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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. Why China is keeping its distance as Russia and North Korea cosy up
Beijing, a close partner of Moscow and Pyongyang, is staying quiet about the growing alignment between its two neighbours, but observers say China is cautious about joining a trilateral axis that could trigger a ‘new cold war’.
2. Slain Hong Kong model Abby Choi returns to spotlight ahead of ex-husband’s trial

The case of slain Hong Kong socialite Abby Choi Tin-fung was back in court last week. The Post looks back on the details that have emerged so far.
3. China invents most powerful detonation engine for hypersonic flight
Scientists at the forefront of hypersonic weapons research in China say they have an unprecedented power solution for aerospace planes. In theory, the invention could make even the longest intercontinental flights take just one or two hours while consuming less fuel compared with conventional jet engines.
4. What US-China tensions? Mandarin immersion persists in American schools
From Utah to Michigan, half-day programmes in which regular classes are taught entirely in Chinese find fervent support among parents.
5. China’s MH370 families urge new search after experts stir hopes of finding plane

Relatives of Chinese passengers on the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 refreshed their call to resume the search for the aircraft after two French experts claimed renewed efforts could find the plane “within days”.
6. Singapore’s turbulent yet tantalising 2023: political scandals to pop sensations

For Singaporeans who had grown accustomed to the city state’s rather sedate way of doing politics, 2023 will go down as one of the most turbulent years in decades. The Post looks back at the top Singapore stories of 2023.
7. ‘Humble hero’: brave delivery driver who saved woman’s life gets wedding invite
A delivery driver who leapt off a high bridge to rescue a drowning woman and captivated millions in China this summer, has been invited to the woman’s wedding.


Tourists in China call locals smelly, Philippine school shooting: 7 Asia highlights

‘Lying flat’ goes mainstream, Singapore mall finds God: 5 weekend reads you missed

US, Iran sign peace deal; China’s C919 jets grounded for safety checks: SCMP’s 7 highlights

TCM for a new generation, Dragon Boat Festival top picks: 7 Lifestyle highlights

SCMP Highlights

China invents powerful detonation engine, Mandarin in US schools, renewed MH370 search calls: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

A relative of a missing flight MH370 passenger holds a banner stating “Malaysia Airlines MH370 case” in Chinese after a compensation claim hearing in Beijing on November 27. Photo: EPA-EFE

Illustration: Henry Wong

Abby Choi was reported missing in February before police discovered some of her remains at a village house in Tai Po’s Lung Mei Tsuen. Photo: Instagram/xxabbyc

Chris Martin of Coldplay performs in California earlier this year. The British rock band broke the record in June for most tickets sold in Singapore in a single day. Photo: AP

Hong Kong’s Christmas exodus, China divides Philippine elite: 5 weekend reads you may have missed

Passengers wait to check in for their flights at a packed Hong Kong airport on December 23, 2023. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Dunhuang, in China’s Gansu province, is an ancient city on the Silk Road where scientists have now found evidence of a mixed-race population dating as early as 220AD. Photo: Shutterstock

Philippine Coast Guard ship BRP Sindangan tows Philippine navy-operated supply boat M/L Kalayaan after its engines were damaged due to water cannons from Chinese Coast Guard as it approached Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea on December 10, 2023. Photo: Handout

The octogenarian expressed his gratitude to the man, and his family by gifting them all of his property as a token of appreciation for the care they had provided him during the last few years of his life. Photo: SCMP composite/Weibo

Beijing flexes its muscles in South China Sea, cold spell hits Hong Kong, how to survive Christmas: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

A Chinese coastguard vessel maneuvers beside the Philippine coastguard ship BRP Cabra as they approach the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on November 10. Photo: AP

A rescuer uses a sniffer dog to search for survivors at a collapsed houses following a massive earthquake in Jishishan in Gansu province. Photo: AP

Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Hong Kong Observatory advised people to put on warm clothes and ensure indoor ventilation. Photo: Sam Tsang

Illustration: Brian Wang

Christmas and the Lunar New Year can be tricky to get through if you are alone, don’t get on with some family members, face financial pressure or are experiencing grief. Photo: Shutterstock

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From China keeping its distance from a growing Russia-North Korea alignment to Singapore’s major stories of 2023, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.


China invents powerful detonation engine, Mandarin in US schools, renewed MH370 search calls: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}From China keeping its distance from a growing Russia-North Korea alignment to Singapore’s major stories of 2023, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

1. Why China is keeping its distance as Russia and North Korea cosy up

From China keeping its distance from a growing Russia-North Korea alignment to Singapore’s major stories of 2023, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.