China’s desalination technology, Hong Kong Legco election turnout: SCMP’s 7 highlights

From a revolutionary facility in Shandong province to Hongkongers casting their ballots, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

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China has figured out a way to produce fresh water from seawater for just two yuan (US$0.28) per cubic metre. Photo: AFP

Published: 12:30pm, 12 Dec 2025Updated: 12:55pm, 12 Dec 2025

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 desalination tech makes fresh water cheaper than tap water – plus hydrogen

China has launched a revolutionary facility in the eastern province of Shandong that produces fresh water from seawater for just two yuan (US$0.28) per cubic metre, generating green hydrogen as a by-product in a breakthrough that could redefine global water and energy systems.

2. China ‘did tell Japan about air drills but not in enough detail to avoid danger’

A Chinese J-15 fighter jet prepares to land on the Liaoning aircraft carrier in this photo released in December 2021. China has released more details about Saturday’s mid-air stand-off between Chinese and Japanese fighter jets. Photo: AP

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi acknowledged that China had notified Japan in advance about drills involving the aircraft carrier Liaoning that led to a stand-off between warplanes from the two countries over the weekend.

3. Former Chinese senior banker executed for taking US$155 million in bribes

Bai Tianhui was tried and convicted last year. Photo: Weibo/ @最高人民检察院

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