Fukushima nuclear readings discrepancy, China’s middle class shun luxury spending, Hong Kong’s expat woes: SCMP’s 7 highlights

From radiation readings at the Fukushima power plant not adding up to Singapore dethroning Hong Kong as the world’s freest economy, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

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Photo taken from the town of Futaba in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan shows the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on July 4, 2023. Photo: Kyodo

Published: 12:00pm, 22 Sep 2023Updated: 1:06pm, 22 Sep 2023

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. What’s wrong with radiation readings at the Fukushima power plant?

The numbers were within safety limits, but they did not add up. As Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant pumped seawater in and released treated waste water, some gamma radiation readings varied when they should have been roughly the same.

Read the full story here.

2. Where are the expats? Hong Kong’s talent drive fails to bring back foreigners

There has been an influx of mainland Chinese after Hong Kong pulled out the stops to woo talent, but foreigners have been slow to return. In the second of a two-part series, the Post examines what the impact will be if expatriates stay away.

Read the full story here.

3. Middle-class Chinese shun luxury spending amid hazy outlook

As an increasingly uncertain economic environment has them feeling the pinch, China’s middle class is becoming more conservative and cutting back on high-end purchases, according to the results of an annual survey.

Read the full story here.