Chinese mega dam stops using Western chips; 2 sides of Donald Trump: SCMP daily highlights

From Trump’s frustration with Brazil and India to a PLA fighter jet accused of ‘dangerous’ moves, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage

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The Xiluodu Dam and hydropower station is the third-largest in China and the fourth-largest in the world. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 9:15pm, 14 Aug 2025

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. Europe reduced to spectator as Trump and Putin eye Ukraine carve-up in Alaska

A meeting in Alaska on Friday that could shape the future of Europe’s security will be notable for the absence of Europeans.

2. Chinese mega dam stops using Western industrial chips over security concerns

China’s Xiluodu Dam – one of the world’s largest hydropower stations – has fully transitioned away from Western-made industrial control chips over national security and supply chain resilience concerns, according to a leading Chinese industrial chip supplier.

3. PLA jet accused of ‘dangerous’ moves near South China Sea’s Scarborough Shoal

The Philippines coastguard claims that a People’s Liberation Army fighter jet flew close to one of its aircraft on a patrol flight on Wednesday and behaved dangerously. Photo: Reuters

A Chinese fighter jet allegedly flew close to a Philippine coastguard aircraft near the disputed Scarborough Shoal on Wednesday morning, while US and PLA naval vessels operated close by amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea.

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