Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

(From left to right) US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent will meet with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Paris for high-level trade talks, in the lead-up to US President Donald Trump’s forthcoming Beijing visit. Photo: Reuters

China and US to hold high-level talks in Paris before Trump’s Beijing visit

Delegates to discuss trade and investment deals amid rising global tensions in lead-up to President’s first visit since returning to power.

2 hours agovideocam

Trump’s tariff wars reshaped US-China trade – at what cost to American firms?

US-China relations

Science

Manufacturing talent boom? Why China’s smartest students are factory-bound

As some of the country’s brightest minds enter traditional industrial sectors as manufacturing loses its blue-collar stigma.

2 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Trump slams European allies, praises China and continues to justify Iran attack

US president blasted Spain for denying access to its military bases for his bombing campaign, but boasts of ‘good relationship with China’.

2 hours agovideocam

Society

Hongkongers stuck in Dubai face travel chaos amid US-Israel war on Iran

Repeated flight cancellations, rising hotel costs and shrinking mobile data add to travellers’ distress in Dubai as they await help from Hong Kong government.

3 hours ago

Focus

China’s war on corruption – is this just the end of the beginning?

Diplomacy

China urges Israel to end war in Iran as regional tensions escalate

Beijing says US-Israeli strikes were in bad faith and calls for an immediate halt, a return to talks and opposition to unilateral action.

6 hours agovideocam

Smoke rises following an explosion in Tehran on Tuesday following air strikes by Israel and the US. Photo: WANA via Reuters

Tech

Jack Ma, Alibaba leaders call for education overhaul in the age of AI

Time spent memorising textbooks could be freed up to cultivate creativity and imagination, according to Ma, the founder of Alibaba.

2 hours ago

Health & Environment

Muslims in Japan were falsely blamed for illegal buildings. Then came the fires

It started with social media posts falsely blaming Muslims for building violations. Then came the fires.

45 minutes agovideocam

Business

How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Deepa Jivan, CEO of J.Gordhan & Co, says bank’s tailored financial solutions and expertise give it the agility to navigate global marketplace.

In partnership with:

Standard Chartered

Deepa Jivan is the founder and CEO of Hong Kong-based arts and crafts products company J.Gordhan & Co.

Hong Kong Economy

From oil spikes to power bills, how war on Iran will hit Hongkongers’ wallets

Residents may face higher energy and dining costs as analysts stress the city cannot remain immune to surging oil prices.

2 hours ago

Analysts warn Hong Kong may feel the impact of rising oil prices amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Photo: Sam Tsang

Business

Can China’s ‘two sessions’ find a strategy to fix the property rot?

China signals shift from debt-driven housing growth, but sweeping stimulus seen as unlikely.

5 hours ago

Middle East

US and Kurds discuss potential Iran military operation: sources

The prospect of Kurdish groups operating inside Iran signals US consideration for a ground uprising.

1 hour agovideocam

Middle East

Iran will not ‘automatically’ fall after Khamenei’s death, shah’s widow says

Farah Pahlavi, Iran’s last empress, has lived in exile in Paris since being driven from the country with her husband in the 1979 revolution.

4 Mar 2026 - 2:07AMvideocam

Women protest and chant anti-US and anti-Israel slogans in Magam town in Indian-administered Kashmir on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Health & Wellness

75-year-old Hongkonger works over 70 hours a week. Why is he still so happy?

More seniors in Hong Kong like Benny Ratnani are working past 65 not just for financial reasons, but to retain self-esteem and self-worth.

3 hours ago

Benny Ratnani, 75, is the owner of Bee Dee Manufacturing in Hong Kong and one of a growing number of local residents who are working past the traditional retirement age of 65. Photo: Sun Yeung

Global Economy

Maritime mayhem: shipping firms halt Gulf routes amid regional military strikes

Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz see vessels diverted and bookings suspended, as companies impose emergency fees of up to US$4,000 per unit.

4 hours agovideocam

People

In Japan, a yakuza’s mansion is now for sale. Here’s why

Set to be sold off due to a court order, the house was the target of a drive-by shooting and an arson attack in recent years.

3 hours agovideocam

Markets

US investors now own 23% of Taiwan’s equity market amid AI boom

US investors currently hold about 23 per cent of the Taiwan Stock Exchange’s total market capitalisation.

4 hours ago

US ownership of equities listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange has steadily grown over the past 10 years. Photo: Shutterstock

China Business

Healthcare investors looking to ‘two sessions’ for clarity on drug pricing

Healthcare and insurance sectors will see policy fine-tuning, ‘moral support’ rather than ‘groundbreaking news’ from Beijing, analysts say.

5 hours ago

Staff members dispense medicines at a pharmacy in Wuhan, in central China’s Hubei province, on February 27, 2020. Photo: Xinhua

Politics

Duterte allies use Iran war threat to attack Philippines’ US ties

Social media posts claim US bases in the Philippines are like ‘bullseyes on Filipino soil’, prompting the military to debunk the disinformation.

5 hours agovideocam

Australasia

Australia’s best-paid jobs are twice as likely to go to men as to women

Industries that pay the most, such as mining and construction, tend to have the largest gender wage gaps, according to a report.

4 hours ago

OPINION

Alex Lo

As I see it | Under Trump, the US has unleashed its own wolf warriors

4 Mar 2026 - 5:30AM

Ying Xia

Opinion | Quietly, steadily, animal rights campaigners are making headway in China

1 hour ago

Letters

Letters | Why Hong Kong should invest in food recovery

3 hours ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Hong Kong is a beacon of stability for global talent and capital

4 Mar 2026 - 7:15AM

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Hong Kong must ensure law on basic housing serves its intended purpose

4 Mar 2026 - 6:45AM

Harry’s View | 4 Mar 2026

MORE COMMENT

LATEST

1 minute ago

Science

75% cost cut: China unveils world’s first fixed-wing drone made of bamboo fibre

1 hour ago

Food & Drink

Dim sum, brunch, ‘a sinful treat’: where a food lover eats in Hong Kong

1 hour ago

Middle East

US and Kurds discuss potential Iran military operation: sources

1 hour ago

Video | Man pulled from rubble as US-Israeli strikes continue in Iran

01:55

2 hours ago

100 Top Tables

Your Hong Kong weekend food guide for March 6-8

2 hours ago

Hong Kong

Gallery | World looks up in awe as ‘blood moon’ lights up night sky

MORE LATEST NEWS

SCMP Series

Challenges and pathways in the South China Sea

China Inc. goes global

Year of the Horse 2026

Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

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 | 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.

2 Mar 2026 - 5:31PM

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

23 Feb 2026 - 10:05AMvideocam

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

Key Industries:

Tech

Chinese chip firms Cambricon, Moore Threads post sales jump on domestic demand

Cambricon reports first full-year profit since listing in 2020, while Moore Threads’ revenue jumps 243 per cent.

27 Feb 2026 - 10:26PM

Chinese AI chip designer Cambricon posted its first annual profit since listing in 2020. Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Tech

Jack Ma, Alibaba leaders call for education overhaul in the age of AI

Time spent memorising textbooks could be freed up to cultivate creativity and imagination, according to Ma, the founder of Alibaba.

2 hours ago

China Business

Healthcare investors looking to ‘two sessions’ for clarity on drug pricing

Healthcare and insurance sectors will see policy fine-tuning, ‘moral support’ rather than ‘groundbreaking news’ from Beijing, analysts say.

5 hours ago

Markets

US investors now own 23% of Taiwan’s equity market amid AI boom

US investors currently hold about 23 per cent of the Taiwan Stock Exchange’s total market capitalisation.

4 hours ago

China Economy

How China is using its economic clout to give the US dollar a run for its money

Beijing is using economic clout to reshape its global financial influence – a strategy analysts say could play out over decades.

3 Mar 2026 - 10:08AMvideocam

Science

What cost foreign prestige? China says no to some Western science journal fees

Chinese researchers will no longer be reimbursed for paper publication charges in Nature Communications, among other titles.

2 Mar 2026 - 3:15PMvideocam

China

Xi-Trump talk plans rattled by chaotic US team: ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’

Analysts warn thin US coordination and rushed timelines risk weak deliverables and surprises ahead of high-stakes Beijing meeting.

27 Feb 2026 - 1:57AMvideocam

Hong Kong Economy

Breaking down the key figures in Hong Kong 2026-27 budget

A deep dive into the data from Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget announcement, looking at the government’s growing revenue and increasing investment in infrastructure.

26 Feb 2026 - 4:01PM

Breaking down the key figures in Hong Kong 2026-27 budget

China and US to hold high-level talks in Paris before Trump’s Beijing visit

Delegates to discuss trade and investment deals amid rising global tensions in lead-up to President’s first visit since returning to power.

Trump’s tariff wars reshaped US-China trade – at what cost to American firms?

Manufacturing talent boom? Why China’s smartest students are factory-bound

As some of the country’s brightest minds enter traditional industrial sectors as manufacturing loses its blue-collar stigma.

Trump slams European allies, praises China and continues to justify Iran attack

US president blasted Spain for denying access to its military bases for his bombing campaign, but boasts of ‘good relationship with China’.

Hongkongers stuck in Dubai face travel chaos amid US-Israel war on Iran

Repeated flight cancellations, rising hotel costs and shrinking mobile data add to travellers’ distress in Dubai as they await help from Hong Kong government.

China’s war on corruption – is this just the end of the beginning?

China urges Israel to end war in Iran as regional tensions escalate

Beijing says US-Israeli strikes were in bad faith and calls for an immediate halt, a return to talks and opposition to unilateral action.

Jack Ma, Alibaba leaders call for education overhaul in the age of AI

Time spent memorising textbooks could be freed up to cultivate creativity and imagination, according to Ma, the founder of Alibaba.

Muslims in Japan were falsely blamed for illegal buildings. Then came the fires

It started with social media posts falsely blaming Muslims for building violations. Then came the fires.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Deepa Jivan, CEO of J.Gordhan & Co, says bank’s tailored financial solutions and expertise give it the agility to navigate global marketplace.

From oil spikes to power bills, how war on Iran will hit Hongkongers’ wallets

Residents may face higher energy and dining costs as analysts stress the city cannot remain immune to surging oil prices.

Can China’s ‘two sessions’ find a strategy to fix the property rot?

China signals shift from debt-driven housing growth, but sweeping stimulus seen as unlikely.

US and Kurds discuss potential Iran military operation: sources

The prospect of Kurdish groups operating inside Iran signals US consideration for a ground uprising.

Iran will not ‘automatically’ fall after Khamenei’s death, shah’s widow says

Farah Pahlavi, Iran’s last empress, has lived in exile in Paris since being driven from the country with her husband in the 1979 revolution.

75-year-old Hongkonger works over 70 hours a week. Why is he still so happy?

More seniors in Hong Kong like Benny Ratnani are working past 65 not just for financial reasons, but to retain self-esteem and self-worth.

Maritime mayhem: shipping firms halt Gulf routes amid regional military strikes

Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz see vessels diverted and bookings suspended, as companies impose emergency fees of up to US$4,000 per unit.

In Japan, a yakuza’s mansion is now for sale. Here’s why

Set to be sold off due to a court order, the house was the target of a drive-by shooting and an arson attack in recent years.

US investors now own 23% of Taiwan’s equity market amid AI boom

US investors currently hold about 23 per cent of the Taiwan Stock Exchange’s total market capitalisation.

Healthcare investors looking to ‘two sessions’ for clarity on drug pricing

Healthcare and insurance sectors will see policy fine-tuning, ‘moral support’ rather than ‘groundbreaking news’ from Beijing, analysts say.

Duterte allies use Iran war threat to attack Philippines’ US ties

Social media posts claim US bases in the Philippines are like ‘bullseyes on Filipino soil’, prompting the military to debunk the disinformation.

Australia’s best-paid jobs are twice as likely to go to men as to women

Industries that pay the most, such as mining and construction, tend to have the largest gender wage gaps, according to a report.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}As I see it | Under Trump, the US has unleashed its own wolf warriors

Opinion | Quietly, steadily, animal rights campaigners are making headway in China

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Why Hong Kong should invest in food recovery

Editorial | Hong Kong is a beacon of stability for global talent and capital

Editorial | Hong Kong must ensure law on basic housing serves its intended purpose

75% cost cut: China unveils world’s first fixed-wing drone made of bamboo fibre

Dim sum, brunch, ‘a sinful treat’: where a food lover eats in Hong Kong

US and Kurds discuss potential Iran military operation: sources

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | Man pulled from rubble as US-Israeli strikes continue in Iran

Your Hong Kong weekend food guide for March 6-8

Gallery | World looks up in awe as ‘blood moon’ lights up night sky

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

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.

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

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.

Chinese chip firms Cambricon, Moore Threads post sales jump on domestic demand

Cambricon reports first full-year profit since listing in 2020, while Moore Threads’ revenue jumps 243 per cent.

Jack Ma, Alibaba leaders call for education overhaul in the age of AI

Time spent memorising textbooks could be freed up to cultivate creativity and imagination, according to Ma, the founder of Alibaba.

Healthcare investors looking to ‘two sessions’ for clarity on drug pricing

Healthcare and insurance sectors will see policy fine-tuning, ‘moral support’ rather than ‘groundbreaking news’ from Beijing, analysts say.

US investors now own 23% of Taiwan’s equity market amid AI boom

US investors currently hold about 23 per cent of the Taiwan Stock Exchange’s total market capitalisation.

How China is using its economic clout to give the US dollar a run for its money

Beijing is using economic clout to reshape its global financial influence – a strategy analysts say could play out over decades.

What cost foreign prestige? China says no to some Western science journal fees

Chinese researchers will no longer be reimbursed for paper publication charges in Nature Communications, among other titles.

Xi-Trump talk plans rattled by chaotic US team: ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’

Analysts warn thin US coordination and rushed timelines risk weak deliverables and surprises ahead of high-stakes Beijing meeting.

Breaking down the key figures in Hong Kong 2026-27 budget

A deep dive into the data from Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget announcement, looking at the government’s growing revenue and increasing investment in infrastructure.

How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

As I see it | Under Trump, the US has unleashed its own wolf warriors

Letters | Why Hong Kong should invest in food recovery

Video | Man pulled from rubble as US-Israeli strikes continue in Iran