China’s canal link to Southeast Asia; Malaysia’s ‘illegal’ temple row: SCMP’s 7 highlights

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by SCMPFebruary 13, 2026 at 05:34 AM

AI Summary

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This week's news from the South China Morning Post highlights China's growing economic ties with Southeast Asia, exemplified by the near completion of the Pinglu Canal and consideration of a larger, more ambitious canal project. In Hong Kong, Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years in prison for violating the national security law, a case with geopolitical implications. Meanwhile, China's efforts to reduce dependence on soybean meal imports for animal feed have fallen short of their 2025 target, complicated by a US trade deal.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 40% Teresa Lai 40% Cardinal Joseph Zen 40% West 50% Pinglu Canal 70% Hong Kong ×270% Jimmy Lai Chee-ying ×280% Southeast Asia ×280% China ×590%

Keywords

canal link 80% national security law 70% soybean meal dependence 60% hong kong court 50% china-asean trade 50% animal feed industry 40% us-china relations 40%