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. China’s Xi Jinping sets new precedent with July 4 message for Trump and US
In a departure from convention, Chinese leader Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to the United States on Independence Day. Beijing does not usually publicise presidential greetings on July 4 but Xi’s message this year follows a flurry of diplomatic efforts to stabilise the volatile relations between the two countries.