83 m. ago ‘Powerful’: why Shandong’s visit to Hong Kong is geopolitically significant

As Hong Kong celebrates the 28th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule, Beijing has once again deployed a powerful naval fleet, this time spearheaded by the aircraft carrier Shandong, highlighting both symbolic significance and strategic resolve amid escalating geopolitical tensions. China’s first domestically built aircraft carrier and its fleet arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday morning, embarking on a five-day visit, which is set to include public tours this weekend. The Shandong is...

Politics

1 hour ago Chinese model lured to Myanmar with scam job rescued after sister raises alarm

A Chinese model from the southern province of Guangdong has been rescued from Myanmar after he was lured with the pretext of an overseas work opportunity last month, according to the Chinese embassy in Thailand. “The Chinese citizen surnamed Zhong has been rescued under the collaborative efforts of all parties,” the embassy said in a statement on Friday. “We once again warn Chinese citizens to beware of overseas ‘high-paying job’ scams. Foreign nationals need proper work permits for employment...

Events

1 hour ago US aircraft carrier marks South China Sea focus but also ‘crowded’ region

The presence of the USS George Washington aircraft carrier in the South China Sea this week and its port call at Manila signals renewed American commitment to the Philippines, though observers warn that Beijing could view the move as a “containment” effort and ramp up its own naval activity in the disputed waters. Flight deck operations were opened to the media aboard the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered vessel, with commanding officer Captain Timothy Waits telling reporters his ship’s mission...

Transport

5 h. ago Singapore’s crypto exchange crackdown seen benefiting Hong Kong

Hong Kong could benefit from Singapore’s recent move to oust unlicensed cryptocurrency companies, according to analysts, potentially leading to a significant injection of liquidity. On May 30, the Monetary Authority of Singapore instructed cryptocurrency firms incorporated in the city and offering services abroad to acquire a licence or leave the country. Singapore’s central bank subsequently set a June 30 deadline for crypto service providers in the city state to stop offering digital token...

Politics

5 h. ago Malaysia’s latest gangland shooting linked to international crime syndicate

Malaysian police believe a man gunned down in his Ipoh home last week was the victim of an international organised crime syndicate, marking the latest in a string of unresolved gang-related assassinations in public places that left five people dead and shocked the country last month. Gun violence is rare in Malaysia, where unlicensed gun ownership and even brandishing a firearm as intimidation are capital crimes. But a series of shootings over 12 days in June has sparked public fear - as three...

Events

10 h. ago Is Japan facing higher risk of drone warfare over Diaoyu Islands?

China could test Japan’s resolve by flying drones near disputed islands in the East China Sea after Tokyo clarified that its military is authorised to shoot down such unmanned aircraft intruding into its airspace, according to analysts. In response to a written query from a lawmaker, the Japanese government affirmed at a cabinet meeting on June 27 that the Self-Defence Forces could take such an action even if foreign drones were not an immediate threat to the country’s security. Ryo...

Events

17 h. ago China Set to Cancel Part of EU Summit in Latest Strain on Ties

China Set to Cancel Part of EU Summit in Latest Strain on Ties  Bloomberg.com

Politics

19 h. ago China's industry ministry is set to tackle price war in solar sector

China's industry ministry is set to tackle price war in solar sector  Reuters

Events

20 h. ago Xpeng launches G7 ‘Super AI’ SUV, taking on Xiaomi YU7 and Tesla Model Y

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Xpeng launched its G7 SUV on Thursday, sending another contender into a fierce battle in the premium SUV segment of the world’s largest EV market, where it joins Xiaomi’s recently introduced YU7 in taking on Tesla’s market-leading Model Y. Dubbed Xpeng’s first “Super AI [artificial intelligence] car”, the G7 starts at 195,800 yuan (US$27,325), with the top-of-the-line model selling for 225,800 yuan, the Guangzhou-headquartered company said during a launch...

Politics

22 h. ago Indonesia banks on critical minerals to avert US tariffs – will it work?

Indonesia is banking on its rich reserves of critical minerals to persuade the United States to pull back steep looming tariffs – an offer that could appeal to American strategic interests even as concerns remain about regulatory risks and China’s entrenched role in the country’s mineral supply chains. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has described Indonesia’s critical minerals proposal as its “second-best offer” to avert a looming 32 per cent tariff under President...

Economics

26 h. ago ‘3 is better than 2’: Singapore, Malaysia eye Indonesia for investment zone

Singapore and Malaysia are in talks with Indonesia to expand the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), according to Singapore’s Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong. The JS-SEZ was officially launched in January, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong agreeing to develop various industries, including aerospace, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and electronics in the 3,571 sq km (1,379 square mile) zone. During the 9th Asean...

Politics

27 h. ago China flight safety in spotlight after pilot jumps to death over work dispute

A failed pilot evaluation that ended with a China Southern Airlines captain stabbing two of his colleagues before jumping to his death in Changchun in the northeast Chinese province of Jilin on Tuesday has renewed public worries about flight safety. The pilot, surnamed Li, 31, died after jumping out of a window, according to a report released on Wednesday by the Erdao district branch of the Changchun Public Security Bureau. His colleagues were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening...

Events

27 h. ago Chinese pilot stabs colleagues, jumps to death over workplace dispute: report

Police in northeastern China are investigating the case of a China Southern Airlines captain who stabbed two of his colleagues before jumping to his death on Tuesday. The 31-year-old pilot, identified only by his surname Li, died after jumping out of a window in Changchun, Jilin province, according to a report released on Wednesday by the Erdao district branch of the Changchun Public Security Bureau. His colleagues were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening wounds, the report said, adding...

Events

31 h. ago Sabah bribery scandal: Singapore firm comes under Malaysian scrutiny

Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency is now targeting a Singapore-registered mining company as part of its investigation into a bribery scandal in Sabah that has already seen two state lawmakers and a businessman charged in court on Monday. The case captured public attention after the businessman, Albert Tei Jiann Cheing, released covert videos showing state lawmakers engaged in bribe negotiations with him, implicating several prominent figures in Malaysia’s second-largest state. Despite claiming...

Politics

45 h. ago Thai minister Phumtham set to become acting PM after predecessor’s one

Phumtham Wechayachai is poised to take over as Thailand’s acting prime minister, as the Pheu Thai-led government grapples with deepening political uncertainty following the suspension of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. He will replace Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, who held the position for just one day. Phumtham’s assumption of the role hinges on his formal swearing-in as interior minister, scheduled for Thursday, following a royal decree approving a cabinet reshuffle....

Politics

46 h. ago Hong Kong’s South Lantau ecotourism plan may harm environment: green groups

Hong Kong’s ecotourism plans for South Lantau could be reduced to a property project that threatens the environment if authorities fail to set clear guidelines, green groups and academics have warned, as a deadline for developers to express their interest approaches on Wednesday. Greenpeace, along with the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society and eight other groups and academics, also said on Wednesday that the government’s approach, which includes allowing developers to propose ecotourism projects...

Politics

46 h. ago Hong Kong’s South Lantau ecotourism plans could harm environment: green groups

Hong Kong’s South Lantau ecotourism plans could be reduced to property projects that threaten the environment if authorities fail to set clear guidelines, green groups and academics have warned ahead of Wednesday’s deadline for developers to express their interest. Greenpeace, the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society, seven other groups and an academic also said on Wednesday that the government’s approach, which includes allowing developers to propose ecotourism projects with residential...

Politics

47 h. ago Now, China Is Set To Break All Records Of Summer Travel: Reasons Being Unusually High Competition And Low Airplane Fares

Now, China Is Set To Break All Records Of Summer Travel: Reasons Being Unusually High Competition And Low Airplane Fares  Travel And Tour World

Politics

48 h. ago Beijing says Dalai Lama’s succession plan breaks tradition, tensions set to rise

Beijing said the succession of the Dalai Lama should be in accordance with tradition and Chinese law, in a swift rejection of a plan announced by the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader. The comment was made hours later after the 14th Dalai Lama said his office – the Gaden Phodrang Trust – held the sole authority to recognise the next Dalai Lama. On Wednesday, four days ahead of his 90th birthday, he posted a statement to X discussing the future of the Tibetan spiritual leadership, particularly his...

Events

48 h. ago Indonesia and Malaysia set model for dispute resolution with Ambalat pact

The decision by Indonesia and Malaysia to jointly develop the resource-rich Ambalat sea block signals a pragmatic step towards defusing a decades-old territorial stand-off, even as legal uncertainties over sovereignty remain unresolved. The agreement was announced last week during Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Indonesia, where he met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to discuss maritime and land border disputes, investment, and regional conflicts, among...

Politics