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Britain

Britain
The latest breaking news and stories on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), a constitutional monarchy in northern Europe which includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the world’s sixth largest economy. Also covering the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU) post Brexit, as well as with China, plus commentary and updates on the UK’s economy, politics, society and social issues.
Capital
London
Head of State
King Charles III
King Charles III
Head of Government
Prime Minister Keir Starmer
The outlook for gold marks a significant retreat from the bullishness seen at the start of the year. Photo: dpa
Gold in Hong Kong

Why Fed moves trump geopolitical risks, China gold buying in analysts’ forecasts

Bullion forecasts have softened, LBMA’s survey shows, despite the World Gold Council reporting unprecedented demand in second quarter.

Hong Kong society

As I see it | Hong Kong is no longer a Western playground – and it’s not looking back

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China's military weapons

In Focus | Beyond the numbers: why China’s carrier force won’t copy the US model

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China-EU relations

China pitches AI models to Europe. Is it enough to avoid 2-horse race with US?

The two big tech powers are well ahead of the competition. The question now is whether a third big player can emerge.

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China is seeking closer cooperation with European countries on AI. Photo: Xinhua
European cinema

How this British-Chinese filmmaker aims to build the Blumhouse of action

Inspired by John Woo and Chow Yun-fat, Chee Keong Cheung talks about his Action Xtreme studio and upcoming film Bad Day at the Office.

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IPO

Shein set for Hong Kong IPO next week, eyes US$35b valuation: sources

Singapore-based company, which was founded in China, aims to raise as much as US$2.8 billion and began gauging investor demand last week.

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Donald Trump

How US staged Air Force One departure to hide Trump’s secret exit from Turkey

A report said the US president secretly swapped planes while leaving a Nato summit due to an Iranian assassination threat.

US President Donald Trump waves as he switches planes at an airbase in Suffolk, eastern England, on his way back to Washington from the Nato summit in Turkey last month. Photo: AP
South Korea

‘Too backward’: why South Korean football is struggling for loyalty

Observers say the K League has fallen short of the standards European clubs have set for quality, spectacle and emotional connection.

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Malaysia

How a new UK law left overseas medical students ‘completely stranded’

The rule change has upended expectations that a NUMed degree could offer graduates a pathway to practising medicine in Britain.

Climate change

Drought declared in ‘almost three-quarters’ of England, government says

England and Wales both experienced the driest July on record, the UK’s Met Office said, with a fifth heatwave forecast for the week ahead.

People sit on a bench in dry grass at Hampstead Heath in London, Britain, on Sunday. Photo: EPA
Extreme weather

‘Indefensible’: UK water firm gives US$1 million to finance boss despite debt

Thames Water, amid efforts to get a rescue deal, drought and 571 million litres of water lost per day to leaks, also agreed other payouts.

The dried and cracked bed of a depleted pond near Wanstead in east London on Monday, where the area’s water services are managed by Thames Water. Over half of England has been declared to be in a drought. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

As US marks 75 years of defence pact with Philippines, can it stay the course?

Despite increased drills between the two allies, there are concerns that Washington’s aversion to conflict could weaken its commitment.

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Andy Burnham

UK’s Burnham vows to end ‘subscription traps’ amid cost-of-living crisis

New rules would force companies to make cancelling contracts as easy as joining.

Crime

Alleged Irish crime boss charged in Dublin after extradition from Dubai

Daniel Kinahan remanded in custody over charges of directing an international crime group following handover by UAE authorities.

Armed military officers stand guard at Casement Aerodrome, where extradited alleged crime boss Daniel Kinahan landed in Ireland. Photo: EPA
China exports

How China’s brands are thriving in the US despite rising geopolitical tensions

Chinese brands like Pop Mart are winning over American consumers by projecting a global image and targeting niche markets.

The Labubu float from Pop Mart makes its way down Sixth Avenue during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City last November. Photo: AP
Artificial intelligence

Outside In | Why Asia need not match West’s fear over data centre buildout

The spread of data centres in Asia does not seem to have sparked the kind of protests it has in the West, but good policies are needed to ensure that remains the case.

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Saudi Arabia

How Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact acts as ‘insurance’ over US disengagement

The Mecca deal may emerge as a third geopolitical ‘centre of gravity’ in the Middle East, with more members joining, analysts say.

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Timepieces

Full-lume watches are the new flex, from heritage brands to indie upstarts

Luminescence was a stand-out trend at this year’s Watches and Wonders – here’s how makers are using innovative materials to light up horology.

IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume. Photo: Handout
Education in Hong Kong

‘Addiction is irreversible’: Hong Kong urged to ban under-16s from social media

Educators, lawmakers say legislation is needed to signal government stance and protect next generation from being harmed by such platforms.

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Hong Kong courts

Bar Association broadly backs new offence for persistent child sexual abuse

Hong Kong Bar Association vice-chairman Martin Hui says four ‘safeguards’ are needed to ensure fairness for both defendant and victim.

Americas and the Caribbean

Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ ball heads to US auction

The football used by the Argentinian legend to score his infamous goal in the 1986 World Cup is expected to fetch US$10 million.

The ball that was used in the 1986 World Cup match between Argentina and England during which Diego Maradona scored the “Hand of God” goal is displayed before auction at Heritage Auctions in Beverly Hills, California, on Friday. Photo: AFP
South Korea

South Korean football faces ‘whistles in favour’ foreign referee sex scandal

In response, a South Korean football official refers to ‘unpleasant incidents 15 years ago’ and that the body now ‘strictly’ follows rules.

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A football friendly match between South Korea and Honduras in Daegu stadium in 2018. Photo: Reuters
Luxury yachts

China’s Greater Bay Area has the ingredients to be a yacht hub: industry veteran

Hong Kong’s maritime expertise, from finance to legal services, could help turn region’s potential into reality: yachting consultancy CEO.

South Korea

As record heatwave hits Asia, fears of energy crisis and health risks mount

Asia’s power infrastructure may come under pressure due to high demand for air conditioning amid lingering concerns over energy supply.

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University of Cambridge

Cambridge star professor Jason Arday resigns amid plagiarism probe

The controversial academic also faces scrutiny over claims about his athletic feats, such as running 30 marathons in 35 days.

Jason Arday carries the Olympic Flame in London in July 2012. Photo: PA via AP
United States

UK clears Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros

The UK government and the antitrust watchdog both cleared the deal after initially raising concerns over media plurality and competition.

Paramount’s bid still faces hurdles across the Atlantic after a federal judge in California ordered the companies to temporarily pause their merger last month. Photo: Reuters
Asean

Why the UK is doubling down on Asean ties amid European reset

Observers say the move to engage Asean is less a policy reset than continuity in Britain’s post-Brexit engagement with the bloc.

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United States

New UK foreign minister dodges questions on his past Trump remarks

Ed Miliband in Washington ignores shouted inquiries about calling the US president an ‘idiot, a racist and a misogynist’.

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