35 m. ago Crocodile auction, China’s ‘demon teacher’, Chinese calligraphy: 5 trending stories

From a court auctioning live crocodiles to a journalism graduate turned canteen worker, here are five stories from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Politics

2 h. ago Japanese study shows babies born in winter are less likely to become obese adults

A person’s brown fat, one of two types of body fat, and cold weather appear to be linked to a lower possibility of weight gain in adulthood.

Politics

2 h. ago Babies conceived in winter less likely to become obese adults, Japan study finds

A person’s brown fat, one of two types of body fat, and cold weather appear to be linked to a lower possibility of weight gain in adulthood.

Politics

4 h. ago China reality show criticised for making actor who was Myanmar scam victim re

Wang says he has declined offers from entertainment industry to adapt his story into films or TV series, not wanting to ‘sell himself off’.

Events

18 h. ago US report warns of ‘frightening’ China biotech rise, urges action to boost local industry

China is ‘quickly ascending to biotechnology dominance’ and the US must ‘take swift action in the next three years’, the report says.

Events

18 h. ago Has Trump cancelled Christmas? China's decorations makers report no US orders

Has Trump cancelled Christmas? China's decorations makers report no US orders  Reuters

Politics

18 h. ago South Korean man jailed for attempted murder over Chinese insult, revealing racial tensions

The incident occurred when one business partner in Seoul called the other Chinese, reflecting ongoing national identity tensions.

Events

19 h. ago Chinese cancer patient holds park funeral for herself, gains support from passers

‘I do not fear death. Life’s value is not in its duration, but in how fully we embrace each moment,’ says woman.

Science

20 h. ago Work with a smile? But that’s harassment, say nearly half of Japanese polled

45.7 per cent of respondents say they think asking store staff to smile is harassment, suggesting growing sensitivity to pressures on service workers.

Events

22 h. ago ‘Stop the stalking’: Japanese badminton star asks fans in China to keep distance

Chiharu Shida, dubbed ‘most beautiful badminton player’, says obsessive fans have left her feeling scared ‘every time we compete in China’.

Politics

23 h. ago China court hears men barging into home, attacking grandparents before snatching infant

Gang allegedly violently assaults grandpa, leaving him covered in blood, causing his eyes to bulge.

Events

25 h. ago In India, cyber scams targeting elderly fuel digital safety concerns

One 82-year-old victim lost nearly US$400,000 after fraudsters convinced him of their credentials by fabricating Supreme Court letters.

Events

27 h. ago In China, whispers of change as some companies tell staff to work less

In China, whispers of change as some companies tell staff to work less  Reuters

Politics

27 h. ago US memory chipmaker Micron to impose tariff surcharge on some products, sources say

Micron’s overseas manufacturing sites are largely based in Asia, including mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore.

Politics

36 h. ago US slaps 104% tariff on Chinese imports after Beijing refuses to back down: Report

US slaps 104% tariff on Chinese imports after Beijing refuses to back down: Report  Moneycontrol

Politics

37 h. ago Russia and China are threatening SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation, new report finds

Russia and China are threatening SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation, new report finds  Space.com

Events

39 h. ago Dow jumps 1,300 points amid Trump’s trade war; China warns of countermeasures; Japan negotiates

Despite the surge, analysts warn of volatility amid Trump’s tariffs and potential recession risk.

Events

39 h. ago US stocks jump – then dive, as confusion over Trump tariffs reigns

The big question remains centred on how long the US president will keep his stiff tariffs on imports, which would raise prices for Americans.

Politics

40 h. ago Hong Kong DSE: citizen and social development exam ‘easy’, some students say

Exam paper asks candidates to discuss Hong Kong’s strengths in promoting Chinese culture and the influence of China’s foreign aid.

Politics

41 h. ago China Mulling Ban on Hollywood Film Releases in Response to Trump Tariffs (Report)

China Mulling Ban on Hollywood Film Releases in Response to Trump Tariffs (Report)  The Hollywood Reporter

Politics