Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Greenland meltdown: what does Trump’s quest mean for the global order and China?

US leader’s refusal to rule out use of America’s military to control Danish territory risks forcing Europe to recalibrate ties with Beijing.

5 minutes agovideocam

Don’t expect Greenland crisis to realign EU with China, former US diplomat says

China-EU relations

Politics

Trump’s freewheeling Davos speech stirs unease among global audience

Harsh rhetoric from the US leader at forum combined threats towards allies with praise for traditional adversaries during a 70-minute talk.

22 minutes agovideocam

Diplomacy

Beijing-Ottawa deal reinforces China’s dominance in EV industry, analysts say

New agreement is set to significantly boost Chinese carmakers’ global expansion and offers easier entry into the North American EV market.

11 minutes agovideocam

Global Economy

US losing out to China with ‘onslaught’ on cutting-edge research: Nobel laureate

America risks losing the tech race to China unless it elects a government more supportive of scientific research, Nobel-winning economist says.

21 Jan 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Science

Construction of the nuclear island for unit 1 of the Xuwei nuclear heating and power project’s first phase began on Friday with the pouring of the first tank of concrete. Photo: Xinhua

China is building a triad reactor system to power world-class chemical plant

Military

Sidestepping Greenland, Nato chief urges Arctic unity to counter China, Russia

At Davos, Mark Rutte calls for Nato to ‘defend the Arctic region’ but says Ukraine should be top priority for security alliance.

21 Jan 2026 - 9:40PM

People wave the flag of Greenland as an aircraft carrying the island’s foreign minister lands in Nuuk on Tuesday, following her high-level meetings with US officials in Washington. Photo: AFP

Diplomacy

China widens trade gap with Africa to record US$102 billion amid US pressure

Data points to growing African trade deficit as Trump imposes tariffs, and African demand for manufactured goods and commodity price spikes.

21 Jan 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

Politics

Hong Kong official fired, faces criminal probe following online ‘perks’ posts

Ricky Cheng’s trip to Macau suspected of breaching provisions under Prevention of Bribery Ordinance regarding civil servants, government says.

3 hours ago

Education

Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s 20-year evolution ensures it meets world’s fast-changing technological, industrial and societal needs.

In partnership with:

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Tech Trends

China-founded Shanda’s AI lab boosts Singapore operation, pulling China research

MiroMind asks some staff in Shanghai to relocate and continue their AI research work in Singapore, sources say.

21 Jan 2026 - 9:30PM

People gather next to the Merlion statue at the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade in Singapore. Photo: AFP

Global Economy

Chips, soybeans, tariffs: what’s on tap for US-China talks before a Trump visit?

Analysts expect any pre-summit talks to focus on deliverables such as easing semiconductor curbs and boosting agricultural sales, setting the stage for Xi and Trump.

21 Jan 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Europe

Explainer | What is the ‘trade bazooka’ the EU may use against Trump’s Greenland threats?

Under pressure from the US president, the bloc is considering measures that could inflict billions of dollars of losses on American firms.

3 hours ago

Tech War

AI shaping world’s biggest infrastructure buildout: Nvidia CEO

Each country should build their own AI system, incorporating its own language and culture into the AI models, Huang says at the WEF in Davos.

21 Jan 2026 - 10:21PMvideocam

Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang speaks at the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Military

Could China draw battlefield inspiration from Ukraine’s drone-borne micro bombs?

Leading defence scientist shares details of the creative ways Ukrainian forces are modifying hand grenades and other devices.

21 Jan 2026 - 6:45PMvideocam

The merits of modified explosives carried by drones is the subject of an article in a magazine managed by China’s state-owned defence industry giant Norinco. Photo: Getty Images

United States & Canada

Archegos’ Bill Hwang seeks Trump pardon for fraud that cost banks US$10 billion

The veteran US investor was sentenced to 18 years in jail after being convicted in the high-profile Wall Street case.

4 hours agovideocam

Europe

Duel in Davos: Macron’s ‘Top Gun’ shades charm internet, get mocked by Trump

The French leader’s US$770 sunglasses, which he wore as he criticised the US president, have sparked a flood of social media memes.

4 hours ago

Health & Environment

2 Hong Kong labs linked to suspected cross-border smuggling of blood samples

Department of Health says the case involves suspected illegal importation of blood samples from mainland China for fetal gender testing.

5 hours ago

Under Hong Kong law, lab technologists cannot perform tests for medical diagnosis or treatment without a referral from a registered medical practitioner or other specified healthcare professional. Photo: Getty Images

Europe

Spain’s train drivers call three-day strike after deadly accidents

44 people have died in two incidents that happened just days apart.

2 hours agovideocam

Rescuers on Wednesday inspect a commuter train that derailed near Barcelona, Spain. Photo: EPA

United States & Canada

Canada court overturns government order to shut down TikTok’s operations

The decision comes as Mark Carney seeks closer ties to China to offset the effect of Trump’s tariffs.

36 minutes agovideocam

Economics

At Davos, Singapore’s Tharman calls for US-China rivalry to ‘benefit’ world

The city state’s president urges nations to build resilient global alliances and, at a separate panel, calls for ways to boost job creation.

5 hours ago

OPINION

Jinghan (Michael) Zeng

Opinion | Greenland crisis reveals the pitfalls of zero-sum diplomacy

35 minutes ago

Sophie Wushuang Yi

Opinion | Why China’s response to Trump’s chaos will be to wait and watch

21 Jan 2026 - 9:19PM

Göktuğ Çalışkan

Opinion | Why so many states reject bloc rivalry to choose partnership with China

21 Jan 2026 - 5:15PM

Arash Beidollahkani

Opinion | Will Iran’s instability force China to rethink its Middle East strategy?

21 Jan 2026 - 9:30AM

Letters

Letters | Will the coming Hong Kong budget be on ordinary people’s wavelength?

21 Jan 2026 - 11:30AM

Harry’s View | 22 Jan 2026

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The US has played its hand in Latin America. Will China’s firms there cash out?

After the abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, many Chinese entrepreneurs in the region say they are staying put – for now.

13 Jan 2026 - 9:55AMvideocam

Why overseas residency is a ‘practical advantage’ for Chinese firms going global

12 Jan 2026 - 11:19AMvideocam

Chinese companies expand globally

12 Dec 2025 - 12:42PM

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

19 Jan 2026 - 6:57PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

Political scientist says the Western-led global order remains useful, and the Belt and Road Initiative isn’t a geopolitical project.

12 Jan 2026 - 10:06AMvideocam

Global Economy

Open Questions | ‘Embrace the moment’: on China, Daniel Kritenbrink puts pragmatism first

Former US ambassador to Vietnam says a return to the past for US-China relations is unrealistic, but both economic powers benefit from ties.

5 Jan 2026 - 9:11AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | How new C100 chief plans to foster ties between Chinese-Americans and China

The Committee of 100’s president Paul Cheung has high hopes for Chinese-Americans’ relationship with China in these uncertain times.

9 Jan 2026 - 12:37PMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech War

DeepSeek a year on: how a Chinese start-up sparked a global AI arms race

DeepSeek’s meteoric rise propelled the growth of the open-source AI ecosystem by spurring its competitors to join the movement.

19 Jan 2026 - 10:24PMvideocam

DeepSeek’s meteoric rise has propelled the growth of the open-source AI ecosystem by spurring its competitors to join the movement. Photo: Shutterstock

Tech Trends

China-founded Shanda’s AI lab boosts Singapore operation, pulling China research

MiroMind asks some staff in Shanghai to relocate and continue their AI research work in Singapore, sources say.

21 Jan 2026 - 9:30PM

Tech War

AI shaping world’s biggest infrastructure buildout: Nvidia CEO

Each country should build their own AI system, incorporating its own language and culture into the AI models, Huang says at the WEF in Davos.

21 Jan 2026 - 10:21PMvideocam

Policy

Shanghai to open ‘free-to-fly’ zones covering 46% of city for consumer drones

From February 1, consumer drones will be allowed to fly in designated airspace under new rules to boost the city’s low-altitude economy.

21 Jan 2026 - 6:15PMvideocam

A drone flies over The Bund in central Shanghai in the evening. Photo: Shutterstock

Science

The West cheered China’s coal-fired export ban. Then came the massive blackouts

Did Beijing’s decision to stop financing overseas coal plants after pressure from US and Europe lead to mass – yet avoidable – power cuts?

21 Jan 2026 - 6:12AMvideocam

China Economy

Hong Kong degree is ‘passport’ to jobs in the world’s third-largest art market

Art graduates from the mainland, looking to expand their horizons and gain an edge in the job market, are flocking to Hong Kong for further study.

20 Jan 2026 - 8:22AMvideocam

Global Economy

Can China’s cosmetics brands rival K-beauty and refashion global markets?

Once the top export market for South Korean cosmetics, Chinese firms lead at home and have made headway overseas – but gaps remain.

18 Jan 2026 - 6:06AMvideocam

Big Tech

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

17 Jan 2026 - 10:46AM

Greenland meltdown: what does Trump’s quest mean for the global order and China?

US leader’s refusal to rule out use of America’s military to control Danish territory risks forcing Europe to recalibrate ties with Beijing.

Don’t expect Greenland crisis to realign EU with China, former US diplomat says

Trump’s freewheeling Davos speech stirs unease among global audience

Harsh rhetoric from the US leader at forum combined threats towards allies with praise for traditional adversaries during a 70-minute talk.

Beijing-Ottawa deal reinforces China’s dominance in EV industry, analysts say

New agreement is set to significantly boost Chinese carmakers’ global expansion and offers easier entry into the North American EV market.

US losing out to China with ‘onslaught’ on cutting-edge research: Nobel laureate

America risks losing the tech race to China unless it elects a government more supportive of scientific research, Nobel-winning economist says.

China is building a triad reactor system to power world-class chemical plant

Sidestepping Greenland, Nato chief urges Arctic unity to counter China, Russia

At Davos, Mark Rutte calls for Nato to ‘defend the Arctic region’ but says Ukraine should be top priority for security alliance.

China widens trade gap with Africa to record US$102 billion amid US pressure

Data points to growing African trade deficit as Trump imposes tariffs, and African demand for manufactured goods and commodity price spikes.

Hong Kong official fired, faces criminal probe following online ‘perks’ posts

Ricky Cheng’s trip to Macau suspected of breaching provisions under Prevention of Bribery Ordinance regarding civil servants, government says.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s 20-year evolution ensures it meets world’s fast-changing technological, industrial and societal needs.

China-founded Shanda’s AI lab boosts Singapore operation, pulling China research

MiroMind asks some staff in Shanghai to relocate and continue their AI research work in Singapore, sources say.

Chips, soybeans, tariffs: what’s on tap for US-China talks before a Trump visit?

Analysts expect any pre-summit talks to focus on deliverables such as easing semiconductor curbs and boosting agricultural sales, setting the stage for Xi and Trump.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Explainer | What is the ‘trade bazooka’ the EU may use against Trump’s Greenland threats?

Under pressure from the US president, the bloc is considering measures that could inflict billions of dollars of losses on American firms.

AI shaping world’s biggest infrastructure buildout: Nvidia CEO

Each country should build their own AI system, incorporating its own language and culture into the AI models, Huang says at the WEF in Davos.

Could China draw battlefield inspiration from Ukraine’s drone-borne micro bombs?

Leading defence scientist shares details of the creative ways Ukrainian forces are modifying hand grenades and other devices.

Archegos’ Bill Hwang seeks Trump pardon for fraud that cost banks US$10 billion

The veteran US investor was sentenced to 18 years in jail after being convicted in the high-profile Wall Street case.

Duel in Davos: Macron’s ‘Top Gun’ shades charm internet, get mocked by Trump

The French leader’s US$770 sunglasses, which he wore as he criticised the US president, have sparked a flood of social media memes.

2 Hong Kong labs linked to suspected cross-border smuggling of blood samples

Department of Health says the case involves suspected illegal importation of blood samples from mainland China for fetal gender testing.

Spain’s train drivers call three-day strike after deadly accidents

44 people have died in two incidents that happened just days apart.

Canada court overturns government order to shut down TikTok’s operations

The decision comes as Mark Carney seeks closer ties to China to offset the effect of Trump’s tariffs.

At Davos, Singapore’s Tharman calls for US-China rivalry to ‘benefit’ world

The city state’s president urges nations to build resilient global alliances and, at a separate panel, calls for ways to boost job creation.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Greenland crisis reveals the pitfalls of zero-sum diplomacy

Opinion | Why China’s response to Trump’s chaos will be to wait and watch

Opinion | Why so many states reject bloc rivalry to choose partnership with China

Opinion | Will Iran’s instability force China to rethink its Middle East strategy?

Letters | Will the coming Hong Kong budget be on ordinary people’s wavelength?

Greenland meltdown: what does Trump’s quest mean for the global order and China?

Opinion | Greenland crisis reveals the pitfalls of zero-sum diplomacy

Bezos’ Blue Origin to deploy thousands of satellites to rival Musk’s Starlink

Canada court overturns government order to shut down TikTok’s operations

Trump’s freewheeling Davos speech stirs unease among global audience

Spain’s train drivers call three-day strike after deadly accidents

The US has played its hand in Latin America. Will China’s firms there cash out?

After the abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, many Chinese entrepreneurs in the region say they are staying put – for now.

Why overseas residency is a ‘practical advantage’ for Chinese firms going global

Chinese companies expand globally

Open Questions | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

Open Questions | Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

Political scientist says the Western-led global order remains useful, and the Belt and Road Initiative isn’t a geopolitical project.

Open Questions | ‘Embrace the moment’: on China, Daniel Kritenbrink puts pragmatism first

Former US ambassador to Vietnam says a return to the past for US-China relations is unrealistic, but both economic powers benefit from ties.

Open Questions | How new C100 chief plans to foster ties between Chinese-Americans and China

The Committee of 100’s president Paul Cheung has high hopes for Chinese-Americans’ relationship with China in these uncertain times.

DeepSeek a year on: how a Chinese start-up sparked a global AI arms race

DeepSeek’s meteoric rise propelled the growth of the open-source AI ecosystem by spurring its competitors to join the movement.

China-founded Shanda’s AI lab boosts Singapore operation, pulling China research

MiroMind asks some staff in Shanghai to relocate and continue their AI research work in Singapore, sources say.

AI shaping world’s biggest infrastructure buildout: Nvidia CEO

Each country should build their own AI system, incorporating its own language and culture into the AI models, Huang says at the WEF in Davos.

Shanghai to open ‘free-to-fly’ zones covering 46% of city for consumer drones

From February 1, consumer drones will be allowed to fly in designated airspace under new rules to boost the city’s low-altitude economy.

The West cheered China’s coal-fired export ban. Then came the massive blackouts

Did Beijing’s decision to stop financing overseas coal plants after pressure from US and Europe lead to mass – yet avoidable – power cuts?

Hong Kong degree is ‘passport’ to jobs in the world’s third-largest art market

Art graduates from the mainland, looking to expand their horizons and gain an edge in the job market, are flocking to Hong Kong for further study.

Can China’s cosmetics brands rival K-beauty and refashion global markets?

Once the top export market for South Korean cosmetics, Chinese firms lead at home and have made headway overseas – but gaps remain.

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Explainer | What is the ‘trade bazooka’ the EU may use against Trump’s Greenland threats?

Opinion | Greenland crisis reveals the pitfalls of zero-sum diplomacy