China’s deep-sea cable cutter, centuries-old puzzle, next-gen drones: 7 science highlights
From China’s powerful deep-sea cable cutter to an AI-run fentanyl detector, here are some highlights from SCMP’s recent science reporting.
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Taiwan to hold civil defence drill to put emergency responses to the test
Exercise will take place in the southern city of Tainan on Thursday to prepare the public for military conflict and natural disasters.
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Gerard Depardieu admits grabbing woman by the hips but denies it was sexual assault
Amelie K says the film star groped her and made explicit comments, in the highest-profile #MeToo case to come before France’s courts.
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BYD beats Tesla again as sales top US$100 billion on surging EV deliveries
Chinese EV maker is forecast to widen its lead over Tesla in 2025 and 2026 global sales, according to consensus compiled by Bloomberg.
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Why Germany can’t afford not to spend billions on defence
For decades, Germans took Russia’s energy, China’s market and the US’ security guarantee for granted. They can’t be so complacent any more.
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As Trump turns world order on its head, can China, Japan, South Korea shape global future?
East Asian neighbours seek to put historical and geopolitical grievances aside in joint bid to withstand ‘America first’ shock waves.
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From soju to noodles, South Korean food brands are targeted by copycats
If counterfeit products are left unchecked, South Korean food companies could suffer damage to their reputation, analysts say.
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Why a rising AI star left a promising US academic career to return to China
Fu Tianfan leaves tenure-track assistant professor position in New York state for new research opportunities, and Nanjing University’s ‘fertile ground’.
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Hong Kong devoted to bolstering foreign ties, John Lee says at Boao Forum
Chief executive touts international connections following Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s call for city to expand global ties.
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1.1 million patients to benefit in 2026 under Hong Kong public healthcare subsidy reform
Health chief Lo Chung-mau says subsidy rate will decrease from 97 per cent to 90 per cent within five years under the model reform.
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1MDB still hanging over Malaysia, Duterte disinformation frenzy: 7 Asia highlights
From Singapore offering unemployment payouts to a slap heard around Malaysia, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.
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Pacific nation’s Facebook blackout tied to content ‘control’ experiment
Meta’s Facebook and Messenger remained inaccessible to users in Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, over 24 hours after mysteriously going offline.
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Trump-battered Europe eyes China with launch of diplomatic flurry to Beijing
EU officials and European national representatives are on overlapping visits but each will be asking for something slightly different.
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Canada files WTO trade action against Chinese agriculture, fishery import tariffs
The tariffs, announced this month, place a 100 per cent surcharge on rapeseed oil, peas and oil cakes for animal feed imported from Canada.
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French-Algerian man on trial in Bordeaux for burning wife alive
After their separation in 2021, Mounir Boutaa allegedly stalked Chahinez Daoud, shot her, poured petrol on her and set her on fire in 2021.
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‘Assigning sentinels’: Philippines eyes Subic Bay islands for South China Sea security
Experts say it might be legally and logistically difficult to repurpose Grande and Chiquita Islands but political will might hold sway.
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As US-led globalisation falters, China-Europe relations can flourish
Western leaders committed to the rules-based order must promote dialogue with Beijing while quietly upholding values now rejected by Washington.
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Supporters of Philippine’s Duterte to rally for his repatriation, experts say it is unlikely
Experts say there is little chance of the 80-year-old gaining early release due to a lack of legal avenues to challenge his detention.
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Chinese humanoid robot star Unitree to focus on industrial models before household aides
Despite growing competition, Unitree’s founder says the company will not release household robots until safety issues are sorted out.
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Tumour meltdown in China therapy tests offers hope to late-stage cancer patients
Experimental therapy uses a modified virus to boost immunity and make anti-tumour treatments more effective, according to study.
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