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THE LEGISLATIVE ELECTION WILL GRANTS VISA TO A WOMEN’S DAY: FEMALE LEADERS AT THE TAKE PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 12, HELM OF TOP CORPORATIONS IN THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCED FOREIGN RESIDENT AFTER CAME TOGETHER INSPIRING OTHER IN AN EXECUTIVE ORDER YEAR-LONG SUSPENSION WOMEN WITH THEIR EXPERIENCES P2 P5 P2 AP PHOTO

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam yesterday said the city’s VACCINATION OPENS government “fully welcomes” changes to the city’s electoral system that will substantially increase central government control over P4 politics and exclude critics of Beijing. Chinese authorities have said the draft decision FOR BLUE-CARDS before China’s National People’s Congress would mean the largely pro-Beijing committee that elects Hong Kong’s leader would also choose a large part of the legislature to ensure the city is run by “patriots.”

Philippine police backed by military forces killed nine people over the weekend in a series of raids against suspected communist insurgents, with authorities saying the suspects opened fire first. Others, however, said those killed were unarmed activists. Police said yesterday that all of those killed were associated with “communist terrorist groups” and had shot at officers while they were serving search warrants.

Thailand Prosecutors charged 18 pro-democracy activists with sedition yesterday, while lodging additional charges of insulting the monarchy against three of them. The sedition charges, which carry a maximum penalty of up to seven years in prison, stem from an antigovernment rally in September, though details on the alleged offenses were not immediately clear. AP PHOTO

Iraq Pope Francis yesterday wrapped up his historic whirlwind tour of Iraq that sought to bring hope to Stranded the country’s marginalized Christian minority with a migrants message of coexistence, forgiveness and peace. The pontiff and his traveling plead for delegation were seen off with a farewell ceremony at the repatriation Baghdad airport, from where he left for Rome following a four-day papal visit that flights to has covered five provinces across Iraq. Malaysia Dutch architects awarded design of new Central Library More on backpage P6 P3 page 2 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 09.03.2021 tue

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

pandemic, is another exemplar of female leaders honored an empathetic female leader. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL International Women’s Day Eileen Stow, director and chief executive of Lord Stow’s Bakeries HONEY TSANG verse than males played impor- & Cafes and vice-chairman of the tant roles to contribute to the di- Britcham, also attended the event N commemoration of the In- fference. yesterday. She told the Times that Iternational Women’s Day on HONEY TSANG The director and designer she has striven for gender pari- March 8, some female leaders at of the JML Property, Juliet Ris- ty in her workplace, which, she the helm of the top corporates in don, who was one of the guest thinks, has demonstrably advan- Macau came together yesterday, speakers, shared her take on the ced in Macau over these last few galvanizing other women worl- study, saying that females, in ge- decades. dwide with their management ex- neral, are “compassionate and “What I brought to our com- perience during the challenging understanding” so that they can pany is the understanding of Covid-19 era. better cope with the stress during equality,” Stow stated, adding that In yesterday’s panel discussion, the crisis. she values equal opportunities for themed “Women in leadership: “We [females] wear so many all regardless of gender. Achieving an equal future in a Co- hats on a daily basis,” which may “I don’t see men and women in vid-19 world,” four revered busi- lead to better handling of the li- my company. I just see qualified nesswomen called for a push for fe-changing pandemic, another people – as in, they are able to do gender equality and encouraged JWCC Architecture echoed Hong’s The research weighed female- speaker named Michele Ho, pre- the job. And [embracing] equal females to be “brave, bold and remarks. She admitted that the -led economies against male-led sident and chief executive of the pay too, no employee is paid less calm” when faced with daunting ever-changing nature of the pan- economies with similar socio-de- Golden Burger added. because they are a woman.” issues amid Covid-19. demic had prompted her to act mographic and economic cha- Hong cited a particularly re- Yesterday’s event was co-hos- Hong Yan Wen, senior vice pre- and think fast, and be “mobile” by racteristics, such as annual health sonant experience of hers that ted by the British and Australian sident of Human Resources De- tapping into technology to solve expenditure per capita, tourist female leaders have better com- Chambers of Commerce in Ma- partment at Sands China Ltd. was everyday problems for her busi- arrivals and gender equality, and munication skills when it comes cau, namely the BritCham and among the speakers. She said that nesses. found that female-led territories to the promotion of mask-wea- AustCham. the pandemic had created finan- had relatively fewer Covid-19 ca- ring. Female leaders centered the The International Women’s Day cial challenges for the group, the FEMALE LEADERS ses and deaths. focus on the purpose of wearing- has been observed on March 8 likes of which it “had never expe- HANDLED COVID-19 BETTER For instance, Hong Kong fared -mask to not just protect oneself every year since the early 1900s. It rienced before.” At the height of the pandemic, better when compared to Singa- but also the health of others in the celebrates women’s achievements “For Covid-19 situations, you a study — which examined 194 pore. The same pattern was also community. It was a stark contrast and raises global awareness about have basically nothing for which countries and was published in found pronounced when com- to the “task-oriented” leadership female equality. The theme for you can plan ahead. Everything is 2020 by the Centre for Economic paring Norway to Ireland, Taiwan approach adopted by males, she 2021 is “Choose to Challenge.” ad-hoc. [It’s like you] make it and Policy Research and the World to South Korea, and other similar added. The proceeds of the Women then move on and see what will Economic Forum — observed comparisons. “We [females] give a purpose to in Leadership panel will be do- happen,” Hong said, addressing that countries and cities led by Researchers suggested that what we do, instead of [seeing it nated to Good Shepherd Sisters the audience. women had “systematically and the distinctive “interpersonally- as] tasks,” Hong added. to support their work uplifting Christine Choi, president of significantly better” Covid-19 ou- -oriented” leadership style adop- Choi, who prioritized her staff’s the welfare of women and girls, the Architects Association Board tcomes than others steered by ted by women and their tendency mental health and granted them a especially those marginalised by of Directors and co-founder of their male counterparts. to be comparatively more risk-a- week off to take at the onset of the society.

ELECTIONS 2021 Legislative race on September 12 ANTHONY LAM list should spend more than must be cast in persons at the entrance of a polling this amount for election a polling station. It means station. HE city’s parliamentary purposes. that if eligible voters who However, should con- Telection will take place Nomination forms will are currently out of Macau ditions change prior to the on September 12 this year, be available soon and must want to exercise their righ- election day, amendments the Chief Executive annou- be submitted by June 15. ts, they need to be mindful to existing epidemic con- nced in an Executive Order The campaign period will of any potential quarantine trol measures may be im- yesterday. be between August 28 and requirements upon arriving plemented, Tong added. Pursuant to the law, it September 10. in Macau. Complaints have also is within the government On the other hand, the The judge issued a re- been heard that residents head’s sole authority to de- Electoral Affairs Commit- minder for any eligible vo- living at the same address termine the election date. tee had a meeting yester- ters who are currently out- have, in previous elections, Meanwhile, in a sepa- day before it briefed the side of Macau to leave suf- been assigned to vote in dif- rate Executive Order, the press on their latest deci- ficient time for quarantine. ferent polling stations. Tong Chief Executive also deter- sions. For the time being, the believed it was caused by mined the budget ceiling President of the commi- committee has deemed it the residents not updating for each campaigning list. ttee, Justice Tong Hio Fong, necessary for voters to wear their residential addresses. The amount has been set at emphasized at a press con- facemasks throughout the He reminds voters to upda- slightly more than MOP3.5 Second from left: President of the Electoral Affairs Committee, ference yesterday that ac- voting process and have te their residential address Tong Hio Fong million, meaning that no cording to the law, ballots their temperature taken at with the committee.

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 09.03.2021 澳門 MACAU

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IPIM holds business trips for MICE representatives

The Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) organised around 30 representatives of the local MICE sector for a business trip to Guangzhou and Shenzhen, where they met with the MICE industry practitioners from these places and discussed the future prospects and opportunities of the industry. The purpose of the exchange was to publicise the SAR as MICE stage and foster co-operation between its MICE industry participants and their counterparts in the Guangdong-Hong Kong- Macau Greater Bay Area.

Cross-border traffic records decrease Cross-border vehicular traffic in January 2021 decreased by 14.3% year-on-year to 364,057 Dutch architects win design, IC bids trips. Official data shows that light automobile trips (331,915) dropped by 12.5% year-on- to keep project within budget year, whereas heavy automobile trips (30,064) rose by 26.3%, which RENATO MARQUES But this [figure] is just an estimate re projects [to be submitted to the also took into account the public led to a 13.2% growth as we do not yet have a final budget Land, Public Works, and Transport opinion as well as the local needs.” in the gross weight of HE proposal from the [for the construction],” Mok said. Bureau] need to be signed off by Mok added that the advantages of containerized cargo Dutch architecture firm Mok added that, in line with pre- locally registered architects,” Mok the new building, its integration by land (2,608 tonnes). Mecanoo is the winning viously suggested dates for com- explained, adding, “It’s the Dutch within the local environment, as Vehicular traffic (146,653 proposal out of the four pletion, the IC “hopes to be able to team that will select who their local well as the services that will be pro- trips) and containerized Tproposals received for the cons- open the library doors at the end partners going to be. I believe they vided will surpass other particular cargo (2,544 tonnes) truction of the new Macao Central of 2024 or at that start of 2025,” ad- have already made some contacts design aspects. passing through the Library that will be built on the ding, “At this point, it’s difficult to with local teams but we just don’t According to the president of IC, Checkpoint of Macao land plot of the former Hotel Esto- say as the process has just started know who they are [at this mo- based on expert and public opi- Port Administration ril at Tap Seac Square, the Cultural or is about to start. What I can say ment].” nion, it is also important that the Area of the Hong Kong- Affairs Bureau (IC) announced yes- is that we hope we can do it as fast new building has the characteristi- Zhuhai-Macau Bridge terday in a press conference. as possible.” THE ‘MOSAIC’ OF DISCONTENT cs expected of a modern facility in constituted the largest “After comprehensive conside- Although in her speech, Mok the 21st century. Accordingly, Mok shares among all land ration, including of experts’ opi- PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL noted on several occasions that added that a new parking level will border checkpoints, at nions, overall cost, and difficulty of COMPANIES A REQUIREMENT the “IC attaches great importance be added to the original project. 40.3% and 97.5% of the construction, energy conservation Some questions were raised to the opinions of the industries “Considering the public’s opi- respective total. and maintenance, functional de- during the press conference regar- and the public, and seeks opinions nion on [the need to facilitate] sign and cost of design, the propo- ding the involvement and role of from representative organizations transport, in addition to the provi- Academic Track sal of Dutch design team Meccano local architecture companies in the specialized in local bibliographic sion of parking spaces in the origi- and Field was selected, [having fulfilled] all new library construction project. information and engineering and nal plan, there will be an additional Competition aspects of the criteria,” the IC pre- During her speech, Mok said, construction industries,” one fact car park in the future plan, allowing sident, Mok Ian Ian, announced “For the follow-up works of the stood out – out of the four propo- the public to easily reach this land- broke records during her speech. new Macao Central Library, the se- sals considered, the Mecanoo pro- mark of the city in the future. The 44th Academic Track Questioned by the media on the lected team will collaborate with a posal is the one that aesthetically The vice president of IC, Deland and Field Competition topics, Mok also said that the IC local team to carry out the project. veers furthest away from the design Leong, also noted that in the opi- broke six general records expects to complete the construc- IC will work with the Public Works characteristics of the former Hotel nions and submissions gathered and two Macau records. tion within the previously annou- Department to promote the next Estoril building. It is also the only during the consultation period, It was co-hosted by nced estimated budget of MOP500 phase of works.” proposal that does not include the “around 50% were related to func- the Education and million, although noted that this The IC president explained that preservation of the old mosaic in its tionality and interior spaces.” Youth Development amount was a general estimate for the collaboration with local archi- façade, moving it to an interior area The IC also acknowledged recei- Bureau and the General the cost of the construction that tecture firms comes as a govern- of the building instead. ving public expressions of support Association of Athletics was made before the final design ment requirement. Questioned on the topic, Mok for the winning design, saying, of Macau. The three- was decided upon. “Government has this demand said, “Each company presented its “Most of the people that expressed day competition was “We will control the expenses that foreign companies need to col- design that has unique and special a preference for a certain building held from March 5-7, as much as possible and try to laborate with local companies for characteristics. [To decide on the design were in between this design with a total of 2,200 keep them within this [budgeted] these large scale projects. This has winning proposal] we have con- and the one from Swiss architectu- contestants from five amount of 500 million [patacas]. to do with the fact that architectu- sulted the opinions of experts and re firm [Herzog & de Meuron].” education institutions. page 4 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo MACAU 澳門 09.03.2021 tue

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

ANTHONY LAM Residents who have completed COVID-19 the two doses of Covid-19 vaccine ON-RESIDENT workers will have their records shown on N(TNRs) will be able to make their health code. bookings for Covid vaccinations TNRs allowed to book from 9 a.m. today and receive the SSM CLARIFIES vaccination from tomorrow, the ON ‘SIDE EFFECTS’ Health Bureau (SSM) announced vaccines from today When questioned how the pu- yesterday. blic medical team can ensure the TNRs will only be allowed to safety of jab takers, Tai stressed take Sinopharm’s inactivated vac- that the jabs available in Macau cine on the first day of vaccine has had their safety scientifically administration. As for the mRNA proven. However, he remarked vaccine, slots will only be opened that the vaccines being safe does from March 14. not equate to the total absence of The health authority will have adverse events following immu- a quota of 1,000 from the total nization (AEFI), a term officially of 5,000 per day for TNRs. This used by the WHO. allotment will not jeopardize the “The rate of natural mortali- rights of local residents receiving ty exists,” Tai said. “Regardless of the vaccine. As explained by Dr the act of vaccination, the society Tai Wah Hou, coordinator of the sees death during a given period SSM’s vaccination operation, “For of time.” the time being, we have only seen He added that so far, the health about 2,000 vaccine administra- authority was not convinced that tions per day, so we believe the mortality elsewhere was closely re- quota will be sufficient.” lated to the vaccine. He admitted Similar to local residents, TNRs that senior individuals and those will not need to pay for the vac- with chronic diseases do not have cine. The arrangement has also the urgency to take the jab, given been announced in a previous will only provide Sinopharm’s professional immediately before ckground. If available, the doctors Macau’s current condition. Executive Order on the grounds of inactivated vaccine. receiving the vaccine and if they may also refer to medical records Meanwhile, Dr Leong Iek Hou, “ensuring public health.” Meanwhile, the health authori- have a higher risk of contracting for a more informed assessment, coordinator at the Center for Di- In addition, TNRs taking the ty is making special arrangement the virus in their daily life. Tai said. sease Control and Prevention, vaccine will be insured. for senior vaccine recipients. Ol- Tai stressed that seniors will As of 4 p.m. yesterday, nearly stressed that medically, AEFI is The government is also trying der recipients who are aged 60 be treated in a dedicated manner 50,000 bookings have been made different from side effects from to streamline the vaccination years and above will only be cate- even at the time of booking. “At the to take either of the two brands vaccination. The former describes process by separating the type of red to at the CHCSJ. time of booking, they will be brou- of vaccines, with about 43,000 for any medical happenings following vaccine available at each of the In addition, following a pre- ght to a special page for prelimi- the Sinopharm vaccine and about inoculation, which may not be re- 12 inoculation stations across the vious Executive Order, unless nary evaluation of their suitabili- 6,200 for the BioNTech vaccine. lated to the inoculation itself. city. The BioNTech vaccine will under special conditions, this se- ty,” Tai explained. “Following that, Out of these numbers, as of Leong added that a taskforce only be available at three stations: nior group will only be allowed to at the hospital before they take the March 7, about 21,000 vaccines has been set up to respond to AEFI the blood sample collection room receive the mRNA vaccine. Older vaccine, their health condition will have been administered so far related to the new vaccine. at the Conde de São Januário Hos- vaccine recipients can only recei- be assessed by doctors-on-duty.” across the city, with nearly 20,000 For the time being, 21 cases of pital (CHCSJ), the Heal- ve the Sinopharm vaccine if they For example, doctors at the sta- being the Sinopharm vaccine AEFI have been recorded on the th Center, and the Ocean Garden have their health condition appro- tions will ask questions to assess and about 1,700 being the mRNA Sinopharm jab and three on the Health Center. The other stations ved by a government medical patients’ health condition and ba- type. BioNTech shot.

Former Iec Long Firecracker DEMOGRAPHICS Factory to open to public in 2022 Total population stands at over 683,000 RENATO MARQUES include data collection and improvement of wa- ACAU’S total po- gaged in hospitality ac- HE former Iec Long ter resources. Mpulation at the end tivities dropping by the TFirecracker Factory After that, IC will pro- of last year was 683,100, largest amount. in Taipa will open to the ceed with structural rein- representing an increase Workers in the hotels, public in 2022, Cultural AGENCY PHOTO MACAU forcement works and eli- of 300 compared to end restaurants and similar Affairs Bureau (IC) offi- mination of any risks. In -September 2020 and a establishments dropped cials said yesterday on the the last phase, the bureau year-on-year growth of by 10,193 to 44,555, while sidelines of the press con- will finally build a wooden 3,500. those working in the cons- ference that presented the walkway for visitors and According to data from truction sector went down results on the winning de- an exhibition hall that will the Statistics and Census by 2,403 to 26,984, sign proposal for the new feature the history and de- Service, the city’s popu- The drop could be at- Central Library. velopments of the firecra- lation continued to age, tributed to the pandemic The vice president of cker industry. with the aging ratio rising outbreak which caused IC, Deland Leong, noted Leong also informed to 97.1 percent. For the layoffs from different em- that the IC officially recei- that an important part whole year, a total of 5,545 ployers due to the econo- ved the former Iec Long of the IC’s work relates to live births were delivered, mic downturn. Firecracker Factory to reinforcing and securing down by 434 year-on-year. Last year, the num- proceed with rehabilita- some of the building Local population, ex- ber of new arrivals from tion works in December structures, as well as re- cluding non-resident with a last year, and is currently placing of some of the workers and non-local one-way permit reduced preparing the works rela- will be taken into account The official also added materials in use that in- students living in Macau, by 784 year-on-year to ted to the partial opening in the revitalization plan that before the most sig- clude asbestos. increased by 1.6% year- 2,973, with those coming plan of the site. “so it retains its architec- nificant part of the pre- Such work is expec- -on-year to 564,100. from Guangdong Province Leong noted that Iec tural structures and origi- servation works moves ted to last for about two The number of non-re- falling by 491 to 2,110. The Long is the only existing nal layout, including the forward, it is necessary to years, with the opening of sidents workers plunged number of individuals large structure that can re- ponds, waterways, trees conduct studies relating the 25,338 square meters to 177,663 at end-2020, a granted right of abode present the old firecracker and other principal ele- to the ecology and geolo- space expected before the decrease of 18,875 year- decreased by 237 year-on- industry in detail, which ments.” gy of the area, which will end of 2022. -on-year, with those en- -year to 730 in 2020. LV www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 5 tue 09.03.2021 澳門 MACAU

MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER

UA Cinemas in China resumes visa issuance HK went under amid Covid-19

HONEY TSANG to foreign local residents HE UA Cinema, a cinema chain in Hong HE Office of the document, namely the “ho- TKong, announced yesterday that the Commissioner of the me-visiting card”. group has ceased operations with immediate XINHUA Ministry of Foreign Recently, six local delegates effect due to the devastating impacts brou- Affairs of the Peo- to the Chinese People’s Politi- ght about by the pandemic. Tple’s Republic of China in the cal Consultative Conferen- Owing to the measures imposed by the SAR has recently granted an ce (CPPCC) urged Beijing to HKSAR government to combat Covid-19, UA F-type visa to a foreign natio- open its borders Macau-ba- Cinema, as well as other theaters, had been nal living in Macau. sed foreigners, highlighting forced to suspend their operations for over To highlight the act, the that such move would boost 190 days in 2020. visa was personally presented trade and recovery. The forced closure has been one of the last to the visa applicant by Depu- The members of the straws for the UA Cinema. ty Commissioner Wang Dong. CPPCC called on the central In a memo released on the group’s offi- Following a nearly year- government to lift visiting res- cial website, the group ascribed its going- -long suspension of visa is- trictions on foreign nationals under to “unavoidable and devastating pres- suance to foreign nationals, holding a Macau ID card and sure faced by our operations since the ou- the People’s Republic of China foreign non-resident workers tbreak of the coronavirus.” has recently issued visas to fo- in Macau. However, the group’s subsidiary business reign local residents residing According to reports, per- in Macau, UA Galaxy Cinemas, will maintain in Macau. mission would only be gran- operations as usual, according to TDM. Priority is given to applica- ted if they have been staying The 36-year-old UA Cinema was estab- tions for M and F visas, where in the city for over 28 days lished by late American businessman Ira applicants should submit an before their intended trip and Kaye in Hong Kong in 1985. invitation letter from a trade also have a negative Covid-19 The group had six theatres across Hong partner in China, or from tra- test certificate. Kong, which were located in Causeway de fairs for M visa or an invita- saw improving health con- the outbreak of Covid-19. The proposal was raised by Bay, Mong Kok, Tsing Yi, Tung Chung, and tion letter issued by a relevant ditions in both the mainland As for Chinese nationals Chong Sio Kin, Tina Ho Teng Kowloon Bay. entity or individual in China and Macau. holding Macau ID cards, they Iat, Leonel Alberto Alves, Ung In February, the group ceased the renewal for an F visa. Despite living in Macau are allowed to enter main- Pui Kun, Wan Nang Hon, and of the lease on its premise in K11 Musea sho- The resumption of Chine- and many being holders of land China – even under the Eddie Wong Yue Kai, who are pping center in Tsim Sha Tsui. se visas in Macau started on Macau ID cards, foreign na- stricter conditions during the attending the ongoing annual UA Cinemas had commenced winding- March 1, and was rolled out tionals have not been able to early phase of the outbreak – session of the CPPCC Natio- -up proceedings with the Hong Kong court, as the mainland authorities enter mainland China since with a dedicated type of travel nal Committee in Beijing. AL according to its statement.

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MACAU’S LEADING NEWSPAPER Further group of stranded migrant workers plead for repatriation flights LYNZY VALLES feel that as though they are racing Macau SAR, as many of them have against the clock if their illness is lost their jobs due to the impact of group of stranded non-resi- not being treated urgently,” Gou the pandemic outbreak.

Adent workers are calling on VALLES LYNZY added. As of December 2020, there were their government to assist them Meanwhile, she has also been a total of 177,663 non-resident in seeking repatriation flights, as in contact with AirAsia. In an email workers registered in town, down, a number of them are slated to to which the Times has been privy, 11%, or 18,875 fewer year-on-year, give birth in the coming months Gou was informed by the manage- according to official statistics. while others battle critical health ment in the Macau office that the The decline was mainly driven conditions. carrier proposal includes allowing by the reduced number of non- A total of 38 Malaysians and the Indonesian migrant workers -resident workers from China. Singaporeans have sought the as- to pay MOP3,500 per person – if Non-resident workers from the sistance of their governments in the flight is confirmed. Philippines and Vietnam also fell Hong Kong, since the two coun- Once the total number of pas- significantly, by 2,553 and 2,313, tries do not have consulate head- sengers is finalized, AirAsia shall respectively, to 31,228 and 12,491, quarters in the Macau SAR. then decide the airfare for the In- respectively, in December 2020. The distressed citizens are ready pleaded to both the Malay- red flights to help the Malaysians donesians and other nationalities In a reply to TDM Radio, the eyeing flights back to Malaysia sian and Singaporean consulate and Singaporeans go back home. joining the flight. Public Security Police Force indi- on April 8 via AirAsia. However, to assist their citizens in returning The coordinator listed cases of Indonesian and Singaporean cated that as of February 22, there the low-cost carrier requires the to their home country, as many of people who needed urgent me- passport holders are not required were 1,229 stranded former blue confirmation of at least 60 flying them are in distress. dical help, such as a Malaysian to undergo quarantine upon ar- card holders in Macau requesting passengers to be able to charter a The lack of flights returning to man who is suffering from a ca- rive in Kuala Lumpur if their next visa extensions due to the absence flight. countries such as Malaysia, Singa- taract who would need at least transit flight is within 24 hours. of flights. Agnes Goh, representative of pore, Indonesia and the Philippi- MOP100,000 to receive surgical They are required to present a ne- Yesterday, some 100 Myanmar the group and coordinator of the nes are causing misery among the treatment. gative nucleic acid test. nationals returned home via a flight, told the Times that there is non-resident workers, as many of “I really hope that the Malay- Goh has also assisted in coor- chartered flight organized by the a substantial number of Malay- them have already been laid off, sian and Singaporean government dinating chartered flights for the- Myanmar Consulate General in sians and Singaporeans who are and the high living cost in the city can help fund this AirAsia charte- se migrant workers, the first one Hong Kong. residing in temporary lodging makes it more difficult for them to red flight [because], unfortunately, taking place in October 2020. The Philippine Consulate Ge- would also need a notice period continually reside in town without we do not meet the requirement If the April 8 flight takes place, neral of Macau has so far repatria- to terminate their lodging, failing income. of Air Asia flight of minimum 60 it will be the third chartered flight ted a total of 2,838 Filipino citizens which their rental deposit may be In the hopes of allaying their passengers for a private chartered bound for Kuala Lumpur. since March 2020, arranging its forfeited. fear and apprehension, Goh has plane.” There are still hundreds of 15th repatriation flight on Fe- According to Goh, she had al- volunteered to coordinate charte- “The clock is ticking and we stranded migrant workers in the bruary 25. ad www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 7 tue 09.03.2021 中國 CHINA

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STRAIT TENSION Taiwan’s Tsai visits Beijing vows to naval base amid expand legal ‘toolkit’ Chinese threats AIWANESE President dent Donald Trump’s “dan- to fight US sanctions TTsai Ing-wen visited gerous practice” of showing a naval base yesterday to support for Taiwan, saying EIJING pledged 3 leader - also included

thank sailors and marines China’s claim to the self-go- to speed up legis- XINHUA a nod of support for a for their dedication to pro- verning island democracy lation aimed at more confrontational di- tecting the island amid re- is an “insurmountable red countering U.S. plomatic tone, vowing newed threats from China, line.” Bsanctions, as it seeks to to “promptly voice our vowing not to allow the loss Following Wang’s re- narrow Washington’s ad- views on major issues and of “any single inch” of terri- marks, the U.S. State Depart- vantages in disputes after matters involving Chi- tory. ment expressed concern the Trump administration na’s core interests.” On In remarks during her vi- about Chinese attempts to levied waves of penalties Sunday, Chinese Foreign sit to the 131st Flotilla in the intimidate Taiwan, stating against China. Minister Wang Yi warned northern port of Keelung, “Our support for Taiwan is Measures were annou- President Joe Biden’s ad- Tsai saluted the bravery of rock-solid.” nced by National Peo- ministration not to inter- servicemembers for their Separately, Wu Qian, a ple’s Congress Standing fere in its internal affairs “determination.” spokesperson for China’s Committee Chairman Li and called on the U.S. to China accuses Tsai and Defense Ministry, reitera- Zhanshu as part of his an- end penalties on Chinese other members of her pro- ted that China would not nual report to the Chinese Li Zhanshu, NPC Standing Committee Chairman companies. -independence Democratic “renounce the use of force legislature yesterday. “We A Chinese Foreign Mi- Progressive Party adminis- and reserve the right to take will upgrade our legal tool panies, Beijing’s measures months signaled a desire nistry spokesman said tration of undermining se- whatever measures are ne- kit for meeting challen- have yet to be felt across to level the playing field, yesterday that the onus curity in the Taiwan Strait. cessary.” ges and guarding against the Pacific due to the an effort that could force to repair ties was on the Beijing cut off contacts over Tsai has made boosting risks in order to oppose dollar’s dominance in in- multinationals to pick a U.S. after actions that her refusal to recognize the Taiwan’s indigenous defen- foreign sanctions, inter- ternational finance. By side. In January, its Minis- “undermined the bilate- island as a part of China and se capacity a central pillar of ference and long-arm ju- the time President Do- try of Commerce issued ral relationship severely” has sought to pressure her her defense policy, while also risdiction,” said Li, using nald Trump left office, the rules that would allow under Trump. “The U.S. through diplomatic isolation buying billions of dollars in language Beijing often U.S. had sanctioned at Chinese courts to punish has a bigger responsibi- and economic measures. weapons from the U.S., in- employs to criticize Ame- least 45 Chinese officials global companies for lity to take the initiative Chinese Foreign Minis- cluding F-16 fighter jets, ar- rican sanctions. over their role in policies complying with foreign in terms of taking ac- ter Wang Yi on Sunday also med drones, rocket systems While the U.S. and Chi- involving Hong Kong and sanctions, although it gave tion,” spokesman Zhao demanded the Biden ad- and missiles capable of hit- na traded several rounds Xinjiang, including 15 few details. Lijian told a regular ministration in the United ting both ships and land tar- of sanctions against each NPC members. The report by Li - the news briefing in Beijing. States reverse former Presi- gets. MDT/AP other’s officials and com- China has in recent Communist Party’s No. MDT/BLOOMBERG

FILM Chinese director of ‘Nomadland’ faces controversy at home HLOE Zhao’s success brated her win, others dug she said “the U.S. is now vers called for the debate C— she’s the first Asian up two interviews where my country.” Although to remain focused on her woman and the second Zhao said things that they AP PHOTO the news site updated the movie, which follows the woman ever to win a Gol- considered an “insult to story on March 3 to say story of a woman who li- den Globe for best director China.” they had misquoted Zhao, ves in a van after the com- for her film “Nomadland” Now publicity about and that the article “has pany that was the econo- — has not been met with the film has been removed been updated to reflect mic engine of her town in universal applause in her from social media, and at she said (the U.S. is) ‘not’ Nevada shut its doors. country of birth. least two hashtags related her country,” the uncor- A popular film critic, The Beijing-born fil- to it have been disabled. rected version of the story Chu Mufeng, praised Zhao mmaker, now a leading Searching for the hash- was the one circulating and her film on his Wei- Oscar contender, instead tags “Nomadland has a widely on the Chinese in- bo where he has 3 million finds the news of her suc- release date” and “No ternet. followers, noting that cess overshadowed by a land to rely on” (the film’s It is unclear if the film “not only was she the first nationalist backlash regar- Chinese title) on popular will still be released in ethnically Chinese female ding her citizenship and microblog platform Wei- China. It was slated to be director to win best direc- her identity. Censors have bo results in a message: released on April 23, ac- tor, she was also the first removed some social me- “According to the relevant the official Chinese poster with Filmmaker magazine cording to Chinese media. Asian woman.” dia posts about the film, laws, regulations and po- for the movie as well as a where Zhao said, “It goes The China Film Admi- However, one of the top which has raised ques- licies, the page is not fou- release date in China were back to when I was a tee- nistration did not imme- comments underneath tions about whether it will nd.” deleted Friday, according nager in China, being in diately respond to phone his post said: “An Ameri- still be released in China. A post on Weibo from to Variety. The app’s lan- a place where there are calls seeking comment. can female film director, Over the past week, Chi- the government-backed ding page for the movie, lies everywhere.” The in- The online debate has thanks, don’t praise her nese web users questioned National Arthouse Allian- with comments and its terview no longer shows been split. Nationalist too much.” whether Zhao, who was ce of Cinemas that had English-language poster, the quote, but archived commentators say Zhao Chu responded to the educated in the U.K. and featured a poster for the remain visible. versions of the webpage betrayed her country, comment, saying, “If an the U.S., was still a Chine- film no longer displays the At the heart of the con- showed the original. calling her “two-faced” ethnically Chinese chef se citizen and if she could poster. troversy are two quotes The second quote came and saying she left the was great at cooking, would be counted as Chinese gi- On Douban, a popular from previous interviews from an interview Zhao country based on her fa- you ask him where he was ven a critical comment she app where many urban done by Zhao. Online users did with an Australian ther’s wealth as a former from? Treat a good movie as made about the country in Chinese users discuss circulated screensho- website, news.com.au, in CEO of a state-owned if it’s a feast, all you need to 2013. Even as some cele- books, films and TV shows, ts from a 2013 interview December last year where enterprise. Other obser- do is enjoy.” MDT/AP page 8 www.macaudailytimes.com.mo WORLD 國際 09.03.2021 tue

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pport to its own members. “For the family, they very this day in history AP PHOTO much have this mentali- ty of ‘This is just how it is, 1967 Stalin’s daughter this is how it’s meant to be, you can’t change it, we’ve defects to the West all been through it,’” Harry said. The couple had faced se- vere criticism in the United Kingdom during the run- -up to the interview. Prince Philip, Harry’s 99-year-old grandfather, is in a London hospital after recovering from a heart procedure, and critics saw the decision to go forward as being a bur- den on the queen — even though, CBS, rather that Harry and Meghan, dicta- ted the timing of the broa- Prince Harry and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speaking about expecting their second child during an dcast. interview with Oprah Winfrey In the United States, sympathy for the couple poured in after the inter- view. It will be shown to- UK day in Britain, where some see Meghan and Harry as a couple who put personal The daughter of the Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin happiness ahead of public has requested political asylum at the United States duty. Embassy in India. Royals absorb shock Meghan — then known The American Mutual Radio network broke the as Meghan Markle, who news but the American State Department has so far had starred on the Ameri- refused to comment. can TV legal drama “Suits” Since her father’s death in 1953, little has been of revealing Harry, — married Harry, a grand- heard of 42-year-old Svetlana Alliluyeva - who pre- son of Queen Elizabeth II, fers to be known by her mother’s maiden name. at Windsor Castle in May She has been living in a flat in Moscow near the Bri- 2018. Their son, Archie, was tish Embassy working as a researcher and translator. Meghan interview born the following year. Svetlana is the only daughter of Joseph Stalin by his second wife Nadezhda Alliluyeva who committed ns and conversations about Anti-monarchy group Holding hands, Harry JILL LAWLESS & DANICA suicide in 1932 when Svetlana was nine years old. how dark his skin might be Republic said the interview and Meghan sat opposite KIRKA, LONDON When she was just 18, Svetlana, married a Jewish when he’s born.” gave a clearer picture of Winfrey while she questio- fellow student at Moscow University against her fa- Harry confirmed the what the royal family is like ned them in a lush garden RITAIN and its ther’s wishes. conversation, saying: “I was royal family absor- — and it’s not pretty. setting. The couple lives in She had a son by him but the marriage was dissol- bed the tremors a bit shocked.” He said he “Whether for the sake Montecito, California, whe- ved and her ex-husband sent to his death in a Sibe- yesterday from a would not reveal who made of Britain or for the sake re they are Winfrey’s nei- rian labour camp. Bsensational television in- the comment. of the younger royals this ghbors. Her second husband was Yuri Zhdanov, the son of terview by Prince Harry and The pair, known as the rotten institution needs Harry said he had lived Andrei, a close ally of Stalin. Meghan, in which the cou- Duke and Duchess of Sus- to go,’’ Graham Smith of in fear of a repeat of the fate This marriage was also dissolved. ple said they encountered sex, announced they were the campaign group said. of his mother, Princess Dia- In 1964 she married Brajesh Singh, an Indian com- racist attitudes and a lack of quitting royal duties last “Some people will say ‘well na, who was covered cons- munist. support that drove the du- year, citing what they said you would say that,’ but this tantly by the press and died He died last November and Svetlana came to India chess to thoughts of suicide. were the unbearable intru- interview has only served to in a car crash in Paris in on 20 December last year to bury his ashes. In a two-hour soul-ba- sions and racist attitudes highlight what a lot of peo- 1997 while being pursued She is believed to be planning to go to Geneva, ring interview with Oprah of the British media. That ple have known for years: by paparazzi. Switzerland, after the Indian authorities refused her Winfrey, the couple pain- split became official earlier The monarchy is rotten to “What I was seeing was permission to stay in the country for fear of marring ted a deeply unflattering this year, and the interview the core and does not re- history repeating itself, but relations with the Soviet Union. picture of life inside the was widely seen as their first flect British values.” definitely far more dange- She leaves behind a grown-up son and daughter in royal household, depicting opportunity to explain their Harry, born a royal prin- rous — because then you Moscow. a cold, uncaring institution decision. ce, described how his wife’s add race in, and you add Courtesy BBC News that they had to flee to save The implications for the experience had helped him social media in,” Harry said. their lives. interview — which was realize how he and he rest of Both Meghan and Har- Meghan told Winfrey that broadcast yesterday [Macau the family were stuck in an ry praised the support they at one point “I just didn’t time] in the United States oppressive institution. had received from Queen want to be alive anymore” and will air in Britain on to- “I was trapped, but I di- Elizabeth II, Harry’s grand- In context and had uncontrollable day — are only beginning to dn’t know I was trapped,” mother. suicidal thoughts. She said be understood. Emily Nash, Harry said. “My father and “The queen has always Svetlana Alliluyeva was allowed to stay in Switzerland for she sought help through the royal editor at Hello! Ma- my brother, they are tra- been wonderful to me,” Me- three months. She went to the United States in April 1967. palace’s human resources gazine, said the revelations pped.” ghan said. On arrival at New York, she held a press conference and department, but was told had left her and many other Meghan, he said, “saved But Harry revealed he astonished the world by denouncing her father’s regime there was nothing they cou- viewers “shell-shocked.” me.” currently has a poor rela- - much to the irritation of the Soviet leader of the time, ld do. “I don’t see how the pala- The younger royals — tionship with his brother, Alexei Kosygin, who said she was a “sick person”. Meghan, 39, admitted ce can ignore these allega- including Harry, Meghan, William, and said things got Later that year, she published her memoirs, Twenty Letters to a Friend, and another autobiography in 1969 called Only that she was naive at the tions, they’re incredibly se- Harry’s brother, Prince so bad with his father that One Year. start of her relationship with rious,” she said. “You have William, and William’s wife, at one point Prince Charles Svetlana became a US citizen and changed her name to Harry and unprepared for the racism allegations. Then Catherine — have made stopped taking his calls. Lana Peters when she married American architect, William the strictures of royal life. you also have the claim that campaigning for support In a rare positive mo- Peters in 1970. But they separated after their daughter, The former television Megan was not supported, and awareness around ment in the interview, Olga, was born. She returned to the Soviet Union in 1984 and settled in star, who identifies as bira- and she sought help even mental health one of their Harry and Meghan revea- Tbilisi, Georgia - her father’s homeland. cial, described that when from the HR team within priorities. But Harry descri- led their second child, In 1986 she left the USSR for the second time to live in the she was pregnant with son the household and was told bed a royal family comple- due in the summer, would US and then during the 1990s settled in England. Archie, there were “concer- that she couldn’t seek help.” tely unable to offer that su- be a girl. AP www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 9 tue 09.03.2021 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 A short and sweet conversation Someone who holds some power early in the day could plant over you might have a vested the seeds for some interesting interest in discouraging you from ideas in your head. These moving forward with your goals, should blossom over the course but they can’t stop you, and that’s of the day. what is important. Gemini Cancer

May. 21-Jun. 21 Jun. 22-Jul. 22 If you’ve been playing a flirtatious Parties are supposed to be places game with a certain sassy someone, where you can relax and have fun. be aware that it might come to a If you only see them as routes to screeching halt today. You could get closer to someone you think find out that they aren’t exactly as can make things better in your life, available as you thought they were! then you’re selling yourself short. SUDOKU WEATHER Leo Virgo MIN MAX CONDITION Jul. 23-Aug. 22 Aug. 23-Sep. 22 Easy Easy+ CHINA One of your friends is being You can change the minds of Beijing 15 cloudy indecisive right now, and it could some influential people today. All 1 be delaying some exciting social you have to do is get a little bit of Harbin -7 3 clear plans. Light a fire under them today, face time with each of them. Use and let them know that everyone is your warm charm and some cold Tianjin 2 16 clear waiting for them. logic to enlighten these people. Urumqi -1 5 clear Libra Scorpio Xi’an 3 16 cloudy Lhasa -1 13 cloudy Sep.23-Oct. 22 Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Chengdu 11 14 overcast You should just talk about new This isn’t a day to gloss over unusual Chongqing 14 18 overcast things today. The same old topics minor details. If something raises of conversation aren’t cutting a red flag, no matter how small it Kunming 9 22 clear it, so it’s time for you and your may be, you need to pay attention Nanjing 13 cloudy conversational skills to move into to it! Is your car making a funny 8 newer, greener pastures. sound? Look into it! Shanghai 9 12 overcast Wuhan 15 cloudy Sagittarius Capricorn 4 Medium Hard Hangzhou 8 13 overcast Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Taipei 17 20 drizzle Sure, you know that you’re Today, an average exchange of Guangzhou 17 24 cloudy totally right about how to ideas could generate a sublime fix a problem that’s making experience in your life, so be open Hong Kong 19 23 cloudy everyone else freak out, but to talking to anyone at any time. your ideas are going to fall on You should try to get a little bit deaf ears right now. more creative. WORLD Aquarius Pisces Moscow -13 -5 cloudy Frankfurt -2 3 sleet Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Feb.19-Mar. 20 Paris -1 5 overcast Today, you could be syncing up The greatest thing about the with a lot of different types of energy you feel today is that it can London 3 8 drizzle people. This means it’s a great give you all the focus you need to time for you to start building a take the most complicated ideas New York 3 5 sleet foundation for something unique and make them simple enough and new in your life. for anyone to understand.

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Yuan erases BLOOMBERG 2021 gain but remains in high levels

HE Chinese yuan briefly erased its Tyear-to-date gains versus a rebou- nding dollar, amid a broad rout in risk assets across Asia. The onshore yuan weakened as much as 0.5% to 6.5290 against the greenback in Shanghai, falling past the 6.5283 per dollar level it closed at on Dec. 31, before paring the drop sli- ghtly. The Senate’s approval of a $1.9 trillion stimulus package in the U.S. and strong exports data out of China, which pointed to recovering demand in America and other major markets, helped send the benchmark Treasury yield 4 basis points higher, sparking a decline in Asian stocks and curren- cies. Optimism over a global recovery from the pandemic has morphed into concerns that rising inflation and an overheating economy would trigger China’s carbon market sooner-than-expected rate hikes. The Chinese bond market had largely es- caped a Treasury-sparked rout seen to grow to $25 billion in the past few weeks, but a continued pullback in Chinese equities and ex- by 2030, Citi says pectations for normalizing growth in the world’s second-largest economy HE size of China’s carbon the outset as the government pments to transform China’s in circulation this year. Those are beginning to dampen sentiment Tmarket will expand more seeks to ease companies into ETS into the world’s largest are expected to rise to $25 a on the yuan. than 30-fold over the next de- compliance. effective carbon trading sche- ton and 1 billion tons in circu- Last week, China’s government set cade as it covers more indus- China’s launch means that me and a key building block of lation by 2030, the bank said, a conservative economic growth tar- tries and polluting becomes one-fifth of global emissions the country’s 2030 peak emis- based on a survey. get of above 6% for the year, as it shifts more expensive, according to will now fall under a tax or sions commitment.” At $25 a ton, the carbon focus from recovery mode to longer- Citigroup Inc. trading scheme, according China made the rules for its cost for a coal-powered alu- -term challenges like reining in debt The market’s physical tur- to Citi. At the same time, the ETS official in February and minum smelter could rise to and reducing technological depen- nover will rise from about pressure to cut emissions is wants online trading to begin $375 a ton, equivalent to cur- dence on the U.S. $800 million this year, its likely to be inflationary and by the end of June. The market rent profit margins, according Even after yesterdays’s declines, the first in operation, to around could leave Chinese factories will begin with the power sec- to Citi. yuan remains higher than its average $25 billion by the end of the more expensive relative to tor, and will add other ener- “If policies are stringent level of the past five years. It’s the third decade, analysts including countries without controls, gy-intensive industries such enough, this could precipitate best-performing emerging currency Tracy Liao said in a March 8 the bank said. as steel, petrochemicals and the shifting of supply chains this year out of 24 major exchange-ra- note. The expected growth “The Chinese national ETS cement through 2025. of emission-intensive in- tes tracked by Bloomberg. underscores both the massive as currently rolled out should Citi expects an initial car- dustries from China to other A Bloomberg gauge of the dollar’s potential of the emissions tra- play a limited role in reducing bon price of $4 a ton and emis- countries that do not face the strength gained 0.4% as of 5:06 p.m. ding scheme, and the modest emissions at first,” Liao said. sions allowances representing same regulatory costs,” Liao local time to its highest in four mon- impact it’s expected to have at “We expect a series of develo- about 200 million tons to be said. MDT/BLOOMBERG ths. MDT/BLOOMBERG

CORPORATE BITS Melco holds Chinese culture exhibition tour for employees The Ritz-Carlton to present ‘Star Collaboration’ menu and identity and to gain a dee- present the “first class Star per understanding of Macau’s Collaboration menus,” the developments and achieve- hotel announced in a state- ments. ment. Xana Lei, director of En- Chef Jackie and Chef Aiden tertainment Development & are the culinary leaders of the Operations, Entertainment & one-star Michelin restaurant, Projects, Melco Resorts & En- Lai Heen, in Macau and Guan- tertainment, said, “The offe- gzhou respectively. rings of the company’s Splen- “The eight-course dinner dors of China learning pro- menu features the chefs’ gram have always been di- craftsmanship and their in- versified. The exhibition has ventive creations. The duo allowed me to gain a better joins forces in elevating their understanding of the Mother- own signature dishes to the As part of Melco Resorts & Base for Young People” lo- land, its history, culture and next level,” the statement Entertainment’s “Splendors cated at the Handover Gifts recent development.” reads. of China” learning program, Museum of Macau. Accor- The patriotic education The Ritz-Carlton, Macau re- -day culinary journey alon- The chefs have also adop- 40 colleagues from the Melco ding to the gaming operator, base aims to help people in cently welcomed the Miche- gside its Chinese Executive ted the French confit techni- management team recently the purpose of the tour is to Macau develop a deeper un- lin-starred chef, Aiden Huang, Chef, Jackie Ho, at Lai Heen. que and sweet basil flavors to toured the “Loving the Coun- strengthen Melco collea- derstanding of Chinese his- from The Ritz-Carlton, Guan- From March 26 to 28, the delight palates with an inter- try, Loving Macau Education gues’ national knowledge tory and culture. gzhou for an exclusive three- two chefs will collaborate to national flair. www.macaudailytimes.com.mo page 11 tue 09.03.2021 體育 SPORTS

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FOOTBALL A single league table in the new format would send the top eight into the last-16 round. Teams ranked Nos. 9 to 24 would enter playoffs to complete the knockout European clubs target global fans bracket. “The beauty of the system has now been recognized by all,” Ag- nelli said. with Champions League plan The European Leagues group has warned the plan would take GRAHAM DUNBAR, GENEVA having a relatively poor domestic broadcast revenue and fixture ca- campaign. lendar space from its members.

UROPEAN soccer clubs AP PHOTO Agnelli stated his vision of Eu- Agnelli chided ECA board were urged Monday to ropean soccer appealing to fans members who brought their do- support a Champions worldwide because “traditional mestic concerns into its talks on League expansion plan assumptions” about fans’ loyalties international matters. Eand help please a new type of had to change. He also urged them to embra- global fans who have different su- One third of fans globally ce “strong progressive views, not pporting habits. follow at least two clubs and 10% the conservatism that has always A UEFA-led proposal to change of fans follow players instead of distinguished our industry,” whi- its clubs competitions in 2024 — clubs, said the Italian executive ch has been hit hard by the CO- abolishing traditional four-team whose club signed Cristiano Ro- VID-19 pandemic. groups and adding 100 Cham- naldo three years ago. The UEFA-led talks took pla- pions League games in a 36-team Agnelli cautioned that the so- ce amid leaks that financiers are format — was being presented to -called “Gen Z” demographic of ready to back a European Super more than 200 European Club As- 16-to-24-year-olds “have no inte- League project outside of UEFA’s sociation members. rest in football whatsoever.” control. The deal could be finalized “The current system most Agnelli said he had “argumen- within two weeks, said Andrea likely is not delivering for the mo- ts and almost fights” with UEFA Agnelli, the ECA chairman and Ju- dern fan,” he said, claiming too President Aleksander Ceferin last ventus president, in opening the many domestic and international year, and suggested interest from online meeting. games “are simply uncompetiti- global banks meant European “I really ask you that today we ECA leaders want two of the ther than rewarding champions ve.” soccer was “highly palatable for endorse this system going forward four extra Champions League pla- from mid-ranking leagues such as The Champions League pro- richer investments.” and mandate the (ECA) board to ces given to clubs who do not qua- Austria, the Czech Republic and posal would ensure 10 games for “That means if we change our- execute the last details that we will lify on merit but are ranked highly Scotland. each of the 36 teams. Currently, selves we can look forward to tho- be missing,” Agnelli said, singling by UEFA based on past results in If the historic ranking system only six group-stage games are se richer investments ourselves,” out the unresolved issue of access Europe. applied this season, it would likely guaranteed for 32 teams that he said, rather than financial ins- for clubs to the revamped Cham- Critics see that as a safety net reward storied teams such as Li- share about 2 billion euros ($2.4 titutions getting a return on their pions League. for clubs with global brands ra- verpool and Borussia Dortmund billion) in UEFA prize money. money. AP

ad Grammy performers: Taylor Swift, the BTS, Cardi B, Billie Eilish BUZZ Taylor Swift, BTS, Cardi B and Billie Eilish are set to perform at academy said in a statement that “artists will be coming toge- next week’s Grammy Awards. ther, while still safely apart, to play music for each other as a The Recording Academy announced Sunday that Harry community and celebrate the music that unites us all.” Styles, Bad Bunny, Post Malone, Megan Thee Stallion and Dua Trevor Noah is hosting the show for the first time. Other perfor- Lipa will also hit the stage at the March 14 event. The show will mers include Chris Martin, John Mayer, Doja Cat, Maren Morris, air live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on CBS and Pa- DaBaby, HAIM, Lil Baby, Brandi Carlile, Roddy Ricch, Brittany ramount+. Howard, Miranda Lambert, Mickey Guyton and Black Pumas. OPINION The Grammys were originally supposed to take place on Jan. Beyoncé is leading nominee with nine, followed by Swift, Lipa 31 but were delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The and Ricch, who each earned six nominations. Editors, Xinhua

Hong Kong should seize historic After delays, Israel AP PHOTO opportunity in China’s development plan starts vaccinating Iraq A pair of B-52 bombers As China embarks on a new journey to fully flew over the Mideast, the building a modern socialist country, a national Palestinian workers latest such mission in the blueprint has provided historic opportunities to FTER delays, Israel star- region aimed at warning the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Iran amid tensions between (HKSAR). Ated vaccinating Palesti-

AP PHOTO Washington and Tehran. China’s clear positioning and scientific nians who work inside the country and its West Bank The flight by the two heavy planning for the HKSAR were reflected in a draft bombers came as a pro-Iran outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) settlements yesterday, more satellite channel based in for national economic and social development than two months after laun- Beirut broadcast Iranian and the long-range objectives through the year ching an immunization blitz military drone footage 2035, which was unveiled on Friday. of its own population. of an Israeli ship hit by a Hong Kong has a wide range of unique advan- Palestinian laborers who mysterious explosion only tages in China’s development. The plan stressed crossed into Israel at several days earlier in the Mideast. the HKSAR’s important roles in sectors including West Bank checkpoints recei- While the channel sought to finance, innovative technology, shipping, trade, say Iran wasn’t involved, Israel professional services, intellectual property ri- ved their first doses of the Mo- has blamed Tehran for what ghts and cultural exchanges, and specifically derna vaccine from Magen it described as an attack on highlighted its role in connecting domestic and David Adom paramedics. The the vessel. international markets. vaccination drive orchestra- Coordinated development with the Chine- ted by COGAT, Israel’s military Pakistani security forces, se mainland will foster new growth drivers for agency coordinating govern- million Israelis — more than it does not have any such obli- acting on intelligence, Hong Kong. According to the plan, China will ment operations in the West 40% — have received two do- gation. raided a suspected hideout support Hong Kong in better integrating its own of a separatist group in Bank, had been beset by pos- ses of the vaccine. But until Israeli officials have said development into the overall national develop- southwestern Baluchistan yesterday, Israel had provided the priority is vaccinating Is- ment on a larger platform, such as the joint bui- tponements. province yesterday, lding of the Belt and Road and the development Some 100,000 Palestinian few vaccines for Palestinians rael’s own population first, triggering a shootout of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater laborers from the West Bank in the West Bank and Gaza while the Palestinian Autho- that killed five insurgents, Bay Area, to name a few. work in Israel and its settle- Strip, a move that has unders- rity has said it will obtain its the province’s counter- It should be noted that Hong Kong is facing ments, which are widely seen cored global disparities and own vaccines through a World terrorism department multiple difficulties and challenges, such as in- internationally as illegal and drawn international criticism. Health Organization partner- said. In a statement, it said police also seized a cache come disparity, a homogeneous economy, the ship with huma- an obstacle to of weapons in the raid in the hollowing out of industries, and few opportu- peace. nitarian organi- nities for upward mobility. These issues become district of Mastung. The slain Maj. Gen. Ka- Israel has zations known as even more outstanding against the backdrop of men were members of a COVAX. a rapidly changing global economic landscape mil Abu Rukun, separatist group that often administered over targets police and troops in and increasingly fierce international competi- the head of CO- To date, the Baluchistan, according to the tion. GAT, said in a 8.7M doses of the PA has acquired police. Besides, Hong Kong’s economy was in the dol- statement in Ara- enough vaccine drums as a result of the turbulence over the pro- bic that Israelis Pfizer vaccine to its doses for only posed amendment bill and the COVID-19 pan- and Palestinians 6,000 people in

population of 9.3M AP PHOTO demic. Its economy slipped 6.1 percent last year, “live in the same the West Bank with the latest jobless rate spiking to 7 percent. epidemiological and the Gaza For Hong Kong, the only way out is to abolish space” and that it was a sha- Human rights groups and Strip, which are home to the outmoded mindset and practice and embra- many Palestinians say that as nearly 5 million Palestinians. Lebanon Protesters closed ce and grasp the historic opportunities of Chi- red interest to vaccinate Pales- tinians. an occupying power, Israel is It received 2,000 doses from all major roads leading na’s reform and opening-up in the new era. to the capital yesterday, responsible for providing vac- Israel and acquired another A harmonious and stable social environment Israel has administered causing traffic jams and is the primary guarantee for Hong Kong to fo- over 8.7 million doses of the cines to the Palestinians. Israel 10,000 doses of a Russian- triggering a call by the head cus on its development. Over the past few years, Pfizer vaccine to its popula- says that under interim peace -made vaccine. Each is given of the hospitals union who the anti-China, destabilizing forces and radical tion of 9.3 million. Over 3.7 accords reached in the 1990s, in two doses. AP warned that such moves are localists in Hong Kong have taken advantage of preventing oxygen supplies the loopholes in the HKSAR’s electoral system, from reaching medical attempting to grab power and administer Hong centers treating coronavirus Kong through election manipulation, but only to AP Photo/Bullit Marquez patients. The dayslong have brought mishaps and chaos to the metro- THE DECISIVE MOMENT protests come against the polis. backdrop of a crash in the Such actions have put China’s national sove- local currency, increase of reignty, security and development interests in consumer goods prices and serious jeopardy, severely disrupted Hong Kong’s political bickering between social stability and harmed the well-being of its rival groups that has delayed residents. the formation of a new Therefore, it is imperative to improve Hong government. Kong’s electoral system. Only when the loopho- les in the system are plugged can the Hong Kong Australia has suspended its public be assured of exercising their rights, and defense cooperation with the HKSAR government focus on developing the Myanmar and is redirecting economy and improving the people’s well-being. humanitarian aid because of The National People’s Congress, the country’s the military takeover of the top legislature, has deliberated important issues government and ongoing related to Hong Kong for two consecutive years, detention of an Australian citizen. Foreign Minister which will help end political disputes, refocus Marise Payne said yesterday on development, and protect the long-term that Australian diplomats prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. and relatives had only been With the support of the motherland, Hong able to contact economic Kong will take more solid and firm steps to re- policy adviser Sean Turnell gain stability from chaos, grasp the enormous twice by phone since he was and historic opportunities and fit in the natio- detained in early February. nal development blueprint for an even brighter Women’s Day. A worker from the LG Towers prepares flowers to hand She described the access future. over to women who enter the office building as part of celebration of International Women’s Day in Beijing, yesterday. as “very limited consular support.”