The delights of Hong Kong’s iconic ‘tea restaurants’

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  Shui Ka-chun, Hong Kong Activist, Dies

  A social worker and teacher imprisoned for his activism, he later wrote about the toll of incarceration and worked to help others behind bars.
  
  The New York Times - 2d

• The iconic LA neighbourhoods reduced to ashes

  Home of Hollywood struggles to cope after thousands of homes and businesses are destroyed
  
  Financial Times - 2d
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  Tea bags releasing 'millions' of microplastics into tea, study shows

  Yahoo News - 2d

• Chinese toymaker taps ‘kidult’ craze as shares soar on Hong Kong debut

  As birth rates fall in Asia, companies focus on nostalgic toys for young adults
  
  Financial Times - 2d

• The delights of the ancient world should be available for all

  The flame of classics still burns in state schools even as the Latin scheme is axed
  
  Financial Times - 3d

• Tencent shares fall 8% in Hong Kong after U.S. designates it a Chinese military company

  Other Chinese companies added to the list included battery maker CATL, which is part of the supply chain for automakers like Ford and Tesla.
  
  CNBC - 5d
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  Hong Kong’s Cabbies, Long Scorned and Frustrated, Face the End of an Era

  A government push to modernize taxi services comes up against the habits of drivers known for driving fast and accepting only cash.
  
  The New York Times - Jan. 5
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  Doomed to fail? Hong Kong’s attempt to tackle ‘shoebox housing’ runs into trouble

  Authorities are seeking to fix the city’s problem of tiny, overcrowded housing but critics say the new regulations fail to capture the worst offenders. Lai Shan Zse moves quickly, bounding up the ...
  
  The Guardian - Jan. 3

• How an FBI Sting Stopped a Russian Smuggler but Not His Hong Kong Supply Route

  The case showed how difficult it is to stanch the flow of equipment to Russia through China, which the U.S. accuses of helping Moscow sustain the military production it needs to continue the war.
  
  The Wall Street Journal - Jan. 2

More from Financial Times

• FirstFT: Los Angeles fires could be costliest disaster in US history, says California governor

  Also in today’s newsletter, logistics groups move Chinese staff, and Meta’s ‘free speech’ overhaul sparks advertisers’ concern
  
  Financial Times - 5h

• Italy frees Iranian wanted by US for alleged illegal drone tech exports to Tehran

  Rome decision comes days after release of Italian journalist held in Iran’s notorious Evin prison
  
  Financial Times - 7h

• Trump to urge Zelenskyy to lower Ukraine’s conscription age to 18

  Incoming US president plans to speak with Russia’s Vladimir Putin within weeks, says new national security adviser
  
  Financial Times - 8h

• TikTok’s last dance in the US

  Plus, Joe Biden leaves the White House, Wall Street banks report earnings, and confidential MI5 files are made public
  
  Financial Times - 9h

• Sudan’s last hope lies in external actors ending the war

  Middle Eastern states and their allies must not continue to exploit the country as a battleground for their rivalries
  
  Financial Times - 9h

More in World

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  Australian Open 2025: Sinner and Swiatek in action as Tsitsipas stunned on day two – live

  Updates from the second day of action at Melbourne Park Any thoughts? Share them with Joey via email Another multi-deuce service game for Coco Gauff, but this time it goes Sofia Kenin’s ...
  
  The Guardian - 11m
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  LA fires live updates: California death toll rises to 24 as Los Angeles fire chief says ready for strong winds

  Eight of the dead found in Palisades fire zone and 16 in Eaton fire zone, medical examiner says, as forestry department warns of ‘critical fire weather’. Full story: stronger winds threaten ...
  
  The Guardian - 13m

• China's Export Boom Means Trump Tariffs Would Hit Beijing Where It Hurts

  The country’s economy is increasingly reliant on foreign demand for goods pouring out of Chinese factories.
  
  The Wall Street Journal - 20m
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  New year, new anxious thoughts. How is your 2025 going? | Jess Harwood

  Global events can feel bigger and more intractable than ever, but there’s still hope Continue reading...
  
  The Guardian - 1h
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  Chuck D pleads for people to stop using Public Enemy’s Burn Hollywood Burn on videos of LA fires

  The 1990 protest track ‘has nothing to do with families losing everything they have’ says the rapper, hitting out at TikTok and Instagram videos. Follow our Australia news live blog for latest ...
  
  The Guardian - 1h