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

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THE PANDEMIC OUTBREAK HAS GOV’T REFUTES US-BASED FAOM: 73% OF SURVEYED WOMEN USHERED IN AN ECONOMIC CRISIS IN REPORTED WORRIES ABOUT THEIR THE CITY CAUSING A GDP DECLINE OF REPORT ON ECONOMIC FUTURE EMPLOYMENT AND ARE 56.3% IN THE WHOLE OF 2020 FREEDOM INDEX FACING FINANCIAL STRESS P2 P3 P2 AP PHOTO

China’s foreign minister warned the Biden A TRIBUTE TO administration yesterday to roll back former President Donald Trump’s “dangerous practice” of showing support for Taiwan, the island democracy claimed by Beijing as its own territory. FALLEN COMPATRIOTS The claim to Taiwan, which split with the mainland in

1949, is an “insurmountable MARQUES RENATO red line,” Wang Yi said at a Myanmar nationals news conference. in Macau held a

AP PHOTO candlelight vigil to mourn the victims Thailand Demonstrators of the military coup, from student-led pro- democracy movement held a peaceful protest outside which saw at least 56 Bangkok’s Criminal Court to bring public attention protestors fighting to the plight of several of their detained leaders. The movement, a coalition for democracy shot of several groups, was P3,12 launched last year with demands for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha and his government to step down, the constitution to be amended to make it more democratic and the monarchy to be reformed to make it more accountable. AP PHOTO

India The Dalai Lama, the 85-year-old Tibetan spiritual leader, was administered the first shot of the coronavirus vaccine at a hospital in the north Indian hill town of Dharmsala. After receiving the injection, he urged people to come forward, be brave and get vaccinated. TWO SESSIONS GRAND PRIX India Authorities in Indian- controlled Kashmir have Work has been AGENCY PHOTO MACAU sent at least 168 Rohingya F3 race refugees to a holding center, police said yesterday, in conducted a process that they say subject to is for the deportation of to ensure thousands of the refugees living in the region. The move uncertain began the previous day that Macau is following a directive from the future: region’s home department governed by to identify Rohingya living in reports the southern city of Jammu. patriots More on backpage P4 P5 page 2 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 08.03.2021 mon

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

nancial support from the govern-

XINHUA ment is needed. Considering the situation, the lawmaker took the chance to request another phase of financial support from the go- vernment. Lei added that the survey showed that respondents are ha- ppy to see the third phase of con- sumption vouchers conducted again. In terms of livelihood stress, about 67% respondents reported significant level of pressure, with 417 respondents reporting heavy pressure and 379 extremely heavy pressure. Comparatively, 72 responden- ts reported minor stress, with 45 respondents reporting light stress and 27 extremely light stress. Nearly 70% of the respondents cited financial condition as the major source of stress. About a Over 70% local women worried quarter attributed the source to family relations. Meanwhile, lawmaker Leong regarding employment prospects Sun Iok, who is also an executive ANTHONY LAM total of 3,900 questionnaires were As such, they have been facing fi- most respondents reported ear- at the FAOM, called for a more distributed. nancial stress. ning between MOP10,000 and woman-friendly workplace by UT of 1,186 valid responses Only 80, or about 7%, of res- About a half of the respon- MOP14,999 per month, with offering more flexible schedules, Oreceived in a survey, 73%, or pondents reported no worry at all. dents reported working “nor- 17% having reported so. A simi- as well as improving support for 869, respondents reported wor- Lawmaker Ella Lei, who is also mally,” otherwise understood as lar percentage of respondents children’s education and protec- ries across two different levels an executive at the FAOM, poin- being employed. About a quar- reported an average monthly in- tion. about their future employment, ted out that nearly half of the ter, meanwhile, reported jobless. come between MOP15,000 and The survey was released yes- the Macao Federation of Trade respondents work in culture and Nearly 120 respondents reported MOP19,999. terday, a day ahead of the annual Unions (FAOM) said yesterday. entertainment, gambling or retail having unpaid leave or suspen- Similar percentages – about International Women’s Day that is The FAOM ran the survey by industries. Under the conditions ded from work, while 111 respon- 17% - were recorded for each celebrated today. random sampling on various of the Covid-19 pandemic, they dents were waiting or looking for of the groups earning less than March 8 marks the annual ce- social media platforms, as well were forced to take unpaid leave another job. MOP4,350 and above MOP20,000. lebration of the social, economic, as through FAOM members be- or have their commissions deduc- In terms of average monthly More than 90% respondents cultural, and political achieve- tween February 27 and March 4. A ted, if not resign or get dismissed. income in the past 12 months, agreed that a third phase of fi- ments of women.

ECONOMY GDP decline in line with Lei Wai Nong’s forecast of over 50% LYNZY VALLES by 15.1%, resulting from a quarters, the growth will mic relief measures, which decline in private construc- almost duplicate,” Martins drove up government final HE pandemic outbreak tion investment. previously told the Times, consumption expenditure Thas ushered in an eco- BLOOMBERG Private consumption de- yet adding that the city may by 11.4%. nomic crisis in the city, creased by 16.3% year-on- see a two-digit growth next With respect to external causing a gross domestic -year as residents went out year. demand, visitor arrivals to product (GDP) decline of less and made fewer trips Another economist, José Macau dropped by 85.0% 56.3%, of which the gross abroad amid the pandemic Luís de Sales Marques, also due to travel restrictions im- domestic product amoun- and uncertain economic previously said that “Macau posed on different places; ted to MOP194.4 billion pa- outlook. would not have a V-shaped hence, exports of services tacas. Th GDP decline was, recovery,” as the Chinese slid by 74.9% year-on-year, The downturn was in however, lower than the outbound tourism market, with exports of gaming ser- line with the forecast of Se- forecast of economist Al- despite its strong recovery vices and other tourism ser- cretary for Economy and bano Martin, who belie- speed, is behaving cautiou- vices falling by 80.4% and Finance Lei Wai Nong, who ved that the year-to-year sly towards Macau. 73.4% respectively. On the predicted during his Legis- GDP real decrease would Meanwhile, in response other hand, the export of lative Assembly (AL) ple- be between 61% to 64%. to the pandemic, the SAR goods soared by 128.9%. nary meeting in November “In the future, I think that government has scaled up GDP contracted by that the estimates on GDP Previously, during the fall by 60.9% this year. the first quarter of 2021 the procurement of protec- 45.9% year-on-year in real for this year suggest that it height of the sluggish eco- In 2020, the domestic may see a decrease becau- tive gear and medical su- terms in the fourth quar- may decrease by approxi- nomy due to the outbreak, demand shrank by 10.3% se of the ‘strong’ [GDP in] pplies, rented hotels to be ter of 2020, a lesser decline mately 56.8%, “a shrinking the government forecast year-on-year; while gross January and […] February used as quarantine facili- than in the preceding quar- rate of over 50%.” that Macau’s GDP would fixed capital formation fell of 2020. But in the next ties and introduced econo- ter (-63.8%).

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 mon 08.03.2021 澳門 MACAU

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER RENATO MARQUES RENATO

Luis Yureh Burmese in town mourn victims of military coup, call for international attention RENATO MARQUES bly, representing a big step back on protests and calling for the restora- at the Sisters of the Good Sheperd In the surroundings of the ve- the democratic path of the country tion of a legitimate government are shelter facility, located at Estrada nue where the vigil took place, the large group of Myanmar that has seen, in the last decade, mostly the younger generations. da Vitória in the peninsula. Times observed several groups nationals in Macau the first democratically-elected go- Questioned by the Times as to During the vigil, participants of police officers from the Public have held a candlelight vernment in a long time. whether vigils like the one done in gathered for prayers conducted Security Police Force standing in vigil to mourn the vic- Questioned as to how he is li- Macau and that are happening also according to the rituals of several streets leading to the venue. timsA of the military coup on-going ving and feeling the events in in other countries and regions by belief systems, namely Catholic Some elements of the police, in their home country. Myanmar from Macau, Zaw said, the Burmese abroad can help with and Buddhist. wearing plain clothes, could also According to the organizers, the “I feel great pain for all that is ha- the process of restoring the coun- Participants also held posters be seen in the same area. While Myanmar Social Club of Macau, a ppening and also for the fact I am try’s normalcy, Yureh, said, “We expressing support for the Com- entering or exiting the Sisters of group of more than 300 Burmese not able to be present in person. I hope that [with such events] we mittee Representing Pyidaungsu the Good Sheperd shelter venue, participated in the vigil paying tri- feel [somewhat powerless] and ir- can help to pass the message and Hluttaw (CRPH), a group of elected several of the participants in the bute to those who have lost their responsible for being here and not alert the world [international au- Myanmar lawmakers who were vigil were requested to present lives over the last month as a result being there together with my peo- thorities] for what is happening in prevented from taking their seats their identification to the officers, of confrontations between the citi- ple. Over 50 people have already Myanmar. I hope that what we are in Parliament by last month’s coup who took note of their names and zens and the military forces, which lost their lives.” doing can work as a useful method as well as messages calling for the non-resident work permits (blue took control of the country by force Luis Yureh, also a student in to put pressure [on the military].” “Rejection of the Dictatorship.” cards). last February 1. Macau, added that the reports he To the Times, two of the partici- has been receiving from family TO GATHER IN PUBLIC pants in the vigil shared their views and friends in Myanmar are diffe- SPACE ‘WOULD BE BETTER’ and personal experiences about rent according to the various areas Questioned as to the fact that Group of residents delivered a notice the current events in their home of the country. the Macau police force has di- country. “In the countryside, people are sallowed public demonstrations for a demonstration on Wednesday Han Zaw, a first-year student at less educated and they do not ex- from the Burmese, claiming that A group of local residents last Friday activist and one of the leaders of the the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) perience so much of the situation only residents of Macau were en- delivered a notice to the Public Secu- Association of Macau Activism for said, “We are here to commemora- [military coup]. In the [big] cities, titled to do so by law, Zaw said, rity Police Force (PSP) relating to their Democracy, which unsuccessfully te the fallen brothers and sisters things are different and there are “If it was possible and if we were hosting of a demonstration related to ran in 2017 for a seat in the Legisla- that gave up their lives in the fight protests staged everywhere with allowed, it would be better if could the situation in Myanmar. tive Assembly elections. with the military [forces] and also people following the civil disobe- gather in a public space and have According to the group, the notice is Speaking to the media while exiting [in] their quest for democracy,” he dience movement (CDM) in whi- more people and [more] visibility. related to a gathering to be hosted on the PSP facilities, Wu admitted said, adding, “We are deeply sad- ch they are not going to work or to But we also can do it in a private Wednesday (March 10) at the Rotun- that there is a high possibility of the dened by this devastating tragedy.” the office, or even to schools, and space like we are doing here and da Carlos da Maia, commonly known gathering being disallowed by the as “three lamps,” in central Macau. police. In that case, he admitted that According to Zaw, the people of they gather to protest against the we still can do it. That’s the most The notice was signed and delivered the alternative is to host an “online Myanmar are in shock, as the mi- government takeover,” Yureh said, important.” by Wu Shao Hong, a known political event.” litary coup happened unpredicta- adding that the ones leading the The candlelight vigil took place Gov’t refutes US-based report on economic freedom index LYNZY VALLES In a statement issued terated that the adminis- velopment thrive with the think tank dropped both “developments in recent Friday, the government tration has abided by the support of the central go- Hong Kong and Macau years have demonstrated HE SAR government stated that it “will not is- Basic Law of Macau in the vernment. from the list this year – unambiguously that tho- Thas refused to com- sue any comment regar- maintenance of, respec- “The Macau SAR Go- of which Hong Kong has se policies are ultimately ment on the recent eco- ding acts by the Heritage tively, the “One country, vernment strongly oppo- topped the list for 25 years controlled from Beijing.” nomic freedom index Foundation. […] The go- two systems” principle, ses the spreading of until 2019. Developments in the two published by the Heritage vernment notes the fou- the “Macau people go- groundless and baseless The institution claimed SARs that are relevant to Foundation, which no- ndation had, since 2009, verning Macau” principle claims via the issuance that while Hong Kong and economic freedom would ted that both Hong Kong included Macau [by] its and the exercise of a high of self-styled reports by Macau residents bene- be considered in the con- and Macau’s economic own initiative on its Index degree of autonomy. overseas bodies,” they ad- fit from policies offering text of China’s evaluation policies are controlled by of Economic Freedom.” It added that the city ded. greater economic freedom within the index, the re- Beijing. The government rei- has seen its economic de- The Washington-based than on the mainland, port added. page 4 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 08.03.2021 mon

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

LIAISON OFFICE BACKS NPC TWO SESSIONS Meanwhile, the Liaison Of- fice of the Central People’s on Friday voiced firm support to core work for ‘patriots governing the NPC, China’s top legislatu- re, in deliberating a draft deci- sion on improving the electoral Macau’ underway: gov’t system in the Hong Kong SAR. The draft decision provi- STAFF REPORTER des solid institutional guaran- tee for fully implementing the ORK has been conducted to XINHUA principle of “patriots adminis- Wensure that Macau is mana- tering Hong Kong,” a spokes- ged by patriots, the government person of the office said. has reiterated in a statement, The principle is fundamental following a similar message being to national sovereignty, securi- announced at the Two Sessions. ty and development interests The Two Sessions, which are as well as the lasting prosperity now in operation in Beijing, is the and stability of Hong Kong, the name for the annual plenaries of spokesperson said, stressing the National People’s Congress that it is also the core meaning of China (NPC) and the Chine- and bottom line of “one coun- se People’s Political Consultative try, two systems” principle. Conference (CPPCC).“Ensuring The NPC deliberating the that the powers stemming from draft decision is a major move a high degree of autonomy are in for adhering to and improving the hands of patriots is a crucial the “one country, two systems” principle concerning the imple- principle, safeguarding the mentation of ‘One country, two constitutional order stipula- systems’,” the Macau government ted in the Constitution and the wrote in the statement. HKSAR Basic Law and imple- “It is a shared responsibility menting the fundamental prin- for people across Macau to safe- adherence to the sense of na- ensure that the implementation One of the ideas the seminar ciple of “patriots administering guard the city’s social stability and tional identity and love for the of the “One country, two systems” calls for is an assurance that only Hong Kong,” said the spokes- to consolidate the foundation for country, and the maintenance of principle is on the right track, and those who are patriotic should go- person. ‘patriots governing Macau’,” the the core values of loyalty to the moving forward.” vern Macau – implying that can- The move is significant to government added. country and to Macau, as the The government also stressed didates for the upcoming Legisla- promoting the steady and sus- Deemed to be a tradition by the mainstays of the community,” the that such efforts help protect lo- tive Assembly elections should be tained development of “one local government, patriotism has government wrote. cal residents’ exercise of their de- patriotic. country, two systems” and been upheld by the government It added that the government mocratic duty, while maintaining At the seminar, Wai Kin Lok, di- maintaining the lasting pros- itself and people from all walks has advanced democracy in the sound conditions for “patriots go- rector of Center for Constitutional perity and stability of Hong of life since the city’s sovereignty city “in accordance with the Chi- verning Macau. Law and basic Law Studies of the Kong, added the spokesperson. changed in 1999, the government nese Constitution and Macau’s Speakers at a recent semi- University of Macau (UM) and The electoral system is a stated. Basic Law [by] establishing pro- nar about One country, two sys- deputy director of the organizing major component of HKSAR’s “The government and people cesses, in line with Macau’s prac- tems have proposed that Macau body for the seminar, the Chine- political system. Improvement from all walks of life in Macau tical needs, for electing, respecti- evaluate whether changes to the se Association of Hong Kong and of the electoral system must be have been paying great attention vely, successive Chief Executives city’s election rules are required to Macau Studies, deemed it neces- led by the central authorities, to the promotion of Macau’s pa- and members of the Legislative ensure that Macau is governed by sary that Macau review its elec- who has the decision-making triotic tradition, the unswerving Assembly,” it said. “These factors patriots. tion rules to foster patriotism. power, said the spokesperson.

TWO SESSIONS 14th Five-Year Plan supports SAR’s development initiatives STAFF REPORTER construction of a base ce- truction of the “Belt and Representative Chui Sai ly care are two main topi- expanded to other cities lebrating both Chinese and Road.” Peng disclosed that the cen- cs of proposals made by within the GBA. HE National People’s multi-faceted cultures, as Economic, trade, scien- tral government is about to Macau Representatives at As for the other poli- TCongress (NPC) Ple- well as the support for Ma- ce and innovative coope- reveal policies supporting the NPC Plenary. tical body, the Chinese nary, which is now taking cau in developing TCM ma- ration, as well as the inter- Macau-Hengqin collabora- Some of the 12 Ma- People’s Political Con- place in Beijing, has shown nufacturing, financial ser- connection of the financial tions. cau representatives in sultative Conference support for the develop- vices, high-technology and markets between the main- In addition, Representa- the NPC proposed to the (CPPCC), six members ment of leisure tourism, economic diversification. land and the SARs, will be tive Kevin Ho pointed out national parliament in made a joint proposal, traditional Chinese medici- The draft also mentio- deepened. The construc- that Han did not mention the hopes of synergizing suggesting to build a “Big ne (TCM) production, and ned that Macau and Hong tion of major cooperation to which area the policies the supply of elderly care Health Industrial Park” in financial services with spe- Kong will be integrated into platforms such as Shen- will relate, but stressed services within the GBA, Hengqin, collaboratively cial characteristics, among the overall national develo- zhen’s Qianhai, Zhuhai’s that Macau should lower alongside starting resear- managed by Guangdong others. pment master plan, while Hengqin, Guangzhou’s the proportion of GDP ge- ch into a GBA elderly care and Macau. It is hoped The note was made complementing the advan- Nansha, and the Shenzhen- nerated by the gambling database and improving, that a chain of “Big Heal- when the plenary was pre- tages of the mainland and -Hong Kong Loop, will also industry. Representative on different levels, the th” industry can be built, senting the country’s 14th developing coordinated be promoted. Lai Sai Kei said that Han quality of elderly care ser- incorporating medicine, Five-Year Plan. mechanisms. Meanwhile, Han Zheng, reminded Macau residents vices. livelihood, healthcare, A wide range of areas As proposed, the two Deputy Premier, who is in to prioritize the positive de- The same group of re- management, tourism have been covered in the Special Administrative Re- charge of SAR affairs, su- velopment of Macau while presentatives also raised and food. draft plan, namely Ma- gions (SAR) will be suppor- ggested Macau residents striving to integrate into the suggestions in terms of At the same time, Ma- cau’s position as a world ted in the participation and “think more” about the ci- national master plan. residence and insurance cau mogul and CPPCC leisure and tourism center, assistance in the country’s ty’s collaborations with nei- purchase by Macau re- member David Chow Guangdong-Macau co-de- quest to fully open-up and ghboring Hengqin. FOCUS ON GBA, sidents on Hengqin. An proposed that the central velopment of Hengqin, the its establishment of a mo- The senior official made ELDERLY CARE experimental operation government support Ma- expansion of Macau as a dern economic system, as that comment when he was Macau’s integration may be started so that cau in establishing a trade platform for China-Luso- well as creating a functional meeting with NPC Macau into the Greater Bay Area when the plan goes well, market for international phone collaborations, the platform for the joint cons- Representatives. (GBA) and regional elder- the same initiative can be goods. www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 5 mon 08.03.2021 澳門 MACAU

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

GRAND PRIX Macau’s F3 race subject to uncertain future RENATO MARQUES Opposing the idea of the resumption of norma- HE return of the lity for the GP, the event or- Macau Grand Prix ganizer, Macau Grand Prix to the pre-pande- Organizing Committee mic format seems (MGPOC), started conver- AGENCY PHOTO MACAU Tto be encountering diffi- sations from the end of last culties, as local organizers year with Euroformula and and the automobile inter- Japanese Super Formula national federation (FIA) Lights (the F3 successor have different perspectives in Japan), to find a way to on how the event will look have such formula cars like this year, media repor- racing together in 2021 in ts show. Macau, the motorsport- Following on commen- -specializing website For- ts made last November by mula Scout reported. FIA’s high ranked officials, The idea of merging the including the president two championships in the Jean Todt, which antici- event in Macau is due to pated the return in 2021 the fact that they both use of the major international the new Dallara 320 car, events and namely the FIA which replaced European Formula 3 (F3) World Cup, F3’s Dallara F317. FIA’s World Motor Sport Such an idea gained Council announced last even more form when Eu- [this year].” the scenario that seems This means that there tants ready to race in Ma- Friday that the F3 World roformula announced its Since the new Dallara more prospective is the will be less than one mon- cau by November 19, the Cup has been confirmed 2021 calendar back in Fe- 320 car has different speci- one being followed by the th’s gap between the FIA date on which the local GP on the International Spor- bruary, which purposedly fications that cannot meet MGPOC, since, according F3 season finale and the kicks off. ting Calendar and was left room for the trip to the current FIA F3 regula- to the calendar announ- Macau GP, a fact which, In 2020, and due to the scheduled to take place Macau in November. tions, this can only mean ced for the FIA F3 Cham- due to current restrictions Covid-19 pandemic, the F3 on November 21, 2021, in Sources among the that the F3 World Cup race pionship, the racing sea- and delays in shipping and World Cup was canceled, Macau. teams told the same mo- could never take place son will come to an end traveling, makes teams be- being replaced by a race Nevertheless, the mo- torsport website, both in with such cars, pointing at Austin’s racetrack in the lieve that is not possible to in the Chinese Formula 4 torsports governing body Europe and in Japan, that the efforts of FIA and the USA on October 24. have the cars and contes- category. noted that such a date and they supported the idea, MGPOC in totally different event was subject to a con- saying that they were “con- directions. ad tract with the promoter. fident of racing in Macau For the time being,

Wynn offers extra two days leave for vaccinated staff

LYNZY VALLES

AMING operator AP PHOTO GWynn Macau is offe- ring two extra days of leave to team members who are willing to be vaccinated in the city’s vaccination sche- me against Covid-19. According to an internal memo from the New Ma- cau Gaming Staff Righ- ts Association, the leave will be applied to team members working in its properties in the amount of one day per vaccinated dose. Each vaccine recipient is required to undergo ticularly those who are in Vaccination for the two doses to develop full service departments such general population be- immunity – which need as housekeeping or food gan at Conde S. Januario to take place three to four and beverage. Hospital on February 22, weeks apart. The most up-to-da- following the vaccination The leave can be taken te data from the Health of priority groups inclu- on the day of the vaccina- Bureau shows that a to- ding frontline personnel tion or the next day. tal of 46,333 bookings and groups with a high The Times is aware that have been made for risk of occupational expo- several hotel operators are vaccination, with 21,056 re- sure, among others. encouraging their team sidents already vaccinated Vaccination in Macau is members to undergo the with either the Sinopharm taking place on a voluntary vaccination scheme – par- or BioNTech vaccine. basis. page 6 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo CHINA 中國 08.03.2021 mon

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

Pro-democracy supporters say Beijing’s increasing control over Pro-Beijing committee to elect the city’s political system violates its pledge to give Hong Kong 50 years of autonomy under a “one some Hong Kong legislators country, two systems” framework when the city was handed over to ZEN SOO Hong Kong’s electoral system co- China by the British in 1997. & KEN MORITSUGU, BEIJING mes after Hong Kong’s pro-demo- The legislation criminalizes se-

AP PHOTO cracy movement gained traction in cession, subversion, collusion with largely pro-Beijing committee recent years as Beijing tightened its foreign forces to intervene in the Athat elects Hong Kong’s leader control over the city. city’s affairs and terrorism, and has will also choose a large part of the Ko Wing-man, a former Hong since been used to charge about legislature, a top Chinese official Kong health secretary who is in 100 people in the city, including 47 announced Friday as part of a ma- Beijing for an advisory body that pro-democracy activists last week. jor revamp that will increase cen- meets in parallel with the congress, The activists were charged with tral government control over Hong said the changes would marginali- conspiracy to commit subversion Kong politics. ze radical forces in Hong Kong po- over their involvement in an uno- The changes are part of a draft litics. fficial primary election last year, decision submitted on the opening Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, top, and former Hong Kong Chief Executive aimed at selecting candidates that Tung Chee-hwa arrive at the opening session of China’s National People’s Congress He acknowledged the right of day of the weeklong meeting of the people to ask for more liberty and could give the pro-democracy National People’s Congress which political autonomy, but said the camp a legislative majority. will all but certainly endorse it. agriculture. only by “patriots.” pro-democracy movement has If the pro-democracy camp The Election Committee will With the largely pro-Beijing In his speech, Wang said that been driven overboard by radicals had won a majority, at least some participate in the nomination of election committee nominating “clear loopholes and shortcomin- seeking self-determination and in- members of the camp had plans to candidates for Hong Kong’s legisla- all candidates for the legislature, gs” in Hong Kong’s electoral system dependence. vote down major bills, which wou- ture and also elect “a relatively large opposition figures could be barred had allowed “anti-China” forces to “The whole thing becomes un- ld eventually force Hong Kong lea- share” of its members, said Wang from running in elections. undermine the overall stability in constitutional,” he said in an in- der Carrie Lam to resign. Authori- Chen, vice chairman of the NPC The draft changes came after Hong Kong and jeopardize natio- terview with the AP. “I think you ties said the activists’ participation Standing Committee. the top Beijing official overseeing nal sovereignty, security and deve- would believe that in any country. in the primary was part of a plan to He did not say how many le- Hong Kong, Xia Baolong, declared lopment interests. Unconstitutional behaviors are se- paralyze the city’s legislature and gislators would be chosen by the that Hong Kong must be governed The draft decision to revamp rious matters.” subvert state power. MDT/AP committee. The South China Mor- ning Post, citing unidentified sour- ces, said it would be 30 seats in an expanded 90-seat legislature. Business sector voices support for That would be a significant roll- back of democracy in Hong Kong, improving electoral system of the HKSAR a semi-autonomous territory that ONG Kong’s business sector has highli- cial to implementing the principle of “patriots anti-China, destabilizing elements jumped on has greater freedoms than main- Hghted the significance and urgency of im- administering Hong Kong” and safeguarding to take into their hands the power to administer land China but has seen them proving the electoral system of the Hong Kong the national development interests and Hong the HKSAR. sharply cut back in the past year. Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and Kong’s prosperity and stability. Necessary measures must be taken to im- The Election Committee selec- implementing the principle of “patriots admi- If those not genuinely willing to serve Hong prove the electoral system and remove existing ted up to 10 members in earlier nistering Hong Kong.” Kong enter the power structure, the effective institutional risks to ensure the administration versions of the city’s legislature, but They said improving the electoral system administration of the HKSAR government will of Hong Kong by Hong Kong people with pa- hasn’t done so since the 2000 elec- and implementing “patriots administering be obstructed and the so-called “Hong Kong in- triots as the main body, the association said. tion. Hong Kong” is a must to ensure the steady and dependence” will be incited, which will damage Chairman of the Hong Kong Association of Wang added that the size, sustained implementation of “one country, two the law and order, people’s livelihood and Hong China Business Wong Ping said improving the composition and selection of the systems,” Hong Kong’s long-term prosperity Kong’s international image, the Chinese Manu- electoral system is another significant move by 1,200-member Election Commi- and stability, and people’s wellbeing. facturers’ Association of Hong Kong said. the central authorities after the national securi- ttee will also be adjusted, and the The Chinese General Chamber of Commer- Allen Shi Lop-tak, president of the associa- ty law in the HKSAR to safeguard Hong Kong’s city’s leader will continue to be ce of Hong Kong vowed to fully support the tion, believed an improved electoral system of long-term prosperity and stability. elected by the committee. draft decision of the NPC and stressed impro- the HKSAR will reduce infighting and let Hong Tan Yueheng, permanent honorary presi- Currently, half of the city’s now ving the electoral system will guarantee Hong Kong refocus on economic development. dent of the Chinese Securities Association of 70-member Legislative Council is Kong’s prosperity and stability and promote The Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises As- Hong Kong, stressed under “patriots administe- directly elected by voters. The other the development of Hong Kong’s democratic sociation said the rioting and turbulence that ring Hong Kong,” Hong Kong remains a society half is elected by professional or system. occurred in the Hong Kong society reveals that inclusive of diverse opinions and Hong Kong re- special interest groups from sectors Yuen Mo, chairman of the chamber, said the existing electoral system of the HKSAR has sidents still enjoy democratic rights with Hong such as insurance, engineering and improving Hong Kong’s electoral system is cru- obvious loopholes and deficiencies, which the Kong characteristics. MDT/XINHUA

under the law can face pe- HONG KONG nalties of up to life in prison. Hong Kong traditionally grants bail for non-violent Court puts off release of pro-democracy activists offenses but the new law says bail cannot be granted group of 11 Hong Kong ple who were charged un- The national security unless a judge believes the Apro-democracy acti- der a national security law law was imposed following defendant “will not conti- AP PHOTO vists accused of subversion imposed on the Chinese months of rallies that be- nue to commit acts endan- will stay in jail for at least territory last year by the ru- gan over a proposed China gering national security.” another five days while ju- ling Communist Party after extradition law and expan- On Friday, four of the 47 dges consider whether to pro-democracy protests. ded to include demands for people charged were relea- release them on bail, a court They were arrested after greater democracy. sed on bail after prosecu- said over the weekend. opposition groups held an The law prompted com- tors dropped a challenge to The group, which inclu- unofficial vote last year to plaints Beijing is undermi- the decision. des three former legislators, pick candidates for elec- ning the “high degree of The group due to appear will have hearings Thursday tions to the territory’s Legis- autonomy” promised when in court Thursday includes and on March 13, the High lative Council. the former British colony former legislators Hele- Court said. A court agreed Some activists planned, returned to China in 1997, na Wong, Jeremy Tam and this week to release them if elected, to vote down ma- and hurting its status as a Kwok Ka-ki. Clarisse Yeung (center) one of the 47 pro-democracy activists charged with conspiracy, gestures outside a court after being but prosecutors appealed jor bills in an attempt to for- business center. The next hearing for the released in Hong Kong, Friday the decision. ce Hong Kong leader Carrie People convicted of sub- 47 defendants is May 31. They are among 47 peo- Lam to resign. version or other offenses MDT/AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 7 mon 08.03.2021 中國 CHINA

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Li repeated official promises to NPC promote “peaceful growth of re- lations” with Taiwan but announ- ced no initiatives toward the sel- f-ruled island that split with the China sets growth target mainland in 1949 after a civil war. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has threatened to invade if it tries to make its de fac- ‘over 6%’, raises military spending to independence official. Li said the mainland will “resolutely de- HINA’S No. 2 leader tial,” Zhu said. ter” any activity “seeking ‘Taiwan set a healthy econo- Li vowed to “work faster” to independence.’”

mic growth target and AP PHOTO develop tech capabilities seen by This year’s legislative meeting vowed to make the na- Communist leaders as a path to is being held mostly by video Ction self-reliant in technology prosperity, strategic autonomy links to keep Chinese leaders, de- amid tension with the U.S. and and global influence. Those plans legates and reporters separate as Europe over trade and human ri- are threatened by conflicts with an anti-virus measure. ghts. Washington over technology and The ruling party earlier an- The ruling Communist Party security that prompted then-U.S. nounced it achieved its goal of aims for growth of “over 6%” as President Donald Trump to slap doubling economic output from the world’s second-largest eco- sanctions on companies inclu- 2010 levels by last year, which re- nomy rebounds from the coro- ding telecom equipment giant quired annual growth of 7%. Xi navirus, Premier Li Keqiang said Huawei, China’s first global tech has talked about doubling output in a speech to the National Peo- brand. again by 2035, which would im- ple’s Congress (NPC) on Friday. The ruling party’s latest five- ply annual growth of about 5%, About 3,000 delegates gathered -year development blueprint says still among the highest for any for its annual meeting, the year’s efforts to make China a self-re- major economy. highest-profile political event, liant “technology power” are this The ruling party’s desire for under intense security and anti- year’s top economic priority. the prosperity produced by free- -virus controls. It has been shor- The party sees “technological -market competition also clashes tened from two weeks to one be- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers a speech during the opening session of China’s self-reliance as a strategic su- with its insistence on playing a cause of the pandemic. National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing pport for national development,” dominant role in the economy Premier Li also said Beijing Li said. and strategic goals of reducing wants to “safeguard national se- Also Friday, the government 2.3% expansion after shutting Li promised to pursue “green dependence on other countries. curity” in Hong Kong (see text on announced a 6.8% rise in mili- down industries to fight the virus. development” following Xi’s pled- Beijing will promote “domestic p6). tary spending to 1.4 trillion yuan Growth accelerated to 6.5% over ge last year to ensure China’s car- circulation,” Li said, a reference The party is shifting back to ($217 billion) amid territorial dis- a year earlier in the final quarter bon emissions peak by 2030 and to official pressure on industries its longer-term goal of becoming putes with India and other nei- of 2020 while the United States, to achieve carbon neutrality by to use more Chinese-supplied a global competitor in telecoms, ghbors and ambitions to match Europe and Japan struggled with 2060. That will require sharp in- components and technology and electric cars and other profitable the United States and Russia in renewed virus outbreaks. creases in clean energy in an eco- rely less on foreign inputs, even if technology. That is inflaming tra- missile, stealth fighter and other The 6% target is higher than nomy that gets 60% of its power that increases costs. de tension with Washington and weapons technology. expectations for the United States from coal and is the world’s big- That emphasis on self-reliance Europe, which complain Beijing’s That is less than the double- and other major economies but gest source of climate-changing and the conflict with Washington tactics violate its market-opening -digit increases of earlier years less than the 7%-8% forecasters industrial pollution. has fueled fears the world might commitments and hurt foreign but a marked rise in real terms expected Li to announce. He promised to reduce carbon split into separate U.S., Chinese competitors. when inflation is close to zero. That suggests Beijing is “shif- emissions per unit of economic and other industrial spheres with Li promised progress in reining Foreign analysts say total military ting focus from quantity to qua- output by 18% over the next five incompatible technologies, less in climate-changing carbon spending is up to 40% more than lity of economic growth,” said years. That is in line with the pre- competition and higher costs. emissions, a step toward keeping the reported figure, the world’s Chaoping Zhu of J.P. Morgan As- vious five-year period’s goal, but The goal of “decoupling them President Xi Jinping’s pledge last second-highest after the United set Management in a report. environmentalists say Beijing from foreign technology” is year to become carbon-neutral States. Beijing might allocate resour- needs to do more. “more likely to harm productivi- by 2060. But he avoided aggres- China became the only ma- ces to environmental protection “It defers some of the most im- ty than help it,” Mark Williams of sive targets that might weigh on jor economy to grow last year, and other initiatives “to boost portant questions to the future,” Capital Economics said in a re- economic growth. eking out a multi-decade-low China’s long-term growth poten- said Li Shuo of Greenpeace. port this week. MDT/AP

ECONOMY Chinese exports surge as global demand recovers from virus HINA’S exports surged pensate for fluctuations supplies eases and over- plans to accelerate tech- States plunged 27.7%. ts but started to catch up as C60.6% over a year ear- due to the Lunar New Year seas competitors return to nology development and Li announced an econo- demand rebounded. lier in the first two mon- holiday, which falls at di- global markets. Trade offi- reduce reliance on other mic growth target of “over This year, China’s global ths of 2021, after factories fferent times each year in cials have warned that the countries. That threatens 6%” this year, which should trade surplus for January reopened and global de- January or February. Fac- global situation still is “gra- to worsen strains with help to propel demand for and February was $103.3 mand started to recover tories shut down for up to ve and complex.” Washington and Europe, foreign oil, iron ore, food, billion, compared with a from the coronavirus pan- two weeks, then restock af- Exports to the United which complain Beijing consumer goods and other $7.1 billion deficit in the demic. ter they reopen. States soared 87.3% over violates its market-ope- imports. same period last year. Exports rose to $468.9 Exporters benefited last year to $80.5 billion ning pledges by shielding Beijing promised to buy Imports of U.S. goods billion, customs data from the relatively ear- in January and February its suppliers from compe- more American soybeans, rose 66.4% to $29.3 billion. showed yesterday, acce- ly reopening of China’s despite former President tition. natural gas and other ex- China’s trade surplus with lerating from December’s economy after the ruling Donald Trump’s tariff hikes The latest trade figures ports in the “Phase 1” agree- the United States narrowed 18.1% gain and nearly dou- Communist Party declared imposed in a fight over tra- look especially dramatic ment last January aimed at by 17.7% from the same time ble the growth expected by victory over the disease last de, technology and securi- compared with early 2020, ending the tariff war. The last year to $20.9 billion. forecasters. Imports jum- March while foreign com- ty. They have been left in when the ruling party shut two sides agreed to postpo- Exports to the 27-na- ped 22.2% to $365.6 billion, petitors still face anti-virus place by his successor, Joe factories to fight the virus ne more tariff hikes, but pe- tion European Union rose up from December’s 6.5% controls. Biden, who took office in and trade plunged. nalties on billions of dollars 62.6% over January and increase. Forecasters say the Chi- January. Then, global exports tum- of each other’s goods re- February last year to $73.7 Chinese authorities nese export surge should On Friday, China’s top bled 17.2% in 2020’s first two main. billion. Imports of European combine trade data for the decelerate as demand for economic official, Premier months from the previous China fell behind on goods gained 32.5% to $45.9 first two months to com- masks and other medical Li Keqiang, announced year. Exports to the United meeting those commitmen- billion. MDT/AP page 8 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo WORLD 國際 08.03.2021 mon

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US this day in history

1971 Post strike ends Biden marking ‘Bloody Sunday’ with pay deal by signing voting rights order AAMER MADHANI, With his executive order, WASHINGTON Biden is looking to turn the

AP PHOTO spotlight on the issue and is new executive or- using the somber comme- der from President moration of Bloody Sunday Joe Biden directs to make the case that much is federal agencies to at stake. takeA a series of steps to pro- Bloody Sunday proved to mote voting access, a move be a conscious-shocking tur- British postal workers have gone back to work to- that comes as congressional ning point in the civil rights day after seven weeks on strike. Democrats press for a swee- movement that led to passa- The 200,000 postmen and women voted by 14-1 ping voting and elections bill ge of the Voting Rights Act of yesterday in favour of a deal hammered out after to counter efforts to restrict 1965. Similarly, Biden is ho- more than 13 hours of talks at the Department of voting access. ping the Jan. 6 sacking of the Employment on Friday. His plan was being an- U.S. Capitol by a pro-Donald They had been demanding a 13% pay rise - but nounced during a recorded Trump mob will prove to be they have settled for a complex package which will address on the 56th comme- a clarion call for Congress to award them wage increases after an inquiry into the efficiency of Post Office staff and management. moration of “Bloody Sunday,” take action to improve voter Strikers are disappointed because they are being the 1965 incident in which protections. asked to return to work without even the 8% rise of- some 600 civil rights activists “In 2020 — with our very fered when the walk-out began on 20 January. were viciously beaten by state democracy on the line — The strike has cost the average postal worker even in the midst of a pande- troopers as they tried to mar- about £150 in lost earnings over the seven weeks. It mic – more Americans voted ch for voting rights in Selma, has cost the Post Office an estimated £25m in lost Alabama. than ever before,” Biden says revenue. “Every eligible voter shou- volunteer as nonpartisan poll ce system that allows weal- in his prepared remarks. “Yet Post union general secretary Tom Jackson had ur- ld be able to vote and have it workers, and proscribes an thy donors to anonymously instead of celebrating this ged his members to return to work saying it would counted,” Biden says in his overhaul of the government’s bankroll political causes. powerful demonstration of be unable to make any more “hardship payments” to prepared remarks to yester- Vote.gov website. Democrats say the bill will voting — we saw an unpre- the 30-40,000 members who had no income at all. day’s Martin and Coretta King Democrats are attempting help stifle voter suppression cedented insurrection on our At a rally in Hyde Park on Friday, Mr Jackson was Unity Breakfast. “If you have to solidify support for House attempts, while Republicans Capitol and a brutal attack on jeered when he announced the terms of the deal. the best ideas, you have no- Resolution 1, which touches have cast the bill as unwanted our democracy on January Members called “Sell out” and “Hey, hey, Tommy J, thing to hide. Let the people on virtually every aspect of federal interference in states’ 6th. A never-before-seen ef- how about our £3 pay?” vote.” the electoral process. It was authority to conduct their fort to ignore, undermine and Under the terms of the deal, the outcome of an Biden’s order includes se- approved Wednesday on a own elections. undo the will of the people.” agreed independent investigation would be binding veral modest provisions. It near party-line vote, 220-210. The bill’s fate is far from Biden’s remarks also pay on the Post Office and the union. directs federal agencies to The voting rights bill in- certain in the closely divided tribute to the late civil rights Mr Jackson hopes any pay increase will be backda- expand access to voter regis- cludes provisions to restrict Senate. Conservative groups giants Rev. C.T. Vivian, Rev. ted to January. tration and election infor- partisan gerrymandering have undertaken $5 million Joseph Lowery and Rep. John But the deal represents a defeat for Mr Jackson mation, calls on the heads of congressional districts, campaign to try persuade Lewis. All played critical roles who had set his face against arbitration. of federal agencies to come strike down hurdles to vo- moderate Senate Democrats in the 1965 organizing efforts He said: “If we had had more money, the strike would have gone on. Facing the reality, this is the up with plans to give federal ting and bring transparency to oppose rule changes nee- in Selma and all died in wi- best way out of a bad position.” employees time off to vote or to a murky campaign finan- ded to pass the measure. thin the past year. AP Postal services have resumed today but it is expec- ted to take some time before the backlog is cleared.

Courtesy BBC News to wrangling over U.S.-led S. Korea, US scale back drills sanctions on North Korea. The government of Sou- over virus, N. Korea diplomacy th Korean President Moon Jae-in, which facilitated the HYUNG-JIN KIM, SEOUL mulations that won’t involve North Korean leader Kim early part of the U.S.-North field training. Jong Un urged the U.S. to Korea talks, has been calling HE South Korean and Last year, the allies can- withdraw its hostile poli- for the diplomacy’s restart TU.S. militaries are sca- celed their springtime drills cy and South Korea to end and greater inter-Korean ling back their annual exer- after some of their troops drills with the U.S., warning ties. cises this month due to the were infected with the co- the fate of their relations A South Korean Joint COVID-19 pandemic and to ronavirus. In recent years, with North Korea depends Chiefs of Staff officer said support diplomacy focusing the countries have also sus- on how they behave. that Seoul and Washington on North Korea’s nuclear pended or downsized many Some experts have said decided to “minimize” the In context program, officials said yes- of their regular training to Kim may resume high-pro- number of troops participa- terday. create more space for the file missile tests and raise ting in this month’s drills be- The Post union submitted a claim for a minimum £3 a week rise or 15-20% on 30 October 1970. If implemented, it was Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Sta- cause of the pandemic. now-stalled U.S.-led di- tensions if he feels provoked estimated it would have cost the Post Office £50m. ff said in a statement that the plomatic drive to convince by the upcoming drills, one The officer, who reques- Management made an offer of 8% on 14 January. Mem- allies decided to start the ni- North Korea to denuclearize of the two major military ted anonymity citing a de- bers walked out on 20 January at the beginning of the first ne-day drills on Monday af- in return for economic and exercises between Seoul and partment rule, said the allies national post strike. ter reviewing factors like the political incentives. Washington along with their have been staging field exer- Some post offices opened for a few hours each week to allow pensions and other benefits to be paid. status of the pandemic and cises throughout the year U.S.-South Korea drills summertime training. By the time the deal was announced on 4 March, the work- diplomatic efforts to achieve have been a major source of The nuclear negotiations to maintain their readiness, ers had reduced their claim to 13% while the management denuclearization and peace animosities on the peninsu- have been stalled for about rather than holding them in- offer was increased to 9% with conditions attached. on the Korean Peninsula. la, with North Korea viewing two years since a February tensively in certain periods, Decimal currency was introduced on 15 February, so when It said the drills are defen- them as invasion rehearsals 2019 summit between Kim in an apparent reference postal services resumed the minimum rate for first-class was set at 3p (equivalent to 7.2d) compared with 5d prior sive in nature and are mostly to the spring and summer and responding with its own and then President Do- to the strike. tabletop exercises and si- weapons tests. In January, nald Trump collapsed due drills. AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 9 mon 08.03.2021 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 Try to visit a country that excites Regardless of your first reaction, you. This is a great day to the outcome will be favorable. beautify your living quarters or New romantic partners will to entertain at home. Come to evolve through group endeavors; your own conclusions rather than however, the association may not taking the word of someone else. be likely to last.

Gemini Cancer

May. 21-Jun. 21 Jun. 22-Jul. 22 Make money using your Hard work will payoff if you ingenuity and creative talent. Be refrain from expressing your aware that you don’t get anything opinion to superiors. You can for nothing. Don’t evade deal with large institutions important issues; you may find or government agencies yourself backed into a corner. successfully today. SUDOKU WEATHER Leo Virgo MIN MAX CONDITION Jul. 23-Aug. 22 Aug. 23-Sep. 22 Easy Easy+ CHINA Someone you care about may Consider the source before you Beijing 10 cloudy let you down or criticize your believe what you hear. Look at your -2 methods. Try to avoid functions options before making commitments Harbin -13 6 clear that will bring you in contact that could jeopardize your financial with those you find difficult to get position. Voice your opinions and Tianjin 1 13 cloudy along with. contribute to the debate. Urumqi -4 3 clear Xi’an 13 cloudy Libra Scorpio 6 Lhasa 0 13 cloudy Sep.23-Oct. 22 Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Chengdu 10 17 cloudy Your ideas may be good, but Your best efforts will come Chongqing 12 20 cloudy they aren’t necessarily right for through making changes in your everyone. Try not to lend or home. Someone you like may be Kunming 10 22 cloudy borrow money today. Get proper receptive and actively seeking your Nanjing 12 drizzle medical attention and confront company. Travel will also be very 5 your situation decisively. informative. Shanghai 9 13 drizzle Wuhan 6 10 drizzle Sagittarius Capricorn Medium Hard Hangzhou 6 13 drizzle Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Taipei 17 19 drizzle You’ll be able to discuss your Don’t let coworkers interfere with your Guangzhou 16 24 cloudy ambitions with your mate. If you objectives. Organize your day well if keep busy you won’t feel the personal you wish to accomplish all you set out Hong Kong 19 22 overcast pressures you are going through. to do. Problems with colleagues are You may find that your boss is not likely. You have a tendency to think delighted with your work lately. that no one else will do things properly. WORLD Aquarius Pisces Moscow -7 -2 sleet Frankfurt -3 5 clear Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Feb.19-Mar. 20 Paris -1 6 clear You will communicate easily You may want to talk to your boss and should be able to develop about your future goals. Include London 1 6 overcast new friendships. You will have to friends and family members in do a lot of running around, so your redecorating plans. Your New York -3 5 clear be prepared to fall short of your colorful conversation may attract expectations. new mates.

CROSSWORDS USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

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cond place behind Virat Kohli on TWENTY20 CRICKET the list to top run-scorers in T20 internationals. The partnership finally was broken by Riley Meredith in the NZ beats Australia by 7 12th over when Conway was caught in the deep for 36. There was a flicker of hope for Australia when New Zealand captain Kane wickets, wins T20 series 3-2 Williamson fell lbw to Meredith first ball. SH Sodhi led a concerted at- Guptill was out in the 15th over, tack by New Zealand’s spin having made 71 from 46 balls with

bowlers before Martin Guptill AP PHOTO seven boundaries and four sixes, smashed a quickfire 71 runs and having set the foundation on Ito set up a seven-wicket win over which New Zealand’s win depen- Australia in the fifth Twenty20 in- ded. ternational yesterday and a 3-2 Phillips finished the job, hitting win in the five-match series. 34 from 15 balls with five fours and Leg spinner Sodhi came into two sixes including a six for the the match as the leading wicke- winning runs in the 16th over off t-taker in the series with 10 at an Adam Zampa. average of 18 and improved to 13 “The other night we took a ba- at 11.8, taking 3-24 as Australia ckward step and today we wanted was held 142-8 after choosing to to not back down from the fight bat on winning the toss. New Zealand’s Ish Sodhi bowls to Australia during their 5th T20 cricket international match at Wellington Regional Stadium in and we showed that with a good New Zealand surpassed that Wellington, New Zealand, yesterday opening stand,” Guptill said. “To- total with 27 balls to spare, stee- day Devon (Conway) was brilliant red by Guptill and Devon Conway whose two overs cost 21 runs. third match, winning by 64 runs, It needed a stronger founda- out there. who put on 106 for the first wicket The spinners shared 12 of New but in the fourth on a pitch whi- tion from its openers: Guptill and “I wouldn’t say I went after in 11.5 overs. Zealand’s 20 overs, more than in ch had slowed considerably and Tim Seifert put on only 20 in the them from ball one. But it was just Sodhi was supported during any of the Black Caps’ previous favored spin it defended a total of third match and 21 in the fourth as good to spend a bit more time out Australia’s innings by left-armer T20 internationals. That followed just 156-6, winning by 50 runs. Australia fought back to level the there and create a partnership Mitchell Santner who took the Australia’s record in the fourth ma- Until yesterday, each match in series. with Devon. He got off to a good new ball and bowled his four overs tch when Aston Agar, Adam Zam- the series had been won by the Conway was promoted to open start, I caught up and pushed on at a cost of only 21 runs. Having pa and Glenn Maxwell bowled 11 team batting first. New Zealand with Guptill yesterday the new and the best part about it was we noted the influence of spin in the overs. won the first two by 53 runs and opening pair immediately struck got the win.” previous match in the series, New The drop-in pitch at Sky Sta- four runs but hadn’t previously gold, reaching their century part- While Australia couldn’t con- Zealand also used part-time spin- dium hosted the last three mat- been able to put together a subs- nership in the 12th over. tain Guptill, New Zealand mana- ners Mark Chapman, who took 1-9 ches of the series in the space of six tantial innings when chasing in Guptill posted his 17th T20 ged to mostly neutralize Australia’s from two overs, and Glen Phillips days. Australia made 208-4 in the Wellington. from 33 balls and moved to se- big hitters. AP

ad Sydney’s LGBTQI Mardi Gras the goes ahead, with restrictions BUZZ Sydney’s annual iconic Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras went ahead puppetry and props. Face masks will be mandatory for participants during the weekend, only in a different format due to coronavirus res- and there will be temperature checks and screening at entry points. trictions. Meanwhile, LGBTQI rights protesters have been given the green light It was being held at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where people can so- to march down Oxford Street in a separate event before the parade. cially distance in their seats rather than on the traditional route down Health officials in New South Wales state agreed to make an exception Oxford Street. to the 500-person limit on public gatherings after organizers agreed to Up to 23,000 spectators will be allowed in the stands while the perfor- enhanced contact-tracing processes. OPINION mers will be on the pitch. The marchers are protesting social issues including transphobia, Organizers say this year’s parade will move away from the traditional the mandatory detention of asylum-seekers and the criminalization World Views large floats and instead focus on the outlandish pageantry of costumes, of sex work. Eli Lake, MDT/Bloomberg

So far, Biden’s Iran Myanmar has asked India policy isn’t Trump’s MYANMAR to return several police — or Obama’s officers who crossed the border following a coup in When it comes to President Joe Biden’s Iran policy, the Police fire on their country. The deputy safest thing to say is that it’s a work in progress. commissioner in Champai On the one hand, the Biden administration is trying district in the northeastern to quietly induce Iran to re-enter negotiations over the protesters in ancient state of Mizoram, Maria C.T. 2015 nuclear accord the previous president abandoned Zuali, said she received a in 2018. On the other, the administration authorized air letter from her Myanmar strikes last week in Syria against facilities it said were as- former capital counterpart, asking India to return the officers in order sociated with Iranian-backed militias that launched ro- OLICE in Myanmar’s cket attacks last month against a U.S. base in northern to “uphold the friendship ancient former capital, Iraq. P between Myanmar and India.” One way to divine Biden’s true intentions is to examine Bagan, opened fire yester- AP PHOTO She said she informed India’s the records of his foreign-policy nominees — specifically, day on demonstrators pro- Ministry of Home Affairs and Colin Kahl and Wendy Sherman. Veterans of former Pre- testing last month’s military is awaiting instructions. sident Barack Obama’s administration, both played im- takeover, wounding several portant roles in negotiating the nuclear deal. Once out people, according to wit- of government, both predicted that the decision to with- ness accounts and videos AP PHOTO draw from that deal would prove to be disastrous. on social media. This is why it’s worth noting that both Kahl and Sher- At least five people were man — he is nominated for undersecretary of defense reported wounded as po- for policy, she for deputy secretary of state — have gone Nepal’s government and out of their way in their confirmation hearings to placa- lice sought to break up the a communist rebel group te concerns about the deal from both Republicans and Bagan protest, and photos showed one young man formally signed a peace centrist Democrats. Both have said that Biden intends agreement aimed at ending to address the deal’s many flaws, not simply to restore it. with bloody wounds on his violent attacks, extortion and When pressed this week by Senator Mitt Romney on chin and neck, believed to seeking to seize organi- -year term last month, but bombings by the rebels. Rebel the nuclear bargain she helped negotiate, Sherman was have been caused by a ru- zers and supporters of the instead Suu Kyi and Presi- leader Netra Bikram Chand, more conciliatory than she was six years ago. Since the bber bullet. Bullet casings protest movement. A ward dent Win Myint and other better known by his guerrilla agreement’s limits on uranium enrichment expire over collected at the scene indi- chairman from Aung San members of the govern- name Biplav, emerged out of time, Romney argued, the nuclear deal does not prevent cated that live rounds were Suu Kyi’s National League ment were placed in mili- hiding after the government Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon so much as delay also fired. for Democracy party, which tary detention. lifted a ban on his Nepal it. Communist Party group was ousted from power in A rare light note was As a member of the Obama administration, Sherman The city, located in the so it could take part in the might have simply brushed off this criticism. This week, central Mandalay region, the coup, was found dead struck Saturday when de- public signing of the peace she said that while she still viewed the objective of the is a UNESCO World Heri- in a military hospital yester- monstrators in the central agreement. agreement as preventing Iran from obtaining a weapon, tage Site in recognition of day morning by fellow re- city of Monywa poured “I do completely understand” why many members of the more than 2,000 pago- sidents of his Pabedan nei- cans of beer over their feet Pakistan Gunmen ambushed Congress did and do not. “If Iran continued to make fis- das or their remnants still ghborhood, according to a and those of passers-by to a vehicle transporting sile material, the stuff that goes inside the nuclear wea- situated there, dating from post on Facebook by NLD show their contempt for security forces killing a sailor pons,” she said, “having that ability gives them the option and wounding two others in the ninth to 13th centuries, lawmaker Sithu Maung. the brewery’s owners — the should they choose to go there.” the coastal town of Jewni in Sherman herself has said repeatedly since leaving when it was the capital of a Suspicion was rampant military. Myanmar Beer is southwest Pakistan, officials government that there was no real chance of getting a kingdom that later became on social media that Khin one of a number of busi- said yesterday. The Pakistan better deal than the one she helped negotiate. She has known as Burma and is now Maung Latt, 58, died due to ness concerns in the coun- Navy vehicle came under now promised to work with Congress to eventually stren- Myanmar. a beating in custody after try that are linked to the attack while traveling from gthen that deal. Bagan is best known for being taken from his resi- generals and has seen its Jewni to the Ganz area, said Kahl’s hearing was also instructive. Outside of gover- being one of the country’s dence, but no official cause sales plummet in the weeks Zahoor Buledi, a Baluchistan provincial minister. The nment, Kahl was a prolific tweeter. Many Republican top tourist attractions, but of death was immediately following the coup. It also insurgent group Baluchistan senators reminded him of some past tweets that have it has also been the scene announced. has lost its Japanese part- aged poorly — from predicting that moving the U.S. em- Liberation Army claimed of large protest marches In Yangon and elsewhe- ner, Kirin, which announ- bassy to Jerusalem would make Israeli-Arab cooperation responsibility for the attack. much harder to his warning that the 2020 air strike that against the military’s Feb. 1 re, raids are carried out ni- ced it was pulling out of the killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani would lead to seizure of power. ghtly after an 8 p.m. curfew joint venture as a result of Qatar was still committed to bidding for the 2032 Olympics a regional war. Large protests have oc- by police and soldiers. The the power grab. despite the IOC heading into On Thursday, Senator James Inhofe asked if Kahl be- curred daily across many ci- arrests are often carried out In neighboring Thai- exclusive talks with top choice lieved the world was a better place without Soleimani ties and towns in Myanmar, at gunpoint, without war- land, several thousand Brisbane. The International in it. “I think it probably is,” Kahl responded. At the time and security forces have rants. people, Thai as well as from Olympic Committee used of the strike, he explained, he “was concerned about the responded with greater use In videos taken Saturday Myanmar, rallied yesterday its new, more flexible bidding escalatory dynamics.” Later in the hearing, Kahl praised of lethal force and mass night and posted online, outside the regional office process last week to name U.S.-Israeli cooperation and said he did not favor moving arrests. At least 18 protes- sporadic fire from heavy of the United Nations to the Australian coastal city its the U.S. embassy from Jerusalem. preferred choice more than 11 Of course, Kahl and Sherman have an incentive to be ters were shot and killed weapons could be heard in bring attention to the crisis on Feb. 28 and 38 on We- some neighborhoods. and their desire for interna- years before the Games. That conciliatory right now. In a 50-50 Senate, if Biden loses decision seemed to surprise dnesday, according to the The escalation of violen- tional action to end the jun- even a single Democrat, their nominations could be other expected candidates scuttled. That’s what happened to Neera Tanden, Biden’s U.N. Human Rights Office. ce has put pressure on the ta’s violence. including Qatari capital Doha choice to run the Office of Management and Budget. More than 1,500 have been global community to act “I have a good life here, and Budapest, Hungary. At the same time, progressive foreign policy groups are arrested, the independent to restrain the junta. The but I’m fighting for my re- beginning to worry about Biden’s intentions on Iran. This Assistance Association for coup reversed years of slow latives and families and Spain Several hundred week 32 progressive organizations wrote Biden and ur- Political Prisoners said. progress toward democracy friends in Myanmar. Since protesters marched Saturday ged him to reverse course and drop his demand that Iran Protests elsewhere yes- in Myanmar, which for five Day One (when) the mili- in Spain’s northeastern return to compliance before lifting nuclear sanctions. city of Barcelona against terday, including in the two decades had languished tary took our leader, we are Prominent arms control analyst Joe Cirincione twee- the authorities’ crackdown ted this week that he hoped Sherman’s response to Rom- biggest cities of Yangon and under strict military rule here,” said 26-year-old Aye following a violent outcry over ney was just an effort to win confirmation and lamented Mandalay, were also met that led to international iso- Nanda Soe, who works in the imprisonment of Pablo that she “refuses to defend the Iran deal she negotiated.” with the use of force by poli- lation and sanctions. digital marketing and lives Hasél, an anti-establishment How much is Biden willing to defend the 2015 nuclear ce firing warning shots, and Suu Kyi’s party led a re- in Bangkok with her mother artist. The march took place deal as his administration seeks to both deter Iran’s re- variously employing tear turn to civilian rule with a and brother while her fa- amid a heavy police presence, gional escalations and lure Iran back to nuclear negotia- gas, rubber bullets and stun landslide election victory ther resides in Yangon. “We winding through several avenues of the Catalan tions? It will be a delicate balancing act — one that was grenades. in 2015, and with an even want the U.N. to protect our previewed this week in Kahl and Sherman’s confirmation regional capital. Protesters Multiple reports from greater margin of votes last people first, then help our hearings. walked behind a banner that Yangon said there were also year. It would have been leader. My people are not called for the release of Hasél police raids Saturday night installed for a second five- safe anymore.” AP and his jailed supporters.