Sunday, December 21, 2025

Clips + Screengrabs | South China Morning Post 20-21 December 2025

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Exclusive |  

George Yeo on superpower ‘headaches’ and why the US dollar could crack 

Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Singapore’s former foreign minister also discusses Trump, the latest China-Japan dust-up, and rivalry between Hong Kong and the city state.

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Open Questions | Sci-fi writer Liu Cixin on why he’ll be happy if AI surpasses humans

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Chinese workers return to Africa as lucrative job opportunities beckon

Large-scale, China-backed projects entice contract workers to take up posts in some African nations, while political instability keeps others away.

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Military

J-16s vs Rafales: Chinese air force puts jets to the war-game test

State broadcaster offers a look at a PLA exercise simulating an air combat scenario between Chinese and foreign forces.

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Law and Crime

Hong Kong bid-rig bigwigs paid kickbacks in Shenzhen saunas: building veteran

Former senior project manager says syndicates linked to triads, and bosses, colleagues and peers routinely engaged in under-the-table dealings.
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Science
Tanks drive past Tiananmen Square during the military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Photo: Dpa

China speeds up armour steel production by 30%, US Conshohocken plant folds

Americas

U.S. is pursuing a third oil tanker near Venezuela, officials say

US National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett said the first two tankers seized were providing oil to sanctioned countries.
3 hours ago
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A US military helicopter flies over the Panama-flagged Centuries, which was intercepted by the US Coast Guard on Saturday. On Sunday, officials said the US was pursuing a third tanker in waters off Venezuela. Photo: DHS / Handout via Reuters

United States & Canada

Top US official defends partial release of Epstein files as Democrats cry foul

US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the move was necessary to protect survivors; Democrats say the government is hiding information.

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China’s cabinet clears path for VAT law to take effect next month

State Council approves draft regulations to implement the new law, which aims to govern China’s biggest source of tax revenue.

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Business

The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Found everywhere from food products to biofuel, this vegetable oil is preferred for its versatility, safety and sustainable production.

In partnership with:
MPOC
Palm oil is a versatile ingredient found in a wide range of everyday items, from ice cream and cake to lipstick and biofuel.

Science

Exclusive | ‘No need to explain’: leading mRNA vaccine expert Hu Haitao leaves US for China

China is catching up fast in mRNA-related fundamental research and technological development, Hu says.

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Leading mRNA immunologist Hu Haitao has joined the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Microbiology in Beijing. Photo: Handout

Tech Trends

Moore Threads unveils new AI chips to challenge Nvidia

The Shanghai-listed chipmaker launched the Huashan chip for AI and the Lushan chip for gaming, promising superior performance for both.

Politics

Bondi Beach attack sparks global misinformation crisis, and AI-driven hate

A leading counterterrorism expert warns that ‘agentic AI’ and political point-scoring are fuelling a toxic symbiosis between extremists.

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Middle East

Israeli foreign minister urges Jews to move to Israel a week after Sydney attack

‘Today, Jews are being hunted across the world,’ said Gideon Saar, after 15 people were shot dead at a Hanukkah event in the Australian city.
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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Photo: dpa

Europe

UK’s Starmer discusses Ukraine peace efforts in call with Trump

The leaders also discussed the naming of Christian Turner as U.S. ambassador after ‌Peter Mandelson was fired from the job over Epstein links.
US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers in Aylesbury, UK in September. On Sunday, the two leaders held a phone call to discuss the war in Ukraine. Photo: Pool via Reuters

Europe

Thousands cheer as the sun rises on winter solstice at Britain’s Stonehenge

The ancient stone circle, erected between 5,000 and 3,500 years ago, was built to align with the movement of the sun on the solstices.

Europe

Trump tariffs push Swiss pharma CEO to urge price alignment with US

Switzerland and the United States are locked in negotiations on the details of a deal slashing a whopping 39 per cent levy to 15 per cent.

Africa

Nigerian government frees 130 kidnapped Catholic schoolchildren

In late November, hundreds of pupils and staff were kidnapped from St Mary’s boarding school in north-central Niger state.

An empty classroom at St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger state. In late November, hundreds of pupils and staff were kidnapped from the school. Photo: AFP

United States & Canada

Massive San Francisco power outage leaves thousands in the dark

The blackout in the US city forced many businesses to close for the day at the height of the holiday shopping period.

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Fog and power outages darken the skyline as traffic moves in San Francisco on Saturday. Photo: AP

Politics

China’s top court sends message to employers on sexual harassment

Supreme People’s Court highlights ruling that a restaurant did not have to pay compensation to a worker dismissed for harassing colleague.

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