2 h. ago 6 cyclones, 5 weeks: inside the Philippines’ endless cycle of disaster

The tarpaulin barely held against the wind, sagging under days of ceaseless rain. For the earthquake survivors of San Remigio, in the central Philippines, it was all that remained – a thin sheet of plastic above a patch of mud, standing in for the homes a 6.9-magnitude quake had reduced to rubble weeks earlier. Then, in early November, Typhoon Kalmaegi barrelled through. The storm, known locally as Tino, drenched thousands of families still huddled in their makeshift shelters. Roads vanished...

Events

2 h. ago 6 cyclones, 5 weeks: Philippines can’t escape its endless cycle of disaster

The tarpaulin barely held against the wind, sagging under days of ceaseless rain. For the earthquake survivors of San Remigio, in the central Philippines, it was all that remained – a thin sheet of plastic above a patch of mud, standing in for the homes a 6.9-magnitude quake had reduced to rubble weeks earlier. Then, in early November, Typhoon Kalmaegi barrelled through. The storm, known locally as Tino, drenched thousands of families still huddled in their makeshift shelters. Roads vanished...

Events

4 h. ago Trump recasts US allies as tools to counter China in security playbook: analysts

US President Donald Trump’s new national security strategy frames America’s allies not just as partners, but as instruments to preserve US primacy and counter China’s rise, analysts say. The strategy urges wealthy allies to increase defence spending, align more closely with Washington on measures such as export controls, and take greater responsibility for their regions, a shift that recasts long-standing alliances as tools in great-power competition. The 33-page document declares that the era...

Politics

9 h. ago China Vanke seeks second onshore bond extension, skips call on separate 2028 note

China Vanke seeks second onshore bond extension, skips call on separate 2028 note  Reuters

Events

12 h. ago China Vanke Seeks to Delay Second Bond Repayment as Crisis Grows

China Vanke Seeks to Delay Second Bond Repayment as Crisis Grows  Bloomberg.com

Events

15 h. ago Hong Kong to focus on mental health support after fire, seek smoking ban at sites

Hong Kong authorities will make mental health support for people affected by the Tai Po blaze a priority in the aftermath of the tragedy, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has announced, as the government said it intended to push for a blanket ban on smoking at construction sites. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Lee said that not only the residents of Wang Fuk Court, but the entire community could move out of deep sorrow with proper mental health support. “Everyone is experiencing this...

Events

15 h. ago Australia on high alert as PLA naval fleet in Philippine Sea sails south

China’s deployment of a naval fleet, led by a Type 075 amphibious assault ship in the Philippine Sea this week, has triggered a rapid response from Australia. Canberra deployed a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft to track the flotilla, reviving security concerns raised after an unprecedented circumnavigation of the Australian continent by a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) fleet nine months ago. US satellite images, first reported by Australian media on Wednesday, confirmed the presence of the Chinese...

Events

15 h. ago Australia on high alert as PLA Navy fleet in Philippine Sea sails south

China’s deployment this week of a naval fleet led by a Type 075 amphibious assault ship in the Philippine Sea has triggered a rapid response from Australia. Canberra deployed a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft to track the flotilla, reviving security concerns raised after an unprecedented circumnavigation of the Australian continent by a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) fleet nine months ago. US satellite images, first reported by Australian media on Wednesday, confirmed the presence of the Chinese...

Events

19 h. ago Filipinos slam official’s US$8.50 advice for Christmas feast

Marife Dhoctor, 43, a domestic helper in the Philippines, is looking forward to the traditional Christmas Eve dinner, when families gather to savour festive dishes and exchange gifts. However, rising prices of goods have forced her family of five to stretch their meagre budget as they plan for the annual feast known as Noche Buena or “the good night”. Dhoctor and her husband, who works as a construction worker, earn a combined daily wage of just over 1,000 pesos (US$17). As building projects are...

Politics

19 h. ago Anger boils in Philippines over official’s US$8.50 Christmas feast budget

Marife Dhoctor, 43, a domestic helper in the Philippines, is looking forward to the traditional Christmas Eve dinner, when families gather to savour festive dishes and exchange gifts. However, rising prices of goods have forced her family of five to stretch their meagre budget as they plan for the annual feast known as Noche Buena or “the good night”. Dhoctor and her husband, who works as a construction worker, earn a combined daily wage of just over 1,000 pesos (US$17). As building projects are...

Politics

22 h. ago US senators seek ban on Nvidia’s advanced chips to China, experts warn ‘shortsighted’ move further erodes Nvidia’s back into Chinese market

US senators seek ban on Nvidia’s advanced chips to China, experts warn ‘shortsighted’ move further erodes Nvidia’s back into Chinese market  Global Times

Events

25 h. ago A Decade of Nurturing Potential: ASHK Blends Joyful Learning with Academic Excellence

[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.] As the American School of Hong Kong (ASHK) celebrates its first decade, it reflects on its success in achieving: creating a warm and happy learning environment where students from ages 5 to 18 can thrive. Since its opening in 2016, the school has distinguished itself by striking a careful balance between academic rigour and a commitment to the all-round development of the whole child. Holistic Education and Diverse...

Politics

28 h. ago Senators Seek to Block Nvidia From Selling Top AI Chips to China

Senators Seek to Block Nvidia From Selling Top AI Chips to China  Bloomberg.com

Politics

29 h. ago FirstFT: US bipartisan bill seeks to block Nvidia sales of advanced chips to China

FirstFT: US bipartisan bill seeks to block Nvidia sales of advanced chips to China  Financial Times

Economics

30 h. ago US senators seek to block Nvidia sales of advanced chips to China

US senators seek to block Nvidia sales of advanced chips to China  Financial Times

Politics

33 h. ago Hong Kong police officer in critical condition after ‘Flying Tigers’ diving test

A Hong Kong police senior inspector is fighting for his life after falling ill following a diving test to join the elite “Flying Tigers” squad in waters off Lamma Island. The 31‑year‑old officer was taking part in the advanced selection test for the Special Duties Unit, known as the Flying Tigers, which involved diving, swimming and underwater tasks at noon on Thursday, a police spokesman said. Shortly after completing a dive, he became unwell and lost consciousness. He was rushed to Princess...

Events

34 h. ago US minerals projects seek more support from Washington to compete with China

US minerals projects seek more support from Washington to compete with China  Reuters

Politics

35 h. ago GDS Holdings: China Demand Is At An Inflection Point (NASDAQ:GDS)

GDS Holdings: China Demand Is At An Inflection Point (NASDAQ:GDS)  Seeking Alpha

Politics

36 h. ago Despite Starmer’s ‘China threat’ rhetoric, Britain seeks tighter Beijing ties

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called China a security threat this week, but analysts said the statement was motivated by domestic politics and did not negate London’s goal of deepening economic ties with Beijing. Meanwhile, disputes around a new Chinese embassy will continue to test this desire for stronger relations as the British leader plans a state visit. Starmer said on Monday that his government would focus on the relationship with China, which would help protect national interests,...

Events

38 h. ago Trump backs Taiwan's $40B defense plan as China's alliance with Russia tightens

Trump backs Taiwan's $40B defense plan as China's alliance with Russia tightens  Fox Business

Politics