Have Trump’s Iran strikes given China a strategic advantage? The US’ direct engagement in the Israel-Iran conflict over the weekend could intensify its drive to secure critical resources – particularly rare earth minerals – a development that could strengthen China’s position in its ongoing geopolitical and economic rivalry with Washington, analysts said. A potential escalatory spiral in the Middle East could push forward trade negotiations between the world’s two largest economies, said Xu Weijun, an assistant research fellow at South China University of... image
South China Morning Post
Have Trump’s Iran strikes given China a strategic advantage?
Analysts say deepened US involvement in the Middle East could make rare earths more precious – and grant China a stronger trade position.
Growing China trade prompts Hong Kong venture for Saudi cargo carrier Saudia Cargo, the national air cargo carrier of Saudi Arabia, is tapping into diverse sectors in China and Asia, including e-commerce, agriculture and technology, through the launch of a new venture in Hong Kong and a planned capacity expansion. “China specifically, and the Far East in general, as a critical trade market to Saudi Arabia, will play a critical role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 goals, and hence expanding our operations here just comes naturally,” CEO and managing director Loay... image
South China Morning Post
Growing China trade prompts Hong Kong venture for Saudi cargo carrier
The ‘China-Saudi story’ is rapidly growing across all sectors, creating many long-term opportunities for the logistics player, CEO says.
Chinese scientists catch cosmic rays meddling in quantum computer operation Researchers in China said they have found the first evidence that subatomic particles from cosmic rays may be affecting the efficiency of widely used error correction techniques that are an essential element of fault-tolerant quantum computing. The scientists monitored superconducting quantum chips alongside fundamental subatomic particles – called muons – produced by cosmic rays, as well as gamma ray-induced particle disturbances known as quasiparticle bursts. “We directly observed... image
South China Morning Post
Chinese scientists catch cosmic rays meddling in quantum computer operation
Study finds direct link between correlated errors in multiple qubits and the activity of subatomic particles and gamma rays.
Asian shippers fear spiralling costs as Iran threatens Strait of Hormuz closure US air strikes on Iran sent oil prices soaring on Monday, leaving Asian shippers burdened with fresh costs on top of extra insurance premiums of US$1 million more per tanker, as Tehran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz and paralyse the crucial sea lane. Up to 20 million barrels of oil pass each day through Hormuz, one fifth of global supply, most of it destined for East Asia’s biggest economies – China, South Korea and Japan. The neck of water is controlled by Iran, whose parliament on... image
South China Morning Post
Asian shippers fear spiralling costs as Iran threatens Strait of Hormuz closure
Apart from soaring oil prices, Asian economies have to factor in a surge in insurance premiums and potential supply disruptions.
Elderly Hongkongers can use vouchers at 2 Zhuhai hospitals from Thursday Elderly Hongkongers will be able to use healthcare vouchers for medical services at two hospitals in Zhuhai later this week under a government subsidy scheme, part of the city’s plan to expand the coverage of the project across the border. The government on Monday announced that the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme would be launched at Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and Zhuhai People’s Hospital on Thursday. The latest additions would bring the total... image
South China Morning Post
Elderly Hongkongers can use vouchers at 2 Zhuhai hospitals from Thursday
Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University and Zhuhai People’s Hospital added to pilot scheme that expands coverage across the border.
Hong Kong airport suspends driverless bus services after collision Hong Kong’s airport has suspended the operation of its driverless buses to allow authorities to conduct inspections after two of the vehicles collided in a restricted area. An expert said on Monday that the incident was not only a “wake-up” call for authorities to review the supplier’s technology, but also to step up the use of roadside obstacle detection equipment that could help prevent accidents. An image circulating online shows the aftermath of the crash on Sunday at a taxiway intersection... image
South China Morning Post
Hong Kong government orders report after 2 driverless buses collide at airport
No passengers on board at time of accident, but experts urge thorough investigation as airport set to expand use of driverless vehicles.
Why more young Chinese have military academies in their sights China’s military academies are seeing growing interest from students as the government offers incentives such as subsidised tuition fees to attract more young recruits and as rivalry with the United States drives patriotism. The defence ministry’s announcement last month that three new military academies would start recruiting high school graduates from this summer has been viewed more than 8 million times on social media platform Weibo. Many users said they were excited to have the opportunity... image
South China Morning Post
Why more young Chinese have military academies in their sights
High youth unemployment rate, a rise in patriotism, and incentives like subsidised tuition fees are fuelling interest in the PLA.
Prabowo’s visit to Russia underscores Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Russia this week is seen as a pragmatic step towards advancing ties between the two Brics members while maintaining Jakarta’s non-aligned foreign policy. Officially part of the 75th anniversary of Indonesia–Russia diplomatic ties, Prabowo’s three-day visit will include a keynote address by him at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on Friday, following an invitation by his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin. Indonesia’s foreign... image
South China Morning Post
Prabowo’s visit to Russia underscores Indonesia’s non-aligned foreign policy
The Indonesian leader is in St Petersburg at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin instead of attending the G7 summit in Canada.
New Zealand’s rainbow capital sees rise in anti-LGBTQ hate Wellington, long celebrated as New Zealand’s most inclusive city, is witnessing a rise in anti-LGBTQ attacks, leaving many residents feeling unsafe – and some contemplating leaving altogether. The mother of a 19-year-old gay student, who moved to the country’s capital for university, told the Stuff news website that her son faced constant intimidation and was regularly subjected to homophobic slurs on the streets of Wellington. Paradoxically, Wellington was chosen for the son’s studies because... image
South China Morning Post
New Zealand’s rainbow capital sees rise in anti-LGBTQ hate
LGBTQ activists and residents report a disturbing shift in Wellington’s once-accepting atmosphere.