China’s proposed drone upgrades, landslide in Taiwan kills family: SCMP’s 7 highlights

From Li Ka-shing’s mansion ‘not for sale’ to Malaysia’s probe into a student’s death, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

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Despite their importance in modern warfare, drones are currently vulnerable to advanced air defences. Photo: Shutterstock

Published: 12:15pm, 8 Aug 2025Updated: 1:24pm, 8 Aug 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’s high-speed rail nears 50,000km milestone – but is it sustainable?

A volunteer holds leaflets as he stands near a 600km/h High Speed Maglev model showcasing at the National Railway Test Center during a tour by delegates to the World Congress on High-Speed Rail held in Beijing, on July 9. Photo: AP

After a construction boom spanning nearly two decades, China’s high-speed rail (HSR) network has made record-breaking strides. But to ensure long-term sustainability, analysts said the government needs to address challenges around commercial profitability and mounting debt.

2. Chinese scientists draw on Ukraine war lessons and propose drone upgrades

In Ukraine, about nine in 10 Russian drones have been shot down by advanced air defences, according to various estimates. A group of Chinese aerospace engineers and defence researchers have now proposed a radical technological enhancement for combat drones that may dramatically increase their ability to survive to nearly 90 per cent.

3. Hong Kong employers’ group urges domestic helper wage freeze, cites poor economy

Foreign domestic helpers gather at Central on their day off. Photo: Sun Yeung

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