Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Breaking | US forces intercepted ‘gift from China’ to Iran, Donald Trump says

US president says Beijing had sent something ‘that wasn’t very nice’ and he thought he had an ‘understanding’ with Xi Jinping.

17 minutes ago

US-China relations

Diplomacy

China warns of ‘moves towards militarism’ after Japan eases arms export rules

Tokyo approves plan to scrap restrictions, prompting warnings that this could undermine the country’s pacifist constitution.

19 minutes agovideocam

China Economy

Learn from the East, says economist Justin Lin, refuting ‘overcapacity’ rhetoric

Former World Bank economist defends Beijing’s industrial strategy amid ‘overcapacity’ allegations, points to Germany and a ‘double standard’.

20 minutes ago

Business

No records, no role: HSBC rejects Iran-linked money laundering claim

Chairman Brendan Nelson says bank is not a party to alleged Iran-linked case and holds no records, as US court seeks information.

43 minutes ago

US-Israel war on Iran

US President Donald Trump says he won’t lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz until there is a deal with Iran. Photo: TNS

Trump, Iran and the Strait of Hormuz: here’s what happened overnight

Policy

Hidden office, fractured bone: violent clashes in China’s food safety crackdown

Details of secrecy, obstruction and violence emerge from a probe into 67,000 ‘ghost’ bakeries across China’s biggest e-commerce platforms.

1 hour ago

Regulators have imposed the heaviest fine of 1.51 billion yuan on PDD and suspended it from adding new bakery merchants for nine months. Photo: Reuters

Global Economy

China’s CRRC drops bid for Lisbon metro deal as EU finds ‘billions’ in subsidies

Polish firm to replace state-backed Chinese giant as Brussels uses regulatory powers to curb what it says is market-distorting foreign aid.

43 minutes agovideocam

Hong Kong Economy

First AI driverless trucks deployed to tackle Hong Kong port labour shortage

Six autonomous trucks used to improve efficiency at Kwai Tsing Terminal, handling more than 8,000 container movements since January.

30 minutes ago

Business

Lingxi Games’ Three Kingdoms Tactics hits target with global audience

Chinese game company’s flagship title among raft of nation’s simulation games to resonate with players at home and abroad.

In partnership with:

Lingxi Games

(From left) Hong Kong marketing professional Edmond Woo, mainland Chinese short‑track speed skater Han Tianyu and Beijing-based Italian language teacher and sinologist Cristiano Mazzucco discuss the impact on them of games like Three Kingdoms Tactics.

Military

China urges US ‘sincerity’ on Iran, warns of Japan’s nuclear ambitions

Beijing also outlines progress in disarmament and its long-standing policies in first such report since 2021.

2 hours agovideocam

People inspect the site of an American-Israeli air strike on a police station in Tehran, Iran, on March 3. Photo: West Asia News Agency via Reuters

US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine speaks as a map of the Strait of Hormuz is displayed during a press briefing at the Pentagon, in Washington on April 16. Photo: AFP

Science

Can Chinese plasma mill give it key tech advantage over US?

New technology may allow the microscopic powders used in advanced weapon systems to be produced on a much larger scale.

10 minutes ago

China Economy

China confronts Middle East supply shock, as State Council mulls energy strategy

Premier Li Qiang urges ‘bottom-line mentality’ to secure power as Beijing sees coal and Russian gas among options to offset reliance on imported crude.

2 hours agovideocam

Health & Environment

Big one coming? Japan issues megaquake advisory after magnitude 7.7 shock

The Japan Meteorological Agency has upped the risk of a megaquake to 1 per cent, compared to 0.1 per cent at other times.

4 hours agovideocam

An electronic signboard in Ofunato city, Iwate prefecture, displays a sign saying “Hokkaido and Off the Sanriku Coast Aftershock Advisory” early on Tuesday. Photo: Jiji Press/AFP

People

South Korean police seek arrest warrant for Hybe’s Bang after travel request

The US embassy in Seoul reportedly asked authorities to allow Bang to travel while under investigation for fraudulent stock trading.

2 hours agovideocam

Hybe chairman Bang Si-hyuk answers reporters’ question upon his arrival at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on September 15, 2025. Photo: Newsis/AP

Business

Hong Kong property investment soars on lower funding costs, rising demand

Hong Kong’s commercial property market draws US$1.6 billion in the first quarter, driven by office, retail and hotel demand amid lower Hibor rates.

1 hour ago

Big Tech

Open or closed? Moonshot AI keeps its code out in the open

Open-source push continues with Kimi K2.6, but pressure to monetise is nudging some Chinese AI firms behind closed doors.

1 hour ago

Politics

Why Indonesia is ceding its role as Asean’s natural leader to Singapore

For decades, Indonesia’s standing was a given. A new survey suggests the region’s opinion leaders are no longer so sure.

6 hours agovideocam

Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto (right) shakes hands with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong after a press conference at the presidential palace in Jakarta in November 2024. Photo: AFP

Entertainment

Michael: ‘King of Pop’ biopic features all the hits, none of the controversy

While the film is packed with great performances, it is an utterly sanitised view of Michael Jackson’s life and the allegations he faced.

20 minutes agovideocam

Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson in a still from Michael (category IIA), directed by Antoine Fuqua. Juliano Krue Valdi and Colman Domingo co-star. Photo: Glen Wilson/Lionsgate

Companies

Sino Land-led consortium clinches Kam Sheung Road Phase Two with US$1.7 billion

Sino Land chairman Daryl Ng said the Kam Sheung Road project marks a key step in advancing the Northern Metropolis.

2 hours ago

Europe

Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ law breaches EU rules as court ruling hailed as ‘historic’

The European Court of Justice rules that the rights of transgender and non-heterosexual individuals in Hungary have been infringed upon.

3 hours ago

OPINION

Alex Lo

As I see it | How ancient Chinese philosophers make sense of modern headaches

50 minutes ago

William Figueroa

Opinion | China’s diplomacy succeeds even if it doesn’t bring Middle East peace

5 hours ago

Brian Y. S. Wong

Opinion | The world can look to Hong Kong as a pioneer of ethical AI

21 Apr 2026 - 9:30AM

Letters

Letters | How Hong Kong can attract talent and capital from the Middle East

21 Apr 2026 - 11:30AM

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | As Tai Po fire victims return to flats, Hong Kong looks for closure

21 Apr 2026 - 6:45AM

Harry’s View | 21 Apr 2026

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19 minutes ago

Diplomacy

China warns of ‘moves towards militarism’ after Japan eases arms export rules

20 minutes ago

China Economy

Learn from the East, says economist Justin Lin, refuting ‘overcapacity’ rhetoric

20 minutes ago

Entertainment

Michael: ‘King of Pop’ biopic features all the hits, none of the controversy

25 minutes ago

Diplomacy

Breaking | US forces intercepted ‘gift from China’ to Iran, Donald Trump says

30 minutes ago

Hong Kong Economy

First AI driverless trucks deployed to tackle Hong Kong port labour shortage

43 minutes ago

Global Economy

China’s CRRC drops bid for Lisbon metro deal as EU finds ‘billions’ in subsidies

43 minutes ago

Business

No records, no role: HSBC rejects Iran-linked money laundering claim

47 minutes ago

Society

Tai Po blaze probe: temporary removal of fireproof windows ‘complied with rules’

50 minutes ago

China Opinion

As I see it | How ancient Chinese philosophers make sense of modern headaches

1 hour ago

Southeast Asia

World’s top condom maker to raise prices by up to 30% over Iran war

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SCMP Series

US-Israel war on Iran

AI's impact on Hong Kong

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SCMP Series US-Israel war on Iran

Iran war: is the US shifting away from its strategy of precision strikes?

As the conflict has intensified, more energy and civilian sites have been targeted in what is seen as a broader approach.

9 Apr 2026 - 9:26AMvideocam

What is the war on Iran teaching China about the United States’ resilience?

8 Apr 2026 - 11:10AMvideocam

How lessons from Iran war could shape mainland China’s Taiwan calculus

7 Apr 2026 - 2:20AMvideocam

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

20 Apr 2026 - 10:05AMvideocam

Science

Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang

Kunyu Wanguo Quantu and maritime artefacts prove China explored the world earlier than Eurocentric accounts suggest, scholar argues.

13 Apr 2026 - 8:15AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Andrew Tilton on China’s economic trajectory in wake of Iran war

Goldman Sachs’ chief Asia-Pacific economist says worst is over in terms of property slump’s impact on China’s economic growth.

6 Apr 2026 - 10:01AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Kenneth Rogoff on why China’s yuan will be a reserve currency within 5 years

Harvard economist explains why cryptocurrencies will never take the US dollar’s place, despite their popularity in underground economies.

30 Mar 2026 - 10:03AMvideocam

Key Industries:

China Business

China’s drug makers are speeding up – will AI be their secret weapon?

Chinese biotech firms are striking big global deals as drug makers, but could artificial intelligence take them to the next level?

18 Apr 2026 - 11:05AM

China Economy

Learn from the East, says economist Justin Lin, refuting ‘overcapacity’ rhetoric

Former World Bank economist defends Beijing’s industrial strategy amid ‘overcapacity’ allegations, points to Germany and a ‘double standard’.

20 minutes ago

China Economy

China confronts Middle East supply shock, as State Council mulls energy strategy

Premier Li Qiang urges ‘bottom-line mentality’ to secure power as Beijing sees coal and Russian gas among options to offset reliance on imported crude.

2 hours agovideocam

China EVs

Jump in EU EV sales amid Iran war boosts Chinese brands’ fortunes

Chinese-made EVs accounted for 16 per cent of the EU market in the year’s first two months, up from 12.2 per cent in 2025, CPCA data shows.

21 Apr 2026 - 7:30AM

Sales of battery electric vehicles in the EU climbed 51 per cent month on month in March. Photo: EPA

Politics

How China is reinforcing its ‘legal shield’ against foreign pressure

New rules take aim at sanctions and ‘long-arm jurisdiction’, and the Strait of Hormuz crisis could provide a high-stakes testing ground.

21 Apr 2026 - 6:46AM

Diplomacy

The rupture: how Europe fell out of love with America

Many believed the transatlantic alliance could weather another term of Trump, but a year and a half on those hopes have largely faded.

19 Apr 2026 - 1:32AMvideocam

Sport

Rugby’s greatest weekend: 50 years of the Hong Kong Sevens - an infographic

See the world’s top teams compete at Kai Tak Stadium on April 17-19 and celebrate 50 years of Hong Kong Sevens history, tries and triumphs.

16 Apr 2026 - 8:15PM

China Business

China’s drug makers are speeding up – will AI be their secret weapon?

Chinese biotech firms are striking big global deals as drug makers, but could artificial intelligence take them to the next level?

18 Apr 2026 - 11:05AM

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Breaking | US forces intercepted ‘gift from China’ to Iran, Donald Trump says

US president says Beijing had sent something ‘that wasn’t very nice’ and he thought he had an ‘understanding’ with Xi Jinping.

China warns of ‘moves towards militarism’ after Japan eases arms export rules

Tokyo approves plan to scrap restrictions, prompting warnings that this could undermine the country’s pacifist constitution.

Learn from the East, says economist Justin Lin, refuting ‘overcapacity’ rhetoric

Former World Bank economist defends Beijing’s industrial strategy amid ‘overcapacity’ allegations, points to Germany and a ‘double standard’.

No records, no role: HSBC rejects Iran-linked money laundering claim

Chairman Brendan Nelson says bank is not a party to alleged Iran-linked case and holds no records, as US court seeks information.

Trump, Iran and the Strait of Hormuz: here’s what happened overnight

Hidden office, fractured bone: violent clashes in China’s food safety crackdown

Details of secrecy, obstruction and violence emerge from a probe into 67,000 ‘ghost’ bakeries across China’s biggest e-commerce platforms.

China’s CRRC drops bid for Lisbon metro deal as EU finds ‘billions’ in subsidies

Polish firm to replace state-backed Chinese giant as Brussels uses regulatory powers to curb what it says is market-distorting foreign aid.

First AI driverless trucks deployed to tackle Hong Kong port labour shortage

Six autonomous trucks used to improve efficiency at Kwai Tsing Terminal, handling more than 8,000 container movements since January.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}Lingxi Games’ Three Kingdoms Tactics hits target with global audience

Chinese game company’s flagship title among raft of nation’s simulation games to resonate with players at home and abroad.

China urges US ‘sincerity’ on Iran, warns of Japan’s nuclear ambitions

Beijing also outlines progress in disarmament and its long-standing policies in first such report since 2021.

Can Chinese plasma mill give it key tech advantage over US?

New technology may allow the microscopic powders used in advanced weapon systems to be produced on a much larger scale.

China confronts Middle East supply shock, as State Council mulls energy strategy

Premier Li Qiang urges ‘bottom-line mentality’ to secure power as Beijing sees coal and Russian gas among options to offset reliance on imported crude.

Big one coming? Japan issues megaquake advisory after magnitude 7.7 shock

The Japan Meteorological Agency has upped the risk of a megaquake to 1 per cent, compared to 0.1 per cent at other times.

South Korean police seek arrest warrant for Hybe’s Bang after travel request

The US embassy in Seoul reportedly asked authorities to allow Bang to travel while under investigation for fraudulent stock trading.

Hong Kong property investment soars on lower funding costs, rising demand

Hong Kong’s commercial property market draws US$1.6 billion in the first quarter, driven by office, retail and hotel demand amid lower Hibor rates.

Open or closed? Moonshot AI keeps its code out in the open

Open-source push continues with Kimi K2.6, but pressure to monetise is nudging some Chinese AI firms behind closed doors.

Why Indonesia is ceding its role as Asean’s natural leader to Singapore

For decades, Indonesia’s standing was a given. A new survey suggests the region’s opinion leaders are no longer so sure.

Michael: ‘King of Pop’ biopic features all the hits, none of the controversy

While the film is packed with great performances, it is an utterly sanitised view of Michael Jackson’s life and the allegations he faced.

Sino Land-led consortium clinches Kam Sheung Road Phase Two with US$1.7 billion

Sino Land chairman Daryl Ng said the Kam Sheung Road project marks a key step in advancing the Northern Metropolis.

Hungary’s anti-LGBTQ law breaches EU rules as court ruling hailed as ‘historic’

The European Court of Justice rules that the rights of transgender and non-heterosexual individuals in Hungary have been infringed upon.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}As I see it | How ancient Chinese philosophers make sense of modern headaches

Opinion | China’s diplomacy succeeds even if it doesn’t bring Middle East peace

Opinion | The world can look to Hong Kong as a pioneer of ethical AI

Letters | How Hong Kong can attract talent and capital from the Middle East

Editorial | As Tai Po fire victims return to flats, Hong Kong looks for closure

China warns of ‘moves towards militarism’ after Japan eases arms export rules

Learn from the East, says economist Justin Lin, refuting ‘overcapacity’ rhetoric

Michael: ‘King of Pop’ biopic features all the hits, none of the controversy

Breaking | US forces intercepted ‘gift from China’ to Iran, Donald Trump says

First AI driverless trucks deployed to tackle Hong Kong port labour shortage

China’s CRRC drops bid for Lisbon metro deal as EU finds ‘billions’ in subsidies

No records, no role: HSBC rejects Iran-linked money laundering claim

Tai Po blaze probe: temporary removal of fireproof windows ‘complied with rules’

As I see it | How ancient Chinese philosophers make sense of modern headaches

World’s top condom maker to raise prices by up to 30% over Iran war

Iran war: is the US shifting away from its strategy of precision strikes?

As the conflict has intensified, more energy and civilian sites have been targeted in what is seen as a broader approach.

What is the war on Iran teaching China about the United States’ resilience?

How lessons from Iran war could shape mainland China’s Taiwan calculus

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang

Kunyu Wanguo Quantu and maritime artefacts prove China explored the world earlier than Eurocentric accounts suggest, scholar argues.

Open Questions | Andrew Tilton on China’s economic trajectory in wake of Iran war

Goldman Sachs’ chief Asia-Pacific economist says worst is over in terms of property slump’s impact on China’s economic growth.

Open Questions | Kenneth Rogoff on why China’s yuan will be a reserve currency within 5 years

Harvard economist explains why cryptocurrencies will never take the US dollar’s place, despite their popularity in underground economies.

China’s drug makers are speeding up – will AI be their secret weapon?

Chinese biotech firms are striking big global deals as drug makers, but could artificial intelligence take them to the next level?

Learn from the East, says economist Justin Lin, refuting ‘overcapacity’ rhetoric

Former World Bank economist defends Beijing’s industrial strategy amid ‘overcapacity’ allegations, points to Germany and a ‘double standard’.

China confronts Middle East supply shock, as State Council mulls energy strategy

Premier Li Qiang urges ‘bottom-line mentality’ to secure power as Beijing sees coal and Russian gas among options to offset reliance on imported crude.

Jump in EU EV sales amid Iran war boosts Chinese brands’ fortunes

Chinese-made EVs accounted for 16 per cent of the EU market in the year’s first two months, up from 12.2 per cent in 2025, CPCA data shows.

How China is reinforcing its ‘legal shield’ against foreign pressure

New rules take aim at sanctions and ‘long-arm jurisdiction’, and the Strait of Hormuz crisis could provide a high-stakes testing ground.

The rupture: how Europe fell out of love with America

Many believed the transatlantic alliance could weather another term of Trump, but a year and a half on those hopes have largely faded.

Rugby’s greatest weekend: 50 years of the Hong Kong Sevens - an infographic

See the world’s top teams compete at Kai Tak Stadium on April 17-19 and celebrate 50 years of Hong Kong Sevens history, tries and triumphs.

Breaking | US forces intercepted ‘gift from China’ to Iran, Donald Trump says

Lingxi Games’ Three Kingdoms Tactics hits target with global audience

As I see it | How ancient Chinese philosophers make sense of modern headaches