Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Workers install insulation on a residential building under construction in Beijing in December. Photo: AP

How China could untangle its private firms’ complex debt burdens

As private businesses grapple with cash flow challenges, entrepreneurs say they want the settling of outstanding debts to be made a priority.

23 minutes ago

Chinese power line projects seek private capital in sign of infrastructure shift

Two Sessions 2026 (Lianghui)

China

Developing | Iran strikes day 3: markets open with sharp sell-off in futures and Asian shares

Oil prices have surged dramatically amid rising fears of a broader escalation in the Middle East after the attacks by the US and Israel.

9 minutes agovideocam

Middle East

US using AI, B-2 bombers and suicide drones in Iran strikes

The US is deploying low-cost suicide drones modelled after Iranian designs as part of Operation Epic Fury.

2 hours ago

Transport

Cathay Pacific halts Dubai flights until Thursday amid US-Israeli attack on Iran

Flag carrier also halts Riyadh route until Tuesday, with at least 37 Hong Kong-Middle East flights cancelled so far.

1 hour ago

Open Questions

Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

World

Iran ties after Khamenei, China’s Myanmar dilemma: 5 weekend reads

From how Khamenei’s death will impact China-Iran ties to Myanmar five years after the coup, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

46 minutes ago

People watch from a rooftop as a plume of smoke rises after a strike in Tehran, Iran on March 1, 2026. Photo: AP

Politics

Why US strikes on Iran just made North Korea less likely to play ball

Iran’s nuclear programme was aspirational. North Korea’s is not. That distinction explains everything, analysts say.

1 hour agovideocam

Americas

3 US troops killed in Iran war, Trump warns more could come

The US president vows to ‘avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow’.

9 minutes agovideocam

140

Business

How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Deepa Jivan, CEO of J.Gordhan & Co, says bank’s tailored financial solutions and expertise give it the agility to navigate global marketplace.

In partnership with:

Standard Chartered

Deepa Jivan is the founder and CEO of Hong Kong-based arts and crafts products company J.Gordhan & Co.

US

5 takeaways from the first 2 days of US-Israel war against Iran

Amid escalating US-Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation, casualties emerge, oil spikes and global geopolitics face major shocks.

5 hours agovideocam

People gather to mourn the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran. Photo: Xinhua

Diplomacy

Why China’s ties with Iran will endure despite death of Khamenei

Killing of Iranian supreme leader has sparked turmoil and triggered talk about an ideological shift to the West.

1 Mar 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

Middle East

CIA ‘tracked Iranian leaders for months’ ahead of first attacks

Official says that a variety of factors created a golden opportunity to take out much of Iran’s leadership.

4 hours agovideocam

Lifestyle & Culture

Party sober? Asia’s bars and drink giants shift gears as Gen Z ditch alcohol

As young Asians turn more health-conscious and watch their spending, drinks giants and bars are planning more low- and no-alcohol options.

4 hours ago

Funkytown, a cocktail bar in Bangkok, offers non-alcoholic versions of its signature cocktails, including Green Curry. Photo: Funkytown

Military

What will first Type 055 destroyers for PLA East China Fleet mean for Taiwan?

Two of the guided-missile destroyers with hull numbers assigned have been spotted at a naval base on the East China Sea coast.

1 Mar 2026 - 8:00PM

China’s Type 055 destroyer, designated “Renhai-class” by Nato, is a cruiser-sized vessel with robust air defence, anti-submarine and surface warfare capabilities. Photo: Handout

Diplomacy

Is Europe, the world’s geopolitical punching bag, ready to hit back?

The EU could land a range of economic blows if it wants to be more than a lightweight, researchers say.

1 Mar 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Banking & Finance

HSBC signals intent to join Hong Kong’s stablecoin regime amid digital hub push

Georges Elhedery declined to confirm whether HSBC applied for stablecoin licence but indicated that discussions with regulator were ongoing.

6 hours ago

Middle East

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: defiant Iranian leader’s rule ended by his enemies

The death of the 86-year-old cleric in a US-Israeli operation leaves a vacuum at the heart of the Islamic Republic.

1 Mar 2026 - 8:11PMvideocam

People gather at Tehran’s Enghelab Square after Iran’s Supreme leader Ali Khamenei was killed. Photo: West Asia News Agency via Reuters

Food & Drink

She hated working at her parents’ Chinese restaurant. Now she’s made it viral

Anna Peng shares the daily joys and challenges of running Canada’s Great Fountain Fast Food to its nearly 40,000 followers on Instagram.

2 minutes ago

Anna Peng with her parents at their eatery Great Fountain Fast Food, a Hong Kong-style Chinese restaurant in Scarborough, in Canada’s Ontario province. Photo: Great Fountain Fast Food

Politics

Inside Xi Jinping’s new guide to promoting Communist Party officials

Chinese leader targets ‘two-faced’ officials and demands new benchmarks tailored to local needs in newly released speeches.

1 Mar 2026 - 9:48PMvideocam

Hong Kong Economy

Fines, penalties and forfeitures pump HK$2.1 billion into government coffers

Amount is 25.8 per cent more than estimate, with government attributing surge to bigger fines and higher revenue from forfeiture cases.

4 hours ago

OPINION

Lisa Lim

Language Matters | Gen Z loves ‘Chinamaxxing’, but where does ‘maxxing’ come from?

2 hours ago

Alice Wu

Opinion | Hong Kong wants more babies. Ignoring high stress in schools won’t help

3 hours ago

Letters

Letters | Hong Kong cannot allow a wait-and-see approach to fire safety

2 hours ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | China now holds more cards ahead of Xi-Trump meeting

6 hours ago

Wang Xiangwei

Opinion | Now is the time for China to show it’s serious about opening up

2 Mar 2026 - 5:30AM

Harry’s View | 2 Mar 2026

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LATEST

37 minutes ago

Food & Drink

She hated working at her parents’ Chinese restaurant. Now she’s made it viral

41 minutes ago

Law and Crime

6 injured in vessel explosion at Hong Kong’s Stonecutters Island

42 minutes ago

China

Developing | Iran strikes day 3: markets open with sharp sell-off in futures and Asian shares

52 minutes ago

World

Iran ties after Khamenei, China’s Myanmar dilemma: 5 weekend reads

1 hour ago

People

Viral clip of Malaysian man clinging to ex-wife’s moving car leads to arrest

1 hour ago

Politics

Why US strikes on Iran just made North Korea less likely to play ball

MORE LATEST NEWS

SCMP Series

Year of the Horse 2026

Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Challenges and pathways in the South China Sea

China Inc. goes global

Customers choose colored glaze snake handicrafts for the coming Chinese New Year, the Year of Snake, in Xiye Colored Glaze Studio in Boshan district, Zibo city, Shandong province, China, on Jan. 9, 2025. With a long history of colored glaze, Boshan is regarded as China’s Hometown of Colored Glaze and has 12 colored glaze enterprises and 65 art studios. (Xinhua)
新华社照片，淄博（山东），2025年1月9日
1月9日，消费者在淄博市博山区西冶工坊展销厅内挑选蛇年主题琉璃工艺品。
春节临近，山东省淄博市博山区的琉璃生产企业推出众多蛇年主题创意琉璃制品，受到市场青睐。博山区被誉为“中国琉璃之乡“，琉璃生产历史悠久，当地已发展琉璃生产企业12家、工作室65个。
新华社记者朱峥摄

SCMP Series Year of the Horse 2026

Year of the Horse 2026 feng shui advice for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs to enjoy good luck

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where each Chinese zodiac sign can place items for good luck in the Year of the Fire Horse.

21 Feb 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

Feng shui advice for Snakes for luck in money, health and romance

20 Feb 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

Why do Chinese love water chestnuts? All about the lucky ‘horse’s hoof’

19 Feb 2026 - 11:15AM

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

23 Feb 2026 - 10:05AMvideocam

Global Economy

Open Questions | Why Trump’s April trip to China may not deliver ‘grand bargain’: James Zimmerman

The American Chamber of Commerce in China chairman says this year’s expected Trump-Xi meetings can put countries on a ‘visionary’ path.

13 Feb 2026 - 9:03AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Trump’s ‘imperial’ agenda and the end of the old world order: Luuk van Middelaar

Political theorist says rapid acceleration of the US president’s ‘offensive, almost imperial’ agenda has left Europe disoriented.

9 Feb 2026 - 1:10PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Lawrence Lau on why China must ‘work smarter’ and how it can invent from scratch

China must shift from quantity to quality by focusing on 12-year schooling, more basic research and GBA integration, renowned economist says.

2 Feb 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech

Chinese chip firms Cambricon, Moore Threads post sales jump on domestic demand

Cambricon reports first full-year profit since listing in 2020, while Moore Threads’ revenue jumps 243 per cent.

27 Feb 2026 - 10:26PM

Chinese AI chip designer Cambricon posted its first annual profit since listing in 2020. Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Tech

China’s Honor debuts robot phone and humanoid companion in push into AI hardware

Robot phone – featuring motorised arm that tracks motion and interacts with users through camera movement – unveiled ahead of MWC Barcelona.

2 hours ago

China Business

Hong Kong-listed Chinese drug firms set to turn corner on rising sales, deals

Chinese pharmaceutical firms are poised for profit growth, driven by innovative drug sales and licensing deals, despite pricing pressures.

1 Mar 2026 - 12:00PM

China Economy

How China could narrow a tech hub’s income gap – and avoid Silicon Valley’s fate

As tech mecca Zhejiang province sees wealth soar on the back of robotics, gaming and AI, Beijing hopes to avert a wide income disparity.

1 Mar 2026 - 10:00AMvideocam

An employee works on the production line of the Tashan hip-assisted exoskeleton at a workshop in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province. Photo: China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

China

Xi-Trump talk plans rattled by chaotic US team: ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’

Analysts warn thin US coordination and rushed timelines risk weak deliverables and surprises ahead of high-stakes Beijing meeting.

27 Feb 2026 - 1:57AMvideocam

Hong Kong Economy

Breaking down the key figures in Hong Kong 2026-27 budget

A deep dive into the data from Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget announcement, looking at the government’s growing revenue and increasing investment in infrastructure.

26 Feb 2026 - 4:01PM

Diplomacy

5 top takeaways from Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address

In a speech that runs nearly two hours, Trump casts himself as a global peacemaker and touts his economic credentials.

25 Feb 2026 - 12:50PMvideocam

Science

Smaller, faster, smarter: Chinese transistor ready for future AI chips

Breakthrough said to overcome long-standing limitations of traditional ferroelectric transistors, ‘paving way for large-scale application’.

25 Feb 2026 - 6:19AMvideocam

Ferroelectric transistors function similarly to neurons in the human brain, as they integrate memory and processing in a single unit. Photo: Shutterstock

How China could untangle its private firms’ complex debt burdens

As private businesses grapple with cash flow challenges, entrepreneurs say they want the settling of outstanding debts to be made a priority.

Chinese power line projects seek private capital in sign of infrastructure shift

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Developing | Iran strikes day 3: markets open with sharp sell-off in futures and Asian shares

Oil prices have surged dramatically amid rising fears of a broader escalation in the Middle East after the attacks by the US and Israel.

US using AI, B-2 bombers and suicide drones in Iran strikes

The US is deploying low-cost suicide drones modelled after Iranian designs as part of Operation Epic Fury.

Cathay Pacific halts Dubai flights until Thursday amid US-Israeli attack on Iran

Flag carrier also halts Riyadh route until Tuesday, with at least 37 Hong Kong-Middle East flights cancelled so far.

Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

Iran ties after Khamenei, China’s Myanmar dilemma: 5 weekend reads

From how Khamenei’s death will impact China-Iran ties to Myanmar five years after the coup, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Why US strikes on Iran just made North Korea less likely to play ball

Iran’s nuclear programme was aspirational. North Korea’s is not. That distinction explains everything, analysts say.

3 US troops killed in Iran war, Trump warns more could come

The US president vows to ‘avenge their deaths and deliver the most punishing blow’.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Deepa Jivan, CEO of J.Gordhan & Co, says bank’s tailored financial solutions and expertise give it the agility to navigate global marketplace.

5 takeaways from the first 2 days of US-Israel war against Iran

Amid escalating US-Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation, casualties emerge, oil spikes and global geopolitics face major shocks.

Why China’s ties with Iran will endure despite death of Khamenei

Killing of Iranian supreme leader has sparked turmoil and triggered talk about an ideological shift to the West.

CIA ‘tracked Iranian leaders for months’ ahead of first attacks

Official says that a variety of factors created a golden opportunity to take out much of Iran’s leadership.

Party sober? Asia’s bars and drink giants shift gears as Gen Z ditch alcohol

As young Asians turn more health-conscious and watch their spending, drinks giants and bars are planning more low- and no-alcohol options.

What will first Type 055 destroyers for PLA East China Fleet mean for Taiwan?

Two of the guided-missile destroyers with hull numbers assigned have been spotted at a naval base on the East China Sea coast.

Is Europe, the world’s geopolitical punching bag, ready to hit back?

The EU could land a range of economic blows if it wants to be more than a lightweight, researchers say.

HSBC signals intent to join Hong Kong’s stablecoin regime amid digital hub push

Georges Elhedery declined to confirm whether HSBC applied for stablecoin licence but indicated that discussions with regulator were ongoing.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: defiant Iranian leader’s rule ended by his enemies

The death of the 86-year-old cleric in a US-Israeli operation leaves a vacuum at the heart of the Islamic Republic.

She hated working at her parents’ Chinese restaurant. Now she’s made it viral

Anna Peng shares the daily joys and challenges of running Canada’s Great Fountain Fast Food to its nearly 40,000 followers on Instagram.

Inside Xi Jinping’s new guide to promoting Communist Party officials

Chinese leader targets ‘two-faced’ officials and demands new benchmarks tailored to local needs in newly released speeches.

Fines, penalties and forfeitures pump HK$2.1 billion into government coffers

Amount is 25.8 per cent more than estimate, with government attributing surge to bigger fines and higher revenue from forfeiture cases.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Language Matters | Gen Z loves ‘Chinamaxxing’, but where does ‘maxxing’ come from?

Opinion | Hong Kong wants more babies. Ignoring high stress in schools won’t help

Letters | Hong Kong cannot allow a wait-and-see approach to fire safety

Editorial | China now holds more cards ahead of Xi-Trump meeting

Opinion | Now is the time for China to show it’s serious about opening up

She hated working at her parents’ Chinese restaurant. Now she’s made it viral

6 injured in vessel explosion at Hong Kong’s Stonecutters Island

Developing | Iran strikes day 3: markets open with sharp sell-off in futures and Asian shares

Iran ties after Khamenei, China’s Myanmar dilemma: 5 weekend reads

Viral clip of Malaysian man clinging to ex-wife’s moving car leads to arrest

Why US strikes on Iran just made North Korea less likely to play ball

Year of the Horse 2026 feng shui advice for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs to enjoy good luck

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where each Chinese zodiac sign can place items for good luck in the Year of the Fire Horse.

Feng shui advice for Snakes for luck in money, health and romance

Why do Chinese love water chestnuts? All about the lucky ‘horse’s hoof’

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

Open Questions | Why Trump’s April trip to China may not deliver ‘grand bargain’: James Zimmerman

The American Chamber of Commerce in China chairman says this year’s expected Trump-Xi meetings can put countries on a ‘visionary’ path.

Open Questions | Trump’s ‘imperial’ agenda and the end of the old world order: Luuk van Middelaar

Political theorist says rapid acceleration of the US president’s ‘offensive, almost imperial’ agenda has left Europe disoriented.

Open Questions | Lawrence Lau on why China must ‘work smarter’ and how it can invent from scratch

China must shift from quantity to quality by focusing on 12-year schooling, more basic research and GBA integration, renowned economist says.

Chinese chip firms Cambricon, Moore Threads post sales jump on domestic demand

Cambricon reports first full-year profit since listing in 2020, while Moore Threads’ revenue jumps 243 per cent.

China’s Honor debuts robot phone and humanoid companion in push into AI hardware

Robot phone – featuring motorised arm that tracks motion and interacts with users through camera movement – unveiled ahead of MWC Barcelona.

Hong Kong-listed Chinese drug firms set to turn corner on rising sales, deals

Chinese pharmaceutical firms are poised for profit growth, driven by innovative drug sales and licensing deals, despite pricing pressures.

How China could narrow a tech hub’s income gap – and avoid Silicon Valley’s fate

As tech mecca Zhejiang province sees wealth soar on the back of robotics, gaming and AI, Beijing hopes to avert a wide income disparity.

Xi-Trump talk plans rattled by chaotic US team: ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’

Analysts warn thin US coordination and rushed timelines risk weak deliverables and surprises ahead of high-stakes Beijing meeting.

Breaking down the key figures in Hong Kong 2026-27 budget

A deep dive into the data from Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget announcement, looking at the government’s growing revenue and increasing investment in infrastructure.

5 top takeaways from Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address

In a speech that runs nearly two hours, Trump casts himself as a global peacemaker and touts his economic credentials.

Smaller, faster, smarter: Chinese transistor ready for future AI chips

Breakthrough said to overcome long-standing limitations of traditional ferroelectric transistors, ‘paving way for large-scale application’.

Developing | Iran strikes day 3: markets open with sharp sell-off in futures and Asian shares

How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Language Matters | Gen Z loves ‘Chinamaxxing’, but where does ‘maxxing’ come from?