5 h. ago Philippines summons Chinese ambassador over travel ban on former senator

The Philippine foreign ministry has summoned the Chinese ambassador Huang Xilian after Beijing hit the former Senate majority leader with a travel ban for his stance on the South China Sea. Francis Tolentino, a key ally of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, has been barred from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, according to a statement released by the Chinese foreign ministry last week. Beijing said the ban was the result of his “egregious conduct on China-related issues”. During a...

Politics

7 h. ago Philippines summons China's ambassador after Beijing sanctions critical former senator

Philippines summons China's ambassador after Beijing sanctions critical former senator  The Independent

Politics

12 h. ago Thai PM’s suspension reignites debate, Malaysia’s new tax: 7 Asia highlights

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Malaysia’s new ‘luxury’ taxes hit the middle class where it hurts 2. PM’s suspension reignites debate on ‘judicial activism’ of Thailand’s courts 3. Philippines’ Duterte ends womanising era, leaving ‘13 to 27’ lovers behind 4. Chinese ambassador’s ‘grandstanding’...

Economics

12 h. ago Australia gets ‘unsolicited advice’; Indonesian mine concern: 7 Asia highlights

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Malaysia’s new ‘luxury’ taxes hit the middle class where it hurts 2. PM’s suspension reignites debate on ‘judicial activism’ of Thailand’s courts 3. Philippines’ Duterte ends womanising era, leaving ‘13 to 27’ lovers behind 4. Chinese ambassador’s ‘grandstanding’...

Politics

3 d. ago Chinese ambassador’s ‘grandstanding’ advice for Australia raises eyebrows

The Chinese ambassador to Canberra has urged Australia not to be “incited” by Nato’s support for demands by the US to raise defence spending sharply and instead should cooperate with Beijing to resolve regional disputes. Analysts say the “unsolicited advice” is unlikely to sway Canberra and could backfire by reinforcing distrust of Beijing, ahead of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to China and amid an ongoing debate in Australia over its defence spending. In an opinion article published...

Politics

8 d. ago Ghana at loggerheads with China over rampant illegal gold mining

China and Ghana, Africa’s largest gold producer, are embroiled in a diplomatic row over the rampant problem of illegal gold mining, known as “galamsey”. As global gold prices soar, a growing number of Chinese firms are investing billions of dollars in Ghana’s lucrative gold sector. However, the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals in illicit mining operations has ignited major debate. It has prompted the Chinese ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, to push back against accusations that Chinese...

Events

1 week ago Former Hong Kong protester challenges travel ban in bid to study law

A former Hong Kong protester has lodged a judicial challenge against prison authorities’ decision to bar him from studying law in the United Kingdom on national security grounds, even after he completed his prison sentence for offences committed during the 2019 anti-government unrest. To Kai-wa on Wednesday sought a judicial review after the Correctional Services Department forbade him from leaving Hong Kong during his post-release supervision by citing his failure to “demonstrate sincere...

Events

1 week ago US Ambassador Calls Out Chinese Counterpart Over X Post: 'Untrained Puppy'

US Ambassador Calls Out Chinese Counterpart Over X Post: 'Untrained Puppy'  Newsweek

Politics

2 w. ago Routine or rising tensions? Chinese ambassadors in exodus from West Africa

Several Chinese ambassadors from West African nations have bid farewell to their host countries in recent weeks. While some analysts suggest their departure could be routine rotations for diplomats, one said it could be a subtle message sent to Sahelian regimes amid rising tensions over resource nationalism and security concerns. In Senegal, a new Chinese ambassador, Li Zhigang, was welcomed in May, replacing Xiao Han, who had served for around four years. In Guinea, Huang Wei is concluding his...

Politics

2 w. ago China urges US to ‘look at the whole picture’ on tariffs to see true trade ties

The envoys of the world’s two leading powers painted starkly different pictures of US-China ties, each offering a competing assessment of the state of their economic relations – just as a recently agreed framework to ease trade tensions hangs in limbo. Speaking at the US-China Business Council in Washington on Wednesday, Chinese ambassador Xie Feng called the trade relationship “generally balanced” and tariffs on Chinese imports “still unreasonably high”, warning that the US goods deficit would...

Politics

4 w. ago Trump's 21st week back in office set to include China trade talks, LA riot control, sweeping travel ban

Trump's 21st week back in office set to include China trade talks, LA riot control, sweeping travel ban  Fox News

Politics

4 w. ago Malaysian cartoonist vows to sue authorities over his ‘travel ban’

A controversial cartoonist who is known for his satirical artworks targeting Malaysia’s elite has vowed to take the government to court after he was stopped from leaving the country, in an incident that has prompted criticisms of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim for walking back on his commitment to protect individual freedoms. Fahmi Reza, who once lampooned scandal-hit former prime minister Najib Razak as a clown, was en route to Singapore for a concert on Saturday when he was denied boarding at...

Transport