Trump hails ‘victories’ in Iran; China’s underwater tunnels: 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. Controlled escalation? Trump hails ‘victories’ in Iran but vows more strikesUS President Donald Trump declared the US‑Israel war against Iran had delivered “decisive, overwhelming victories”, even as he signalled that key military objectives were still “nearing completion” and that further strikes could inflict heavy damage on targets in the country.2. China builds record-breaking underwater tunnels to unite eastern, western hubsChina is building a high-speed rail tunnel stretching more than 14km (9 miles) under the Yangtze River between Shanghai and Taicang, Jiangsu province. Photo: People’s DailyChina has finished digging the underwater section of a high-speed rail tunnel stretching more than 14km (9 miles) under a busy segment of the Yangtze River, as the country increasingly turns to vast subterranean passages to expand its railway network.3. Taiwan KMT leader to visit mainland China to aid ‘peaceful’ relations: BeijingCheng Li-wun, chairwoman of Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), will lead a delegation to mainland China next month at the invitation of Beijing, her first visit since assuming the position in November.