China’s EV subsidy boosts ‘golden week’ sales amid rush before incentives’ expiry

Dealers report bumper sales during the weeklong holiday, but market observers warn of potential post-subsidy slowdown.

China’s recovery campaign continues as top planner joins stimulus surge

China’s top economic planner seems poised to lay out its plan for recovery, one of many state bodies unveiling policies at breakneck speed.

US spends record US$17.9 billion on military aid to Israel since Gaza war

Report gives one of the first tallies of estimated US costs as the Biden administration backs Israel in its conflicts.

South Korea, Philippines share ‘common understanding’ on South China Sea

The nations’ leaders committed to deepening maritime cooperation on Monday, as they upgraded relations and agreed to closer coastguard ties.

Hong Kong’s John Lee pledges more film-inspired tourism projects to champion local culture

City leader speaks at opening event for Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In installation at Hong Kong airport that celebrates local history.

Singapore’s Iswaran will not appeal 12 months’ sentence, ‘accepts full responsibility’

The former transport minister says he will begin his one-year jail term on Monday and ‘apologises unreservedly to all Singaporeans’.

China, Philippines continue to clash in South China Sea, with new flashpoint emerging

In this week’s issue of the Global Impact newsletter, we look at the latest developments in the South China Sea and what they mean for stability in the region.

‘Slave factory’: China comic artists expose ‘farm-like’ working conditions at famed studio

Ex-employees at one of China’s best-known comic studios claim they were overworked, sleep-deprived, verbally abused.

Malaysia’s Johor state reverting to Saturday-Sunday weekend after 11 years

The move had received the ‘consent and blessing’ of Malaysia’s king Sultan Ibrahim, his son Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said.

Israel marks first anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack as Middle East violence escalates

The October 7 Hamas attack triggered a war that risks igniting a far wider conflict in the Middle East.