Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Jens Eskelund, chair of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, says ambiguous regulations make it difficult for companies to understand what they must comply with. Photo: dpa

Two worlds collide: the regulatory battlefield hanging over EU-China ties

One side crafts regulation out of fear that the other side’s rules may expose its vulnerabilities.

16 minutes agovideocam

China warns EU to remove firms and citizens from Russian sanctions list

China-EU relations

Global Economy

How China is quietly reshaping Southeast Asia’s payments beyond the US dollar

New initiative lets consumers use home-grown apps like Alipay for cross-border payments – supporting Beijing’s push to expand regional financial links.

2 hours agovideocam

China Economy

China’s critical minerals grip faces test as new Asian financing tool launches

Japan, Britain and other nations have pledged millions to the new scheme, as China’s dominance of critical minerals sector faces fresh challenge.

2 hours agovideocam

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong to tighten grip on claw machines under new licensing proposal

Move follows surge in claw and pinball machines across city, sparking concern over addiction to games with gambling elements.

20 minutes ago

Open Questions

Bai Chongen on China’s new economic paradigm and closing the US tech gap

Diplomacy

Why African leaders value seamless transcontinental links over US-China rivalry

Economic ambitions are the priority, says official with project that Washington has framed as de-risking mineral supply chains from Beijing.

2 hours agovideocam

The China-backed Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority stretches 1,860km from Kapiri Mposhi in central Zambia to Dar es Salaam on Tanzania’s eastern coast. Photo: Shutterstock

China Economy

China’s ‘common prosperity’ push faces reality check as inequality rises: study

A leading economist warns widening income and wealth gaps are constraining Beijing’s agenda.

4 May 2026 - 12:00PM

People

Why North Korean women footballers’ rare match in the South is keenly watched

The visit by Naegohyang Women’s FC to South Korea’s Suwon for a competitive match does not signal a thaw in inter-Korea ties, analysts say.

7 minutes ago

Tech

How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Huawei Technologies’ monitoring systems speed up real-time identification of China’s primates, coastal coral, and Norwegian salmon.

In partnership with:

Huawei

Business

Hong Kong residential property upturn drives recovery in office, retail sectors

Shop rents will ‘turn positive by year-end’ but likely post a 3 per cent decline for the entire year, Morgan Stanley says.

38 minutes ago

A view of Admiralty and Central is seen through the glass windows of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, April 14, 2026. Photo: Jelly Tse

Diplomacy

Glimmer of hope in Hormuz Strait, fragile ceasefire holds: what happened overnight

US President Donald Trump has offered some help to commercial shipping and competing plans for peace are said to be on the table.

4 May 2026 - 10:28AMvideocam

Diplomacy

How lost Yiddish songs from a Ukrainian ghetto revive links to Shanghai’s past

The city, once home to thousands of Jewish refugees, will be one of the first places in East Asia where the songs are brought back to life.

2 hours agovideocam

Health & Environment

South Korean team behind new stroke research, treatment cites Chinese interest

Animals given an experimental drug have shown significant improvement in motor function, with their brain damage reduced.

1 hour agovideocam

A South Korean team has published a new study that could potentially lead to the treatment of stroke and other neurodegenerative diseases. Photo: Shutterstock

Politics

Between hope and reality – Umno’s plan to go solo a test of political waters

The party says a solo bid can help it win up to 60 seats in the next election and give it leverage to decide on coalition partners.

2 hours ago

A United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) flag waves outside the party headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Photo: EPA-EFE

Commodities

Gold rush: Hong Kong bullion imports from Dubai jump amid US-Iran war

Gold traders from the Middle East and Russia have been selling physical gold in Hong Kong at a discount of 15 to 20 per cent since early April.

3 hours ago

Politics

AI helped Shenzhen judges handle cases 50% faster. Is this the future for China?

Pilot system driven by artificial intelligence technology will now be rolled out in the courts of dozens more Chinese cities.

4 May 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Tech Trends

AI cost-cutting not a legal excuse to fire workers, Chinese court says

The latest court ruling comes amid fears of AI-driven job displacement, especially among young workers.

3 hours ago

Courts ruled that the company illegally terminated the contract of the employee. Photo: Shutterstock Images

Society

Ultra-low-priced tours exploiting mainland Chinese visitors survive crackdown

Officials insist cases are isolated, as SCMP reporter joins tour pressuring visitors to spend on extra activities, items.

4 May 2026 - 11:04AM

Tourists ride in an open-top bus in Central during the Labour Day holiday. Authorities expect about 980,000 mainland Chinese visitors to come to Hong Kong for the break. Photo: Elson Li

China Business

Full charge: Xiaomi shares surge on EV sales boost

Xiaomi’s EV unit gathers pace with April deliveries topping 30,000, but analysts say profits may lag as subsidies and costs weigh.

1 hour ago

Politics

Why more mainland Chinese families are betting on Hong Kong universities

The city has overtaken the US to become the second most popular study-abroad destination for mainland students in 2026, a report finds.

4 May 2026 - 10:02AM

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Racing

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Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong to tighten grip on claw machines under new licensing proposal

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People

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People

Why North Korean women footballers’ rare match in the South is keenly watched

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Law and Crime

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SCMP Series

China takes stock as world frets over Mythos

US-Israel war on Iran

AI's impact on Hong Kong

Anthropic’s strong anti-China stance has increased the possibility that the US could use Mythos-type models to conduct cyberattacks against China, according to a cybersecurity expert. Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images

SCMP Series China takes stock as world frets over Mythos

From scepticism to concern: Mythos panic is slowly starting to reach China

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said on its influential social media account that Mythos showed ‘unprecedented cyberattack capabilities’.

3-MIN READ

Why Anthropic’s Mythos has energised China’s cybersecurity industry

3-MIN READ

Anthropic’s Mythos is stoking cybersecurity fears. What does it mean for China?

3-MIN READ

Open Questions series

China Economy

Open Questions | Why China’s yuan faces the same ‘illusions’ that stalled the euro: Daniel Gros

Former European economic adviser says Beijing’s bid to build an international currency will hinge on leaders allowing it to fluctuate freely.

10-MIN READvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

15-MIN READvideocam

Science

Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang

Kunyu Wanguo Quantu and maritime artefacts prove China explored the world earlier than Eurocentric accounts suggest, scholar argues.

16-MIN READvideocam

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.

9-MIN READvideocam

Key Industries:

Big Tech

As DJI duels Insta360, China sharpens global hardware edge amid US scrutiny

Western competitors like GoPro face shrinking footprints as strategic shifts of Chinese firms disrupt the status quo while navigating FCC-led national security bans.

7-MIN READvideocam

Tech Trends

AI cost-cutting not a legal excuse to fire workers, Chinese court says

The latest court ruling comes amid fears of AI-driven job displacement, especially among young workers.

2-MIN READ

Tech

From footwear to AI services: China moves up the value chain in exports

In 2025, China’s export growth in telecoms, computer and information services far outpaced exports of traditional goods, such as footwear.

3-MIN READ

Tech Trends

From phones to humanoid robots: China’s supply chain eyes next growth curve

A slowdown in global smartphone shipments is driving Chinese electronics suppliers to pivot towards humanoid robots.

3-MIN READ

Trainers supervise the training of a humanoid robot at the Qingdao Humanoid Robot Data and Training Centre in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province. Photo: Xinhua

Politics

Faith, hope and ancestry: how Beijing is trying to win over Taiwan’s next generation

Xintian village is symbolic of efforts to reinforce Taiwanese people’s historical and religious links to the mainland.

7-MIN READ

China EVs

Shifting gears: how foreign giants aim to catch up in China’s EV era

International carmakers launch tailored models and accelerate R&D as they scramble to match the speed and sophistication of domestic rivals.

5-MIN READ

Politics

Why Beijing now wants its spies executed in Taiwan back in the spotlight

Mainland China is seeing a surge in interest over ‘invisible martyrs’ such as Wu Shi, a KMT defector who was executed in Taipei in 1950.

6-MIN READvideocam

Diplomacy

The big shift in Xi Jinping’s travel plans and what it means for China

Data analysis by the SCMP reveals a changing dynamic in Beijing towards high-level diplomatic meetings.

5-MIN READvideocam

Two worlds collide: the regulatory battlefield hanging over EU-China ties

One side crafts regulation out of fear that the other side’s rules may expose its vulnerabilities.

China warns EU to remove firms and citizens from Russian sanctions list

How China is quietly reshaping Southeast Asia’s payments beyond the US dollar

New initiative lets consumers use home-grown apps like Alipay for cross-border payments – supporting Beijing’s push to expand regional financial links.

China’s critical minerals grip faces test as new Asian financing tool launches

Japan, Britain and other nations have pledged millions to the new scheme, as China’s dominance of critical minerals sector faces fresh challenge.

Hong Kong to tighten grip on claw machines under new licensing proposal

Move follows surge in claw and pinball machines across city, sparking concern over addiction to games with gambling elements.

Bai Chongen on China’s new economic paradigm and closing the US tech gap

Why African leaders value seamless transcontinental links over US-China rivalry

Economic ambitions are the priority, says official with project that Washington has framed as de-risking mineral supply chains from Beijing.

China’s ‘common prosperity’ push faces reality check as inequality rises: study

A leading economist warns widening income and wealth gaps are constraining Beijing’s agenda.

Why North Korean women footballers’ rare match in the South is keenly watched

The visit by Naegohyang Women’s FC to South Korea’s Suwon for a competitive match does not signal a thaw in inter-Korea ties, analysts say.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Huawei Technologies’ monitoring systems speed up real-time identification of China’s primates, coastal coral, and Norwegian salmon.

Hong Kong residential property upturn drives recovery in office, retail sectors

Shop rents will ‘turn positive by year-end’ but likely post a 3 per cent decline for the entire year, Morgan Stanley says.

Glimmer of hope in Hormuz Strait, fragile ceasefire holds: what happened overnight

US President Donald Trump has offered some help to commercial shipping and competing plans for peace are said to be on the table.

How lost Yiddish songs from a Ukrainian ghetto revive links to Shanghai’s past

The city, once home to thousands of Jewish refugees, will be one of the first places in East Asia where the songs are brought back to life.

South Korean team behind new stroke research, treatment cites Chinese interest

Animals given an experimental drug have shown significant improvement in motor function, with their brain damage reduced.

Between hope and reality – Umno’s plan to go solo a test of political waters

The party says a solo bid can help it win up to 60 seats in the next election and give it leverage to decide on coalition partners.

Gold rush: Hong Kong bullion imports from Dubai jump amid US-Iran war

Gold traders from the Middle East and Russia have been selling physical gold in Hong Kong at a discount of 15 to 20 per cent since early April.

AI helped Shenzhen judges handle cases 50% faster. Is this the future for China?

Pilot system driven by artificial intelligence technology will now be rolled out in the courts of dozens more Chinese cities.

AI cost-cutting not a legal excuse to fire workers, Chinese court says

The latest court ruling comes amid fears of AI-driven job displacement, especially among young workers.

Ultra-low-priced tours exploiting mainland Chinese visitors survive crackdown

Officials insist cases are isolated, as SCMP reporter joins tour pressuring visitors to spend on extra activities, items.

Full charge: Xiaomi shares surge on EV sales boost

Xiaomi’s EV unit gathers pace with April deliveries topping 30,000, but analysts say profits may lag as subsidies and costs weigh.

Why more mainland Chinese families are betting on Hong Kong universities

The city has overtaken the US to become the second most popular study-abroad destination for mainland students in 2026, a report finds.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}The View | Energy crisis showcases strengths of China’s data centre market

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | UAE’s Opec exit reflects a complex world

Opinion | China’s Manus block a show of strength ahead of Xi-Trump summit

Opinion | Paul Chan should welcome lawmakers’ budget scrutiny, not dismiss it

My Take | Why a resurgent Japan should absolutely scare everyone

Exciting trainers’ championship finale looms as Hayes flags Ka Ying experiment

Hong Kong to tighten grip on claw machines under new licensing proposal

Hero or reckless? Bangladeshi man saving baby on train tracks divides opinion

Why North Korean women footballers’ rare match in the South is keenly watched

Transgender student sues Hong Kong school over ‘discriminatory’ hair policy

Two worlds collide: the regulatory battlefield hanging over EU-China ties

China ‘Madman of Science’ says budget space travel viable after low-cost launch

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | Man sprays train crowd in China with suspected pepper spray

Who is The Devil Wears Prada author Lauren Weisberger?

Review | Sound of Falling: Cannes Jury Prize winner is a beautiful tale of trauma

From scepticism to concern: Mythos panic is slowly starting to reach China

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said on its influential social media account that Mythos showed ‘unprecedented cyberattack capabilities’.

Why Anthropic’s Mythos has energised China’s cybersecurity industry

Anthropic’s Mythos is stoking cybersecurity fears. What does it mean for China?

Open Questions | Why China’s yuan faces the same ‘illusions’ that stalled the euro: Daniel Gros

Former European economic adviser says Beijing’s bid to build an international currency will hinge on leaders allowing it to fluctuate freely.

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang

Kunyu Wanguo Quantu and maritime artefacts prove China explored the world earlier than Eurocentric accounts suggest, scholar argues.

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.

As DJI duels Insta360, China sharpens global hardware edge amid US scrutiny

Western competitors like GoPro face shrinking footprints as strategic shifts of Chinese firms disrupt the status quo while navigating FCC-led national security bans.

AI cost-cutting not a legal excuse to fire workers, Chinese court says

The latest court ruling comes amid fears of AI-driven job displacement, especially among young workers.

From footwear to AI services: China moves up the value chain in exports

In 2025, China’s export growth in telecoms, computer and information services far outpaced exports of traditional goods, such as footwear.

From phones to humanoid robots: China’s supply chain eyes next growth curve

A slowdown in global smartphone shipments is driving Chinese electronics suppliers to pivot towards humanoid robots.

Faith, hope and ancestry: how Beijing is trying to win over Taiwan’s next generation

Xintian village is symbolic of efforts to reinforce Taiwanese people’s historical and religious links to the mainland.

Shifting gears: how foreign giants aim to catch up in China’s EV era

International carmakers launch tailored models and accelerate R&D as they scramble to match the speed and sophistication of domestic rivals.

Why Beijing now wants its spies executed in Taiwan back in the spotlight

How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

The View | Energy crisis showcases strengths of China’s data centre market

Letters | UAE’s Opec exit reflects a complex world

Video | Man sprays train crowd in China with suspected pepper spray