China’s ‘cure’ to Hyperloop flaw, paraglider cheating death: 7 highlights
From US putting 500 military personnel in Taiwan to China scientists’ solution to ultra-fast travel, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting
We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. US’ 500 military personnel in Taiwan an ‘open test’ of Beijing’s red lines
Washington’s disclosure that around 500 US military personnel are stationed in Taiwan signals more open and substantial defence support for the island – a pivot from a previously discreet partnership that is openly testing Beijing’s red lines, according to analysts.
2. Top sleep scientist Dan Yang leaves US for China role, reunites with Mu-ming Poo
After spending 35 years in the United States pioneering research on the neural circuits that govern sleep and executive brain functions of the frontal cortex, neuroscientist Dan Yang has returned to China to join the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation (SMART) as a senior principal investigator.
3. China invested in a lagging Darwin port. Now profitable, Australia wants it back
China’s ambassador to Australia has described the Australian government’s plan to end a Chinese firm’s control of the strategically located Darwin Port as “questionable”, saying the company should not be punished.
4. Hong Kong students in US visa limbo although ‘interview bookings available’
Hongkongers hoping to pursue tertiary education in the United States are grappling with uncertainties after the US government halted scheduling interviews for student visas, although a consultancy said online bookings were still available on Wednesday.
5. Stranger connections and the rise of ‘third places’ in Singapore
In Singapore, a growing number of millennials and Gen Zs are actively seeking out and creating their own communities to meet new people. Across the island, such “third places” – locations for informal socialising beyond work and home – are on the rise.
6. Elon Musk’s Hyperloop has a key flaw. Chinese scientists may have found ‘cure’
Chinese scientists claimed to have solved a critical flaw in the futuristic vision of ultra-high speed ground travel, potentially salvaging vacuum-tube maglev technology and casting new light on the challenges faced by Elon Musk’s Hyperloop concept.
7. Chinese paraglider cheats death after flying to 28,000ft, handed 6 month ban
A Chinese paraglider who cheated death after a cloud carried him to the same height as the cruising altitude for aircraft, has been banned from flying for six months.
