Beijing could tighten its grip on Hong Kong further, showing lack of concern for international outcry - CNBC

China's central government might be willing to ignore international outcry over its crackdown on Hong Kong as it reportedly weighs further actions to tighten its grip on the city, one analyst told CNBC on Monday.

Last week, media outlets including Reuters and South China Morning Post reported that Beijing could be considering changes to Hong Kong's electoral system that could limit pro-democracy politicians and prevent them from running in local elections.

The reports came as Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China's State Council, said in a Mandarin-language statement translated by CNBC that "legal loopholes" in Hong Kong have to be closed so that the city is governed only by "patriots."

Xia said one of the reasons Hong Kong saw an anti-China movement was because the city's important institutions were not fully helmed by patriots. One way to ensure that only those most loyal to China govern Hong Kong is by improving the city's electoral system through closing relevant legal loopholes, he added.

This picture taken on December 19, 2017 shows the Chinese (top) and Hong Kong flags hoisted in Hong Kong.

Anthony Wallace | AFP | Getty Images

John Marrett, senior analyst at risk consultancy The Economist Intelligence Unit, said Beijing has already made several moves to hold back opposition in Hong Kong.

"It is notable that they're going much further in proposing these electoral reforms, the details of which we have yet to see," he told CNBC's "Street Signs Asia" on Monday.

"But it does say something about their fears of a later resurgence of political instability, social unrest in the city and it does speak to their lack of concern for international outcry over Hong Kong anymore," he added.

Hong Kong is a former British colony that returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The city is governed under a "one country, two systems" principle that gives it greater autonomy than other mainland Chinese cities, including limited election rights.

The Hong Kong government has barred at least 12 pro-democracy candidates from running in the city's legislative election — which was postponed for one year until September 2021. The government cited the pandemic as the reason for the delay.

In addition, four opposition lawmakers were dismissed from Hong Kong's Legislative Council in November last year — leading others to resign in protest, reported Reuters.

Beijing was criticized by several countries — including the U.S. and the U.K. — for undermining Hong Kong's autonomy when it enacted a national security law in the former British colony last year.

The law was implemented on June 30 last year, after months of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong that sometimes turned violent.

According to a Reuters report citing Hong Kong police, 99 individuals have been arrested so far for suspected violations of the national security law. Over the weekend, 47 pro-democracy campaigners and activists were charged under the law, the news agency reported.

Marrett said Beijing might be trying to "completely eradiate" dissent from Hong Kong.

"They've gone further than most people could have imagined and there's no sign of them stopping anytime soon," he said.  

Let's block ads! (Why?)

World - Latest - Google News
March 02, 2021 at 06:38AM
https://ift.tt/2ZZD4qa

Beijing could tighten its grip on Hong Kong further, showing lack of concern for international outcry - CNBC
World - Latest - Google News
https://ift.tt/2SeTG7d

Ten quarterbacks worth pursuing via free agency/2021 NFL Draft/trade - NFL.com

In this series, NFL.com analysts look at the best players available via free agency, the NFL draft or trade at the following positions: quarterback, running back, wide receiver and defensive back. Today, David Carr looks at the top 10 quarterbacks worth pursuing.

There has been no shortage of quarterback movement already this offseason, and we're still several weeks away from the start of NFL free agency. Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff swapped teams in a blockbuster trade back in January, while Carson Wentz was dealt to the Indianapolis Colts in February.

What will be the next domino to fall?

My guess is it won't be too long until Dak Prescott and Jameis Winston are retained by the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints, respectively. Prescott, who's recovering from an injury that sidelined him for most of last season, could be in line to receive the franchise tag for the second straight year before getting signed to a long-term deal -- and Jerry Jones has publicly voiced support for the idea of locking up Prescott. Winston, on the other hand, could seamlessly step into Sean Payton's offense if Drew Brees decides to retire. I believe in the former No. 1 overall pick despite his flaws, and I think Payton and the Saints do, as well, after one season with Winston as a backup.

Assuming this pair of passers will be off the table soon, I've exempted them from my list of 10 quarterbacks worth pursuing via free agency, the 2021 NFL Draft or trade this offseason. Let's get started.

Deshaun Watson

Houston Texans · Trade

The Houston Texans have stayed adamant about keeping Watson despite the quarterback's trade request. It feels like we're a long way from seeing Watson taking snaps with another team -- and don't forget, the QB must want to play for the potential trade partner, due to the no-trade clause in his contract -- but we've also seen unhappy superstars switch organizations during their primes in the past. Given that Watson is coming off a career year in which he recorded 33 touchdowns and a 70.2 completion percentage while leading the NFL with 4,823 passing yards and 8.9 yards per attempt, there should be about 25 clubs doing everything they can to drag him out of Houston. (If I'm being perfectly honest, though, the only offense I want to see him in is Kyle Shanahan's in San Francisco or a spinoff version like ... the Jets.) Make it happen, people. 

Russell Wilson

Seattle Seahawks · Trade

The veteran passer vocalized his frustrations with "getting hit too much" and his desires to be part of personnel decisions after the 2020 season, prompting his camp to reportedly discuss trade destinations with the organization. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that 10-plus teams have reached out to the Seahawks to inquire about Wilson. All this said, no one within the organization has suggested they would trade him, and Wilson hasn't officially demanded a trade. Wilson wants to stay in Seattle, per his agent, though his agent also said if a trade were considered, Wilson would only consider going to Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas or New Orleans. Thanks to the no-trade clause in his contract, Wilson, like Watson, would have to approve of the suitor.

If I'm a QB-needy team, I'm picking up the phone yesterday. He is everything you want in a quarterback, with endless talent, arm strength, poise and intelligence. Plus, he has the kind of ice in his veins that gives his team a chance to win late in games, no matter how great the deficit. He'll cost a GREAT deal, but the on-field production and leadership you'd get in return would be worth it.

Sam Darnold

New York Jets · Trade

Darnold's been dealt a tough hand in New York and needs a reset. The former No. 3 overall pick could get it under the new regime in New York; however, I think Darnold would be better suited elsewhere. A clean slate offers the young passer the opportunity to become a tremendous quarterback in the NFL. His downfield and intermediate passing could use some improvement, but again, I would expect to see improvement across the board with boosted confidence in a new situation.

Clemson · Prospect

Lawrence's pro day performance confirmed what we already knew about the Clemson passer: He lacks nothing in terms of what teams want in a franchise quarterback. He has great accuracy, a strong arm, good touch, pocket awareness and running ability. The Jaguars will most likely take him with the No. 1 overall draft pick in April and won't look back, God willing, for two decades.

BYU · Prospect

Despite Lawrence being the consensus top quarterback in the 2021 prospect class, he isn't my favorite player in the draft. Wilson holds that title. He has the incredible ability to throw the football with any arm angle and to any place on the field. I'm thinking of how Patrick Mahomes wowed us in the Super Bowl with some of the most amazing incompletions I've ever seen; if you want to watch a quarterback drop dime after dime to some of the most insane locations, just pop in some BYU game film and watch Wilson do the same. He's mind-blowingly talented, but that might not even be his best quality. He's a tireless worker -- often joining the coaching staff for film sessions -- and possesses the leadership necessary to be the face of a franchise. 

Ohio State · Prospect

I see a lot of similarities between Fields and Jalen Hurts, in terms of the athletic ability, the playing style and the likelihood that they have always been the best athlete on the field. Even from a young age, Fields has never been afraid to utilize his best attributes. His arm is "live" and can reach any area on the field, and his occasional struggles with accuracy stem only from a lack of time in the saddle. The Ohio State product puts pressure on the defense and should continue to do so at the next level. He's a player I'd love to coach, because all options are on the table.

Marcus Mariota

Las Vegas Raiders · Trade

Though trade talks have "dried up significantly" recently, per Rapoport, I believe Mariota still has starter ability in the right system, which I wrote about in this same space last year. Often used in the West Coast offense (or a variation of it) during his days in Tennessee, Mariota is a spread quarterback who's best when using his legs. He's not the most polished passer and will make mistakes at times, but to me, he's a better passer than most quarterbacks whose strength is mobility. Plugging Mariota into a creative, run-oriented offense will allow him to thrive, not just survive.

Alabama · Prospect

Teams shouldn't let the fact that Jones is a prototypical pocket passer deter them from drafting this kid. His poise and ability to stare down the pipe and face any threat without flinching is spectacular. He knows his limitations as a runner and realizes his strength lies within reading coverage and accurately delivering the football to his target. Watching him throw with stunning accuracy against pressure is special. He's an excellent option for teams that run a prototypical NFL offense.

Ryan Fitzpatrick

Free agent

As well as the 38-year-old played on the field last season, he was better off it with how he balanced his own roller-coaster season while helping create an incredible work environment for Tua Tagovailoa. Everyone had their opinions about Brian Flores' decision to shuffle back and forth between the two quarterbacks, and it honestly could have been a disaster if not for Fitz's maturity and experience. How he handled the situation should make him one of the most sought-after veteran quarterbacks on the market. 

Just think about it: Fitzpatrick would be a perfect closer in two-minute drills. I imagine him in this role in Baltimore. When Lamar Jackson drops back to pass (this happens more often at the end of the second and fourth quarters, when there is limited time to move the ball), there is no threat of a run, and the advantage shifts to the defense -- allowing defensive coordinators to breathe a sigh of relief for a brief moment. Fitzpatrick's experience and magical presence could give a team the upper hand in these situations.

Andy Dalton

Free agent

Dalton played some good football for Dallas last season in relief of Dak Prescott, proving he still has plenty left in the tank. The 33-year-old passer could be a great option for a team looking for a pocket passer with experience who will ultimately serve as a bridge quarterback. There are a number of teams that come to mind, including New England and Chicago.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Sports - Latest - Google News
March 01, 2021 at 11:25PM
https://ift.tt/3bUf3WS

Ten quarterbacks worth pursuing via free agency/2021 NFL Draft/trade - NFL.com
Sports - Latest - Google News
https://ift.tt/2Mbsnt7

CBS Sports reveals projected NCAA Tournament bracket entering March - 247Sports

March is here. As the calendar finally makes a flip from February, so are NCAA tournament brackets. Thirteen days away from Selection Sunday on March 14, CBS Sports bracketologist Jerry Palm updated his 68-team field. Monday on CBS Sports HQ, he provided a breakdown of the Big Dance's latest projection — including No. 1 seeds.

"Well, it's certainly a very competitive spot (the final top seed)," Palm said. "And the only one on that line, because the gap between three and four is really big, to the point that Baylor and Michigan could take multiple losses from this point forward and still stay on the top line.

"But Illinois is there for now. Ohio State right on their heels. They play each other on Saturday, so you may see another flipflop. Plus, you've got Alabama waiting in the wings. You've got West Virginia at, right at this moment, the best of the Big 12 teams behind Baylor in the seedings and then Iowa making a run.

"So there still could be a lot of shuffling from four to, say, 12 in this bracket — just as last week of the regular season and conference tournaments start."

Get the fastest scores, stats, news, LIVE videos, and more. CLICK HERE to download the CBS Sports Mobile App and get the latest on your team today.

From the First Four to every seed in all four regions, here is a closer look at Palm's new bracket entering March.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Sports - Latest - Google News
March 02, 2021 at 03:32AM
https://ift.tt/3bXcoMq

CBS Sports reveals projected NCAA Tournament bracket entering March - 247Sports
Sports - Latest - Google News
https://ift.tt/2Mbsnt7

Canada vaccine committee advises against use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 shots for 65 years and above - Yahoo! Voices

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization released new guidelines on Monday that advise against vaccinating people who are 65 years and older with AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine, citing lack of information about efficacy in that age group.

The vaccine was authorized for people who are 18 and older by drug regulator Health Canada on Friday. The committee's recommendations are not binding, but may influence provincial vaccination plans.

Health Canada's decision noted that available clinical trial data was too limited to reliably estimate how well the vaccine worked in people 65 and older.

But it also said "emerging real world evidence" in places that had already started using the vaccine suggested a potential benefit and no safety concerns.

A preliminary study of Scotland's vaccination drive published last week suggested AstraZeneca's shot had been highly effective in preventing severe infections there.

In Germany, advice to use the vaccine only for people under 65 has led to low uptake of available doses.

(Reporting by Allison Martell; Editing by Franklin Paul and Jonathan Oatis)

Let's block ads! (Why?)

World - Latest - Google News
March 02, 2021 at 04:12AM
https://ift.tt/2NPkH4A

Canada vaccine committee advises against use of AstraZeneca COVID-19 shots for 65 years and above - Yahoo! Voices
World - Latest - Google News
https://ift.tt/2SeTG7d

Netanyahu accuses Iran of attacking Israeli-owned cargo ship - The Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday accused Iran of attacking an Israeli-owned ship in the Gulf of Oman last week, a mysterious explosion that further spiked security concerns in the region.

Without offering any evidence to his claim, Netanyahu told Israeli public broadcaster Kan that “it was indeed an act by Iran, that’s clear.”

“Iran is the greatest enemy of Israel, I am determined to halt it. We are hitting it in the entire region,” Netanyahu said. Iran promptly dismissed the charges.

The blast struck the Israeli-owned MV Helios Ray, a Bahamian-flagged roll-on, roll-off vehicle cargo ship, as it was sailing out of the Middle East on its way to Singapore on Friday. The crew was unharmed, but the vessel sustained two holes on its port side and two on its starboard side just above the waterline, according to American defense officials.

ADVERTISEMENT

The ship came to Dubai’s port for repairs on Sunday, days after the blast that revived security concerns in Mideast waterways amid heightened tensions with Iran.

Iran has sought to pressure the U.S. to lift sanctions on Tehran as President Joe Biden’s administration considers option for returning to negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program. Biden has said repeatedly the U.S. would return to the nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers that his predecessor, Donald Trump, withdrew from in 2018 only after Iran restores its full compliance with the accord.

The explosion on the Israeli-owned ship last week recalled the tense summer of 2019, when the U.S. military accused Iran of attacking several oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman with limpet mines, designed to be attached magnetically to a ship’s hull. The Gulf of Oman leads through the narrow Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for the world’s oil supplies. Tehran has denied the accusations that it was behind the limpet mine attacks.

It remains unclear what caused Friday’s blast on the Helios Ray. The vessel had discharged cars at various ports in the Persian Gulf before the explosion forced it to reverse course. Over the weekend, Israel’s defense minister and army chief had both indicated they held Iran responsible for what they said was an attack on the vessel.

Iran responded to Netanyahu’s statement saying it “strongly rejected” the claim that it was behind the attack. In a press briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said Netanyahu was “suffering from an obsession with Iran” and described his charges as “fear-mongering.”

Khatibzadeh also accused Israel of taking “suspicious actions in the region” against Iran in recent months to undermine the 2015 nuclear deal, without elaborating, and vowed Iran would respond.

“Israel knows very well that our response in the field of national security has always been fierce and accurate,” he said.

Overnight, Syrian state media reported a series of alleged Israeli airstrikes near Damascus, saying air defense systems had intercepted most of the missiles. Israeli media reports said the alleged airstrikes were on Iranian targets in response to the ship attack.

Israel has struck hundreds of Iranian targets in neighboring Syria in recent years, and Netanyahu has repeatedly said Israel will not accept a permanent Iranian military presence there. Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah have provided military support to Syrian President Bashar Assad in the more than decade-long Syrian civil war.

The Israeli military declined comment.

Iran also has blamed Israel for a recent series of attacks, including another mysterious explosion last summer that destroyed an advanced centrifuge assembly plant at its Natanz nuclear facility and the killing of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, a top Iranian scientist who founded the Islamic Republic’s military nuclear program two decades ago. Iran has repeatedly vowed to avenge Fakhrizadeh’s killing.

“It is most important that Iran doesn’t have nuclear weapons, with or without an agreement, this I also told to my friend Biden,” Netanyahu said Monday.

Iranian threats of retaliation have raised alarms in Israel since the signing of normalization deals with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in September.

___

Associated Press writers Isabel DeBre in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Nasser Karimi in Tehran, Iran, contributed to this report.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

World - Latest - Google News
March 01, 2021 at 03:59PM
https://ift.tt/3r6ie4n

Netanyahu accuses Iran of attacking Israeli-owned cargo ship - The Associated Press
World - Latest - Google News
https://ift.tt/2SeTG7d

Tiger Woods Tweets Appreciation After Golfers' Red Shirt Tribute at Florida Tournament - Hollywood Reporter

6:14 PM PST 2/28/2021 by Abid Rahman

In his first public comment since his car accident last week, the 15-time major winner said he was "touched" by the tribute from his fellow pros.

Tiger Woods tweeted that he was "touched" after several pros dressed in his iconic red top at a PGA tournament in Florida on Sunday. It was Woods' first public comment since his serious car accident last week.

The likes of Rory McIlroy, Jason Day, Tony Finau, Tommy Fleetwood, Sebastian Munoz and Patrick Reed donned the red top as well as a black cap and black trousers in a visual message of support for the 15-time major winner, who underwent major surgery on multiple open fractures on his right leg and ankle last Tuesday.

Woods has worn red and black on Sundays since his early days as a golfer and has said he had been inspired to do so by his mother, Tida, who said it was his "power color."

"It is hard to explain how touching today was when I turned on the TV and saw all the red shirts. To every golfer and every fan, you are truly helping me get through this tough time," Woods tweeted on Sunday night.

Woods was hurt Tuesday when the SUV he was driving on a downhill stretch crossed into oncoming lanes and flipped several times. After undergoing surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center following the crash, Woods was transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center on Thursday for "continuing orthopedic care and recovery."

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Sports - Latest - Google News
March 01, 2021 at 09:14AM
https://ift.tt/3q6c7LQ

Tiger Woods Tweets Appreciation After Golfers' Red Shirt Tribute at Florida Tournament - Hollywood Reporter
Sports - Latest - Google News
https://ift.tt/2Mbsnt7

Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks final score: Jerami Grant injured as Knicks shut down Pistons - Detroit Bad Boys

Remember the NBA like 20 years ago?

It was rough and tumble — a slow-paced style where you had to earn your buckets. That’s what the Detroit Pistons game against the New York Knicks felt like on Sunday. Both teams shot under 40% in the first half, the game was physical as hell, and nobody watching was having any fun.

It felt very Goin’ to Work, but like, if you didn’t have warm and fuzzies for that era.

You get the picture. New York suffocated Jerami Grant anytime he touched the ball and Wayne Ellington was the only other guy who could hit a shot as Detroit fell 109-90.

When the Pistons supporting cast is hitting shots, they give everybody trouble. Tonight, it was one of those Jerami and the Granettes games. The shoulda-been All-Star led the way with 21 points and 8 rebounds, but New York harassed him anytime he touched the ball.

It seemed like the only clean looks he got came on jumpers. He left the game for the locker room in the fourth quarter—looked like a left leg, but we’ll keep an eye out for an update.

Speaking of the Knicks defense, they’re for real. Sure, the Pistons offense is, most times, trash, but New York got a hand on everything, suffocating Detroit all night. It’s wild considering Julius Randle is such an awkward defensive fit in today’s NBA, but give Thibs credit — they’ve assembled a team that the Knicks of the 90s would be proud of.

The only non-Jerami players for Detroit that played well were Ellington (15 points off the bench) and Dennis Smith Jr.

Facing his former team, Smith Jr. shot terribly (3/11) but he did the other stuff: 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. It wasn’t a great game from an eye test perspective, but DSJ keeps doing things out there. He’s disruptive.

Another glimmer of hope was Saban Lee, who did most of his damage in garbage time with 9 points and 4 assists as the Pistons shot just 38.9% as a team.

Defensively, Isaiah Stewart had some moments. He’s just so freaking disruptive at times, and he put on a rim protecting clinic in the second quarter — blocking a shot and deflecting 2-3 other lob attempts. He finished with 2 blocks and 10 rebounds.

Stewart struggles with some very elementary things out there sometimes, but he knows where to be and has a nose for the basketball:

He also did a nice job on Randle early, who ended up with 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists after a very slow start. Since this game was so blah, I’m going to take a second and sidebar on something that was floating around this afternoon on Twitter:

Legit question: at his absolute apex, was Chris Bosh ever better than peak Julius Randle? The answer is no.

— Brandon Tierney (@BrandonTierney) February 28, 2021

So, first: Julius Randle isn’t better than Chris Bosh. Stop it.

This isn’t a bad take. It’s a stupid take. Randle is having an outstanding season, and he deserves to be celebrated, but he’s not better than the best version of Bosh. He’s a better 3-point shooter now than Bosh was in Toronto, but he’s a far inferior defender and doesn’t have the same inside-the-arc game. It’s fine to say Randle has taken his game to another level, but let’s not compare him to a future Hall of Famer. Please.

RJ Barrett had a nice night as well, finishing with 21 points (8/13 shooting) with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. With Grant having to help with Randle and carry the entirety of the offense, Saddiq Bey was left to guard Barrett. He struggled.

Bey just isn’t a good enough athlete to guard guys like that. While he’s solid against the small forward/power forward tweener types, he’s got issues when it’s a tweener the other way like the athletic Barrett.

And, lest we forget, Derrick Rose returned to Detroit scored 14 against his former team.

The Pistons have now lost 6 of their past 7 games. falling to 9-25, and will hit the road for a four-game road trip against the Raptors, Knicks, Hornets and Nets.

The tank rolls on.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Sports - Latest - Google News
March 01, 2021 at 10:21AM
https://ift.tt/2PlFDki

Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks final score: Jerami Grant injured as Knicks shut down Pistons - Detroit Bad Boys
Sports - Latest - Google News
https://ift.tt/2Mbsnt7