Israel ‘unhappy’ with China’s response to Iran, more Hongkongers seek divorce: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

From former Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam’s HK$9 million office budget to Chinese scientists rigging a low-cost AI chip to power a hypersonic weapon, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

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An anti-missile system in Ashkelon, Israel following the launch of Iranian drones and missiles. Photo: Reuters

Published: 11:55am, 19 Apr 2024Updated: 12:51pm, 19 Apr 2024

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. Israel ‘unhappy’ with China’s response to Iranian attack

After Iran’s strike on Israel, Beijing reacted by ‘expressing deep’ concern and repeating its call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The statement, which Israel said was “not as strong as expected”, also urged unnamed “influential countries” to play a constructive role.

2. Divorce applications rise 25% in Hong Kong as younger couples seek split

An increasing number of couples aged in their late thirties to late forties filed for divorce in the past five years, a lawyer said. Photo: Shutterstock

The number of divorce applications in Hong Kong rose 25 per cent year on year in 2023, with a family lawyer pointing to a surge in younger couples seeking to split for reasons such as adultery and conflicts over parenting.

3. How Chinese scientists rigged a low-cost AI chip to power a hypersonic weapon

A research team in China has created a step-by-step guide that allows anyone with a low-cost artificial intelligence chip to boost the performance of hypersonic weapons.