Bureaucracy and favouritism drive China's security procurement, researchers say

Mainland security agencies often ignore the latest surveillance and internet monitoring technology developed by the nation’s own scientists because of excessive bureaucracy and favouritism when picking which systems to use, according to researchers involved in the selection process.

• US panel urges sanctions against China for cyberspying
• China can speak with one voice on security via new council, Xi says
• Mainland firms lead in plans to spend on information security

Money man linked to Kim Jong-un's ousted uncle said to have defected

North Korea is facing what could be its most serious defection in 15 years after a man who managed funds for the ousted uncle of leader Kim Jong-un fled the country, South Korean media said yesterday.

Awestruck over lunch with a legend: a personal memory of Nelson Mandela

Ever since his release from jail, Mandela said, he had met many, many journalists. On the whole, we were a decent bunch. However, there were some bad ones among us – “and you”, he said, raising both voice and index finger, “are the worst.”

• Nelson Mandela, 20th century colossus and beloved statesman, dies at 95
• China pays tribute to Mandela, an 'old friend of the Chinese people'
• Nelson Mandela understood the power of sport to unite his nation

Standard Chartered elite customer details on alleged hacker's laptop