China surpasses rivals with ‘world-class’ sixth-gen stealth fighter jet: experts
By Sylvie ZhuangSeong Hyeon Choi
Chinese experts believe the country’s first sixth-generation stealth fighter jet may have even greater stealth capabilities at hypersonic speeds, with one commenter suggesting the PLA has “fully surpassed global advanced standards”.
China’s official media appeared to tacitly confirm speculation that a fixed-wing aircraft with a three-engine configuration seen over Chengdu in the southwestern province of Sichuan on Thursday was in fact the stealth fighter on its maiden flight.
During the flight – which took place in broad daylight – the jet was flanked by a fifth-generation J-20 fighter jet, according to footage that was reportedly filmed near the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, a Chinese fighter and drone manufacturer.
Observers noted that the mystery jet – which has a distinctive triangular, tailless design – was flying with its landing gear down – a common practice in the early stages
Chinese authorities have not yet officially confirmed or named the jet, but the Chengdu-based Defence Times appeared to make an oblique reference to the aircraft on its Weibo account.
The media outlet posted an image of a ginkgo leaf and the comment “it really looks like a leaf”, in what was widely interpreted as a semi-official acknowledgement of the fighter jet.
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By Sylvie ZhuangSeong Hyeon Choi
Chinese experts believe the country’s first sixth-generation stealth fighter jet may have even greater stealth capabilities at hypersonic speeds, with one commenter suggesting the PLA has “fully surpassed global advanced standards”.
China’s official media appeared to tacitly confirm speculation that a fixed-wing aircraft with a three-engine configuration seen over Chengdu in the southwestern province of Sichuan on Thursday was in fact the stealth fighter on its maiden flight.
During the flight – which took place in broad daylight – the jet was flanked by a fifth-generation J-20 fighter jet, according to footage that was reportedly filmed near the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, a Chinese fighter and drone manufacturer.
Observers noted that the mystery jet – which has a distinctive triangular, tailless design – was flying with its landing gear down – a common practice in the early stages
Chinese authorities have not yet officially confirmed or named the jet, but the Chengdu-based Defence Times appeared to make an oblique reference to the aircraft on its Weibo account.
The media outlet posted an image of a ginkgo leaf and the comment “it really looks like a leaf”, in what was widely interpreted as a semi-official acknowledgement of the fighter jet.
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Malaysians cast doubt on Anwar’s rising approval rate as reforms and economy stall
By Hadi Azmi
Poll results showing Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim enjoying higher approval ratings have sparked heated debates, with his critics saying the data does not reflect widespread anger over the country’s stagnant economy and the backtracking of his reformist agenda.
Prominent opinion research firm Merdeka Centre released the results of a new survey on Monday that found Anwar’s approval rating rose to 54 per cent, from 50 per cent last year. Satisfaction with his administration’s performance also increased to 51 per cent from 46 per cent.
Many online users have reacted to the results of the survey, which was conducted from November 27 to December 10, with scepticism.
The small sample size of just over 1,200 people was a sore point for many, who questioned whether the poll was an accurate gauge of the broad sentiment in a country of 34 million people.
“The survey represents just 0.0037 per cent of the population,” read a comment by Facebook user Tharmaraj Raj.
Polling experts note such a sample size – when properly designed to make it representative – could yield accurate results, a point highlighted by the Merdeka Centre about its methodology.
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By Hadi Azmi
Poll results showing Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim enjoying higher approval ratings have sparked heated debates, with his critics saying the data does not reflect widespread anger over the country’s stagnant economy and the backtracking of his reformist agenda.
Prominent opinion research firm Merdeka Centre released the results of a new survey on Monday that found Anwar’s approval rating rose to 54 per cent, from 50 per cent last year. Satisfaction with his administration’s performance also increased to 51 per cent from 46 per cent.
Many online users have reacted to the results of the survey, which was conducted from November 27 to December 10, with scepticism.
The small sample size of just over 1,200 people was a sore point for many, who questioned whether the poll was an accurate gauge of the broad sentiment in a country of 34 million people.
“The survey represents just 0.0037 per cent of the population,” read a comment by Facebook user Tharmaraj Raj.
Polling experts note such a sample size – when properly designed to make it representative – could yield accurate results, a point highlighted by the Merdeka Centre about its methodology.
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South Korea’s acting president Han Duck-soo impeached, stirring new political chaos
By Agence France-Presse
South Korea’s acting president Han Duck-soo was impeached on Friday, as the country struggled to shake off political turmoil sparked by his predecessor’s martial law declaration that shocked the world.
Han took over from President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was suspended following a parliamentary vote over his move to impose martial law on December 3.
Han’s exit also marked the first time South Korea has impeached an acting president.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is next in line to assume the acting presidency, according to South Korean law.
Opposition MPs have accused Han, the prime minister, of refusing to accede to demands to complete Yoon’s impeachment process and to bring him to justice.
At the heart of the current row is the composition of the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether to uphold parliament’s decision to impeach Yoon.
The court is currently short of three judges. While it can go ahead with its six members on the bench, a single dissenting vote would reinstate Yoon.
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By Agence France-Presse
South Korea’s acting president Han Duck-soo was impeached on Friday, as the country struggled to shake off political turmoil sparked by his predecessor’s martial law declaration that shocked the world.
Han took over from President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was suspended following a parliamentary vote over his move to impose martial law on December 3.
Han’s exit also marked the first time South Korea has impeached an acting president.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is next in line to assume the acting presidency, according to South Korean law.
Opposition MPs have accused Han, the prime minister, of refusing to accede to demands to complete Yoon’s impeachment process and to bring him to justice.
At the heart of the current row is the composition of the Constitutional Court, which will decide whether to uphold parliament’s decision to impeach Yoon.
The court is currently short of three judges. While it can go ahead with its six members on the bench, a single dissenting vote would reinstate Yoon.
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China’s high-speed rail enthusiasts glimpse the future as 450km/h train spotted
By Zhang Tong
China’s next innovation in high-speed rail the CR450, tipped to be the world’s fastest commercial train when it starts operations next year, was captured by enthusiasts in a series of videos as it made its way from Tianjin to Beijing on Wednesday.
It was the second glimpse of the CR450 – designed with a trial speed of 450km/h (280mph) and a commercial operating speed of 400km/h (249mph) – after a test video briefly surfaced online in November before it was taken down.
The train resembles an arrow when viewed from the side. Its sleek, bullet-shaped nose has slightly angular contours, while the cockpit features trapezoidal side windows and decorative breathing lights.
Last month’s apparently leaked test video featured a train marked CR450AF-0001, while the latest images show an eight-car CR450 with its serial number covered by white tape.
The body is unpainted but the Fuxing branding of China’s bullet trains is visible, highlighting that the new train builds upon the foundation of the CR400, which debuted in 2017.
Today, China’s high-speed rail system is the world’s largest network in operation, covering more than 45,000km (28,000 miles).
The China State Railway Group announced in September that the CR450 train had entered its full assembly phase, with prototype units expected to roll out before the end of the year.
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By Zhang Tong
China’s next innovation in high-speed rail the CR450, tipped to be the world’s fastest commercial train when it starts operations next year, was captured by enthusiasts in a series of videos as it made its way from Tianjin to Beijing on Wednesday.
It was the second glimpse of the CR450 – designed with a trial speed of 450km/h (280mph) and a commercial operating speed of 400km/h (249mph) – after a test video briefly surfaced online in November before it was taken down.
The train resembles an arrow when viewed from the side. Its sleek, bullet-shaped nose has slightly angular contours, while the cockpit features trapezoidal side windows and decorative breathing lights.
Last month’s apparently leaked test video featured a train marked CR450AF-0001, while the latest images show an eight-car CR450 with its serial number covered by white tape.
The body is unpainted but the Fuxing branding of China’s bullet trains is visible, highlighting that the new train builds upon the foundation of the CR400, which debuted in 2017.
Today, China’s high-speed rail system is the world’s largest network in operation, covering more than 45,000km (28,000 miles).
The China State Railway Group announced in September that the CR450 train had entered its full assembly phase, with prototype units expected to roll out before the end of the year.
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100 Hongkongers evacuated after fire breaks out during ceremony for good luck
By Jess Ma
Around 100 residents of a public housing estate in Hong Kong were evacuated from their homes on Friday morning, after a Chinese worship ceremony for peace and protection sparked a fire in the premises.
Police said they suspected the fire at Heng On Estate in Ma On Shan was caused by the 62-year-old female flat owner’s burning of joss papers for the traditional ritual. A preliminary investigation also showed no foul play was involved.
The spokesman said the ceremony concerned was the ritual of “worshipping the four corners”, which involves the burning of joss papers and sticks.
This ceremony is commonly performed when one moves into a new home to appease the four spirits of the sky, the earth, humanity and ghosts.
“The fire was caused when [the resident] left the flat before the joss papers were fully burnt,” a force spokesman said.
Photographs of the flat showed the unit was charred inside out, while the female owner was also seen sobbing after fleeing her home.
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By Jess Ma
Around 100 residents of a public housing estate in Hong Kong were evacuated from their homes on Friday morning, after a Chinese worship ceremony for peace and protection sparked a fire in the premises.
Police said they suspected the fire at Heng On Estate in Ma On Shan was caused by the 62-year-old female flat owner’s burning of joss papers for the traditional ritual. A preliminary investigation also showed no foul play was involved.
The spokesman said the ceremony concerned was the ritual of “worshipping the four corners”, which involves the burning of joss papers and sticks.
This ceremony is commonly performed when one moves into a new home to appease the four spirits of the sky, the earth, humanity and ghosts.
“The fire was caused when [the resident] left the flat before the joss papers were fully burnt,” a force spokesman said.
Photographs of the flat showed the unit was charred inside out, while the female owner was also seen sobbing after fleeing her home.
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Hong Kong property outlook clouded by Trump, rate uncertainty despite November price rise
By Cheryl Arcibal
Hong Kong’s home prices and rents moved in opposite directions last month, with market observers saying uncertainty over the interest rate outlook and Donald Trump’s return to the White House could weigh on the sector next year.
Prices of lived-in homes rose marginally for a second consecutive month in November. The city’s closely watched residential gauge rose 0.06 per cent to 290.9 in November from 290.7 in October, according to data from the Rating and Valuation Department. In October, home prices rose for the first time since March, increasing 0.87 per cent month on month.
For the first 11 months of the year, home prices fell 6.55 per cent, the data showed. Prices have slumped 27 per cent since hitting an all-time high in September 2021.
“We have observed residential prices have stabilised after declining for five consecutive months,” said Eddie Kwok, executive director for valuation and advisory services at CBRE Hong Kong, adding that a clearer outlook for home prices is likely to emerge after the Lunar New Year festivities next month.
He said that Trump’s re-election was viewed as a major “uncertainty” factor by the market.
Last month, HSBC, Hang Seng Bank and Bank of China (Hong Kong) cut their prime lending rate for the second time this year to the lowest in two years. The trio lowered their prime rate by 25 basis points to 5.375 per cent. Standard Chartered, Bank of East Asia and ICBC (Asia) also dropped their rate to 5.625 per cent, resulting in lighter mortgage rates for homebuyers.
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By Cheryl Arcibal
Hong Kong’s home prices and rents moved in opposite directions last month, with market observers saying uncertainty over the interest rate outlook and Donald Trump’s return to the White House could weigh on the sector next year.
Prices of lived-in homes rose marginally for a second consecutive month in November. The city’s closely watched residential gauge rose 0.06 per cent to 290.9 in November from 290.7 in October, according to data from the Rating and Valuation Department. In October, home prices rose for the first time since March, increasing 0.87 per cent month on month.
For the first 11 months of the year, home prices fell 6.55 per cent, the data showed. Prices have slumped 27 per cent since hitting an all-time high in September 2021.
“We have observed residential prices have stabilised after declining for five consecutive months,” said Eddie Kwok, executive director for valuation and advisory services at CBRE Hong Kong, adding that a clearer outlook for home prices is likely to emerge after the Lunar New Year festivities next month.
He said that Trump’s re-election was viewed as a major “uncertainty” factor by the market.
Last month, HSBC, Hang Seng Bank and Bank of China (Hong Kong) cut their prime lending rate for the second time this year to the lowest in two years. The trio lowered their prime rate by 25 basis points to 5.375 per cent. Standard Chartered, Bank of East Asia and ICBC (Asia) also dropped their rate to 5.625 per cent, resulting in lighter mortgage rates for homebuyers.
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Hong Kong opposition politician Martin Lee stripped of JP title
By Kahon Chan
Hong Kong veteran opposition politician and senior counsel Martin Lee Chu-ming has been stripped of his justice of the peace (JP) title.
A notice published in the government gazette said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu had revoked the civic honour of the Democratic Party’s founding chairman as of Friday.
While the notice did not state the reason, the Justices of the Peace Ordinance stipulates that the city leader may revoke a JP appointment if the person has been given a prison sentence – whether suspended or not – after being convicted of an offence in Hong Kong or any other jurisdiction.
Martin Lee, 86, was among seven opposition activists and lawmakers – including media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying – who lost a final appeal in August against their convictions for taking part in an illegal march during the 2019 anti-government protests.
The veteran democrat had been given an 11-month suspended sentence in April 2021 after a trial on the illegal demonstration that took place on August 18, 2019.
The opposition politician declined to comment on the government’s move on Friday when approached by the Post.
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By Kahon Chan
Hong Kong veteran opposition politician and senior counsel Martin Lee Chu-ming has been stripped of his justice of the peace (JP) title.
A notice published in the government gazette said Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu had revoked the civic honour of the Democratic Party’s founding chairman as of Friday.
While the notice did not state the reason, the Justices of the Peace Ordinance stipulates that the city leader may revoke a JP appointment if the person has been given a prison sentence – whether suspended or not – after being convicted of an offence in Hong Kong or any other jurisdiction.
Martin Lee, 86, was among seven opposition activists and lawmakers – including media tycoon Jimmy Lai Chee-ying – who lost a final appeal in August against their convictions for taking part in an illegal march during the 2019 anti-government protests.
The veteran democrat had been given an 11-month suspended sentence in April 2021 after a trial on the illegal demonstration that took place on August 18, 2019.
The opposition politician declined to comment on the government’s move on Friday when approached by the Post.
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China launches deep-sea icebreaker to help forge path in research and Arctic influence
By Meredith Chen
As China asserts itself as a “near-Arctic power”, it has launched its first icebreaker ship capable of scientific and archaeological research in deep and distant seas that can support crewed deep dives in icy regions, according to state media.
The independently-built multifunctional research vessel Tan Suo San Hao (Explorer 3) was launched on Thursday to conduct crewed deep-sea operations in polar areas and boost Beijing’s technological self-reliance and oceanic research capabilities amid its growing polar exploration ambitions.
It would allow China to be only the second country after Russia to send researchers to the deep polar seabeds for scientific exploration. In addition to human exploration, the Tan Suo San Hao will have aquatic drones for deep-sea scientific activities.
The ship was independently designed and built by Chinese engineers, who broke through key technological bottlenecks that had been controlled by foreign countries, including key design technologies for ice-capable vessels and intelligent ship control technologies, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
State media outlet Xinhua said: “It will expand China’s manned deep-sea capabilities from just deep-sea depths to all marine areas, effectively enhancing China’s capacity for deep-sea archaeological work”.
Other Chinese vessels that can access the interior of polar regions, such as Xuelong 1 and Xuelong 2, do not support crewed deep-sea submersible activities. And Tan Suo Er Hao (Explorer 2) can carry manned submersibles but is not an icebreaker.
China is moving to expand its footprint and influence in the polar regions with shipping and research. Its push is also in keeping with Beijing’s goal of building a science superpower and boosting self-reliance amid rising tech and resource competitions with rivals, particularly the United States.
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By Meredith Chen
As China asserts itself as a “near-Arctic power”, it has launched its first icebreaker ship capable of scientific and archaeological research in deep and distant seas that can support crewed deep dives in icy regions, according to state media.
The independently-built multifunctional research vessel Tan Suo San Hao (Explorer 3) was launched on Thursday to conduct crewed deep-sea operations in polar areas and boost Beijing’s technological self-reliance and oceanic research capabilities amid its growing polar exploration ambitions.
It would allow China to be only the second country after Russia to send researchers to the deep polar seabeds for scientific exploration. In addition to human exploration, the Tan Suo San Hao will have aquatic drones for deep-sea scientific activities.
The ship was independently designed and built by Chinese engineers, who broke through key technological bottlenecks that had been controlled by foreign countries, including key design technologies for ice-capable vessels and intelligent ship control technologies, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
State media outlet Xinhua said: “It will expand China’s manned deep-sea capabilities from just deep-sea depths to all marine areas, effectively enhancing China’s capacity for deep-sea archaeological work”.
Other Chinese vessels that can access the interior of polar regions, such as Xuelong 1 and Xuelong 2, do not support crewed deep-sea submersible activities. And Tan Suo Er Hao (Explorer 2) can carry manned submersibles but is not an icebreaker.
China is moving to expand its footprint and influence in the polar regions with shipping and research. Its push is also in keeping with Beijing’s goal of building a science superpower and boosting self-reliance amid rising tech and resource competitions with rivals, particularly the United States.
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Man in India dies after swallowing live chick to cure infertility in ritual mishap
By Yating Yang
An Indian man, in an attempt to treat his infertility, resorted to an unconventional remedy by swallowing a live chick, which became lodged in his windpipe and ultimately caused his death.
The 35-year-old man, identified as Anand Yadav from Chhindkalo village in Chhattisgarh’s Ambikapur district, was recently found dizzy after taking a shower and collapsed at home. He was quickly rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead despite extensive medical efforts.
Initially, during the postmortem examination, doctors were unsure of the cause of death.
However, a breakthrough occurred when an incision in his throat during the autopsy revealed a chick, measuring 20cm in length, lodged inside.
Santu Bag, the doctor who conducted the postmortem, speculated that the chick had obstructed both Yadav’s airway and food passage, leading to asphyxiation. Remarkably, the bird was initially found alive but later died.
“This is the first time I have encountered such a case in my career, having conducted over 15,000 postmortems. The findings shocked us all,” Bag remarked.
Local villagers speculate that superstitious beliefs may have led Yadav to swallow the live chick.
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By Yating Yang
An Indian man, in an attempt to treat his infertility, resorted to an unconventional remedy by swallowing a live chick, which became lodged in his windpipe and ultimately caused his death.
The 35-year-old man, identified as Anand Yadav from Chhindkalo village in Chhattisgarh’s Ambikapur district, was recently found dizzy after taking a shower and collapsed at home. He was quickly rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead despite extensive medical efforts.
Initially, during the postmortem examination, doctors were unsure of the cause of death.
However, a breakthrough occurred when an incision in his throat during the autopsy revealed a chick, measuring 20cm in length, lodged inside.
Santu Bag, the doctor who conducted the postmortem, speculated that the chick had obstructed both Yadav’s airway and food passage, leading to asphyxiation. Remarkably, the bird was initially found alive but later died.
“This is the first time I have encountered such a case in my career, having conducted over 15,000 postmortems. The findings shocked us all,” Bag remarked.
Local villagers speculate that superstitious beliefs may have led Yadav to swallow the live chick.
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Azerbaijan Airlines hails ‘heroism’ of dead pilots for saving 29 lives in Kazakhstan jet crash
By Business Insider
The president of Azerbaijan Airlines praised the pilots of flight J2-8243 after the plane, carrying 67 people, crashed in Kazakhstan on Wednesday.
Although both pilots were among the 38 fatalities reported by Kazakh authorities, nearly half the passengers – 29 people – survived.
Samir Rzayev, who heads up the airline, also known as AZAL, told reporters on Wednesday that the two pilots’ “heroism will never be forgotten”.
“While this tragic accident brought a significant loss to our nation, the crew’s valiant dedication to their duties until the last moment and their prioritisation of human life have immortalised their names in history,” Rzayev said, according to the Azerbaijani news agency Report.
Rzayev said the pilots collectively had over 15,000 flight hours and that the plane had recently passed a technical inspection.
“Despite these measures, the causes of the incident are still under investigation,” Rzayev added.
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By Business Insider
The president of Azerbaijan Airlines praised the pilots of flight J2-8243 after the plane, carrying 67 people, crashed in Kazakhstan on Wednesday.
Although both pilots were among the 38 fatalities reported by Kazakh authorities, nearly half the passengers – 29 people – survived.
Samir Rzayev, who heads up the airline, also known as AZAL, told reporters on Wednesday that the two pilots’ “heroism will never be forgotten”.
“While this tragic accident brought a significant loss to our nation, the crew’s valiant dedication to their duties until the last moment and their prioritisation of human life have immortalised their names in history,” Rzayev said, according to the Azerbaijani news agency Report.
Rzayev said the pilots collectively had over 15,000 flight hours and that the plane had recently passed a technical inspection.
“Despite these measures, the causes of the incident are still under investigation,” Rzayev added.
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US says Hong Kong bounties for 6 activists threaten its sovereignty
By Kahon Chan
The US State Department has condemned Hong Kong authorities for placing bounties on six more activists and revoking the passports of seven others, calling the moves “a form of transnational repression that threatens US sovereignty”.
The statement was issued on Thursday, two days after Hong Kong police issued HK$1 million (US$128,690) bounties for the additional activists for allegedly violating the Beijing-imposed national security law, bringing the total number of fugitives to 19.
The passports of the other seven who left the city were revoked in a separate notice gazetted on Tuesday, which also barred anyone in Hong Kong from funding them. It was the second such notice issued under the city’s domestic security law enacted in March.
Noting that some of those activists were based in the United States, the State Department said it rejected the Hong Kong government’s efforts to “intimidate and silence” individuals who choose to make America their home.
“The extraterritorial application of Hong Kong’s national security laws is a form of transnational repression that threatens US sovereignty and the human rights and fundamental freedoms of people all over the world,” a spokesman for the department said.
“These actions demonstrate Hong Kong authorities’ disregard for international norms and the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
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By Kahon Chan
The US State Department has condemned Hong Kong authorities for placing bounties on six more activists and revoking the passports of seven others, calling the moves “a form of transnational repression that threatens US sovereignty”.
The statement was issued on Thursday, two days after Hong Kong police issued HK$1 million (US$128,690) bounties for the additional activists for allegedly violating the Beijing-imposed national security law, bringing the total number of fugitives to 19.
The passports of the other seven who left the city were revoked in a separate notice gazetted on Tuesday, which also barred anyone in Hong Kong from funding them. It was the second such notice issued under the city’s domestic security law enacted in March.
Noting that some of those activists were based in the United States, the State Department said it rejected the Hong Kong government’s efforts to “intimidate and silence” individuals who choose to make America their home.
“The extraterritorial application of Hong Kong’s national security laws is a form of transnational repression that threatens US sovereignty and the human rights and fundamental freedoms of people all over the world,” a spokesman for the department said.
“These actions demonstrate Hong Kong authorities’ disregard for international norms and the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
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Curtain falls on Hong Kong’s eighth cinema this year
By Jess Ma
Hong Kong cinema chain Golden Harvest has announced the closure of its Nam Cheong branch, bringing down the curtain on the city’s eighth film theatre this year.
The GH V Walk cinema, located in a shopping centre in Nam Cheong in Sham Shui Po, ceased operations on Friday. Golden Harvest wrote “suspended operations” behind the cinema’s name on its website and Facebook page.
Although some local productions have broken box office records, the city’s eighth cinema closure marks a difficult year for the film industry in Hong Kong.
This is Golden Harvest’s second closure of the year. The chain now operates seven branches.
The V Walk shopping centre’s website displayed a screening of local romance drama Last Song For You for 9:45pm on Thursday, but the cinema’s webpage did not list screenings for Friday.
According to a check by the Post, two online film ticket sales platforms had no screenings listed for the cinema for Friday or any later date.
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By Jess Ma
Hong Kong cinema chain Golden Harvest has announced the closure of its Nam Cheong branch, bringing down the curtain on the city’s eighth film theatre this year.
The GH V Walk cinema, located in a shopping centre in Nam Cheong in Sham Shui Po, ceased operations on Friday. Golden Harvest wrote “suspended operations” behind the cinema’s name on its website and Facebook page.
Although some local productions have broken box office records, the city’s eighth cinema closure marks a difficult year for the film industry in Hong Kong.
This is Golden Harvest’s second closure of the year. The chain now operates seven branches.
The V Walk shopping centre’s website displayed a screening of local romance drama Last Song For You for 9:45pm on Thursday, but the cinema’s webpage did not list screenings for Friday.
According to a check by the Post, two online film ticket sales platforms had no screenings listed for the cinema for Friday or any later date.
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Seoul says North Korean soldier injured in war captured by Ukraine
By Agence France-Presse
South Korea’s spy agency said on Friday it had confirmed that a North Korean soldier sent to back Russia’s war against Ukraine had been captured by Ukrainian forces.
Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to reinforce Russian troops, including in the Kursk border region where Ukraine mounted a shock border incursion in August.
“Through real-time information sharing with an allied country’s intelligence agency, it has been confirmed that one injured North Korean soldier has been captured,” South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said in a statement.
The soldier was captured by the Ukrainian army, an intelligence source said, adding that the location where he was seized was unknown.
The first confirmation of the capture of a North Korean soldier came days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that nearly 3,000 North Korean soldiers had been “killed or wounded” so far.
Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) also said on Monday that more than 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded.
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By Agence France-Presse
South Korea’s spy agency said on Friday it had confirmed that a North Korean soldier sent to back Russia’s war against Ukraine had been captured by Ukrainian forces.
Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to reinforce Russian troops, including in the Kursk border region where Ukraine mounted a shock border incursion in August.
“Through real-time information sharing with an allied country’s intelligence agency, it has been confirmed that one injured North Korean soldier has been captured,” South Korea’s National Intelligence Service said in a statement.
The soldier was captured by the Ukrainian army, an intelligence source said, adding that the location where he was seized was unknown.
The first confirmation of the capture of a North Korean soldier came days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Monday that nearly 3,000 North Korean soldiers had been “killed or wounded” so far.
Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) also said on Monday that more than 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded.
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Panama rejects talks with Trump over canal threat, says ‘no’ Chinese soldiers in waterway
By Agence France-Presse
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino on Thursday ruled out negotiations with US president-elect Donald Trump over control of the Panama Canal, denying that China was interfering in its operation.
Mulino also rejected the possibility of reducing tolls for US vessels in response to Trump’s threat to demand control of the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans be returned to Washington.
“There’s nothing to talk about,” Mulino told a press conference.
“The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians. There’s no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality, which has cost the country blood, sweat and tears,” he added.
The canal, inaugurated in 1914, was built by the United States but handed to Panama on December 31, 1999, under treaties signed some two decades earlier by then-US president Jimmy Carter and Panamanian nationalist leader Omar Torrijos.
Trump on Saturday slammed what he called “ridiculous” fees for US ships passing through the canal and hinted at China’s growing influence.
“It was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. “We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!”
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By Agence France-Presse
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino on Thursday ruled out negotiations with US president-elect Donald Trump over control of the Panama Canal, denying that China was interfering in its operation.
Mulino also rejected the possibility of reducing tolls for US vessels in response to Trump’s threat to demand control of the vital waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans be returned to Washington.
“There’s nothing to talk about,” Mulino told a press conference.
“The canal is Panamanian and belongs to Panamanians. There’s no possibility of opening any kind of conversation around this reality, which has cost the country blood, sweat and tears,” he added.
The canal, inaugurated in 1914, was built by the United States but handed to Panama on December 31, 1999, under treaties signed some two decades earlier by then-US president Jimmy Carter and Panamanian nationalist leader Omar Torrijos.
Trump on Saturday slammed what he called “ridiculous” fees for US ships passing through the canal and hinted at China’s growing influence.
“It was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform. “We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands!”
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South Asia needs to get its political house in order to turn around its economy
By Biman Mukherji
South Asia stands on the brink of a severe downturn unless its leaders act decisively to stabilise the region’s economies as they face unrelenting global headwinds and US president-elect Donald Trump’s protectionist trade measures.
One of the poorest regions in the world, South Asia has experienced numerous incidents of political violence, which have hampered its development and economic growth.
Pakistan recently launched air strikes on Afghanistan apparently to thwart militants even as doubts linger over the political legitimacy of the country’s elected government. Supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have clashed with the police to demand his release.
The situation is also grim in Bangladesh, where the interim government has been struggling to restore law and order with a depleted police force since a mass student-led uprising in August deposed then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
The political unrest has dented investor confidence and support from multilateral institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
On the economic front, Sri Lanka was on the verge of collapse in 2022 and is still on a knife-edge with its massive debts, even though its political situation is improving after President Aruna Kumara Dissanayake took office in September.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Biman Mukherji
South Asia stands on the brink of a severe downturn unless its leaders act decisively to stabilise the region’s economies as they face unrelenting global headwinds and US president-elect Donald Trump’s protectionist trade measures.
One of the poorest regions in the world, South Asia has experienced numerous incidents of political violence, which have hampered its development and economic growth.
Pakistan recently launched air strikes on Afghanistan apparently to thwart militants even as doubts linger over the political legitimacy of the country’s elected government. Supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan have clashed with the police to demand his release.
The situation is also grim in Bangladesh, where the interim government has been struggling to restore law and order with a depleted police force since a mass student-led uprising in August deposed then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
The political unrest has dented investor confidence and support from multilateral institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
On the economic front, Sri Lanka was on the verge of collapse in 2022 and is still on a knife-edge with its massive debts, even though its political situation is improving after President Aruna Kumara Dissanayake took office in September.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
