In other news

A Hong Kong consumer watchdog tested 30 clay masks and found that 93% contained heavy metals, with two brands exceeding safety limits set by mainland China and the US. The Consumer Council called on manufacturers to improve formulations and increase transparency, as prolonged exposure to heavy metals may increase health risks.

The article discusses the potential formation of an 'Arab Nato' following Israel's recent air strikes on Qatar, which have sparked a push for regional military integration among Arab countries. The proposal for a joint military coalition is being discussed at an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha, with Egypt and Pakistan taking leading roles. The coalition aims to counter Israeli aggression and expansion in the region.

The article discusses how China's Belt and Road Initiative has revitalized interest in Central Asia, leading to an increase in Chinese tourists visiting the region. The initiative, launched by President Xi Jinping in 2013, aims to enhance connectivity across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond. As a result, cultural exchanges between China and Central Asia have been surging, with many Chinese visitors drawn to the region's rich history and cultural heritage. The article highlights the story of Lillian Zhu, a Beijing company executive who was inspired to visit Central Asia after seeing an exhibition of Kazakhstan artefacts at the Tianjin Museum.

China is considering a "Coal to Nuclear" (C2N) strategy to convert retiring coal-fired power plants into nuclear power stations. This proposal aims to help China achieve its decarbonisation goals by leveraging the existing grid and water access of retiring plants for compact, meltdown-proof reactors. China has over 1.19 terawatts of coal-fired power capacity, with 100 gigawatts expected to retire by 2030. The C2N initiative, proposed by China Energy Engineering Group Co., Ltd (CEEC), could provide a faster path to clean energy than building new nuclear sites from scratch. China's advanced reactors, such as high-temperature gas-cooled and molten salt thorium reactors, are already operational and could be used for this purpose. The strategy could preserve valuable infrastructure, especially in coastal areas.

China's economy showed signs of strain in August as retail sales, industrial output, and investment missed forecasts. Retail sales rose by 3.4% year-on-year, missing the 3.82% forecast, while industrial output grew by 5.2%, falling short of the 5.75% estimate. National fixed-asset investment also disappointed, rising by 0.5% in the first eight months of 2025, missing the 1.29% forecast. The data has left analysts split on whether Beijing will step up policy support. The National Bureau of Statistics spokesperson, Fu Linghui, said the economy was 'generally stable' but cautioned that 'many unstable and uncertain factors in the external environment' remained.

The article provides a roundup of five news stories from the South China Morning Post that readers may have missed over the weekend. The stories include China's strong appetite for the new iPhone, the reaction in China to the murder of Charlie Kirk, and the expected unsettled weather in Hong Kong due to three low-pressure areas developing over the South China Sea. The article aims to keep readers informed about news across Asia and beyond. The stories cover various topics, including technology, politics, and weather. The murder of Charlie Kirk and a Ukrainian refugee has sparked a political divide in the US, while China has seen a surge in pre-orders for the new iPhone. Hong Kong is bracing for unstable weather next week.

North Korea has threatened military retaliation against joint military drills conducted by South Korea, the United States, and Japan. Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, and Pak Jong-chon, the North's top-ranking military figure, issued parallel statements denouncing the drills as 'reckless muscle-flexing' and a 'nuclear war rehearsal.' The drills, dubbed 'Freedom Edge,' are the first trilateral, multi-domain exercises conducted by the three countries since South Korean President Lee Jae-myung took office and US President Donald Trump returned to the White House. North Korea warned of 'unfavourable consequences' and 'serious counteractions' if the drills continue.

The article discusses Zheng Yongnian's views on China's approach to artificial intelligence (AI) and the need for the country to develop its own narrative and knowledge system in the field. Zheng, a leading political scientist and government adviser, argues that China's social sciences have been influenced by Western theories and methods, which have failed to explain non-Western civilizations such as Confucian, Islamic, and Indian societies. He emphasizes the importance of embracing China's secular civilization and playing a proper role in the international order. Zheng believes that a strong narrative based on factual Chinese framework must be included in AI knowledge feed to counter 'intellectual colonialism' in the AI era.

The article discusses the crisis in long-term care for Europe's elderly, highlighting the challenges faced by caregivers and the consequences of neglect. It focuses on a care home in Bad Laer, Germany, where caregivers like Jina Reye work long hours with inadequate staffing ratios, leading to burnout and poor care. The article suggests that the costs of neglect are huge and that Europe needs to address this issue urgently.

The article discusses the concept of 'brainrot,' referring to the tendency of people to mindlessly scroll through short-form videos on social media, often wasting hours of their time. It explores the ambivalence of viewers towards such content, which can be both a way to relax and a source of distraction. The article is part of a larger section on finance and economics in The Economist, touching on various other topics such as the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions and global economic trends.

The article discusses how China's trade continues to thrive despite the trade tensions and attacks from the United States under Donald Trump's presidency. Trump has been vocal about his discontent with China's trade practices, using derogatory terms to describe the country. However, the article suggests that the rest of the world is willing to continue trading with China, indicating that China's economy remains resilient.

The French government has collapsed for the second time in nine months, with President Emmanuel Macron appointing Sébastien Lecornu, his defence minister, as the new prime minister. Lecornu faces the challenge of breaking the parliamentary deadlock that has hindered government business. The previous government, led by François Bayrou, was toppled due to its unpopular deficit-cutting budget. Macron has now appointed his fifth prime minister since 2022, highlighting the ongoing political instability in France.

The article discusses the recent trend in grain prices, which have fallen significantly after peaking three years ago due to Russia's war in Ukraine and droughts in other major grain-producing regions. The prices of wheat, maize, and soyabeans have continued to slide and are now close to five-year lows. The article provides an overview of the factors that led to the initial price surge and the subsequent decline.

The article discusses how Donald Trump's presidency has impacted US foreign aid, with many institutions established by previous administrations to promote democracy and development abroad being dismantled or frozen. The Millennium Challenge Corporation, USAID, the Global Engagement Centre, and the Agency for Global Media have all been affected, leading to concerns about the future of US foreign aid and its potential replacement with a sovereign-wealth fund.

Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing a grave crisis thirty years after the end of the Bosnian war. The country's Central Election Commission stripped Milorad Dodik of the presidency of the Republika Srpska (RS), the Serbian autonomous half of the country, on August 6th. However, Mr. Dodik refuses to accept this decision, which has been upheld on appeal. This development has raised concerns about the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the potential for break-up.

A federal judge accused the Trump administration of attempting to circumvent legal protections for migrants by deporting them to Ghana, where some face potential return to their home countries where they could be persecuted or tortured. The judge ordered the U.S. government to explain steps taken to prevent the deportees from being sent to countries where they fear persecution or torture. The deportations are part of the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign, which includes brokering agreements with countries to accept non-citizen deportees.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his 70th birthday at the Vatican with a public address, thanking God, his parents, and his followers. The first U.S.-born pope was greeted by 'Happy birthday' banners and congratulatory signs in St. Peter's Square. He received a birthday cake from the new U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Brian Burch. The pope spent his birthday afternoon presiding over an ecumenical prayer service in honor of 21st-century martyrs. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni issued a special greeting, thanking Leo for his preaching, which she said was a source of inspiration. The pope was elected last May at age 69, making him the youngest pope since 1978.

The Taliban announced on Saturday that they had reached an agreement with U.S. envoys on a prisoner swap as part of efforts to normalize relations between the United States and Afghanistan. The meeting in Kabul involved Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and U.S. special envoy Adam Boehler. While details of the detainee swap were not disclosed, the Taliban statement confirmed that the two sides would undertake an exchange. The talks also covered bilateral relations, issues related to citizens, and investment opportunities in Afghanistan. The U.S. delegation expressed condolences over a recent devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan.

University of Chicago professor Robert Pape discusses the rising trend of political violence in America, attributing it to a demographic shift and the transition from a white majority to a white minority democracy. Pape notes that both the right and left are experiencing increased support for political violence, with 39% of Democrats justifying force to remove Donald Trump from office and 24% of Republicans supporting Trump's use of the military to suppress democratic protesters. He emphasizes that the internet is an accelerant but not the root cause of this violence, and that political leaders must step up to condemn violence and restrain their constituents.

The United Nations General Assembly has voted overwhelmingly in favor of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, with 142 countries supporting the resolution and 10 opposing it. The non-binding resolution endorses the 'New York Declaration,' which outlines a phased plan to end the nearly 80-year conflict. The declaration calls for the Palestinian Authority to govern and control all Palestinian territory, with a transitional administrative committee to be established under its umbrella after a ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution also condemns 'the attacks committed by Hamas against civilians' in southern Israel and Israel's attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in Gaza. The vote is seen as a significant show of international support for a two-state solution, but its impact is uncertain given the opposition from the United States and Israel.

Venezuela has accused the US of seizing one of its fishing boats in the Caribbean, escalating tensions between the two countries. The US Navy's USS Jason Dunham allegedly detained the Venezuelan vessel, carrying nine fishermen, for eight hours. Venezuela's foreign ministry condemned the incident as a 'direct provocation' and accused the US of seeking to justify 'escalating war in the Caribbean' to achieve 'regime change' in Caracas. The incident comes amid heightened tensions, with the US having recently deployed warships to the region and doubled its bounty for the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro, whom it accuses of heading a cocaine trafficking cartel.

A British couple, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, are being held in an Afghan prison by the Taliban, with an American woman, Faye Hall, who was detained with them warning that they are 'literally dying' due to poor conditions and lack of medical care. The couple, both in their 70s, have been imprisoned since February without knowing the reason for their detention. Faye Hall, who was released after two months, described the harsh conditions they faced, including cramped cells and inadequate medical care. The UK and US governments have been called upon to do more to secure their release.

Hermeto Pascoal, a renowned Brazilian composer and multi-instrumentalist known as 'the wizard' of Brazilian music, has died at 89. Born into poverty with albinism, Pascoal taught himself music and rose to international fame, blending jazz and traditional Brazilian styles. He was praised by Miles Davis as the 'most important musician on the planet' and wrote over 2,000 instrumental pieces throughout his career. Pascoal's family announced his death on his Instagram page, asking fans to honor him by letting a single note ring out.

Christian Brückner, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, has declined to be interviewed by the Metropolitan Police ahead of his release from prison in Germany. Brückner, who has never been charged in relation to Madeleine's disappearance, is currently serving a seven-year sentence for raping a 72-year-old woman in Portugal in 2005. The Met Police had sent an international letter of request for an interview, which Brückner rejected. Despite this, the police will continue to pursue any viable lines of inquiry. Madeleine vanished in 2007 while on holiday with her family in Praia da Luz, Portugal. Brückner's history as a convicted sex offender and evidence including mobile phone data have led German prosecutors to suspect him of involvement in her disappearance.

Nepal's newly-appointed interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, has stated that she will hand over power within six months, following elections on March 5 next year. Karki, a former Supreme Court chief justice and the first woman to lead Nepal, was sworn into office after an agreement with protest leaders from the 'Gen Z' movement, which ousted the previous government during anti-corruption protests that resulted in over 70 deaths. Karki has pledged to work according to the demands of the 'Gen Z' generation, which include ending corruption, promoting good governance, and achieving economic equality. She faces multiple challenges, including restoring law and order, rebuilding damaged buildings, and reassuring protesters and others fearful of Nepal's young democracy being derailed.

US and Chinese officials are holding their second day of trade talks in Spain, led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, as they attempt to end the ongoing trade war between the two economies. The talks come as the deadline for TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to find a buyer or face a ban in the US looms. US President Trump has delayed the ban three times and is expected to extend it again. The negotiations also aim to lay the groundwork for a potential meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October.

At least 89 Christians were slaughtered by ISIS-linked terrorists in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The attack occurred in the North Kivu region, where the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) group, linked to ISIS, claimed responsibility. The victims were killed while attending a funeral service or in nearby villages. The attack is part of a larger pattern of violence against Christians in the region, with multiple other attacks going unreported. Local leaders and human rights organizations are calling for increased attention and action from the international community to address the crisis.

The article discusses the persecution of Christians in Sudan amidst the country's devastating civil war. Sudan's two million Christians are among the hardest hit, facing chronic food shortages, war horrors, and persecution from both the rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese government's Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Christians are singled out for discrimination, with some being forced to convert to Islam in exchange for aid and protection. The situation is dire, with many Christians eating animal feed and grass to survive, and facing arbitrary detentions, church closures, and violent attacks. A senior Sudanese church leader and a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies shared their insights with Fox News Digital, highlighting the severity of the situation and the need for international attention.

US Senator Marco Rubio has vowed a strong response after former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was convicted of plotting a coup to remain in power after his loss in the 2022 election. Rubio criticized the Brazilian judicial system, calling it a 'witch hunt' and announced visa revocations on Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The conviction has sparked tensions between the US and Brazil, with Bolsonaro's son warning that US sanctions against Brazilian justices are likely. US President Donald Trump has also criticized the Brazilian judicial system and threatened tariffs on Brazil.

President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin over the stalled Ukraine peace negotiations, stating that his patience was "running out fast." Trump suggested that he would take strong action against Russia, including sanctions and tariffs, if negotiations do not progress. The Kremlin had announced a "pause" in negotiations with Ukraine, citing a lack of progress, and Russian drones had recently entered Polish airspace, prompting a NATO response. Trump faced criticism for not taking immediate action against Putin after eight months in office.

Three American veterans, Jason Murray, Scott Weimer, and Brandon Zielinski, are volunteering with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to deliver food to Palestinians in need. They shared their experiences with Fox News Digital, describing the challenges they face, including threats from Hamas operatives and gang members. Despite these challenges, GHF has delivered over 160 million meals since May 2025. The volunteers praised the work of GHF and emphasized the importance of their mission.

Klarna's successful $17 billion IPO has drawn attention to other fintech companies that may be preparing for their own public listings. Several fintech firms, including Stripe, Revolut, Monzo, Starling Bank, and Payhawk, are considered potential IPO candidates due to their significant valuations and growth. The article discusses the prospects of these companies going public, with some having already taken steps towards an IPO or secondary share sale. The overall sentiment is that Wall Street is becoming more welcoming to sizable fintech listings, and the success of Klarna's IPO may pave the way for other fintech companies to follow suit.

The humanoid robot industry is experiencing significant technological advancements and is potentially on the verge of a surge in investment and popularity, similar to the impact of ChatGPT. Companies like Tesla and UBTech Robotics are developing humanoid robots, with some already being used in factories and commercial services. However, experts caution that mass public adoption is unlikely to happen soon due to various hurdles, including high costs, manufacturing timelines, and regulatory issues. Despite this, investment in the sector is expected to continue as the autonomy of robots improves.

South Korea's Kospi index reached a new record high on Monday, marking its 10th consecutive gain, after the Finance Minister announced that the government would scrap plans to raise taxes on stock investments. The Kosdaq also saw a slight gain. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific markets were mixed as investors monitored US-China talks in Spain and assessed Chinese economic data. China's CSI 300 index rose despite data showing a slowdown in the mainland's economy. US equity futures were steady ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting.

China has warned the UK and US after their warships, HMS Richmond and USS Higgins, sailed through the Taiwan Strait, which China considers its territorial waters. The Chinese People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command described the action as 'trouble-making and provocation' and stated that it undermined peace and stability in the region. The UK and US described the sailing as a routine passage, exercising their freedom of navigation rights in accordance with international law. The incident is the latest in a series of tensions between China and various countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, over the status of Taiwan and the South China Sea.

The prime suspect in the Madeleine McCann case, Christian B, has refused to be interviewed by the Metropolitan Police. Christian B is expected to be released from a German prison soon after serving a sentence for raping an elderly woman. The Metropolitan Police had sent an 'international letter of request' to Christian B to speak with them, but he rejected it. The investigation into Madeleine McCann's disappearance continues, with German, Portuguese, and British authorities working together. Madeleine McCann vanished in 2007 from a holiday resort in Portugal, and Christian B has been a person of interest since then. Despite Christian B's denial of involvement, the Metropolitan Police continue to pursue viable lines of inquiry.

The Spanish Vuelta cycling event's final stage was cancelled due to clashes between police and pro-Palestinian protesters in Madrid. The protesters were demonstrating against the presence of an Israeli-owned team, Premier Tech, and were met with a heavy police presence. The event has been disrupted multiple times throughout the competition, with six out of ten days of racing being cut short or interrupted. The winner of the Vuelta, Jonas Vingegaard, was declared before the final stage was cancelled.

The article showcases the red carpet looks from the 2025 Emmy Awards, featuring stars from popular shows such as 'Severance,' 'The White Lotus,' and 'Andor.' The event was hosted by comedian Nate Bargatze at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Celebrities like Sydney Sweeney, Jenna Ortega, and Adam Brody were among those who walked the red carpet, wearing high-end designer outfits from brands like Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Prada. The article highlights the fashion choices of various nominees and presenters, providing a visual tour of the evening's most memorable looks.

The city of El Fasher in Sudan's Darfur region is under siege by paramilitary forces, leading to widespread starvation and bombing. The city's last functioning hospital has been bombed over 30 times, and severely malnourished children are arriving daily. Residents are forced to eat animal feed, and aid groups are struggling to deliver food due to attacks on convoys. The conflict has displaced millions, killed tens of thousands, and sparked a major famine. The Rapid Support Forces (R.S.F.) has been accused of genocide and crimes against humanity, and foreign involvement has worsened the crisis.

The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant security operation during President Trump's upcoming state visit, deploying various security measures including drones, snipers, and mounted police. The visit is expected to be the largest security operation since the 2023 coronation of King Charles III, driven by concerns over potential threats following the attempted assassination of Mr. Trump last year and the recent fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah. The security arrangements include restricted airspace, armed police from across England and Wales, and collaboration with the U.S. Secret Service and Mr. Trump's personal security team.

Malaysia is experiencing a resurgence in train travel, with the Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) train service seeing increased ridership and improved infrastructure. The KTM provides both intercity and local train services across Peninsular Malaysia, with various rail arteries operated by KTM, including the Komuter Utara (Northern Shuttle) service. The Electric Train Service (ETS) has drastically shortened travel times between stations, and plans are underway to extend it to Johor Bahru by end-2025. The Jungle Railway, a diesel-powered train service, provides essential connectivity to rural areas and is a popular route for tourists and adventure seekers. The article highlights the benefits of train travel, including reduced travel times, increased connectivity, and the opportunity to experience Malaysia's natural beauty and culture.

US President Donald Trump expressed concern that the arrest of hundreds of South Korean workers in Georgia could 'frighten off' investors. The workers were arrested at a Hyundai-LG electric vehicle battery factory construction site for allegedly overstaying their visas or holding incorrect permits. The raid sparked widespread alarm in South Korea, with President Lee Jae Myung calling it 'bewildering' and warning it could discourage future investment. Trump took to Truth Social to reassure investors, stating that foreign workers are 'welcome' and that the US is willing to learn from them. South Korea's trade unions have called for Trump to issue an official apology.

The 2025 Emmy Awards were held, with The Studio, The Pitt, and Adolescence taking home top prizes. The telecast was criticized for being low-energy and having a poorly executed opening bit by host Nate Bargatze. Despite this, there were some deserving wins, including Jeff Hiller for his supporting role in Somebody Somewhere. The article discusses the winners and losers of the night, as well as some of the controversies surrounding the ceremony.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has endorsed Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor, despite initial hesitation and concerns about Mamdani's left-wing views. Hochul's endorsement is seen as a significant boost to Mamdani's campaign, as it is likely to influence other Democratic leaders to follow suit. The endorsement has been met with criticism from Republicans, who have used Mamdani's democratic socialist views to attack their Democratic opponents. Some Democrats have also expressed concerns that Hochul's endorsement may backfire, as Mamdani is unpopular in the suburbs. The endorsement is also seen as a move to prevent former Governor Andrew Cuomo from becoming mayor.