67 m. ago In too deep? Filipino couple under scrutiny in flood control scandal

As public furore mounts over the revelation of widespread corruption in flood control projects in the Philippines, few names have captured public attention more than Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya and her husband Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya. The couple, once virtually unknown, emerged in the spotlight after Sarah Discaya ran against popular Pasig City mayor Vico Sotto in the May midterm elections – only to lose by a landslide. Her biography has since become a lightning rod for scrutiny. Born in London in...

Events

7 h. ago Son of British POW urges Japan to be less ‘touchy’ about WWII criticisms

The son of a British soldier who endured three years as a prisoner of war has expressed deep disappointment that senior Japanese politicians ignored invitations to a commemorative event on Tuesday to mark 80 years since Tokyo’s formal surrender in the second world war and the liberation of thousands of Allied prisoners of war. Terry Smyth, a fellow in the history department at the University of Essex, said it would have been particularly appropriate if Yoshimasa Hayashi, the chief cabinet...

Events

10 h. ago Local Chinese government stimulus pushes big spenders to dig in while dining out

A local government in China’s provincial economic powerhouse of Zhejiang has announced plans to subsidise the restaurant meals of high-value consumers, in a move that is intended to stimulate consumption but could raise questions about whether it runs contrary to the central government’s austerity drive. Shaoxing – a city known for its textile industry and a prized variety of cooking wine – will offer subsidies of up to 5,000 yuan (US$700) to banquet holders if they host five or more tables and...

Politics

12 h. ago How an SCO development bank could shift the global financial order

At the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin this week, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged member states to accelerate the creation of an SCO development bank, a proposal that could mark a turning point in Asia’s financial landscape. While headlines focused on the high-profile presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Xi’s proposal points to the SCO’s evolution from a security bloc into a financial actor. Xi also pledged US$1.4...

Economics

18 h. ago Xi greets veterans at Victory Day gala stressing Chinese narrative of WWII

After holding a massive military parade in the morning to mark 80 years since the end of World War II and showcase its growing military might and rising diplomatic stature, China held a gala at the Great Hall of the People, reinforcing its narrative about the second world war. The hour-and-a-half commemorative gala began at 8pm Wednesday, with President Xi Jinping and members of the Politburo greeting several surviving Chinese veterans of World War II. Their handshakes drew warm applause,...

Events

21 h. ago Beijing’s Victory Day parade, China’s film industry: SCMP daily highlights

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. China’s military parade, as it happened: new weapons debut in show of deterrence China held a massive military parade along Changan Avenue in central Beijing, showcasing the country’s latest and most advanced weapons to commemorate the 80th anniversary of China’s victory over Japan in World War II. 2. The 5 key takeaways from China’s Victory Day military...

Politics

23 h. ago US tariff damps holiday mood of India’s jewellers as exports set to fall by 70%

India’s gem and jewellery businesses face a bleak year-end holiday season following Washington’s decision to slap a 50 per cent tariff on the country’s exports, as they warn the move could affect more than two-thirds of their shipments to the United States. On Wednesday, the tariff on India’s exports to the US took effect in response to New Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil and weapons. “With the imposition of a 50 per cent tariff, we expect exports to the US to decline by more than 70 per cent....

Politics

24 h. ago More Chinese went to cinemas this summer, but filmmakers still face challenges

China’s film market showed signs of recovery this summer, but industry insiders said it was still grappling with challenges. By the end of last month, this year’s domestic box office totalled 39.23 billion yuan (US$5.5 billion), according to the China Film Administration, with over 900 million film-goers. The summer season generated 11.96 billion yuan in box office revenue, up 2.76 per cent year on year but well down on the 20.62 billion yuan record set in 2023 and the pre-pandemic levels of...

Culture

26 h. ago Trump tariffs live updates: Trump seeks Supreme Court 'emergency' hearing, rules out India tariff cuts

Trump tariffs live updates: Trump seeks Supreme Court 'emergency' hearing, rules out India tariff cuts  Yahoo Finance

Politics

26 h. ago Did scam call centres lure missing British teen to Malaysia?

A British teenager who went missing in Malaysia in June may have become the victim of a scam call centre operation, an anti-fraud group has warned, as concerns rise over the country becoming a new hub for the criminal industry. David Balisong, 17, was reported missing after he secretly took a flight from the UK to Malaysia on June 6, carrying nothing but a backpack. Malaysian police said he was last seen by eyewitnesses at the KL Sentral transport hub in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur a day...

Events

27 h. ago Afghan commandos airdrop to quake zones where helicopters can’t land

Afghanistan airdropped commandos on Wednesday to pull survivors from the rubble of homes in mountainous eastern areas ravaged by earthquakes this week that have killed 1,400, as it ramped up efforts to deliver food, shelter and medical supplies. The first earthquake of magnitude 6, one of Afghanistan’s worst in recent years, unleashed widespread damage and destruction when it struck the provinces of Kunar and Nangarhar around midnight on Sunday at a shallow depth of 10km (6 miles). A second...

Politics

29 h. ago Hong Kong needs coordinated efforts to promote tourism: industry leaders

Hong Kong needs a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to boost tourism, such as by promoting the National Games alongside other concurrent events, industry representatives have said, highlighting challenges facing the sector. Despite a post-pandemic surge in the number of arrivals, the representatives also noted emerging trends required more promotion and that visitors were now skipping traditional tourist attractions. “We are still observing whether the National Games will bring a lot...

Politics

29 h. ago "Warmest Regards As You Conspire...": Trump's Dig At Xi On Inviting Putin, Kim

"Warmest Regards As You Conspire...": Trump's Dig At Xi On Inviting Putin, Kim  NDTV

Politics

30 h. ago ‘Nothing will change’: why Gen Z Filipinos’ faith in the future is fading

On humid afternoons in Balanga, a few hours west of Manila, 23-year-old communication arts major Aron Josh Santos often imagines life beyond the streets of his provincial hometown. He dreams of becoming a professional photographer – capturing images for the Philippines’ most prestigious publications, perhaps landing projects with the country’s leading creative agencies. But like many Gen Z Filipinos, Santos’ ambitions too often collide with the weight of economic reality in a country where...

Politics

30 h. ago ‘Nothing will change’: Gen Z Filipinos’ faith in the future is fading

On humid afternoons in Balanga, a few hours west of Manila, 23-year-old communication arts major Aron Josh Santos often imagines life beyond the streets of his provincial hometown. He dreams of becoming a professional photographer – capturing images for the Philippines’ most prestigious publications, perhaps landing projects with the country’s leading creative agencies. But like many Gen Z Filipinos, Santos’ ambitions too often collide with the weight of economic reality in a country where...

Politics

34 h. ago ‘No easy solutions’: did Indonesia’s Prabowo inherit a poisoned chalice?

Indonesia’s wave of unrest has put President Prabowo Subianto under intense pressure less than a year into his term, as he grapples with deep-seated public anger and economic anxiety amid attempts to stop the “deep rot” in his sprawling political coalition. While frustration over inequality, elite privilege and economic hardship has long been simmering, observers say Prabowo’s ambitious spending, coupled with a corrupt coalition “inherited” from his predecessor, may also have limited his room to...

Politics

36 h. ago Indian textile industry must dig deep to survive US tariff shock

The Indian textile industry is staring down its worst crisis yet, as an additional 25 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump on India for buying Russian oil came into effect on August 27, taking the total levy on India’s exports to the United States to a staggering 50 per cent. Trump’s astounding tariffs not only threaten the successful 25-year-old trade partnership between the two countries but are also becoming a defining moment for India’s textiles, posing an existential threat...

Events

36 h. ago Trump says speedy tariff ruling a must, dismisses rumours about his health

US President Donald Trump emerged from a quiet Labour Day weekend Tuesday, declaring that his administration will urgently appeal to the Supreme Court to defend his contested tariffs, warning that a reversal could force billions in refunds to foreign nations. He also dismissed health rumours as “fake news” and played down China’s coming military parade. In a press briefing at the White House, Trump stressed the need for an expedited Supreme Court ruling. “We’re going to be going to the Supreme...

Politics

44 h. ago Xi and Putin Vow to Resolve Tariff Disputes in a “Constructive Spirit” During Beijing Talks

Xi and Putin Vow to Resolve Tariff Disputes in a “Constructive Spirit” During Beijing Talks  UNITED24 Media

Politics

48 h. ago Bali officials say island safe for tourists despite unrest across Indonesia

Tourism leaders and local officials in Bali have moved to reassure foreign visitors that the island remains safe and peaceful despite the violent protests that have taken place across Indonesia, as concerns mount over potential impacts to the country’s most famous holiday destination. While Australia and other governments have issued warnings to travellers, industry officials and authorities on the island say these are precautionary and do not amount to travel bans. “A travel warning is a normal...

Politics