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 subscribing.
1. ‘Big impact’: Russian goods seizures cause havoc on China-Europe rail link
Last week, China’s leaders made promises to support the China-Europe Railway Express – an overland freight link that has become a symbol of Beijing’s ambitious drive to recreate the ancient Silk Road. But the reality is that traffic along the intercontinental rail link has been declining for months.
2. Princeton nuclear physicist, fusion energy expert Liu Chang leaves US for China
After more than a decade in the United States, nuclear physicist Liu Chang, whose research has been crucial in the journey to achieve fusion energy, has left Princeton University for a position at Peking University in Beijing.
3. China’s No 3 returns to public spotlight after missing end of ‘two sessions’
China’s third most senior official, Zhao Leji, has reappeared in public after missing the end of the country’s main political event due to ill health. It was the first time in decades that the NPC closing meeting was not attended by all members of the Politburo Standing Committee.