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. Chronically ill Hongkongers urged to avoid Japan, other flu-hit countries
Chronically ill patients should consider delaying any planned trips to countries battling flu surges, Hong Kong medical experts have warned, while also urging travellers to keep a record of local emergency numbers and buy insurance ahead of their departure.
2. China to impose tariffs on US products, launches anti-monopoly probe into Google
China has unveiled retaliatory measures against the United States as the two countries brace for a renewed trade war, but observers say Beijing’s “restrained” moves could signal that it wants to negotiate.
3. Taiwanese actress Barbie ‘Big S’ Hsu dies from pneumonia at age 48
Popular Taiwanese host and actress Barbie “Big S” Hsu Shi-yuan has died at the age of 48 from flu-triggered pneumonia, sparking tributes from fans shocked by the sudden loss of one of the biggest stars of the Mandarin-speaking world.