China retaliates on US sanctions; North Korea’s dog meat advisory: 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 hits back at US with barrage of sanctions, drone industry curbsChina has hit back against a round of US sanctions with a barrage of counter-sanctions targeting a group of American entities and a tightening of export restrictions on the drone supply chain, the Ministry of Commerce announced on Wednesday.2. ‘Surprising’ how fast China’s military is closing US gap: analyst Lyle GoldsteinBeijing’s challenge is to resist temptation to build the PLA into a “hammer looking for a nail”, former US Naval War College professor Lyle Goldstein says.3. North Korea advises citizens to eat dog meat to beat the summer heatLive dogs for sale behind Rajin market in North Korea. Photo: SCMPNorth Korea’s state media has recommended dog meat soup as protection against summer heat, reviving Pyongyang’s long-running effort to promote the controversial dish as record-high temperatures grip both sides of the Korean peninsula.4. Beauty queen Grace Chan files police report after son splashed at cinema over rowHong Kong police are searching for a woman who allegedly splashed a “cream-like” liquid on the six‑year‑old son of actress and beauty queen Grace Chan Hoi‑lam at a cinema in Admiralty, following a dispute over the child’s behaviour during a movie screening.5. Haidilao takes on McDonald’s, KFC with burger brand amid slowing hotpot growthHaidilao launched its Fresh Burger store in Wuhan last month. Photo: HandoutChina’s largest hotpot chain Haidilao International Holding is aiming to further diversify its business with hamburger stores – following the example set by American brands like McDonald’s and KFC – and has also opened up more sushi stores to tap new growth drivers, as its core hotpot business shows slowing momentum.6. First Filipino WTA winner Eala backed by sporting pedigree, unstoppable spiritAlexandra Eala celebrates after beating Jessica Pegula in the final of the Washington Open. Photo: AFPAlexandra Eala was already on her way to becoming the Philippines’ next global star, and that was before she beat a grand slam winner, an Olympic gold medallist and the defending champion while winning her maiden WTA singles title.7. Chinese baby adopted by Swedish couple makes emotional return decades laterA woman from eastern China, abandoned at birth, has returned with her Swedish adoptive parents to reunite with her birth family after 23 years.Further Reading