Hong Kong's Chief Justice Andrew Cheung Kui-nung will issue a serious reprimand to High Court judge Wilson Chan Ka-shun for extensive plagiarism, requiring him to undergo targeted training. This marks at least his seventh instance of copying, leading to previous adjustments in his judicial duties.
Hong Kong's July rainfall has already surpassed typical levels by 23%, with a meteorologist warning of more extreme downpours due to global warming. The Observatory expects further rainstorms this weekend as a tropical cyclone approaches, following weeks of heavy rain and numerous warnings.
An analysis in the Pacific Journal recommends Beijing strengthen inter-agency coordination and build credible deterrence to protect its maritime rights along the first island chain, which spans from the Kuril Islands to Borneo, including Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
EU foreign ministers approved a position paper labeling China a "critical long-term strategic challenge," accusing Beijing of amplifying security threats and enabling Russia's invasion of Ukraine, despite a prior "de-risking" policy and ongoing trade partnership. This new stance will shape future EU policy on investment and trade.
Sailors from the Chinese and Philippine navies clashed with oars and batons near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, resulting in a head injury to a Filipino sailor. Both nations summoned each other's ambassadors, while the US and Australia condemned China's actions.
Chinese capital has continued to support Filipino private businesses, providing nearly $9 billion in loans over two decades, including a $3.9 billion syndicated loan to Dito Telecommunity in 2023, despite geopolitical friction.
Southeast Asian foreign ministers expressed "serious concern" over renewed US-Iran hostilities, urging de-escalation to protect global energy and trade. The bloc also addressed South China Sea tensions, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticizing China, coinciding with a deepening China-Philippines standoff near Second Thomas Shoal.
A clash near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal involved a Chinese coastguard vessel and two Philippine Navy dinghies. China accused Philippine servicemen of using tools to attack its officers, summoned the Philippine ambassador, and stated its actions were 'reasonable and lawful' while condemning Philippine 'false accusations'.
The Philippines and China are blaming each other for a tense physical confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, resulting in a Filipino navy staff injury. The incident occurred amidst regional meetings, with the US condemning China's actions and Australia providing support to the Philippines.
Booksellers at a seven-day event, likely the Hong Kong Book Fair, reported dampened business due to shifting consumer habits and unstable weather. Sally Ng Wai-shan, an editor at Match Media, estimated overall sales could drop by 30 to 40 per cent, noting significantly reduced foot traffic compared to last year's already subdued levels. An SCMP reporter observed fewer visitors carrying purchases, highlighting a stark contrast to past bustling fairs.
A Chinese missile destroyer fired live rounds in Japan's EEZ for the first time during a drill on Sunday, prompting Tokyo's concern. This preceded a clash between Chinese and Philippine sailors in the South China Sea, escalating regional tensions.
The U.S. condemned China's "dangerous and aggressive" actions against Philippine navy personnel in the South China Sea, after a Chinese coast guard officer reportedly injured a Filipino sailor. The incident occurred at Second Thomas Shoal ahead of U.S. and Chinese foreign ministers' meetings in Manila.
A Philippine sailor was injured in a confrontation between Chinese and Philippine vessels near the Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea, leading to a blame game between the two nations. The US condemned China's actions.
Hong Kong's first-time lawmakers in the eighth Legislative Council have submitted fewer questions to the government compared to veterans but recorded higher attendance. Political observers suggest this reflects a balance between respecting the executive-led system and providing checks.
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) is expected to announce confidential filing and lower market capitalization requirements for listings by the end of this month, following months of consultations with market participants.
Hong Kong police arrested a 26-year-old investment manager at Chief Securities for allegedly making unauthorized investments, causing an estimated HK$150 million (US$19.1 million) loss. The suspect, who worked as a trader for six months, was arrested Monday after audits revealed suspicious activity between January 9 and Monday.
The European Commission has fined e-commerce firm AliExpress for failing to diligently assess and mitigate systemic risks related to illegal, unsafe, and counterfeit products on its platform, violating the Digital Services Act. AliExpress, a subsidiary of Alibaba, has expressed surprise and disagreement with the "disproportionate" fine, vowing to appeal the decision.
SenseTime CEO Xu Li predicts a significant shift in AI commercialization from a 'token economy' to a 'task economy' as token prices decline. He states that future value will lie in users paying for complex, completed tasks rather than raw computing usage, expanding the market tenfold beyond programmers to the masses.
The China Coast Guard accused Philippine vessels of ramming a Chinese patrol vessel and maliciously attacking officers with oars and sticks after ignoring warnings. China stated it took rational and restrained countermeasures and demanded the Philippines cease infringements and false propaganda.
The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) is in early discussions to extend its trading hours, potentially to 5pm or 8pm, according to two sources. The move aims to enhance market competitiveness, though scrapping the lunch break is not being considered.
Malaysia enhances surveillance in its eastern waters with a new long-range radar on Swallow Reef and operational drones in Labuan. This move aims to counter threats amid revived Philippine claims over Sabah and persistent Chinese patrols near offshore energy fields, as announced by Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
An independent committee investigating the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Hong Kong, which killed 168 and displaced nearly 5,000, will delay its final report until late October due to the vast amount of evidence to review.
An off-duty firefighter was arrested in Hong Kong after surrendering to police following a viral video showing him assaulting a young couple in a shopping centre. The 48-year-old man allegedly shoved and shouted at the couple, claiming they bumped into him.
Hong Kong's weather forecaster may issue a No 1 typhoon signal between Monday evening and Tuesday morning due to a low-pressure system approaching from the South China Sea. Heavy rainstorms, thunderstorms, and squalls are expected on Tuesday, with potential flooding in low-lying areas.
