5 h. ago Is North Korea’s Kim shoring up navy in strategic bid with allies China, Russia?

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has vowed to build a blue-water navy to counter what he described as growing threats from the United States, an ambition that observers say appears to be linked to broader strategic coordination with key Pyongyang allies China and Russia. Kim made the announcement during a launch ceremony at the northeastern port of Rajin for a newly repaired warship, following an earlier failed launch at the same location, state media reported on Friday. The vessel, “Kang Kon”,...

Politics

24 h. ago China steps up global aviation expansion as Comac bids for Laos carrier

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) has reportedly bid to take a majority stake in the flag carrier of Laos, as the state-owned Chinese aviation firm continues its push to expand its market in Southeast Asia. The deal – which is pending approval by the Lao authorities – would see Comac help Lao Airlines overhaul its operations and stem its losses in exchange for the carrier agreeing to use the Chinese company’s passenger jets, Vientiane Times quoted Prime Minister Sonexay...

Politics

24 h. ago ‘I am numb’: Blackpink fans left devastated as Hong Kong concerts sell out fast

Tickets for K-pop sensation Blackpink’s concerts in Hong Kong sold out in a little more than an hour and a half of going on general sale, leaving many fans disappointed. A Post reporter visited the ticket booking platform Cityline when sales opened on Friday at 11am. However, by noon, the wait time on the loading page, of more than an hour, had not shortened, while only limited tickets remained. By around 12.40pm all tickets for the two scheduled shows at Kai Tak Stadium on January 24 and 25...

Politics

29 h. ago Dan Wang observes the grandeur and tragedy of the Chinese ‘engineering state’

Unlike tourists in many places, those visiting China for the first time often consider subway stations in major cities attractions in themselves for their sheer beauty, innovative designs, or simply their novelty. Hell, if nothing else, they are sparkling clean! Those such as Panda Avenue station in Chengdu and Rainbow station in Guangzhou are mentioned in tourist guides as places to visit. Several stations in Shenzhen look more like the halls found in many of Asia’s ultra-modern airports. From...

Politics

42 h. ago Former Anwar aide acquitted of drug and firearms charges, claims persecution

A former aide who accused Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of sexual misconduct has claimed he is a victim of political persecution, after a court in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday acquitted him of drug and firearms charges. Muhammed Yusoff Rawther, who made headlines in 2019 with allegations against the then-opposition leader, was charged last year with possession of over 300g of cannabis and two imitation firearms. The items were found in his car outside a police station in September...

Events

44 h. ago China’s viral Labubu toy has an unlikely fan – the ruling Communist Party

As Chinese companies ponder how best to market their products internationally, the example set by Pop Mart – the Beijing-based brand behind the viral Labubu toy – has been praised by the country’s state media for the creativity that underlies its success. The wide-mouthed, bug-eyed toy’s global fan base is evidence of a shift in priorities for China as it transforms from a producer of low-value goods to a hub of innovation, Qiushi, the Communist Party’s top theoretical journal, said in a...

Politics

44 h. ago ByteDance helps jewellery firm Lao Feng Xiang push AI glasses to China’s elderly

Social media giant ByteDance is helping the 177-year-old Chinese jewellery company Lao Feng Xiang develop a new generation of smart glasses, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), that feature real-time voice navigation and translation functions. Lao Feng Xiang debuted their initial line of wearable gadgets at Wednesday’s opening of the International Exhibition of Senior Care, Rehabilitation Medicine and Healthcare, the world’s biggest senior care expo, that is being held in the company’s home...

Politics

51 h. ago China’s fitness grandma, maths genius gets millions of fans: 5 trending stories

We have selected five Trending in China stories from the past seven days that resonated with our readers. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. ‘Age is just a number’: China grandma, 71, stars in fitness contest, shares tips A Chinese grandmother has inspired countless netizens after winning third place in a fitness competition, following four years of rigorous training. On June 1, 71-year-old Sun Minghui, who is originally from Ma’anshan in Anhui...

Sport

53 h. ago Japan weighs tightening rules on visa popular among Chinese nationals

Japan is considering increasing the minimum investment threshold for its business manager visa in a bid to make it harder for foreigners to obtain residence status and launch commercial operations in the country, as the scheme becomes increasingly popular with Chinese nationals. The visa, which offers relatively accessible entry for foreign entrepreneurs, permits stays of up to five years for those who either invest 5 million yen (US$34,711) or hire two full-time employees while maintaining an...

Politics

65 h. ago ‘Sara has momentum’: how Philippine VP won round 1 of impeachment row

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio has won round one of her impeachment battle after her allies in the Senate tossed back the bid to the Lower House on claims it was “defective” and “unconstitutional”. The unprecedented move on Tuesday, which was settled by a vote of 18-5, has triggered an intense debate online about the senators’ actions and Duterte-Carpio’s political future. “I think, for now, Sara has momentum even if the president still has three years left in his term of office,”...

Politics

69 h. ago ‘Panda fever’ created 19% attendance boost at Hong Kong’s Ocean Park: official

“Panda fever” has translated into a significant boost in business for Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, with the debut of several new bears leading to a 19 per cent surge in attendance year on year since their debut, according to the city’s tourism minister. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui also said in a written reply on Wednesday to lawmakers’ questions that an additional HK$121 million (US$15.4 million) had been secured from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to...

Politics

69 h. ago Malaysian ‘superdad’ keeps promise to late wife, resigns from job to raise 3 kids

A Malaysian father has captivated the hearts of many after resigning from his job to honour a promise to his late wife – single-handedly raising their three young sons, each facing significant health challenges, for seven years. In August 2018, Khairul Abdullah’s life transformed dramatically when his wife suddenly passed away due to a severe bacterial blood infection, leaving him with three sons aged four, two, and just a few months old. To provide his children with the care they needed, he...

Politics

69 h. ago Hong Kong policeman gets community service order for defrauding credit union

A Hong Kong policeman has been sentenced to 220 hours of community service for defrauding the force’s credit union to secure HK$280,000 (US$35,675) in loans. Traffic officer Shum Sze-long, 45, returned to Fanling Court on Wednesday to receive sentencing for one count of fraud and another of attempted fraud for providing inaccurate and incomplete information to the Hong Kong Police Credit Union during two loan applications. The now-suspended officer, who pleaded guilty last month, understated his...

Events

2 d. ago US$900 million seized as China helps Malaysia dismantle Tedy Teow’s scam empire

Chinese and Malaysian police have seized over 3.8 billion ringgit (US$900 million) of assets – including yachts and property – from a syndicate alleged to have duped millions of people throughout the Asia-Pacific with promises of high-return investments. The Ponzi scheme, which operated mainly in Penang state, is believed to be linked to the MBI Group, started by Malaysian Tedy Teow Wooi Huat, who was extradited to China last year after hiding in Thailand. Seventeen people were arrested last...

Economics

2 d. ago Hong Kong student spared jail for faking exam results via beauty app Meitu

A Hong Kong student has been spared prison time over her attempt to secure a university placement with bogus entrance exam results edited by Chinese beauty filter app Meitu, with the presiding magistrate accepting the crime was a lapse in judgment. Ng Tsz-ying, 22, was sentenced to a 12-month probation order at Fanling Court on Wednesday for submitting a fake copy of her certificate in the Diploma of Secondary Education examination to the Education University of Hong Kong last year. Last month,...

Events

3 d. ago Game on for Hong Kong economy as Kai Tak Stadium proves to be a roaring success

Hong Kong should capitalise on the success of the Asian Cup qualifier at Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday night by maximising the potential of the venue and engagement with business sectors to boost the economy, according to analysts. A total of 42,570 football fans witnessed Hong Kong’s 1-0 victory over India, packing the stands with a sea of red and roaring chants as the team hosted an international match for the first time at the new stadium. Vincent Cheng Wing-shun, vice-chairman of the major...

Sport

3 d. ago Fans of Malaysia’s Rafizi face police probes as internal party feud intensifies

A feud within Malaysia’s ruling party has intensified after supporters of former People’s Justice Party (PKR) deputy president Rafizi Ramli alleged they were targeted by the police over social media posts about last month’s party elections. Rafizi, who served as deputy to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim within the party, lost his post in the May 23 internal election to Anwar’s daughter, Nurul Izzah. Her elevation fuelled accusations of growing nepotism in the party, which is helmed by her...

Events

3 d. ago As the PLA adopts civilian technology, Chinese bureaucracy could hinder progress

For decades, China’s talk of letting the private sector bid for defence orders had mostly been just that: talk. State-owned conglomerates had dominated the sector for decades, but in the middle of 2016, Beijing started to step up its military-civilian fusion strategy, publishing an official list of the sectors where private firms were being encouraged to contribute, such as swarming drone technologies. The plan is a central pillar of China’s ambition to develop a modernised military by 2035 and...

Politics

3 d. ago Hong Kong football fans flock to Kai Tak Sports Park for historic India match

Hundreds of eager Hong Kong football fans flocked to Kai Tak Sports Park hours before the historic and sell-out AFC Asian Cup qualifier against India on Tuesday evening. Tickets for the highly anticipated first match at the new 50,000-seat stadium were sold out well ahead of time, with fans spotted queuing up at Kai Tak Mall for jerseys and official merchandise. The match, which kicks off at 8pm, will mark the first time the Hong Kong team has played an international match at its new home ground...

Sport

3 d. ago Hong Kong football fans buzzing as new era in Kai Tak Stadium off to winning start

More than 40,000 football fans packed Kai Tak Stadium on Tuesday night to see the Hong Kong team clinch a 1-0 victory over India in a historic first home game at the new venue, with the winning goal coming from a dramatic stoppage-time penalty. The stadium was a sea of red for the crucial Asian Cup qualifier, as enthusiastic fans broke out into chants of “Hong Kong, Hong Kong” when the home side went on the attack. Hong Kong pushed hard in the final stages of the match, creating a host of...

Sport