Beijing’s South China Sea island buildup is “for military purposes” according to the director of America’s National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Robert Cardillo. In a rare public testimony, he rejected China’s claim that its land reclamation projects are commercial or tourism-related.

Samsung has announced it is stopping production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, a day after it halted global sales of the faulty devices. The South Korean tech giant said it had made a final decision to stop production for the sake of consumer safety.

Hong Kong’s former Chief Executive, Donald Tsang Yam-kuen faces a fresh charge relating to his failure to disclose accepting a luxury penthouse in Shenzhen when he was in office. The new charge, under the city’s Prevention of Bribery Ordinance, alleges he accepted advantage in refurbishment and redecoration of the three-story apartment.

Thailand’s most prominent opposition Red Shirt leader was back behind bars on Tuesday after a court ruled he had breached bail conditions by criticizing the junta during a television show. In a statement, Bangkok’s Criminal Court said Jatuporn Prompan had been “sarcastic” about the work of the junta.

Celebrating 250 years, Tattersalls – in Newmarket, England – is the world’s oldest bloodstock auctioneer. An ailing pound provides an added draw for Hong Kong and Japanese buyers looking for horseracing’s next superstars at this year’s October Yearling Sales.

Kenny Hodgart

Kenny Hodgart is an editor for Asia Times.