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SCMP

We have put together stories from our coverage on science from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. China’s satellite engine smashes record, leaves US rival far behind

China has tested a satellite engine with a record-breaking operating life, a key technology that could help propel the world’s largest communications, military and deep-space spacecraft into their intended orbits faster and more reliably.
2. China rare earth industry has critical weakness, study finds
China’s dominance in rare earth mining, refining and exports has long been viewed as a strategic advantage. But a new study by Chinese researchers argues that the country’s rare earth industry has its own critical weakness.
3. Long March-10B: China’s net-capture rocket joins space race with edge on SpaceX

China on Friday became only the second nation in history to achieve the controlled recovery of an orbital-class rocket booster, after successfully retrieving part of its Long March-10B reusable rocket during its maiden launch.
4. Noted neurobiologist and ex-taekwondo captain Chih-Ying Su leaves US for China

Celebrated neurobiologist Chih-Ying Su, who specialises in research on the sense of smell using fruit flies and mosquitoes, has left her position as faculty vice-chair at the University of California San Diego to join the Shenzhen Academy of Medical Sciences (SMART).
5. China achieves microwatt milestone with self-reliant carbon-14 nuclear battery
Chinese researchers have developed a new-generation nuclear battery that far surpasses its predecessor and marks a major step in long-life power sources, according to the team.
6. Up to 100 gigawatts: China unveils its high-power microwave weapon arsenal

China’s high-power microwave (HPM) weapons can deliver an output of up to 100 gigawatts (GW), according to defence scientists – a milestone that could transform the future of warfare and stimulate advancements in civilian research and industry.
7. US scientists use Chinese humanoid robot to carry out keyhole surgery
US scientists have carried out keyhole surgery with a Chinese-made robot taking the place of the lead surgeon.


China’s rare earth weakness, new rocket to rival SpaceX: 7 science highlights

South Korea’s lost Canadian deal; BN’s election win in Malaysia’s Johor: 7 Asia highlights

Filipino helpers as surrogates, Chinese scientist’s death in US: 5 weekend reads you missed

10 scientists and experts who have left the US and UK for China so far in 2026

SCMP Highlights

A communications satellite equipped with the 750 newton test engine takes off from the Wenchang launch site in southern China on board a modified version of the Long March-7 rocket on June 23. Photo: Xinhua

A mine in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, a part of China’s vast rare earth mining industry. But new study says the country’s “international patent layout remains insufficient”. Photo: AP

China has succeeded in recovering the reusable rocket used in the maiden launch of the Long March-10B. Photo: Weibo/萌虎鲸

Chih-Ying Su (right) pictured at her American lab at UC San Diego. Photo: Handout

China displays a high-power microwave weapon system during the Victory Day parade in Beijing on September 3, 2025. Photo: Xinhua

Fish named after Blackpink’s Jennie; China’s 6G smart city: 7 science highlights

The tower is designed to collect more detailed data about atmospheric conditions. Photo: Handout

Jennie of Blackpink is the latest K-pop artist to inspire a scientific name. Photo: Getty Images

The researchers developed a method to weave nanoparticles into a three-dimensional photothermal evaporation material, significantly boosting the efficiency of converting solar energy to drive desalination. Photo: Shutterstock

According to UN data on its Sustainable Development Goals, China has achieved “no poverty” and quality education while the US has achieved the target for industry, innovation and infrastructure. Photo: AFP

China sets July 4 precedent with US; Cathay plane triggers Nato alert: SCMP’s 7 highlights

Victoria Shanghai Academy top scorers with school principal Shirla Sum (first from left) and supervisor Peggy Lam and executive director Victor Koong. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Fireworks explode during Salute to America, an Independence Day event, at the National Mall in Washington on July 4. Photo: AP


Hungarian fighter jets intercepted a Cathay Pacific Airways passenger plane bound for London over the weekend. Photo: Handout

Cabo Verde’s football team arrive home in Praia on July 5 from the United States and celebrate with their supporters despite their exit from the Fifa World Cup 2026 following a 3-2 extra-time defeat to Argentina. Photo: Reuters

Han Yaping from a modest background in Henan scored an impressive 699 on the gaokao exam. Photo: Douyin

Media attend a press briefing where Thai police showed pictures of surrogate babies in 2014, the year before Thailand banned commercial surrogacy. Photo: AP

The Royal Canadian navy hosts the South Korean navy’s Dosan Ahn Chang-ho during a welcome ceremony in Esquimalt, British Columbia, on May 25. Photo: The Canadian Press/AP

Barisan Nasional leaders cheer at the coalition’s command centre in Johor Bahru as unofficial results show BN leading in the state election in Malaysia on Saturday. Photo: Iman Muttaqin Yusof

Tourists throng a shopping street in front of Sensoji Temple in the popular Asakusa district of Tokyo, Japan, last month. Photo: Kyodo

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr pictured on Thursday during his visit to Vancouver, Canada. Photo: The Canadian Press/AP

News

China

Science

From China unveiling microwave weapons to top neurobiologist leaving US, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting


From China unveiling microwave weapons to top neurobiologist leaving US, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting.


Shenzhen

United States

University of California San Diego (US)

China’s rare earth weakness, new rocket to rival SpaceX: 7 science highlights

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From China unveiling microwave weapons to top neurobiologist leaving US, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting

1. China’s satellite engine smashes record, leaves US rival far behind

From China unveiling microwave weapons to top neurobiologist leaving US, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting