Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

The talks are taking place amid tight security. Photo: Cici Cao

Pakistani prime minister meets Iranian delegates and Vance ahead of peace talks

Shehbaz Sharif spoke with delegates from both sides in Islamabad as efforts to consolidate the fragile ceasefire got into gear.

16 minutes ago

Iranian duo set to lead US ceasefire talks were once on Israeli hit list

US-Israel war on Iran

Diplomacy

Is this Kenyan rail project a model for Chinese and Western firms in Africa?

The Nairobi Railway City project is being built by Chinese contractor but Britain is helping to provide the funding.

1 hour agovideocam

Transport

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific and HK Express cut some flights as jet fuel prices rise

Cathay reduction affects flights mainly on regional routes, along with some services to Australia, South Asia and South Africa, from May 16 to June 30.

1 hour agovideocam

Politics

UAE pulls US$3.5 billion from Pakistan after Iran war mediation

As Abu Dhabi signals its displeasure with Islamabad, analysts say other indebted partners will be watching closely.

11 Apr 2026 - 12:18PMvideocam

Focus

Vocational schools a new front as China backs businesses’ global expansion

Politics

China targets middlemen in renewed crackdown on ‘hidden’ corruption

The top court and prosecutor signal how the criminal law can be aimed at the enablers of graft.

25 minutes agovideocam

Intermediaries in the corruption process are a focus of a new judicial interpretation. Photo: EPA-EFE

Diplomacy

The winners from China’s growing intercity football rivalries may surprise you

Lighthearted contests between areas with different customs, dialects and cuisine encourage local pride but ultimate control is elsewhere.

3 hours agovideocam

Economics

Nepal’s school fee crackdown upends South Asian private education norms

Nepal wants private schools to charge less and be more transparent. It could backfire, industry insiders say.

2 hours ago

Business

SMEs leverage Standard Chartered’s global network and expertise to achieve growth

Bank’s financial services and partnership with consultancy Altios help Singapore-headquartered company TFE expand into India.

In partnership with:

Standard Chartered

Society

Hins Cheung to lead arrested 2019 Hong Kong protesters on mainland exchange trips

Cantopop singer expresses remorse for past political stance, says he will serve as mentor for Security Bureau’s rehabilitation project.

24 minutes ago

Singer Hins Cheung has apologised for his past support for the 2012 protests against national education and the 2014 Occupy Central movement. Photo: Getty Images

China Economy

China warns university students about lucrative job offers from foreign spies

Data processing or research jobs promising easy money could be ‘traps’ aimed at illegally collecting sensitive information, ministry says.

3 hours ago

Global Economy

‘Cancelling orders’ in China: Hormuz oil crisis hits transport and manufacturing

Analysts and industry insiders say higher costs are squeezing margins, with some of China’s wary industrial heartland compelled to make day-to-day purchases.

6 hours agovideocam

Big Tech

Samsung weighs China overhaul as local rivals pile on the pressure

Reports of a potential pullback come as domestic competitors gain ground in China, forcing Samsung to reassess where it deploys resources.

3 hours ago

Samsung is considering a broad restructuring of its China business, potentially exiting segments such as home appliances and displays, say analysts. Photo: Handout

Gadgets

How to get an iPod and set it up as Apple’s music device makes a comeback

From Nanos to Touches, Apple’s retro iPods are gaining fans years after being discontinued. Here’s a guide on finding them and what to avoid.

10 minutes ago

Then-Apple CEO Steve Jobs holds a first-generation iPod during a news conference in October 2001, at Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino, California. Apple’s music players are gaining popularity again, despite the tech giant stopping selling them years ago. Photo: AP

Society

Landlords of 5,557 subdivided homes seek 3-year grace period to fix flats

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho says 780 subdivided homes have been granted a grace period.

28 minutes agovideocam

Trending in China

Unearthing peace: ancient China gravesite reveals significance of broken weapons

The bronze daggers and knives were intentionally damaged during burial as offerings to ensure deceased’s peaceful passage into afterlife.

1 hour ago

Tech

What does China’s tightening grip on red-chip structures mean for IPOs?

China’s tougher stance on red-chip structures is reshaping the tech listing pipeline, adding uncertainty for companies targeting Hong Kong.

3 hours ago

China’s tightening oversight of offshore listings is already reshaping the pipeline for Hong Kong IPOs. Photo: Jelly Tse

Big Tech

DeepSeek ramps up hiring ahead of V4 launch as chip strategy questions swirl

New roles in Inner Mongolia point to expansion of computing capacity ahead of V4 release, fuelling speculation over chip sourcing.

3 hours ago

DeepSeek’s hiring push comes ahead of the expected debut of its next-generation flagship model, V4. Photo: AFP

Economics

How the Gulf conflict recast risks for Asian investors in Dubai

Asian firms that use Dubai as a launch pad into the Middle East are weighing new threats to liquidity, logistics and confidence.

4 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Why has China mapped out a third new county in Xinjiang on its western frontier?

Cenling county, near Pakistan and Afghan borders and disputed frontier with India, follows Hean and Hekang as Beijing boosts security.

4 hours agovideocam

OPINION

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11 Apr 2026 - 9:30AM

Letters

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11 Apr 2026 - 11:30AM

Wee Kek Koon

Reflections | Cremation was frowned upon in ancient China, so why was it so widespread?

11 Apr 2026 - 8:15AM

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South Asia

Vaccine coverage gaps spur Bangladesh’s deadly measles outbreak

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Gadgets

How to get an iPod and set it up as Apple’s music device makes a comeback

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Politics

China targets middlemen in renewed crackdown on ‘hidden’ corruption

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Hong Kong

Hong Kong-born gymnast leading quest to turn Singapore into elite hub

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Southeast Asia

Thais celebrate new year despite fuel price shocks delaying travel

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Bentley tees up two good chances in Smart Golf and Elite Golf at Sha Tin

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Traditional Russian wooden dolls depict Chinese President Xi Jinping, then US president-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a souvenir shop in St Petersburg, Russia, on November 21, 2024. Photo: AP

SCMP Series Trump’s 2026 trip to China

Exclusive | What does it mean for China if Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin visit back to back?

Expected trips in close succession highlight Beijing’s strategic effort to manage relations with the two in turbulent times, analysts say.

27 Mar 2026 - 11:40PMvideocam

Exclusive | What are the real reasons behind the change of date for Trump’s China visit?

21 Mar 2026 - 2:39PMvideocam

Exclusive | Trump ally Steve Daines will be first US senator to visit Hong Kong since 2019

20 Mar 2026 - 6:28PMvideocam

Open Questions series

China Economy

Open Questions | Andrew Tilton on China’s economic trajectory in wake of Iran war

Goldman Sachs’ chief Asia-Pacific economist says worst is over in terms of property slump’s impact on China’s economic growth.

6 Apr 2026 - 10:01AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Kenneth Rogoff on why China’s yuan will be a reserve currency within 5 years

Harvard economist explains why cryptocurrencies will never take the US dollar’s place, despite their popularity in underground economies.

30 Mar 2026 - 10:03AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

As investors await Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences, two experts discuss the assets’ integration with the city’s economy – and the world’s.

25 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

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

Key Industries:

Tech Trends

Chinese AI rivals clash over Anthropic’s OpenClaw exit amid global token crunch

Chinese companies are competing to offer the cheapest alternatives to premium US services from the likes of OpenAI and Anthropic.

6 Apr 2026 - 3:58PM

A lobster-shaped cutout representing OpenClaw stands outside the Baidu offices in Beijing, March 17, 2026. Photo: Reuters

Tech

China’s Li Qiang hosts Moonshot AI chief, urges faster industrial AI roll-out

Beijing signals stronger push to embed AI in manufacturing as premier meets rising start-up founders and industry leaders.

10 Apr 2026 - 11:30PM

Tech

Tencent moves to rein in AI content flood on WeChat with stricter rules

Updated guidelines target mass-produced and AI-rewritten posts, reflecting growing concern over the spread of low-effort content.

10 Apr 2026 - 9:31PM

Tech Trends

Alibaba takes on Seedance as AI rivalry offers glimpse into race for top talent

HappyHorse’s debut on the global stage has put the spotlight on its creator, Zhang Di, who has been away from Alibaba for five years.

10 Apr 2026 - 8:30PM

HappyHorse 1.0 was developed under the newly formed Alibaba Token Hub (ATH) business group. Photo: Handout

Politics

What next for the struggling rural mothers in China who helped to build AI?

Data-labelling workshops once hailed as a solution in the country’s poverty alleviation campaign face a painful reckoning.

5 Apr 2026 - 6:10AMvideocam

Society

Is it time to call an end to Hong Kong’s boar war?

Wild boar numbers have dropped by half in recent years, prompting calls from experts for an end to aggressive control measures such as culling.

2 Apr 2026 - 8:30AM

Science

Inside the shadowy practices plaguing China’s science awards

Beijing has rolled out new rules for investigating violations in scientific activities. So why are critics still pessimistic?

1 Apr 2026 - 9:50AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Europe’s crisis tourism: how the Iran war swallowed the EU’s geopolitical agenda

From trade with China to the Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock, Brussels’ agenda has been repeatedly knocked off course.

31 Mar 2026 - 6:03AMvideocam

Pakistani prime minister meets Iranian delegates and Vance ahead of peace talks

Shehbaz Sharif spoke with delegates from both sides in Islamabad as efforts to consolidate the fragile ceasefire got into gear.

Iranian duo set to lead US ceasefire talks were once on Israeli hit list

Is this Kenyan rail project a model for Chinese and Western firms in Africa?

The Nairobi Railway City project is being built by Chinese contractor but Britain is helping to provide the funding.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific and HK Express cut some flights as jet fuel prices rise

Cathay reduction affects flights mainly on regional routes, along with some services to Australia, South Asia and South Africa, from May 16 to June 30.

UAE pulls US$3.5 billion from Pakistan after Iran war mediation

As Abu Dhabi signals its displeasure with Islamabad, analysts say other indebted partners will be watching closely.

Vocational schools a new front as China backs businesses’ global expansion

China targets middlemen in renewed crackdown on ‘hidden’ corruption

The top court and prosecutor signal how the criminal law can be aimed at the enablers of graft.

The winners from China’s growing intercity football rivalries may surprise you

Lighthearted contests between areas with different customs, dialects and cuisine encourage local pride but ultimate control is elsewhere.

Nepal’s school fee crackdown upends South Asian private education norms

Nepal wants private schools to charge less and be more transparent. It could backfire, industry insiders say.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}SMEs leverage Standard Chartered’s global network and expertise to achieve growth

Bank’s financial services and partnership with consultancy Altios help Singapore-headquartered company TFE expand into India.

Hins Cheung to lead arrested 2019 Hong Kong protesters on mainland exchange trips

Cantopop singer expresses remorse for past political stance, says he will serve as mentor for Security Bureau’s rehabilitation project.

China warns university students about lucrative job offers from foreign spies

Data processing or research jobs promising easy money could be ‘traps’ aimed at illegally collecting sensitive information, ministry says.

‘Cancelling orders’ in China: Hormuz oil crisis hits transport and manufacturing

Analysts and industry insiders say higher costs are squeezing margins, with some of China’s wary industrial heartland compelled to make day-to-day purchases.

Samsung weighs China overhaul as local rivals pile on the pressure

Reports of a potential pullback come as domestic competitors gain ground in China, forcing Samsung to reassess where it deploys resources.

How to get an iPod and set it up as Apple’s music device makes a comeback

From Nanos to Touches, Apple’s retro iPods are gaining fans years after being discontinued. Here’s a guide on finding them and what to avoid.

Landlords of 5,557 subdivided homes seek 3-year grace period to fix flats

Secretary for Housing Winnie Ho says 780 subdivided homes have been granted a grace period.

Unearthing peace: ancient China gravesite reveals significance of broken weapons

The bronze daggers and knives were intentionally damaged during burial as offerings to ensure deceased’s peaceful passage into afterlife.

What does China’s tightening grip on red-chip structures mean for IPOs?

China’s tougher stance on red-chip structures is reshaping the tech listing pipeline, adding uncertainty for companies targeting Hong Kong.

DeepSeek ramps up hiring ahead of V4 launch as chip strategy questions swirl

New roles in Inner Mongolia point to expansion of computing capacity ahead of V4 release, fuelling speculation over chip sourcing.

How the Gulf conflict recast risks for Asian investors in Dubai

Asian firms that use Dubai as a launch pad into the Middle East are weighing new threats to liquidity, logistics and confidence.

Why has China mapped out a third new county in Xinjiang on its western frontier?

Cenling county, near Pakistan and Afghan borders and disputed frontier with India, follows Hean and Hekang as Beijing boosts security.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Macroscope | Can World Bank and IMF leaders rescue a global economy on the brink?

Asian Angle | Who is Vietnam’s new Prime Minister Le Minh Hung?

As I see it | Helpful analysts predict China property recovery now, soon and much later

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Policy outcomes of Hong Kong’s mega-events can be improved

Reflections | Cremation was frowned upon in ancient China, so why was it so widespread?

Vaccine coverage gaps spur Bangladesh’s deadly measles outbreak

How to get an iPod and set it up as Apple’s music device makes a comeback

China targets middlemen in renewed crackdown on ‘hidden’ corruption

Hong Kong-born gymnast leading quest to turn Singapore into elite hub

Thais celebrate new year despite fuel price shocks delaying travel

Bentley tees up two good chances in Smart Golf and Elite Golf at Sha Tin

Exclusive | What does it mean for China if Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin visit back to back?

Expected trips in close succession highlight Beijing’s strategic effort to manage relations with the two in turbulent times, analysts say.

Exclusive | What are the real reasons behind the change of date for Trump’s China visit?

Exclusive | Trump ally Steve Daines will be first US senator to visit Hong Kong since 2019

Open Questions | Andrew Tilton on China’s economic trajectory in wake of Iran war

Goldman Sachs’ chief Asia-Pacific economist says worst is over in terms of property slump’s impact on China’s economic growth.

Open Questions | Kenneth Rogoff on why China’s yuan will be a reserve currency within 5 years

Harvard economist explains why cryptocurrencies will never take the US dollar’s place, despite their popularity in underground economies.

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

As investors await Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences, two experts discuss the assets’ integration with the city’s economy – and the world’s.

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.

Chinese AI rivals clash over Anthropic’s OpenClaw exit amid global token crunch

Chinese companies are competing to offer the cheapest alternatives to premium US services from the likes of OpenAI and Anthropic.

China’s Li Qiang hosts Moonshot AI chief, urges faster industrial AI roll-out

Beijing signals stronger push to embed AI in manufacturing as premier meets rising start-up founders and industry leaders.

Tencent moves to rein in AI content flood on WeChat with stricter rules

Updated guidelines target mass-produced and AI-rewritten posts, reflecting growing concern over the spread of low-effort content.

Alibaba takes on Seedance as AI rivalry offers glimpse into race for top talent

HappyHorse’s debut on the global stage has put the spotlight on its creator, Zhang Di, who has been away from Alibaba for five years.

What next for the struggling rural mothers in China who helped to build AI?

Data-labelling workshops once hailed as a solution in the country’s poverty alleviation campaign face a painful reckoning.

Is it time to call an end to Hong Kong’s boar war?

Wild boar numbers have dropped by half in recent years, prompting calls from experts for an end to aggressive control measures such as culling.

Inside the shadowy practices plaguing China’s science awards

Beijing has rolled out new rules for investigating violations in scientific activities. So why are critics still pessimistic?

Europe’s crisis tourism: how the Iran war swallowed the EU’s geopolitical agenda

From trade with China to the Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock, Brussels’ agenda has been repeatedly knocked off course.

SMEs leverage Standard Chartered’s global network and expertise to achieve growth

Macroscope | Can World Bank and IMF leaders rescue a global economy on the brink?

Letters | Policy outcomes of Hong Kong’s mega-events can be improved