Boycott Maldives campaign, why Taiwan election matters, chaos at Cathay Pacific: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

From the backlash over ministers in Maldives calling Modi a ‘clown’ to why Taiwan election matters, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting

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On January 13, Taiwan will hold presidential and legislature elections that will help shape US-China relations for years to come. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 12:05pm, 12 Jan 2024Updated: 2:58pm, 12 Jan 2024

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 does Taiwan matter so much to both mainland China and the US?

As many as 19.3 million voters in Taiwan will elect a new president on January 13. Their vote will not only decide the self-ruled island’s policy with Beijing for years to come, but also geopolitics in the Asia-Pacific region and US-China relations.

2. Chinese scientists achieve breakthrough in converting coal into protein

As the global demand for animal feed continues to soar, researchers in China have developed a groundbreaking method to create protein using methanol derived from coal that is both inexpensive and highly efficient.

3. Too few pilots, roster chaos: behind Cathay Pacific’s flight cancellations

Hong Kong’s flag carrier was once again thrust into the spotlight this week when Cathay Pacific announced it would cut an average of 12 flights a day until the end of February in a bid to avoid cancellations during the Lunar New Year holiday – one of the busiest travel periods of the year in China.