Powerful 6.9 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Japan, No Tsunami Warning Issued

Japan Earthquake: There were no immediate reports of major damage. A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck northern Japan on Thursday, the country's weather agency said, adding that there was no tsunami warning.There were no immediate reports of major damage.The quake occurred off the northern region of Iwate, with the depth of the epicentre at 50 kilometres, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.One local woman in the town of Hashikami, where the shaking was strongest, told AFP that the only damage in her home was a photo frame falling down.Footage on public broadcaster NHK showed regular traffic in Hachinohe city with traffic lights still functioning as normal.Japan is one of the world's most seismically active countries, sitting on top of four major tectonic plates along the western edge of the Pacific "Ring of Fire".The archipelago, home to around 125 million people, typically experiences …

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Trump Seeks $88 Billion In Extra Funding, Mostly For Iran War

US President Donald Trump asked Congress on Wednesday for nearly $88 billion in extra spending, most of it to cover the cost of the Iran war, at a moment of growing unease in both parties over the conflict and its political price.

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Israeli Strikes Kill 2 In Lebanon, Hezbollah Accuses It Of Truce Violation

Hezbollah accused Israel of a new ceasefire "violation" on Wednesday. An Israeli strike on a vehicle in southern Lebanon killed two people on Wednesday, Lebanese state media reported, with militant group Hezbollah calling it another "violation" of a truce between the two sides.Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the Middle East war on March 2 with rocket fire at Israel to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes.Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground offensive that Lebanon says have killed more than 4,100 people.Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said that "two people were killed" when an Israeli drone targeted their vehicle near the town of Kfar Rumman.The Israeli military had said earlier that it targeted "two armed Hezbollah terrorists in the area of Ali al-Taher Ridge" near the city of Nabatieh "who posed a threat", vowing that it will "continue to oper…

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"We Were Let Down" By Allies On Iran War: Trump Tells NATO Chief

US President Donald Trump met NATO chief Mark Rutte on Wednesday. US President Donald Trump told NATO chief Mark Rutte on Wednesday he was "let down" by members of the transatlantic alliance who did not back his war against Iran."We were let down. We didn't need help on this at all.

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Hong Kong can take the regulatory high road amid US-China AI decoupling

Hong Kong economyOpinionHong Kong OpinionOpinionRuby TongHong Kong can take the regulatory high road amid US-China AI decouplingAs a global ‘sovereign AI premium’ emerges and US weaponisation of AI models triggers panic, Hong Kong can bridge diverging AI ecosystems3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenRuby TongDr Ruby Tong is a university innovator and technology strategist bridging academic research, deep tech commercialisation, and AI governance.

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Chinese boy destroys US$30,000 worth of phones in home fire; dad’s response shocks everyone

Trending in ChinaPeople & CultureTrending in ChinaChinese boy destroys US$30,000 worth of phones in home fire; dad’s response shocks everyoneStory quickly gained traction on mainland social media, drawing over 50 million views on related discussions2-MIN READ2-MIN1 ListenZoey ZhangPublished: 9:00am, 25 Jun 2026A boy in southern China accidentally ignited dozens of mobile phones while playing at home, but his father’s remarkably calm reaction has garnered praise online.The father, surnamed Peng, operates a mobile phone shop in Shenzhen and utilises part of his home as a workshop for storing devices, according to the mainland media outlet First Scene.The fire began when Peng’s five-year-old son noticed sparks from a short-circuiting power strip and, intrigued, used them to ignite a tissue.The flames rapidly spread throughout the workshop, destroying nearly 30 phones, with over half being …

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‘No limits’ to accountability over Tai Po fire, security chief Chris Tang says

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedyHong KongPoliticsExclusive‘No limits’ to accountability over Tai Po fire, security chief Chris Tang saysSecretary for security says committee investigating blaze will deliver results in a timely manner and commission of inquiry not needed4-MIN READ4-MIN2 Listen 12:16Justice still served without giving legal teeth to independent Tai Po fire committee: security chiefJess MaandMatthew ChengPublished: 8:30am, 25 Jun 2026Updated: 9:08am, 25 Jun 2026As Hong Kong marks the 29th anniversary of its return to Chinese rule on July 1, the South China Morning Post talks to the city’s senior officials about the administration’s achievements so far and what may lie ahead.Authorities will arrest and prosecute anyone if there is evidence of their wrongdoing in the Tai Po fire tragedy to ensure justice is served without needing the independent committee to become a legal co…

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Hong Kong Science Fair marks five years of youth innovation

Nurturing future innovatorsHong KongHong Kong Science Fair marks five years of youth innovationAs the city’s flagship I&T education event returns, it continues to connect classroom learning with real-world invention and open doors to the international stagePaid Post:Hong Kong Innovation Foundation5-MIN READ5-MIN ListenAdvertising partnerPublished: 8:30am, 25 Jun 2026[The content of this article has been produced by our advertising partner.]For five years in a row the Hong Kong Science Fair has worked to build up the talent pipeline that will support scientific discovery and innovation in Hong Kong and across the country. By sparking ideas in children and instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in their formative years, it helps turn young curiosity into real-world solutions that support scientific discovery and innovation.

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Hong Kong prime office vacancy hits 7-month low on Central spillover demand

Hong Kong propertyBusinessHong Kong prime office vacancy hits 7-month low on Central spillover demandCity’s prime office market shows recovery signs as Central nears full occupancy, boosting rentals and spillover demand in nearby districts2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenCheryl ArcibalPublished: 8:00am, 25 Jun 2026Hong Kong’s overall prime office vacancy rate fell to a seven-month low in May, driven by spillover demand from Central, where premium offices were close to full occupancy, according to JLL.With Central’s grade A office vacancy rate holding steady at 9.2 per cent, tenants appeared to have found their way to neighbouring Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. Vacancy there edged down to 9.8 per cent in May from 10.4 per cent in April, the lowest in 10 months, the property consultancy said in its latest report. Net take-up in the district surged to 98,600 sq ft, the highest since April 2024.“We are be…

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Powerful twin earthquakes rock Venezuela, toppling buildings in Caracas

Natural disastersWorldAmericasDevelopingPowerful twin earthquakes rock Venezuela, toppling buildings in CaracasVenezuelan president declares state of emergency after back-to-back tremors cause widespread damage3-MIN READ3-MIN1 ListenReutersPublished: 7:59am, 25 Jun 2026Updated: 10:48am, 25 Jun 2026Strong earthquakes struck west of Venezuela’s capital on Wednesday afternoon, toppling buildings in ⁠Caracas, trapping people in the rubble and prompting scientists to warn of potentially heavy casualties and widespread destruction across the South American country.A magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit about 160km (100 miles) west of Caracas, followed less than a minute later by a magnitude 7.5 tremor, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS).“High casualties and extensive damage are probable and the disaster is likely widespread,” the USGS said, initially estimating the death toll would most lik…

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General who was last US soldier out of Afghanistan suddenly steps down

United StatesWorldUnited States & CanadaGeneral who was last US soldier out of Afghanistan suddenly steps downChristopher Donahue, commanding general of US Army Europe and Africa, is the latest in nearly two dozen military leaders to depart2-MIN READ2-MIN2 ListenAssociated PressPublished: 7:34am, 25 Jun 2026The US Army’s commander of its forces in Europe and Africa – who was famously the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021 – is unexpectedly stepping down from his post after just 18 months in the job, the Army confirmed late on Tuesday.General Christopher Donahue, commanding general of US Army Europe and Africa and commander of Nato’s Allied Land Command, will relinquish his command on July 2, according to an Army statement.He is the latest in a line of nearly two dozen top military leaders to either retire or depart their jobs early under the leadership of Defence Secreta…

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Keiko Fujimori vows to unite a Peru ‘split in two’ as run-off lead holds

Americas and the CaribbeanWorldAmericasKeiko Fujimori vows to unite a Peru ‘split in two’ as run-off lead holdsThe presidential hopeful stopped short of declaring victory while securing what appears to be an insurmountable lead over Roberto Sanchez2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenReutersPublished: 7:00am, 25 Jun 2026Right-wing ⁠candidate Keiko Fujimori said on ⁠Wednesday she would seek to ⁠unite a Peru “split in two” if she takes office, after razor-thin election results gave her enough votes to secure what appears to be an insurmountable lead in the presidential run-off.Fujimori, a four-time presidential hopeful and the daughter of late former president Alberto Fujimori, said ‌she would make an “open call” to experienced technocrats to form her first cabinet, as she seeks to fulfil campaign promises to curb crime and tackle deep inequality.The 51-year-old politician opened up an unbeatable advant…

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Hong Kong to reform Medical Council to improve handling of complaints

Hong Kong politicsHong KongHealth & EnvironmentExclusiveHong Kong to reform Medical Council to improve handling of complaintsProportion of lay members to be increased and time frames for cases made public under amendments headed to Legco in about two weeks, SCMP learns4-MIN READ4-MIN1 ListenEmily HungPublished: 7:00am, 25 Jun 2026Updated: 7:03am, 25 Jun 2026Hong Kong authorities intend to reform the city’s medical watchdog by raising the proportion of lay members to more than a third and requiring the time frames set for handling complaints to be made public, the South China Morning Post has learned.The proposed amendments to the Medical Registration Ordinance follow a 15-year delay in the Medical Council’s handling of a complaint against Dr Sit Sou-chi, who was accused of a blunder that left a boy permanently disabled in 2009.The case was terminated last year on the grounds that the pr…

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US delegation snubs Apec meeting in Macau due to China visa requirements row

US-China relationsChinaDiplomacyUS delegation snubs Apec meeting in Macau due to China visa requirements rowWashington not sending ‘high-level participants’ to tourism ministerial summit after alleged ‘arbitrary and targeted’ behaviour towards US2-MIN READ2-MIN11 ListenYuanyue Dangin WashingtonPublished: 6:12am, 25 Jun 2026The United States did not send high-level officials to an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) tourism ministerial meeting in Macau, citing China’s restrictions on American diplomats’ ability to provide emergency consular help.Washington did not send “high-level participants” to the meeting, which runs from Wednesday to Sunday in China’s Macau Special Administrative Region, according to a US State Department statement released on Wednesday.The US had repeatedly asked China to lift the “arbitrary and targeted” visa requirements it imposes on US government officials…

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Why the Vietnam ‘detour’ for US-bound Chinese goods hit a dead end

China tradeEconomyGlobal EconomyWhy the Vietnam ‘detour’ for US-bound Chinese goods hit a dead endIs finding another Hanoi haven possible, or would trying be a fool’s errand for Chinese firms looking to get the jump on Trump and evade tariffs?6-MIN READ6-MIN9 ListenFrank Chenin ShanghaiandRalph Jenningsin Hong KongPublished: 6:00am, 25 Jun 2026Updated: 6:31am, 25 Jun 2026Nearly a decade ago, one of China’s largest textile exporters concocted a plan to hedge against trade barriers championed by US President Donald Trump during his first term.Its owners were convinced that moving their primary production base from China’s east coast to Vietnam would be a permanent workaround – bypassing complex supply-chain pitfalls by hunkering down in a tariff lowland and continuing to stock Walmart shelves with socks and towels.Trying to get the jump on Trump in 2017, from Vietnam’s Hung Yen province, …

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8 takeaways from the US-Iran war

War and conflictOpinionWorld OpinionOpinionZhou Bo8 takeaways from the US-Iran warFrom the rise of devastating asymmetric warfare to the crumbling of the US maritime hegemony and alliances, the war offers food for thought3-MIN READ3-MIN2 ListenZhou BoSenior Colonel Zhou Bo (ret) is a senior fellow at the Centre for International Security and Strategy at Tsinghua University and a China Forum expert.

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These 3 Brazilian sisters have lived to over 100. Scientists want to know their secret

ScienceWorldAmericasThese 3 Brazilian sisters have lived to over 100. Scientists want to know their secretThe oldest living trio of siblings in the world could provide clues into the role played by genetic versus lifestyle factors2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenReutersPublished: 5:20am, 25 Jun 2026What is the secret ⁠to a long life?

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With no team in World Cup, China fans root for Ronaldo, Messi … and a referee

United StatesChinaWith no team in World Cup, China fans root for Ronaldo, Messi … and a refereeChinese team has not played in tournament for 24 years, so supporters follow world’s two most famous players and a strict mainland official6-MIN READ6-MIN3 ListenLucy Quagginin New YorkandYuanyue Dangin WashingtonPublished: 5:13am, 25 Jun 2026Updated: 9:11am, 25 Jun 2026On a sunny day in Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighbourhood, punters piled into the fifth floor of Time Out Market to Portugal House – part food court, part bar, full-blown World Cup party.The room was awash with Portuguese team jerseys, filled with fans sipping cold beer and soft drinks, proudly singing Portugal’s national anthem before their match against DR Congo.“Hopefully, one day I can sing the Chinese national song in a World Cup stadium,” said Zhai Yibo, a 20-year-old Chinese student studying in London who was watching the game in…

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Brazil detains Spanish woman for racism, in latest high-profile arrest

Racism and other prejudiceWorldAmericasBrazil detains Spanish woman for racism, in latest high-profile arrestThe country has some of the strictest anti-racism laws in Latin America, with penalties ranging from two to five years in prison and a fine2-MIN READ2-MIN1 ListenAssociated PressPublished: 2:35am, 25 Jun 2026Brazil’s federal police detained a Spanish citizen in Sao Paulo’s international Guarulhos airport for racism on Wednesday, the latest in a series of high-profile arrests of foreign tourists on similar grounds.Brazil has some of the strictest anti-racism laws in Latin America.

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Trump’s name is gone from the Kennedy Centre. Why is the tarp still up?

Donald TrumpWorldUnited States & CanadaTrump’s name is gone from the Kennedy Centre. Why is the tarp still up?A US judge has asked the venue’s board, which is stacked with loyalists to the president, to explain why the facade remains covered1-MIN READ1-MIN ListenAgence France-PressePublished: 2:02am, 25 Jun 2026A US federal judge asked on Wednesday for an explanation for why a tarpaulin continues to cover the facade of the Kennedy Centre where President Donald Trump’s name was recently removed.District Judge Christopher Cooper gave the board of trustees of the performing arts venue until the end of July to explain “the purpose for and status of the tarp and scaffolding that defendants have erected on the front portico of the centre”.Trump’s name was removed from the Kennedy Centre on the orders of Cooper earlier this month but the area where it was taken down remains covered by a white …

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French woman rescued in Pakistan after husband allegedly held her captive for 12 years

PakistanAsiaSouth AsiaFrench woman rescued in Pakistan after husband allegedly held her captive for 12 yearsSylvie Yasmina was rescued after one of her five children managed to leave the house and get to a nearby police station2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenAssociated PressPublished: 1:44am, 25 Jun 2026Updated: 1:51am, 25 Jun 2026Pakistan police said on Wednesday that they had rescued a French woman and her five children after she told authorities she had been held captive by her husband for more than a decade and subjected to years of domestic abuse in the country’s northwest.The woman, identified as 54-year-old Sylvie Yasmina, was rescued earlier this week from a mud-brick home in Bara, a town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border, district police chief Waqar Ahmad said.He said Yasmina’s husband, Ahmad Khan, had been arrested and investigations are under way.Domestic violence r…

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