China tightens travel restrictions for citizens
New rules governing travel to and from China have come into effect, a move that observers say will further tighten the government's control over its citizens. Chinese authorities say the rules are to "safeguard national sovereignty and security" and have denied that they restricted the travel of "ordinary citizens". "This is another tool designed to control what Chinese citizens do and say overseas," Professor Tom Kellogg, Executive Director of the Center for Asian Law at Georgetown University, told BBC Chinese. But some Chinese nationals have reported facing murky travel restrictions for years. Today's various travel restrictions, Kellogg said, "bring back memories of that painful era".
Source:BBC Asia TW
September 15, 2026 02:38 UTC
Hyrox athlete sparks debate for pushing through race after soiling herself
An athlete's Hyrox performance has sparked debate after completing a race in Beijing despite soiling herself midway through the event. Footage of the woman competing in the indoor fitness competition despite her soiled legs has gone viral, with some people raising concerns around hygiene and others saluting her resolve to push through. "There is no place in our community for threats of violence or encouragement to harm an athlete," Hyrox said in a statement early on Monday. In each Hyrox race, participants alternate between running a kilometre and doing fitness exercises, such as the sled push, burpee jumps, indoor rowing, and lunges while carrying a sandbag. Joe Ho, who also took part in the Hyrox Beijing competition over the weekend, has criticised Hyrox's response to the issue and called on the organisation to "take responsibility when its own procedures fail".
Source:BBC Asia TW
September 14, 2026 05:20 UTC
Philippine ferry fire: Police say it could take months to identify victims
Philippine authorities said it could take weeks or months to identify victims of a ferry fire that killed 76 people last week. Family members have been asked to help identify victims with personal items or DNA samples. A coast guard official said on Saturday that the priority was identifying victims and determining the cause of the blaze. Besides tourists, there were also passengers on the ferry who had been travelling to Coron for work or to visit family. Mangalip said at the press conference on Sunday that some victims' remains were found clustered together in parts of the vessel.
Source:BBC Asia TW
September 14, 2026 04:10 UTC