North Korea to stand by Russia until ‘victory’ in Ukraine, will expand its nuclear arsenal

Comments from North Korea’s foreign minister comes as the US warns thousands of Pyongyang’s troops could be deployed to the Ukraine conflict.

Thailand set to be first country to join Chinese and US-led space initiatives

The Thai government has announced it will join the US-led Artemis Accords, despite also working with China on the ILRS.

From Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’ to the Taylor Swift ‘Era’, Collins reveals words that defined 2024

Charli XCX’s ‘Brat’ promotes self-love and style, shifting away from ‘clean girl’ trends, and was named the 2024 Word of the Year.

Chinese commentator Hu Xijin returns to social media after more than 3 months of silence

Fans celebrate comeback of former Global Times chief after unexplained absence from online platforms where he had been a prolific poster.

Binance founder CZ says will not return to crypto exchange after imprisonment

Zhao Changpeng said he does not ‘have any need to go back’ to the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, although he remains the largest shareholder.

3 Hongkongers who soaked policemen in Thai Songkran festival jailed for 28 days

Magistrate rejects defence lawyers’ arguments of event’s joyful atmosphere and probation officers’ finding that men fit for community service.

Xi Jinping wants ‘high-quality jobs’ for China’s struggling youth

The Chinese president issued a call to action to address youth unemployment in a widely publicised article on Friday.

What will a Trump or Harris win in the US election mean for China? SCMP editors give their view

From trade to tech to Taiwan, our China and US editors weigh in on the key issues.

Deadly Spain floods show difficulty of adapting to intense rains

The storm dumped a year’s worth of rain in 24 hours, overwhelming infrastructure and exposing the vulnerability of urban areas to extreme weather events.

Is Indonesia’s Prabowo playing ‘constitutional hardball’ by arresting Widodo critic?

Former trade chief Thomas Lembong’s arrest over a sugar import graft case marks a tougher anti-corruption stance under Prabowo, analysts note.