US unveils sweeping cybersecurity measures over alleged China-backed Salt Typhoon campaign
By Igor Patrick
US President Joe Biden’s administration on Friday announced sweeping cybersecurity measures following revelations about Salt Typhoon, an alleged China-backed hacking campaign that infiltrated major US telecommunications companies.
The new steps include mandatory federal regulations for telecoms cybersecurity, enhanced guidance for securing networks and strengthened requirements for healthcare data protection.
Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger stressed a need for urgent reforms to prevent future breaches.
“We wouldn’t leave our homes or offices unlocked, yet our critical infrastructure often lacks the basic cybersecurity practices necessary to make it more defensible,” she said.
The US intelligence community believes Salt Typhoon has been active since 2022 and exploited vulnerabilities in telecoms infrastructure to access sensitive data, including geolocation, phone call records and text messages.
To date, nine telecom companies have been identified as targets. Neuberger cited one case in which a single administrator account controlled access to more than 100,000 routers, giving hackers unfettered control.
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By Igor Patrick
US President Joe Biden’s administration on Friday announced sweeping cybersecurity measures following revelations about Salt Typhoon, an alleged China-backed hacking campaign that infiltrated major US telecommunications companies.
The new steps include mandatory federal regulations for telecoms cybersecurity, enhanced guidance for securing networks and strengthened requirements for healthcare data protection.
Deputy national security adviser Anne Neuberger stressed a need for urgent reforms to prevent future breaches.
“We wouldn’t leave our homes or offices unlocked, yet our critical infrastructure often lacks the basic cybersecurity practices necessary to make it more defensible,” she said.
The US intelligence community believes Salt Typhoon has been active since 2022 and exploited vulnerabilities in telecoms infrastructure to access sensitive data, including geolocation, phone call records and text messages.
To date, nine telecom companies have been identified as targets. Neuberger cited one case in which a single administrator account controlled access to more than 100,000 routers, giving hackers unfettered control.
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China launches investigation into beef imports as local price of the meat trends downwards
By Agence France-Presse
China’s commerce ministry on Friday launched an investigation into imported beef at the request of representatives from its struggling domestic industry, it said.
The local price of beef in China has trended downwards in recent years, with analysts blaming oversupply and a lack of demand as the world’s second largest economy has slowed.
At the same time imports have surged, with China representing a hugely important market for countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Australia.
The application for an investigation from domestic associations said that a sharp increase in beef imports in recent years “has had a significant adverse impact on the domestic industry”, the commerce ministry said in a statement.
Beef imports in 2023 were 65 per cent higher than in 2019, it quoted the producers as saying.
The investigation takes effect from Friday and should take eight months, but “may be extended appropriately under special circumstances”, the announcement said.
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By Agence France-Presse
China’s commerce ministry on Friday launched an investigation into imported beef at the request of representatives from its struggling domestic industry, it said.
The local price of beef in China has trended downwards in recent years, with analysts blaming oversupply and a lack of demand as the world’s second largest economy has slowed.
At the same time imports have surged, with China representing a hugely important market for countries such as Brazil, Argentina and Australia.
The application for an investigation from domestic associations said that a sharp increase in beef imports in recent years “has had a significant adverse impact on the domestic industry”, the commerce ministry said in a statement.
Beef imports in 2023 were 65 per cent higher than in 2019, it quoted the producers as saying.
The investigation takes effect from Friday and should take eight months, but “may be extended appropriately under special circumstances”, the announcement said.
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North Korean troops experience mass casualties on Ukraine front lines, White House says
By Reuters
North Korean forces are experiencing mass casualties on the front lines of Russia’s war against Ukraine, with a thousand of their troops killed or wounded in the past week alone in the Kursk region of Russia, White House spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Friday.
The number far exceeds the figure US officials have previously provided.
“It is clear that Russian and North Korean military leaders are treating these troops as expendable and ordering them on hopeless assaults against Ukrainian defences,” Kirby said, describing the North Korean troops’ offensive as “massed, dismounted assaults”.
North Korea’s mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Russia’s UN mission declined to comment.
Kirby said President Joe Biden is likely to approve another security aid package for Ukraine in the coming days. Earlier this week, Biden condemned Russia’s Christmas Day attacks on Ukraine’s energy system and some of its cities and asked the Defence Department to continue its surge of weapons to Ukraine.
On December 17, a US military official said North Korea had suffered several hundred casualties while fighting against Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region.
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By Reuters
North Korean forces are experiencing mass casualties on the front lines of Russia’s war against Ukraine, with a thousand of their troops killed or wounded in the past week alone in the Kursk region of Russia, White House spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Friday.
The number far exceeds the figure US officials have previously provided.
“It is clear that Russian and North Korean military leaders are treating these troops as expendable and ordering them on hopeless assaults against Ukrainian defences,” Kirby said, describing the North Korean troops’ offensive as “massed, dismounted assaults”.
North Korea’s mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Russia’s UN mission declined to comment.
Kirby said President Joe Biden is likely to approve another security aid package for Ukraine in the coming days. Earlier this week, Biden condemned Russia’s Christmas Day attacks on Ukraine’s energy system and some of its cities and asked the Defence Department to continue its surge of weapons to Ukraine.
On December 17, a US military official said North Korea had suffered several hundred casualties while fighting against Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region.
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Donald Trump expected to step up chase for critical minerals as China restricts exports
By Laura Zhou
With one of his final moves to counter China, US President Joe Biden is leaving his successor a national security challenge that will likely confront the US for the foreseeable future.
Biden, whose term ends on January 20, imposed export restrictions on 24 types of chipmaking equipment and three categories of software essential for semiconductor development. Enjoying broad bipartisan support, and against a backdrop of increasingly pointed warnings about China’s military prowess, Republican criticism has been mostly in the form of demands to do more.
Beijing countered by banning exports of three key mineral commodities crucial to advanced weaponry, the first time that critical minerals export restrictions were specifically levelled against the United States.
The reaction has raised alarms in Washington, with experts expecting that Donald Trump’s administration will intensify efforts to secure a steady supply of critical minerals both at home and abroad.
As Trump’s transition team reviews many of Biden’s policies, analysts say, the incoming administration may be forced to acknowledge that without the cooperation of allies and partners, the US will be unlikely to reduce its overreliance on China on minerals that are essential for defence and advanced technologies.
And to break China’s chokehold, Trump will also have to shift his “America First” policy orientation and prioritise strategic alliances, they say.
“Mr. Trump has a certain world view when it comes to engaging with other countries, but I think at the end of the day, just the reality of the fact that it’s very difficult for the United States to be completely self-reliant in areas like this, not just on critical minerals, but just across the spectrum of technology policy that’s going to need to happen,” said Martijn Rasser, managing director of Datenna Inc, an open-source intelligence company based in the Netherlands.
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By Laura Zhou
With one of his final moves to counter China, US President Joe Biden is leaving his successor a national security challenge that will likely confront the US for the foreseeable future.
Biden, whose term ends on January 20, imposed export restrictions on 24 types of chipmaking equipment and three categories of software essential for semiconductor development. Enjoying broad bipartisan support, and against a backdrop of increasingly pointed warnings about China’s military prowess, Republican criticism has been mostly in the form of demands to do more.
Beijing countered by banning exports of three key mineral commodities crucial to advanced weaponry, the first time that critical minerals export restrictions were specifically levelled against the United States.
The reaction has raised alarms in Washington, with experts expecting that Donald Trump’s administration will intensify efforts to secure a steady supply of critical minerals both at home and abroad.
As Trump’s transition team reviews many of Biden’s policies, analysts say, the incoming administration may be forced to acknowledge that without the cooperation of allies and partners, the US will be unlikely to reduce its overreliance on China on minerals that are essential for defence and advanced technologies.
And to break China’s chokehold, Trump will also have to shift his “America First” policy orientation and prioritise strategic alliances, they say.
“Mr. Trump has a certain world view when it comes to engaging with other countries, but I think at the end of the day, just the reality of the fact that it’s very difficult for the United States to be completely self-reliant in areas like this, not just on critical minerals, but just across the spectrum of technology policy that’s going to need to happen,” said Martijn Rasser, managing director of Datenna Inc, an open-source intelligence company based in the Netherlands.
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Beijing sanctions 7 companies in response to latest US support of Taiwan
By Robert Delaney
The Chinese government imposed sanctions on seven companies on Friday in response to US military sales and other forms of support for Taiwan, some of which were signed into law this week by US President Joe Biden.
Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified the companies as Insitu, Hudson Technologies, Saronic Technologies, Raytheon Canada, Raytheon Australia, Aerkomm and Oceaneering International Inc. “Relevant senior executives” of the firms were also sanctioned, although none was named.
The massive US$895 billion National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), annual legislation that funds and directs policy for the US military and security agencies for the coming financial year, included numerous measures intended to bolster military support for Taiwan.
Some of these provisions call for more direct aid to the self-governing island’s military and security forces, including US$3o0 million earmarked for “intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities”; “manned and unmanned aerial capabilities”; “integrated air and missile defence systems” and other systems.
Other measures in the NDAA authorise more coordination with allies and other countries on supporting Taiwan’s defence capability. This includes a requirement for the State and Defence Departments to study the feasibility of enrolling Japan in Aukus, the security alliance of US, Britain and Australia.
Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called on Washington to “immediately stop arming Taiwan in any form, view China’s development and China-US relationship objectively and rationally, not to implement these negative articles concerning China and stop wrong words and deeds that harm China’s interests”.
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By Robert Delaney
The Chinese government imposed sanctions on seven companies on Friday in response to US military sales and other forms of support for Taiwan, some of which were signed into law this week by US President Joe Biden.
Beijing’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs identified the companies as Insitu, Hudson Technologies, Saronic Technologies, Raytheon Canada, Raytheon Australia, Aerkomm and Oceaneering International Inc. “Relevant senior executives” of the firms were also sanctioned, although none was named.
The massive US$895 billion National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA), annual legislation that funds and directs policy for the US military and security agencies for the coming financial year, included numerous measures intended to bolster military support for Taiwan.
Some of these provisions call for more direct aid to the self-governing island’s military and security forces, including US$3o0 million earmarked for “intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities”; “manned and unmanned aerial capabilities”; “integrated air and missile defence systems” and other systems.
Other measures in the NDAA authorise more coordination with allies and other countries on supporting Taiwan’s defence capability. This includes a requirement for the State and Defence Departments to study the feasibility of enrolling Japan in Aukus, the security alliance of US, Britain and Australia.
Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called on Washington to “immediately stop arming Taiwan in any form, view China’s development and China-US relationship objectively and rationally, not to implement these negative articles concerning China and stop wrong words and deeds that harm China’s interests”.
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Nasa’s Parker Solar Probe survives close brush with sun’s scorching surface
By Associated Press
Nasa’s Parker Solar Probe has successfully made the closest approach to the sun, the space agency confirmed on Friday.
Earlier this week, the spacecraft passed within a record-breaking 3.8 million miles (6 million km) of the scorching star. Nasa received an all-clear message from Parker on Thursday night confirming it survived the journey.
Launched in 2018 to get a close-up look at the sun, Parker has since flown straight through its crownlike outer atmosphere, or corona.
With its close brush complete, the craft is expected to circle the sun at this distance until at least September.
It is the fastest spacecraft built by humans, and hit 430,000mph (690,000kph) at closest approach.
It is outfitted with a heat shield that can withstand scorching temperatures up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,370 degrees Celsius).
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By Associated Press
Nasa’s Parker Solar Probe has successfully made the closest approach to the sun, the space agency confirmed on Friday.
Earlier this week, the spacecraft passed within a record-breaking 3.8 million miles (6 million km) of the scorching star. Nasa received an all-clear message from Parker on Thursday night confirming it survived the journey.
Launched in 2018 to get a close-up look at the sun, Parker has since flown straight through its crownlike outer atmosphere, or corona.
With its close brush complete, the craft is expected to circle the sun at this distance until at least September.
It is the fastest spacecraft built by humans, and hit 430,000mph (690,000kph) at closest approach.
It is outfitted with a heat shield that can withstand scorching temperatures up to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,370 degrees Celsius).
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How China-Philippines clashes over Scarborough Shoal could be an early test for Donald Trump
By Shi Jiangtao
China’s efforts to put more pressure on the Philippines over a disputed atoll in the South China Sea could prove an early test for Donald Trump when he returns to the White House next month.
Beijing took control of Scarborough Shoal – which is known as Huangyan Island in China and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines – in 2012, and it is now one of the major areas of contention between Beijing and the Philippines.
In recent weeks, China’s navy and coastguard have stepped up patrols around the reef to “resolutely safeguard” its sovereignty, and last Friday Chinese coastguards expelled a Philippine plane that “illegally intruded” into the airspace above the feature.
It follows a string of similar incidents, including one earlier this month when the coastguards used water cannon to block four Philippine ships that Beijing said were “trying to intrude into [China’s] territorial waters”.
Meanwhile, both countries have enshrined their claims into domestic law, a move some observers believe may prompt Beijing to start land reclamation efforts that could escalate into a conflict that would drag in the United States, a treaty ally of Manila’s.
Last month Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr signed two laws asserting the country’s maritime boundaries. One of these says much of the Spratly Islands, including Scarborough Shoal, are Philippine territory and claims the waters within a 12 nautical-mile (22km) radius from the islands as the country’s territory
Two days later, China published its own territorial baselines around the shoal – the first time it has made such a move in areas disputed by Manila – and has submitted nautical charts to the United Nations to stake its claim.
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By Shi Jiangtao
China’s efforts to put more pressure on the Philippines over a disputed atoll in the South China Sea could prove an early test for Donald Trump when he returns to the White House next month.
Beijing took control of Scarborough Shoal – which is known as Huangyan Island in China and Panatag Shoal in the Philippines – in 2012, and it is now one of the major areas of contention between Beijing and the Philippines.
In recent weeks, China’s navy and coastguard have stepped up patrols around the reef to “resolutely safeguard” its sovereignty, and last Friday Chinese coastguards expelled a Philippine plane that “illegally intruded” into the airspace above the feature.
It follows a string of similar incidents, including one earlier this month when the coastguards used water cannon to block four Philippine ships that Beijing said were “trying to intrude into [China’s] territorial waters”.
Meanwhile, both countries have enshrined their claims into domestic law, a move some observers believe may prompt Beijing to start land reclamation efforts that could escalate into a conflict that would drag in the United States, a treaty ally of Manila’s.
Last month Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr signed two laws asserting the country’s maritime boundaries. One of these says much of the Spratly Islands, including Scarborough Shoal, are Philippine territory and claims the waters within a 12 nautical-mile (22km) radius from the islands as the country’s territory
Two days later, China published its own territorial baselines around the shoal – the first time it has made such a move in areas disputed by Manila – and has submitted nautical charts to the United Nations to stake its claim.
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Scammers sending emails impersonating Hong Kong police chief
By Lo Hoi-ying
Hong Kong police have warned the public over fraudsters impersonating the head of the force and sending out fake court orders in emails that accused the recipient of visiting child porn websites.
The force said in a social media post on Friday the scammers were sending out emails claiming to be from Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee, the “director general” of a non-existent “Cyber Crime Coordination Centre”.
The emails appeared to come from the “Cyberservices Federation Center,” which also does not exist.
The scammers said the centre needed the recipient’s urgent response to a court order issued after the person visited the illegal sites.
The “centre” claimed to be able to access deleted data from hard drives and mobile devices and said it found traces of the illegal web activity.
“Be assured that serious legal action will be taken against you if you fail to respond to this notice immediately,” the email said.
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By Lo Hoi-ying
Hong Kong police have warned the public over fraudsters impersonating the head of the force and sending out fake court orders in emails that accused the recipient of visiting child porn websites.
The force said in a social media post on Friday the scammers were sending out emails claiming to be from Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee, the “director general” of a non-existent “Cyber Crime Coordination Centre”.
The emails appeared to come from the “Cyberservices Federation Center,” which also does not exist.
The scammers said the centre needed the recipient’s urgent response to a court order issued after the person visited the illegal sites.
The “centre” claimed to be able to access deleted data from hard drives and mobile devices and said it found traces of the illegal web activity.
“Be assured that serious legal action will be taken against you if you fail to respond to this notice immediately,” the email said.
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Hong Kong project housing up to 484,000 will take ‘20 years or more’ to finish
By Vivian Au
Hong Kong will need “about 20 years or more” to finish a project ensuring housing for up to 484,000 people and the creation of a hub for emerging industries, the Development Bureau has said.
In a Legislative Council paper published on Friday, the Development Bureau said the creation of the “New Territories North New Town”, the largest project under the Northern Metropolis scheme, would involve a total development area of about 1,175 hectares (2,900 acres).
The figure accounts for more than a third of the new land supply set aside for the megaproject, which focuses on areas along the border with mainland China.
The Northern Metropolis is divided into several projects and aims to transform 30,000 hectares of land in the New Territories into an economic powerhouse and housing hub.
The New Town project covers land in Heung Yuen Wai, Ta Kwu Ling, Ping Che, Hung Lung Hang, Queen’s Hill, Man Kam To and Lo Wu South.
According to the paper, the project will act as a hub for emerging industries and a “gateway economy” for mainland China, in addition to having cultural education and sports hubs, and boasting green spaces such as rivers and valleys.
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By Vivian Au
Hong Kong will need “about 20 years or more” to finish a project ensuring housing for up to 484,000 people and the creation of a hub for emerging industries, the Development Bureau has said.
In a Legislative Council paper published on Friday, the Development Bureau said the creation of the “New Territories North New Town”, the largest project under the Northern Metropolis scheme, would involve a total development area of about 1,175 hectares (2,900 acres).
The figure accounts for more than a third of the new land supply set aside for the megaproject, which focuses on areas along the border with mainland China.
The Northern Metropolis is divided into several projects and aims to transform 30,000 hectares of land in the New Territories into an economic powerhouse and housing hub.
The New Town project covers land in Heung Yuen Wai, Ta Kwu Ling, Ping Che, Hung Lung Hang, Queen’s Hill, Man Kam To and Lo Wu South.
According to the paper, the project will act as a hub for emerging industries and a “gateway economy” for mainland China, in addition to having cultural education and sports hubs, and boasting green spaces such as rivers and valleys.
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China’s trade tensions with US remain high ahead of Trump inauguration
By Luna Sun
Trade tensions with the United States remain a top challenge for China’s foreign trade, an industry association said on Friday, as the world’s second-largest economy braces for new obstacles under the incoming administration of US president-elect Donald Trump.
The China-related trade and economic friction index for 19 countries and regions stood at 118 in October, remaining at a high level, and the US had the highest index for trade friction with China, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade said.
The total value of trade measures related to China implemented by the 19 countries and regions increased by 10.3 per cent year on year but decreased by 7.8 per cent month on month. The trade friction indices in the electronics, machinery, transport equipment, and light industry sectors remained high, the council said.
The global trade friction index for October stood at 102, down from 105 in September but still at a high level. It was down 10.3 per cent year on year and 7.4 per cent month on month.
Trump, who will begin his second term as US president on January 20, has threatened to impose additional tariffs of up to 60 per cent on imports from China and has raised the prospect of “an additional 10 per cent” on top of that. Although it is not clear how the increases would be implemented, the looming risks have prompted importers to front-load deliveries of goods from China.
China’s exports to the US have grown for seven consecutive months. In November, they surged 8 per cent year on year by value to US$47.3 billion, contributing to the highest trade surplus since September 2022, according to Chinese customs data.
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By Luna Sun
Trade tensions with the United States remain a top challenge for China’s foreign trade, an industry association said on Friday, as the world’s second-largest economy braces for new obstacles under the incoming administration of US president-elect Donald Trump.
The China-related trade and economic friction index for 19 countries and regions stood at 118 in October, remaining at a high level, and the US had the highest index for trade friction with China, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade said.
The total value of trade measures related to China implemented by the 19 countries and regions increased by 10.3 per cent year on year but decreased by 7.8 per cent month on month. The trade friction indices in the electronics, machinery, transport equipment, and light industry sectors remained high, the council said.
The global trade friction index for October stood at 102, down from 105 in September but still at a high level. It was down 10.3 per cent year on year and 7.4 per cent month on month.
Trump, who will begin his second term as US president on January 20, has threatened to impose additional tariffs of up to 60 per cent on imports from China and has raised the prospect of “an additional 10 per cent” on top of that. Although it is not clear how the increases would be implemented, the looming risks have prompted importers to front-load deliveries of goods from China.
China’s exports to the US have grown for seven consecutive months. In November, they surged 8 per cent year on year by value to US$47.3 billion, contributing to the highest trade surplus since September 2022, according to Chinese customs data.
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Hongkongers in UK stuck in jobs far below their abilities, study finds
By William Yiu
Many Hongkongers settling in Britain under a bespoke immigration pathway are working in jobs that fail to fully utilise their previous professional skills and qualifications, according to a study that interviewed nearly 100 people.
The report cited cases of Hongkongers struggling to leverage their past skills in the British economy, such as an accountant working in a kitchen and former information technology and insurance employees taking warehouse jobs.
The UK-based think tank British Future and umbrella group the Welcoming Committee for Hong Kongers, which published the document in October, urged the British government to address the wastage of Hongkongers’ skills.
The report’s authors said they carried out the study to illustrate how Hongkongers were struggling in the British job market, and had interviewed 96 people holding visas issued under the British National (Overseas) scheme.
The United Kingdom rolled out the immigration pathway after Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong in June 2020 to ban acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign powers following the anti-government protests in 2019.
The interviews were conducted early this year and included jobless respondents, those in temporary work and people in positions that did not align with their skills, among others.
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By William Yiu
Many Hongkongers settling in Britain under a bespoke immigration pathway are working in jobs that fail to fully utilise their previous professional skills and qualifications, according to a study that interviewed nearly 100 people.
The report cited cases of Hongkongers struggling to leverage their past skills in the British economy, such as an accountant working in a kitchen and former information technology and insurance employees taking warehouse jobs.
The UK-based think tank British Future and umbrella group the Welcoming Committee for Hong Kongers, which published the document in October, urged the British government to address the wastage of Hongkongers’ skills.
The report’s authors said they carried out the study to illustrate how Hongkongers were struggling in the British job market, and had interviewed 96 people holding visas issued under the British National (Overseas) scheme.
The United Kingdom rolled out the immigration pathway after Beijing imposed the national security law on Hong Kong in June 2020 to ban acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign powers following the anti-government protests in 2019.
The interviews were conducted early this year and included jobless respondents, those in temporary work and people in positions that did not align with their skills, among others.
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In 2025, can Trump and Xi rise to the ocassion and collaborate for peace?
By Fred Teng
The relationship between the United States and China is poised for a defining chapter as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House as US president in 2025. This comes at a time when China, under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, has transformed into an assertive and globally influential power. China is also more used to challenges posed by the US.
The relationship between these two superpowers has been marked by rivalry, mistrust and fierce competition. Yet, in a rare moment of optimism, Trump recently suggested that the US and China could work together “to solve all of the problems of the world”. This remark, though ambitious, hints at an undeniable truth: despite their differences, the US and China hold unparalleled power to address the world’s most pressing crises.
Let’s not be naive. Deep-rooted issues between the two nations make large-scale cooperation unlikely in many areas. Economic competition remains fierce, with both sides viewing technological supremacy as a matter of national security.
The US’ claims of human rights and territorial concerns, such as those related to Taiwan and the South China Sea, continue to be flashpoints, with each side unwilling to compromise on sovereignty and strategic interests. Climate change, once a potential area for collaboration, became a non-starter after Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement during his first term.
But even amid these entrenched disagreements, there are narrow windows where US-China collaboration could be transformative. Two such opportunities stand out: ending the war in Ukraine and fostering peace in the Middle East.
The war in Ukraine has destabilised Europe, disrupted global energy supplies and exacerbated food insecurity worldwide. Both the US and China have compelling reasons to seek an end to this conflict.
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By Fred Teng
The relationship between the United States and China is poised for a defining chapter as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House as US president in 2025. This comes at a time when China, under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, has transformed into an assertive and globally influential power. China is also more used to challenges posed by the US.
The relationship between these two superpowers has been marked by rivalry, mistrust and fierce competition. Yet, in a rare moment of optimism, Trump recently suggested that the US and China could work together “to solve all of the problems of the world”. This remark, though ambitious, hints at an undeniable truth: despite their differences, the US and China hold unparalleled power to address the world’s most pressing crises.
Let’s not be naive. Deep-rooted issues between the two nations make large-scale cooperation unlikely in many areas. Economic competition remains fierce, with both sides viewing technological supremacy as a matter of national security.
The US’ claims of human rights and territorial concerns, such as those related to Taiwan and the South China Sea, continue to be flashpoints, with each side unwilling to compromise on sovereignty and strategic interests. Climate change, once a potential area for collaboration, became a non-starter after Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement during his first term.
But even amid these entrenched disagreements, there are narrow windows where US-China collaboration could be transformative. Two such opportunities stand out: ending the war in Ukraine and fostering peace in the Middle East.
The war in Ukraine has destabilised Europe, disrupted global energy supplies and exacerbated food insecurity worldwide. Both the US and China have compelling reasons to seek an end to this conflict.
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Chinese court sentences Zhuhai car attack driver to death for killing 35 people
By Yuanyue DangMeredith Chen
The driver behind last month’s deadly car attack in southern China has been sentenced to death, state media said on Friday.
The Zhuhai Intermediate People’s Court found that 62-year-old Fan Weiqiu deliberately drove his SUV into a group of people exercising outside a sports centre in Zhuhai just before 8pm on November 11, killing 35 people and injuring 43.
It said his actions were the result of a “broken marriage and dissatisfaction with life” and that he had been “unhappy with the outcome of the division of property” after he got divorced.
Apart from the death sentence, Fan was also deprived of his political rights for life for “endangering public safety by dangerous means”, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The court said: “Fan’s criminal motives were extremely despicable, the nature of the crime was particularly heinous, the methods used were especially brutal, the consequences of the crime were particularly severe and the social harm was significant; therefore he should be punished severely according to the law.”
More to follow...
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By Yuanyue DangMeredith Chen
The driver behind last month’s deadly car attack in southern China has been sentenced to death, state media said on Friday.
The Zhuhai Intermediate People’s Court found that 62-year-old Fan Weiqiu deliberately drove his SUV into a group of people exercising outside a sports centre in Zhuhai just before 8pm on November 11, killing 35 people and injuring 43.
It said his actions were the result of a “broken marriage and dissatisfaction with life” and that he had been “unhappy with the outcome of the division of property” after he got divorced.
Apart from the death sentence, Fan was also deprived of his political rights for life for “endangering public safety by dangerous means”, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
The court said: “Fan’s criminal motives were extremely despicable, the nature of the crime was particularly heinous, the methods used were especially brutal, the consequences of the crime were particularly severe and the social harm was significant; therefore he should be punished severely according to the law.”
More to follow...
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Philippines forges ahead with Typhon purchase plan: ‘China should not intervene’
By Jeoffrey Maitem
The Philippines is forging ahead with its retention of a US-made Typhon missile system, brushing aside China’s demand for its removal, in a move seen by experts as both a declaration of self-reliance and a calculated gamble in the face of mounting tensions in the South China Sea.
The Philippine Army announced plans on Monday to acquire the advanced Mid-Range Capability missile launcher from Washington.
A Typhon system is already in the Philippines after the US delivered it for use in joint-military exercises in April, and is due for further assessment by the military.
Beijing has repeatedly denounced the Typhon’s presence in the Philippines and demanded its removal. The army’s plans to acquire the system for itself has triggered even more strongly worded statements from Beijing.
On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called it “a provocative and dangerous move” that undermined regional stability.
“The Philippines, by cooperating with the United States to introduce the Typhon, is handing over its own security and defence, bringing geopolitical confrontation and arms race risks into the region, which poses a substantial threat to regional peace and security,” Mao said.
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By Jeoffrey Maitem
The Philippines is forging ahead with its retention of a US-made Typhon missile system, brushing aside China’s demand for its removal, in a move seen by experts as both a declaration of self-reliance and a calculated gamble in the face of mounting tensions in the South China Sea.
The Philippine Army announced plans on Monday to acquire the advanced Mid-Range Capability missile launcher from Washington.
A Typhon system is already in the Philippines after the US delivered it for use in joint-military exercises in April, and is due for further assessment by the military.
Beijing has repeatedly denounced the Typhon’s presence in the Philippines and demanded its removal. The army’s plans to acquire the system for itself has triggered even more strongly worded statements from Beijing.
On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning called it “a provocative and dangerous move” that undermined regional stability.
“The Philippines, by cooperating with the United States to introduce the Typhon, is handing over its own security and defence, bringing geopolitical confrontation and arms race risks into the region, which poses a substantial threat to regional peace and security,” Mao said.
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China’s C919 airliner could spread wings to parts of Asia next year
By Frank Chen
China’s thrust to raise the international profile of its domestically developed narrowbody airliner will shift into a higher gear next year, with the C919, already plying some of the busiest air routes at home, set to be more easily spotted in some parts of Asia, analysts predict.
The C919 will return to Hong Kong, one of the region’s international gateway hubs, on the first day of the new year, China Eastern Airlines has confirmed. It will launch a daily return flight between Shanghai and Hong Kong as the home-grown model’s first cross-border route.
The carrier is now taking delivery of its 10th C919 and is ramping up preparations to deploy the new plane on the Hong Kong route, according to a source at Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (Comac), the C919’s manufacturer.
“The new jet being prepped will sport a new livery and its first flight to Hong Kong on January 1 will be kicked off at an event at Shanghai’s Hongqiao airport,” said the source, who declined to be named.
Observers say Hong Kong is a natural choice as the C919 seeks to raise its visibility beyond mainland skies and the jet could set a further course for regions that do not require aircraft certification by Western regulators as a prerequisite.
“Airlines need approval to fly a specific aircraft type to an overseas airport,” said Mayur Patel, the Asia head at consultancy OAG, which is based in Britain and Singapore. “For C919 operators, they will require approval from a particular country. Given the C919’s range, regional airports in Southeast Asia would be the ideal choice.
via SCMP Full Text Feed
By Frank Chen
China’s thrust to raise the international profile of its domestically developed narrowbody airliner will shift into a higher gear next year, with the C919, already plying some of the busiest air routes at home, set to be more easily spotted in some parts of Asia, analysts predict.
The C919 will return to Hong Kong, one of the region’s international gateway hubs, on the first day of the new year, China Eastern Airlines has confirmed. It will launch a daily return flight between Shanghai and Hong Kong as the home-grown model’s first cross-border route.
The carrier is now taking delivery of its 10th C919 and is ramping up preparations to deploy the new plane on the Hong Kong route, according to a source at Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (Comac), the C919’s manufacturer.
“The new jet being prepped will sport a new livery and its first flight to Hong Kong on January 1 will be kicked off at an event at Shanghai’s Hongqiao airport,” said the source, who declined to be named.
Observers say Hong Kong is a natural choice as the C919 seeks to raise its visibility beyond mainland skies and the jet could set a further course for regions that do not require aircraft certification by Western regulators as a prerequisite.
“Airlines need approval to fly a specific aircraft type to an overseas airport,” said Mayur Patel, the Asia head at consultancy OAG, which is based in Britain and Singapore. “For C919 operators, they will require approval from a particular country. Given the C919’s range, regional airports in Southeast Asia would be the ideal choice.
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Oil giant Shell shuts Singapore processing unit to probe leak
By Reuters
Shell has shut down an oil processing unit at its Pulau Bukom facility to investigate a suspected leak, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) and National Environment Agency said on Friday.
The oil company estimates that a few tonnes of refined oil products, along with cooling water discharge used in the refining process, have leaked.
Pulau Bukom, site of Singapore’s first refinery, now houses Shell’s only energy and chemicals park in Asia, according to the company’s website.
Shell confirmed in an emailed statement to Reuters that oil sheens were spotted alongside a wharf on Thursday at Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore.
The company stated it has taken steps to contain the leak and prevent it from spreading into the sea and has deployed boats alongside the MPA to clean up light oil sheens observed near the leak site.
The MPA said investigations are ongoing, and navigation traffic in the area remains unaffected.
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By Reuters
Shell has shut down an oil processing unit at its Pulau Bukom facility to investigate a suspected leak, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) and National Environment Agency said on Friday.
The oil company estimates that a few tonnes of refined oil products, along with cooling water discharge used in the refining process, have leaked.
Pulau Bukom, site of Singapore’s first refinery, now houses Shell’s only energy and chemicals park in Asia, according to the company’s website.
Shell confirmed in an emailed statement to Reuters that oil sheens were spotted alongside a wharf on Thursday at Shell Energy and Chemicals Park Singapore.
The company stated it has taken steps to contain the leak and prevent it from spreading into the sea and has deployed boats alongside the MPA to clean up light oil sheens observed near the leak site.
The MPA said investigations are ongoing, and navigation traffic in the area remains unaffected.
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