China’s canal to Southeast Asia, Nipah virus raises 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 close to opening US$10 billion canal linking heartlands to Southeast AsiaChina is expected to finish construction on the landmark Pinglu Canal before the end of this year, taking just four years to complete the 72.7 billion yuan (US$10.4 billion) project to boost trade links with the country’s top export destination: Southeast Asia.2. Nipah virus outbreak in India sparks worry in China before Lunar New YearAn outbreak of the highly fatal Nipah virus in India’s eastern state of West Bengal has sparked widespread attention and public concern in China ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday when millions will travel.3. Chinese satellite forces 4,400 of its Starlink rivals into lower altitude: studySpaceX has said it will move thousands of its internet satellites into a lower orbit. Photo: SpaceXA team of researchers in China has claimed that a recent near-miss between a Chinese satellite and one of SpaceX’s Starlink devices was behind the US company’s decision to move more than 4,000 of its satellites into lower orbit.