China maps Israeli spoofing with flight data; new US press secretary: 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. Chinese scientists say they spotted possible Israeli electronic warfare units

Chinese military scientists claim they have developed an algorithm that could help identify electronic warfare units using civil aviation flight data.

2. New Trump press secretary says she passed bar exam in China, raising eyebrows

Katie Zacharia, US President Donald Trump’s newly appointed White House press secretary, faces questions about her legal credentials after telling reporters on Tuesday that she passed a bar exam “when I moved to China”, without identifying the jurisdiction.

3. China gives green light to Visa for local clearing entity after 9-year wait

The People’s Bank of China on Tuesday gave its approval to Visa to make preparations for a locally registered bank card clearing organisation, calling the move a major step in the country’s financial opening up in an online statement.

4. Slain model Abby Choi called ‘birthing machine’ by ex-father-in-law, court hears

The former father-in-law of slain Hong Kong socialite Abby Choi Tin-fung called her a “birthing machine” and tried to assault her before he allegedly plotted with his two sons to kill her three years ago, a court has heard.

5. China keeps extending Shenzhen Apec deadline. Why are US execs so unenthused?

Some senior American executives are lukewarm about attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and related business events in Shenzhen next month, according to people familiar with the matter.

6. ‘Forgive us’: Indonesians urge Singapore, Malaysia to sue Jakarta over haze

Many Indonesians are urging foreign governments on social media, including those of neighbouring countries affected by the haze, to take action against Jakarta over its handling of the fires.

7. How Ivanka Trump’s Guo Pei dress put Chinese high fashion in spotlight

Ivanka Trump’s appearance in a blue embroidered couture outfit during the welcome ceremony for President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Washington last month has drawn attention to its designer and the growing international profile of Chinese bespoke fashion.