Biden limits China investments, South China Sea stand-off, Indonesia courts Elon Musk: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

Read the full story here.

2. China tells Philippines to remove grounded warship from disputed reef

The Philippine coastguard filmed the Chinese use of a water cannon against one of its ships. Photo: AP

Beijing has urged Manila to remove an “illegally” grounded warship from a reef in the disputed Spratly Islands after an incident over the weekend in which Chinese coastguard ships fired water cannons at vessels supplying troops stationed there.

Read the full story here.

3. Details emerge of Hong Kong star Coco Lee’s final ambulance ride to hospital

Hong Kong pop star Coco Lee was still conscious during the ambulance ride to hospital following her suicide attempt on July 2. Photo: Weibo

Late Hong Kong pop celebrity Coco Lee was conscious during her final ambulance ride to hospital, the Post learned on Monday, as insiders said her husband would seek a coroner’s inquest into the cause of her death in a bid to dispel rumours.

Read the full story here.

4. Younger Chinese are taking over family factories. Can they save the industry?

China’s second-generation factory owners are taking the helm of manufacturing in the world’s second-largest economy. Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

The generation that made China a manufacturing powerhouse is being aged off the job, heaping responsibilities on often-unprepared offspring – but their fresh ideas may just save the industry.

Read the full story here.

5. ‘Clearly a concern’: Japan’s hardening China stance sparks regional unease

Japan labelled China its “greatest strategic challenge” in a recent defence white paper, and though analysts say Tokyo’s hardening position is “clearly a concern for Southeast Asia” they note that “behind closed doors” regional elites likely understand the approach.

Read the full story here.

6. Indonesia still keen to court Elon Musk, ‘not worried’ by Tesla’s Malaysia base

As Indonesia continues its years-long effort to court investments from billionaire Elon Musk, observers have said the country’s giant nickel reserves may not be as large a draw as hoped, while its fossil fuel reliance suggests Jakarta is “not entirely serious” about its renewable energy push.

Read the full story here.

7. Fake navels give women in China confidence but some fear effect on body image

The latest fake belly button fad in China is described as “the most successful invention of 2023” by one fan. Photo: SCMP composite/qq.com

Similar to temporary tattoos, the fake belly button sticker is placed on the stomach a few centimetres above the actual navel, which is obscured, creating the illusion of longer legs that is widely perceived as more attractive.

Read the full story here.

South China Morning Post