South China Sea collision, AI-powered sexbots, Malaysian ‘ghost marriage’: 7 highlights

From a collision in the South China Sea to a ‘ghost wedding’ in Malaysia, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

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China says a Philippine ship on a supply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre (pictured) “ignored multiple stern warnings from the Chinese side” and caused a collision with its vessel on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Published: 11:30am, 21 Jun 2024Updated: 1:47pm, 21 Jun 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. Chinese and Philippine ships collide, first under Beijing’s new coastguard law

A Philippine ship and a Chinese vessel collided after the former “illegally entered” waters near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal and “dangerously approached” the latter, China’s coastguard said. The incident took place early on Monday morning.

2. China’s next-gen sexbots powered by AI about to hit the shelves

Sex doll producers in China are enhancing products with AI for an advanced user experience. Photo: Instagram/starperydollofficial

Chinese scientists and engineers are applying ChatGPT-like technology to sex robots, aiming to create interactive, AI-powered companions in the face of technical and ethical challenges. In Shenzhen, Starpery Technology, a major producer of sex dolls, is now training its own large language model to enhance its product with artificial intelligence.

3. 450 flights delayed after Hong Kong airport runway closed for 8 hours

A cargo plane was forced to make an emergency return on Monday morning. Photo: Jelly Tse