SCMP China

Voters in Malaysia’s southern state of Johor will cast their ballots in an election expected to bring Barisan Nasional (BN) back to power. The contest against Pakatan Harapan (PH) highlights tensions within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, as BN, part of his unity government, faces a rival federal partner in the state.

Eleven people were killed and 19 are missing after a wildfire destroyed a Spanish village, with four victims possibly British who died in their car. Authorities are confirming identities of foreign tourists in Bedar, Los Gallardos district, as victims struggled to flee through challenging forested terrain.

The United States is resuming military sales to Turkey after lifting sanctions related to Turkey's purchase of Russian air defense systems. President Trump emphasized his positive relationship with President Erdogan at the NATO summit, but Israel has expressed dissatisfaction with the decision.

US President Donald Trump was poised to resume the war with Iran, criticizing its leaders as 'sick' and 'scum'. He also criticized European leaders for not spending enough on arms, supporting him in Iran, or recognizing the US need to control Greenland, amid rising global conflict highlighted at a NATO summit.

Hong Kong proposes legislation to provide compensation for job-related injuries among gig delivery workers. The Labour and Welfare Bureau's plan covers injuries or deaths caused by accidents during platform work.

Two women were arrested at Hong Kong’s Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau checkpoints for allegedly smuggling a dog and endangered birds concealed in their bags. Customs officers intercepted a 57-year-old mainland Chinese woman at Lo Wu with a dog valued at HK$3,000 and another woman at Lok Ma Chau with two endangered birds worth HK$5,000.

North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song is visiting China for three days, during which Beijing has given rare praise for North Korea's economic achievements. The visit includes an event commemorating the 65th anniversary of the China-North Korea defense pact.

Beijing has released a five-year plan to peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030, emphasizing expansion of nuclear and green energy while ensuring energy security for the economy and artificial intelligence sector.

At least 10 scientists and experts have left the United States and Britain for China in 2026, citing insufficient funding and limited leadership opportunities for Chinese academics in Western institutions. One example is Yale scientist Zhang Kai, who moved to China.

Super Typhoon Bavi approaches Japan’s Okinawa prefecture, with warnings of severe weather including violent winds, heavy rain, landslides, and flooding. Flights to the region have been canceled, and stores are running out of noodles as the storm nears the Sakishima Islands.

Karasi Chandramogan, a freelance behavioral therapist, became the sole carer for her brother with autism and mother after her father's death four years ago. The article highlights her struggles, including an incident in April when her brother suffered seizures during lunch, underscoring the challenges faced by caregivers in Singapore.

A driver lost control of a goods truck on Hong Kong’s Central Kowloon Bypass, causing two prefabricated housing components to fall onto the road and leading to lane closures. No deaths or injuries were reported, and a video showed the truck facing the wrong direction.

A senior Hong Kong official defended the decision to exclude public flats near the proposed Pak Shek Kok rail station, citing misalignment with existing private housing and insufficient community facilities. Permanent Secretary for Development Doris Ho Pui-ling stated the revised plan would not impact the government’s 10-year housing strategy.

GalaxySpace, a Beijing-based commercial space company, emphasizes the strategic importance of Hong Kong and Macau in China's efforts to develop a globally competitive commercial space industry. The company aims to leverage these regions to expand its technologies and services overseas.

China successfully recovered the reusable rocket used in the first launch of the Long March 10B. The rocket, launched from Wenchang space launch site, had its first stage returned via a sea-based net platform, according to Xinhua.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the United States on July 4, departing from Beijing's usual practice. A Cathay Pacific flight triggered a NATO alert, highlighting regional security tensions.

The Philippines' foreign direct investment inflows remained stagnant in 2025, lagging behind Southeast Asian neighbors despite a regional capital boom. A corruption scandal and systemic issues have contributed to declining investor confidence, with Manila ranking sixth in the region, securing only US$9 billion of the US$244 billion influx.

A Hong Kong prosecutor turned barrister faces criminal charges for allegedly seriously injuring a man while driving under the influence of alcohol. Franco Kuan Bak-on appeared in court to address charges of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm and exceeding the prescribed alcohol limit while operating a vehicle.

Hong Kong will experience 'extremely hot' weather with occasional showers as Typhoon Bavi moves east of Taiwan towards Guangdong, disrupting flights. The Observatory predicts unstable offshore weather and mainly fine but hot conditions in Guangdong from Friday to Sunday due to Bavi's subsiding outer airstream.

US Congressional committee and China-focused commission heads urged the Justice Department to investigate a break-in and vandalism at the June 4th Memorial Museum in California, which commemorates the Tiananmen Square crackdown. The letter emphasized protecting the rights of the Chinese diaspora seeking freedom in the US.