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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 deploys prototype of missile defence system with planet-wide coverage
China has deployed a working prototype of a global defence system similar to the United States’ proposed Golden Dome, while hailing a breakthrough in data processing technology for worldwide threat management, according to scientists involved in the project.
2. Argentina’s soy exports to China soar, angering US
Argentina’s soybean export orders surged to a seven-year high this month as Chinese importers bought millions of tonnes of the staple crop during a brief suspension of export taxes. This has rattled the Trump administration, where divisions are deepening over Argentine President Javier Milei’s closer ties with Beijing and what many Republicans see as a direct blow to American farmers.
3. Hong Kong marks National Day with fireworks, naval ship tours and horse races
Hundreds of thousands of spectators packed Hong Kong’s harbourfront for a fireworks display on National Day, capping off celebrations that included an open day at PLA naval ships and visitors descending upon the city for shopping, sightseeing and hiking.
4. Religion must align with law for ethnic and social harmony in China, Xi says
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for further enactment of law and regulation, as well as stricter law enforcement, in religious affairs in a push to Sinicise religions in the country, according to state media.
5. South Korea’s new US ‘Iron Dome’ air defence system seen as reply to China
The US has deployed a new air defence system in South Korea – dubbed America’s Iron Dome – in what analysts see as an effort by Washington to counter Chinese or North Korean drone operations in the event of a conflict in the region.
6. ‘Singaporeans-first assurance’ needed after population hits record 6.11 million
With Singapore’s population at a high of more than 6.11 million, fuelled by foreign worker influx, more assurance should be given to locals on public infrastructure integrity and that they will remain the core of the labour market, according to analysts.
7. Top battery scientist Stefano Passerini relocates from Germany to China
65-year-old Italian researcher Stefano Passerini – a member of Germany’s National Academy of Sciences – has taken up a full-time position at Nanjing Normal University in eastern China.
