Ai Weiwei Questions Western Moral Ground on China Rights

Chinese artist and dissident Ai Weiwei has challenged the West’s moral authority to criticise Beijing on human rights, arguing that Western governments no longer hold a credible position to lecture China on freedom and civil liberties. Speaking in London as Britain’s prime minister

Taiwan Defence Officials Reject Opposition Plan to Cut Military Spending

Taiwan’s defence authorities have sharply criticized an opposition backed proposal to scale down planned military spending, warning that the plan would undermine the island’s defence readiness at a time of sustained pressure from Beijing. The proposal would significantly reduce the special defence budget

China’s Luxury Spend Shifts to Second Tier Cities

China’s luxury market is undergoing a geographic rebalancing as second tier cities emerge as the primary growth engines for high end consumption. Retail data and industry analysts indicate that luxury spending in cities such as Nanjing and Changsha now exceeds levels seen in

Beijing Signals Discipline Push as Leadership Transition Nears

China’s political system is entering a sensitive preparatory phase ahead of the next national party congress, and state media messaging suggests Beijing is moving early to manage bureaucratic behavior during the transition. Recent commentary circulated through official personnel channels warned against officials who

China’s New Tech Leaders Are Emerging From Engineering, Not Finance

China’s technology sector is experiencing a quiet but meaningful leadership transition. Across major technology firms and strategically important startups, senior executives are increasingly drawn from engineering and research backgrounds rather than finance, sales, or general management. This change reflects a deeper shift in

Yerin Ha: Australia’s Rising Star Bridging Cultures on the Global Stage

Yerin Ha is redefining what it means to be an international actress in today’s entertainment world. With her striking presence, disciplined craft, and cross-cultural background, she represents a new generation of performers emerging from Australia to make their mark on global screens. From

Singapore’s elite schools and domestic helper safety concerns spotlight widening social divides in Asia

Education privilege ignites debate in Singapore Singapore’s education system has long been admired for its academic rigour and global competitiveness. Yet renewed debate around the city state’s elite schools has exposed growing unease about inequality and access. Critics argue that prestigious institutions, while

How Hong Kong women tattoo artists are redefining ink through Chinese tradition

From port city parlours to cultural expression Tattooing in Hong Kong has travelled a long and complicated road. It first took root in the mid twentieth century, when the city was still a British colony and foreign soldiers and sailors passed through its

Hollywood in 2026 signals cautious revival with big directors and a sharper China focus

A year shaped by recovery rather than hype Predicting the future of the movie business is never straightforward, but as 2026 unfolds, there are early signs of cautious optimism across Hollywood. After several years marked by disruption, the industry is leaning into stability

Japan insecticide firm honours insects killed in testing with annual memorial ritual

A ceremony that blends industry with spirituality In a conference room usually reserved for business meetings, a Buddhist monk chants sutras while company employees bow their heads in silence. The focus of the prayers is not human lives, but insects. For more than