Taiwan earthquake, Kobe Bryant’s lookalike in China, Singapore’s 34-year-old grandma: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

From Taipei rebuffing Beijing’s aid after earthquake to a Singaporean influencer becoming a grandmother at 34, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

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Buildings were shaken from their foundations in a magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Hualien City, Taiwan on Wednesday morning. Photo: CNA

Published: 12:31pm, 5 Apr 2024Updated: 2:06pm, 5 Apr 2024

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. Taiwan quake: Taipei rebuffs aid offer from mainland China amid deadly disaster

The Taiwanese government has rebuffed an offer of help extended by Beijing as the island contends with the aftermath of a deadly 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck on Wednesday morning, killing at least nine people. At least 934 people are reported injured and 56 remain trapped in the quake that struck off the east coast at 7.58am and sparked tsunami warnings.

2. Biden and Kishida to announce ‘historic’ US-Japan agreement: envoy

US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida walk along the Colonnade of the White House in Washington on January 13, 2023. Photo: AP

US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will announce a “historic” agreement next week that will “upgrade” the two countries’ security relationship, deputy secretary of state Kurt Campbell said on Wednesday.

3. Hong Kong Rugby Sevens’ nearly 50-year history – a visual guide

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