South China Morning Post
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:00:27 +0000Can Thailand’s tourism recover from a drop in Chinese arrivals?
Once a bright spot in the economy, Thailand’s tourism sector appears to be losing its shine.
Even with an expected bump in foreign arrivals during the peak travel season at the end of the year, the country’s main tourism body still expects just 3...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 09:00:09 +0000Korean defence giant hit by China sanctions offers anti-ship missile to Manila
South Korean defence giant Hanwha’s proposal to sell its anti-ship missile to the Philippines around the same time Beijing imposed sanctions on its shipbuilding sector represents Seoul leaning towards defence industry cooperation with Washington an...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:52:46 +0000Hong Kong man jailed for 4 years over attempted murder-suicide of 90-year-old father
A Hong Kong warehouse worker has been sentenced to four years in prison for attempting to kill his 90-year-old father in a failed murder-suicide bid two years ago.
The High Court on Wednesday ruled that the sentence given to Au Chi-ming was appropria...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:39:19 +0000South Korea says Yoon wanted special treatment for his pets in 2023 France trips
Former South Korean first couple Yoon Suk-yeol and Kim Keon-hee requested special treatment for their pets from South Korea’s embassy in Paris during their visits to France in 2023, an opposition lawmaker has revealed.
The couple “planned to brin...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:16:58 +0000Cross-border prostitution racket, Hong Kong vice ring smashed in joint operation
A cross-border prostitution syndicate using a dedicated website to advertise sex workers across Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China has been dismantled in a joint police operation, with authorities blocking the transfer of about HK$1.2 million (US$15...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 08:00:38 +0000Chinese chip equipment supplier SiCarrier’s subsidiary launches new EDA software
A subsidiary of SiCarrier – a semiconductor equipment maker backed by the Shenzhen municipal government and works with Huawei Technologies – has released proprietary electronic design automation (EDA) software, bolstering China’s broader push t...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:49:27 +0000Starbucks South Korea bans outside food to make stores ‘more pleasant’
Starbucks South Korea has begun enforcing a nationwide ban on the consumption of outside food at all of its stores, aiming to curb disturbances caused by customers bringing in and eating food from elsewhere.
The company, operated by Shinsegae Group, ...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:29:20 +0000‘1 person dies every day’: South Koreans reveal horrors of Cambodia’s scam camps
As South Korean victims of Cambodia’s scam camps recount frequent beatings, torture and even organ harvesting, President Lee Jae-myung has vowed to step up efforts to rescue citizens trapped in the Southeast Asian nation.
“It’s not uncommon for...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:28:32 +0000Heart Evangelista: how a Filipino style icon’s wealth came under fire
As the Philippines reels from a deepening corruption scandal rattling its political elite, one of its brightest social media stars has found herself at the centre of a national reckoning over wealth, privilege and accountability.
Filipino style icon ...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:00:15 +0000China gears up to build giant South China Sea lab in hunt for ghost particles
Chinese researchers have tested a submersible vehicle designed to help them build one of the world’s largest neutrino observatories in the South China Sea – a facility that will study the ghostly subatomic particles that stream through the cosmos...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 07:00:09 +0000China’s EV giants head overseas, Tesla Shanghai plant boosts output: 7 EV reads
We have put together stories from our coverage on electric and new energy vehicles from the past two weeks to help you stay informed. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. Tesla’s Shanghai factory deliverie...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:37:52 +0000Some pet toys in Hong Kong have chemicals that can cause allergies: watchdog
Some pet toys sold in Hong Kong have been found to contain chemicals that can trigger allergies in dogs or cause cancer in humans and animals, although the vast majority of samples comply with children’s toy standards, the city’s consumer watchdo...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:30:58 +0000Hong Kong police arrest 2 men for alleged HK$140,000 fake gold swindle
Hong Kong police have arrested two men who allegedly used fake gold items to swindle pawn shops across the city out of HK$140,000 (US$56,587), as prices for the precious metal reached record-breaking highs amid wider global economic uncertainty.
The ...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:29:08 +0000Australia urged to adopt guerrilla, Singapore’s ‘poisonous shrimp’ tactics
Australia must learn from past guerrilla insurgencies and adopt an “unconventional deterrence” policy in facing down threats from China, Russia and elsewhere, one of the country’s leading think tanks said on Wednesday.
Australia, under the trip...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:25:54 +0000Hong Kong welcomes 36 million tourists in first 3 quarters, up 12% year on year
Hong Kong received 36 million visitors in the first three quarters of this year, a 12 per cent increase year on year, with strong growth in the number of tourists coming from Japan, Taiwan and Australia.
According to provisional figures announced by ...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 06:00:10 +0000China court grants woman divorce 6 years after husband pushed her off Thai cliff
A court in China has granted the divorce application of a woman who survived after being pushed off a cliff in Thailand by her husband six years ago, sparking massive cheers on social media.
Wang Nan, 38, better known online as Wang Nuannuan, suffere...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 05:30:08 +0000Indonesia aims to export shrimp to US again after radiation scare
Indonesia has said that its shrimp shipments to the US can continue following stricter rules in response to a radiation scare, as business executives call for a global campaign to restore the reputation of the product and diversify the local industry...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:58:05 +0000Invest and expand in Hong Kong, Paul Chan tells US firms despite trade tensions
Hong Kong’s finance chief has called on American businesses to invest in the city as he began his latest visit to the United States, even as global concerns grow over the possible re-escalation of the US-China trade war.
The government on Wednesday...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:30:09 +0000How outdated power grids are hobbling Southeast Asia’s green energy boom
Southeast Asia must urgently modernise its electricity grids to sustain its economic boom and unlock the full potential of renewable energy, according to a new report.
Without sweeping investment in digitalised “smart” networks, the region’s in...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 04:03:26 +0000Chinese premier stresses resilience in symposium with business leaders
Premier Li Qiang called on China’s companies to be resilient and reiterated a pledge to achieve the country’s annual economic goals at a symposium with business leaders, academics and other experts on Tuesday.
“To accurately understand the curr...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:46:21 +0000‘I’m heartbroken my son did this,’ Malaysia school stabbing suspect’s dad says
The father of the 14-year-old student who stabbed a girl to death at a school in Bandar Utama, Malaysia’s Selangor state, said he was heartbroken over the incident.
“I am heartbroken my son did this.
“I know that no matter what I say, it’s us...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:40:20 +0000How a volunteer trip to Cambodia grew into a Hong Kong youth-led NGO
When a Hong Kong teacher took a handful of students to Cambodia for some voluntary work six years ago, he never imagined that it would grow into a lasting organisation.
Co-founded by Chan Yik-yeung, vice-principal of Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor S...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:35:22 +0000‘Heartbroken’: Malaysia’s smokers and drinkers brace for a ‘sin tax’ shock
As the workday grinds on in Kuala Lumpur, 23-year-old office worker Adib finds solace in a few quiet cigarettes, but his unhealthy habit is about to come at a higher price.
From next month, a new government policy will drive up the price of tobacco a...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:35:13 +0000Spirit of Hong Kong Awards: educator helps seniors unleash their hidden potential
An award-winning journalist turned educator is teaching Hong Kong how to age well – not through textbooks, but through life stories.
At Ginger Innovation, founder Chen Yimin trains older adults to become storytellers and mentors, helping them rebui...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:05:30 +0000How Hong Kong Disneyland enchants guests with unique storytelling and immersive experiences
If you have plans to visit Main Street, USA at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort in the coming weeks, you may be in for a surprise. There is a party which you can attend – but not everyone will be invited … and that is not going down well with a group ...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:00:19 +0000Heated US-China trade war could put fire in Beijing’s belly: scholars
With trade tensions between China and the United States reignited less than two weeks before a major political gathering in Beijing, Chinese scholars said the flare-up could provide a common cause for the country to rally behind as policymakers take ...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 02:46:00 +0000Hong Kong Disneyland seeks new head after Michael Moriarty assumes global role
The head of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort will assume a new global position as chief financial officer for the company’s experiences division, with a search under way for his successor.
Michael Moriarty has been appointed executive vice-president and...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 02:14:22 +0000Cambodian tycoon exposed as kingpin behind US$14 billion crypto fraud empire
The US government has seized more than US$14 billion in bitcoin and charged the founder of a Cambodian conglomerate in a massive cryptocurrency scam, accusing him and unnamed co-conspirators of exploiting forced labour to dupe would-be investors and ...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 02:14:12 +0000China’s deflation fight drags on, amplifying calls for monetary easing
China’s consumer prices fell again in September as demand remained weak, while a slight narrowing of the fall in factory-gate prices gave a hint that Beijing’s efforts to curb involution – the cutthroat intra-industry competition pushing down p...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 02:11:38 +0000Hongkongers to feel the breeze next week as temperatures to drop to 22 degrees
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Hongkongers can expect a cool autumn breeze early next week, as temperatures are set to “appreciably” fal...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 02:06:23 +0000Apple taps China’s BYD to build HomePod with screen, tabletop robot
Apple is preparing to expand its manufacturing operations in Vietnam as part of a push into the smart home market and an ongoing effort to lessen its dependence on China.
The company is developing a range of new home devices for next year, including ...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 02:00:16 +0000Major US news outlets reject new Pentagon press access policy
At least 30 news organisations declined to sign a new Pentagon access policy for journalists, warning of the potential for less comprehensive coverage of the world’s most powerful military ahead of a Tuesday deadline to accept new restrictions.
The...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 01:30:14 +0000From ‘love hotel’ meetings to abuse, Japanese politicians get mired in scandals
As Japan grapples with an uncertain leadership transition, a rash of domestic scandals risks further contributing to its political circus.
In recent months, a female mayor has been accused of repeatedly taking a male subordinate to a nearby “love h...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 01:30:09 +0000The Nobel Peace Prize should now be called the Nobel war prize
Donald Trump is reportedly furious that he didn’t get the Nobel Peace Prize. Instead, it went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. But if the US president could see beyond his megalomania for a moment, he would realise that the Nor...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 01:14:47 +0000Trump says US strike on another alleged drug boat off Venezuela kills 6
The United States struck another small boat accused of carrying drugs in the waters off Venezuela, killing six people, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday.
Those who died in the strike were aboard the vessel, and no US forces were harmed, the p...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 01:00:15 +0000China urges calm as deadly Pakistan-Afghanistan border clashes risk spillover
Beijing has called for de-escalation following the deadliest border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan since 2021, saying it is “deeply concerned” about the hostilities.
Analysts suggested the conflict remained manageable but warned that fl...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 01:00:09 +0000Tourists slammed for turning Singapore Changi Airport into ‘sleeper village’
Tourists camping out at Singapore Changi Airport overnight to escape skyrocketing hotel prices during the F1 weekend sparked public criticism among locals for tarnishing the airport’s image.
A woman from the United States using the handle @sheridan...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:30:15 +0000Defects, lax oversight may have led to Hong Kong prefab flat woes: experts
Material defects and poor installation supervision may have contributed to the improper assembly of prefabricated flats at three light public housing projects in Hong Kong, experts have suggested amid a controversy over the new construction method.
T...
Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:15 +0000Nuclear ‘bribery’ backlash in Japan over restart plan for world’s largest plant
Japan’s largest power company is reportedly dangling a 100 billion yen (US$654 million) payout for locals to restart its long-dormant Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant in a move critics have called “bribery”.
The unprecedented financial support ...
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:39:17 +0000US revokes visas for 6 foreigners over Charlie Kirk-related speech
The Trump administration has revoked the visas of six foreigners deemed by US officials to have made derisive comments or made light of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk last month.
The US State Department said on Tuesday it had...
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:00:21 +0000Hong Kong’s pension scheme earns higher grade, still lags behind Singapore’s
Hong Kong’s pension scheme improved its overall adequacy, sustainability and integrity over the past 12 months, rising from a C+ grade to a B – equal to schemes in some European countries but still trailing Singapore’s – according to a report...
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 23:00:18 +0000How Chinese paper mills use AI to create ‘higher quality’ academic fraud
Chinese paper mills are using generative artificial intelligence tools to mass produce forged academic papers, a new investigation by the mainland’s state broadcaster has found.
The report, which aired Sunday on China Central Television’s (CCTV) ...
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 22:00:08 +0000As China’s EV boom makes the EU anxious, is it too late to work together?
This year marks half a century of formal diplomatic relations between China and the European Union, as well as the 25th anniversary of the founding of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China. The latest story in our series examining ties betw...
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 21:30:09 +0000After decades of struggle, women in China are rewriting their future
Every Lunar New Year, the urban professional woman – let’s call her Tracy – returns to her rural hometown, where she quickly drops her city identity for her simple rural name Cuihua, helping her family prepare the holiday meal.
Funny before-and...
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 21:20:05 +0000OpenAI to allow erotica on ChatGPT for verified adults
OpenAI announced plans on Tuesday to relax restrictions on its ChatGPT chatbot, including allowing erotic content for verified adult users as part of what the company calls a “treat adult users like adults” principle.
In a social media post, CEO ...
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 21:18:23 +0000Trump threatens China with cooking oil embargo over soybean snub
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday called China “economically hostile” for not buying American soybeans and threatened to halt imports of cooking oil and other products from the country in retaliation.
“I believe that China purposefully not b...
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 21:10:38 +0000‘Red gift bag’: US national security expert arrested over classified documents
Ashley Tellis, a prominent Indian-American national security expert and long-time US adviser, has been accused of hoarding classified documents and repeatedly meeting Chinese officials, stirring concern over possible Beijing ties and jolting Washingt...
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:21:17 +0000Trump says could cut US aid to Argentina if Milei loses midterms
US President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday he could sever struggling Argentina’s financial lifeline if his libertarian ally Javier Milei loses crucial legislative elections later this month.
“If he loses, we are not going to be generous with Arg...
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:04:07 +0000Trump threatens to violently disarm Hamas as Gaza ceasefire is tested
Hamas handed over more bodies of deceased hostages to Israel on Tuesday, one sign of progress after a number of apparent setbacks in the day since US President Donald Trump touted his plan to end the Gaza war.
The bodies were returned after Israel an...
Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:30:59 +0000Zelensky strips Odesa mayor of Ukrainian citizenship over Russian passport claim
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday revoked the citizenship of Odesa’s mayor on the grounds that he also had a Russian passport, acting to end the tenure of a divisive figure who has run the Black Sea port city for 11 years.
Hennadiy ...