China’s Starlink rivalry, US-India tensions casting doubt over Quad: SCMP daily highlights

1. China rocket shortage means it may have to pick a favoured Starlink challenger

As China scrambles to build massive internet networks in space to rival Starlink, a growing divide is quietly emerging on the ground between national priorities and local ambition.

2. Why America’s brute-force effort on rare earths may not work against China

China spent decades carving out a commanding lead in the rare earth realm. Now the US wants its old piece of the supply chain back – is it still within reach?

3. Chinese and Russian navies patrol Pacific after wrapping up joint drills

A joint naval flotilla from China and Russia began its sixth Pacific patrol on Wednesday after concluding combat drills near Vladivostok, according to a Wednesday report by the People’s Liberation Army Daily.