China tests canal link to Southeast Asia; rocket failure concerns: SCMP’s 7 highlights

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. China completes milestone test of US$10.8 billion canal link to Southeast AsiaChinese authorities have conducted the first full transit test along a 134.2km (83.4-mile) canal megaproject linking a vast inland region with Southeast Asia, moving it to the final stages of preparation for a planned September launch that will smooth trade with a key bloc of trading partners.2. China’s latest rocket failure prompts questions about ambitious launch scheduleSoon after Monday’s launch, both the rocket and satellite were lost over the China-sea" class="entity-link entity-location" data-entity-id="8346" data-entity-type="location">South China Sea. Photo: Social media screenshotThe rare failure of China’s Long March-7A rocket on Monday – which resulted in the loss of a communications satellite – has prompted questions over whether it was an isolated operational setback or a systemic problem.3. Zhu Rongji, China’s chief engineer of economic reform, dies aged 97Zhu Rongji (right) meets Charlene Barshefsky (left), US trade representative at the time, in Beijing in March 1999. Photo: AFPFormer Chinese premier Zhu Rongji, who helped engineer one of the greatest economic reforms in human history, died of an illness on Wednesday in Beijing. He was 97.4. Beijing hits super-rich with 20% offshore tax. What does it mean for Hong Kong?For decades, Hong Kong has prospered by managing the wealth of Asia’s elite. Will that change as China introduces tougher offshore tax policies?5. Man with knife arrested after allegedly injuring 2 at Hong Kong housing estateAn online clip of the incident shows the attacker, armed with a knife, approaching security guards. Photo: HandoutA man wielding a knife has been arrested in Hong Kong after allegedly injuring two people at a housing estate in Pok Fu Lam on Monday.6. China says US tried to buy its super magnet that has ‘40% higher’ performanceA US laboratory that once dominated the field of superconducting magnets is now hoping to buy Chinese technology used in a leading particle accelerator, official Chinese media reported on Tuesday.7. South Korean star Ha Young sorry for row over ancestor’s pro-Japanese tiesSouth Korean actors Jung Hae-in (left) and Ha Young in a still from Netflix’s “Our Sticky Love”. Photo: NetflixA South Korean actress has apologised for the controversy surrounding her great-grandfather’s pro-Japanese ties during Japan’s 1910-45 colonial rule, a day after calling the accusations “groundless”.Further Reading