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China’s rise, exemplified by the size of its GDP, was thought to be inevitable. But questions have arisen over whether it will close a gap with the United States that is now widening. Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China

China’s GDP gap with US, Malaysians mock Starbucks franchisee, Japan’s geisha visitors ban: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

  • From a Hongkonger involved in a scandal-hit party getting 160 hours of community service to South Korea lamenting its loss to China in key tech, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting
SCMP Highlights
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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. Once thought inevitable, China overtaking US in GDP now far from certain

A few years ago, many confidently predicted China would overtake the US in GDP terms – but a recent downturn suggests these prophecies were premature.

2. ‘Unacceptable and upsetting’: South Korea laments lost edge to China in key tech

China’s advancements in 136 key technologies outpaced those of South Korea for the first time in 2022, according to a recent report by the latter’s Ministry of Science and ICT.

3. Hongkonger involved in scandal-hit party gets 160 hours of community service

Celia Wong (second left) and Witman Hung (centre) during the latter’s 53rd birthday party at Reserva Iberica Tapas Bar and Cafe in Wan Chai. Photo: Handout

A magistrate has handed down a sentence of 160 hours of community service to a Hong Kong marketing executive who misled health officials over an infamous birthday party in 2022 that had top officials in attendance.

4. Malaysians mock Starbucks franchisee’s calls to end boycott over Israel-Gaza war

Vincent Tan pictured in 2013. The now 72-year-old is Malaysia’s 28th richest person, according to Forbes. Photo: AFP

Malaysian social media has been awash with wry humour and defiance after consumer-goods mogul Vincent Tan appealed for an end to a costly boycott of Starbucks in the country over its alleged links to Israel.

5. Beijing ‘considering’ raising Hong Kong’s duty-free allowance for mainlanders

Beijing is “actively considering” raising Hong Kong’s duty-free shopping allowance for mainland Chinese tourists, as proposed by a majority of the city’s representatives attending the country’s largest annual political gathering in the capital, the Post has learned.

6. Kyoto to ban visitors from geisha district area over ‘out-of-control’ incidents

Japanese geisha visit Minamiza Theatre in Kyoto to watch a kabuki performance. Photo: Kyodo
The local council in Kyoto’s historic Gion will ban sightseers from the district’s narrow backstreets where the Japanese city’s iconic geisha trot daintily between client engagements after a spike in cases of the traditional entertainers being accosted by “out-of-control” tourists.

7. What’s the dining etiquette for different Asian cuisines? This expert knows

Piano Mok explains how Korean table settings feature chopsticks and an elongated spoon, which is used to eat rice and stew. Photo: Piano Mok

Besides being well versed in British, European and American dining, etiquette consultant Piano Mok also has a wealth of knowledge about Asian cuisines.

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