Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Foreign tourists order food at a restaurant in Tianjin, northern China, on April 24. Photo: Xinhua

Trip.com aims to bring 200 million tourists to China, buoying GDP growth

The company believes China could become the world’s top tourism destination, according to reports.

29 minutes ago

China braces for record Labour Day travel surge as tourism demand remains robust

China travel

Diplomacy

Iran ‘dying to make a deal’, US war costs soar: here’s what happened overnight

US President Donald Trump says only a few people know the status of talks with Tehran as war enters its third month.

28 minutes agovideocam

Diplomacy

From apps to autos: China’s data reach sparks US espionage and sabotage concerns

Washington accused of not doing enough to counter Beijing’s harvesting of key American data and weaponising it as a strategic asset.

3 hours agovideocam

Hong Kong Economy

Yacht tourists, hikers drive ‘golden week’ optimism for Hong Kong eateries

Industry leader says 5 per cent year-on-year increase in business expected, adding that operators have ramped up manpower to cope with influx.

39 minutes ago

Diplomacy

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

Diplomacy

Why is China warning the UN of a Japanese ‘nuclear breakout’?

Beijing asks the international body to prioritise Tokyo’s ‘dangerous tendency to seek nuclear weapons’ as regional row escalates.

30 Apr 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

A new position paper from China’s foreign ministry accuses Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of engaging in “probing and provocative remarks and actions” on nuclear weapons. Photo: Kyodo

Science

China’s Tiangong space station to double in size as Nasa phases out ISS

Plans are under way to add three more modules to the Chinese facility but no timeline has been released to complete the work.

30 Apr 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Health & Environment

Japan survey finds sexual abuse at 15% of hospitals. Is the true scale higher?

Under-reporting is a concern as children and severely disabled patients may not know how to voice their complaints.

30 minutes agovideocam

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

China Economy

China forges new aviation alliances to fast-track C929 certification

Pacts include airworthiness standards for long-haul aircraft, together with Hong Kong and Macau, aiding efforts to expand international operations for Comac’s jets.

30 Apr 2026 - 5:00PM

Zhao Chunling, the chief designer of China’s widebody C929 aircraft, touches a model of the in-development jet. Photo: Xinhua

Health & Environment

Hong Kong public hospitals to extend time for daily visits from 5 to 9 hours by July 31

Those in two districts will begin new arrangement this month, while visitors at paediatric wards will also get 24-hour access by end of July.

2 hours ago

United States & Canada

Trump says Secret Service agent not hit by friendly fire, as video is released

The officer was shot at ‘point blank range’ by the suspect, the Secret Service chief says, contradicting reports that it was friendly fire.

2 hours ago

Blockchain

Hong Kong a key global hub for USDC cross-border payments: Circle CEO

Circle recently announced a partnership with Hong Kong-listed OSL Group to expand USDC offerings in the city.

39 minutes ago

Circle hopes to see USDC approved as a foreign stablecoin in Hong Kong. Photo: Shutterstock Images

Politics

Xi urges ‘disruptive innovation’ to boost China amid US tech race

Chinese leader also calls for expanding country’s talent pool and fostering an innovation culture ‘open, inclusive and tolerant of failure’.

30 Apr 2026 - 8:11PMvideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping speaks at a symposium on strengthening the country’s basic research, in Shanghai on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua

Society

Tai Po fire: tendering system can’t stop firms manipulating market, inquiry told

Urban Renewal Authority officials tell hearing that body lacks resources to combat bid-rigging linked to estates’ renovation projects.

2 minutes ago

China

Wang calls Taiwan ‘biggest risk factor’ in Beijing-Washington ties in Rubio call

China warns on core interests as both sides stress stability and coordination ahead of an expected Trump-Xi summit in May.

5 hours agovideocam

Politics

Iran war tests India’s Brics leadership as ‘political relevance’ questions mount

With Brics members Iran and the UAE as belligerents, the bloc has failed to reach a common position on the Middle East conflict.

30 Apr 2026 - 7:49PMvideocam

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi chats with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during the 2025 Brics summit in Rio de Janeiro last July. Photo: AP

Big Tech

Chinese firms face pressure on AI investments as US peers’ spending soars

Largest US companies on track for US$700 billion in AI capital expenditures this year, versus about US$105 billion in China.

30 Apr 2026 - 10:30PM

Google and Microsoft both expect 2026 capex to reach about US$190 billion. Photo: AP Photo

Middle East

Global oil price hits 4-year high on concerns Iran war could worsen

Global oil benchmark Brent hits $126.41 a barrel, amid warnings it could reach US$150 as peace talks stall.

30 Apr 2026 - 8:44PM

Diplomacy

Senate vote leaves Cuba’s uncertain future at dangerous crossroads

US Democrats failed on Tuesday in another attempt to limit Donald Trump’s authority to use military force against Cuba, so what’s next?

39 minutes agovideocam

LATEST

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Trending in China

‘Love relay’: lonely China cancer patient orders ‘company’ via food delivery platform

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Diplomacy

Iran ‘dying to make a deal’, US war costs soar: here’s what happened overnight

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Hong Kong Economy

Yacht tourists, hikers drive ‘golden week’ optimism for Hong Kong eateries

39 minutes ago

Blockchain

Hong Kong a key global hub for USDC cross-border payments: Circle CEO

1 hour ago

China Economy

Trip.com aims to bring 200 million tourists to China, buoying GDP growth

1 hour ago

Health & Environment

Japan survey finds sexual abuse at 15% of hospitals. Is the true scale higher?

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HK Sevens

How ‘rubbish’ Olympic medal drove New Zealand star Ruby Tui’s rush to greatness

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Travel

What to do in Mexico City between Fifa World Cup games

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United States & Canada

Trump says Secret Service agent not hit by friendly fire, as video is released

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Opinion

Opinion | China moves towards better protecting its gig workers

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SCMP Series

China takes stock as world frets over Mythos

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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

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

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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.

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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.

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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

Big Tech

Chinese firms face pressure on AI investments as US peers’ spending soars

Largest US companies on track for US$700 billion in AI capital expenditures this year, versus about US$105 billion in China.

2-MIN READ

Big Tech

Samsung, SK Hynix flag record supply squeeze in memory market as AI demand soars

South Korea’s memory chip giants warn of a prolonged crunch, with worried Samsung customers already pre-booking memory capacity for 2027.

2-MIN READ

China EVs

Geely joins Chery, BYD in profit slide as China car sales plunge

Three most profitable carmakers last year all report double-digit profit declines, but rosier export forecast improves outlook.

2-MIN READvideocam

People view a Geely vehicle in Paris on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua

Diplomacy

The UAE’s exit from Opec could bring ‘even bigger trouble’: Chinese expert

While the UAE’s departure from oil cartel is disruptive, it could also further drive apart Gulf Cooperation Council members, observer says.

3-MIN READvideocam

The Gulf Cooperation Council has been fractured by an intensifying rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as the countries each pursue competing visions of regional leadership. Photo: AFP

China Economy

How China’s reported sulphuric acid export ban could have global buyers reeling

Foreign firms fear more halts following reports of a ban on the export of the chemical, crucial for fertiliser and battery production.

5-MIN READvideocam

Diplomacy

Why tougher US visa rules for skilled foreign workers may end in ‘brain drain’

Trump administration is targeting several visa categories, including popular H-1B pathway, with bias towards fewer numbers and more revenue.

7-MIN READvideocam

Science

Will China’s mathematicians join a global effort to boycott the United States?

Question hovers as world’s premier mathematics conference faces revolt over American visa rules and foreign policies.

5-MIN READvideocam

Trip.com aims to bring 200 million tourists to China, buoying GDP growth

The company believes China could become the world’s top tourism destination, according to reports.

China braces for record Labour Day travel surge as tourism demand remains robust

Iran ‘dying to make a deal’, US war costs soar: here’s what happened overnight

US President Donald Trump says only a few people know the status of talks with Tehran as war enters its third month.

From apps to autos: China’s data reach sparks US espionage and sabotage concerns

Washington accused of not doing enough to counter Beijing’s harvesting of key American data and weaponising it as a strategic asset.

Yacht tourists, hikers drive ‘golden week’ optimism for Hong Kong eateries

Industry leader says 5 per cent year-on-year increase in business expected, adding that operators have ramped up manpower to cope with influx.

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

Why is China warning the UN of a Japanese ‘nuclear breakout’?

Beijing asks the international body to prioritise Tokyo’s ‘dangerous tendency to seek nuclear weapons’ as regional row escalates.

China’s Tiangong space station to double in size as Nasa phases out ISS

Plans are under way to add three more modules to the Chinese facility but no timeline has been released to complete the work.

Japan survey finds sexual abuse at 15% of hospitals. Is the true scale higher?

Under-reporting is a concern as children and severely disabled patients may not know how to voice their complaints.

.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.

China forges new aviation alliances to fast-track C929 certification

Pacts include airworthiness standards for long-haul aircraft, together with Hong Kong and Macau, aiding efforts to expand international operations for Comac’s jets.

Hong Kong public hospitals to extend time for daily visits from 5 to 9 hours by July 31

Those in two districts will begin new arrangement this month, while visitors at paediatric wards will also get 24-hour access by end of July.

Trump says Secret Service agent not hit by friendly fire, as video is released

The officer was shot at ‘point blank range’ by the suspect, the Secret Service chief says, contradicting reports that it was friendly fire.

Hong Kong a key global hub for USDC cross-border payments: Circle CEO

Circle recently announced a partnership with Hong Kong-listed OSL Group to expand USDC offerings in the city.

Xi urges ‘disruptive innovation’ to boost China amid US tech race

Chinese leader also calls for expanding country’s talent pool and fostering an innovation culture ‘open, inclusive and tolerant of failure’.

Tai Po fire: tendering system can’t stop firms manipulating market, inquiry told

Urban Renewal Authority officials tell hearing that body lacks resources to combat bid-rigging linked to estates’ renovation projects.

Wang calls Taiwan ‘biggest risk factor’ in Beijing-Washington ties in Rubio call

China warns on core interests as both sides stress stability and coordination ahead of an expected Trump-Xi summit in May.

Iran war tests India’s Brics leadership as ‘political relevance’ questions mount

With Brics members Iran and the UAE as belligerents, the bloc has failed to reach a common position on the Middle East conflict.

Chinese firms face pressure on AI investments as US peers’ spending soars

Largest US companies on track for US$700 billion in AI capital expenditures this year, versus about US$105 billion in China.

Global oil price hits 4-year high on concerns Iran war could worsen

Global oil benchmark Brent hits $126.41 a barrel, amid warnings it could reach US$150 as peace talks stall.

Senate vote leaves Cuba’s uncertain future at dangerous crossroads

US Democrats failed on Tuesday in another attempt to limit Donald Trump’s authority to use military force against Cuba, so what’s next?

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | My finance expertise was no defence against online scammers

Opinion | China moves towards better protecting its gig workers

Opinion | A world adrift looks to China for institutional anchors. Enter Hong Kong

Editorial | Improving sports governance in Hong Kong will take more than rules on paper

Macroscope | How the AI boom is helping Asia weather the Iran war energy shock

‘Love relay’: lonely China cancer patient orders ‘company’ via food delivery platform

Iran ‘dying to make a deal’, US war costs soar: here’s what happened overnight

Yacht tourists, hikers drive ‘golden week’ optimism for Hong Kong eateries

Hong Kong a key global hub for USDC cross-border payments: Circle CEO

Trip.com aims to bring 200 million tourists to China, buoying GDP growth

Japan survey finds sexual abuse at 15% of hospitals. Is the true scale higher?

How ‘rubbish’ Olympic medal drove New Zealand star Ruby Tui’s rush to greatness

What to do in Mexico City between Fifa World Cup games

Trump says Secret Service agent not hit by friendly fire, as video is released

Opinion | China moves towards better protecting its gig workers

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?

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}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.

Chinese firms face pressure on AI investments as US peers’ spending soars

Largest US companies on track for US$700 billion in AI capital expenditures this year, versus about US$105 billion in China.

Samsung, SK Hynix flag record supply squeeze in memory market as AI demand soars

South Korea’s memory chip giants warn of a prolonged crunch, with worried Samsung customers already pre-booking memory capacity for 2027.

Geely joins Chery, BYD in profit slide as China car sales plunge

Three most profitable carmakers last year all report double-digit profit declines, but rosier export forecast improves outlook.

The UAE’s exit from Opec could bring ‘even bigger trouble’: Chinese expert

While the UAE’s departure from oil cartel is disruptive, it could also further drive apart Gulf Cooperation Council members, observer says.

How China’s reported sulphuric acid export ban could have global buyers reeling

Foreign firms fear more halts following reports of a ban on the export of the chemical, crucial for fertiliser and battery production.

Why tougher US visa rules for skilled foreign workers may end in ‘brain drain’

How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Opinion | My finance expertise was no defence against online scammers

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