Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

SpaceX has said it will lower thousands of its internet satellites into a lower orbit. Photo: SpaceX

Chinese satellite forces 4,400 of its Starlink rivals into lower altitude: study

Researchers in China said the SpaceX decision was ‘directly triggered’ by a close call between two satellites in December.

57 minutes ago

US looking inward under Trump made room for China’s development, expert says

Science

Politics

US soybean farmers fear China trade blowback as Trump ramps up pressure

With midterm elections approaching, growers worry Beijing may quietly curb purchases just as Trump seeks to shore up rural support.

32 minutes agovideocam

China Economy

China’s consumer spending push faces major challenge – debt-averse households

Beijing has renewed its focus on boosting domestic demand in recent months, but households are cutting debt at fastest pace in years.

2 hours ago

Politics

Exclusive | US envoy says Boeing deal progress among optimistic signs of better China ties

David Perdue gives closed-door speech to business leaders on first Hong Kong visit since taking over as American envoy to Beijing.

16 minutes agovideocam

Tech

Alibaba’s Qwen-3 becomes one of world’s first AI models to operate in orbit

China Business

China could approve first AI-designed drug next year, Merck executive says

AI and genetics are creating a ‘seismic shift’ in the pharmaceutical business, experts on Asian Financial Forum panel say.

3 hours ago

AI will allow drug makers to pick better molecules, make better medicines and improve molecule design, Amgen executive says. Photo: Shutterstock

Tech

China’s manufacturing powerhouse Guangdong exports record chip equipment

Exports of chip equipment rose 20 per cent last year, while exports of EVs, lithium batteries and solar products rose 30 per cent.

4 hours ago

Law and Crime

Hong Kong police arrest 71 over stooge accounts linked to HK$214 million scams

Largest case involved senior director of multinational who transferred HK$134 million to criminals impersonating her company’s chief executive.

2 hours ago

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.

Tech

DeepSeek taps Alibaba open-source AI technology to boost OCR performance

The Chinese AI start-up says its latest OCR model delivers stronger performance after adopting an Alibaba-developed open-source model.

57 minutes ago

The update underscores the growing role of China’s open-source ecosystem in advancing domestic AI development. Photo: Shutterstock

Big Tech

Iluvatar CoreX targets Nvidia’s Rubin with GPU road map amid China chip push

Chinese chip designer outlines a multi-year GPU plan to outperform Nvidia’s next-generation Rubin platform within two years.

2 hours ago

Military

China and Russia to bolster defence ties to counter risks

Call marks first ministerial-level exchange between Beijing and Moscow since US raid on Venezuela and Trump’s stronger words on Greenland.

9 minutes agovideocam

United States & Canada

Judge orders ICE chief to court over Trump’s immigration crackdown

Judge demands ICE chief Todd Lyons explain why officials denied detained immigrants due process amid Trump’s crackdown in Minnesota.

36 minutes ago

Federal agents attempt to push protesters back near the scene of a shooting by a federal agent in Minneapolis on January 14. Photo: TNS

Economics

India, EU ‘make history’ as they seal trade pact amid US tariff pressure

Both sides are ‘set to benefit’ from the deal that analysts say will underscore broader shifts under way in the global order.

4 hours agovideocam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (centre) with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday. Photo: AP

China Economy

China tightens rail approvals as Xi warns on waste and ‘operational’ trouble

Intercity lines face stricter break-even rules, as the central government cracks down on ‘back-door’ metro projects and looks to curb redundant infrastructure spending.

5 hours agovideocam

China Business

Over 70% of European firms in China review supply chain strategies: survey

The findings show how European firms must maintain a delicate balancing act between China’s tight security and focus on self-reliance.

2 hours ago

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong eyes bigger marathon with egg waffles and milk tea to cheer runners

Tourism chief Rosanna Law says government open to expanding Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon capacity or even turning it into two-day event.

30 minutes ago

Athletes run along Island Eastern Corridor during the 10km race of the marathon. Photo: Eugene Lee

Law and Crime

Trial set for September in Hong Kong model Abby Choi murder case

Trial will begin on September 21 and is expected to last 45 days at the High Court.

3 hours ago

Entertainment

Brooklyn Beckham’s IG attack on parents spotlights celebrity name trademarks

A Beckham family feud is exposing the pitfalls of celebrity name trademarks and their impact on personal identity and legacy.

2 hours ago

Australasia

Record heat in Australia, as temperatures near 50 degrees Celsius

Authorities urge caution as temperatures soar, fuelling out of control fires.

2 hours ago

OPINION

Jiang Jiani

Opinion | How a rising China is becoming a provider of global public goods

2 hours ago

Ni Tao

Opinion | How Hangzhou’s tech ecosystem nurtures dragons and rockets

6 hours ago

Alex Lo

My Take | Steadfast state support is key to China winning tech race with US

27 Jan 2026 - 10:30AM

Bryan Luk

Opinion | Trump has laid bare the ‘Scramble for Europe’

27 Jan 2026 - 11:22AM

Letters

Letters | Fewer newborns in China may point to a more humane future

27 Jan 2026 - 11:30AM

Harry’s View | 27 Jan 2026

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17 minutes ago

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong Lunar New Year parade to feature Labubu, wishing tree on floats

30 minutes ago

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong eyes bigger marathon with egg waffles and milk tea to cheer runners

36 minutes ago

United States & Canada

Judge orders ICE chief to court over Trump’s immigration crackdown

57 minutes ago

Tech

DeepSeek taps Alibaba open-source AI technology to boost OCR performance

57 minutes ago

Science

Chinese satellite forces 4,400 of its Starlink rivals into lower altitude: study

57 minutes ago

Politics

US soybean farmers fear China trade blowback as Trump ramps up pressure

MORE LATEST NEWS

SCMP Series

Year of the Horse 2026

China Inc. goes global

Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Alphabet Inc.â€™s Google debuted an updated version of its artificial intelligence model, Gemini, that executives said represents a â€œmassive jumpâ€ in reasoning and coding ability. (Dreamstime/TNS)

SCMP Series Year of the Horse 2026

Year of the Horse 2026: what does AI predict the ‘Double Fire’ event has in store for us?

With the rise of AI mirroring the Year of the Fire Horse’s restless energy, we ask DeepSeek, Perplexity and Gemini their 2026 predictions.

24 Jan 2026 - 5:15PM

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Snakes, from money to health

23 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Dragons, from career to romance

26 Jan 2026 - 11:52AM

Open Questions series

Tech Trends

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

26 Jan 2026 - 9:31AMvideocam

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

Key Industries:

Tech Trends

China’s ‘infrastructure first’ effort a major edge in AI arms race: Davos panel

A rapid energy buildout and strategic data centre expansion give China unique advantages in developing its AI industry.

22 Jan 2026 - 5:48PM

China’s “AI Plus” panel discussion at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday included, from left, moderator Guan Xin, Tencent Holdings’ Dowson Tong, Moonshot AI’s Zhang Yutong and Nankai University’s Gong Ke. Photo: SCMP

Tech

DeepSeek taps Alibaba open-source AI technology to boost OCR performance

The Chinese AI start-up says its latest OCR model delivers stronger performance after adopting an Alibaba-developed open-source model.

57 minutes ago

China Business

Over 70% of European firms in China review supply chain strategies: survey

The findings show how European firms must maintain a delicate balancing act between China’s tight security and focus on self-reliance.

2 hours ago

China Business

China could approve first AI-designed drug next year, Merck executive says

AI and genetics are creating a ‘seismic shift’ in the pharmaceutical business, experts on Asian Financial Forum panel say.

3 hours ago

Diplomacy

European leaders say the quiet part out loud: order no longer constrains power

EU leaders appear to have finally accepted they are facing a new era of great power competition – the question now is how they respond.

27 Jan 2026 - 9:40AMvideocam

China Economy

Exclusive | Maker of China’s C919 airliner set to ramp up production: sources

With 8 of the 15 planes made last year delivered to customers in November and December, a source said supply chain snags seem to be diminishing.

26 Jan 2026 - 9:33AM

China Economy

‘Loneliness economy’: how China is adapting to a rapid rise in solo living

The viral success of check-in app Are You Dead? has exposed the vast demand for services catering to China’s rapidly growing single population.

26 Jan 2026 - 2:12PMvideocam

Politics

Why China was so keen to get to alleged cybercrime boss Chen Zhi first

Young tycoon, who was indicted by the US in October, was extradited from Cambodia this month, accused of running a vast scam network.

26 Jan 2026 - 11:35AMvideocam

Chinese satellite forces 4,400 of its Starlink rivals into lower altitude: study

Researchers in China said the SpaceX decision was ‘directly triggered’ by a close call between two satellites in December.

US looking inward under Trump made room for China’s development, expert says

US soybean farmers fear China trade blowback as Trump ramps up pressure

With midterm elections approaching, growers worry Beijing may quietly curb purchases just as Trump seeks to shore up rural support.

China’s consumer spending push faces major challenge – debt-averse households

Beijing has renewed its focus on boosting domestic demand in recent months, but households are cutting debt at fastest pace in years.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | US envoy says Boeing deal progress among optimistic signs of better China ties

David Perdue gives closed-door speech to business leaders on first Hong Kong visit since taking over as American envoy to Beijing.

Alibaba’s Qwen-3 becomes one of world’s first AI models to operate in orbit

China could approve first AI-designed drug next year, Merck executive says

AI and genetics are creating a ‘seismic shift’ in the pharmaceutical business, experts on Asian Financial Forum panel say.

China’s manufacturing powerhouse Guangdong exports record chip equipment

Exports of chip equipment rose 20 per cent last year, while exports of EVs, lithium batteries and solar products rose 30 per cent.

Hong Kong police arrest 71 over stooge accounts linked to HK$214 million scams

Largest case involved senior director of multinational who transferred HK$134 million to criminals impersonating her company’s chief executive.

.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.

DeepSeek taps Alibaba open-source AI technology to boost OCR performance

The Chinese AI start-up says its latest OCR model delivers stronger performance after adopting an Alibaba-developed open-source model.

Iluvatar CoreX targets Nvidia’s Rubin with GPU road map amid China chip push

Chinese chip designer outlines a multi-year GPU plan to outperform Nvidia’s next-generation Rubin platform within two years.

China and Russia to bolster defence ties to counter risks

Call marks first ministerial-level exchange between Beijing and Moscow since US raid on Venezuela and Trump’s stronger words on Greenland.

Judge orders ICE chief to court over Trump’s immigration crackdown

Judge demands ICE chief Todd Lyons explain why officials denied detained immigrants due process amid Trump’s crackdown in Minnesota.

India, EU ‘make history’ as they seal trade pact amid US tariff pressure

Both sides are ‘set to benefit’ from the deal that analysts say will underscore broader shifts under way in the global order.

China tightens rail approvals as Xi warns on waste and ‘operational’ trouble

Intercity lines face stricter break-even rules, as the central government cracks down on ‘back-door’ metro projects and looks to curb redundant infrastructure spending.

Over 70% of European firms in China review supply chain strategies: survey

The findings show how European firms must maintain a delicate balancing act between China’s tight security and focus on self-reliance.

Hong Kong eyes bigger marathon with egg waffles and milk tea to cheer runners

Tourism chief Rosanna Law says government open to expanding Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon capacity or even turning it into two-day event.

Trial set for September in Hong Kong model Abby Choi murder case

Trial will begin on September 21 and is expected to last 45 days at the High Court.

Brooklyn Beckham’s IG attack on parents spotlights celebrity name trademarks

A Beckham family feud is exposing the pitfalls of celebrity name trademarks and their impact on personal identity and legacy.

Record heat in Australia, as temperatures near 50 degrees Celsius

Authorities urge caution as temperatures soar, fuelling out of control fires.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | How a rising China is becoming a provider of global public goods

Opinion | How Hangzhou’s tech ecosystem nurtures dragons and rockets

My Take | Steadfast state support is key to China winning tech race with US

Opinion | Trump has laid bare the ‘Scramble for Europe’

Letters | Fewer newborns in China may point to a more humane future

Hong Kong Lunar New Year parade to feature Labubu, wishing tree on floats

Hong Kong eyes bigger marathon with egg waffles and milk tea to cheer runners

Judge orders ICE chief to court over Trump’s immigration crackdown

DeepSeek taps Alibaba open-source AI technology to boost OCR performance

Chinese satellite forces 4,400 of its Starlink rivals into lower altitude: study

US soybean farmers fear China trade blowback as Trump ramps up pressure

Year of the Horse 2026: what does AI predict the ‘Double Fire’ event has in store for us?

With the rise of AI mirroring the Year of the Fire Horse’s restless energy, we ask DeepSeek, Perplexity and Gemini their 2026 predictions.

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Snakes, from money to health

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Dragons, from career to romance

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

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.

China’s ‘infrastructure first’ effort a major edge in AI arms race: Davos panel

A rapid energy buildout and strategic data centre expansion give China unique advantages in developing its AI industry.

DeepSeek taps Alibaba open-source AI technology to boost OCR performance

The Chinese AI start-up says its latest OCR model delivers stronger performance after adopting an Alibaba-developed open-source model.

Over 70% of European firms in China review supply chain strategies: survey

The findings show how European firms must maintain a delicate balancing act between China’s tight security and focus on self-reliance.

China could approve first AI-designed drug next year, Merck executive says

AI and genetics are creating a ‘seismic shift’ in the pharmaceutical business, experts on Asian Financial Forum panel say.

European leaders say the quiet part out loud: order no longer constrains power

EU leaders appear to have finally accepted they are facing a new era of great power competition – the question now is how they respond.

Exclusive | Maker of China’s C919 airliner set to ramp up production: sources

With 8 of the 15 planes made last year delivered to customers in November and December, a source said supply chain snags seem to be diminishing.

‘Loneliness economy’: how China is adapting to a rapid rise in solo living

The viral success of check-in app Are You Dead? has exposed the vast demand for services catering to China’s rapidly growing single population.

Why China was so keen to get to alleged cybercrime boss Chen Zhi first

Young tycoon, who was indicted by the US in October, was extradited from Cambodia this month, accused of running a vast scam network.

Exclusive | US envoy says Boeing deal progress among optimistic signs of better China ties

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

Opinion | How a rising China is becoming a provider of global public goods