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Chinese culture

Language Matters | The enduring legacy of bamboo, a symbol of resilience and strength in Asia

Bamboo is used in everything from construction to food throughout Asia, and even lends itself to global concepts like the ‘bamboo curtain’.

Bamboo poles are seen used in the construction of a pavilion in Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong. Bamboo is used in everything from construction to food throughout Asia. Photo: Eugene Lee

Chinese culture

Reflections | In wake of Tai Po blaze, China’s long and difficult struggle fighting fire

The qualities that made buildings beautiful in premodern Chinese cities also made them dangerously flammable, and fire was a constant threat.

Residential buildings in Tai Po’s Wang Fuk Court burn on November 26, 2025. Hong Kong’s recent tragedy is a grim reminder of the enduring menace fires have posed throughout Chinese history. Photo: Sam Tsang

Health & Environment

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

Corruption, complacency and climate chaos conspire to turn the Philippines’ natural hazards into man-made tragedies.

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Satellite imagery shows Super Typhoon Fung-wong as it approaches the Philippines on November 9. Photo: NOAA/EPA

Hong Kong

Video | Tai Po fire highlights shady side of Hong Kong’s building renovation industry

Rising costs and aging properties led to bid-rigging and collusion in city’s building renovation industry.

Wang Fuk Court
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United States & Canada

Trump talks trade with Canada, Mexico leaders at World Cup draw

The three nations are preparing for a review of their trade pact amid rising US tariffs and threats by Washington to withdraw from the USMCA.

US President Donald Trump speaks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum after the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup in Washington on Friday. Photo: AP
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Comment

Editorial | Hong Kong must build on foundations laid at successful Legal Week

The event provides a valuable platform for international engagement as the city tries to make its mark on the global legal landscape.

Professor Ignacio Tirado (right) secretary general of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, delivers a speech during Hong Kong Legal Week on December 2. Photo: Handout

Health & Wellness

Explainer | On the verge of a breakdown, new mother discovers what stress really is

A battle with cancer, a new baby and an alcoholic husband tested high-flying executive Asha’s ability to cope with stress.

Asha plays with her child. The high-flying marketing executive started off knowing all about positive stress, but a battle with cancer, a new baby and an alcoholic husband saw her have to learn new ways to overcome her mental tension. Photo: Asha

Tech

Chinese EV maker Li Auto unveils industry’s cheapest AI glasses at US$282

Despite its lightweight build, Livis promises robust performance with an impressive battery life of 18.8 hours under normal usage.

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Li Auto’s glasses are also among the lightest on the market, weighing 46 grams including the lens. Photo: Handout

Comment

Editorial | Silver lining in China’s ageing population shouldn’t be overlooked

Increase in life expectancy affirms Beijing’s commitment to boosting healthcare standards and presents economic opportunities.

Elderly people relax at a park in Fuyang in China’s Anhui province on October 9. Photo: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

US

Trump recasts US allies as tools to counter China in security playbook: analysts

Plan urges wealthier partners to boost defence roles, align export controls and shoulder more regional responsibility.

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US President Donald Trump stands during a cabinet meeting at the White House on Tuesday. Photo: EPA
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Food & Drink

Hong Kong’s hottest new openings, from a quiet coffee shop to Yunnan cuisine

Jija by Vicky Lau brings Yunnan province flavours to Tsim Sha Tsui, minimalist cafe Moonary serves espresso-based drinks and matcha lattes, and Carmela offers a Mediterranean touch.

Dishes at Jija by Vicky Lau focus on Yunnan’s robust flavours and famed produce. Photo: courtesy Jija by Vicky Lau

Diplomacy

Why China may be better placed than US in tussle for rare earths

While Beijing has long engaged with resource-rich nations, Trump’s Washington is seen as more ‘aggressive’ and reactive.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Leisure

6 lush coffee table books to gift the watch lover in your life

These tomes tell of timepieces owned by powerful women like Elizabeth Taylor and hip-hop stars such as Busta Rhymes, to iconic pilot watches from the Cartier Santos to the Omega Speedmaster.

The Watch Book Rolex – Next Generation is just one of a handful of eye-catching tomes you could consider gifting to a watch lover. Photo: Handout

Luxury News

Christmas 2025 gift guide: suited and booted in timeless black and white

From an Apple iPhone 17 Pro to a Tudor Black Bay watch, black and white make a telling impression – always smart, never out of place.

Dolce & Gabbana’s holiday 2025 collection. Photo: Handout

United States & Canada

US Supreme Court to weigh Trump bid to limit birthright citizenship

The Trump admin has argued that the provision doesn’t apply to the babies of immigrants who are in the country illegally or temporarily.

Demonstrators hold signs outside the US Supreme Court in May. Photo: AP
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World Opinion

Opinion | Welcome to a world where wars don’t end and sanctions don’t work

The age of ‘distributed multipolarity’ shows that superpowers alone can no longer dictate international affairs.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens

Diplomacy

Trump’s national security blueprint aims to combat China’s rise in Latin America

Framework pledges to stop competitors from threatening the stability and political alignment of neighbouring countries in the region.

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US President Donald Trump unveiled a new national security blueprint on Friday, prioritising US dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Photo: EPA

United States & Canada

US judge orders release of grand jury transcripts in Epstein case

Trump has signed a bill requiring release of all government records involving the convicted sex offender.

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A protester holds a sign calling for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein case files outside the US Capitol in November. Photo: TNS

China

US confirms Chinese boy Yuanxin, 6, is in federal custody. But where is he?

Separated from his father during an ICE check-in, the 6-year-old never appeared in federal detainee records, leaving advocates searching.

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The location of 6-year-old Yuanxin remains unknown more than a week after he was separated from his father during a routine ICE check-in. Photo: Family handout

United States & Canada

Frank Gehry, the most celebrated architect of his time, dies at 96

His masterpieces include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and Berlin’s DZ Bank Building.

Frank Gehry poses at the 2023 Los Angeles Philharmonic Gala in October 2023. Photo: AP
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Gadgets

How Sony’s PlayStation changed gaming and entertainment forever

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in North America and Europe, the PlayStation brand has penetrated popular culture like few others.

People play Wipeout at an exhibition tracing 30 years of the PlayStation console at the OXO Video Game Museum in Malaga, Spain, on November 13, 2025. Photo: EPA

Other Sport

Fifa 2026: Argentina to open against Algeria, US starts against Paraguay

The draw for the 48-nation tournament took place at a show that lasted almost as long as a football match.

Shaquille O’Neal acts as a draw assistant during the Fifa World Cup 2026 draw event in Washington on Friday. Photo: Reuters

Economy, Trade & Business

China’s vice-premier has ‘constructive’ call with US officials Bessent and Greer

Both sides agree to promote the development of bilateral trade ties to ‘expand the list for cooperation and shorten the list of problems’.

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China’s Vice-Premier He Lifeng had a productive video call with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on Friday. Photo: AFP

United States & Canada

Fifa gives Trump its new peace prize at World Cup draw

The US president, who has campaigned for but not received a Nobel Peace Prize, says he doesn’t need awards, just wants to ‘save lives’.

US President Donald Trump is awarded the Fifa Peace Prize in Washington on Friday. Photo: AP

Europe

EU hits Musk’s X with US$140 million fine, risking Trump’s ire

US Vice-President J.D. Vance fired a warning against ‘attacking’ US firms through ‘censorship’ before the penalty was even made public.

Elon Musk looks on as US President Donald Trump speaks at the US-Saudi Investment Forum in Washingto in November. Photo: AFP
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United States & Canada

US vaccine advisers say not all newborns need hepatitis B shot

Scrapping the recommendation for vaccination at birth will reverse decades of public health gains, disease experts say.

Protesters rally outside CDC headquarter during a meeting of the vaccine committee in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Politics

Hong Kong government hits out at US politicians’ ‘absurd’ Jimmy Lai resolution

Members of Select Committee on China claimed ex-media boss being mistreated in prison and called for his immediate release.

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Jimmy Lai, who has been in custody since December 2020, is awaiting a verdict in his marathon national security trial that has spanned more than 1½ years. Photo: AFP

China

Dutch minister admits he was blindsided by China in Nexperia chip crisis

Karremans faces criticism after Beijing choked off chip flows and scrutiny of his move to invoke a Cold War-era security law.

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Vincent Karremans, the Dutch economy minister, in September. Photo: ANP

Politics

Legco election hopefuls scale back campaigning in Hong Kong fire aftermath

Contenders also unveil new policy platforms in run-up to Sunday’s poll, including calls for thorough investigation into fire.

The Legislative Council election will take place on Sunday. Photo: Dickson Lee

Hong Kong

Japan’s Watanabe summons grit to shock teenager Orfi at Hong Kong Squash Open

Satomi Watanabe withstands Amina Orfi fightback to reach her first platinum semi-final, while ruthless Paul Coll is into men’s last four.

Satomi Watanabe (left) tries to wrongfoot Amina Orfi during a thrilling Hong Kong Open quarter-final. Photo: Jonathan Wong