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. China makes space for private sector, vows spending to boost demand
China’s leaders pledged to attain next year’s target for growth and better support the country’s private sector after this year’s central economic work conference on Thursday, saying the country’s coffers would be opened wider for a much-needed jolt to domestic demand.
2. South Korea’s ex-defence minister attempts suicide in detention
South Korea’s former Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun, who is accused of playing a lead role in last week’s failed attempt to impose martial law, attempted suicide on Wednesday while in detention. Shin Yong-hae, the commissioner general of the Korea Correctional Service, informed lawmakers that Kim’s suicide attempt took place at a detention centre in Seoul but was thwarted by staff.
3. Even Chow Yun-fat is no match for Hong Kong’s real estate slump
