TVB News at 7:30｜6 FEB 2025｜HONG KONG English Latest NEWS

Summary

The transcript covers a range of international and local news, from the US resuming postal services with China and Hong Kong, causing confusion due to new tariffs, to the ongoing US-China tariff dispute. It highlights Hong Kong’s efforts in medical and technological advancements, including FDA-certified health monitoring apps and a new math and AI program at CUHK. Local accidents, including a traffic collision in Chun Shawan, are also covered. The transcript concludes with news of Ocean Park's panda twins, marking a significant event for the park's conservation efforts.

Takeaways

• 😀 The US has resumed accepting parcels from mainland China and Hong Kong, ending a brief suspension.
• 😀 Hong Kong postal workers highlight the confusion and disruptions caused by the US resuming parcel deliveries, especially concerning tariffs.
• 😀 The US Postal Service is working on a more efficient system for implementing new tariffs on parcels.
• 😀 The US has ended a policy that allowed small packages worth $800 or less to be sent to the US tax-free, with new tariffs expected.
• 😀 China has launched a formal dispute with the WTO over US tariffs imposed during President Trump's administration.
• 😀 The US government has defended its tariff measures, claiming they are necessary to bring manufacturing back to the US.
• 😀 China is reportedly preparing to investigate Apple's App Store policies and fees, including its commission on in-app purchases.
• 😀 Tensions rise after the Panama Canal Authority denied the US's claim that US government vessels could cross the canal fee-free.
• 😀 China's Foreign Ministry and the UN have condemned Trump's proposal to remove Palestinians from Gaza, calling it ethnic cleansing.
• 😀 The Chinese University of Hong Kong has launched a new school of interdisciplinary mathematical sciences to cultivate global math talent.
• 😀 Graduates from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology received FDA certification for a health monitoring app, which uses contactless technology to measure vital health indicators.

Q & A

What led to the confusion regarding U.S. postal policies for parcels from Hong Kong and mainland China?

The U.S. Postal Service's abrupt reversal of a suspension on deliveries from mainland China and Hong Kong created confusion. The policy change was made without clear notifications, causing residents to only learn about shipment possibilities when visiting post offices in person.

How did the recent U-turn in U.S. postal policy affect small parcels from China and Hong Kong?

The U-turn meant that small packages worth $800 or less, which were previously exempt from tariffs, are now subject to tariffs, creating uncertainty for both residents and businesses in Hong Kong sending goods to the U.S.

What was the impact of the U.S. Postal Service's tariff policy on businesses?

The new tariff policy, particularly the end of the $800 exemption, caused businesses, especially those sending samples to the U.S., to worry about the added costs. Some businesses considered shifting suppliers to Southeast Asia or Europe to avoid the uncertainty of the U.S. policy.

What is the main concern of the Hong Kong Postal Workers Union regarding shipping to the U.S.?

The union expressed concerns that, starting from now, it will be unlikely for small U.S.-bound parcels to be shipped without taxes, and if recipients refuse to pay the tariffs, the packages may be returned to Hong Kong.

What was China's response to the U.S. tariff hikes and their impact on trade?

China launched a dispute with the World Trade Organization (WTO), accusing the U.S. of discriminatory and protectionist actions. Beijing insisted that the U.S. tariffs violated WTO rules and disrupted global supply chains.

How did U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besson defend the tariffs imposed by President Trump?

Scott Besson defended the tariffs as a necessary measure to bring U.S. manufacturing back to the country, highlighting the potential long-term benefits for the U.S. economy.

What was the focus of the WTO's involvement in the dispute over U.S. tariffs?

The WTO's involvement was triggered by China’s formal complaint against the U.S. tariffs, which it argued were based on unfounded accusations regarding fentanyl trafficking and violated international trade rules.

What was the reaction of the Panama Canal Authority to President Trump's claim about canal fees?

The Panama Canal Authority denied the U.S. State Department's claim that U.S. government vessels would be exempt from crossing fees. The Authority maintained that no changes had been made regarding the fees or rights to cross the canal.

What stance did the United Nations Secretary-General take on President Trump's Gaza proposal?

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Trump’s proposal to remove all Palestinians from Gaza, labeling it ethnic cleansing. He reiterated the importance of a two-state solution for peace and stability in the Middle East.

What new initiative did the Chinese University of Hong Kong introduce regarding interdisciplinary mathematical sciences?

The Chinese University of Hong Kong launched a new school dedicated to interdisciplinary mathematical sciences, integrating AI, big data, and machine learning. The initiative aims to cultivate world-class talent in mathematics and foster innovation in Hong Kong.