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  • Ex-Olympic boxing champ Yoka takes DR Congo license but rejects Olympic switch from France

    Ex-Olympic boxing champ Yoka takes DR Congo license but rejects Olympic switch from France

    PARIS — French Olympic gold medalist Tony Yoka has formally obtained a boxing license from the Democratic Republic of Congo, his father’s homeland, while simultaneously clarifying that this administrative move does not signal a change in his competitive nationality or Olympic aspirations.

    The 33-year-old super heavyweight champion, who triumphed at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, addressed speculation through a video message on his Instagram platform this Tuesday. Yoka explicitly stated: “Under no circumstances is there any question of me going to the Olympic Games representing the Democratic Republic of Congo. I am and will remain a French Olympic champion.”

    This clarification comes after Congolese Sports Minister Didier Budimbu Ntubuanga previously announced that Yoka had committed to representing Congo with ambitions for Olympic gold, alongside establishing a dedicated boxing academy within the country. The minister had characterized the arrangement as “a major boost for national boxing.”

    Yoka explained that the Congolese license serves purely practical purposes for an upcoming bout scheduled in the country later this year. The boxer emphasized his pride in contributing to Congo’s international recognition while honoring his familial heritage.

    “I’m proud to be able to help the Democratic Republic of Congo shine in the eyes of the world, as well as to honor my word and pay tribute to minister Didier Budimbu, who trusts me in this adventure,” Yoka stated in his social media announcement.

    Following an extensive amateur career spanning 84 fights, Yoka transitioned to professional boxing in 2017. His current professional record stands at 15 wins (12 by knockout) against 3 losses. The former champion is currently working to revitalize his career under the guidance of British promoter Frank Warren.

  • Drone and fireworks show staged in Macao to celebrate Spring Festival

    Drone and fireworks show staged in Macao to celebrate Spring Festival

    China Daily Information Co (CDIC) has established comprehensive copyright protection protocols for all content published across its digital platforms. The company’s stringent policies explicitly prohibit the republication or utilization of any materials—including textual content, photographs, and multimedia information—without obtaining prior written authorization from CDIC.

    The copyright notice, which dates back to 1994, underscores the organization’s long-standing commitment to intellectual property protection. The publication recommends optimal viewing experience through browsers with 1024*768 resolution or higher, ensuring consumers access content in its intended format.

    CDIC maintains multiple regulatory certifications, including Online Multimedia Publishing License 0108263 and Registration Number 130349, demonstrating compliance with China’s digital publishing regulations. The media organization additionally provides information regarding corporate operations, advertising opportunities, contact channels, and employment prospects for both domestic and international professionals through its dedicated portal sections.

  • Year of the Horse, full speed ahead

    Year of the Horse, full speed ahead

    As China welcomed the Year of the Horse in February 2026, the nation erupted in vibrant celebrations marking the Lunar New Year. The festivities showcased a rich tapestry of cultural traditions and modern innovations across the country.

    In Macao, a spectacular drone and fireworks display illuminated the night sky, creating a mesmerizing technological spectacle that drew thousands of spectators. Meanwhile, in Shanxi province, tourists flocked to the historic Zhaoyu Ancient City to experience traditional Spring Festival celebrations amidst well-preserved architectural heritage.

    The unique horse culture of Inner Mongolia took center stage at a winter photography festival, where the region’s equestrian traditions were displayed against breathtaking snowy landscapes. This celebration held particular significance during the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing strength, speed, and perseverance.

    Cultural institutions reported record engagement, with China’s science and technology museums attracting over 3.5 million visits during the holiday period. The surge in domestic tourism also set new records, particularly in cross-border travel between mainland China and special administrative regions, leading to unprecedented traffic on major transportation corridors.

    The celebrations extended beyond China’s borders, with Chinese tourists spreading festive vibes internationally while maintaining deep connections to their cultural roots. The panda, China’s national treasure, continued to capture public imagination as these beloved animals became integrated into daily life narratives during the holiday season.

    Despite the celebrations, authorities remained vigilant about public safety, issuing warnings about forest fire risks in Guangdong province following several incidents. The mixed pattern of traditional observance and modern adaptation characterized China’s approach to one of its most important cultural festivals, demonstrating both the preservation of heritage and embrace of innovation.

  • Trump to address a changed America at vital moment for his presidency

    Trump to address a changed America at vital moment for his presidency

    President Donald Trump approaches Tuesday’s State of the Union address at a critical juncture in his second term, facing mounting political challenges and declining public approval ratings. This nationally televised speech represents his final major opportunity to sway voter sentiment before November’s midterm elections, which could determine whether Republicans maintain congressional control or face Democratic opposition that might lead to legislative gridlock and renewed impeachment threats.

    Throughout the past year, Trump has pursued an aggressive transformation of presidential power, implementing sweeping immigration restrictions, realigning foreign alliances, and challenging fundamental checks and balances within the American political system. While achieving substantive policy victories both domestically and internationally, many initiatives have proven deeply divisive among the American public.

    Recent polling indicates significant erosion in Trump’s popular support, with CNN and Washington Post surveys showing approval ratings of just 36% and 39% respectively. His traditional strongholds—immigration and economic policy—have become particular vulnerabilities. The administration’s hardline immigration tactics, including deploying federal agents to cities like Minneapolis, have faced widespread protests and operational setbacks. Similarly, trade policies featuring aggressive tariffs have been ruled illegal by the Supreme Court, creating economic uncertainty despite stock market highs and low unemployment.

    According to rhetorical scholar Professor Robert Rowland, Trump faces an unusual challenge for this address: broadening his appeal beyond his core supporters rather than employing his characteristic combative style. Historically, State of the Union speeches serve to unite rather than divide, requiring a diplomatic approach that doesn’t come naturally to this president.

    The address may also address national security concerns, including potential military preparations regarding Iran—a foreign policy development that could dramatically reshape the political landscape. Ultimately, Trump’s performance will reveal whether he can demonstrate the humility and conciliatory tone needed to reverse his declining popularity, or whether he will instead double down on controversial positions that have defined his presidency.

  • What to know about Trump’s State of the Union address

    What to know about Trump’s State of the Union address

    Washington D.C. braces for President Donald Trump’s pivotal State of the Union address scheduled for Tuesday evening at 9:00 PM EST. The historic event will unfold in the Capitol’s House chamber before a distinguished assembly comprising Supreme Court justices, military leadership, and lawmakers from both chambers of Congress—though numerous Democratic representatives have announced their intentional absence.

    This constitutionally mandated address represents a critical opportunity for the president to outline his administration’s achievements and future policy objectives. The speech occurs against the backdrop of impending midterm elections, adding significant political weight to its delivery and reception.

    Historical context reveals the evolution of this presidential tradition since George Washington’s first address in 1790. In contemporary times, the event has transformed into a major media spectacle, consistently featuring an opposition rebuttal—a practice institutionalized since 1966.

    Anticipated discussion points include immigration enforcement, where the administration has recorded substantial decreases in illegal border crossings despite controversy surrounding deportation tactics. Trade policy remains another focal area following recent Supreme Court rulings challenging the president’s tariff authority. Additional expected topics encompass overseas ceasefire negotiations, Iranian relations, and the recent apprehension of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

    The event’s guest list reveals strategic political messaging, with lawmakers inviting symbolic attendees including immigration reform advocates, law enforcement family members, and victims of high-profile crimes. Notably absent will be the designated survivor—a cabinet member secured at an undisclosed location—and approximately two dozen Democratic lawmakers who plan to counter-program with a “People’s State of the Union” event organized by progressive groups.

    President Trump enters this address having set the record for longest congressional speech during his previous appearance—a remarkable one hour and forty-minute delivery that surpassed President Clinton’s prior record. The address will be broadcast across major networks with BBC providing comprehensive coverage beginning at 8:00 PM EST.

  • France demands explanation from US envoy over ‘surprise’ no-show

    France demands explanation from US envoy over ‘surprise’ no-show

    France’s Foreign Ministry has formally demanded clarification from U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner following his unexpected absence from a scheduled diplomatic meeting. The incident marks the second time Ambassador Kushner has failed to attend a summons from French authorities.

    Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot characterized the ambassador’s absence as a breach of fundamental diplomatic protocols, expressing his ‘surprise’ at the development during a broadcast interview with France Info. The meeting was intended to address U.S. commentary on France’s internal political matters following the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon.

    According to diplomatic sources familiar with the matter, Ambassador Kushner cited ‘personal commitments’ as justification for his non-attendance, instead dispatching a senior embassy official to represent him. This pattern of behavior has drawn criticism from diplomatic professionals, including former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela Charles Shapiro, who emphasized that responding to foreign ministry summons constitutes a fundamental obligation of diplomatic service.

    The current diplomatic tension originated when the U.S. Embassy in Paris reposted statements from the Trump administration commenting on political violence in France following Deranque’s death during clashes between radical-left and far-right groups. Minister Barrot explicitly stated that France ‘does not accept that foreign countries can come and interfere in, then insert themselves into, our national political debate, whatever the circumstances.’

    Despite the diplomatic friction, French officials have indicated that bilateral relations between the nations remain unaffected. However, Barrot noted that the incident would impact Ambassador Kushner’s operational effectiveness within France. The French government has already implemented measures restricting Kushner’s access to ministerial-level officials.

    Ambassador Kushner, a 71-year-old multimillionaire real estate developer and former attorney, received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in 2020 after previously pleading guilty to multiple federal charges including tax evasion and witness tampering. His appointment represented Trump’s preference for placing loyalists and family associates in key diplomatic positions, as evidenced by his comment to Paris Match magazine that ‘It’s a great thing because he’s in our family.’

  • China’s sci-tech museums draw over 3.5m visits during Spring Festival holiday

    China’s sci-tech museums draw over 3.5m visits during Spring Festival holiday

    China’s network of science and technology museums experienced unprecedented popularity during the recent Spring Festival holiday, recording a remarkable 3.5 million visits across the nine-day celebration period. The China Science and Technology Museum (CSTM) in Beijing reported these figures on Monday, highlighting how these institutions successfully merged educational content with cultural festivities to create engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

    The flagship Beijing facility alone attracted over 200,000 visitors with its special Year of the Horse themed exhibitions. Nationwide, regional science museums developed customized programming that blended traditional Chinese zodiac symbolism, intangible cultural heritage elements, and interactive technology demonstrations. These carefully crafted experiences allowed families to explore scientific concepts while simultaneously participating in Lunar New Year traditions.

    According to CSTM officials, the institution will continue to pioneer innovative approaches to science communication throughout 2026. This strategic direction aims to enhance public engagement with scientific concepts and support China’s broader objectives of achieving greater self-reliance in science and technology through improved science literacy among the population. The successful holiday programming demonstrates how cultural institutions can effectively combine entertainment with education to stimulate public interest in scientific fields.

  • S. Korea’s ex-president Yoon files appeal against life sentence for insurrection

    S. Korea’s ex-president Yoon files appeal against life sentence for insurrection

    In a significant legal development, former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has formally appealed the life imprisonment verdict handed down for his role in orchestrating an insurrection during his presidency. The appeal was filed Tuesday with the Seoul Central District Court through Yoon’s legal representatives, according to reports from Yonhap News Agency.

    The case stems from Yoon’s controversial declaration of emergency martial law on December 3, 2024—an action the courts subsequently deemed unconstitutional as it occurred absent any legitimate national emergency, armed conflict, or comparable crisis situation. The extraordinary measures included deploying martial law troops and police forces to block the National Assembly’s efforts to revoke the declaration, alongside attempted detentions of prominent political leaders including parliamentary leadership and major party officials.

    Yoon’s declaration proved remarkably short-lived, with the National Assembly overriding and revoking the martial law order within hours of its implementation. The constitutional crisis culminated in April 2025 when the Constitutional Court upheld impeachment proceedings, resulting in Yoon’s removal from office. His January 2025 indictment while still in office marked an unprecedented moment in South Korean political history, representing the first instance of a sitting president facing arrest and criminal charges.

    South Korean law mandates that individuals convicted of leading an insurrection face only two possible sentences: life imprisonment or capital punishment. The upcoming appellate process will now determine whether the original court’s life sentence will stand or be modified in what has become one of the most consequential political-legal cases in the nation’s modern history.

  • Surge in mainland-SARs tourism drives traffic records on sea bridge

    Surge in mainland-SARs tourism drives traffic records on sea bridge

    The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge, has experienced unprecedented traffic volumes during the recent Spring Festival period, recording three consecutive days of record-breaking vehicle movements. On February 24-26, 2026, the infrastructure marvel witnessed daily traffic figures reaching 27,000, 27,100, and ultimately peaking at 29,500 trips respectively.

    This remarkable surge stems from a significant increase in bidirectional tourism between mainland China and the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao. Official data from Guangdong’s transportation authorities reveals that during the first seven days of the nine-day holiday period, the bridge accommodated over 161,000 vehicle crossings, representing a substantial 20% increase compared to the previous year.

    The increased traffic patterns reflect the successful implementation of cross-boundary vehicle programs initiated in 2023 and late 2025. These policies permit single-license vehicles from Hong Kong and Macao to access Guangdong province, while conversely enabling mainland vehicles to enter Hong Kong’s urban areas. During the festival, northbound vehicles from Hong Kong constituted more than half of total bridge traffic, with Saturday alone seeing over 15,300 such trips.

    For many families, this marked the first extended holiday period since the implementation of the latest travel facilitation measures. Guangzhou resident Mr. Wang, who secured his travel quota two weeks in advance, noted the enhanced flexibility for family travel that personal vehicle transportation provides.

    The bridge has simultaneously served as a major tourist attraction in its own right, with immigration authorities reporting approximately 10,000 participants in dedicated bridge tours during the holiday period. Meanwhile, the infrastructure has facilitated over 372,000 trips by residents from Hong Kong and Macao visiting family and enjoying short excursions in Guangdong.

    Transportation expert Gary Zhang Xinyu, former chairman of the Hong Kong Legislative Council’s rail transport subcommittee, described the traffic increase as “remarkably significant, even somewhat unexpected.” He emphasized that the phenomenon demonstrates both the substantial potential for cross-boundary travel and the powerful impact of policy measures on stimulating tourism demand and transforming travel patterns within the Greater Bay Area.

  • Forest fires spark safety warnings in Guangdong

    Forest fires spark safety warnings in Guangdong

    Authorities in Guangdong province have escalated fire safety measures following a concerning increase in forest fires triggered by illegal fireworks usage. The provincial emergency management department reported multiple wildfire outbreaks across Wuhua county in Meizhou on February 16, all originating from villagers discharging fireworks near forested zones. Although these particular incidents were contained without casualties, they revealed systemic vulnerabilities in current prevention frameworks.

    The provincial forest fire prevention headquarters convened an emergency video conference on Saturday, mandating comprehensive reforms to break the cycle of recurrent outbreaks. Officials have been directed to strengthen accountability mechanisms and address underlying weaknesses in fire management systems. The new strategy emphasizes intensified source control through systematic risk inspections and specialized operations targeting unlawful fire use.

    Simultaneously, the initiative expands public education campaigns across multiple channels to disseminate fire prevention legislation and safety knowledge. Local governments are enhancing emergency preparedness through refined contingency planning, regular drills, and developing integrated monitoring systems combining aerial, spatial, and ground surveillance technologies. Supervision protocols will feature immediate rectification orders with follow-up inspections to ensure implementation efficacy.

    This regulatory tightening follows tragic fireworks accidents in Jiangsu and Hubei provinces during the Spring Festival period, claiming 20 lives total. The State Council Work Safety Committee consequently issued national directives strengthening oversight throughout fireworks supply chains, particularly regarding sales and discharge activities. Multiple provinces including Liaoning have implemented stringent new regulations prohibiting hazardous practices near retail locations and establishing strict customer capacity limits.

    Several regions have introduced public reward programs encouraging citizen participation in identifying illegal activities. Zhangzhou city and Xiapu county in Fujian province are offering financial incentives for reporting violations, while Inner Mongolia has established reward tiers ranging from 3,000 to 300,000 yuan for tips leading to penalties.