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. Apparently impatient Trump slaps 25% tariffs on Japan, South Korea
US President Donald Trump, apparently impatient with the slow progress of negotiations, slapped 25 per cent unilateral tariffs on Japan and South Korea and equal or higher import taxes on several other nations ahead of a self-imposed Wednesday deadline.
2. Hong Kong ‘bomb’ turns out to be cannon barrel that could date to 19th century
A British-made cannon barrel discovered in Tsim Sha Tsui could date to the 19th century and is the city’s first such archaeological find in nearly two decades. The barrel, which prompted the force to temporarily cordon off busy Granville Road and call in explosive disposal experts, was discovered on Mody Road near the west area of Urban Council Centenary Garden in East Tsim Sha Tsui.
3. China’s visa-free policy pays dividends as overseas entries soar in 2025
China’s expansion of visa-free entry to nationals from dozens of countries appears to have yielded substantial results, with tourists arriving in droves from overseas and providing a much-needed boost to the country’s consumption in the first half of the year.