36 h. ago China’s naval ‘genius’; 2 million Filipinos’ jobs on the line: 5 weekend reads

We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. US call centre bill threatens Philippines’ US$30 billion outsourcing boom 2. Chinachem Tower blaze in Hong Kong’s Central put out after 4-hour battle, 4 hurt 3. The aircraft carrier champion and naval genius behind China’s blue sea strategy 4. Man accused of running Cambodian scam farm empire...

Politics

3 d. ago The aircraft carrier champion and naval genius behind China’s blue sea strategy

The commissioning of the Fujian, China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, will mark yet another milestone in the country’s naval ambition. Behind this gigantic symbol of China’s maritime power lies the vision of one man: Admiral Liu Huaqing, who famously said that he would not die peacefully until his country had an aircraft carrier. The former commander of the Chinese navy was also a revered strategist and a visionary technocrat who directed the comprehensive modernisation of China’s...

Transport

4 d. ago China’s new carrier takes shape, missing Filipino helpers found: 7 highlights

We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond 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. Images of hull sections suggest progress on China’s fourth aircraft carrier China appears to be making progress on its fourth aircraft carrier at a shipyard in the country’s northeast, according to satellite images, another key part...

Events

4 d. ago China shuns US software for documents, Tim Cook boosts iPhone Air: 7 highlights

We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond 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. Images of hull sections suggest progress on China’s fourth aircraft carrier China appears to be making progress on its fourth aircraft carrier at a shipyard in the country’s northeast, according to satellite images, another key part...

Society

4 d. ago Dogs flying in cargo hold count as baggage, top EU court rules

The European Union’s top court ruled Thursday that a dog travelling in an aeroplane’s cargo hold counts as baggage, meaning airlines are not required to pay higher compensation if the animal is lost. The ruling stems from a dispute between Spanish airline Iberia and a passenger whose dog, Mona, went missing before a flight from Buenos Aires to Barcelona in October 2019. The dog, which had to travel in a pet carrier in the aircraft’s hold due to its size and weight, escaped while being taken to...

Transport

7 d. ago Images of hull sections suggest progress on China’s fourth aircraft carrier

China appears to be making progress on its fourth aircraft carrier at a shipyard in the country’s northeast, according to satellite images, another key part of the navy’s modernisation drive. Commercial satellite images posted to Chinese social media show new hull sections at the shipyard in Dalian, Liaoning where the warship – known as the Type 004 – is believed to be being built. The hull sections are visible in the satellite imagery from late September but were not seen in images from...

Transport

1 week ago Meet Little Genius, the smartwatch brand ruling China’s playgrounds

One recent Saturday afternoon in Shanghai, a 10-year-old girl – glasses perched on her nose, her pink T-shirt tucked into a purple skirt – led her parents into a Little Genius store. Returning to school after the summer break, she was eager for a new smartwatch and had only one brand in mind. “We checked out Huawei and Xiaomi, but my daughter insisted on getting Little Genius,” the mother told the sales staff. Known locally as Xiaotiancai and abroad as Imoo, Little Genius may be unfamiliar to...

Politics

1 week ago Before plenum, party paper calls China’s economy ‘unsinkable’ aircraft carrier

In a series of eight op-eds published in the Communist Party’s mouthpiece newspaper ahead of a meeting that will set the tone for China’s next five years of development, Beijing described the country’s economy as an “unsinkable economic aircraft carrier” capable of withstanding internal and external uncertainties. The articles in People’s Daily, carrying a byline widely seen as representing the party’s Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission, touted China’s stability and resilience...

Society

2 w. ago Trump says US hit another boat off Venezuela, hints land operations next

US forces hit another vessel allegedly carrying illegal drugs off the coast of Venezuela on Saturday evening, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday, adding that the US would also start looking at drug trafficking occurring on land. Trump made the comment during a speech at Naval Station Norfolk, next to the Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier. It was not immediately clear if he was referencing a strike announced on Friday by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. That strike, at least the fourth...

Politics

2 w. ago China is making big aircraft carrier moves. Here's how its flattops stack up against the US Navy.

China is making big aircraft carrier moves. Here's how its flattops stack up against the US Navy.  Business Insider

Transport

2 w. ago China’s Aircraft Carrier Strategy: Stay Local, Stay Ready to Fight

China’s Aircraft Carrier Strategy: Stay Local, Stay Ready to Fight  National Security Journal

Transport

2 w. ago Is China’s Fujian carrier ready to enter service? These pictures may be a clue

China’s most advanced aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has been pictured at a naval base on the southern island of Hainan for the first time, suggesting it is a step closer to entering service. Satellite images taken on Wednesday and shared on social media showed the Fujian and the older Shandong carrier berthed side by side at Yulin Naval Base in Sanya. It was the first time the two carriers had been seen together at the same pier. Additional images indicated that four tugboats had escorted the...

Politics

3 w. ago David Tepper's Genius: How His 'Simple' China Bet Netted Massive Gains

David Tepper's Genius: How His 'Simple' China Bet Netted Massive Gains  Zacks Investment Research

Politics

3 w. ago Fujian carrier’s landmark jet launch, influencer marries fan: 7 highlights

We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond 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. Landmark launch for China’s J-35 stealth jet from Fujian aircraft carrier China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has used its advanced electromagnetic catapults to launch all three types of fixed-wing aircraft developed for the...

Politics

3 w. ago China’s Navy Is On the Brink of Becoming a Real Aircraft Carrier ‘Powerhouse’

China’s Navy Is On the Brink of Becoming a Real Aircraft Carrier ‘Powerhouse’  National Security Journal

Society

3 w. ago China says electromagnetic catapult launched fighters from new aircraft carrier

China says electromagnetic catapult launched fighters from new aircraft carrier  Stars and Stripes

Transport

3 w. ago China’s New Fujian Aircraft Carrier Looks Close to Fully Operational

China’s New Fujian Aircraft Carrier Looks Close to Fully Operational  National Security Journal

Transport

3 w. ago China's newest aircraft carrier just launched a stealth jet with an electromagnetic catapult, marking a major capability jump

China's newest aircraft carrier just launched a stealth jet with an electromagnetic catapult, marking a major capability jump  Business Insider

Events

4 w. ago Chinese Navy Releases Footage Of Flight Operations From New Aircraft Carrier “Fujian”

Chinese Navy Releases Footage Of Flight Operations From New Aircraft Carrier “Fujian”  navalnews.com

Transport

4 w. ago China flexes western Pacific muscle with Fujian launches: analysts

The successful launch of a batch of carrier-based fighter jets from China’s most advanced aircraft carrier signalled the country’s enhanced military influence in the western Pacific region and intensified competition within the second island chain, analysts observed. The J-15T fighter jet, the fifth-generation J-35 stealth fighter and the airborne early warning aircraft KJ-600 successfully completed catapult launches and arresting gear landing tests aboard the Fujian, according to CCTV on...

Politics