Is China a Russia-allied Arctic threat to Europe or a potential polar partner?
Europe should work with Beijing to develop shipping through the Arctic rather than trying to advance its transatlantic security alliance by framing China as a threat linked to Russia. That was the assessment of Chinese analysts following the release of the European Union’s Arctic policy on Tuesday. In addition to identifying Russia as its main threat, the policy warns of Beijing’s growing strategic ambitions in the European Arctic through its deepening alignment with Moscow. “With our new...
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Hong Kong’s Election Committee race: should you care? Here’s what you need to know
Nominations have closed for Hong Kong’s Election Committee election, setting the stage for the November 22 poll. The poll, the second since Beijing overhauled the city’s electoral system to ensure patriots rule Hong Kong, will return 1,500 members who will nominate and vote in next year’s chief executive election. Here’s all you need to know about the 2026 Election Committee Subsector Ordinary Elections, now that nominations have closed: from the hopefuls’ line-up and the heavyweights in the...
Hong Kong’s SHKP sells 128 Sierra Sea flats ahead of possible US rate increase
Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP), one of Hong Kong’s largest developers, has sold out the latest batch of flats at its Sierra Sea project in the New Territories, where units were offered at discounted prices ahead of a possible US Federal Reserve interest-rate increase by year-end. By 5.40pm on Wednesday, SHKP had found buyers for all 128 flats offered at listed prices in Phase 2C(2) of the development in Shap Sze Heung, between Sai Kung and Ma On Shan, according to agents. Sales began at...
China’s Type 051C gets a refit as the PLA Navy’s legacy warships near retirement
China’s Type 051C destroyer Shenyang has been spotted undergoing sea trials after a reported refit, as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) begins phasing out legacy warships following the commissioning of a massive wave of new vessels. Witness photographs circulating on social media appear to show the Shenyang, hull number 115 and lead ship of the Type 051C class, with its Russian-made hardware replaced by domestic air defence systems. While precise details have yet to be independently confirmed,...
Lopez: Disney built the monorail in a year. LAX's people mover, almost 8, hasn't left the station
Years of delays for the SkyLink people mover at LAX have led to finger-pointing, litigation and a grand jury probe into how a $1.9-billion project has become a $3.3-billion boondoggle.
Attitudes shifting in Hong Kong’s favour as city reaps Apec benefits: Paul Chan
Hong Kong has reaped the benefits of the Apec finance ministers’ meeting with foreign political leaders broadly supporting cross-border digital finance development and showing renewed appreciation for the city, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po has said. Following the conclusion of the two-day milestone meeting on Wednesday, Chan said senior officials and representatives had discussions in a sincere and open manner over macroeconomic, fiscal and financial policy, with the overall feedback from...
Powerful storm sweeps through south-east Queensland
There are reports of a mid-air emergency as a powerful storm swept through south-west Queensland.
Apec meeting highlights Hong Kong’s ‘Going Global’ pathway
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) nations agreed to boost economic coordination amid mounting challenges after a meeting of finance ministers in Hong Kong. “We note that global imbalances have persisted, creating risks to growth and stability,” the finance ministers said in a joint statement following two days of talks. “We recognise that global rebalancing is in our common interest and agree to strengthen communication and cooperation in this regard.” The group also released a policy...
Man arrested after entering WA MP’s electorate office with ‘nunchucks’
Hannah Beazley said her staff had been left shaken over the incident.
Security beefed up at City Hall after threats to councillors
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has warned against Australia following the United States’ path of political violence.
Sydney underworld kingpin ‘blacklisted’ before alleged kidnapping, court told
Masood Zakaria has launched an unprecedented legal challenge to have murder charges thrown out after his dramatic arrest at a Turkish seaside villa.
Can China turn national power into world leadership?
As turbulence grows in many countries, it is tempting to ask if there is a global hegemon that can sort everything out fairly. US President Donald Trump has threatened that his country would not defend Nato allies if they failed to spend enough on their defence. Together with new trade barriers, his words suggest that the US is scaling back its ambitions for global leadership and concentrating more on its own region. Our latest projections of national strength for 2027 take into account...