Beijing urged to win Indian hearts, Hong Kong’s hottest day: 5 weekend reads you missed

We have put together stories from our coverage last weekend to help you stay informed about news across Asia and beyond. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.1. Why Beijing struggles to win Indian hearts and minds despite diplomatic thawThough the relationship between the Chinese and Indian governments has been thawing, Beijing has yet to win over the Indian public as it lacked a long-term strategy and communication channels, according to Chinese researchers.2. Families cool off in snow parks and malls as helpers struggle in record heatChildren play in a fountain at Playfield 5 in Kai Tak during hot weather. Photo: Edmond SoFamilies sought refuge in snow parks and shopping centres on Sunday as Hong Kong sweltered through its hottest day in 142 years, while many domestic helpers said they had no choice but to stay outside in the blistering heat.3. Red alert: Shanghai cancels 80% of flights as Typhoon Dolphin makes landfallA Shanghai resident battles the winds and rain in the city. Photo: XinhuaTyphoon Dolphin made landfall at Yuhuan, a city in Zhejiang province, around 5.30pm on Sunday, with maximum sustained winds of 151km/h (94mph) near its centre, according to China’s National Meteorological Centre.4. Taiwan’s push to dissolve pro-Beijing party triggers political censorship debateTaiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau Commissioner Chiu Shao-chou says police have investigated 141 CUPP officials and members in 98 cases since 2010. Photo: AFPTaiwan’s plan to dissolve the pro-Beijing Chinese Unification Promotion Party (CUPP) has sparked controversy over whether the independence-leaning authorities are using security concerns to suppress political dissent.5. How Beijing’s hypersonic ‘carrier killers’ could distract US in a Taiwan conflictFootage released by Chinese state media on July 29 shows a YJ-20 missile launching from a Type 052D destroyer at an undisclosed location. Photo: CCTVThe advancement and diversification of Beijing’s anti-ship missile platforms have bolstered its denial capabilities in the first island chain and could divert US and allied navies from warfare in a Taiwan-strait" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="5508" data-entity-type="location">Taiwan Strait contingency, according to analysts.Further Reading