Hong Kong / AFP Young Hong Kong independence activists calling for a complete break from China stood in major elections for the first time on Sunday, the biggest vote since 2014 pro-democracy rallies. They are fighting for seats in the Legislative Council, or LegCo—Hong Kong’s lawmaking body —as concerns grow that Beijing is tightening its grip on the semi-autonomous …

  Manila / AFP The Philippines has asked China to explain the increased presence of Chinese vessels near the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea, the defence secretary said on Sunday, expressing “grave concern”. Philippine Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said a Philippine air force plane saw four Chinese coast guard ships, two barge-like vessels and two suspected troop …

  Forget the “gig economy” — at least for now. On Labour Day 2016, we are in the midst of a historic transformation of the American job market. Popular attention focuses on Uber and similar internet-based networks that unite buyers and sellers. “TaskRabbit,” for example, creates a platform for people who need something done (grocery shopping, plumbing) and those willing, …