permits are now allowed to nese visa and undergoes a 21- following immunization (AEFI), enter mainland China and return day quarantine in the mainland. a 69-year-old man has developed to the Special Administrative Re- Leong stressed that the dispatch acute coronary syndrome after gion under certain conditions, a does not state that the doors are being vaccinated. The case was ru- Chief Executive Dispatch stated opened these travelers. led out to be a side effect from the yesterday. Leong explained that given the vaccine by the health authority. To qualify, the non-Macau complementary statements in Upon being asked why the au- residents need to bear a valid the dispatch, although these tou- thorities had reached a conclusion Chinese visa issued by the Offi- rists do spend 21 days in main- so quickly, Tai said the causality ce of the Commissioner of the land China, they will not meet was determined through investi- Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the the requirement of entering the gation. In contrast, some incidents Macau Special Administrative mainland from Macau; neither happen whether or not the jab is Region and must enter mainland will they meet the requirement of administered. China from Macau. They must bearing a visa issued by the Ma- “Matter of coincidence is the return to Macau within the vali- cau Office of the Foreign Affairs most debated type of AEFI,” Tai dity period of the visa. Ministry Commissioner. pointed out. In order to reenter Macau, they Regarding the 69-year-old re- must not have travelled anywhe- ASTRAZENECA HAS ‘GREATER sident, Tai attributed the cause of re in the 21 days prior, except to Previously, residents of Ban- sued by the Macau government. BENEFITS THAN RISKS’ the AEFI to the patient’s own cons- mainland China and Macau. gladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakis- The dispatch is seen as a su- Several countries have suspen- titutional complications. Prior to these new arrange- tan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam were pplementary move as mainland ded the administration of the As- When questioned about the ment, TNRs and non-Macau re- required to hold a Macau SAR China has resumed the applica- traZeneca vaccine due to blood reliability of the pre-jab health as- sidents were barred from ente- visa in order to enter the city. tions of new visa to non-residen- clots in about three dozen reci- sessment, Tai hinted that for the ring Macau, meaning that once The Chief Executive has also ts currently in Macau. pients. time being, the nine questions they left the city, they were not suspended the visa requirement However, at yesterday’s weekly Dr Tai Wa Hou, coordinator of asked are sufficient to evaluate allowed to reenter. on these foreign residents as health press conference, Leong the Health Bureau’s Covid-19 Vac- the risk level of a jab recipient. He In the same dispatch, the Chief long as they fit in the definitions Iek Hou, coordinator at the cination Operation, addressed the stressed that if a person has to be Executive has also suspended the of TNRs or non-Macau residents Center for Disease Control and topic when he was asked about completely healthy to qualify for entry ban on these non-Macau on legal passes, and also bear a Prevention, was asked if these it, as Macau has also purchased the jab, nobody will be able to residents. special legal entry permission is- non-resident groups can enter 400,000 doses of the vaccine. take it.

Gov’t think tank Corruption watchdog receives to prioritize city’s reports on election malpractice Five-Year Plan EPORTS on mal- rectify the problems. HE new director of the in the national 14th Five- Rpractices during As to how many chan- TPolicy Research and Re- -Year Plan during the Two election campaign have ces will be given before gional Development Bureau Sessions. been received by the filing a charge, the two (DSEDPR) Cheong Chok The government think Commission Against officials remarked that Man was officially sworn in tank would work on boos- Corruption (CCAC), it is on a case-by-case yesterday and has announ- ting the SAR’S relations with commissioner Chan Tsz consideration. ced that his leadership wou- Hengqin. King recently told the Chan said that the ld focus on codeveloping In the recent launch of press. CCAC had received re- the SAR’s Five-Year Plan for national 14th Five-Year As the Chief Executi- ports on an entity alle- 2021-2025. Plan, it announced that it ve revealed the date for gedly campaigning Back in September 2016, aims for high-quality deve- this year’s parliamen- through its elderly care the official document for lopment of the Guangdong- tary election, which will hotline. Investigation the Five-Year Development -Hong Kong-Macau Greater fall on September 12, a is now in progress and Plan of the Macau SAR Bay Area and to improve hotline jointly operated Chan did not rule out (2016-2020) was launched. policy measures to enable by the CCAC and the thority did not find any will not only investiga- the possibility of issuing It is a strategic plan for Ma- local residents to develop Electoral Affairs Com- breach so far. te the reports received, a reminder to the entity. cau’s development in the and live in the Mainland. mittee was established The commissioner but it will also conduct He also stressed that short, medium and long Cheong said that the de- as well. said that he has con- proactive checks on members of the public term. velopment and cooperation Since the hotline was fidence in members event venues. There is should not panic when The Five-Year Plan aims concerning Hengqin is of established, the CCAC of the public having no limit to the frequen- seeing social media to meet the needs of live- importance, therefore, it has received a single-di- the knowledge of what cy of such checks, she posts. He also said that lihoods and steady econo- would divulge the projects git figure of complain- should be done, given added. the law has stipulations mic growth, optimise the it has in accordance with ts, mostly concerning the parliamentary elec- Meanwhile, both of- governing distribution industrial structure, and Hengqin. campaign violations. In tion has been held many ficials stressed that the of red packets over elec- increase exchanges and co- “The region will crea- addition, the CCAC has times. CCAC will, when sus- tronic platforms, hin- -operation between Macau te many opportunities for also run checks on din- Assistant commissio- pected violations are ting that the CCAC is and mainland China. employment and between ner receptions by local ner Ao Ieong Seong has found, first remind the being vigilant against Cheong said that it would national integration,” said associations. The au- also said that the CCAC entity or individual to such acts. AL grab opportunities set forth Cheong. LV page 6 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo CHINA 中國 16.03.2021 tue

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

Statement Liu Xianfa* BLOOMBERG

Improving electoral system: a critical step in maintaining Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability

On 11 March, the fourth session of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC) overwhelmingly approved the ‘Decision of the National People’s Congress On Im- proving the Electoral System of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’. The Central Government, through revising and improving the electoral system of the Hong Kong SAR, plugging the institutional loopholes, fully implementing the princi- ple of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, takes a critical step in maintaining Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. Improving Hong Kong’s electoral system is within the power and responsibility of the Central Government. In a unitary state, the central government makes de- cisions for sub-national units regarding their electoral systems, a political practice commonly enshrined in their constitutions. China is no exception. It is within the Central Government’s power to create a special administrative region and establish its systems. It is the Central Government’s constitutional power and responsibility prescribed in both the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law of the HKSAR to decide on the electoral system of Hong Kong according to its realities. The moves of the NPC and its Standing Committee in improving the elec- toral system of the HKSAR are completely in line with the provisions of the Cons- titution and the Basic Law, and thus have unquestionable legitimacy, rationality, constitutionality and lawfulness. Improving the electoral system under the guiding principle of “patriots administe- ring Hong Kong” is in line with the principle of “one country, two systems” and the general international practice. “Patriots administering Hong Kong” is a necessary requirement and the core meaning of the “one country, two systems” policy. Mo- reover, it is also a necessary requirement of China’s resuming exercise of sovereign- ty over Hong Kong, a prerequisite of comprehensively implementing the policy of “one country, two systems”, and a reliable pillar supporting Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. Strict requirements on patriotism and related political qua- lifications of the administrators is a general international practice. Adhering to the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” is not a high requirement, but the minimum standard for “Hong Kong people govern Hong Kong”. It is also not a uni- HONG KONG que requirement for Hong Kong, but a norm widely adopted in the whole world. Improving Hong Kong’s electoral system is to ensure the sound development of Hong Kong’s democracy. Under the colonial rule, there was no democracy to speak of in Hong Kong. Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong has started its de- Activists say mocratic development. However, in recent years, especially after the turbulence over the amendment bill in 2019, anti-China, destabilizing forces and radical loca- lists in Hong Kong have openly called for “Hong Kong independence”. They used democracy fight to the electoral platforms of the Hong Kong SAR and the deliberation platforms of the Legislative Council and the District Councils or their position as public servants to blatantly carry out anti-China and destabilizing activities. They resorted to every continue abroad possible means to paralyze the functioning of the Legislative Council, and grab the power to administer Hong Kong to challenge the authority of the Central Govern- ONG Kong democracy what they called the “global election rules in the city that ment. The rioting and turbulence that occurred in the Hong Kong society reveals Hactivists have launched aggression” of China’s ru- will virtually eliminate the that the existing electoral system in the Hong Kong SAR has clear loopholes and a new push to continue their ling Communist Party, along influence of any political deficiencies. The latest moves of the Central Government are to ensure that Hong fight among residents li- with reforms to the govern- opposition, bringing strong Kong’s democracy can develop in a healthy and orderly manner. ving abroad in the wake of a ment and police force and criticism from the U.S. and Improving Hong Kong’s electoral system is an important guarantee of the long- -term prosperity and stability of the HKSAR. The 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) sweeping crackdown by Bei- the abolishment of a swee- the U.K., which ruled Hong for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objecti- jing and changes to the the ping national security law Kong as a colony for 156 ves Through the Year 2035 passed by the NPC outlines a set of important objecti- semi-autonomous Chinese imposed last year. Dozens years. The changes tighten ves to maintain the HKSAR’s long-term prosperity and stability, and makes speci- city’s electoral system aimed of activists including former Beijing’s control over the se- fic arrangements to deepen cooperation between the mainland and the HKSAR. at shutting out opposition lawmakers have been char- lection of Hong Kong’s lea- It fully demonstrates the determination of the Central Government to safeguard voices. ged under the law, promp- der, along with the makeup Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity and stability. Hong Kong has no chance to seize In a letter titled the “2021 ting many to seek asylum of its legislative council. the opportunities if the endless turbulence and internal friction continue. Now the Hong Kong Charter,” the ac- abroad. China had pledged to Central Government is taking steps to improve its electoral system and implement tivists stated that, “Nume- “Under such high pressu- allow the city to retain free- the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong” with the aim of let those who truly love China and Hong Kong lead Hong Kong out of its predicament. Looking rous Hongkongers have no re from China, the diaspora doms not permitted el- around the world, most countries are trying to seize the opportunities brought by choice but to leave in exile, from Hong Kong have more sewhere in the country for China’s development. Hong Kong, with the support of the motherland and a world while those remaining in responsibility than ever to 50 years, but its recent steps vision, as well as many favorable development conditions and unique competitive their city are living with the speak out and ensure we are seen as a betrayal by the advantages, has every reason to seize the opportunities of the motherland’s develo- constant fear of being po- continue to draw interna- opposition and the former pment and forge a new future. litically persecuted on any tional concern,” Nathan colonizer. Improving Hong Kong’s electoral system by the Central Government has won day.” Law, who now resides in the British Foreign Secretary broad understanding and support from the international community. The Macao “The 2021 electoral re- U.K., said during an online Dominic Raab on Satur- SAR government and all sectors of society have also voiced their support for the de- form imposed by the Chine- news conference yesterday day said Beijing’s decision cision and practice of the Central Government. As to Macao, under the leadership of the Central Government, the Macao SAR has, in accordance with the Constitution se Communist Party further [Macau time]. “We hope our to “impose radical changes and the Basic Law of the Macao SAR, gradually promoted the development of the annihilated the democratic overseas communities can to restrict participation in democratic political system, established electoral regimes for the Chief Executive elements in our elections, continue to fight until the Hong Kong’s electoral sys- and the Legislative Assembly that correspond to the realities of Macao. It legally pro- putting the last nail in the day we can elect our own tem [...] is part of a pattern tects the democratic rights of the residents in Macao, forms a sound situation of “pa- coffin for “One Country, leaders.” designed to harass and stifle triots administering Macao”, ensures that the practice of “one country, two systems” Two Systems,” the letter Hong Kong was rocked by all voices critical of China’s has always been advancing on the right track. The Commissioner’s Office will conti- said, citing the framework months of antigovernment policies.” nue to strictly guard against and resolutely prevent external forces from interfering for running the city after its protests in 2019 that were Raab said the moves in Macao affairs in accordance with the requirements of the Central Government handover from British colo- met with increasingly re- amount to the third breach and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, resolutely safeguard the hard-won situation of Macao, and unswervingly defend the long-term prosperity and stability of Macao. nial rule in 1997. pressive measures by securi- of a 1984 agreement between The letter, cosigned by ty forces and the authorities the sides that Britain hoped *The author is the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s eight prominent opposition in Beijing. would protect Hong Kong’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region figures, calls for interna- China’s legislature last freedoms after the handover tional support to counter week approved changes to of power. MDT/AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 7 tue 16.03.2021 中國 CHINA

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unilateral attempt to change the ON THE ROAD TO ALASKA status quo,” Motegi said. “But at the same time, China is the wor- ld’s No. 2 economy and it is im- portant to firmly encourage that country to act responsibly based Two key US cabinet members visit on international rules.” Japan is in a delicate diploma- tic situation because its economy, like those of other countries in Japan for China-focused talks the region, heavily depends on MARI YAMAGUCHI, TOKYO macy, maintain America’s military China. might “and renew our alliances But it also considers China’s

HARED worry about Chi- AP PHOTO and ensure they’re fit for purpose growing presence in the South na’s growing influence in to address the threats and oppor- China Sea a security threat. the Indo-Pacific region tunities of our time,” Blinken and China has denied it is expan- will take center stage Austin wrote. Together they can sionist and said it is only defen- Swhen President Joe Biden’s de- hold China accountable for its ding its territorial rights. fense chief and secretary of state “human rights abuses” and other On the Biden administration’s visit Japan for their first in-person problems in Xinjiang, Tibet, as first Cabinet-level trip abroad, talks with their Japanese counter- well as Hong Kong and Taiwan, Blinken and Austin are also ex- parts. they said. pected to discuss the coronavirus U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd In a move meant to signal his pandemic and climate change, as Austin arrived yesterday, with Se- intention for the U.S. to return well as the nuclear threat posed cretary of State Antony Blinken to to the Asia-Pacific region, Biden by North Korea and the situa- join him later in Tokyo for mee- on Friday held a first summit of tion in Myanmar after its military tings meant to reaffirm America’s the leaders from Australia, Japan, coup. commitment to the region and to India and the U.S. known as the While in Tokyo, they plan to the two nations’ alliance following “Quad” virtually and emphasized have virtual meetings with busi- former President Donald Trump’s Washington’s commitment to the ness leaders, civil-society mem- more confrontational approach. region. bers, business leaders and others The two secretaries are holding Motegi said in a parliamentary while in Tokyo before heading on so-called “two plus two” diploma- session yesterday that he expec- Wednesday to South Korea, ano- tic and security talks on Tuesday ners — both in one-to-one rela- values and principles of keeping ted China to be the topic he and ther key ally in the region. with their Japanese counterparts, tionships and in multilateral ins- an open Indo-Pacific region, but Blinken discussed most and that China is not on Blinken’s iti- Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Mo- titutions — and to recommit to China is “all too willing to use Japan being the first destination nerary, but he is set to meet se- tegi and Defense Minister Nobuo our shared goals, values, and res- coercion to get its way,” the two of their foreign travel signaled nior Chinese officials in Ancho- Kishi. ponsibilities,” Blinken and Austin ministers said. “Here again, we “the U.S. emphasis on the Japan- rage, Alaska, on his way back to “The United States is now said in a piece published in The see how working with our allies is -U.S. alliance.” Washington. Austin will go from making a big push to revitalize Washington Post. critical.” “Japan, together with the U.S., Seoul to New Delhi for meetings our ties with friends and part- The U.S. and others share the The U.S. will lead with diplo- will resolutely respond to China’s with Indian leaders. MDT/AP ad page 8 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo WORLD 國際 16.03.2021 tue

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this day in history AP PHOTO 1953 Marshal Tito makes historic visit to London

Marshal Josef Tito of Yugoslavia has arrived in Britain, the first Communist head of state to visit the country. The Duke of Edinburgh, Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden gree- Black smoke billows from the industrial zone of Hlaing Thar Yar township in Yangon, Myanmar ted him at Westminster at the start of his five-day visit. He arrived by sea from Yugoslavia in the naval vessel Galeb (Seagull). He was then brought up river under MYANMAR Royal Navy escort. Marshal Tito was invited to Britain last September by Mr Eden who was visiting Yugoslavia to strengthen ties between the two nations. Talks this week are expected to centre on the after- Attacks on Chinese-run math of the recent death of Josef Stalin, who expelled Yugoslavia from the Cominform group of communist nations in 1948 for failing to adhere to Soviet policies. Since that time Yugoslavia has come to rely on Wes- tern aid for certain foods and armaments. factories worry Beijing They will also discuss ways of achieving a solution to SAM MCNEIL Chinese businesses trigge- household goods retailers. from other countries and the problem of the disputed region of Trieste, whose & FU TING, BEIJING red an outpouring of fury Taiwan, South Korea, the United Nations to res- administration was divided last year between the Uni- in more than 52,000 com- Hong Kong and Thailand tore civilian rule, staging ted Nations and Yugoslavia. TTACKS on Chi- ments. also have a large number protests and strikes in a Security was tight as the occasion has been marked nese-run facto- “Does it hurt? How of manufacturers running massive show of civil diso- by a great deal of controversy, especially among those ries in Myanmar’s about people dying?” said factories in Myanmar that bedience that has nearly Yugoslav exiles who regard Marshal Tito as a dictator. biggest city drew a post from Naing Oo. play a crucial role in provi- paralyzed the economy. Spectators were kept well away from the River Tha- demandsA yesterday from “If you want to do ding jobs and exports that Myanmar state media mes embankment where the marshal disembarked Beijing for protection for business peacefully help keep the economy have reported that mar- this afternoon. their property and em- in Myanmar, respect afloat. tial law was declared in six He shook hands with the Duke and made a short ployees, while many in Myanmar people,” said Aye Taiwan’s representative districts in Yangon, inclu- speech in faltering English greeting the people of Bri- Myanmar expressed outra- Myat Kyaw. “Stop suppor- office in Yangon recom- ding the major industrial tain and expressing hope of mutual co-operation, un- ge over China’s apparent ting terrorist army and join mended that Taiwan-ow- zones of Hlaing Thar Yar derstanding and peace. “I wish to assure the peoples of Great Britain that lack of concern for those Myanmar people.” ned companies use Bur- and Shwepyitha. At least 38 they should consider the people of my country as their killed in protests against Many accused Myanmar mese language signs to people were killed Sunday staunch allies because the people of the new Yugos- last month’s military coup. police or other agitators of identify their factories as and dozens were injured lavia are striving towards the same ends as the people A Chinese Foreign Mi- causing the destruction to a “Taiwan Enterprise.” It in one of the deadliest days of Great Britain,” he said. nistry spokesperson said try to incite more trouble. also advised them to hang of the crackdown on anti- He then inspected the Guard of Honour and was the Chinese Embassy had More than 100 civilians Taiwan’s national flag ou- -coup protesters, according taken in a bullet-proof car escorted by police motor- contacted authorities in have been killed by securi- tside and explain to local to the Assistance Associa- cyclists to Downing Street. Myanmar and urged that ty forces since the Feb. 1 employees and people li- tion for Political Prisoners. Later in the afternoon he laid a wreath at the Ceno- police be deployed to coup, according to a tally ving nearby that their fac- The state-run Myanmar taph and saluted Britain’s war dead. protect the Chinese com- by the Assistance Associa- tories are Taiwan-run, not News Agency, which like panies and personnel. tion for Political Prisoners. from mainland China, to most other media in the Courtesy BBC News Police and firefighters Many more have been in- help minimize risks. country is not controlled were sent to protect the jured, and thousands have Myanmar’s military lea- by the military, reported factories, which are sca- been arrested. ders have often chafed at that five factories were set ttered across several in- The attacks on China’s outsized influence afire in Hlaing Thayar, a In context dustrial zones in Yangon, Myanmar’s garment facto- over their economy. But factory area to the west of Marshall Josef Tito formed Communist Yugoslavia in 1945. spokesperson Zhao Lijian ries have injected an extra Beijing’s adherence to a Yangon. He maintained Yugoslavia’s independence from the USSR told reporters in Beijing. complication into an alrea- policy of non-interference It said protesters had and developed his own form of communism with power He said China was closely dy very complex situation. in other countries’ politics blocked roads, hindering decentralised to workers’ councils. watching and “is very con- A fair share of the hun- has already angered many fire engines from reaching He dealt with nationalist aspirations by creating a federa- cerned about the impact dreds of garment factories who are protesting the the blazes. tion of six republics: Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia. on the safety of Chinese in Myanmar’s biggest city, coup that ousted the elec- One of those named, But ethnic tensions where never far from the surface. institutions and person- Yangon, and other major ted government of Aung Global Fashion Garment Although the federation held together for 10 years after nel.” cities are run by Chinese San Suu Kyi, with some Factory, is a Chinese-ow- Tito’s death in 1980, it fell apart rapidly after Slovenia’s dec- A statement posted by manufacturers. Most are calling for boycotts of Chi- ned supplier to the fashion laration of independence. the Chinese Embassy to private companies and nese products. retailer C&A, according to In 1954 the city of Trieste in the so-called Free Territory of Trieste and the northern zone of the region were returned Myanmar on Facebook many are suppliers to big- The protesters have a list on the C&A website. to Italy. The rest of the area became part of Yugoslavia. about the efforts to protect -name fashion, sports and been appealing for support MDT/AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 9 tue 16.03.2021 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 Your ties with your family have As enlightened as it may be to be been looser than you may like, open-minded and accepting of all but they’re tightening more and different ways of doing things, at more as each day passes. Make a certain point in any decision- a plan to get together and tell old making process, you have to pick embarrassing stories. one way and go with it.

Gemini Cancer

May. 21-Jun. 21 Jun. 22-Jul. 22 It’s only natural that a past There is a bit of instability relationship would enter your around you right now (it’s mind as you embark upon nothing to be concerned about) a new one. The similarities that could put you off track for a and the contrasts are just as few days if you aren’t prudent in striking. your actions. SUDOKU WEATHER Leo Virgo MIN MAX CONDITION Jul. 23-Aug. 22 Aug. 23-Sep. 22 Easy Easy+ CHINA Being able to fight back after If closure is frustratingly slow Beijing 13 cloudy a loss is something you can do in coming, stop waiting around 2 with grace and fire, so why not for it. Things are settling down Harbin -7 1 clear give it a try? Once bitten, but nicely enough to give you a firm never shy - that should be your foundation for moving forward, Tianjin 2 12 clear motto! so feel free to go ahead. Urumqi -5 -2 fl u r r y Xi’an 19 overcast Libra Scorpio 10 Lhasa 1 13 cloudy Sep.23-Oct. 22 Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Chengdu 16 24 drizzle Reflections aren’t only found This could include something as Chongqing 16 25 cloudy in mirrors. Today, seeing your simple as a pair of old shoes or as true self isn’t really possible complicated as a romantic partner Kunming 10 25 clear unless you take the time to who just doesn’t have their heart in Nanjing 16 overcast be honest and accept your the relationship. Toss it to the curb 12 imperfections. and walk away without looking back! Shanghai 11 15 drizzle Wuhan 14 17 drizzle Sagittarius Capricorn Medium Hard Hangzhou 12 20 moderate rain Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Taipei 16 23 clear Work the mystery to your advantage. Even though you may have your Guangzhou 20 28 cloudy Any power struggles aren’t going to fingers in a million different be a real challenge for you, because pies, you’ll find a way to put Hong Kong 20 26 cloudy deep down you know that you have it all on hold if your friends all the answers (or at least you should need you today. Helping other act like you do). people will help you. WORLD Aquarius Pisces Moscow -3 4 overcast Frankfurt 4 7 drizzle Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Feb.19-Mar. 20 Paris 4 9 cloudy The way you respect other When you’re having fun, people’s privacy is admirable, everything is painless, including London 5 10 drizzle but it could be limiting your sacrifice. Be careful if someone opportunities. Don’t be afraid approaches you to make a business New York -1 3 cloudy to talk to the people around you offer you can’t refuse. You can about getting what you want. refuse - and you should refuse.

CROSSWORDS USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

ACROSS 1- Kid; 6- Beancurd; 10- Pocket problem; 14- Copland ballet; 15- Winged god; 16- ___ about (roughly); 17- Country album?; 18- Poet Teasdale; 19- Dark purple; 20- Designer Geoffrey; 21- Indolent; 23- NFL scores; 25- Debussy’s “La ___”; 26- “The Farmer in the Dell” syllables; 29- Drinks (as a cat); 32- Of some benefit; 37- Emergency calls 999 Taxi 28 939 939 / 2828 3283 ... ___ mouse?; 38- Old Italian money; 39- Key with no sharps or flats; 40- Boundary; 43- Insecure; 44- Whirlpool; 45- U.S. soldiers; 46- Brazilian ballroom dance; 47- Dies Fire department 28 572 222 Water Supply – Report 2822 0088 ___; 48- Ovid, e.g.; 49- Family; 51- Recolor; 53- Stand astride; 58- Stop on ___; 62- Nothing more than; 63- Yarn spinner; 64- Like Fran Drescher’s voice; 65- Dry and PJ (Open line) 993 Telephone – Report 1000 waterless; 66- Self-images; 67- Talent; 68- New Mexico art colony; 69- Wine choice; 70- Eye sores; PJ (Picket) 28 557 775 Electricity – Report 28 339 922

DOWN: 1- Kvetch or whinge; 2- Table d’___; 3- Goofing off; 4- Makeshift shelter; PSP 28 573 333 Macau Daily Times 28 716 081 5- Gave a measured amount; 6- Dick Tracy’s love; 7- Like some history; 8- Public meetings; 9- Practice; 10- Kachina doll Customs 28 559 944 maker; 11- Responsibility; 12- Scottish Yesterday’s solution body; 13- It may come before long; 22- S. J. Hospital 28 313 731 Grouchy; 24- Goo-covered; 26- Hoax;

27- One of Chekhov’s “Three Sisters”; Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com Kiang Wu Hospital 28 371 333 28- Seraglio; 30- ___ longa, vita brevis; 31- Nervous person, maybe; 33- ___ for tat; Commission Against 34- Architect Jones; 35- Sarge’s superior; 36- Dadaist Max; 38- Capital of Zambia; 39- Corruption (CCAC) 28326 300 Assisted; 41- Taxi; 42- Nutritional fig.; 47- Blue dye; 48- Scholar; 50- Do-nothing; 52- IAM 28 387 333 Jerks; 53- Lab fluids; 54- Small combo; 55- Cincinnati club; 56- Neighbor of Cambodia; Tourism 28 333 000 57- Gaelic language of Ireland or Scotland; 59- ___, old chap!; 60- Clublike weapon; 61- Airport 59 888 88 Lodge members; 62- Slip preventer;

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MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

cks like Boeing and Caterpillar. The tech-heavy Nasdaq fell 0.6%, AP PHOTO to 13,319.86. The Russell 2000 index of smaller company stocks advan- ced 0.6% to 2,352.79. It ended the week 7.3% higher, outpacing the S&P 500’s 2.6% gain for the week. The bond market again was the dominant force in pulling tech stocks mostly downward, because as yields push interest rates hi- gher, they make high-flying stocks look expensive. After remaining stable for most of the week, the yield on the 10- year Treasury note jumped to 1.62% from 1.52% a day earlier. Investors had sold off stocks late last week after that yield crossed above the 1.60% mark. Yesterday, the 10-year Treasury was at 1.61%. The increase in bond yields came as President Joe Biden sig- ned into law the $1.9 trillion sti- mulus plan, which will include $1,400 checks for most Ameri- cans and additional payments for those with children or those who collected unemployment benefi- ts last year. President Biden also MARKETS laid out a plan, in a primetime speech Thursday, to expand vac- cine eligibility to all Americans by World shares mixed as China May 1. Some economists fear that in- flation, which has been dormant reports so-so economic data over the past decade, could nudge higher under the extra demand HARES rose in Europe after a dustrials 0.4% higher. rose to 5.5% from 5.2% a year gher, to 29,766.97 and the Hang generated by the stimulus pa- Smixed session in Asia yesterday Markets got a mixed message earlier, possibly affected by flare Seng in Hong Kong climbed 0.3% ckage. Others disagree, given that as China reported a variety of data from the data out of China, which ups of coronavirus in some areas, to 28,833.76. In South Korea, the there are 9.5 million fewer jobs that painted a complicated picture has led the global recovery, reope- analysts said. Kospi lost 0.3% to 3,045.71. Syd- in the American economy than of its recovery from the pandemic. ning earlier than other countries “Travel restrictions weighed on ney’s S&P/ASX 200 inched 0.1% there were before the pandemic The passage of a $1.9 trillion aid from coronavirus shut-downs retail sales but boosted industrial higher, to 6,773.00. hit a year ago. They contend that package for the U.S. economy has that emerged in the central city of output and investment. We think India’s Sensex lost 1.3% to unemployment will keep a lid on added to investor confidence that Wuhan in early 2020. activity will remain strong during 50,127.98. inflation. the U.S. and global economy will Retail sales jumped nearly 36% the first half of this year, before gi- Investors will be watching this In other trading yesterday, likely experience a strong recovery year-on-year in January-February ving way to a weaker second half,” week for the outcome of a Fede- benchmark U.S. crude oil clim- from the pandemic in the second from a year earlier. But the surge Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital ral Reserve policy meeting, which bed 57 cents to $66.18 per barrel half of the year but also potentially was mostly driven by strong de- Economics said in a commentary. wraps up on Wednesday. Japan’s in electronic trading on the New increase the rate of inflation. mand for cars, catering and jewel- “Domestic policy support is central bank will be issuing a po- York Mercantile Exchange. It lost Germany’s DAX climbed 0.3% ry, suggesting Chinese consumers being gradually withdrawn. And licy update on Friday. 41 cents to $65.61 per barrel on to 14,546.95 and the CAC 40 in Pa- were splashing out during the foreign demand for Chinese goods On Friday, a late-afternoon Friday. Brent crude, the interna- ris added 0.5% to 6,075.54. Britain’s Lunar New Year, ING economists will drop back as vaccines start to burst of buying helped nudge the tional standard, added 57 cents to FTSE 100 was up 0.4% at 6,789.86 said in a report. reverse the recent shift in global S&P 500 0.1% higher to 3,943.34, $69.79 per barrel. in yesterday’s opening hours. U.S. The data were exaggerated by consumption patterns,” he said. extending its winning streak to a The U.S. dollar rose to 109.06 futures pointed to an upbeat start, low base effects from the shut- The Shanghai Composite in- fourth straight day. The Dow Jones Japanese yen from 109.02 yen late with the contract for the S&P 500 downs last year, they said. dex fell 1% to 3,419.95. Tokyo’s Industrial Average added 0.9%, to Friday. The euro fell to $1.1931 up 0.3% and that for the Dow in- Meanwhile, the jobless rate Nikkei 225 index edged 0.2% hi- 32,778.64, lifted by industrial sto- from $1.1949. MDT/AP

CORPORATE BITS

The Parisian Macao offers Easter promotions

The Parisian Macao is of- selection of fresh egg pas- Award-winning Le SPA’ti- fering special festive menus ta or crepes as the main que is offering a range of at the Brasserie, picni- course, with desserts and relaxing body and facial cking at Le Jardin and pam- a drink. treatments from now until pering spa treatments pro- During the same pe- May 31. Guests can indul- motions at Le SPA’tique. riod, guests can enjoy an al ge in a 90-minute Lemon The French Brasserie res- fresco experience at The and Kale Detox Facial, which taurant is offering delicious Parisian Macao’s French begins with an oolong and Easter lunch and dinner set garden for a picnic packa- lime blossom back massage menus from April 1 to 6 with ge which includes festive followed by lemon and kale. an option of a three-course items including “Easter de- Meanwhile “Spring to lunch menu and a five-cour- villed eggs, Rabbit’s Carrot Life” is a fully tailored, 90-mi- se dinner menu. pot pastries and more,” the nute body massage created A children’s menu is also hotel announced in a state- to melt away tension using offered, which includes a ment. acupressure reflexology. www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 11 tue 16.03.2021 體育 SPORTS

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face quarantine periods of more FOOTBALL than five days. As an elite athlete and retur- ning from a country not on the British government’s ‘red-list,’ however, Son would be exempt Son called up for South Korea from quarantine requirements in Britain. Bento is also waiting to find out if German team RB Leipzig hours after injuring hamstring will release forward Hwang Hee- JOHN DUERDEN, SEOUL -chan. Lee Kang-in of Valencia is set to make the trip.

UST hours after injuring a AP PHOTO There has been criticism in hamstring in Tottenham’s South Korea over the decision to 2-1 loss to Arsenal in the play the friendly in the midst of a JPremier League, Son Heung- global pandemic. -min was selected by South Korea In November, the national to face Japan in an international team visited Austria to play Me- friendly on March 25. xico and Qatar and, during the South Korea coach Paolo Bento training camp, four players tested told a news conference yesterday positive to the virus. South Ko- that Son, if fit, would join South rean team officials are confident Korea’s squad in the Japanese city there’ll be no repeat of that this of Yokohama. time. “We will have to wait to find “We conducted a thorough sa- out the extent of his injury and fety review and our medical team the test result,” Bento said. will be much better prepared Tottenham coach Jose Mouri- than in November,” Bento said. nho was unable to give an indi- “We don’t have much time to cation in the immediate wake of train before World Cup qualifica- this weekend’s loss of when the tion and I am just trying to make 28-year-old forward would be fit the best of the situation I have.” to return to action. Tottenham’s Son Heung-min receives medical attention during the English Premier League soccer match South Korea and Japan are “It’s muscular. Muscular is between Arsenal and Tottenham preparing for the resumption of always not easy,” Mourinho told Asian qualifiers for the 2022 Wor- reporters, but Son, “is a guy who The national team selection COVID-19 pandemic. Clubs are tional match days but, according ld Cup in June. The most recent normally recovers very, very well could be further complicated usually obliged to release players to rules introduced by FIFA in Fe- games in qualifying were in No- from any kind of injury.” by regulations in place for the called up on designated interna- bruary, can refuse if players will vember 2019. MDT/AP

ad Vatican excludes gay union blessing the as God ‘can’t bless sin’ BUZZ The Vatican decreed that the Catholic Church cannot bless sa- since any such sacramental recognition could be confused with me-sex unions since God “cannot bless sin.” marriage. The Vatican’s orthodoxy office, the Congregation for the Doctri- The Vatican holds that gays must be treated with dignity and ne of the Faith, issued a formal response yesterday to a question respect, but that gay sex is “intrinsically disordered.” Catholic about whether Catholic clergy can bless gay unions. teaching holds that marriage, a lifelong union between a man The answer, contained in a two-page explanation published in and woman, is part of God’s plan and is intended for the sake of seven languages and approved by Pope Francis, was “negative.” creating new life. OPINION The decree distinguished between the church’s welcoming and Since gay unions are not intended to be part of that plan, they World Views blessing of gay people, which it upheld, but not their unions cannot be blessed by the church, the document said. Anjani Trivedi, MDT/Bloomberg

Hong Kong’s latest Covid surge began in a gym, so AP PHOTO it’s targeting kids AP PHOTO

Hong Kong’s children are at the center of the ci- ty’s latest ham-handed and inconsistent response to the latest outbreak of the disease. And it’s not a good US In Massachusetts, look for one of the world’s most affluent and expen- more than half the sive financial centers. people employed by the On Friday, following days of fear and panic after Department of Correction an upsurge of infections linked to a gym frequented declined to be immunized. by bankers, lawyers and stockbrokers, a class of eight- A statewide survey in and nine-year-olds at an international school were California showed that half told they were being sent to a government-run qua- of all correction employees rantine center for a period of up to two weeks. Their will wait to be vaccinated. In teacher had tested positive after being linked to the Rhode Island, prison staff gym outbreak. The kids were told they’d be picked up have refused the vaccine at higher rates than the over the next 24 hours or so. Already stressed from Thousands of people with placards and banners rally demanding justice for women in Sydney yesterday incarcerated, according to months of online-schooling, children were beside medical director Dr. Justin themselves. As one mother of three told me, her child Berk. And in Iowa, early said he was “going to jail” — even though the gover- polling among employees nment said a parent would allowed as a companion. showed a little more than The entire campus was put on mandatory testing half the staff said they’d get orders. But the school and parents pushed back on Australians rally at vaccinated. the need to isolate. They explained that — following rules laid out by the government itself — all children were wearing masks and that the teacher involved Parliament to demand

was masked during the brief period of time the class AP PHOTO was in session. Eventually the government backtra- cked and said that the situation had been misun- justice for women derstood. ROD MCGUIRK, have proceeded us. Those traumatic event. I was a But that wasn’t the only cause for consternation efforts are being made. But political problem,” she ad- Netherlands Dutch police among Hong Kong’s parents. On Sunday, after three CANBERRA the outcomes still elude ded. used a water cannon and teachers tested positive at another school, 35 stu- officers on horseback USTRALIANS rallied us,” he said. The Associated Press dents — each accompanied by a parent — were told galloped across a park in The they would have to go to the quarantine center. Ain the capital and other Morrison is standing by does not usually identify Hague to break up a protest And there were the infants aged 11 months to 18 cities yesterday deman- Attorney General Christian alleged victims of sexual against the government months — each also to be accompanied by a pa- ding justice for women and Porter over an allegation assault, but Higgins has and its tough coronavirus rent — who were ordered to go into quarantine. The calling out misogyny and that he raped a 16-year-old chosen to identify herself lockdown on the eve of reason: A mother in a 45-minute playgroup had tes- dangerous workplace cul- girl when he was aged 17 in the media. three days of voting in the ted positive. Her child and family tested negative. tures as the government in 1988. Porter denied the The protests, which also general election. Hague police tweeted that they The staff tested negative. The parents protested but reels from two rape allega- allegation. His accuser took took place in Sydney, Mel- this time no one could avoid quarantine. The gover- deployed riot officers to tions. her own life last year after bourne, Brisbane and Ho- nment argued that, while all parents and teachers break up the protest after were masked, the toddlers weren’t. It didn’t matter Outside Parliament withdrawing a complaint bart, coincide with the first hundreds of people defied that Hong Kong doesn’t mandate mask-wearing for House in Canberra, the to police. sitting of Parliament since repeated calls to go home. kids under two years of age. The playgroup had been crowd of hundreds was Separately, Defense Mi- the allegation against Por- following guidelines. mostly female and most nister Linda Reynolds has ter became public in early A mother, who went into quarantine with her one-

wore black. They carried been criticized for failing to March. AP PHOTO -year old on Sunday morning was at one point told placards with slogans in- adequately support a you- Reynolds has since apo- by a quarantine officer that “this is not a vacation,” as cluding “Justice for Wo- ng staffer who alleged she logized for describing Hig- she tried to plead for empathy. As she said to me, she men” and “Men, Own Your was raped by a more senior gins to her staff as a “lying was “painfully aware it wasn’t.” It isn’t clear whether Guilt.” colleague in the minister’s cow” and said she was re- Irish health officials the quarantine facilities have the refrigeration and recommended the supplies — milk, for example — that infants need. Prime Minister Scott office in Parliament House ferring to Higgins’ allega- temporary suspension of The ad-hoc action by the government was espe- Morrison refused organi- in 2019. tion of inadequate support, the AstraZeneca vaccine cially galling and alarming because, so far, no chil- zers’ demand that he ad- Brittany Higgins said not the rape allegation. The after reports of serious dress the crowd, and orga- she felt she had to make a minister also agreed to pay dren have tested positive. Meanwhile, the city has lo- blood clotting after cked down school buildings, hazmat-suited workers nizers said they wouldn’t choice between reporting Higgins an undisclosed inoculations in Norway. walked around collecting sewage samples and peo- meet him behind closed her allegations to police or sum as compensation. Dr. Ronan Glynn, Ireland’s ple have been crowded into buses and taken to qua- doors. continuing her career. She Porter’s lawyers annou- deputy chief medical officer, rantine — with very little social-distancing in transit. “We have already come quit her government job in nced yesterday that he is said the recommendation It is unclear why groups of young children are being to the front door, now it’s January and reported her suing Australian Broadcas- was made after Norway’s ordered to quarantine versus, say, large offices that up to the government to allegation to police. ting Corp. for defamation medicines agency reported may have adults associated with the gym — thou- four cases of blood clotting cross the threshold and “I was raped inside Par- over a news article that he gh some workplaces have been put under manda- in adults after receiving the tory testing. Gyms still haven’t been forced to close. come to us,” organizer Jani- liament House by a collea- said made false allegations AstraZeneca vaccine. Instead masks have been mandated for everyone ne Hendry said. gue, and for so long it felt against him. ABC said in a training there. “We will not be meeting like the people around statement that it will be de- Spain Police have arrested The question isn’t about whether people should behind closed doors,” she me only cared because of fending the action. 12 people and seized quarantine or not. In recent months, children have added. where it happened or what “Although he was not about 600 kilograms of quarantined with their families if there has been clo- She estimated more it might mean for them,” named, the article made cocaine in an operation se contact with a positive case. What is infuriating is that dismantled what than 100,000 women had a tearful Higgins told the allegations against a se- the lack of clarity and consistent rules in the time of investigators describe as chaos. As the rest of the world seems to have sem- protested at 40 rallies arou- Canberra crowd. nior Cabinet minister and the largest drug distribution blances of plans for a return to normalcy, Hong Kong nd the country. “It was so confusing be- the attorney-general was network in the country’s is grasping at straws. Morrison later told Par- cause these people were easily identifiable to many capital. The alleged drug The city is densely populated, with 7.5 million liament that he shared my idols. I had dedicated of Australians as the sub- trafficking gang funded the people, packed into high-rises and tiny apartmen- the protesters’ frustration my life to them. They were ject of the allegations,” the smuggling of Colombian ts. But there are better ways to keep infections from and concern. “This is not my social network, my lawyers said in a statement. cocaine and Moroccan hashish by selling in the spreading. Encouraging paranoia isn’t one of them. to suggest that good fai- colleagues and my family. Opposition lawmakers Netherlands and central Neither is keeping babies locked in facilities that th and genuine efforts are And suddenly they trea- called on Morrison to es- don’t provide for their basic needs. Until someone Europe large crops of not being made, whether ted me differently. I wasn’t tablish and independent starts making sense of all this, Hong Kong’s public marijuana purchased from relations will only get worse. by this government or the a person who had gone inquiry into the allegations growers across Spain, the many governments that through a life-changing, against Porter. MDT/AP National Police said.