Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Does Trump’s Nvidia flip reveal anxieties on both sides of China-US tech war?

Can Washington bind Chinese rivals to American technologies or will access to the AI chips hasten Beijing’s challenge to US dominance?

20 minutes agovideocam

Explainer | Will US-led ‘Pax Silica’ be a new dawn for the international AI supply chain?

US-China relations

Politics

US halts visas for 75 countries indefinitely; China not on the list

Trump administration pauses immigrant visa processing from January 21, affecting applicants worldwide while exempting key visa categories.

3 hours ago

Military

Trump ‘Golden Fleet’ shipbuilding push ‘to give US military and strategic edge’

US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan says it’s essential US matches China’s superior production capacity and manufacturing workforce.

1 hour agovideocam

Hong Kong

Gaps laid bare by deadly Hong Kong fire focus of first Legco meeting of new term

City leader John Lee outlines government priorities in wake of November’s blaze, with resettlement of residents and investigations topping list.

6 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Despite the need to stay vigilant, China should be confident of its strength and capabilities in managing its maritime issues with its neighbours, a Chinese expert has said. Photo: Xinhua

‘Strategic patience’ key for Beijing in South China Sea and other disputes

Science

Zheng Yu, ‘rising star’ in chemical engineering from MIT, quits US for China

The researcher who specialises in wearable devices has taken up a position at Peking University.

12 minutes ago

The “Great Dome” at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus in Cambridge. Photo: AP Photo

Policy

Beijing opens antitrust investigation into Trip.com before Lunar New Year break

The Trip.com case shows how China’s regulatory inquiries into various online platforms have become the norm.

14 Jan 2026 - 9:29PM

Middle East

Trump says Iran killings have stopped, even as Tehran signals executions ahead

The US president did not say if that meant he no longer planned to take action against the Iranian government.

10 minutes agovideocam

Business

The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Found everywhere from food products to biofuel, this vegetable oil is preferred for its versatility, safety and sustainable production.

In partnership with:

MPOC

Palm oil is a versatile ingredient found in a wide range of everyday items, from ice cream and cake to lipstick and biofuel.

Diplomacy

Could the Iran crisis push Global South blocs to deepen security ties?

A lack of response from the SCO and Brics could have a negative impact on the groups – but the crisis could also bring them closer.

6 hours agovideocam

US President Donald Trump has threatened “very strong action” if Iranian authorities begin executing anti-government protesters. Photo: AFP

Diplomacy

Brazil-China trade hits record US$171 billion in 2025 as US tariffs prompt pivot

The US is a distant second in trade volume with Brazil as Beijing helps soften the impact of Washington’s levies.

3 hours agovideocam

Hong Kong Economy

Proportion of young Hongkongers owning subsidised flats halves in 30 years: study

Buying a 500 sq ft private flat now costs the equivalent of 18.4 years of median household income, compared with 5.6 years in 2002, study shows.

14 Jan 2026 - 11:08PM

Other Sport

Tiger Woods’ lost tooth, Bode Miller’s one-ski show: tales from Olympic slopes

After being held at past 3 Winter Games at new venues, the Olympics downmhill racing programme return next month to iconic courses.

4 hours agovideocam

Bode Miller of the United States makes a turn on one ski during the Men’s Combined at the World Alpine Ski Championships in Bormio, Italy in February 2005. Photo: AP

Global Economy

Why China may buy Nvidia’s AI chips as US eases curbs – and replace them later

As the US reverses Biden-era restrictions, Beijing likely to take advantage – without compromising own industry, analysts say.

14 Jan 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

China’s domestic chip industry has made rapid advances in recent years, but it still lags the US in cutting-edge models. Photo: Shutterstock

China Economy

‘Structurally hurt’: why are Chinese tourists spending less abroad than before?

China’s outbound travel sector has bounced back from the pandemic, but the era of duty-free shopping sprees appears to be over.

14 Jan 2026 - 4:04PMvideocam

Middle East

US says Gaza entering next phase of ceasefire plan, including disarming Hamas

The US expects Hamas to immediately return the final deceased hostage, Steve Witkoff says.

5 hours ago

United States & Canada

Ford suspends worker who heckled Trump and got flipped off by US president

TJ Sabula had shouted ‘paedophile protector’ at the US president, in an apparent reference to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

51 minutes ago

Thomas “TJ” Sabula, was suspended from his job at a Dearborn, Michigan Ford plant on January 14, 2025 after he shouted remarks at US President Donald Trump. Photo: TJ Sabula/GoFundMe

Europe

France charges maths professor accused in China spying case

The academic allegedly let a Chinese delegation visit sensitive sites and could be jailed for years if convicted.

3 hours ago

French and Chinese flags are flown in Beijing ahead of a welcome ceremony for French President Emmanuel Macron in January 2018. Photo: EPA-EFE

United States & Canada

FBI raids home of US journalist who reported on Trump firings

The unusual search on Hannah Natanson’s home as part of a Pentagon leak investigation sparked concerns over press freedom in the US.

3 hours ago

Middle East

Iran signals fast trials and executions for detained protesters

As the death toll surpasses 2,500, Iran’s judiciary chief calls for fast action for suspects arrested over protests.

14 Jan 2026 - 9:30PM

OPINION

James Borton

Opinion | High Seas Treaty a chance for China to lead on marine conservation

55 minutes ago

Jon Yuan Jiang

Opinion | Why Russia is gambling on a protracted war in Ukraine

14 Jan 2026 - 8:30PM

Michael Han

Opinion | China’s new property pivot is coming. Expect full stabilisation ahead

14 Jan 2026 - 5:43PM

Alex Lo

As I see it | The Chinese century may already be here

14 Jan 2026 - 9:30AM

Letters

Letters | The strategic calculations behind Trump’s Venezuela raid

14 Jan 2026 - 11:30AM

Harry’s View | 15 Jan 2026

MORE COMMENT

LATEST

10 minutes ago

Middle East

Trump says Iran killings have stopped, even as Tehran signals executions ahead

25 minutes ago

Diplomacy

Does Trump’s Nvidia flip reveal anxieties on both sides of China-US tech war?

25 minutes ago

Culture

The buzziest openings in Hong Kong, from Japanese delights to a new literary museum

55 minutes ago

China Opinion

Opinion | High Seas Treaty a chance for China to lead on marine conservation

2 hours ago

Military

Trump ‘Golden Fleet’ shipbuilding push ‘to give US military and strategic edge’

3 hours ago

United States & Canada

Ford suspends worker who heckled Trump and got flipped off by US president

MORE LATEST NEWS

SCMP Series

China Inc. goes global

Year of the Horse 2026

Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Revisiting US-China relations

SCMP Series China Inc. goes global

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 | 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

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Political scientist Ivan Krastev on European vertigo in a post-American world

While melancholy Europe frets that the US and China will shape the future, middle powers are jostling for a place at the big table.

29 Dec 2025 - 9:04AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech

China’s Qwen and DeepSeek edge out US AI models in Christian values benchmark

US start-up Gloo’s Flourishing AI Christian benchmark tested how the output of AI models ‘help people flourish’, CEO Pat Gelsinger said.

17 Dec 2025 - 7:00AM

The questions in FAI-C were reviewed by a panel of Biblical experts, including theologians, pastors, psychologists and scholars of ethics. Photo: SCMP

Banking & Finance

Alibaba, JPMorgan said to back Chinese chip firm’s Hong Kong listing

Montage Technology could raise up to US$900 million in an IPO as soon as this month, sources say.

14 Jan 2026 - 9:30PM

Tech War

Zhipu AI breaks US chip reliance with first major model trained on Huawei stack

Zhipu claims GLM-Image achieved industry-leading scores among open-source models for text rendering and Chinese character generation.

14 Jan 2026 - 8:00PM

Tech Trends

Video-generation boom sees China’s Kling AI post US$240 million revenue run rate

Kling AI is widely adopted in the fields of marketing and e-commerce, as well as in films, television and animation, owner Kuaishou says.

14 Jan 2026 - 6:41PM

Kling AI adoption has expanded amid the growing use worldwide of artificial intelligence video tools. Photo: Shutterstock

China Economy

Can China’s cheap, renewable energy help it outrun the US in the AI race?

China’s energy buildout means cheap, green and reliable electricity fuels its manufacturing and tech industries, giving it an edge over rivals.

14 Jan 2026 - 9:14AMvideocam

Diplomacy

How the US raid in Venezuela has triggered Brazilian fury and a Chinese opening

Latin America’s largest economy seeks ‘delicate balance’ between Trump’s ambitions and boosting ties with Beijing, its top trading partner.

11 Jan 2026 - 6:04AMvideocam

Global Economy

‘Expansion to defence’: China firms strategise in Latin America after Venezuela

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

Banking & Finance

What does HSBC’s buyout of Hang Seng Bank mean for its future and investors?

HSBC’s historic US$13.6 billion buyout of Hang Seng Bank aims to cut costs, tackle bad debts and fuel growth, but challenges abound.

10 Jan 2026 - 10:00AM

Does Trump’s Nvidia flip reveal anxieties on both sides of China-US tech war?

Can Washington bind Chinese rivals to American technologies or will access to the AI chips hasten Beijing’s challenge to US dominance?

US halts visas for 75 countries indefinitely; China not on the list

Trump administration pauses immigrant visa processing from January 21, affecting applicants worldwide while exempting key visa categories.

Trump ‘Golden Fleet’ shipbuilding push ‘to give US military and strategic edge’

US Secretary of the Navy John Phelan says it’s essential US matches China’s superior production capacity and manufacturing workforce.

Gaps laid bare by deadly Hong Kong fire focus of first Legco meeting of new term

City leader John Lee outlines government priorities in wake of November’s blaze, with resettlement of residents and investigations topping list.

‘Strategic patience’ key for Beijing in South China Sea and other disputes

Zheng Yu, ‘rising star’ in chemical engineering from MIT, quits US for China

The researcher who specialises in wearable devices has taken up a position at Peking University.

Beijing opens antitrust investigation into Trip.com before Lunar New Year break

The Trip.com case shows how China’s regulatory inquiries into various online platforms have become the norm.

Trump says Iran killings have stopped, even as Tehran signals executions ahead

The US president did not say if that meant he no longer planned to take action against the Iranian government.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Found everywhere from food products to biofuel, this vegetable oil is preferred for its versatility, safety and sustainable production.

Could the Iran crisis push Global South blocs to deepen security ties?

A lack of response from the SCO and Brics could have a negative impact on the groups – but the crisis could also bring them closer.

Brazil-China trade hits record US$171 billion in 2025 as US tariffs prompt pivot

The US is a distant second in trade volume with Brazil as Beijing helps soften the impact of Washington’s levies.

Proportion of young Hongkongers owning subsidised flats halves in 30 years: study

Buying a 500 sq ft private flat now costs the equivalent of 18.4 years of median household income, compared with 5.6 years in 2002, study shows.

Tiger Woods’ lost tooth, Bode Miller’s one-ski show: tales from Olympic slopes

After being held at past 3 Winter Games at new venues, the Olympics downmhill racing programme return next month to iconic courses.

Why China may buy Nvidia’s AI chips as US eases curbs – and replace them later

As the US reverses Biden-era restrictions, Beijing likely to take advantage – without compromising own industry, analysts say.

‘Structurally hurt’: why are Chinese tourists spending less abroad than before?

China’s outbound travel sector has bounced back from the pandemic, but the era of duty-free shopping sprees appears to be over.

US says Gaza entering next phase of ceasefire plan, including disarming Hamas

The US expects Hamas to immediately return the final deceased hostage, Steve Witkoff says.

Ford suspends worker who heckled Trump and got flipped off by US president

TJ Sabula had shouted ‘paedophile protector’ at the US president, in an apparent reference to sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

France charges maths professor accused in China spying case

The academic allegedly let a Chinese delegation visit sensitive sites and could be jailed for years if convicted.

FBI raids home of US journalist who reported on Trump firings

The unusual search on Hannah Natanson’s home as part of a Pentagon leak investigation sparked concerns over press freedom in the US.

Iran signals fast trials and executions for detained protesters

As the death toll surpasses 2,500, Iran’s judiciary chief calls for fast action for suspects arrested over protests.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | High Seas Treaty a chance for China to lead on marine conservation

Opinion | Why Russia is gambling on a protracted war in Ukraine

Opinion | China’s new property pivot is coming. Expect full stabilisation ahead

As I see it | The Chinese century may already be here

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | The strategic calculations behind Trump’s Venezuela raid

Trump says Iran killings have stopped, even as Tehran signals executions ahead

Does Trump’s Nvidia flip reveal anxieties on both sides of China-US tech war?

The buzziest openings in Hong Kong, from Japanese delights to a new literary museum

Opinion | High Seas Treaty a chance for China to lead on marine conservation

Trump ‘Golden Fleet’ shipbuilding push ‘to give US military and strategic edge’

Ford suspends worker who heckled Trump and got flipped off by US president

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 | 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.

Open Questions | Political scientist Ivan Krastev on European vertigo in a post-American world

While melancholy Europe frets that the US and China will shape the future, middle powers are jostling for a place at the big table.

China’s Qwen and DeepSeek edge out US AI models in Christian values benchmark

US start-up Gloo’s Flourishing AI Christian benchmark tested how the output of AI models ‘help people flourish’, CEO Pat Gelsinger said.

Alibaba, JPMorgan said to back Chinese chip firm’s Hong Kong listing

Montage Technology could raise up to US$900 million in an IPO as soon as this month, sources say.

Zhipu AI breaks US chip reliance with first major model trained on Huawei stack

Zhipu claims GLM-Image achieved industry-leading scores among open-source models for text rendering and Chinese character generation.

Video-generation boom sees China’s Kling AI post US$240 million revenue run rate

Kling AI is widely adopted in the fields of marketing and e-commerce, as well as in films, television and animation, owner Kuaishou says.

Can China’s cheap, renewable energy help it outrun the US in the AI race?

China’s energy buildout means cheap, green and reliable electricity fuels its manufacturing and tech industries, giving it an edge over rivals.

How the US raid in Venezuela has triggered Brazilian fury and a Chinese opening

Latin America’s largest economy seeks ‘delicate balance’ between Trump’s ambitions and boosting ties with Beijing, its top trading partner.

‘Expansion to defence’: China firms strategise in Latin America after Venezuela

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

What does HSBC’s buyout of Hang Seng Bank mean for its future and investors?

HSBC’s historic US$13.6 billion buyout of Hang Seng Bank aims to cut costs, tackle bad debts and fuel growth, but challenges abound.

The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Opinion | High Seas Treaty a chance for China to lead on marine conservation

Letters | The strategic calculations behind Trump’s Venezuela raid