Chinese maths star solves geometry problem, Hong Kong actor bankrupt: SCMP's 7 highlights
We have selected seven stories from this week's news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider
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Chinese mathematician Wang Hong has solved an 'infamous' geometry problem called the Kakeya conjecture within three dimensions. It is considered a breakthrough that could have implications for imaging, data processing, cryptography and wireless communication.
Premier Li Qiang speaks during the opening session of the NPC in Beijing. Photo: AFP
Two starkly divergent views of the future were laid out on opposite sides of the Pacific on Wednesday, as Chinese Premier Li Qiang pledged more aggressive spending to drive growth, while US President Donald Trump vowed to scale back the federal government to balance the books.
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RTHK
9 hours ago
- RTHK
Trump attends US Army's 250th anniversary parade
Trump attends US Army's 250th anniversary parade The procession was one Trump tried to make happen in his first term after seeing such an event in Paris in 2017. Photo: AFP The grand military parade that US President Donald Trump had been wanting for years barrelled down Constitution Avenue on Saturday with tanks, troops and a 21-gun salute, playing out against a counterpoint of protests around the country by those who decried the US leader as a dictator and would-be king. The Republican president, on his 79th birthday, sat on a special viewing stand south of the White House to watch the display of American military might, which began early and moved swiftly as light rain fell and clouds shrouded the Washington Monument. The procession, with more than 6,000 soldiers and 128 Army tanks, was one Trump tried to make happen in his first term after seeing such an event in Paris in 2017, but the plans never came together until the parade was added to an event recognising the Army's 250th anniversary. 'Every other country celebrates their victories. It's about time America did too,' Trump declared in brief remarks at the parade's end. Early in the evening's pageantry, the Army's Golden Knights parachute team descended from overcast skies toward the reviewing stand. The team had been scheduled to appear at the end of the parade, but jumped earlier than planned in the drizzly skies above the National Mall. At times, Trump stood and saluted as troops marched past the reviewing stand. But attendance appeared to fall far short of early predictions that as many as 200,000 people would attend the festival and parade. There were large gaps between viewers near the Washington Monument on a day when steamy weather and the threat of thunderstorms could have dampened turnout. Hours before the parade started, demonstrators turned out in streets and parks around the nation to sound off against the Republican president. They criticised Trump for using the military to respond to people protesting his deportation efforts and for the muscular military show in the US capital. The daylong display of America's Army came as Trump has shown his willingness to use the nation's military might in ways other US presidents have typically avoided. In the last week, he has activated the California National Guard over the governor's objections and dispatched the US Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests related to immigration raids, prompting a state lawsuit to stop the deployments. (AP)
HKFP
19 hours ago
- HKFP
China says ‘deeply concerned' over Israel's strikes on Iran
China said Friday it was 'deeply concerned' over Israeli strikes on Iran — including nuclear and military sites — condemning 'violations' of the country's sovereignty and offering to help ease tensions. 'The Chinese side… is deeply worried about the severe consequences that such actions might bring,' foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said. 'The Chinese side calls on relevant parties to take actions that promote regional peace and stability and to avoid further escalation of tensions,' Lin said. Israel pounded Iran in a series of air raids on Friday, striking 100 targets and killing the armed forces' chief of staff, the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards and top nuclear scientists. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Israel it faced a 'bitter and painful' fate over the attacks. The Israeli military said later that Iran launched 100 drones towards Israel in response and that its air defences were intercepting them outside Israeli territory. China enjoys close ties with Iran, being its largest commercial partner and the main buyer of its oil with Tehran still under crushing US sanctions. On Friday, Lin said Beijing 'opposes violations of Iran's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.' 'We oppose escalating tensions and expanding conflicts,' he said, adding: 'The sudden escalation of the regional situation does not serve the interests of any party.' 'The Chinese side is willing to play a constructive role in easing the situation,' Lin added.
RTHK
a day ago
- RTHK
Israel targets Iran's military capabilities
Israel targets Iran's military capabilities Iran hit back with a barrage of ballistic missiles that lit up the sky over key Israeli cities. Photo: AFP Israel targeted Iran's air defences and missile launchers on Saturday as it pressed its bid to dismantle its arch-foe's military capabilities, after a night of mutual attacks. Israel's massive strikes on Iran, which it calls an existential threat, have hit nuclear and military facilities, killed top commanders and dozens of civilians, and sought to destroy the country's defence capabilities. Iran has hit back with volleys of missiles that lit up the night sky over Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, killing three people and wounding dozens. Following decades of enmity and conflict by proxy, it is the first time that Israel and Iran have traded fire with such intensity, with fears of a prolonged conflict engulfing the region. Israel began striking Iran early on Friday in an operation it has dubbed "Rising Lion", and has since killed several top Iranian generals, including senior leaders of the Revolutionary Guards' air arm. On Saturday, Israel's military said it was striking dozens of missile launchers in Iran after announcing it had targeted air defences with a wave of strikes in the Tehran area. Two senior Iranian generals have been killed in Israeli strikes, Iranian state television reported on Saturday, as Israel kept up its assault. Iran's ambassador to the United Nations said on Friday that 78 people had been killed and 320 wounded in the first wave of strikes by Israel. Iran called on its citizens to unite in defence of the country as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged them to rise up against their government. Air raid sirens and explosions rang out across Israel through the night, with many residents holed up in bomb shelters until home defence commanders stood down alerts. (AFP)
