Chinese CEOs fly to US on own, await invites to Trump’s state dinner for Xi Jinping

Chinese CEOs fly to US on own, await invites to Trump’s state dinner for Xi Jinping

SCMP •

A small group of Chinese CEOs holding US visas has arrived in Washington after travelling separately from President Xi Jinping’s official entourage, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. But with the clock ticking and the business optics of the Chinese leader’s White House visit hanging on the final twists of diplomatic negotiations, the executives are still waiting to find out w...

3,800 Hong Kong food outlets offering up to 30% off to celebrate National Day

3,800 Hong Kong food outlets offering up to 30% off to celebrate National Day

SCMP •

From restaurants and hotels to cafes and market stalls, Hong Kong’s catering industry has banded together to offer discounts of up to 30 per cent at more than 3,800 outlets to celebrate National Day on October 1. Food and catering businesses said on Thursday they would provide an array of tasty deals across the city to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Of...

An English artist paid £2,090 for a painting listed only as ‘in the style of’ Helen McNicoll

An English artist paid £2,090 for a painting listed only as ‘in the style of’ Helen McNicoll

Times of India •

David Taylor made an astonishing find at a UK auction when he acquired an oil painting incorrectly attributed to Helen McNicoll for just £2,090. After expert examination, it was confirmed to be McNicoll's masterpiece, The Bean Harvest, appraised at £300,000. Canadian collector Pierre Lassonde later purchased the artwork for £174,000, ensuring its return to public viewing after a century, highlight...

Does the future belong to China?

Does the future belong to China?

France 24 •

US President Donald Trump is rolling out the red carpet for his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping ahead of Thursday's summit in Washington. But is China's leader overconfident in thinking the future belongs to Beijing? FRANCE 24's Yinka Oyetade speaks to Rex Li from King's College London.

Racist abuse of French judo star Teddy Riner investigated after he spoke about rise of far right

Racist abuse of French judo star Teddy Riner investigated after he spoke about rise of far right

The Guardian •

Paris public prosecutor opens investigation into online harassment of Riner, one of France’s most popular sportspeople Paris’s public prosecutor has opened an investigation into the racist abuse and online harassment of the French judo star Teddy Riner after he expressed concern about the rise of the far right.Riner, who has often been voted France’s most popular sportsperson and is one of the mos...

China’s overseas investment hits record US$214 billion. Why are US-bound flows plunging?

China’s overseas investment hits record US$214 billion. Why are US-bound flows plunging?

SCMP •

China’s outbound direct investment reached a record high of US$214 billion last year, even as investment in the United States plunged to its lowest level in more than a decade amid growing geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty, latest official data showed. Outbound direct investment was up 11.1 per cent in 2025 compared to the previous year, making China the world’s second-largest source of glob...

Fossil-fuel firms in line for billions in benefits after answering Trump’s donation call

Fossil-fuel firms in line for billions in benefits after answering Trump’s donation call

The Guardian •

Senators’ report says taxpayers face higher bills after ‘bargain’ between president and major pollutersThe fossil fuel industry secured an estimated $190bn in tax breaks and subsidies over the next decade after responding to Donald Trump’s pre-election call for major campaign donations, leaving American taxpayers to shoulder higher bills and public health costs associated with pollution, according...

Don’t let AI take over our human creative expression

Don’t let AI take over our human creative expression

SCMP •

More than three years ago, I articulated concerns regarding the existential threat of artificial intelligence in a piece entitled “How Hong Kong can play a role in preventing AI Armageddon”. There is an increasing number of articles about exactly this. Here I concentrate on a more insidious encroachment on our humanity – how AI is capturing our creative expression and replacing us in a way that is...

Meet Lucas Rojas, 16, who turned one inclusive kickball game into a six-team league with 40+ players

Meet Lucas Rojas, 16, who turned one inclusive kickball game into a six-team league with 40+ players

Times of India •

Lucas Rojas launched LINKball, a vibrant kickball league designed to unite students with special needs and enthusiastic volunteers. Starting from a charity match, this initiative blossomed into a well-organized league of six teams. Acknowledging his impactful work, Rojas was awarded the $10,000 Gloria Barron Prize. Each season sees over 40 players and 60 volunteers engaging in the program, promoti...

How are Danes reacting to the US-Greenland security deal?

Euronews •

People in Copenhagen give mixed reactions to a new security deal between the US, Denmark and Greenland, with some welcoming closer Arctic cooperation while others say the agreement does little to ease their concerns.

Venice-winning Gaza documentary 'NAZA' set for European release

Euronews •

Global release has been announced for award-winning Gaza documentary 'NAZA', which has sparked a political storm in Israel. Following its theatrical rollout in 56 territories around the world, 'NAZA' will be made available to global audiences for free on the website of the UK newspaper The Guadian.

First Thing: Trump welcomes Xi to Washington amid tensions over trade, AI and Taiwan

First Thing: Trump welcomes Xi to Washington amid tensions over trade, AI and Taiwan

The Guardian •

State visit takes place at same time as UN general assembly, which Chinese leader has avoided. Plus, meet the people who are real-life Pokémon ‘professors’Good morning. Donald Trump has welcomed Xi Jinping to the US, greeting the Chinese leader on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews at the start of his state visit. Xi’s trip coincides with the UN general assembly in New York, but he is not attending ...

CNN and Politico blocked from White House hours after judge temporarily restores access – live

CNN and Politico blocked from White House hours after judge temporarily restores access – live

The Guardian •

A federal judge had ruled Trump administration must immediately return the outlets’ press passes and said ban likely unconstitutionalSign up for US Breaking News emailsYesterday evening, after briefly taking the case under consideration, a federal judge ordered the White House to temporarily restore access to CNN, MS NOW, and Politico, the three outlets the president banned from the building via a...

Red carpet vs empty tarmac: Xi’s US welcome fuels debate over Takaichi’s no-show reception

Red carpet vs empty tarmac: Xi’s US welcome fuels debate over Takaichi’s no-show reception

SCMP •

Starkly contrasting receptions for the Japanese leader and the Chinese president in the United States have sparked debate over Washington’s treatment of Tokyo as an ally. Sanae Takaichi arrived in New York at the start of the working week, beginning a trip where she addressed the United Nations General Assembly for the first time as the country’s prime minister. A photo taken on her arrival shows ...

Reported assaults on Great Britain’s railways rise to nearly 25,000 a year

Reported assaults on Great Britain’s railways rise to nearly 25,000 a year

The Guardian •

Unions say record high figures, including assaults on rail workers as well as members of public, show need for more staff and policingBusiness live – latest updatesThe number of reported assaults on Great Britain’s railways has risen to a record high of almost 25,000 incidents in a year.Unions said the “horrendous” figures showed the need for more staff and policing, as the Office of Rail and Road...

Reported assaults on Britain’s railways rise to nearly 25,000 a year

Reported assaults on Britain’s railways rise to nearly 25,000 a year

The Guardian •

Unions say record high figures, including assaults on rail workers as well as members of public, show need for more staff and policingBusiness live – latest updatesThe number of reported assaults on Britain’s railways has risen to a record high of almost 25,000 incidents in a year.Unions said the “horrendous” figures showed the need for more staff and policing, as the Office of Rail and Road (ORR)...