US-China space rivalry, Kim Jong-un to attend Beijing’s WWII parade: SCMP daily highlights
From fresh tensions at the Second Thomas Shoal to a mock US rocket launcher in mainland China, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage
1. What does SpaceX’s Starship test success mean for the US-China moon race?
The first successful flight for Starship – the biggest and heaviest rocket ever built – has revived US hopes of beating China in the race back to the moon, but experts warned the breakthrough may not be enough to stop Beijing from building the first lunar base.
2. Why have stablecoins triggered caution from former China central bank governor?
Former Chinese central bank governor Zhou Xiaochuan has urged a more measured tone amid a global surge of interest in stablecoins, calling for a “multidimensional assessment” of their genuine utility and the systemic risks they may pose.
3. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will attend military parade in Beijing
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will travel to China to attend next week’s military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Beijing said on Thursday.