Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

People cross the street beneath a large screen showing stock data in Shanghai on March 9, 2026. Photo: EPA

Global investors pivot to ‘stability’ of China amid turmoil: Milken forum

China no longer ‘unloved’ as advances including AI, biotech drive revival in investor interest, attendees hear at symposium in Hong Kong.

34 minutes ago

International capital flowing to China as investors seek certainty amid Iran war

China stock market

Global Economy

China cuts some hi-tech metals sent to Japan – but magnet exports rise. Why?

Exports of gallium and germanium have slowed, yet rare earth magnet shipments have increased amid strained ties.

2 hours agovideocam

Politics

Withholding phone passwords punishable under tightened national security rules

Hong Kong must maintain high degree of vigilance given ‘complex and volatile geopolitical situation’, authorities say.

31 minutes ago

Society

Hong Kong to sign landmark Art Basel collaboration deal

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law underscores importance of the arts during times of complex geopolitics.

4 minutes ago

Science

From coal to cures: Chinese scientists bring a 160-year-old dream to life

Middle East

Iran awaits Trump threat to ‘obliterate’ power plants, readies response

Iran has threatened to ‘completely’ close the Strait of Hormuz and hit the region’s infrastructure after Trump’s ultimatum.

4 hours ago

A USAF B-1 bomber at RAF Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire, Britain. Photo: Reuters

China Business

Markets brace for rate hikes as Iran war and US$100 oil stoke tightening fears

The European Central Bank has become more hawkish, reverting to wording that analysts say often precedes interest-rate increases.

3 hours ago

People

‘I’ve never held my son’: the Rohingya families Malaysia keeps apart

More than 5,000 Rohingya languish in detention in Malaysia, leaving fathers like Farouk to watch their children grow through a screen.

35 minutes ago

Tech

Huawei’s commitment to global connectivity bridges digital divide

Tech company’s voice and data solutions serve 170 million people in remote areas in over 80 countries, Huawei Tech Cares Forum reveals.

In partnership with:

Huawei

Diplomacy

Iran war delivers new stress to African economies emerging from older shocks

Afreximbank is implementing measures to give financial help to African countries dependent on fuel imports, bank president says.

1 hour agovideocam

In Africa, the squeeze on fertiliser imports because of the US-Israel war on Iran comes at a crucial time, at the start of the rains and the planting season. Photo: AP

World

Trump’s change of plans, Takaichi mocked in China: 5 weekend reads

From why Trump delayed his meeting with Xi to a pop culture festival in Hong Kong, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

4 hours ago

Hong Kong Economy

From toys to toilet paper, prices set to rise amid Middle East war, experts say

Hong Kong business leaders also warn that local exporters and manufacturers face cash-flow squeeze as overseas buyers opt for short-term orders.

38 minutes ago

China Economy

China developing first tourist submersible for trips 1,000 metres under the sea

The Chinese prototype would enter commercial operation offering adventure-seeking holidaymakers spectacular deep-sea experiences by 2030.

23 Mar 2026 - 10:04AMvideocam

The U-Boat Worx Super Yacht Sub 3. Chinese engineers are now working on a prototype for the first tourist submersible able to venture as deep as 1,000 metres below sea level. Photo: Handout

Middle East

Trump’s erratic strategy on Iran raises questions about US war preparation

A confusing combination of actions by Trump deepens a sense that there is no clear strategy for the war.

2 hours agovideocam

US President Donald Trump departing Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

Politics

US eyes a Philippine ammo facility as opposition warns of ‘warmongering’

The Philippines has long been the closest US ally in Asia. Now Washington wants something more: a place to make bullets and shells.

3 hours agovideocam

Science

Chinese surgery robot outperforms humans, cuts brain imaging time by 29%

World’s first approved cerebrovascular robot could reduce harmful radiation exposure to doctors while shaving minutes off procedure times.

23 Mar 2026 - 12:00PM

Commodities

China’s Zijin Mining clinches US$2.6b Chifeng Gold takeover in expansion drive

The acquisition boosts Zijin’s reserves amid resource nationalism, giving it control of Chifeng’s assets in Asia and Africa.

2 hours ago

The acquisition comes two months after Zijin Mining proposed to buy Canadian Allied Gold as part of its global expansion. Photo: Shutterstock

Health & Environment

South Korea’s hurry-hurry spirit keeps killing its factory workers

Nine of the 14 people killed in Friday’s factory fire in Daejeon died in a room that did not officially exist.

5 hours agovideocam

Heavy smoke billows from the blaze at a car parts factory in Daejeon, South Korea, on Friday. Photo: Yonhap/AFP

Law and Crime

Hong Kong police file fresh terrorism charge against pair over alleged bomb plot

Charges upgraded against two men accused of plotting to use explosives to coerce authorities or intimidate the public in pursuit of a political agenda.

1 hour ago

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong to raise postage rates from April 13 amid surging oil prices

Postage for local letters to go up by 9 per cent to HK$2.40, while increases for 90 per cent of airmail will be within HK$0.50.

6 hours ago

OPINION

Nicholas Spiro

The View | War-induced interest rate shocks unlikely to upset Asia’s property markets

2 hours ago

Betty Fung

Opinion | To realise Hong Kong’s cultural potential, a global vision is essential

23 Mar 2026 - 9:30AM

Letters

Letters | How Hong Kong can prepare to bring its transport blueprint to life

23 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

Cui Jianchun

Opinion | As China charts a new course, Hong Kong writes its next chapter

6 hours ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Legco could refer to mainland experience in boosting efficiency

23 Mar 2026 - 7:15AM

Harry’s View | 23 Mar 2026

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4 minutes ago

Society

Hong Kong to sign landmark Art Basel collaboration deal

5 minutes ago

Transport

Truck driver injured as vehicle slams into fire engine on Hong Kong highway

25 minutes ago

Trending in China

Moving tale of 7 dogs’ escape from captivity in China garners 230 million views

31 minutes ago

Health & Environment

HKUST launches programme offering Alzheimer’s blood-based test for elderly

34 minutes ago

Markets

Global investors pivot to ‘stability’ of China amid turmoil: Milken forum

35 minutes ago

Racing

Chau excited to pick up Voyage Bubble ride: ‘hopefully he can get his form back’

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Hong Kong’s bid to win in AI: where are the road map and the guardrails?

Hong Kong’s AI revolution accelerates as policy funds skills training while industries and educators rush to integrate the shift.

16 Mar 2026 - 11:48AM

Exclusive | Hong Kong job openings hit 6-year low in 69% of sectors amid AI’s ascent

13 Mar 2026 - 10:05AM

Is AI displacing young people for entry-level jobs?

16 Mar 2026 - 11:48AM

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

Former diplomat posted to Beijing speaks on Iran, Taiwan and global supply chains as details of Xi-Trump meeting are worked out.

23 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

Military

Open Questions | Why Iran war may drive East Asia nuclear race, hit China in Mideast: Zhao Tong

Carnegie nuclear policy expert says law of the jungle signalled by US actions could spur more countries to pursue nuclear weapons.

16 Mar 2026 - 10:04AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Strikes on Iran not the biggest threat to China’s belt and road goals: Pan Guang

Mainland academic assesses the risks to Chinese investment and diplomacy in the region and what it means for the other main players.

9 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

Global Economy

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

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

5 Mar 2026 - 5:24PM

Key Industries:

Big Tech

Nvidia’s Huang calls China ‘formidable’ in robotics as firm bets on physical AI

China’s microelectronics, motors, rare earth and magnets – which are foundational to robotics – are the world’s best, says Huang.

21 Mar 2026 - 6:18PM

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks during the company’s global AI conference in San Jose, California, March 17, 2026. Photo: Reuters

Tech

OpenClaw, government support fuel rise of 1-person companies in China

Guangdong is the first provincial-level government to roll out comprehensive action plans to support AI-powered OPCs.

22 Mar 2026 - 6:12PM

Banking & Finance

China’s Unitree Robotics rides humanoid tide as it targets US$610m IPO

Prospectus reveals that company’s revenue jumped 335 per cent last year, while net profit surged nearly eight times.

1 hour ago

Tech

Preview of Alibaba’s top AI model leads Chinese peers, lags US rivals

Qwen3.5-Max-Preview enters a global ranking at 15th, behind models from Anthropic, OpenAI and Google.

20 Mar 2026 - 3:00PM

China Economy

AI, flying cars drive economic transition in China’s Kunshan

City at heart of Yangtze River Delta region sees new tech dreams emerge as old ones based on mass production of electronics fade.

22 Mar 2026 - 6:51AM

Military

How long will US-Israel war on Iran last? Chinese analysts offer clues

Iran’s drones gaining edge as opponents burn through costly missiles, analysts note, as one labels the war a ‘serious mistake’ by US.

20 Mar 2026 - 6:00AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Why Beijing has struggled to rally Asia against Japan over PM’s Taiwan remarks

Many in the region harbour security concerns similar to Tokyo’s and prefer to stay neutral between the Asian heavyweights, analysts say.

19 Mar 2026 - 8:16AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Why Japan thinks China’s growing cultural clout is something it needs to counter

The global success of Chinese video games and animation – as well as the appeal of traditional culture – has triggered a reaction in Tokyo.

19 Mar 2026 - 8:33AMvideocam

Global investors pivot to ‘stability’ of China amid turmoil: Milken forum

China no longer ‘unloved’ as advances including AI, biotech drive revival in investor interest, attendees hear at symposium in Hong Kong.

International capital flowing to China as investors seek certainty amid Iran war

China cuts some hi-tech metals sent to Japan – but magnet exports rise. Why?

Exports of gallium and germanium have slowed, yet rare earth magnet shipments have increased amid strained ties.

Withholding phone passwords punishable under tightened national security rules

Hong Kong must maintain high degree of vigilance given ‘complex and volatile geopolitical situation’, authorities say.

Hong Kong to sign landmark Art Basel collaboration deal

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law underscores importance of the arts during times of complex geopolitics.

From coal to cures: Chinese scientists bring a 160-year-old dream to life

Iran awaits Trump threat to ‘obliterate’ power plants, readies response

Iran has threatened to ‘completely’ close the Strait of Hormuz and hit the region’s infrastructure after Trump’s ultimatum.

Markets brace for rate hikes as Iran war and US$100 oil stoke tightening fears

The European Central Bank has become more hawkish, reverting to wording that analysts say often precedes interest-rate increases.

‘I’ve never held my son’: the Rohingya families Malaysia keeps apart

More than 5,000 Rohingya languish in detention in Malaysia, leaving fathers like Farouk to watch their children grow through a screen.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}Huawei’s commitment to global connectivity bridges digital divide

Tech company’s voice and data solutions serve 170 million people in remote areas in over 80 countries, Huawei Tech Cares Forum reveals.

Iran war delivers new stress to African economies emerging from older shocks

Afreximbank is implementing measures to give financial help to African countries dependent on fuel imports, bank president says.

Trump’s change of plans, Takaichi mocked in China: 5 weekend reads

From why Trump delayed his meeting with Xi to a pop culture festival in Hong Kong, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

From toys to toilet paper, prices set to rise amid Middle East war, experts say

Hong Kong business leaders also warn that local exporters and manufacturers face cash-flow squeeze as overseas buyers opt for short-term orders.

China developing first tourist submersible for trips 1,000 metres under the sea

The Chinese prototype would enter commercial operation offering adventure-seeking holidaymakers spectacular deep-sea experiences by 2030.

Trump’s erratic strategy on Iran raises questions about US war preparation

A confusing combination of actions by Trump deepens a sense that there is no clear strategy for the war.

US eyes a Philippine ammo facility as opposition warns of ‘warmongering’

The Philippines has long been the closest US ally in Asia. Now Washington wants something more: a place to make bullets and shells.

Chinese surgery robot outperforms humans, cuts brain imaging time by 29%

World’s first approved cerebrovascular robot could reduce harmful radiation exposure to doctors while shaving minutes off procedure times.

China’s Zijin Mining clinches US$2.6b Chifeng Gold takeover in expansion drive

The acquisition boosts Zijin’s reserves amid resource nationalism, giving it control of Chifeng’s assets in Asia and Africa.

South Korea’s hurry-hurry spirit keeps killing its factory workers

Nine of the 14 people killed in Friday’s factory fire in Daejeon died in a room that did not officially exist.

Hong Kong police file fresh terrorism charge against pair over alleged bomb plot

Charges upgraded against two men accused of plotting to use explosives to coerce authorities or intimidate the public in pursuit of a political agenda.

Hong Kong to raise postage rates from April 13 amid surging oil prices

Postage for local letters to go up by 9 per cent to HK$2.40, while increases for 90 per cent of airmail will be within HK$0.50.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}The View | War-induced interest rate shocks unlikely to upset Asia’s property markets

Opinion | To realise Hong Kong’s cultural potential, a global vision is essential

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | How Hong Kong can prepare to bring its transport blueprint to life

Opinion | As China charts a new course, Hong Kong writes its next chapter

Editorial | Legco could refer to mainland experience in boosting efficiency

Hong Kong to sign landmark Art Basel collaboration deal

Truck driver injured as vehicle slams into fire engine on Hong Kong highway

Moving tale of 7 dogs’ escape from captivity in China garners 230 million views

HKUST launches programme offering Alzheimer’s blood-based test for elderly

Global investors pivot to ‘stability’ of China amid turmoil: Milken forum

Chau excited to pick up Voyage Bubble ride: ‘hopefully he can get his form back’

Hong Kong’s bid to win in AI: where are the road map and the guardrails?

Hong Kong’s AI revolution accelerates as policy funds skills training while industries and educators rush to integrate the shift.

Exclusive | Hong Kong job openings hit 6-year low in 69% of sectors amid AI’s ascent

Is AI displacing young people for entry-level jobs?

Open Questions | Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

Former diplomat posted to Beijing speaks on Iran, Taiwan and global supply chains as details of Xi-Trump meeting are worked out.

Open Questions | Why Iran war may drive East Asia nuclear race, hit China in Mideast: Zhao Tong

Carnegie nuclear policy expert says law of the jungle signalled by US actions could spur more countries to pursue nuclear weapons.

Open Questions | Strikes on Iran not the biggest threat to China’s belt and road goals: Pan Guang

Mainland academic assesses the risks to Chinese investment and diplomacy in the region and what it means for the other main players.

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

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

Nvidia’s Huang calls China ‘formidable’ in robotics as firm bets on physical AI

China’s microelectronics, motors, rare earth and magnets – which are foundational to robotics – are the world’s best, says Huang.

OpenClaw, government support fuel rise of 1-person companies in China

Guangdong is the first provincial-level government to roll out comprehensive action plans to support AI-powered OPCs.

China’s Unitree Robotics rides humanoid tide as it targets US$610m IPO

Prospectus reveals that company’s revenue jumped 335 per cent last year, while net profit surged nearly eight times.

Preview of Alibaba’s top AI model leads Chinese peers, lags US rivals

Qwen3.5-Max-Preview enters a global ranking at 15th, behind models from Anthropic, OpenAI and Google.

AI, flying cars drive economic transition in China’s Kunshan

City at heart of Yangtze River Delta region sees new tech dreams emerge as old ones based on mass production of electronics fade.

How long will US-Israel war on Iran last? Chinese analysts offer clues

Iran’s drones gaining edge as opponents burn through costly missiles, analysts note, as one labels the war a ‘serious mistake’ by US.

Why Beijing has struggled to rally Asia against Japan over PM’s Taiwan remarks

Many in the region harbour security concerns similar to Tokyo’s and prefer to stay neutral between the Asian heavyweights, analysts say.

Why Japan thinks China’s growing cultural clout is something it needs to counter

The global success of Chinese video games and animation – as well as the appeal of traditional culture – has triggered a reaction in Tokyo.

Huawei’s commitment to global connectivity bridges digital divide

The View | War-induced interest rate shocks unlikely to upset Asia’s property markets

Letters | How Hong Kong can prepare to bring its transport blueprint to life