https://www.scmp.com/rss/519127/feed en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Reuters Reuters Nato is considering ending its recent practice of holding annual summits, six sources told Reuters, a move that could avoid a potentially tense encounter with US President Donald Trump in his final year in office. Trump’s administration has engaged repeatedly in scathing criticism of many of the US-led defence alliance’s 31 other members, most recently berating some for not providing more help to US military operations against Iran. The frequency of Nato ‌summits has varied over the alliance’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3351615/bruised-trump-nato-alliance-considers-end-annual-summits?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3351615/bruised-trump-nato-alliance-considers-end-annual-summits?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Apr 2026 16:41:27 +0000 Ushar Daniele Ushar Daniele Malaysia has drawn a hard line against becoming a dumping ground for the world’s toxic scrap, but enforcing that pledge means sifting through millions of shipping containers each year – a daunting challenge shared by ports across Southeast Asia. Last week, Kuala Lumpur imposed an immediate ban on e-waste imports, reclassifying the material under an “absolute prohibition” and declaring the country would not be a “dumping ground” for the world’s waste, in an effort to curb a trade that often blurs... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3343458/malaysia-says-no-e-waste-dumping-can-its-ban-stop-global-trade?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3343458/malaysia-says-no-e-waste-dumping-can-its-ban-stop-global-trade?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Feb 2026 08:00:10 +0000 Reuters Reuters Protesters in Tirana, Albania hurled petrol bombs at the government building housing ‌Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office on Monday, demanding ‍the government’s resignation after prosecutors indicted the deputy prime minister for alleged corruption. Political tensions in Albania have escalated in recent weeks after the ⁠accusations were made against Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. Along with several officials and private companies, she has been accused of using state funds to favour some... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3337402/corruption-charges-spark-violent-protests-against-albanian-government?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3337402/corruption-charges-spark-violent-protests-against-albanian-government?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Dec 2025 22:38:47 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse A man on trial opened fire in a courtroom in the Albanian capital Tirana on Monday, killing the judge and injuring two others, police said. Appeals court judge Astrit Kalaja was presiding over the man’s case when the man opened fire, police said, adding that the shooter was promptly arrested. “The judge was rushed to the hospital, but succumbed to his injuries on the way,” a police statement said. The other party to the trial, a father and son, were also shot and taken to the hospital but were... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3328050/man-trial-albania-shoots-judge-dead-court-injures-2-others?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3328050/man-trial-albania-shoots-judge-dead-court-injures-2-others?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 06 Oct 2025 17:03:28 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Thursday he had appointed the world’s first AI-generated government minister to oversee public tenders, promising its artificial intelligence would make it “corruption-free”. Presenting his new cabinet at a meeting of his Socialist Party following a big May election victory, Rama introduced the new “member”, named “Diella” - “sun” in Albanian. “Diella is the first (government) member who is not physically present, but virtually created by artificial... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3325285/albania-appoints-worlds-first-ai-government-minister?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3325285/albania-appoints-worlds-first-ai-government-minister?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Sep 2025 04:37:44 +0000 Reuters Reuters Archaeologists in Albania have discovered a large Roman burial chamber dating from the third to fourth century AD, the first of its kind found in the Balkan country that was once part of the Roman Empire. Tipped off by locals who had noticed some unusual stones on a plateau near the North Macedonia border, staff from the Institute of Archaeology began excavating in early August and found the underground structure whose large limestone slabs were inscribed with Greek lettering. “The inscription... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3324760/wealthy-ancient-romans-monumental-tomb-discovered-albania?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3324760/wealthy-ancient-romans-monumental-tomb-discovered-albania?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:03:32 +0000 Reuters Reuters Firefighters across Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey and the Balkans were battling wildfires on Tuesday with another heatwave pushing temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) across parts of Europe. Global warming is giving the Mediterranean region hotter, drier summers, scientists say, with wildfires surging each year and sometimes whipping up into “whirls”. “We are being cooked alive, this cannot continue,” said a mayor in Portugal, Alexandre Favaios, as three fires... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3321622/europes-out-control-wildfires-hit-tourism-spots-forests-were-being-cooked-alive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3321622/europes-out-control-wildfires-hit-tourism-spots-forests-were-being-cooked-alive?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Aug 2025 13:03:05 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Five suspects implicated in the killing of a University of California, Berkeley professor appeared in court in Athens on Thursday, including his ex-wife, who has denied all charges. Przemyslaw Jeziorski, 43, was shot and killed on July 4 in Athens while visiting Greece to see his two young children and finalise legal arrangements for future visitation. Among those who appeared in court was Jeziorski’s Greek ex-wife, who remains in police custody on charges of solicitation to commit murder. Her... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3318648/berkeley-professors-ex-wife-charged-connection-his-murder-greece?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3318648/berkeley-professors-ex-wife-charged-connection-his-murder-greece?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Jul 2025 17:23:52 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Britain was talking with several countries to host rejected asylum seekers as they wait to be deported, the UK prime minister said Thursday. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on a visit to Albania that the “return hub” concept was a “really important innovation” that could more effectively tackle irregular migration. He did not name the countries he was in discussions with or offer more details. Albania already had a five-year agreement with Italy to potentially shelter up to 36,000 migrants... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3310617/uk-talking-several-countries-set-return-hubs-rejected-asylum-seekers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3310617/uk-talking-several-countries-set-return-hubs-rejected-asylum-seekers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 May 2025 07:10:18 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse EU leaders congratulated Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Wednesday after his party’s electoral victory, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailing his “great progress towards our Union”. “Let’s keep working closely together on EU reforms. Albania belongs in the EU!” von der Leyen said on X. French President Emmanuel Macron likewise hailed Rama’s win, writing on X: “France will always stand alongside Albania on its European path.” Rama’s Socialist Party won 52.1 per cent... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3310345/albania-belongs-eu-von-der-leyen-tells-re-elected-pm-rama?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3310345/albania-belongs-eu-von-der-leyen-tells-re-elected-pm-rama?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 May 2025 11:43:37 +0000 As the world reels from US President Donald Trump’s sweeping – though now largely paused – “reciprocal” tariffs, next month’s global geopolitical calendar could prove consequential. Nearly every region is on the brink of decisions that could shape the coming years. Centre stage are Trump’s first state visits of his second term, expected as soon as next month. He will reportedly visit Saudi Arabia first, as well as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Trump’s focus highlights Gulf investments in... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3306662/world-edge-headed-geopolitical-reckoning-may?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3306662/world-edge-headed-geopolitical-reckoning-may?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:30:07 +0000 Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Sunday dismissed TikTok’s response to the country’s ban of the platform, insisting the government action was “not a rushed reaction to a single incident”. On Saturday, Rama announced Albania was closing down TikTok from early 2025. In a statement released within hours, a TikTok spokesman said: “We are seeking urgent clarity from the Albanian government. “With regards to the tragic incident referenced, we found no evidence that the perpetrator or victim had... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3291922/albanian-pm-defends-tiktok-ban-says-was-not-rushed-reaction-single-incident?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3291922/albanian-pm-defends-tiktok-ban-says-was-not-rushed-reaction-single-incident?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Dec 2024 19:47:43 +0000 Malaysian fans of American pop star Bruno Mars have mixed feelings about him performing in Kuala Lumpur on September 17 due to his alleged support of the Israeli regime. Social media manager Vanessa, who has been a fan of his since 2010, said she initially thought of getting tickets but decided against it after learning about Mars’ gig in Tel Aviv. “This genocide against Palestine has been happening for decades now. “Mars should step forward and condemn the Israeli government, as there have been... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3268382/bruno-mars-malaysia-concert-caught-cross-hairs-anti-israel-boycott?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3268382/bruno-mars-malaysia-concert-caught-cross-hairs-anti-israel-boycott?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 28 Jun 2024 03:01:41 +0000 Fifa World Cup winners Antoine Griezmann, Rodrigo De Paul, Nahuel Molina and Angel Correa are set to be among the Atletico Madrid stars who take on Kitchee in Hong Kong this summer. The La Liga team will play the local side at Hong Kong Stadium on August 7, as part of a preseason tour of Asia. Ken Ng Kin, owner of the Hong Kong Premier League outfit, said the contract terms stipulated Atletico’s star names would play in Hong Kong, barring injuries, transfers, personal matters or international... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3268338/no-messi-repeat-say-organisers-ticket-price-set-atletico-madrid-match-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3268338/no-messi-repeat-say-organisers-ticket-price-set-atletico-madrid-match-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 27 Jun 2024 13:09:04 +0000 Mattia Zaccagni’s superb last-gasp strike fired Italy into the Euro 2024 knockouts with a 1-1 draw against Croatia in a fraught Group B clash on Monday. Italy progress in second place behind winners Spain and will face Switzerland in the last 16, while Croatia are on the verge of elimination but could still progress depending on other results later in the week. With only two points it is unlikely Zlatko Dalic’s side will qualify as one of the four best third-place teams but it is still... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3267891/euro-2024-zaccagni-rescues-italy-last-gasp-strike-leaving-croatia-limbo?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3267891/euro-2024-zaccagni-rescues-italy-last-gasp-strike-leaving-croatia-limbo?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Jun 2024 22:02:09 +0000 An early Ferran Torres strike gave Spain’s second-string side a 1-0 win over Albania on Monday as the three-time champions finished the Euro 2024 group stage with a perfect record and the defeat eliminated their opponents. Barcelona winger Torres finished off a fine move in the 13th minute in Dusseldorf to puncture the atmosphere in a stadium filled with a majority of noisy Albanian fans. However, this game was not a cruise for a Spain team showing 10 changes to the side which started their 1-0... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3267890/euro-2024-spain-complete-perfect-group-stage-beating-albania-1-0?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3267890/euro-2024-spain-complete-perfect-group-stage-beating-albania-1-0?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Jun 2024 21:36:59 +0000 Spain qualified for the last 16 of Euro 2024 with a match to spare on Thursday after beating Italy 1-0 in a dominant display which ensured that La Roja would go through as Group B winners. Riccardo Calafiori’s own goal nine minutes after half-time was the difference between the two sides at Gelsenkirchen in the biggest match to date at the tournament in Germany. But the slender margin of victory did not reflect a statement performance from Spain who completely nullified Italy and should have had... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3267436/euro-2024-dominant-spain-brush-past-italy-1-0-qualify-last-16-match-spare?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3267436/euro-2024-dominant-spain-brush-past-italy-1-0-qualify-last-16-match-spare?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Jun 2024 21:35:27 +0000 Manager Dragan Stojkovic praised Serbia’s persistent attacks and shots on goal which earned a last-gasp equaliser in their Euro 2024 Group C clash against Slovenia on Thursday and kept their tournament hopes alive. A header by substitute Luka Jovic deep into added time cancelled out right back Zan Karnicnik’s 69th-minute opener for Slovenia, in a fluctuating game in which Serbia had 15 attempts on goal. “We do not give up, we believe all the way to the end and the result came as a reward for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3267430/euro-2024-serbia-rewarded-never-say-die-attitude-1-1-clash-slovenia?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3267430/euro-2024-serbia-rewarded-never-say-die-attitude-1-1-clash-slovenia?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Jun 2024 19:16:22 +0000 Hosts Germany became the first team through to the knockout stages following their 2-0 victory over Hungary on day six at Euro 2024. Meanwhile, Croatia’s hopes of reaching the last-16 took a hit as they were held to a 2-2 draw against Albania, but Scotland’s dreams are still just about intact after they drew 1-1 with Switzerland. Germany’s clash with Hungary was considered somewhat of a banana skin for the hosts, as Julian Nagelsmann’s side had failed to beat them when they met at Euro 2020 and... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3267305/euro-2024-germany-though-scotland-still-alive-croatia-albania-play-out-thrilling-draw?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3267305/euro-2024-germany-though-scotland-still-alive-croatia-albania-play-out-thrilling-draw?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Jun 2024 02:08:46 +0000 Spain are hoping the “exceptional” Fabian Ruiz can again be the difference-maker when they look to build on an impressive win against Croatia in their second Euro 2024 outing against Italy on Thursday. The meeting between the reigning European champions and the three-time winners of the competition in Gelsenkirchen is the stand-out tie of the opening round at the tournament. Top spot in Group B, and a theoretically easier last-16 draw, is at stake as the two sides aim to build on victories in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3267196/euro-2024-fabian-ruiz-ready-play-starring-role-again-spain-against-holders-italy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3267196/euro-2024-fabian-ruiz-ready-play-starring-role-again-spain-against-holders-italy?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:00:09 +0000 Best friends Niki Costa, 26, and Tiffany Schiro, 27, have been travelling together since 2018, and are co-founders of the business Went There Loved That, which provides travel guides, itineraries and tips. Their travel schedule involves sometimes forgoing the most popular spots, as the Los Angeles-based duo look at more cost-effective options, including “destination dupes” – places that are similar in look and feel to popular locations but are cheaper and often less busy. One of their favourites... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3266862/destination-dupes-albania-greece-zanzibar-bora-bora-cheaper-and-just-good?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/3266862/destination-dupes-albania-greece-zanzibar-bora-bora-cheaper-and-just-good?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:15:08 +0000 Italy made the worst possible start to their European Championship title defence by conceding after just 23 seconds against Albania but stormed back to take the victory. The Azzurri recovered from letting in the quickest goal in the tournament’s 64-year history to win 2-1 in Dortmund in an atmospheric Adriatic derby that immediately threatened an upset. Nedim Bajrami thrilled a heavily pro-Albanian crowd at Westfalenstadion by pouncing on a throw-in by Italy left back Federico Dimarco that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3266783/euro-2024-italy-concede-record-early-goal-bounce-back-beat-albania-opening-game?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3266783/euro-2024-italy-concede-record-early-goal-bounce-back-beat-albania-opening-game?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Jun 2024 03:03:04 +0000 Spain made a dream start to Euro 2024 on Saturday by beating Croatia 3-0 in Berlin, with Lamine Yamal becoming the youngest player in the competition’s history The three-time European champions tore apart a disappointing Croatia at the Olympiastadion in the German capital, with Alvaro Morata breaking the deadlock just before the half-hour mark. Fabian Ruiz soon made it 2-0 and Dani Carvajal got the third goal just before the interval as Spain seized control of a difficult Group B which also... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3266782/euro-2024-slick-spain-hammer-croatia-barcelonas-lamine-yamal-youngest-history?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3266782/euro-2024-slick-spain-hammer-croatia-barcelonas-lamine-yamal-youngest-history?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Jun 2024 02:49:26 +0000 Italy kick off their European Championship title defence against Albania on Saturday as a new-look team tries to rebuild the reputation of one of the world’s most important football nations. Luciano Spalletti’s Italy take on Albania in Dortmund in the first of three clashes in a fiendishly difficult Group B, which also contains Spain and Croatia. And those two later fixtures make Saturday’s game hugely important, as with the four best third-place finishers in the six groups reaching the knockout... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3266682/moment-truth-underrated-italy-euros-title-defence-begins-against-minnows-albania?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3266682/moment-truth-underrated-italy-euros-title-defence-begins-against-minnows-albania?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Jun 2024 21:00:21 +0000 The European Union elections have crystallised a tectonic shift within the continent’s political landscape. Far-right parties have now entrenched themselves within the political mainstream, signalling a profound transformation that could shape the future of the EU for years to come. When European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stood in front of the microphones on Sunday night, objective observers rightfully wondered whether she was referring to an entirely different election. While... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3266419/eu-elections-far-right-rose-back-centrist-parties-empty-promises?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3266419/eu-elections-far-right-rose-back-centrist-parties-empty-promises?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 13 Jun 2024 12:30:09 +0000 Although its video streaming service sparkles with a Hollywood sheen, Netflix still taps its roots in Silicon Valley to stay ahead of traditional television and movie studios. The company frequently reaches into its technological toolbox without viewers even realising it. It uses a few subtle twists on the knobs of viewer recommendations to help keep its 270 million worldwide subscribers satisfied at a time when most of its streaming rivals are seeing waves of cancellations. Even when hit series... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3266023/how-netflix-wins-streaming-wars-it-crunches-subscribers-data-tailor-its-services?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3266023/how-netflix-wins-streaming-wars-it-crunches-subscribers-data-tailor-its-services?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 10 Jun 2024 10:45:09 +0000 Defending champions Italy come into Euro 2024 without the weight of the favourites tag hanging over them but in major tournaments they can never be written off, if they can progress from a challenging group. Italy went into Euro 2020 having failed to qualify for the previous World Cup, and they come into this year’s tournament in the same situation, but under Luciano Spalletti they are ready to put the past behind them in a bid to repeat the glory days. Unlike last time when they strolled... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3265499/euro-2024-italy-unfancied-after-world-cup-look-repeat-2021-wembley-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3265499/euro-2024-italy-unfancied-after-world-cup-look-repeat-2021-wembley-triumph?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 05 Jun 2024 12:00:14 +0000 Spain will arrive in Germany for Euro 2024 looking to re-establish themselves as major title contenders while hoping to tune out the noise after months of controversy surrounding the country’s scandal-ridden federation (RFEF). As they brace for the challenge of a tough Group B alongside Croatia, European champions Italy and surprise package Albania, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente and his players have had to deal with the furore swirling around the RFEF. With a corruption investigation under way... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3265357/euro-2024-three-time-winners-spain-aiming-glory-after-difficult-period-major-tournaments-amid?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3265357/euro-2024-three-time-winners-spain-aiming-glory-after-difficult-period-major-tournaments-amid?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 04 Jun 2024 15:59:08 +0000 This month marks the start of Euro 2024, the main tournament for Europe’s international sides. A 12-month delay because of the coronavirus pandemic meant fans have only had to wait three years since the last tournament in 2021. On that occasion, it was a first-ever pan-European event, with several major cities across the continent staging matches. However, we have returned to tradition with just one host this time. So, with less than two weeks to go until kick-off, here’s everything you need... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3265197/when-euro-2024-where-can-i-watch-it-who-can-stop-france-england-all-you-need-know-about-summer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3265197/when-euro-2024-where-can-i-watch-it-who-can-stop-france-england-all-you-need-know-about-summer?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Jun 2024 14:00:17 +0000 Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini is out of Italy’s European Championship title defence with a knee-ligament tear, the country’s football federation confirmed on Monday. Scalvini will sit out the Euros after being injured during Atalanta’s defeat on Sunday to Fiorentina, the final match of the Serie A season that had been postponed in March. “The tests he underwent last night showed a tear to the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee,” said the FIGC in a statement. Scalvini, who is the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3265204/euro-2024-italy-hit-major-blow-atalantas-europa-league-hero-giorgio-scalvini-suffers-serious-knee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3265204/euro-2024-italy-hit-major-blow-atalantas-europa-league-hero-giorgio-scalvini-suffers-serious-knee?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 03 Jun 2024 10:15:31 +0000 Faced with the threat of losing almost all of their funding, Hong Kong’s snooker players have been doing their best to convince the government to reverse its decision to kick them out of the elite sports institute next year. And head coach Wayne Griffiths, who has responsibility for billiard sports, heaped praise on his charges for continuing to deliver results despite a seemingly bleak future. On Sunday, Ng On-yee won the British Open for the first time in her career, while compatriot Wang... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3264241/hong-kongs-ng-yee-wins-british-open-wang-back-world-snooker-tour-80-cent-funding-cut-hangs-over?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3264241/hong-kongs-ng-yee-wins-british-open-wang-back-world-snooker-tour-80-cent-funding-cut-hangs-over?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 May 2024 10:30:25 +0000 Some of us find them cramped, others happily spend hours exploring them. Some were places of work, others places of death. Some were built as military deterrents, others are illuminated to create a fairy-tale world of colour. Here are seven underground attractions, mines, caves, catacombs, concrete bunkers and tunnels that are well worth a visit – if you dare. 1. Tham Luang Nang Non, Thailand For 18 days in 2018, Tham Luang Nang Non, in northern Thailand, became the most famous cave in the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3262866/underground-attractions-caves-tunnels-catacombs-cold-war-bunkers-7-worlds-best-subterranean-sights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/travel/article/3262866/underground-attractions-caves-tunnels-catacombs-cold-war-bunkers-7-worlds-best-subterranean-sights?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 May 2024 11:15:13 +0000 There’s no doubt about it – Gavin Rossdale’s new girlfriend is practically the spitting image of his ex-wife, Gwen Stefani. As seen in photos obtained by Page Six last week, Rossdale and Xhoana X went on a sweet escape to Cabo San Lucas, where they showed off some serious PDA. However, netizens had to do a double take after coming across the pics, with many comparing Xhoana X to Stefani, as they both rock platinum blonde hair, red pouts and confidence in the way they pose. British musician... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3262891/meet-gavin-rossdales-new-girlfriend-xhoana-x-who-looks-just-his-ex-gwen-stefani-albanian-born-singer?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3262891/meet-gavin-rossdales-new-girlfriend-xhoana-x-who-looks-just-his-ex-gwen-stefani-albanian-born-singer?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 May 2024 10:00:38 +0000 Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer people in the European Union face less discrimination but more physical or sexual attacks than three years ago, a vast survey by an EU rights body showed on Tuesday. The online survey of more than 100,000 people who identify as LGBTQ carried out in June, July and August last year found only slight overall changes compared with the previous such survey three years earlier, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights said in a report on the findings... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3262776/lgbtq-people-eu-face-less-discrimination-more-violence-survey-finds?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3262776/lgbtq-people-eu-face-less-discrimination-more-violence-survey-finds?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 May 2024 08:42:07 +0000 The EU on Tuesday gave the final green light to a landmark overhaul of its migration and asylum policies that will see hardened borders and responsibility shared among member states. A majority of European Union countries backed the reform’s 10 pieces of legislation, ensuring its passage despite opposition from Hungary and Poland. “These new rules will make the European asylum system more effective and increase solidarity between member states,” said Belgium’s asylum and migration minister... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3262675/eu-approves-more-effective-migration-reforms-ahead-europe-wide-elections-next-month?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3262675/eu-approves-more-effective-migration-reforms-ahead-europe-wide-elections-next-month?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 May 2024 11:47:08 +0000 Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Serbia is likely to increase hi-tech weapons ties between the two countries, and intensify a “competition for influence” in the Balkans between the United States and China for advanced arms sales, analysts said. During Xi’s meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, the two sides agreed to jointly develop “new quality productive forces” and build hi-tech industrial cooperation projects, while also pledging to “deepen cooperation in space science and... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3262221/xi-jinpings-serbia-visit-elevates-china-natural-partner-hi-tech-advanced-arms-sales-analysts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3262221/xi-jinpings-serbia-visit-elevates-china-natural-partner-hi-tech-advanced-arms-sales-analysts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 May 2024 22:00:36 +0000 When China rolled out the red carpet for foreign heads at its Belt and Road Forum last October, the Serbian and Hungarian leaders were the only two European names on the guest list. Six months on, both are on the itinerary for President Xi Jinping’s visit to Europe, which also included a visit to France. The visit comes amid growing friction with the European Union as a result of growing trade tensions and widespread suspicions over Beijing’s relations with Russia following the invasion of... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3261700/xi-jinping-banking-hungary-and-serbia-face-growing-china-europe-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3261700/xi-jinping-banking-hungary-and-serbia-face-growing-china-europe-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 May 2024 01:00:39 +0000 British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s latest effort to send some migrants to Rwanda finally won approval from parliament early Tuesday, hours after he pledged deportation flights would begin in July. The parliamentary logjam that had stalled the legislation for two months was finally broken just after midnight when the unelected House of Lords “recognised the primacy” of the elected House of Commons and dropped the last of its proposed amendments, clearing the way for the bill to become... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3259971/uk-parliament-approves-rwanda-deportation-bill-ending-weeks-legislative-stalemate?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3259971/uk-parliament-approves-rwanda-deportation-bill-ending-weeks-legislative-stalemate?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Apr 2024 23:58:17 +0000 The EU parliament on Wednesday adopted a sweeping reform of Europe’s asylum policies that will both harden border procedures and force all the bloc’s 27 nations to share responsibility. The parliament’s main political groups overcame opposition from far-right and far-left parties to pass the new migration and asylum pact – enshrining a difficult overhaul nearly a decade in the making. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the vote, saying it will “secure European borders …... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3258567/eu-parliament-adopts-sweeping-asylum-reform?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3258567/eu-parliament-adopts-sweeping-asylum-reform?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Apr 2024 20:35:55 +0000 The bodies of 38 migrants, including children, have been found after a shipwreck off the Horn of Africa nation of Djibouti, the UN said on Tuesday, the latest disaster on the so-called Eastern migration route. The UN’s International Organization for Migration said the boat was carrying around 66 people when it sank in the early hours of Monday. The tragedy took place about 200 metres off the coast of Godoria in the northeast of Djibouti, the agency said in an email. “Thirty-eight bodies have... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3258423/least-38-migrants-including-children-die-shipwreck-djibouti-horn-africa-un-migration-agency-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3258423/least-38-migrants-including-children-die-shipwreck-djibouti-horn-africa-un-migration-agency-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 09 Apr 2024 13:42:19 +0000 The UN Human Rights Council on Friday demanded a halt to all arms sales to Israel, highlighting warnings of “genocide” in its war in Gaza, which has killed more than 33,000 people. The resolution, which passed with 28 of the council’s 47 member states voting in favour, six opposed and 13 abstaining, marked the first time the United Nations’ top rights body has taken a position on the bloodiest-ever war to beset the besieged Palestinian territory. Meirav Eilon Shahar, Israel’s ambassador to the... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3257976/un-rights-council-mulls-call-halt-arms-sales-israel-amid-plausible-risk-genocide-gaza?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3257976/un-rights-council-mulls-call-halt-arms-sales-israel-amid-plausible-risk-genocide-gaza?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Apr 2024 08:29:10 +0000 Nato on Thursday marked 75 years of collective defence across Europe and North America, with its top diplomats vowing to stay the course in Ukraine as better armed Russian troops assert control on the battlefield. The anniversary comes as the now-32-nation alliance weighs a plan to provide more predictable longer-term military support to Ukraine. Plagued by ammunition shortages, Ukraine this week lowered the military conscription age from 27 to 25 in an effort to replenish its depleted... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3257832/nato-marks-75-years-russias-war-ukraine-tests-its-unity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3257832/nato-marks-75-years-russias-war-ukraine-tests-its-unity?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Apr 2024 08:22:59 +0000 Japan’s cabinet on Tuesday approved a plan to sell future next-generation fighter jets that it is developing with Britain and Italy to other countries, in the latest move away from the country’s post-war pacifist principles. The contentious decision to allow international arms sales is expected to help secure Japan’s role in the joint fighter-jet project and part of a move to build up the Japanese arms industry and bolster its role in global security. The cabinet also endorsed a revision to... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3256756/japan-approves-controversial-plan-sell-fighter-jets-latest-forfeit-pacifist-principles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3256756/japan-approves-controversial-plan-sell-fighter-jets-latest-forfeit-pacifist-principles?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:01:08 +0000 Pro-Russian rebel officials in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria appealed to Russia for “protection” on Wednesday, amid fears the territory could become a new flashpoint in Moscow’s conflict with neighbouring Ukraine. The thin sliver of land has been de facto controlled by pro-Russian forces since the collapse of the Soviet Union, but is internationally recognised as part of Moldova. At a special congress in the region – only the seventh in its history – lawmakers passed a resolution... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3253567/ukraine-war-breakaway-moldovan-region-transnistria-asks-russia-protection-raising-fears-further?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3253567/ukraine-war-breakaway-moldovan-region-transnistria-asks-russia-protection-raising-fears-further?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 28 Feb 2024 13:58:04 +0000 Albania has agreed to host two migrant processing centres on its territory that will be fully run by Italy, under a deal that worries many human rights activists. The European Union, however, sees the agreement as a possible future template. Italy has long complained about not getting enough help from its EU partners in dealing with migrants arriving on its shores from northern Africa. Italy’s right-wing Premier Giorgia Meloni is keen to show she is taking action as arrivals spiked 55 per cent... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3252872/albania-signs-deal-hold-migrants-italy-worrying-activists-eu-sees-future-template?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3252872/albania-signs-deal-hold-migrants-italy-worrying-activists-eu-sees-future-template?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Feb 2024 11:37:33 +0000 Hong Kong snooker player Cheung Ka-wai said he had fulfilled his dream after earning a place on the professional World Snooker Tour for the first time. He achieved the feat by winning the WSF Championship in Albania on Monday, whitewashing China’s Gao Yang 5-0 in the final to stay undefeated in his 10 matches, during which he lost a total of only four frames. Cheung’s reward is to join the elite tour for the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons, making him only the fourth Hongkonger to do so, after Chan... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3252093/hong-kongs-next-marco-fu-meet-cheung-ka-wai-citys-new-face-world-snooker-tour?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3252093/hong-kongs-next-marco-fu-meet-cheung-ka-wai-citys-new-face-world-snooker-tour?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:53:22 +0000 China’s top diplomat Wang Yi will head to Europe to attend an annual security conference in Munich and visit Spain and France, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday. According to the ministry, Wang will attend the Munich Security Conference, which runs from February 16 to 18, and will deliver a speech at the China seminar during the conference to explain “China’s propositions on building a community with a shared future for mankind and advocating an equal and orderly multipolar... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3252075/chinas-wang-yi-champion-equal-and-orderly-multipolar-world-munich-security-conference?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3252075/chinas-wang-yi-champion-equal-and-orderly-multipolar-world-munich-security-conference?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 Feb 2024 10:30:13 +0000 The battle lines were drawn in Geneva on Tuesday, as China faced a twice-a-decade United Nations public grilling over its human rights record. On one side was a group of mostly Western countries that roundly lambasted Beijing’s “serious human rights violations” in Xinjiang and Tibet, and urged it to repeal the national security law it had imposed on Hong Kong. On the other were most Global South nations, many of which praised China’s poverty alleviation policies, and Beijing’s long-standing... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3249538/chinas-united-nations-human-rights-review-puts-global-divide-display?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3249538/chinas-united-nations-human-rights-review-puts-global-divide-display?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 23 Jan 2024 17:43:14 +0000 Donald Trump says his businesses received payments from foreign governments because he was “doing services” for them. Trump was at a Fox News town hall on Wednesday, commenting on a recent report from Democratic lawmakers on the House Oversight Committee. The report, published on January 4, said Trump’s businesses had received at least US$7.8 million in foreign payments during his presidency. ‘White House for sale’: Trump earned millions from China, report says “That’s a small amount of money.... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3248082/trump-says-his-businesses-got-small-amount-money-china-foreign-governments-services-fox-news?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3248082/trump-says-his-businesses-got-small-amount-money-china-foreign-governments-services-fox-news?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Jan 2024 09:35:21 +0000 The Golden Globes are a classic awards show, so it goes without saying that stars pull out their boldest looks for the evening. At the 81st annual event on Sunday, celebrities walked the red carpet in stand-out suits, see-through dresses and audacious ensembles. Here are a dozen of the most daring looks seen throughout the night. 1. Julia Garner Garner’s sleeveless Gucci gown had all-over sequins, two straps that covered her chest and acted as a top, and a floor-length skirt. She wore it with... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3247629/12-most-daring-looks-2024-golden-globes-taylor-swift-and-timothee-chalamet-selena-gomez-saltburns?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/celebrity-style/article/3247629/12-most-daring-looks-2024-golden-globes-taylor-swift-and-timothee-chalamet-selena-gomez-saltburns?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 08 Jan 2024 05:09:19 +0000