US drone presence worries China, top neuroscientist moves to Shenzhen: 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. Why the growing network of American MQ-9 drones is a challenge for ChinaAmerica’s increasing use of MQ-9 drones near China poses a challenge to Beijing and makes it more urgent for the People’s Liberation Army to improve counter-reconnaissance, according to military experts.2. Top neuroscientist Arthur Konnerth leaves Germany for full-time role in ChinaArthur Konnerth is a leading figure in neuroscience whose work has helped transform the understanding of how the brain processes information. Photo: HandoutArthur Konnerth, a recipient of the prestigious Brain Prize, has joined the Shenzhen Bay Laboratory (SZBL) on a full-time basis, the institute announced on January 29.3. South Korea’s ex-president Yoon sentenced to life in prison for insurrectionA woman walks past a television screen in Seoul broadcasting a news report on Yoon Suk-yeol’s sentencing on Thursday. Photo: Reuters