China’s Starlink rival, US-India tensions escalate: SCMP daily highlights

Space observers say a lack of reusable rockets makes it difficult for China to meet its satellite ambitions. Photo: Handout

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider .

As China scrambles to build massive internet networks in space to rival Starlink, a growing divide is quietly emerging on the ground between national priorities and local ambition.

2. Why America’s brute-force effort on rare earths may not work against China

China spent decades carving out a commanding lead in the rare earth realm. Now the US wants its old piece of the supply chain back – is it still within reach?

3. Chinese and Russian navies patrol Pacific after wrapping up joint drills

Chinese and Russian troops gather at a military port in Vladivostok, Russia on Friday ahead of the “Joint Sea 2025” exercise. Photo: Xinhua
Chinese and Russian troops gather at a military port in Vladivostok, Russia on Friday ahead of the “Joint Sea 2025” exercise. Photo: Xinhua

A joint naval flotilla from China and Russia began its sixth Pacific patrol on Wednesday after concluding combat drills near Vladivostok, according to a Wednesday report by the People’s Liberation Army Daily.

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster