Chinese military leaders under probe, Blackpink in Hong Kong: 5 weekend reads you missed

SCMP | Jan. 25, 2026, 11:30 p.m. | Original
VID

Zhang Youxia is the first-ranked vice-chairman of the Central Military commission and a member of the Politburo. Photo: AFP

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 .
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, has emphasised the need for “self-revolution” to fight corruption and ensure healthy governance. Photo: Xinhua
Chinese President Xi Jinping, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, has emphasised the need for “self-revolution” to fight corruption and ensure healthy governance. Photo: Xinhua

Top Chinese military leaders Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli are under investigation for suspected “serious” disciplinary violations, according to the Ministry of National Defence.

2. Chinese scientists shrink semiconductor chip into fibre as thin as human hair

A fibre integrated circuit is a novel electronic device that is as thin as a strand of human hair. Photo: Handout
A fibre integrated circuit is a novel electronic device that is as thin as a strand of human hair. Photo: Handout

Chinese scientists have created fully flexible fibre chips with circuits that are integrated and embedded within stretchable strands as thin as human hair at a density rivalling those of a home computer’s central processing unit.

3. ‘Loneliness economy’: how China is adapting to a rapid rise in solo living

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

Cyclist fatally hit by car in Hong Kong, the second in a week Gold surge has analysts eyeing new highs after US$5,000 record amid Trump-era geopolitics