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SCMP

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. Why does Taiwan matter so much to both mainland China and the US?
As many as 19.3 million voters in Taiwan will elect a new president on January 13. Their vote will not only decide the self-ruled island’s policy with Beijing for years to come, but also geopolitics in the Asia-Pacific region and US-China relations.
2. Chinese scientists achieve breakthrough in converting coal into protein
As the global demand for animal feed continues to soar, researchers in China have developed a groundbreaking method to create protein using methanol derived from coal that is both inexpensive and highly efficient.
3. Too few pilots, roster chaos: behind Cathay Pacific’s flight cancellations

Hong Kong’s flag carrier was once again thrust into the spotlight this week when Cathay Pacific announced it would cut an average of 12 flights a day until the end of February in a bid to avoid cancellations during the Lunar New Year holiday – one of the busiest travel periods of the year in China.
4. Indians vow to boycott Maldives after Modi called a ‘clown’ over Gaza stance

Indian tourists have started cancelling visits to the sun-kissed beaches of the Maldives as a social media call to boycott the island has gone viral in the world’s most populous country following disparaging remarks made about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
5. China is trying to sell its ‘chubby girl’ transport plane to foreign buyers

China is seeking to sell its Y-20 Kunpeng airlifter to foreign buyers, with its manufacturer expanding production capacity in preparation, according to media reports. The heavy-lift transport plane – nicknamed “chubby girl” for its large fuselage – is comparable to the Soviet Ilyushin Il-76 and America’s Boeing C-17.
6. Shaming of ‘lying flat’ grass-roots Chinese officials shocks civil service
A little-known town in southern China has sent shock waves through the civil service rank and file after naming and shaming eight grass-roots officials as examples of “lying flat”.
7. Year of the Dragon 2024: is your luck in? All 12 zodiac sign predictions

How will your Chinese zodiac animal fare in 2024? Feng shui master, author and television host Tong Pik-ha gives her predictions for all 12 zodiac signs for the coming Year of the Dragon, which starts on February 10.


China turns African port into tourist spot, students rethink Hong Kong: 5 weekend reads

Trump urged Xi to help end Ukraine war; China’s tech sanctions list: SCMP’s 7 highlights

Sharla Cheung’s film career, rise and fall of Hong Kong comics: 7 Lifestyle highlights

Chip prodigy returns to China, coal waste used for critical minerals: 7 science highlights

SCMP Highlights

Boycott Maldives campaign, why Taiwan election matters, chaos at Cathay Pacific: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

On January 13, Taiwan will hold presidential and legislature elections that will help shape US-China relations for years to come. Photo: Bloomberg

illustration by Lau Ka-kuen

India Prime Minister Narendra Modi promotes the islands of Lakshadweep in a photo released on January 4, 2024. Photo: X/Narendra Modi

The Y-20 military transport aircraft is nicknamed “chubby girl” for its large fuselage. It entered service in 2016. Photo: AP

As the Year of the Dragon approaches, what does 2024 have in store for you? Here are predictions for the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. Illustrations: Victor Sanjinez

Star mathematician leaves US for China, overseas Taiwanese return to vote: 5 weekend reads you may have missed

Protesters hold placards during a rally against political dynasties in Jakarta on December 7. Photo: EPA-EFE

Star mathematician Sun Song. Photo: Zhejiang University

Protesters hold placards with pictures of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, his son Gibran Rakabuming Raka and the former constitutional court chief during a rally against political dynasties in Jakarta on December 7. Photo: EPA-EFE

Hong Kong labour authorities warn that firing a domestic helper who is on paid sick leave is a violation of employment regulations. Photo: Sam Tsang

Taiwanese voters head to the polls on January 13. Photo: Bloomberg

Sweetened cereals are a common breakfast food that are ultra-processed and potentially harmful. A University College London professor explains why ultra-processed foods are dangerous, and how to spot them. Photo: Shutterstock

Malaysians hit back at McDonald’s, survivors recall Japan earthquake, Michelle Yeoh’s new role: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

A McDonald’s restaurant in Putrajaya, Malaysia in November 2023. McDonald’s is one of the hardest hit by the global boycott over Israel’s bombardment of Gaza. Photo: EPA-EFE

Chinese scientists have revealed the design of a new electronic warfare weapon. Photo: EPA-EFE/Xinhua

Destroyed houses in earthquake-hit Suzu, Ishikawa prefecture, on Tuesday. Photo: Kyodo News via AP

The DPP’s William Lai, Hou Yu-ih from the Kuomintang and Ko Wen-je from the Taiwan People’s Party are vying for the presidency. Illustration: Henry Wong

This aerial photo shows the archaeological site of a tomb dating back to the Western Han dynasty (202 BC - 25 AD) in Wulong district of southwest China’s Chongqing municipality. Photo: Xinhua/Huang Wei

A Cathay Pacific aircraft sits on the tarmac at Narita International Airport in Tokyo. The carrier has said there was a “case of unauthorised access” during the boarding of a flight last month. Photo: Shutterstock

Michelle Yeoh and husband Jean Todt join his son Nicolas and daughter-in-law Darina after the birth of baby Maxime. Photo: Instagram/nicolastodt

China invents powerful detonation engine, Mandarin in US schools, renewed MH370 search calls: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

A relative of a missing flight MH370 passenger holds a banner stating “Malaysia Airlines MH370 case” in Chinese after a compensation claim hearing in Beijing on November 27. Photo: EPA-EFE

Illustration: Henry Wong

Abby Choi was reported missing in February before police discovered some of her remains at a village house in Tai Po’s Lung Mei Tsuen. Photo: Instagram/xxabbyc

Chris Martin of Coldplay performs in California earlier this year. The British rock band broke the record in June for most tickets sold in Singapore in a single day. Photo: AP

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From the backlash over ministers in Maldives calling Modi a ‘clown’ to why Taiwan election matters, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting


From the backlash over ministers in Maldives calling Modi a ‘clown’ to why the Taiwan election matters, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.


Boycott Maldives campaign, why Taiwan election matters, chaos at Cathay Pacific: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}From the backlash over ministers in Maldives calling Modi a ‘clown’ to why Taiwan election matters, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

1. Why does Taiwan matter so much to both mainland China and the US?

From the backlash over ministers in Maldives calling Modi a ‘clown’ to why Taiwan election matters, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting