Hong Kong’s Metropol Restaurant, with dim sum trolleys, will close in September

The US just sent its top-of-the-line F-35 stealth fighters to the Philippines for joint military drills—the first time these advanced jets have been deployed there. Analysts see this as a clear signal that America is stepping up its military readiness in the Asia-Pacific, especially as tensions simmer over China’s growing maritime presence. The exercises, running until mid-July, are more than just routine training; they’re a visible show of force aimed at deterring aggression in the region.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about war games—it’s a strategic chess move. With China flexing its muscles in the South China Sea and the Philippines becoming a key US ally, these drills send a message: Washington is serious about backing its partners and keeping the region stable. For locals, it could mean stronger security ties, but it also raises the stakes in an already tense neighborhood.

A major pileup involving eight vehicles has forced the M60 motorway to stay shut for a second day, with closures in both directions and lengthy diversions causing headaches for drivers. Authorities are still working to clear the wreckage and get traffic moving again.

Editor’s Note: If you rely on the M60 for your commute or deliveries, buckle up—this isn’t a quick fix. Extended closures like this ripple out, causing delays, supply chain snags, and frustration for thousands. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile our road networks can be when serious accidents happen.

China is making waves in the AI hardware race with breakthroughs like the Meteor-1 optical chip, which uses light instead of electricity to process data faster and more efficiently. Analysts say this could be a game-changer for AI development, especially as demand for computing power skyrockets with tools like generative AI. Traditional electronic chips are hitting limits, so these optical innovations might just unlock the next phase of AI progress.

Editor’s Note: If you’ve ever wondered why AI models take so much time (and energy) to train, it’s because today’s chips are straining under the workload. Optical computing could be the fix—think of it like upgrading from dial-up to fiber-optic internet, but for AI brains. China’s push here isn’t just technical; it’s strategic, potentially reshaping who leads the global AI arms race.

A new government report shows that Japan's news habits have shifted dramatically toward digital—nearly 3 in 4 people now turn to online sources first for news, while traditional newspapers have dwindled to just 13% as the primary choice.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Japan—it’s another sign of how the internet is reshaping how we consume information globally. Newspapers aren’t dead, but their role is shrinking fast, and platforms (whether social media or news sites) are becoming the default. For publishers and policymakers, it’s a wake-up call to adapt or get left behind.

Japan's Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako kicked off their weeklong visit to Mongolia with a formal welcome ceremony, where they met the country's president and first lady. The trip coincides with the 80th anniversary of WWII's end—a notable backdrop given the historical tensions between Japan and parts of Asia during that era.

Editor’s Note: While this looks like a standard diplomatic visit on the surface, the timing adds a subtle layer of significance. Japan's imperial family has long played a symbolic role in healing regional wounds from WWII, and Mongolia—though not directly occupied by Japan—was entangled in the broader conflict. The visit quietly underscores Japan's ongoing efforts to foster goodwill in the region, even decades later.