The net tightens: how China squeezes Filipino fishers at Scarborough Shoal

Hong Kong and mainland Chinese residents wasted no time testing out the new cross-border digital payment system, called Payment Connect, on its launch day. By noon, thousands of transactions had already flowed both ways—2,000 from the mainland to Hong Kong and 7,400 in the opposite direction—with no reported hiccups. The service links Hong Kong’s Faster Payment System (FPS) with mainland networks, making it easier to send money across the border without traditional banking hassles.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about convenience—it’s a big step toward tighter financial integration between Hong Kong and the mainland. For businesses, travelers, and families splitting costs across the border, it’s a game-changer. Smooth adoption on day one suggests strong demand and could pave the way for more seamless economic ties, even as geopolitical tensions linger in the background.

A new exhibition in Hong Kong is showcasing stunning 18th-century Chinese porcelain adorned with Islamic designs—think crescent moons, stars, and Koranic verses—highlighting centuries of cultural exchange between China and the Muslim world. A Qatari museum director, Shaika Nasser Al-Nassr, pointed out that the display not only celebrates these historic ties but also underscores the strong relationship between Qatar and Hong Kong today.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about pretty artifacts—it’s a reminder of how deeply interconnected cultures have been for centuries, even in ways we might not expect. In a world often focused on divisions, stories like this show how art and trade have long bridged gaps between civilizations. Plus, it’s a subtle nod to Hong Kong’s role as a cultural hub, even amid political tensions.

Chinese researchers have discovered that the spleen—often overlooked as a "disposable" organ—might actually be a game-changer in diabetes treatment. By transplanting specially protected islet cells into the spleen, scientists at Nanjing University and other institutions found these cells survived better there than in the liver, the usual go-to spot. This could open up a whole new way to manage type 1 diabetes.

Editor’s Note: The spleen has long been seen as non-essential, but this research flips that idea on its head. If these findings hold up, we could be looking at a safer, more effective way to treat diabetes—one that sidesteps some of the complications of current methods. It’s a reminder that even the body’s "forgotten" parts might hold big answers.

A wealthy Chinese businessman, known as Qian, threw a massive wedding banquet for his daughter with 252 tables—only to refuse paying the $72,000 bill afterward. The caterer, a longtime acquaintance named Wang, claims he went above and beyond to source quality ingredients, including pork and seafood, but Qian allegedly complained about the cost and food quality. Now, Wang is left holding the bag, and the dispute has sparked online chatter about extravagant weddings and broken trust.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a pricey wedding bill—it’s a clash of expectations, social obligations, and the pressures of keeping up appearances in modern China. Big, flashy weddings are common among the wealthy, but this public fallout highlights how easily such events can strain relationships, especially when money and pride are involved. It’s also a reminder that even long-standing business ties aren’t immune to drama.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated dramatically after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on social media that American forces "obliterated" key Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow, with a "full payload of bombs." Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated by launching missiles at Israel, marking a dangerous new phase in the conflict.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just another flare-up—it's a major escalation that risks spiraling into a wider war. Trump's announcement suggests direct U.S. military action against Iran’s nuclear program, while Iran’s missile strikes on Israel signal a sharp retaliation. The situation could destabilize the region further, strain global diplomacy, and even impact oil markets and global security. Keep an eye on this one—it’s moving fast.