During last year's presidential campaign, Trump threatened to impose a 60% tariff on all Chinese goods if elected. Recently, on his first day as the 47th President of the United States, he signed 78 executive orders, but none included the tariff measures he had frequently mentioned.

Donald Trump has pursued his first few days returning to the office with resolute action, as the BBC put it, he's "come out swinging". We have already discussed the many executive orders he has blasted through, all of which were to be expected, but what is happening on the world stage exactly? While Trump's statements on tariffs have been very much predictable, including towards China, one should also pay attention to the activity of Marco Rubio, his Secretary of State, Marco has much less publicity due to the fanfare being around the President, very busy.

On Jan. 20, Trump was sworn in again, becoming one of the few presidents in U.S. history to serve non-consecutive terms. This historic political scene not only signifies profound changes in the U.S. political ecosystem but also brings complex and subtle new signals for China-US relations.

Cybercrime is becoming increasingly rampant, with university students from the mainland frequently targeted by online scams. Recently, an 18-year-old girl from the mainland lost HK$9.2 million, and news emerged yesterday that another mainland student at the University of Hong Kong was scammed out of approximately HK$1.8 million. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics.

Recently, an 18-year-old mainland student studying at the University of Hong Kong fell victim to a phone scam, losing up to a huge number of HK$9.2 million. This significant financial loss has once again raised public concern about phone fraud activities.

Donald Trump has now been inaugurated again as President of the United States, an outcome that few could have contemplated was unimaginable only a few years ago. Swiftly after returning to the office, he signed over 100 various executive orders, many of which simply sought to reverse policies of the Biden administration, but also on a comprehensive range of issues including immigration, climate, transgender policy, TikTok as well as pardoning all those who were implicated in the January 6, 2021 Capitol Riot whereby the President attempted to overturn the election results.

Today is 19 January 2025, the day Tik Tok is to go dark. On its death bed, a new tribe is born: Tik Tok refugees. And what a huge tribe it is, all 170 million of them in the US alone. This is the first time so many Americans wear such a strange label and political identity. The irony is super bitter. America, the traditional haven of the persecuted, is now condemning people to seek refuge from an unjust law, setting a dangerous precedent for censorship in the process.

The LA fires are a primal scream from planet Earth. It feels like the end of the world. It's hard to know where a natural disaster begins, and a horrible human catastrophe ends.

Recently, Donald Trump "stirred up a storm" on social media by posting an image showing a reimagined map of the United States with Canada as part of its territory. This outrageous idea naturally sparked heated discussions. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau swiftly responded, declaring that Canada would never become part of the United States. At first glance, this might seem like a comedic episode, but beneath the surface lies more profound significance.

We Chinese people have always considered "imparting knowledge" a key method of communication and learning. We strive for efficiency and practicality, hoping our children, students, and even colleagues can absorb more in less time. By leveraging our strengths and experiences, we aim to guide them and help them avoid unnecessary detours. This communication style is a hallmark of East Asian culture, but it can also be a double-edged sword. We can choose what we want to say, but if the other person isn't willing to listen, our efforts are totally wasted.

With just days of the Biden administration left to go, a ceasefire has been agreed between Israel and Hamas over their war in the Gaza Strip. Fighting will formally pause on Sunday, although the devil remains in the details as to how such an agreement can be transferred into a permanent peace. The Gaza Strip lies in a state of devastation, overwhelmed by destruction, poverty, disease, and famine, a byproduct of Israel's very destructive campaign against it in retaliation to the events of Oct. 7, 2023, initiated by Hamas.

In four days time, TikTok will face a de-facto ban under American law which will not prohibit access to it entirely but will force it to be removed from US app stores such as Apple and Google. As it stands, TikTok is the most influential social media app on the planet. Based in Singapore, but owned by the Chinese company Bytedance, McCarthyist American congressmen ultimately spun paranoid scare stories that the application represented a threat to national security, without due evidence, and subsequently passed a law last year affirming that it must be sold or faced restrictions.

In a week's time, America will swear in its next president. Lame duck Biden has disappeared into the woodwork. Never has an incumbent been so totally overshadowed by his incoming replacement. These days, Trump is everywhere. He dominates the airwaves. He is lapping up all the attention and adulation. He is dictating the global narrative.

Little Panama is suddenly big news, east and west, because Trump needs a big build-up to his coronation on 20 January. He needs a big splash as a prelude to his presidency. Little minnow Panama is perfect as a pawn in his geopolitical chess game. The mere threat of another invasion gives Trump an instant aura of imperial power that cows and conquers all. The bigger the noise, the more awe-filled the upcoming ceremony. Free to rant and rave, Trump is hooked on spectacles. This time, there are no personal consequences to him, only shattered egos for others.

Under the system of "One Country, Two Systems," Hong Kong has weathered storms and still shines brightly, achieving significant accomplishments in various fields such as politics, economy, society, and culture, showcasing a vibrant momentum from governance to prosperity. Looking ahead, Hong Kong will continue to maintain its unique advantages and charm, making greater contributions to the prosperity and rejuvenation of the country and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.