World’s fastest coilgun, Korean-Chinese food, cancer drug trials: 5 weekend reads

SCMP | May 26, 2025, 12:15 a.m. | Original

China has unveiled a powerful new electromagnetic gun believed to be powered by lithium batteries. This version (pictured) is a non-lethal weapon that fires coin-shaped bullets with electromagnetic force and would be used for riot control. Photo: CCTV

We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider .
The technology was originally unveiled in 2023 and developed as a non-lethal weapon to be used in riot control. Photo: CCTV
The technology was originally unveiled in 2023 and developed as a non-lethal weapon to be used in riot control. Photo: CCTV
An Indian soldier keeps watch near the Line of Control separating Pakistan and India on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
An Indian soldier keeps watch near the Line of Control separating Pakistan and India on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
The Chinese island of Hainan attracts tourists from across the globe but here a medical revolution is unfolding, whereby patients can access medicines and therapies as part of clinical trials before they have even hit the market. Photo: Xinhua News Agency
The Chinese island of Hainan attracts tourists from across the globe but here a medical revolution is unfolding, whereby patients can access medicines and therapies as part of clinical trials before they have even hit the market. Photo: Xinhua News Agency

Shirtless man detained in Vietnam for vandalising historic throne Hong Kong surgical robot start-up Cornerstone eyes funds to take on da Vinci