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Britain

Britain
The latest breaking news and stories on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), a constitutional monarchy in northern Europe which includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the world’s sixth largest economy. Also covering the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU) post Brexit, as well as with China, plus commentary and updates on the UK’s economy, politics, society and social issues.
Capital
London
Head of State
King Charles III
King Charles III
Head of Government
Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Children suffering from measles receive treatment at a hospital in Dhaka amid the disease’s outbreak in Bangladesh. Photo: dpa
Bangladesh

Bangladesh faces further measles risk due to lack of vaccinations, travel

Nearly 600 people have died from the disease, with over 60,000 suspected cases in the country since mid-March.

China-UK relations

China-UK ties thaw: Wang urges that they ‘further communicate’, align positions

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Malaysia

Why oil-hungry Asia ignores risks linked to Russia’s ‘dark fleet’

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Japan

Is UK a ‘reliable partner’? Fighter jet delays test Japan’s patience

Tokyo is concerned as its ageing fighters need to be replaced and the project lacks a clear development plan and schedule, analysts say.

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The Global Combat Air Programme booth seen at the DSEI Japan 2025, a biennial, large-scale defence and security exhibition held in Japan. Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Crime

Life sentence for UK Sikh man who falsely claimed his dying victim racially abused him

Court sentences Vickrum Digwa to 21-year minimum for the murder of Henry Nowak, whose handcuffing by police sparked a fierce backlash.

Science

China team drafts sanctions list targeting US, allies on 63 key tech sectors

Scientists have listed sensitive or globally competitive tech that may benefit from export restrictions to keep them out of foreign hands.

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English Premier League

6 stabbed in hours after Arsenal Premier League victory parade

Most of the victims were not seriously hurt, but a man was taken to hospital in a life-threatening condition, and has since stabilised.

Arsenal fans celebrate as they wait for the buses to pass by carrying the team during a parade for winning the English Premier League title, in London on Sunday. Photo: AP
Jeffrey Epstein

UK publishes new Mandelson files, raising heat on PM Starmer

Documents show vetting of Mandelson before his appointment as UK envoy to the US had warned of ‘reputational risks’ over his ties to Epstein.

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Food and Drinks

This Edinburgh Chinese takeaway is ‘dying’. Meet the daughter out to save it

Opened in 1997, China Star has weeks to turn things around before it sinks. Can the founder’s Instagrammer daughter Lisa He serve up success?

Fashion

4 graphic kids’ T-shirts featuring the sun, sand and sea

These branded, beach-ready cotton tees with vibrant graphics will add a fun touch of sun, sand and sea to kids’ summer wardrobes.

Deck out your little one for summer in a designer tee – like this one from Chloé Kids, at Mytheresa. Photo: Handout
My Life

How wartime Hong Kong became a passion for historian and author Tony Banham

Born in a British WWII hut, Tony Banham’s journey spans aviation, computing and historical research, leading to acclaimed works on his adopted hometown’s tumultuous past.

Hong Kong historian Tony Banham at the site of the West Brigade Headquarters in Wong Nai Chung Gap, Hong Kong. Photo: Alexander Mak
Singapore

Shangri-La Dialogue: can Asia do ‘less Shangri-La, more ships, more subs’?

In response to Hegseth’s call, participants at the Singapore forum say defence spending levels have to factor in different countries’ needs.

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China-UK relations

In sign of easing UK-China ties, British Foreign Secretary set for 3-day visit

Announcement comes days after delegations from both countries sat down at Shangri-La Dialogue to discuss concrete military engagement.

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International Property

Spain’s property market sees boost as Hongkongers, others, depart UK and Canada

As the cost of living rises, some Hongkongers living in the United Kingdom and Canada are set to move to Spain under the NLV scheme.

Hongkonger Eddie Chan has made an initial deposit for this €500,000 apartment in Cullera in Spain’s Valencia. Photo: Handout
US-China relations

US agency goes back to the future to take on China’s Belt and Road Initiative

The US International Development Finance Corp mixes national security and foreign investment in its supply chain quest.

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The US International Development Finance Corp, an agency set up to rival China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has invested US$553 million to revamp the Lobito Atlantic Railway. Photo: AFP
Singapore

17 nations launch pact to protect vital undersea cables amid US, China absence

Singapore’s defence chief tells the Shangri-La Dialogue the pact aims to explore potential areas of collaboration and share best practices.

Banking & finance

Macroscope | Why bond yields are going up everywhere

Unlike stock markets, bond markets are signalling a more cognisant and mature appreciation of the state of government finances.

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US-Asean relations

Tariffs, war and broken trust: Southeast Asia’s Trump problem

Disillusioned by US unpredictability, the region is learning to diversify – while Trump treats allies as bargaining chips.

Illustration: Huy Truong
US, Israel war on Iran

Why the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation isn’t Nato for Iran

Central Asian members in particular see bloc’s main value as preserving their sovereignty rather than enabling collective military action.

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Canada

Canadian poison seller Kenneth Law pleads guilty to aiding suicides

The former chef could face 10 to 20 years in prison but will not stand trial for murder.

China-UK relations

Exclusive | Chinese, UK delegations discuss military engagement at Shangri-La Dialogue

Major General Meng Xiangqing invites British military officials to Xiangshan Forum and Zhuhai air show in China.

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Major General Meng Xiangqing, who is leading the Chinese delegation to Asia’s largest defence summit, meets with British military officials on Friday. Photo: Reuters
China-South Korea relations

How will South Korea’s nuclear submarines alter balance near first island chain?

Analyst cites further Indo-Pacific nations eyeing SSNs, with potential to ‘tie together with the broader US alliance system in the region’.

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South Korea says it will build its own nuclear-powered submarines, with the first vessels to be launched by the mid-2030s. Photo: Getty Images
US-China relations

Hegseth at Asia defence gathering, China-EU tensions, Computex

This week: US allies wait to hear from Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Singapore, EU works on China trade measures and Huawei announces chip advance. Next week: Computex is held in Taiwan, China reveals PMI, UK foreign minister visits Beijing, and more.

2026 Xi-Trump summit

Xi Jinping meets foreign leaders: tracker, May 2026

World leaders are flocking to Beijing in search of trade deals, investments and greater market access in China.

Gold in Hong Kong

World Gold Council says diversification driving China’s growing reserves

China’s gold reserves have grown for 18 straight months, country’s central bank says.

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Gold bars and coins a precious metals dealership in Munich Germany. Photo: DPA
Bonds

China’s first green bond sale in Hong Kong aims to raise US$886 million

Country looking to issue offshore sovereign green bonds and tap global capital to invest in green development.

Wind turbines tower above a solar farm near Weifang, Shandong province, Photo: AP
Bangladesh

Policy pivot? India watchful as Bangladesh engages Pakistan

Analysts say the new government in Dhaka is trying a ‘balancing act’ in the region that could signal more businesslike ties with its neighbours.

Gold in Hong Kong

Low-cost gold ETF launched as Hong Kong links bullion trading with blockchain

New fund gives retail investors physical gold access from US$45, with tokenised design primed for future trading on regulated platforms.

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