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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. China builds a record-breaking hypergravity machine to compress space and time
China is set to break its own record in hypergravity research with a colossal new centrifuge that can spin multi-tonne samples at unmatched intensities.
2. China has logged a US$1 trillion trade surplus. Where is all that money going?

Recent data on China’s external accounts presents a conundrum: while the country’s trade surplus has broken records, surpassing the US$1 trillion benchmark in the first 11 months of the year, growth in its official foreign exchange reserves has lagged. This seeming paradox prompts a question – where did the money go?
3. Beijing hits back at ‘extremely hypocritical’ critics of drills around Taiwan
Beijing has hit back against concerns raised by foreign countries, including Japan, over its military drills around Taiwan, accusing critics of being “extremely hypocritical”.
4. Hongkonger who stole HK$61 million by adding ‘0’ to cheques gets 18 years’ jail
A Hong Kong property manager has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after bilking a housing estate out of HK$61.1 million (US$7.8 million) over a decade by inflating his reimbursement claims tenfold with the addition of a zero to issued cheques.
5. China warns satellites from Elon Musk’s Starlink are ‘safety and security’ risk

China has warned that the rapid expansion of internet satellite constellations such as SpaceX’s Starlink presented “pronounced safety and security challenges”.
6. Nepal probes illegal matchmaking as China cautions citizens over ‘bride buying’
Nepal is stepping up scrutiny of illegal cross-border matchmaking after authorities uncovered cases in which brokers and online intermediaries were marketing Nepali women as prospective brides for Chinese nationals, prompting increased enforcement and official warnings.
7. Long queues at China snack stall to support owner, whose dead son leaves 3 kids

Business boomed at a street snack stall in China in a touching show of support for its owner whose son had died from cancer, leaving the man with three small children to look after.


UAE’s Opec exit, why Japan shared Mogami warship design with India: 7 Asia highlights

Cheaper durians for China, Hong Kong helpers camp in tents: 5 weekend reads you missed

King Charles’ gift amuses Chinese, anti-spy agency makes allegation: SCMP’s 7 highlights

A 60-year-old Singaporean pole dancer, Guizhou’s spicy food: 7 Lifestyle highlights

SCMP Highlights

China’s record hypergravity machine, Nepal’s ‘bride buying’ probe: SCMP’s 7 highlights

A view of the core of the CHIEF1300. The latest CHIEF1900 was built by Shanghai Electric Nuclear Power Group and shipped to Zhejiang University last week for installation. Photo: Xinhua

China’s status as the world’s manufacturing leader has helped it record a record trade surplus in 2025. Photo: VCG via Getty Images

SpaceX aims to build a constellation of more than 42,000 satellites when the Starlink network is complete. Photo: Reuters

Long queues have formed at a food stall in China in support of a vendor whose son died of cancer, leaving him with three young children. Photo: RedNote

How China cracked US ‘super code’, health benefits of lard: 7 science highlights

China’s Southern Regional Electricity Market, the world’s largest unified power market, has fully switched to the homegrown Tianquan solver, which is 14 per cent faster than US rivals. Photo: EPA-EFE

Some Chinese nuclear experts estimate that Japan has the capacity to develop nuclear weapons in less than three years. Photo: Shutterstock

Footage of the test aired by state broadcaster CCTV shows a vehicle flashing across the maglev track, leaving a trail of mist in its wake. Photo: CCTV

The Long March 12A, China’s first state-owned reusable rocket, has failed on its debut launch. Photo: Weibo

A scientific study has found that in moderation, lard can have health benefits. Photo: Shutterstock

Japan as a nuclear power, China’s first female C919 captain: 5 weekend reads you missed

Epsilon rockets can send payloads into low-Earth orbit. Photo: AFP

China unveils the world’s most powerful smart direct current transformer, which can significantly reduce the blackout risk of renewable energy. Photo: Handout

Members of the Ukrainian military take cover during an operation in June. Photo: AFP

Yu Yue has been appointed as made the first female captain pilot of the C919. Photo: China Southern Airlines

A Chinese influencer with 44 million followers was banned after live-streaming a pool party with inappropriate content, leading to criticism over the platform’s tolerance for such material. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin

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China

Hong Kong

World

This Week in Asia

From Beijing defending Taiwan drills to a Chinese snack stall drawing crowds of support, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting


From Beijing defending Taiwan drills to a Chinese snack stall drawing crowds of support, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.


China’s record hypergravity machine, Nepal’s ‘bride buying’ probe: SCMP’s 7 highlights

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From Beijing defending Taiwan drills to a Chinese snack stall drawing crowds of support, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

1. China builds a record-breaking hypergravity machine to compress space and time

From Beijing defending Taiwan drills to a Chinese snack stall drawing crowds of support, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting