Midtown Blogger/Manhattan Valley Follies: South China Morning Post

Japan 'will not give up' rescue efforts as IS remains silent on two hostages' fate

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met with his National Security Council on the crisis. Photo: Reuters

Japanese officials said on Saturday night that they were investigating a new online message allegedly from Islamic State claiming one of the two Japanese hostages it holds has been executed.

Sunday, 25 January, 2015, 1:46am 2 comments

Girl, 12, who pulled off HK$36 million diamond heist hunted by Hong Kong police

A robbery gang who used an innocent-looking child to stage the audacious theft of a HK$36 million diamond necklace were being hunted by police.

25 Jan 2015 - 8:19am 3 comments

Revolutionary Fervour: Part 3 of Hong Kong's biggest collection of Chinese propaganda posters

Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Sport Games, undated picture

Get a fascinating insight into China's propaganda machine through a huge collection of communist posters from the 1950s to 1990s, currently on display in Hong Kong.

25 Jan 2015 - 8:47am

Mao Zedong's Great Famine of 1958-62 still blights rural lives

Workers march behind red flags in 1959, during the forced collectivisation of Mao Zedong's Great Leap Forward. The ensuing famine is the subject of several recent books. Photo: Xinhua

The Great Famine, sparked by Mao Zedong's radical 'Great Leap Forward', killed more than 40 million people and left a legacy of suffering and rural poverty that persists five decades on.

25 Jan 2015 - 9:09am 27 comments More on Focus

China Communist Party magazine blasts professors who spread 'Western values'

Professor He Weifang says he party's reputation can only be harmed by a crackdown on free speech.

The Communist party's influential magazine Qiushi Journal lashed out at university professors for defaming China by spreading Western values, raising concerns about academic freedom on the mainland.

25 Jan 2015 - 9:13am 7 comments

Xi Jinping visits PLA unit linked to Bo Xilai on first inspection tour of the year

President Xi Jinping meets with senior officers of the 14th army group in Kunming. Photo: Xinhua

President Xi Jinping chose the 14th Army Corps, a former power base of the jailed Chongqing party boss Bo Xilai, for his first domestic inspection tour this year.

25 Jan 2015 - 5:29amMore on Xi Jinping

Stop meddling in science awards, Chinese computer federation tells government

Zhang Yaoxue won this year's State Natural Science Award, prompting a backlash from a top-tier computer science association. Photo: Gov.cn

An organisation representing computer academics and experts on the mainland has urged the government to stop interfering in who gets the nation's top science and technology awards.

25 Jan 2015 - 5:13am 13 comments

Hi-tech firms sowing seeds of future profits

An orange orchard featured in an advertisement by Nongfu Spring, one of the mainland firms to diversify into the agricultural sector. Photo: SMP

Technology firms and other companies on the mainland venturing into agriculture might have to wait years to develop their expertise and turn strong profits, according to analysts.

25 Jan 2015 - 5:29am

Beijing seeks assurances of safety for Chinese nationals and their property in Kinshasa, Congo after riots

Riot policemen patrol along a street. Photo: Reuters

The Chinese embassy in Democratic Republic of the Congo has launched an emergency plan to protect Chinese residents after their businesses were looted during massive demonstrations in the capital, Kinshasa, state media reported.

25 Jan 2015 - 8:19am

Tony Blair's thank-you letter to Muammar Gaddafi puts heat on Hong Kong for spy move

Sami al-Saadi and family were detained. Photo: SMP

A letter from former British PM Tony Blair thanking Gaddafi for his cooperation in hunting down opponents of the Libyan dictator has placed fresh pressure on the Hong Kong government.

25 Jan 2015 - 9:10am 3 comments

British diplomats fuming over Hong Kong's snub of Hugo Swire

British diplomats have expressed outrage and frustration over a snub delivered to their most senior official on Hong Kong during a visit to the city earlier this month for key discussions over political reform.

25 Jan 2015 - 2:13am 21 comments

Police show Occupy founders evidence that may be used against them

UPDATE

The three co-founders of Occupy Central got a glimpse of the authorities' case against them as they were shown video clips and articles they wrote, which police say are proof they "incited" people to take part in the protests.

25 Jan 2015 - 1:40am 15 comments More on Occupy Central

Singapore's reputation as shopping haven damaged by shady salesmen

25 Jan 2015 - 2:38am 1 comment

Western-produced film made in N. Korea avoids 'The Interview' fate, screening approved

25 Jan 2015 - 4:44am

New world champion: Hong Kong runner conquers seven marathons on seven continents in seven days

25 Jan 2015 - 1:30am 6 comments

Karaoke's new heights: Chinese tourists can climb Sydney's 134m Harbour Bridge to sing Mandarin hits

25 Jan 2015 - 4:45am 3 comments

Spotlight on fate of Paraguayandrug mule on death row in China

25 Jan 2015 - 7:46am

Conservationist strives to save Kathmandu's architectural heritage

25 Jan 2015 - 7:09am

Jakarta police free top official from national anti-graft agency

25 Jan 2015 - 7:09am

US envoy heads to Thailand after junta's lawmakers ban ousted ex-PM, threaten jail

25 Jan 2015 - 7:10am

Myanmar military freed record 418 child soldiers in 2014, UN confirms

25 Jan 2015 - 7:09am

Rocket attack kills over 20 in eastern Ukraine

25 Jan 2015 - 7:46am

MORE HEADLINES

SCMP Brand Post

Let there be smart light: the high-tech bulbs that can be controlled with your phone

The exclusive Aberdeen Marina Club at Island South

As China's economy wavers banks and investment houses focus on long-term growth

Presented Channels

International Property

The University of Macau Story

SCMP ePaper Edition

25 JAN 2015

British diplomats fuming over Hong Kong's snub of Hugo Swire
New world champion: Hong Kong runner conquers seven marathons on seven continents in seven days
Police...

View

To access the SCMP ePaper Edition you will need a Digital Premium Subscription.

Leader

Former Editor-in-chief Brian Leung Kai-ping (left) and feature editor Jamie Tso Hiu-nok of HKU student union's publicatiob Undergrad. Photo: May Tse

More needs to be done to engage the youth of Hong Kong

25 Jan 2015 - 6:58am

Hard path ahead for Saudi Arabia's new ruler

25 Jan 2015 - 6:58am 1 comment

Today's Poll

Are Hong Kong critics of a PLA-linked youth cadet programme applying double standards?

British army-linked cadets active in Hong Kong amid debate over new PLA-backed force

Total number of votes recorded: 242

Opinion

CARY HUANG

Corruption bust show's PLA's biggest threat, for now, lies inside

25 Jan 2015 - 8:13am

JAKE VAN DER KAMP

Five bad options to tackle 'too big to fail' fallacy

25 Jan 2015 - 8:13am

PHILIP BOWRING

The dangers of certitude

25 Jan 2015 - 6:16am 6 comments

TIM NOONAN

Right Field: Looks like Sepp Blatter is here to stay

24 Jan 2015 - 7:08pm

Insight

More needs to be done to engage the youth of Hong Kong

SCMP EDITORIAL25 Jan 2015 - 6:58am

Blogs

PLATE TO PALATE

Chefs, get out of the kitchen! It's the way to earn respect

SUSAN JUNG24 Jan 2015 - 10:19pm

CORPORATE CHINA

Is the Alibaba-Yahoo dance set for a new phase?

DOUG YOUNG23 Jan 2015 - 3:32pm

Focus

Singapore's reputation as shopping haven damaged by shady salesmen

People's Park Complex, a commercial and residential facility in Singapore, has been identified along with Sim Lim Square and Lucky Plaza as having a high incidence of consumer complaints. Photo: Singapore Press Holdings

KYODO

With its hi-tech, safe and modern shopping paradise image, Singapore has long attracted tourists from around the world keen to splurge on the latest smart phones and other fancy electronic gadgets.

25 Jan 2015 - 2:38am 1 comment

Harry's View

23 Jan 2015

Hong Kong

ARTS

Revolutionary Fervour: Part 3 of Hong Kong's biggest collection of Chinese propaganda posters

Get a fascinating insight into China's propaganda machine through a huge collection of communist posters from the 1950s to 1990s, currently on display in Hong Kong.

25 Jan 2015 - 8:47am

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Police show Occupy founders evidence that may be used against them

UPDATE

25 Jan 2015 - 1:40am 15 comments More on Occupy Central

DIPLOMACY

British diplomats fuming over Hong Kong's snub of Hugo Swire

25 Jan 2015 21 comments

MORE HONG KONG NEWS

China

EDUCATION

China Communist Party magazine blasts professors who spread 'Western values'

The Communist party's influential magazine Qiushi Journal lashed out at university professors for defaming China by spreading Western values, raising concerns about academic freedom on the mainland.

25 Jan 2015 - 9:13am 7 comments

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Stop meddling in science awards, Chinese computer federation tells government

An organisation representing computer academics and experts on the mainland has urged the government to stop interfering in who gets the nation's top science and technology awards.

25 Jan 2015 - 5:13am 13 comments

MILITARY

Xi Jinping visits PLA unit linked to Bo Xilai on first inspection tour of the year

25 Jan 2015

MORE CHINA NEWS

Asia

ISLAMIC MILITANCY

Japan 'will not give up' rescue efforts as IS remains silent on two hostages' fate

Japanese officials said on Saturday night that they were investigating a new online message allegedly from Islamic State claiming one of the two Japanese hostages it holds has been executed.

25 Jan 2015 - 1:46am 2 comments

NEPAL

Conservationist strives to save Kathmandu's architectural heritage

When Chandan Shrestha discovered that a 200-year-old house in his Kathmandu neighbourhood was being demolished and replaced by a concrete structure, he intervened before it vanished like many of the other heritage buildings in Nepal's capital.

25 Jan 2015 - 7:09am

INDONESIA

Jakarta police free top official from national anti-graft agency

25 Jan 2015

MORE ASIA NEWS

World

Barack Obama with the late King Abdullah in 2009. Photo: AFP

ANALYSIS: MIDDLE EAST

Unlikely US and Saudi allies still need one another

Long-standing ties between the United States, the world's oldest democracy, and Saudi Arabia, an ultra-conservative Islamic absolute monarchy, have strained at times, but the unlikely allies remain bound by mutual interests.

25 Jan 2015 - 7:46am

UKRAINE

Rocket attack kills over 20 in eastern Ukraine

Indiscriminate rocket fire slammed into a market, schools and homes yesterday in the eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, killing at least 21 people, authorities said.

25 Jan 2015 - 7:46am

NARCOTICS

Spotlight on fate of Paraguayandrug mule on death row in China

25 Jan 2015

MORE WORLD NEWS

China Insider

A man bumped into his former girlfriend recently but but the reunion quickly turned sour when he demanded she return his SIM card, which she then swallowed. Photo: Bloomberg

AROUND THE NATION

Around the nation: Woman swallows ex-boyfriend's SIM card during row

23 Jan 2015

A lesbian Chinese couple kiss for the cameras outside a marriage registry office after being turned away. Some lesbians are opting to marry gay 'beards' to ease social pressure and discrimination. Photo: EPA

LGBT RIGHTS

Seeking a lesbian wife: pressured Chinese gays turn to online dating for ‘cooperative marriage’

23 Jan 2015 6 comments

The Chinese man who surprised commuters by riding on the Beijing subway with a "watermelon head mask" appeared to be drunk. Photo: SCMP Pictures

CHINA DIGEST

Around the nation: 'Melon head' man spotted on metro in China - and taken away by police

23 Jan 2015

A man high on drugs thought he was proposing to popular Chinese actress Fan Bingbing (pictured), but it turned out to be his colleague. Photo: SCMP Pictures

CHINA DIGEST

Around the nation: Hallucinating Chinese man proposes to 'Fan Bingbing' - or so he thinks

22 Jan 2015

ANIMAL CARE

Zoo keeper expelled after abuse of tiger cub is exposed in online video

22 Jan 2015

Diners visiting a new restaurant in Shenyang, Liaoning, have a winter-only option of being serving in an igloo. The interior is heated enough to prevent diners from freezing, but not so warm to melt the surroundings. Photo: SCMP Pictures

AROUND THE NATION

Around the nation: Shenyang restaurant offers winter dining in an igloo

21 Jan 2015

Disgraced former Chongqing police chief Wang Lijun (right) showed off his calligraphy work in 2010.

ANTI-CORRUPTION

'Leave the arts to artists,' China's top graft-buster warns officials of corruption under disguise of art groups

20 Jan 2015 3 comments

Rescue workers climb a 30-metre transmission tower in Zhengzhou to rescue a chef upset over a colleague's criticism of his cooking. Photo: SCMP Pictures

CHINA DIGEST

Around the nation: Chef threatens to jump off tower after colleague says his cooking is too salty

19 Jan 2015

SOCIAL MEDIA

WeChat angers China officials for flying virtual American flags on Martin Luther King Day

20 Jan 2015 8 comments

The Fuyan police department insisted the officers were pictured in their real training sites. Photo: Weibo

SECURITY

Police unit in China's restive Xinjiang mocked for cinematic recruitment posters

16 Jan 2015 7 comments

A foot-and-mouth outbreak has been reported among cattle in Wuhan. Photo: AP

CHINA DIGEST

Around the nation: Foot-and-mouth outbreak among cattle in Wuhan

16 Jan 2015

Yi Junqing made his first public appearance in 22 months. Photo: AP

ANTI-CORRUPTION CAMPAIGN

Chinese propaganda official sacked for sex scandal reappears as Marxist scholar

15 Jan 2015 3 comments

A man surveys the Forbidden City in Beijing on Wednesday as air quality in the capital descended to heavily polluted levels. Photo: Simon Song

ENVIRONMENT

Double jeopardy of fog and heavy smog across northern, central China

16 Jan 2015 2 comments

Police in Henan province said a man, filmed by a surveillance camera, is suspected of stealing cash and sex toys worth more than 10,000 yuan from eight Luoyang sex shops in one night. Photo: Dahe Daily

CHINA DIGEST

Around the nation: Chinese police hunt man who stole cash and sex toys

14 Jan 2015

Business

Hutchison Whampoa said it agreed to buy British mobile operator O2 for as much as £10.25 billion. Photo: Reuters

ACQUISITIONS

Li Ka-shing eyes biggest telecoms deal with bid to buy UK mobile operator O2

Asia's richest man Li Ka-shing is about to make his biggest-ever acquisition, with a deal to buy British mobile operator O2 for as much as £10.25 billion (HK$120 billion).

24 Jan 2015 - 1:27am 4 comments

ECONOMY

ECB move hurts yuan as China exports get lift

NEW

The European Central Bank's quantitative easing programme could put depreciation pressure on the yuan against the US dollar but benefit exports, a People's Bank of China official said.

24 Jan 2015 - 12:19am

MARKETS

DOUG YOUNG

TCL's valuation envy, JD.com looks back on Dangdang

20 Jan 2015 - 3:45pm 1 comment

MORE BUSINESS NEWS

Property

Ho Tung Gardens on The Peak, without its landmark main building that was demolished two years ago, sold for a record HK$5.1 billion. Photo: Sam Tsang

HOUSING

Sales on The Peak breathe life into Hong Kong luxury property market

NEW

Big-ticket sales on The Peak are seen as breathing life back into a luxury property sector that has languished in the doldrums even as prices in the mass market deepen their push into record territory.

23 Jan 2015 - 4:25pm 1 comment

REDEVELOPMENT

Strong opposition seen to use land in Hung Shui Kiu for housing

NEW

A pilot scheme to relocate existing industrial operators into multistorey buildings to free up land in the northwestern New Territories for housing development is expected to face strong opposition.

21 Jan 2015 - 7:46am 2 commentsMore on China Property

E-COMMERCE

China's malls take advantage of online-to-offline e-commerce

21 Jan 2015

MORE PROPERTY NEWS

Lifestyle

ARTS & CULTURE

Bill Viola's The Reflecting Pool comprises a series of videos. It's part of the Art Institute of Chicago's film and video collection.

Forerunners of YouTube - Art Institute of Chicago's video collection is unofficially collated online by a grad student

Chicago museum's little-seen film and video collection is getting an unofficial airing online, writes Nina Metz.

24 Jan 2015 - 10:32pmMore on LIFE

Kim Fowley: icon of sex, sleaze and all-round weirdness in LA rock'n'roll

24 Jan 2015 1 comment

Syrian cartoonists lampoon Bashar Assad and Islamic State

24 Jan 2015

FOOD & WINE

Vicky Lau started out in advertising before learning her trade at Le Cordon Bleu in Bangkok and working at Michelin-starred Cépage in Hong Kong.

Vicky Lau, Asia's Best Female Chef 2015, not afraid to experiment

The owner of Michelin-starred Tate Dining Room & Bar, in Central, who has been named Best Female Chef 2015 by the organisers of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, talks to Kylie Knott about Hong Kong's evolving food scene.

24 Jan 2015 - 10:28pm

Wine lovers, do your homework before an auction

24 Jan 2015

Chefs, get out of the kitchen! It's the way to earn respect

24 Jan 2015

TECHNOLOGY

Genetically recoded organisms could be safe enough to use to clean up oil spills or break down toxic chemicals

Synthetic amino acids may one day allow scientists to create "genetic firewalls" that prevent genetically modified crops or animals from escaping into the wild and causing environmental damage.

25 Jan 2015 - 8:08am

Debate over artificial intelligence raises moral, legal and technical questions

25 Jan 2015 1 comment

GSK, Pfizer must lower price of vital vaccine: Medecins sans Frontieres

25 Jan 2015

FASHION

Milan Men's Fashion Week designers focused on comfort

23 Jan 2015

Earn your fashion stripes with uniform-inspired looks

24 Jan 2015

BOOKS

Ravensbrück concentration camp was built for women prisoners but its detailed story has not been told until now in Sarah Helm's book.

If This is a Woman review - horrors and heroism in a Nazi concentration camp for women only

24 Jan 2015

The Cultural Lives of Whales and Dolphins review - discoveries to sing about

24 Jan 2015

HEALTH

Feeling energetic? The definitive guide to Hong Kong's best running trails

23 Jan 2015

How to recover after running a marathon: experts give tips

20 Jan 2015

BEAUTY

Review: Iyara Day Spa - sports massage feels like yoga

21 Jan 2015

Beauty low-down: which face cream is kindest to your skin?

21 Jan 2015

FAMILY & EDUCATION

Jane Engelmann is the founder of Unsung Heroes and head of performing arts at Peak School.

Hong Kong's domestic helpers express themselves in Unsung Heroes choir

20 Jan 2015

Tips to give children access to quality parenting after divorce

21 Jan 2015

INTERIORS & LIVING

Seaside Hong Kong home brings the outdoors in

24 Jan 2015

Funny faces: quirky home accessories add a dash of humour

24 Jan 2015

Magazines

Post Magazine: January 18
18 JAN 2015

Manila street children have been locked away, out of sight of the visiting pope
48 Hours: January 15
15 JAN 2015

Ms Allen is back in business