Chinese tech cuts desalination cost; light plane crash dilemma: 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. Chinese tech makes desalinating seawater cheaper than producing bottled waterDesalination has always been an energy-hungry way of turning salt water into fresh water, making it largely the preserve of wealthy countries with abundant fossil fuel reserves. Yet, an outdoor demonstration prototype in China has managed to exhibit year-long stability with zero utility energy costs, thanks to a new type of photothermal material.2. Why a Light plane crash in Beijing created a security dilemma for authoritiesThe pilot was killed and 13 people were injured when the plane hit Citic Tower in Beijing on Friday. Photo: HandoutFlight schools across China said they had been told to suspend training and undergo safety inspections by authorities after a light sport aircraft crashed into Beijing’s tallest skyscraper on Friday.3. What signal is China sending with official footage of Sixth-generation fighter?The video included the first official reference to the “Little Six” and a blurry clip of the plane. Photo: China Military BugleChina’s military apparently released the first official footage of its Sixth-generation fighter over the weekend – a move that analysts said might suggest Beijing was ahead of its competitors, including the US, in developing the next generation of warplanes.4. Mainland China revises criteria for settling in Hong Kong, MacauMainland Chinese immigration authorities are standardising their assessment regime for approving residents to settle in Hong Kong and Macau by replacing the previous points-based system with unified criteria, offering applicants more certainty.5. Why would Filipinos holiday at home if abroad is cheaper?Manila wants Filipinos to explore their own backyard. But when Batanes costs twice as much as Taipei, it is a tough sell.6. UBTech launches lifelike humanoid robots built for companionship in ChinaThe U1 humanoid robot. Compared with industrial robots, consumer models face stricter requirements for appearance, privacy protection and long-term human interaction. Photo: Caroline WangUBTech Robotics, the world’s first publicly traded humanoid robot maker, has launched a consumer humanoid designed for personal companionship, featuring lifelike silicone skin and emotional artificial intelligence, as Chinese tech firms increasingly transition robots from the factory floor to the family living room.7. Chinese farmer’s forest of cameras fails to bear fruit in compensation bidA Chinese farmer installed 171 security cameras in his orchard as rural camera sales soar. Photo: HandoutA Chinese farmer has generated a buzz online by planting a forest of more than 170 surveillance cameras on his land in the hope of boosting his compensation under a land purchase scheme.Further Reading