Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Chinese scientists said the design of their stretchable microelectrodes was inspired by the Japanese art of paper cutting. Photo: ScienceNet

Japanese paper-cutting art inspires China science team’s flexible brain implants

Stretchable microelectrode arrays aim to overcome limitations of electrode technology, such as Neuralink.

2 hours agovideocam

Will Musk’s moon pivot put SpaceX on collision course with China’s ambitions?

Science

China Economy

As Chinese provinces slash revenue outlook, analysts warn of debt control

Local governments seen curbing infrastructure spending as Beijing’s fiscal discipline pushes regions to prioritise social services and tech over large projects.

13 Feb 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

Diplomacy

China, US top diplomats Wang Yi, Marco Rubio meet in Munich

Meeting comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China in April.

12 minutes ago

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong’s West Kowloon arts hub secures HK$3 billion, 10-year loan facility

Deal, together with US$1 billion bond issuance in tranches, will help operator meet financing challenges until property project generates revenue.

13 Feb 2026 - 11:43PM

Military

Members of the People’s Liberation Army stand at attention as Chinese President Xi Jinping inspects their combat readiness via video link in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua

After Zhang Youxia’s downfall, PLA told to be more mindful of spending

China

Brazil breaks up China-linked US$190m money-laundering ring tied to crime gang

Prosecutors claim Chinese-run distribution network concealed revenue, evaded tax obligations and fostered money laundering of drug proceeds.

5 hours agovideocam

A China-linked electronics distribution network is accused of laundering more than US$190 million in Brazil over seven months. Photo: Reuters

Military

Chinese fighter jets locked radar on foreign stealth plane: PLA Daily

Military commentators say PLA aircraft cited by official military paper was likely to have been a J-16.

13 Feb 2026 - 8:47PMvideocam

United States & Canada

Trump administration sues Harvard, accusing it of defying investigation

US authorities are seeking documents to determine whether the Ivy League university had illegally considered race in its admissions process.

5 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

SERIES: Year of the Horse 2026

Feng shui advice for Pigs for good luck in the Year of the Horse 2026

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Pigs can put lucky coloured items at home and work for luck in the Year of the Fire Horse.

16 minutes agovideocam

How can those born in the Year of the Pig use feng shui to improve their luck in love, money and health this coming year? Feng shui practitioner Andrew Kwan shares advice. Photo: Shutterstock

United States & Canada

Hollywood shaken by Brad Pitt-Tom Cruise fight video made with Chinese AI

The viral clip was generated with a two-line prompt on Seedance 2.0, a platform owned by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok.

1 hour ago

United States & Canada

US inflation cools more than expected, kindling hopes of Fed rate cut

The consumer price index rose 2.4 per cent year-on-year, the lowest level since May, though affordability concerns still weigh on households.

14 Feb 2026 - 12:57AM

Diplomacy

Beijing and Tokyo in maritime stand-off after Japan seizes Chinese boat, captain

Beijing urges Tokyo to protect Chinese crew members’ rights after incident off southwestern Nagasaki prefecture.

13 Feb 2026 - 8:26PMvideocam

Japan’s Fisheries Agency says this photo taken on February 12 shows a patrol vessel, Hakuo Maru (left), and a Chinese fishing vessel sailing within Japan’s exclusive economic zone off Nagasaki prefecture. Photo: AFP

Diplomacy

China mulls US manufacturing fund ahead of Xi-Trump summit, business leader says

Leaders to secure ‘very positive’ outcomes but no ‘grand bargain’ during talks in Beijing, AmCham China chair predicts.

13 Feb 2026 - 9:41PM

Beijing has confirmed that talks are under way for a visit to China by US President Donald Trump (left), seen here with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea, on October 30. Photo: AP

Americas

US allows oil majors to resume Venezuela operations

The authorisation does not allow transactions ‌with companies in Russia, Iran or China.

6 hours agovideocam

United States & Canada

Ex-CNN anchor Don Lemon to enter plea in Minnesota ICE protest case

Lemon had livestreamed a protest against Trump’s deployment of ‌armed immigration agents into Minnesota’s biggest cities.

13 Feb 2026 - 7:24PM

United States & Canada

Trump hails US ‘discombobulator’ weapon as he meets Maduro op troops

The US president made his first public comments on a device that he boasted could block Russian and Chinese defence systems.

3 hours agovideocam

US President Donald Trump applauds as he looks at first lady Melania Trump during a visit at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on Friday. Photo: Reuters

US

Pentagon adds Chinese firms to military list, then withdraws filing

Move weeks before Trump-Xi summit highlights mixed signals from Washington and injects fresh uncertainty into fragile US-China truce.

1 hour agovideocam

The US Defence Department’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Photo: Reuters

China Economy

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

Beijing is encouraging more private investment in a range of critical infrastructure projects, from railways to nuclear power plants.

13 Feb 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Military

Beware of ‘political swindlers’, China’s cadres warned ahead of leadership change

Communist Party’s anti-corruption agencies say there is still a danger of graft in the promotion process.

13 Feb 2026 - 8:10PMvideocam

OPINION

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Panama’s U-turn on a business deal under pressure dents investor confidence

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SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Hong Kong’s cooperation with Qianhai offers businesses best of both worlds

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Peter T. C. Chang

Opinion | Takaichi’s anti-China stance won’t bolster Japan’s security

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David Dodwell

Outside In | Will tourism slump force Trump to rethink his unilateral approach?

13 Feb 2026 - 8:30PM

Andrew Sheng

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13 Feb 2026 - 4:30PM

Harry’s View | 14 Feb 2026

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United States & Canada

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SCMP Series Challenges and pathways in the South China Sea

Bully vs sovereignty: how Manila and Beijing are sharpening their South China Sea messaging

Analysts say the Philippines’ approach of ‘assertive transparency’ may be wearing thin at home and in the region.

12 Feb 2026 - 11:07AMvideocam

The Philippines wants to seal South China Sea code of conduct. Can it deliver?

11 Feb 2026 - 6:14AMvideocam

Why High Seas Treaty could change ‘rules of the game’ in South China Sea row

10 Feb 2026 - 9:43AMvideocam

Open Questions series

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

China

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

29 Jan 2026 - 11:50AMvideocam

Key Industries:

China’s AI arms race sees sector brace for major flagship model launch week

A ‘stealth’ model has emerged, while advancements by Alibaba’s Qwen-3.5 and Zhipu’s GLM-5 aim to spur domestic competition following releases by US heavyweights.

9 Feb 2026 - 8:02PM

China’s AI sector is bracing for a monumental week, with a flurry of anticipated model releases. Photo: Shutterstock

China EVs

Chinese cars now can’t be sold for less than it costs to make them

Regulator bans tactics that result in a net loss per vehicle after a 7 per cent drop in the average car price.

13 Feb 2026 - 4:23PM

Tech Trends

Hua Hong reports record Q4 revenue as AI-driven memory crunch fuels price hikes

Revenue growth primarily driven by increases in wafer shipments and improved average selling prices, company says.

13 Feb 2026 - 4:31PM

Tech

China’s MiniMax releases AI model ‘designed for real-world productivity’

Company says it is ‘first frontier model … delivering on the promise of intelligence too cheap to meter’.

13 Feb 2026 - 6:41PM

Diplomacy

How Manila’s ‘naming and shaming’ challenges Beijing’s South China Sea stance

Analysts say the Philippines’ approach of ‘assertive transparency’ may be wearing thin at home and in the region.

12 Feb 2026 - 11:07AMvideocam

Diplomacy

The Philippines wants to seal South China Sea code of conduct. Can it deliver?

As 2026 Asean chair, Manila has highlighted its push to finalise within its term a code of conduct covering the contested waters.

11 Feb 2026 - 6:14AMvideocam

Law and Crime

Key dates in Jimmy Lai’s Hong Kong national security case

10 Feb 2026 - 5:00PM

Diplomacy

Why High Seas Treaty could change ‘rules of the game’ in South China Sea row

Effective January 17, the framework protects unique marine biodiversity and ecosystems in areas beyond any individual country’s jurisdiction.

10 Feb 2026 - 9:43AMvideocam

Japanese paper-cutting art inspires China science team’s flexible brain implants

Stretchable microelectrode arrays aim to overcome limitations of electrode technology, such as Neuralink.

Will Musk’s moon pivot put SpaceX on collision course with China’s ambitions?

As Chinese provinces slash revenue outlook, analysts warn of debt control

Local governments seen curbing infrastructure spending as Beijing’s fiscal discipline pushes regions to prioritise social services and tech over large projects.

China, US top diplomats Wang Yi, Marco Rubio meet in Munich

Meeting comes ahead of US President Donald Trump’s planned visit to China in April.

Hong Kong’s West Kowloon arts hub secures HK$3 billion, 10-year loan facility

Deal, together with US$1 billion bond issuance in tranches, will help operator meet financing challenges until property project generates revenue.

After Zhang Youxia’s downfall, PLA told to be more mindful of spending

Brazil breaks up China-linked US$190m money-laundering ring tied to crime gang

Prosecutors claim Chinese-run distribution network concealed revenue, evaded tax obligations and fostered money laundering of drug proceeds.

Chinese fighter jets locked radar on foreign stealth plane: PLA Daily

Military commentators say PLA aircraft cited by official military paper was likely to have been a J-16.

Trump administration sues Harvard, accusing it of defying investigation

US authorities are seeking documents to determine whether the Ivy League university had illegally considered race in its admissions process.

.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.

Feng shui advice for Pigs for good luck in the Year of the Horse 2026

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Pigs can put lucky coloured items at home and work for luck in the Year of the Fire Horse.

Hollywood shaken by Brad Pitt-Tom Cruise fight video made with Chinese AI

The viral clip was generated with a two-line prompt on Seedance 2.0, a platform owned by ByteDance, the company behind TikTok.

US inflation cools more than expected, kindling hopes of Fed rate cut

The consumer price index rose 2.4 per cent year-on-year, the lowest level since May, though affordability concerns still weigh on households.

Beijing and Tokyo in maritime stand-off after Japan seizes Chinese boat, captain

Beijing urges Tokyo to protect Chinese crew members’ rights after incident off southwestern Nagasaki prefecture.

China mulls US manufacturing fund ahead of Xi-Trump summit, business leader says

Leaders to secure ‘very positive’ outcomes but no ‘grand bargain’ during talks in Beijing, AmCham China chair predicts.

US allows oil majors to resume Venezuela operations

The authorisation does not allow transactions ‌with companies in Russia, Iran or China.

Ex-CNN anchor Don Lemon to enter plea in Minnesota ICE protest case

Lemon had livestreamed a protest against Trump’s deployment of ‌armed immigration agents into Minnesota’s biggest cities.

Trump hails US ‘discombobulator’ weapon as he meets Maduro op troops

The US president made his first public comments on a device that he boasted could block Russian and Chinese defence systems.

Pentagon adds Chinese firms to military list, then withdraws filing

Move weeks before Trump-Xi summit highlights mixed signals from Washington and injects fresh uncertainty into fragile US-China truce.

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

Beijing is encouraging more private investment in a range of critical infrastructure projects, from railways to nuclear power plants.

Beware of ‘political swindlers’, China’s cadres warned ahead of leadership change

Communist Party’s anti-corruption agencies say there is still a danger of graft in the promotion process.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Editorial | Panama’s U-turn on a business deal under pressure dents investor confidence

Editorial | Hong Kong’s cooperation with Qianhai offers businesses best of both worlds

Opinion | Takaichi’s anti-China stance won’t bolster Japan’s security

Outside In | Will tourism slump force Trump to rethink his unilateral approach?

Opinion | In the age of AI, we must learn to act before the future is clear

Editorial | Panama’s U-turn on a business deal under pressure dents investor confidence

Feng shui advice for Pigs for good luck in the Year of the Horse 2026

Editorial | Hong Kong’s cooperation with Qianhai offers businesses best of both worlds

Hollywood shaken by Brad Pitt-Tom Cruise fight video made with Chinese AI

Japanese paper-cutting art inspires China science team’s flexible brain implants

Who is Oli Higginson, the actor who plays footman John in Bridgerton?

Bully vs sovereignty: how Manila and Beijing are sharpening their South China Sea messaging

Analysts say the Philippines’ approach of ‘assertive transparency’ may be wearing thin at home and in the region.

The Philippines wants to seal South China Sea code of conduct. Can it deliver?

Why High Seas Treaty could change ‘rules of the game’ in South China Sea row

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}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.

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

China’s AI arms race sees sector brace for major flagship model launch week

A ‘stealth’ model has emerged, while advancements by Alibaba’s Qwen-3.5 and Zhipu’s GLM-5 aim to spur domestic competition following releases by US heavyweights.

Chinese cars now can’t be sold for less than it costs to make them

Regulator bans tactics that result in a net loss per vehicle after a 7 per cent drop in the average car price.

Hua Hong reports record Q4 revenue as AI-driven memory crunch fuels price hikes

Revenue growth primarily driven by increases in wafer shipments and improved average selling prices, company says.

China’s MiniMax releases AI model ‘designed for real-world productivity’

Company says it is ‘first frontier model … delivering on the promise of intelligence too cheap to meter’.

How Manila’s ‘naming and shaming’ challenges Beijing’s South China Sea stance

Analysts say the Philippines’ approach of ‘assertive transparency’ may be wearing thin at home and in the region.

The Philippines wants to seal South China Sea code of conduct. Can it deliver?

As 2026 Asean chair, Manila has highlighted its push to finalise within its term a code of conduct covering the contested waters.

Key dates in Jimmy Lai’s Hong Kong national security case

Key dates in Jimmy Lai’s Hong Kong national security case

Why High Seas Treaty could change ‘rules of the game’ in South China Sea row

Effective January 17, the framework protects unique marine biodiversity and ecosystems in areas beyond any individual country’s jurisdiction.

Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Editorial | Panama’s U-turn on a business deal under pressure dents investor confidence

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