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Trump extends Iran ceasefire; Hong Kong actress’ second cancer shock: 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…

By Samantha Johnson / April 24, 2026
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. Trump extends Iran ceasefire, claims interception of ‘gift from China’

US President Donald Trump announced a last-minute extension of the ceasefire with Iran following a request from Pakistan’s top leadership, even as he appeared to suggest that American forces had intercepted a potentially lethal “gift from China” to Tehran.

2. Xi Jinping says Strait of Hormuz should be open in call with Saudi crown prince

The Strait of Hormuz should remain open, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a phone call with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

3. 20 Hong Kong couples each get HK$60,000 triple baby bonus but disbursement lags

The scheme, which launched in October 2023, provides a one-off HK$20,000 bonus to eligible parents for newborns. Photo: Jelly Tse
The scheme, which launched in October 2023, provides a one-off HK$20,000 bonus to eligible parents for newborns. Photo: Jelly Tse

Twenty Hong Kong couples have each received baby bonuses totalling HK$60,000 (US$7,700) for having three children in about 2½ years. Yet less than 60 per cent of the HK$2.28 billion earmarked for the three-year government scheme has been disbursed as of February, with just over six months to go before it ends in October.

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