Democrats’ victory could squeeze China; star mathematician leaves US: 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. US midterm shift could squeeze China on AI, bring clarity to bilateral talks

Beijing has vowed to continue working with Washington towards a “constructive relationship of strategic stability” following the Democrats’ sweeping victory in the US midterm elections on Wednesday.

2. Chinese mechanic reports short-lived GE engine blades in Boeing 787

Some high-pressure turbine blades in US-made GE Aerospace engines powering Boeing 787 aircraft have suffered unexpectedly early damage, leaving airlines with a difficult choice: replace the engines or continue flying under strict inspection requirements, according to a Chinese aviation specialist.

3. Why the next US House speaker won’t follow Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan playbook

The Democrat expected to become US House speaker has met Taiwan’s former leader and backed legislation supporting the island, yet is unlikely to follow Nancy Pelosi’s example in pursuing high-profile engagement with Taipei, analysts said.

4. Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong jailed for 10 years in foreign collusion case

Jailed Hong Kong opposition activist Joshua Wong Chi-fung has been sentenced to 10 years behind bars for his role in a global campaign to instigate sanctions against mainland China and the city in the aftermath of the 2019 anti-government protests.

5. Star mathematician Ma Xiao leaves the US for China – and a career pivot to AI

The 28-year-old helped achieve a breakthrough on Hilbert’s sixth problem and is now embracing the ‘new era’ of artificial intelligence, returning to his alma mater the University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei.

6. Malaysian police probe viral video of father slapping woman in Kuala Lumpur mall

Malaysian police have launched an investigation into a fight at a shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur after a viral video showed a man slapping a woman who allegedly assaulted his two young children.

7. China delivery driver divorces US teacher he married 4 months after love confession

A food delivery driver from northeastern China, whose whirlwind marriage to an American teacher captivated social media, has announced their divorce.