China’s judicial administration system achieved substantial advancements throughout 2025, marked by a remarkable 33% reduction in administrative inspections targeting businesses, according to the Ministry of Justice’s annual report released Monday.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Hong Kong tourist arrivals up 12% in 2025
Hong Kong’s tourism sector demonstrated robust recovery in 2025 with visitor arrivals reaching 49.9 million, marking a substantial 12% year-on-year increase according to official data released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board on January 20, 2026.
The comprehensive statistics reveal particularly strong performance in December 2025, which saw 4.65 million tourist entries representing a 9% growth compared to the same period in the previous year. The data indicates a balanced recovery across source markets, with mainland Chinese visitors increasing by 11% to 37.8 million, while international arrivals from other global markets surged by 15% to 12.1 million.
Notably, Japan and Australia emerged as the fastest-growing source markets, contributing significantly to the territory’s tourism rebound. The duration of stay metrics showed encouraging trends, with overnight visitors averaging 3.1 nights per stay. Tourist satisfaction levels reached impressive heights, scoring 8.9 out of 10 for overnight experiences.
Looking ahead to 2026, Hong Kong tourism authorities are preparing for the Chinese New Year celebrations commencing February 17, featuring traditional attractions including fireworks displays, the International Chinese New Year Night Parade, and special horse racing events designed to attract global visitors.
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ASEAN won’t endorse election in military-ruled Myanmar, Malaysia says
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has formally declined to validate recent elections in military-controlled Myanmar, marking a significant diplomatic stance against the ruling junta. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan confirmed the bloc’s position during a parliamentary session on Tuesday, emphasizing concerns regarding the electoral process’s failure to meet standards of inclusivity and freedom.
This development follows Myanmar’s two-phase general election—the first since the February 2021 military coup that ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s civilian government. The takeover ignited widespread civil unrest that has since escalated into full-scale civil conflict. According to human rights organizations and opposition groups, the voting process was systematically engineered to legitimize military authority rather than reflect genuine democratic expression.
Minister Hasan revealed that ASEAN leaders collectively determined during their October summit not to deploy official observers due to unmet prerequisites for credible elections. While certain member states—including Cambodia and Vietnam—opted to send independent monitors, the bloc itself maintained a unified position of non-participation. “Our decision to abstain from sending observers inherently means we cannot certify the election,” Hasan stated, delivering the first explicit regional declaration rejecting the electoral outcomes.
The regional body has consistently urged Myanmar’s military leadership to implement an agreed-upon peace roadmap involving violence cessation, humanitarian access, and inclusive political dialogue. Although ASEAN suspended Myanmar’s generals from high-level meetings, internal divisions have hampered cohesive action, with some members advocating engagement while others support stronger pressure tactics.
Final results for national and regional legislative seats are anticipated later this month, with the military-backed party projected to secure parliamentary dominance.
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Macao to offer free bus tickets for intl visitors in Hong Kong
In a strategic move to boost international tourism, Macao’s Government Tourism Office (MGTO) has unveiled a complimentary coach service program for global visitors transiting through Hong Kong. The initiative, launched on January 20, 2026, will remain operational through December 31, 2026, representing a comprehensive year-long hospitality campaign.
The program establishes a dedicated service counter at Hong Kong International Airport where eligible international passengers can obtain free one-way coach tickets. These coaches will transport visitors directly to Macao via the monumental Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, creating a seamless travel experience between the two special administrative regions.
MGTO officials stated this transportation incentive specifically targets the diversification of Macao’s visitor markets. By reducing transportation barriers, the program aims to stimulate international travelers’ interest in extending their stay to include Macao, traditionally overshadowed by Hong Kong’s transit hub status. The tourism office collaborated directly with cross-border bus service operators to ensure operational feasibility and passenger comfort.
This initiative forms part of Macao’s broader strategy to position itself as more than a gaming destination, showcasing its cultural heritage and tourism attractions to a global audience. The program’s timing during a period of global travel recovery indicates Macao’s proactive approach to tourism market regeneration and competitive positioning in the Asian tourism landscape.
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Window cleaners’ safety a concern in peak season
As China approaches the Spring Festival, traditionally associated with thorough house cleaning to welcome good fortune, the domestic services industry experiences a significant seasonal surge. This annual cleaning ritual has particularly intensified demand for window cleaning specialists, creating both economic opportunities and serious safety concerns for workers operating in high-rise environments.
Beijing resident Wang Zhaoge, who annually employs cleaners for her 18th-floor apartment, expressed deep apprehension: ‘Watching domestic workers lean precariously from windows without protective equipment is genuinely terrifying. My husband consistently reminds them to prioritize safety, as the visual perspective from our elevation is frankly dizzying.’
The financial dynamics of this seasonal market reveal interesting patterns. Early bookings typically command rates between 100-300 yuan ($14.30-$43) per hour, while last-minute reservations can nearly double these costs. Wang recalled paying 480 yuan for two hours of service when booking merely two weeks in advance last year, compared to 260 yuan for identical service with more advance planning this season.
Industry data from platform 58 Daojia indicates a remarkable 200% increase in window cleaning orders during the 2024 pre-festival period, alongside a 40% overall rise in domestic service requests. The platform has not yet released comparable statistics for the current year.
Legal expert Yao Junchang of Beijing’s W&H Law Firm highlights the complex employment landscape: ‘Labor relationships in this sector remain poorly defined. While some workers maintain formal contracts with service companies, many operate as independent platform registrants or private contractors—the latter group facing the highest risks with minimal protection.’
Yao emphasized that employers bear responsibility for providing appropriate safety equipment, noting that workplace injuries could potentially involve shared liability among workers, companies, and clients given the elevated risks associated with high-altitude cleaning.
Recognizing these challenges, seven central government agencies including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security jointly issued guidelines in June 2024 promoting industry development through enhanced worker protections. These measures encourage commercial insurance coverage for accidental injuries and employer liability, with local governments offering subsidies to companies investing in such safeguards for their employees.
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Students’ response to AI vs humanity moves millions
A thought-provoking classroom exercise at Shenzhen Nanshan Foreign Language School has captivated millions across China, prompting deep national conversation about human identity in the age of artificial intelligence. Chinese language teacher Yu Yaxuan presented her 54 students with a seemingly simple yet profoundly challenging question: \”Prove you’re not an AI with one Chinese character.\”\n\nThe students’ responses, which have since gone viral with 6.7 million views on Bilibili video platform, revealed remarkable philosophical depth and emotional intelligence. One student selected \”mother,\” explaining that it represents \”the first word most humans learn and a symbol of protective magic. Parents are our final barrier against death—something robots cannot comprehend.\”\n\nThe exercise highlighted contrasting yet equally human perspectives. Two students chose opposing concepts: \”urgent\” and \”slow.\” One noted that \”robots don’t understand why humans constantly hurry,\” describing how emotional states shape our perception of time. Another student, surnamed Wu, argued that while AI pursues speed and efficiency, humans cherish slowing down with loved ones, willingly \”wasting time on things that make life beautiful.\”\n\nOther students selected characters representing fundamental human experiences: \”doubt\” questioned whether AI could question its creators; \”limit\” celebrated human finitude versus AI’s infiniteness; while \”hatred\” was described as a complex mix of contradictory emotions that ten students identified as profoundly human.\n\nTeacher Yu Yaxuan explained the exercise’s purpose: \”AI serves as a clear mirror, reflecting those distinctly human moments we often overlook—hesitation, clumsiness, and impulsiveness.\” She emphasized that the goal wasn’t to debate human superiority but to explore deeper layers of humanity. For herself, Yu chose \”you,\\” quoting Mao Zedong to highlight how the future belongs to the younger generation.\n\nThe timing of this viral discussion is particularly significant as China’s 2025 Phrase of the Year was awarded to \”DeepSeek,\” a domestic AI model, reflecting the technology’s pervasive influence. Yet as student Wang articulated, humans maintain their unique value: \”I shape purpose, while AI is shaped by purpose. AI is always answering, but humans are always questioning.\”
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Chinese premier chairs symposium to solicit opinions on draft govt work report, five-year plan
Premier Li Qiang convened a high-level symposium in Beijing on January 19, 2026, to gather expert assessments on two critical policy documents: the draft government work report and the preliminary framework for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026-2030). The consultation forum brought together distinguished representatives from academic circles, business leadership, and various professional sectors including education, scientific research, cultural affairs, public health, and sports.
In his address, Premier Li emphasized the necessity of thoroughly executing the Communist Party Central Committee’s directives for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan while aligning with resolutions established during the Central Economic Work Conference. He articulated that confronting environmental uncertainties in development requires reinforcing certainty through high-quality economic advancement.
The Premier outlined several strategic priorities, including the implementation of a more proactive fiscal approach coupled with appropriately accommodative monetary policies. He stressed the importance of broadening pathways toward quality-driven development through innovation-led growth mechanisms and deepened reform and opening-up initiatives. Additionally, Li highlighted the strategic significance of expanding domestic demand as fundamental to strengthening internal development momentum.
A notable aspect of the proposed strategy involves the integration of welfare-oriented policies with consumption stimulation measures, alongside balancing investments in physical infrastructure with human capital development. This dual approach aims to cultivate new economic growth drivers while simultaneously enhancing public welfare outcomes.
Concurrently, both draft documents have been circulated to regional administrations and national government departments nationwide to solicit comprehensive feedback, ensuring broad-based input in the finalization process.
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Syria’s interim govt, Kurdish-led forces announce truce
In a landmark development aimed at de-escalating mounting tensions, Syria’s interim government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have declared a comprehensive ceasefire agreement. The breakthrough announcement came on Sunday from interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa following intensified clashes between government troops and Kurdish forces across northern and eastern regions.
The accord emerges as a strategic response to recent deadly confrontations in Raqqa and broader fighting this month that threatened to spiral into wider civil conflict. SDF commander Mazloum Abdi explicitly cited conflict prevention as the primary motivation for accepting the agreement, emphasizing the need to avoid further bloodshed.
This diplomatic arrangement encompasses far-reaching provisions beyond mere cessation of hostilities. The pact mandates the formal integration of Kurdish administration and military personnel into state structures—a contentious issue that had stalled in previous negotiations for months. Under the terms, Damascus will assume complete administrative and military jurisdiction over the strategically vital regions of Raqqa and Deir al-Zour, including control of all civil institutions and public facilities.
The agreement provides substantial guarantees for SDF personnel, who will undergo security vetting before incorporation into official military and security forces with full ranks, salaries, and benefits. Notably, the interim government has pledged not to pursue legal action against SDF fighters or civil administration staff.
Critical infrastructure elements feature prominently in the settlement, with Damascus taking control of all border crossings and oil/gas fields in northeastern Syria, including the strategically significant Al-Omar oilfield—the country’s largest. The arrangement also addresses the delicate matter of Islamic State detainees, specifying that prisons and camps holding these individuals will transition to state control.
The implementation timeline and specific security arrangements will be the focus of upcoming talks in Damascus, where both parties will negotiate the practical details of this comprehensive settlement.
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Online meetings spread governance to remote village residents far and wide
In the mountainous terrain of Sinan county, Guizhou province, a digital transformation is reshaping rural governance. Zhouzhai village has pioneered an innovative approach to civic engagement by conducting monthly village meetings via Douyin livestreams, effectively bridging the geographical divide for its dispersed population.
Under the leadership of village official Zhang Cheng, these virtual gatherings have become a cornerstone of community participation. Migrant workers in Guangdong factories and students on distant university campuses now actively contribute to discussions affecting their hometown—from healthcare reimbursement policies to agricultural development strategies for the local sweet potato industry.
During the December 27th session, Zhang addressed villagers in real-time, clarifying medical insurance procedures and reinforcing regulations against extravagant celebrations. The platform occasionally features healthcare professionals delivering medical advice, creating a comprehensive digital town hall experience.
The initiative emerged from practical necessity. With many residents working outside the province and elderly villagers facing mobility challenges after dark, traditional meetings saw declining participation. Leveraging nearly universal smartphone ownership and existing social media familiarity, the village committee launched its first livestreamed meeting in April 2024.
Results have been extraordinary: viewership surged from dozens to peaks exceeding 20,000, reaching 95% of village households. Through 19 monthly sessions held at 8 PM on the last Saturday of each month, the platform has generated over one million cumulative views and processed 65 community suggestions with complete resolution.
The digital approach aligns with China’s broader rural revitalization strategy, which emphasizes both digital infrastructure and governance modernization in its 2024-2027 development plan. As researcher Li Huahong of the Guizhou Academy of Social Sciences notes, this technological integration helps narrow urban-rural disparities while ensuring farmers benefit from equitable development.
Villagers express strong approval, with one university student commenting, ‘Watching the meeting live made me feel connected to home.’ Others praise the transparency and innovation, recognizing tangible benefits from the digitally-enabled governance model.
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Indonesian doctors train in Gansu
In a significant bilateral health initiative, nine Indonesian medical professionals are currently immersed in an intensive one-year specialization program in interventional cardiology at Lanzhou University First Hospital in China’s Gansu province. This advanced training partnership, established through formal agreements between Chinese and Indonesian health authorities, addresses critical shortages in specialized cardiovascular expertise within the Southeast Asian nation.
The comprehensive curriculum combines theoretical instruction with extensive clinical immersion, requiring participants to assist or independently complete a minimum of 300 interventional procedures. According to hospital vice-president Bai Ming, trainees typically exceed this requirement by participating in 400-500 procedures throughout the program. The institution’s cardiothoracic catheterization laboratory provides an ideal training environment, performing approximately 23,000 procedures annually—including 6,000-7,000 coronary interventions—and treating about 1,000 acute myocardial infarction cases each year.
Muhammad Insani Ilman, who joined the program in March, reported substantial gains in coronary angiography and angioplasty techniques. ‘We’re exposed to advanced medical technologies, such as ultrasound-based instruments, that remain scarce in Indonesia,’ he noted. ‘Our objective is to master these methodologies and implement them within our domestic healthcare system to benefit broader patient populations.’
Fellow participant Juang Zebua cited China’s robust medical education infrastructure and extensive clinical resources as primary motivators for choosing Lanzhou. Beyond technical training, the program fosters deep cultural connections—Indonesian doctors receive Chinese names from hospital staff, participate in regular and night shifts, and engage fully in emergency cases. Head nurse Gu Zhicong emphasized: ‘We integrate them as full colleagues within our clinical team, managing both their professional development and daily living arrangements.’
The exchange extends beyond hospital walls with cultural excursions to destinations including Dunhuang, enhancing people-to-people diplomacy between the two nations. This initiative represents part of Lanzhou University First Hospital’s broader effort to build international medical exchange platforms, particularly with Belt and Road Initiative participant countries. As Bai Ming concluded: ‘This collaboration mutually enhances clinical capabilities, educational quality, and research innovation in cardiovascular interventional care while simultaneously elevating our hospital’s global profile.’