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SCMP

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. Chinese tech makes desalinating seawater cheaper than producing bottled water
Desalination has always been an energy-hungry way of turning salt water into fresh water, making it largely the preserve of wealthy countries with abundant fossil fuel reserves. Yet, an outdoor demonstration prototype in China has managed to exhibit year-long stability with zero utility energy costs, thanks to a new type of photothermal material.
2. Why a light plane crash in Beijing created a security dilemma for authorities

Flight schools across China said they had been told to suspend training and undergo safety inspections by authorities after a light sport aircraft crashed into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper on Friday.
3. What signal is China sending with official footage of sixth-generation fighter?

China’s military apparently released the first official footage of its sixth-generation fighter over the weekend – a move that analysts said might suggest Beijing was ahead of its competitors, including the US, in developing the next generation of warplanes.
4. Mainland China revises criteria for settling in Hong Kong, Macau
Mainland Chinese immigration authorities are standardising their assessment regime for approving residents to settle in Hong Kong and Macau by replacing the previous points-based system with unified criteria, offering applicants more certainty.
5. Why would Filipinos holiday at home if abroad is cheaper?
Manila wants Filipinos to explore their own backyard. But when Batanes costs twice as much as Taipei, it is a tough sell.
6. UBTech launches lifelike humanoid robots built for companionship in China

UBTech Robotics, the world’s first publicly traded humanoid robot maker, has launched a consumer humanoid designed for personal companionship, featuring lifelike silicone skin and emotional artificial intelligence, as Chinese tech firms increasingly transition robots from the factory floor to the family living room.
7. Chinese farmer’s forest of cameras fails to bear fruit in compensation bid

A Chinese farmer has generated a buzz online by planting a forest of more than 170 surveillance cameras on his land in the hope of boosting his compensation under a land purchase scheme.


Chinese tech cuts desalination cost; light plane crash dilemma: SCMP’s 7 highlights

TCM’s take on human life; rise of China’s Empress Dowager Cixi: 7 Lifestyle highlights

Fish named after Blackpink’s Jennie; China’s 6G smart city: 7 science highlights

Chinese tourists high on Malaysia, why Europe is praising Lee Kuan Yew: 7 Asia highlights

SCMP Highlights

A drinking water treatment technology and distribution plant. Photo: Shutterstock

The pilot was killed and 13 people were injured when the plane hit Citic Tower in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Handout

The video included the first official reference to the “Little Six” and a blurry clip of the plane. Photo: China Military Bugle

The U1 humanoid robot. Compared with industrial robots, consumer models face stricter requirements for appearance, privacy protection and long-term human interaction. Photo: Caroline Wang

A Chinese farmer installed 171 security cameras in his orchard as rural camera sales soar. Photo: Handout

The tower is designed to collect more detailed data about atmospheric conditions. Photo: Handout

Jennie of Blackpink is the latest K-pop artist to inspire a scientific name. Photo: Getty Images

The researchers developed a method to weave nanoparticles into a three-dimensional photothermal evaporation material, significantly boosting the efficiency of converting solar energy to drive desalination. Photo: Shutterstock

According to UN data on its Sustainable Development Goals, China has achieved “no poverty” and quality education while the US has achieved the target for industry, innovation and infrastructure. Photo: AFP

Breakthrough in US-Iran talks; Japan visa fee hike to affect Chinese: SCMP’s 7 highlights

Chinese tourists pose for photographs while dressed in kimonos at the Sensoji Temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. Photo: AFP

US Vice-President J.D. Vance speaks to reporters after talks at Lake Lucerne in Switzerland on Monday. Photo: Reuters


A security guard uses a metal detector to check students’ bags at a high school in Quezon City, the Philippines, on Tuesday, a day after the school shooting in Tacloban. Photo: Reuters

The case has been linked to the firing and arrest of a 24-year-old intern doctor originally working at Caritas Medical Centre. Photo: Dickson Lee

A man living alone in eastern China was sentenced to jail for breeding over 300 pythons at home. Photo: CCTV

A woman sprays water to cool down the alley by her home in Leeds, northern England, on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Hot air balloons float near Putra Mosque (left) in Putrajaya, Malaysia. Photo: EPA-EFE


People cool down near water misters in Cologne, Germany, on Thursday. Photo: AFP

South Korean fans react after their team lost the 2026 World Cup football match against South Africa at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul last week. Photo: AFP

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt hands out leaflets while on the campaign trail in the Thai capital. Photo: Aidan Jones

News

China

Hong Kong

Economy

World

This Week in Asia

From UBTech’s lifelike humanoid robots to Filipinos choosing to holiday abroad, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting


From UBTech’s lifelike humanoid robots to Filipinos choosing to holiday abroad, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.


The Philippines

Macau

Chinese tech cuts desalination cost; light plane crash dilemma: SCMP’s 7 highlights

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From UBTech’s lifelike humanoid robots to Filipinos choosing to holiday abroad, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

1. Chinese tech makes desalinating seawater cheaper than producing bottled water

From UBTech’s lifelike humanoid robots to Filipinos choosing to holiday abroad, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting