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.
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.
George Floyd’s uncertain legacy marked in US 5 years on Floyd’s deadly 2020 arrest helped launch Black Lives Matter but movement now lacking support as Trump backtracks on reforms to tackle racism. image
South China Morning Post
George Floyd’s uncertain legacy marked in US 5 years on
Police killing of black man George Floyd in 2020 prompted a national reckoning over race and police brutality.
On this Chinese island, patients are trying latest experimental drugs for cancer A medical revolution quietly unfolds on Hainan, allowing patients to access cutting-edge therapies before they hit the market. image
South China Morning Post
On this Chinese island, patients are trying latest experimental drugs for cancer
A medical revolution quietly unfolds on Hainan, allowing patients to access cutting-edge therapies before they hit the market.
Cat ‘arrested’ with mugshot taken for attacking Thai police during rescue, amusing netizens One compassionate officer takes the mischievous feline home for the night, preparing food, litter box, toys for his unexpected guest. image
South China Morning Post
Cat ‘arrested’ with mugshot taken for attacking Thai police, amusing netizens
One compassionate officer takes the mischievous feline home for the night, preparing food, litter box, toys for his unexpected guest.
China delivers strong words to EU over proposed small parcel fees The per-package fee put before European lawmakers would increase costs for Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu. image
South China Morning Post
China delivers strong words to EU over proposed small parcel fees
The per-package fee put before European lawmakers would increase costs for Chinese e-commerce giants like Shein and Temu.
Trump administration urges Supreme Court to shield Musk’s Doge from transparency orders The US government argues that Doge is a presidential advisory body, not a federal agency, and is exempt from Freedom of Information Act requests. image
South China Morning Post
Trump White House asks Supreme Court to block transparency orders on Musk’s Doge
The US government argues that Doge is a presidential advisory body, not a federal agency, and is exempt from Freedom of Information Act requests.