https://www.scmp.com/rss/517299/feed Ayman is originally from Paris, and has Egyptian and Chinese parents. He likes to do solo backpack travels and dislikes shopping malls. He holds a degree in International affairs from City University of Hong Kong and one in journalism from the University of Hong Kong. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Ayman Ragab Ayman Ragab South Korea’s exports of food and agriculture-related products, referred to as “K-food Plus”, hit a record annual high of US$13.62 billion in 2025. The country’s Agriculture Ministry also reported on Monday that Korean ramyeon or instant noodles posted the largest export gains, surpassing US$1.5 billion. The surge came amid the runaway success of KPop Demon Hunters, which ended 2025 as the most-watched film ever for the Netflix streaming platform. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3339835/kpop-demon-hunters-leads-record-exports-korean-instant-noodles-2025?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3339835/kpop-demon-hunters-leads-record-exports-korean-instant-noodles-2025?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Jan 2026 06:22:10 +0000 Ayman Ragab Ayman Ragab Christmas season in Japan often means a KFC feast for millions of Japanese families celebrating the holiday. Colonel Sanders’ restaurant has been part of the Christmas tradition since the 1970s in Japan, where the holiday is mainly a secular festival for consumerism. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3337779/finger-lickin-good-kfc-christmas-menu-millions-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3337779/finger-lickin-good-kfc-christmas-menu-millions-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Dec 2025 05:54:23 +0000 Ayman Ragab Ayman Ragab After decades of human activities and overgrazing, desertification has accelerated at an alarming speed in China, resulting in sandstorms, flooding and drought. The economic repercussions are potentially affecting more than 400 million people. In the past, Chinese kingdoms and empires erected the Great Wall to prevent steppe nomads from invading from the north. Now, the government is planting a whole new kind of wall to protect from encroaching deserts. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3336302/how-china-building-great-green-wall-protect-itself-desertification?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3336302/how-china-building-great-green-wall-protect-itself-desertification?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Dec 2025 01:44:36 +0000 Ayman Ragab,Claudia Hinterseer Ayman Ragab,Claudia Hinterseer China has said it will no longer seek developing country benefits in the World Trade Organization (WTO). In 2001, China was admitted to the WTO under special status as a developing country, which brought with it privileges including longer transition periods for implementing agreements and access to trade capacity-building and technical assistance. Analysts say relinquishing them bolsters Beijing’s position as a defender of the multilateral trading system amid Washington’s protectionist trade... https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3330585/chinas-developing-country-status?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3330585/chinas-developing-country-status?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Oct 2025 06:24:40 +0000 Ayman Ragab Ayman Ragab https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3316010/chinas-lgbt-creators-face-growing-online-censorship?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3316010/chinas-lgbt-creators-face-growing-online-censorship?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Jun 2025 10:00:00 +0000 Ayman Ragab Ayman Ragab After Canada’s ruling Liberals held on to power in recent elections and incumbent governments in Australia and Singapore did better than expected with voters, some political commentators have linked successes at the polls with what they see as a rejection of the policies and tariffs of US President Donald Trump. But is there really a “Trump effect” and how much does it matter in elections? https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3310505/why-voters-around-asia-had-trump-their-minds-they-headed-polls?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3310505/why-voters-around-asia-had-trump-their-minds-they-headed-polls?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 May 2025 10:32:58 +0000 Ayman Ragab Ayman Ragab Vietnam was among the hardest-hit countries targeted by so-called reciprocal tariffs announced on US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day”. On April 2, 2025, the Southeast Asian nation was hit with an additional 46 per cent levy on all of its products imported into the US. Amid a 90-day tariff suspension Trump ordered a week later, Hanoi is seeking to strike a deal with Washington since Vietnam remains heavily reliant on exports to the US market. Vietnam also counts China as a critical... https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3306520/video-vietnam-caught-tariffs-crossfire-seeks-us-deal?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3306520/video-vietnam-caught-tariffs-crossfire-seeks-us-deal?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 15 Apr 2025 04:25:28 +0000 Russia showed off its latest fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57E fighter jet at an air show in India on February 10, 2025. The combat aircraft was described as a model used in the Ukraine war and one Moscow offered for sale overseas. https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3298188/russia-shows-fifth-generation-jet-india-air-show-claims-it-was-used-ukraine-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3298188/russia-shows-fifth-generation-jet-india-air-show-claims-it-was-used-ukraine-war?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Feb 2025 06:13:27 +0000 A shopping centre in the Chinese capital Beijing has blended tradition with innovation by hosting an “AI temple fair” to celebrate the Lunar New Year. From a hyperrealistic cai shen, or “god of wealth”, and tiny robots playing football to swimming robotic carp, the exhibition showcased some of the country’s latest innovations, many made possible because of advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3297164/chinas-lunar-new-year-ai-temple-fair-combines-tradition-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3297164/chinas-lunar-new-year-ai-temple-fair-combines-tradition-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Feb 2025 08:05:42 +0000 North Korea has opened up a new landmark beer bar and restaurant in its capital, Pyongyang. The Hwasong Taedonggang Beer Restaurant serves Taedonggang beer, which comes in several varieties, as well as a range of international brands. The beer restaurant is in Hwasong, an eastern suburb of Pyongyang. It is among three new suburbs built in the past year in a renewed attempt to provide more housing in the capital. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3292220/north-korea-opens-new-beer-bar-and-restaurant-pyongyang-suburb?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3292220/north-korea-opens-new-beer-bar-and-restaurant-pyongyang-suburb?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Dec 2024 07:00:13 +0000 A Peruvian police officer dressed as the Christmas character Grinch led a police operation in Lima to dismantle a drug trafficking gang on December 20, 2024. The agent, dressed up as the famous character created by author Dr Seuss, entered the home of a family of suspected drug dealers in San Bartolo, southern Lima. The police unit often dresses its agents as famous characters while carrying out operations during the holiday season, such as Halloween and Christmas. https://www.scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/3292218/undercover-grinch-captures-suspected-drug-dealers-peru?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/3292218/undercover-grinch-captures-suspected-drug-dealers-peru?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:00:13 +0000 Despite being in jail since 2023, former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan continues to mobilise his supporters in a tug of war against the government and the army. Calling for Khan to be released, thousands of members of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party marched to the capital Islamabad in late November 2024. They were led by Khan’s wife Bushra Khan, also known as Bushra Bibi, in what appeared to underline a new dynamic for the ousted leader and his party. Khan was removed from office... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3290713/imran-khan-continues-defy-pakistans-government-jail-his-wife-leads-protests?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3290713/imran-khan-continues-defy-pakistans-government-jail-his-wife-leads-protests?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Dec 2024 02:00:18 +0000 For the past 79 years, North Korea has been ruled by the Kim family dynasty. What started as a communist country has become a secretive nationalist dictatorship handed over from father to son to grandson, ruling over 23 million people who are forbidden access to outside information. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3283930/behind-north-koreas-closed-curtains-kim-regimes-ongoing-struggle-against-collapse?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3283930/behind-north-koreas-closed-curtains-kim-regimes-ongoing-struggle-against-collapse?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 26 Oct 2024 02:00:15 +0000 Engineers at South Korea’s Seoul National University of Science and Technology have developed a “flying cart” they hope will change how people shop. The new aerial cargo transport platform is called “Palletrone” – a combination of words for cargo “pallet” and multirotor “drone”. The device can be controlled using gentle force, remaining stable and floating above the ground even as it moves up stairways. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3283508/south-korean-team-designs-flying-cart-overhaul-shopping-experience?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3283508/south-korean-team-designs-flying-cart-overhaul-shopping-experience?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Oct 2024 08:01:53 +0000 US rock star Jon Bon Jovi helped talk an unidentified woman off a ledge of a bridge in the city of Nashville, Tennessee. Bon Jovi was recording a music video nearby when he and a production assistant spotted a woman standing on the outside of the bridge’s railing. She climbed back over and returned to safety after a short conversation with the musician. If you have suicidal thoughts or know someone who is experiencing them, help is available. In Hong Kong, you can dial 18111 for the... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3278289/us-singer-bon-jovi-helps-talk-woman-nashville-bridge-ledge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3278289/us-singer-bon-jovi-helps-talk-woman-nashville-bridge-ledge?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Sep 2024 11:29:56 +0000 Japan’s Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) resumed work to remove radioactive debris from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant on September 10, 2024. The process was temporarily disrupted in late August when the robot used to remove the hazardous material experienced a technical failure. More than 880 tonnes of debris remain trapped at the nuclear facility, posing a serious environmental and health risk. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3277938/japans-damaged-fukushima-nuclear-plant-radioactive-debris-removal-resumes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3277938/japans-damaged-fukushima-nuclear-plant-radioactive-debris-removal-resumes?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Sep 2024 08:31:03 +0000 Pet weddings are on the rise in China. The trend is driven by the popularity of owning furry friends and a growing willingness to splurge on them, as young couples put off marriage and having children. Shanghai dog owner Ling Rye arranged professional photographers, designed wedding booklets and ordered a 800 yuan (US$110) custom-made cake, complete with toppers that resemble his golden retriever Bond and his ‘bride’ Bree. “People have weddings, why can’t dogs, right?” Ling said. “So we arranged... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3277640/puppy-love-dog-weddings-rise-china-even-pet-owners-shun-marriage?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3277640/puppy-love-dog-weddings-rise-china-even-pet-owners-shun-marriage?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Sep 2024 03:15:14 +0000 A dense bamboo forest surrounds a training ground in eastern Myanmar where more than 100 young people, most of them in their 20s, undergo rigorous military drills. The recruits, representing people from all walks of life, ranging from former chefs and journalists to rappers and poets, have joined the resistance movement to overthrow Myanmar’s junta, which seized power in a military coup in 2021. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3277350/meet-myanmars-young-volunteers-training-overthrow-countrys-military-junta?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3277350/meet-myanmars-young-volunteers-training-overthrow-countrys-military-junta?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 05 Sep 2024 12:00:11 +0000 Faced with record-low approval ratings and a flailing economy, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his resignation on August 14, 2024. The island nation slipped into recession in 2024. Consumer confidence and salaries have since remained low, despite reforms started under the late leader Shinzo Abe’s “Abenomics” policies. While Abenomics had some positive impacts, inflation never rose to the expected 2 per cent mark and GDP growth underperformed. Japan’s economy continues to be... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/explained/article/3275794/japans-former-leaders-couldnt-fix-economy-will-next-pm-be-able?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/explained/article/3275794/japans-former-leaders-couldnt-fix-economy-will-next-pm-be-able?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Aug 2024 03:07:23 +0000 A New Zealand charity has apologised for distributing candies that contained a potentially lethal dose of methamphetamine. The charity said it was not aware of the problem until some recipients complained of the foul-tasting sweets. At least three people have sought medical treatment. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3274587/new-zealand-charity-apologises-distributing-methamphetamine-laced-candies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3274587/new-zealand-charity-apologises-distributing-methamphetamine-laced-candies?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Aug 2024 08:03:14 +0000 Despite a small population and limited resources as one of the poorest countries in the world, North Korea has historically performed relatively well at the Olympics. The country consistently ranks high in lists comparing Olympic medals won by a country to its economic output. However, as the Games evolve, one expert predicts that the reclusive state may find it difficult to earn medals in the future. https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3273690/olympic-dark-horse-how-north-korean-athletes-punch-above-their-weight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3273690/olympic-dark-horse-how-north-korean-athletes-punch-above-their-weight?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Aug 2024 06:50:12 +0000 More than 1,800 international police officers from 43 countries will be deployed in Paris to help their French counterparts at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Some 15 million tourists are expected to arrive for the occasion. https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3271571/paris-olympics-more-1800-foreign-police-officers-43-countries-patrol-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/paris-olympics-2024/article/3271571/paris-olympics-more-1800-foreign-police-officers-43-countries-patrol-city?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:30:19 +0000 Judo world champion Huh Mi-mi, 21, was born in Japan, but decided to give up her Japanese citizenship to compete under South Korea’s colours. The decision, made nearly three years ago, was in keeping with her late grandmother’s wishes. She is now training hard in hopes of earning a gold medal for South Korea at the 2024 Paris Olympics. https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3270751/meet-huh-mi-mi-japan-born-judoka-competing-south-korea-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/article/3270751/meet-huh-mi-mi-japan-born-judoka-competing-south-korea-paris-olympics?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Jul 2024 05:26:35 +0000 Six students in India collapsed in a single day in May 2024 after temperatures hit a scorching 50 degrees Celsius (122°F) and days later, dozens of poll workers died from heat-related illnesses during the nation’s general elections. Elsewhere in Asia, record highs were recently reported in Manila, Bangkok and the eastern Chinese city of Jinan. In this video, the Post looks at the devastating and increasingly deadly impact of extreme heatwaves sweeping across the continent. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3268612/climate-change-how-heatwaves-affect-human-body?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3268612/climate-change-how-heatwaves-affect-human-body?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 01 Jul 2024 02:30:10 +0000 In January 2024, France and the People’s Republic of China marked 60 years of diplomatic ties. But China-France relations have been complicated by the countries’ ambitions to be world leaders, and France’s desire to exert an independent foreign policy despite being an ally of the US. Now Beijing has pinned its hopes on France, the first port of call on Xi’s three-country European tour, to push the European Union to adopt a more “positive and pragmatic” China policy amid heightened scrutiny over... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3261523/what-frances-role-us-china-rivalry?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3261523/what-frances-role-us-china-rivalry?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 May 2024 04:34:14 +0000 Experts say the rise of deepfake technology may pose a significant threat to democracy in 2024, with major elections happening in India and the US. These manipulated videos, created using artificial intelligence, can deceive viewers by replacing faces or altering voices. Deepfakes are created for humorous or malicious purposes, and their potential impact on elections is a growing concern. With the spread of misinformation and the difficulty in distinguishing between real and fake content, voters... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3258992/china-india-how-deepfakes-are-reshaping-asian-politics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/south-asia/article/3258992/china-india-how-deepfakes-are-reshaping-asian-politics?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 15 Apr 2024 02:08:59 +0000 Myanmar rulers are facing the biggest challenge to their authority since the military junta seized power during a coup in 2021. Intense fighting between military forces and rebel groups in the country’s border regions with China, as well as mass desertions of Myanmar soldiers, have been reported since October 2023. After two and a half years of fighting insurgents and with the second anniversary of the coup approaching, some observers say the junta is looking relatively vulnerable. https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3243732/myanmar-faces-its-biggest-challenge-yet-its-rule-amid-recent-setbacks-war-rebel-groups?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/3243732/myanmar-faces-its-biggest-challenge-yet-its-rule-amid-recent-setbacks-war-rebel-groups?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 04 Dec 2023 05:46:35 +0000