In pictures: Thai Princess Bajrakitiyabha dies at age 47
She was the most visibly accomplished member of the royal family.
Read full story →District councillor linked to Tai Po fire resigns as adviser to second estate
A Hong Kong district councillor criticised for her links to the former owners’ committee of the fire-ravaged Wang Fuk Court has resigned from her advisory role for another housing estate in Tai Po, following the announcement of a petition. A notice from the incorporated owners of Plover Cove Garden, seen by the South China Morning Post, announced on Friday that Peggy Wong Pik-kiu had resigned from her honorary adviser role with the housing estate’s incorporated owners’ committee. The...
Read full story →Beijing pushes Taiwan exchanges at Straits Forum despite tightened restrictions
Beijing is seeking to expand people-to-people exchanges with Taiwan as it hosts hundreds from the island for an annual event, despite the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) banning Taiwanese officials from taking part. The Straits Forum, now in its 18th edition since 2009, is Beijing’s key platform for cross-strait people-to-people engagement, promoting exchanges in fields from culture to economics as part of its broader push for cross-strait integration. The main forum takes place on...
Read full story →Paw patrol: Hong Kong airport dog unit to cover reopened Terminal 2
Hong Kong airport’s security contractor has expanded its canine patrol unit to the newly relaunched Terminal 2, deploying its 20 dogs and their handlers to cover the upgraded facility as needed. Jacob Cheung Tat-keung, executive director of the Aviation Security Company (Avseco), said on Friday that operations at Terminal 2 had been generally smooth, although passenger numbers had increased as 15 airlines had moved in over the past few weeks. Cheung said the deployment of the dogs would depend...
Read full story →China’s chip design software firms back Huawei’s new scaling law. But can they catch US rivals?
China’s chip design software industry is rallying behind Huawei Technologies’ ambitious new architecture aimed at producing chips that can rival leading global products, but analysts warn a steep uphill climb remains before local players can break the market stranglehold of US rivals. Empyrean Technology, a major Chinese electronic design automation (EDA) provider, became the latest supporter of the new chipmaking methodology. The company recently unveiled Argus, a new physical verification...
Read full story →Kick Off Your Summer Weekend With These Events
The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – After a busy workweek, the weekend offers a chance to unwind and recharge. From inspiring concerts and thought-provoking exhibitions to captivating performances, there is something for every taste. The Astana Times editorial team has selected a range of events to enjoy with friends and family. Almaty. Photo credit: Shutterstock Astana Aqbozat Open Air Fest, June 13 Aqbozat Open Air Fest brings together live music, outdoor entertainment and summer leisure in a vibrant open-air setting. Featuring performances by popular artists, the festival combines energetic concerts, relaxation zones and family-friendly activities. The public can enjoy a swimming pool, food courts, master classes and evening entertainment, creating a festive atmosphere for a memorable summer weekend. Photo credit: Orda Venue: 82 Astana-Karagandy Highway. Tickets are available here. “Carmen Suite” and “Arcana of Fate” ballets,…
Read full story →Balochistan sinks into poverty as Pakistan's policies leave province behind
Balochistan [Pakistan], June 12 (ANI): Balochistan has recorded the highest poverty rate in Pakistan, with nearly half of its population now living below the poverty line, according to findings presented in the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26.The figures have renewed criticism of Pakistan's economic policies and their impact on the country's largest but most underdeveloped province, as reported by The Balochist
Read full story →Balochistan sinks into poverty as Pakistan's policies leave province behind
Balochistan [Pakistan], June 12 (ANI): Balochistan has recorded the highest poverty rate in Pakistan, with nearly half of its population now living below the poverty line, according to findings presented in the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26.The figures have renewed criticism of Pakistan's economic policies and their impact on the country's largest but most underdeveloped province, as reported by The Balochist
Read full story →Balochistan sinks into poverty as Pakistan's policies leave province behind
Balochistan [Pakistan], June 12 (ANI): Balochistan has recorded the highest poverty rate in Pakistan, with nearly half of its population now living below the poverty line, according to findings presented in the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26.The figures have renewed criticism of Pakistan's economic policies and their impact on the country's largest but most underdeveloped province, as reported by The Balochist
Read full story →Azerbaijan Rearrests Journalist Forcibly Returned from Georgia
Azerbaijani authorities' renewed detention of exiled journalist Afgan Sadigov raises serious concerns about transnational repression and the apparent manipulation of legal procedures across borders to silence a government critic. Several masked men in civilian clothing detained Sadigov in the Azerbaijan capital of Baku on June 8, according to Sadigov's fa
Read full story →Azerbaijan Rearrests Journalist Forcibly Returned from Georgia
Azerbaijani authorities' renewed detention of exiled journalist Afgan Sadigov raises serious concerns about transnational repression and the apparent manipulation of legal procedures across borders to silence a government critic. Several masked men in civilian clothing detained Sadigov in the Azerbaijan capital of Baku on June 8, according to Sadigov's fa
Read full story →Azerbaijan Rearrests Journalist Forcibly Returned from Georgia
Azerbaijani authorities' renewed detention of exiled journalist Afgan Sadigov raises serious concerns about transnational repression and the apparent manipulation of legal procedures across borders to silence a government critic. Several masked men in civilian clothing detained Sadigov in the Azerbaijan capital of Baku on June 8, according to Sadigov's fa
Read full story →How to cope with parenting stress after mother and daughter suicides in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is reeling from a double tragedy on Wednesday after a 48-year-old social worker jumped to her death from her 19th-floor home in Taikoo Shing after arguing with her 12-year-old daughter about “education problems”. Hours later, the girl also jumped from her living room. The South China Morning Post breaks down the sequence of events and examines how Hongkongers can cope with stress and maintain harmonious family relationships. 1. How did the tragedy unfold? First, a government social...
Read full story →Chinese man detained for allegedly torturing, killing adopted dogs under ‘caring’ guise
A man in China who sparked public outrage for abusing and killing his adopted dogs has been detained for throwing objects from a height and vandalism. The period of administrative detention he was placed under lasts for as long as 15 days and it is the toughest penalty the police could impose in the case because of inadequate anti-cruelty to animals law in the country. According to the statement issued by the Police Bureau of Liangjiang New District of southwestern Chongqing on June 10, the...
Read full story →Europe is blaming China’s economic rise for its own failures, think tank says
As the European Union prepares tougher measures to counter what it sees as the “China shock 2.0”, a researcher with a Beijing-linked think tank has accused Brussels of clinging to a flawed narrative that China’s economic rise is an inherent threat to Europe. The criticism came as Beijing reportedly cancelled two high-level meetings with the EU in the Chinese capital this month, including a ministerial-level digital dialogue and a visit by a senior EU diplomat, according to the Financial Times on...
Read full story →Kazakh Titanium Accounts for 20% of Global Aerospace Market, Officials Say
The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA — Kazakh titanium accounts for approximately 20% of the global aerospace market, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said during a meeting with Sylvain Geler, chairman of the board of directors of Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant (UKTMP) on June 11, as the government reviewed the company’s expansion plans and role in strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in global supply chains. Ust-Kamenogorsk Titanium and Magnesium Plant. Photo credit: gov.kz Click to see the map in full size. The map is designed by The Astana Times. The meeting focused on the sustainable development of the enterprise, implementation of investment projects and measures to maintain the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s titanium industry in international markets. UKTMP is one of the world’s largest vertically integrated titanium producers, operating a full production cycle from raw material processing to finished titanium pro…
Read full story →Hong Kong gazettes tax break for fund managers’ bonuses to bolster role as wealth hub
The Hong Kong government gazetted a bill on Friday that, if passed, would waive salary tax on fund managers’ performance-linked bonuses, so long as they meet certain requirements, in a move to introduce further tax reform to strengthen the city as a wealth management centre. The bill, which will be first read by lawmakers on June 24, may attract more fund managers and family offices to operate in the city, the government said. The measure would make Hong Kong the first major Asian financial...
Read full story →How Xi Reshaped China's Central Asia Ties -- By The Numbers
When Xi Jinping was appointed general-secretary of the Chinese Communist Party in late 2012 and later as president in 2013, China was emerging as an important trade partner for Central Asia with unclear ambitions toward a region traditionally under the influence of Russia.But data compiled by RFE/RL shows how Xi's tenure as China's leader has led to a wave of wide-ranging diplomatic engagement that has helped tr
Read full story →How Xi Reshaped China's Central Asia Ties -- By The Numbers
When Xi Jinping was appointed general-secretary of the Chinese Communist Party in late 2012 and later as president in 2013, China was emerging as an important trade partner for Central Asia with unclear ambitions toward a region traditionally under the influence of Russia.But data compiled by RFE/RL shows how Xi's tenure as China's leader has led to a wave of wide-ranging diplomatic engagement that has helped tr
Read full story →How Xi Reshaped China's Central Asia Ties -- By The Numbers
When Xi Jinping was appointed general-secretary of the Chinese Communist Party in late 2012 and later as president in 2013, China was emerging as an important trade partner for Central Asia with unclear ambitions toward a region traditionally under the influence of Russia.But data compiled by RFE/RL shows how Xi's tenure as China's leader has led to a wave of wide-ranging diplomatic engagement that has helped tr
Read full story →