2 w. ago Tutankhamun statue among 250 Egyptian artefacts to be shown in Hong Kong

An exhibition featuring 250 historical Egyptian artefacts, including a towering statue of Tutankhamun, mummies, jewellery and more, will open in Hong Kong on Thursday as the Middle Eastern country and China prepare to celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties in 2026. “Ancient Egypt Unveiled: Treasures from Egyptian Museums” is being hosted by the Hong Kong Palace Museum and marks the largest display of relics from the ancient civilisation in the city. “When you share something that valuable and...

Events

2 w. ago Japan considers fines for men who buy sex in major policy shift

Japan’s government is weighing the introduction of penalties for men who buy sex, marking a potential sea change in the country’s approach to prostitution. Lawmakers and women’s advocacy groups argue that current legislation, dating back to the 1950s, fuels exploitation and risks the country being branded a sex tourism hotspot. The issue was thrust into centre stage last week, when a member of parliament pressed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to address what he called the “asymmetric” nature of...

Events

3 w. ago Chinese humanoid robot makers seize the spotlight at Shenzhen’s hi

China’s humanoid robot manufacturers on Friday took centre stage at the opening of the 27th China Hi-Tech Fair in Shenzhen, as the demand for these machines in enterprises gathers speed. The fair, which will run through Sunday, has put the spotlight this year on artificial intelligence and robotics innovation. With about a dozen of its products on display at this year’s event, Unitree Robotics drew one of the largest crowds on opening day, as it featured humanoid robots dancing and engaging in...

Politics

3 w. ago Can China balance green ambition with everyday ways of life?

In the push to meet climate goals, such as those taking centre stage at Cop30, China finds itself walking a tightrope between two laudable ambitions: ecological conservation and the green energy transition. However, beneath the triumphal rhetoric lies a set of contradictions with real social and ecological consequences. China has implemented a vast ecological red line policy by demarcating 30 per cent of its land area that encompasses wetlands, mountains and grasslands – about 3 million sq km –...

Politics

3 w. ago Northern Metropolis, employment take centre stage at third Legco poll forum

Candidates in the Hong Kong Legislative Council election have called for more local jobs and faster development of transport infrastructure in a megaproject near the border, using the third government-run forum to pitch their solutions to long-standing problems. At Wednesday’s forum for the New Territories North constituency, which covers the North District and Tin Shui Wai, all five candidates pledged to push forward the development of the Northern Metropolis. The project located in the...

Politics

3 w. ago Northern Metropolis, employment focus of Hong Kong’s third Legco poll forum

Candidates in Hong Kong’s Legislative Council election have called for more local jobs and faster development of transport infrastructure for a megaproject near the border, using the third government-run forum to pitch their solutions to long-standing problems. At Wednesday’s forum for the New Territories North constituency, which covers the North District and Tin Shui Wai, all five candidates pledged to push forward the development of the Northern Metropolis. The project located in the...

Politics

3 w. ago Hopefuls spar over livelihood issues, upping ante at Hong Kong Legco poll forums

Candidates in Hong Kong’s coming Legislative Council poll sparred over livelihood issues on the second day of government-led election forums, upping the ante after a sedate first day as a newcomer also challenged an incumbent to account for his record. In a shift of tempo, the host at the two forums on Wednesday, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon for constituencies in the northern New Territories, also reminded candidates that they could express different opinions during the...

Politics

3 w. ago In the Middle East’s diplomatic drama, Turkey takes centre stage

Turkey is closing out 2025 as a pivotal Middle Eastern power broker, its influence resurgent amid shifting alliances that have pushed Ankara to the centre of diplomacy spanning from Syria to Gaza. Twelve months ago, few could have predicted the speed – and irony – with which the tides would turn in Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s favour. Just five years after the US imposed sanctions on Turkey for its military campaign against Kurdish separatists in Syria, Washington is now throwing its...

Politics