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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. Chinese scientists build first jet fuel-powered engine for Mach 16 flight
The world’s first oblique detonation engine (ODE) powered by standard aviation kerosene has been successfully tested by Chinese scientists, marking a potential game-changer in hypersonic propulsion that could redefine the limits of air and space travel.
2. Home of DeepSeek, Black Myth: Wukong, can Hangzhou rival Shenzhen’s tech crown?

As the tech race expands from chips, drones and telecommunications to more nascent products like artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, the sudden rise of a new cohort of start-ups has thrust their home base, Hangzhou, onto the scene.
3. US shot across China’s bow in shipbuilding could backfire as allies fall short
Though the US has unveiled a sweeping port fee proposal designed to hamstring China’s shipbuilding industry – the world’s largest by a wide margin – it may find its Asian allies unable to fill the vacuum in production that could result.
4. Hong Kong budget 2025: 13 things you need to know

Hong Kong’s finance chief has revealed a series of measures to strictly control government expenditure as the city grapples with an estimated deficit of HK$87.2 billion (US$11.2 billion) in the 2024-25 financial year and HK$67 billion in the next. Here are 13 key takeaways from the latest budget blueprint.
5. Indonesia’s budget battles sink its aircraft-carrier dreams

For a nation of more than 17,000 islands at the southern edge of one of the world’s most contested waterways, the idea of an aircraft carrier might seem like a bold, even necessary, step. But Indonesia’s dream of owning such a symbol of naval might is colliding with a harsh reality: the lack of money and, perhaps, need.
6. Why the rich prefer Hong Kong insurance policies for inheritances
Insurance policies were becoming a popular choice for wealthy individuals in Asia, including the Greater Bay Area, for estate planning to avoid family disputes and achieve stable growth, according to industry players.
7. China home appliance queen demands eatery replace air con with her company brand

Businesswoman Dong Mingzhu, known as one of the richest women in China, sparked controversy after revealing in a recent interview that she once insisted a restaurant replace its air conditioner upon discovering it was not from her company, Gree.


Southeast Asia’s climate; Singaporeans and a work ethic stereotype: 7 Asia highlights

Trump’s China trip assessed, South Korea’s AI problem: 5 weekend reads you missed

Xi-Trump summit: all you need to know from the final day of the meeting in Beijing

China hosts Trump at Temple of Heaven; Hong Kong sushi parasite video: SCMP’s 7 highlights

SCMP Highlights

Shenzhen’s tech rival, China’s Mach 16 jet fuel engine: SCMP’s 7 highlights

Chinese researchers have developed an engine that uses standard aviation kerosene to travel up to Mach 16, which could be a game-changer in hypersonic flight. Photo: X

 Illustration: Brian Wang

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po  leaves the chamber after delivering the budget speech on February 26, 2025. Photo: Elson Li

The Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi pictured in 2016. Indonesia is reportedly considering buying the recently retired vessel. Photo: AFP

Dong Mingzhu ignited controversy by insisting that a restaurant swap out its air conditioner for one from her brand. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Weibo

Bali’s tourism woes, Chinese scientists’ bamboo innovation: SCMP’s 7 highlights

Bamboo is known for its rapid growth and high strength. Photo: Shutterstock

Niu Fenglin, considered an international expert on the deep structures within the Earth, has left his full professorship at Rice University in Texas to join a top science university in China. Photo: Handout

Tourists wander at Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia, on February 3. Photo: EPA-EFE

A representative for the McCafe chain has told the council that its bring-your-own-cup service is only available at restaurants with dedicated McCafe pickup counters. Photo: Dickson Lee

(From left) Former US president Bill Clinton, actress Ashley Park and Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner all developed sepsis. Photo: AFP

Bali fumes at frugal tourists, Tesla faces boycott calls in Malaysia: 7 Asia highlights

Tourists at Kuta Beach in Bali, Indonesia. More than 6.3 million international travellers visited Bali last year. Photo: EPA-EFE

A portrait of Kim Ha-neul is displayed at an altar at a hospital in the central city of Daejeon, two days after she was stabbed to death by her teacher. Photo: dpa

US Army soldiers conduct a test of the Mid-Range Capability (MRC), or Typhon, launcher in California in 2023. Photo: US Army

Elon Musk listens to US President Donald Trump speak in the Oval Office on February 11. Photo: Reuters

The US Air Force’s F-35 fifth-generation fighter aircraft performs at Aero India 2025, a military aviation exhibition held in Bengaluru last Thursday. Photo: AFP

Parliament House in Singapore. The city state’s nominated member of parliament scheme faces a reckoning. Photo: Shutterstock

South Korean actress Kim Sae-ron, 24, at the 2017 Mnet Asian Music Awards in Hong Kong. She was found dead at home after enduring years of online abuse following a drink-driving incident. Photo: Reuters

China’s stratospheric airship, Japan’s competitive eater: SCMP’s 7 highlights

Chinese researchers say they can detect the US-made F-35 fighter jet from more than 1,800km away via its engine exhaust plume. Photo: US Air Force


Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Japanese online sensation Yuka Kinoshita has announced her retirement from competitive eating at the age of 40. Photo: SCMP composite/IG@yuka_kinoshita

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From challenger to Shenzhen’s tech crown to Chinese scientists building jet fuel engine, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting


From challenger to Shenzhen’s tech crown to Chinese scientists building jet fuel engine, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.


Shenzhen’s tech rival, China’s Mach 16 jet fuel engine: 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 challenger to Shenzhen’s tech crown to Chinese scientists building jet fuel engine, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

1. Chinese scientists build first jet fuel-powered engine for Mach 16 flight

From challenger to Shenzhen’s tech crown to Chinese scientists building jet fuel engine, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting