Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Construction has begun on the world’s largest coal-to-ethylene glycol project in Xinjiang’s Turpan prefecture, according to state media. Photo: CCTV

China’s far west site of a new bulwark against Mideast-induced resource woes

Ethylene glycol plant in Xinjiang is equipped with tech that includes green electricity coupling, carbon capture and storage.

32 minutes agovideocam

As US-Iran war threatens oil supplies, will China speed up its green transition?

Science

Diplomacy

Trump-Xi summit: US trade chief casts doubt on pre-meeting Beijing visit

Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says key Trump officials unlikely to meet Chinese counterparts, in a break from usual practice for talks.

1 Apr 2026 - 6:23AMvideocam

Science

As Mandarin dominates Cantonese, this Hong Kong AI firm is pushing back

Hong Kong-based tech firm Votee AI aims to replicate its model for other low-resource languages in Southeast Asia and Africa.

3 hours agovideocam

LIVE

No live streaming of Tai Po fire inquiry due to doxxing concerns: committee head

ISS EastPoint clerk says authorised votes used in ballots deciding major issues at housing estate were never verified.

6 minutes ago

Economy

China is building a high-speed rail tunnel stretching more than 14km (9 miles) under the Yangtze River between Shanghai and Taicang, Jiangsu province. Photo: People’s Daily

China builds record-breaking underwater tunnels to unite eastern, western hubs

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?

3 hours agovideocam

China Business

Hong Kong, mainland China join Asia stock rally amid Iran war optimism

Hang Seng Index heads for its biggest gain in a week after Trump says Iran could strike a deal, boosting hopes the war is close to ending.

1 hour ago

Politics

Japan races to limit fallout from Chinese embassy break-in

Chinese state media seized on the breach as proof of Japan’s militarism and ‘rampant far-right ideology’.

3 hours ago

Business

From waste to bottle: the technology that gives packaging waste a verifiable second life

Dow’s digital tracking system in China proves to consumers and businesses how waste can be recycled into new products.

In partnership with:

Dow

Caption: Dow’s Track and Trace Platform makes it possible to follow a recycled bottle’s journey from disposal to its rebirth as a new plastic bottle. Photo: Shutterstock

Middle East

‘Iran doesn’t have to make a deal’: Trump says US could end war in 2 to 3 weeks

The declaration was the US president’s clearest so far that he intends to soon end a conflict that has disrupted global energy markets.

3 hours agovideocam

US President Donald Trump dances following his remarks to farmers and ranchers during an event on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Friday. Photo: EPA

Business

Vanke posts record 88.56 billion yuan loss as China property market woes linger

Result marks mainland Chinese property developer’s second consecutive full-year loss.

3 hours ago

Law and Crime

Hong Kong trade office manager in London denies running spy network

Bill Yuen is accused of hiring UK Border Force officer Peter Wai to gather information about politicians and Hong Kong activists.

5 hours agovideocam

Lifestyle & Culture

Litterbugs in Shibuya to be fined on the spot as visitor numbers surge

The initiative, which will see offenders fined US$12.50, reflects a broader rethink of the ward’s earlier decision to remove public rubbish bins.

2 hours agovideocam

Aluminium cans, bottles, and other trash stashed next to a vending machine in Shibuya. Photo: Shutterstock

Health & Wellness

How a 70-year-old retired teacher defied osteoporosis to become a powerlifter

Hongkonger Anjali Hazari used to run marathons and climb mountains before major knee and abdominal surgeries. Now she has a new challenge.

49 minutes ago

Anjali Hazari, a former marathoner and mountaineer, trains at the Stanley Ho Sports Centre complex in Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, ahead of her first powerlifting competition. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Russia & Central Asia

Russian military plane crashes into Crimea cliff, killing 29 people

The crash was likely due to a technical failure, with no survivors reported.

3 hours ago

China EVs

Middle East oil shock jolts EV demand, putting Chinese exports in fast lane

Orders for Chinese NEVs are rising along with footfalls at EV dealerships both at home and overseas, according to Nomura analyst.

6 hours ago

Economics

The Iran war could be forcing Filipinos to rely on credit cards. Here’s why

Analysts warn credit card use could increase further to partly cope with higher prices and reduced disposable incomes.

2 hours agovideocam

A pedestrian reads a sign at a petrol station in Tacloban City, Leyte province, central Philippines on Monday. Photo: AFP

Society

On This Day | World’s first Chinese-language TV station goes off-air in 2016 – SCMP archive

In 2016, Hong Kong-based Asia Television ceased broadcasting after 59 years on air.

32 minutes ago

People taking a picture outside the ATV Headquarters in Tai Po on April 1, 2016. Photo: David Wong

Diplomacy

‘Lack of moral character’: pair who stole secrets for China lose US citizenship

Case reflects the Trump administration’s stated goal of ‘maximally pursuing’ denaturalisation wherever legally possible.

1 Apr 2026 - 5:58AMvideocam

Entertainment

Review | The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: Nintendo sequel looks great but lacks laughs

Donald Glover, Brie Larson and Benny Safdie join the cast in this sequel to 2023’s hugely successful The Super Mario Bros Movie.

1 Apr 2026 - 3:00AMvideocam

OPINION

Alex Lo

As I see it | Why China is always misunderstood and misrepresented

4 hours ago

Letters

Letters | Hong Kong must better support those facing unplanned pregnancies

2 hours ago

Jawad Khalid

Opinion | How selective outrage over Iran war exposes the limits of realpolitik

1 Apr 2026 - 5:30AM

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | For Hong Kong fire survivors, returning to destroyed flats offers closure

6 hours ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Service failures show MTR has work to do to uphold its reputation

6 hours ago

Harry’s View | 1 Apr 2026

MORE COMMENT

LATEST

17 minutes ago

Food & Drink

‘Delicious’ fried rice, ‘great’ Italian: a Briton’s Hong Kong food picks

17 minutes ago

100 Top Tables

Your Hong Kong food guide for Easter weekend

32 minutes ago

Society

On This Day | World’s first Chinese-language TV station goes off-air in 2016 – SCMP archive

1 hour ago

Science

China’s far west site of a new bulwark against Mideast-induced resource woes

1 hour ago

East Asia

Businesses, smokers burnt by Japan’s record US$8 billion defence budget

2 hours ago

Health & Wellness

How a 70-year-old retired teacher defied osteoporosis to become a powerlifter

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SCMP Series

Trump’s 2026 trip to China

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China Inc. goes global

Challenges and pathways in the South China Sea

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 | 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

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

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

Big Tech

Shenzhen activates China’s first 10,000-card AI cluster with Huawei’s chips

Hub launches new cluster built with Huawei advanced chips, delivering 11,000 petaflops of computing power in push for home-grown tech.

37 minutes agovideocam

Tech Trends

Zhipu AI revenue jumps 132% in first post-IPO report, missing estimates

Total losses soar 59.5 per cent to 4.72 billion yuan driven by mounting research and development spending.

31 Mar 2026 - 8:45PM

Big Tech

Xiaomi, Alibaba ramp up AI recruitment amid global talent war

AI-related positions account for more than 80 per cent of Alibaba’s open roles, up from around 60 per cent last year.

30 Mar 2026 - 10:00PM

People test the latest Xiaomi smartphones at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 28, 2026. Photo: Reuters

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

Diplomacy

China’s looted heritage campaign: assertive, ambitious – and complicated

As the United States steps back from cultural governance, China aims to reshape how the world reclaims looted heritage – with Japan its biggest test.

29 Mar 2026 - 6:17AM

Politics

How a Tang dynasty tablet became a test for China-Japan restitution

Fresh calls involving Tokyo’s Imperial Palace could spell turning point for repatriating looted war relics after decades of inertia.

28 Mar 2026 - 3:50PM

Diplomacy

Why China’s Iran war strategy is working – and may even be an opportunity

Beijing happy to watch, wait and safeguard core interests – oil flows, Taiwan and trade – as its geopolitical rival spends resources on war.

26 Mar 2026 - 8:09AMvideocam

China’s far west site of a new bulwark against Mideast-induced resource woes

Ethylene glycol plant in Xinjiang is equipped with tech that includes green electricity coupling, carbon capture and storage.

As US-Iran war threatens oil supplies, will China speed up its green transition?

Trump-Xi summit: US trade chief casts doubt on pre-meeting Beijing visit

Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says key Trump officials unlikely to meet Chinese counterparts, in a break from usual practice for talks.

As Mandarin dominates Cantonese, this Hong Kong AI firm is pushing back

Hong Kong-based tech firm Votee AI aims to replicate its model for other low-resource languages in Southeast Asia and Africa.

No live streaming of Tai Po fire inquiry due to doxxing concerns: committee head

ISS EastPoint clerk says authorised votes used in ballots deciding major issues at housing estate were never verified.

China builds record-breaking underwater tunnels to unite eastern, western hubs

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?

Hong Kong, mainland China join Asia stock rally amid Iran war optimism

Hang Seng Index heads for its biggest gain in a week after Trump says Iran could strike a deal, boosting hopes the war is close to ending.

Japan races to limit fallout from Chinese embassy break-in

Chinese state media seized on the breach as proof of Japan’s militarism and ‘rampant far-right ideology’.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}From waste to bottle: the technology that gives packaging waste a verifiable second life

Dow’s digital tracking system in China proves to consumers and businesses how waste can be recycled into new products.

‘Iran doesn’t have to make a deal’: Trump says US could end war in 2 to 3 weeks

The declaration was the US president’s clearest so far that he intends to soon end a conflict that has disrupted global energy markets.

Vanke posts record 88.56 billion yuan loss as China property market woes linger

Result marks mainland Chinese property developer’s second consecutive full-year loss.

Hong Kong trade office manager in London denies running spy network

Bill Yuen is accused of hiring UK Border Force officer Peter Wai to gather information about politicians and Hong Kong activists.

Litterbugs in Shibuya to be fined on the spot as visitor numbers surge

The initiative, which will see offenders fined US$12.50, reflects a broader rethink of the ward’s earlier decision to remove public rubbish bins.

How a 70-year-old retired teacher defied osteoporosis to become a powerlifter

Hongkonger Anjali Hazari used to run marathons and climb mountains before major knee and abdominal surgeries. Now she has a new challenge.

Russian military plane crashes into Crimea cliff, killing 29 people

The crash was likely due to a technical failure, with no survivors reported.

Middle East oil shock jolts EV demand, putting Chinese exports in fast lane

Orders for Chinese NEVs are rising along with footfalls at EV dealerships both at home and overseas, according to Nomura analyst.

The Iran war could be forcing Filipinos to rely on credit cards. Here’s why

Analysts warn credit card use could increase further to partly cope with higher prices and reduced disposable incomes.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}On This Day | World’s first Chinese-language TV station goes off-air in 2016 – SCMP archive

In 2016, Hong Kong-based Asia Television ceased broadcasting after 59 years on air.

‘Lack of moral character’: pair who stole secrets for China lose US citizenship

Case reflects the Trump administration’s stated goal of ‘maximally pursuing’ denaturalisation wherever legally possible.

Review | The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: Nintendo sequel looks great but lacks laughs

Donald Glover, Brie Larson and Benny Safdie join the cast in this sequel to 2023’s hugely successful The Super Mario Bros Movie.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}As I see it | Why China is always misunderstood and misrepresented

Letters | Hong Kong must better support those facing unplanned pregnancies

Opinion | How selective outrage over Iran war exposes the limits of realpolitik

Editorial | For Hong Kong fire survivors, returning to destroyed flats offers closure

Editorial | Service failures show MTR has work to do to uphold its reputation

‘Delicious’ fried rice, ‘great’ Italian: a Briton’s Hong Kong food picks

Your Hong Kong food guide for Easter weekend

On This Day | World’s first Chinese-language TV station goes off-air in 2016 – SCMP archive

China’s far west site of a new bulwark against Mideast-induced resource woes

Businesses, smokers burnt by Japan’s record US$8 billion defence budget

How a 70-year-old retired teacher defied osteoporosis to become a powerlifter

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 | 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.

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.

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.

Shenzhen activates China’s first 10,000-card AI cluster with Huawei’s chips

Hub launches new cluster built with Huawei advanced chips, delivering 11,000 petaflops of computing power in push for home-grown tech.

Zhipu AI revenue jumps 132% in first post-IPO report, missing estimates

Total losses soar 59.5 per cent to 4.72 billion yuan driven by mounting research and development spending.

Xiaomi, Alibaba ramp up AI recruitment amid global talent war

AI-related positions account for more than 80 per cent of Alibaba’s open roles, up from around 60 per cent last year.

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.

China’s looted heritage campaign: assertive, ambitious – and complicated

As the United States steps back from cultural governance, China aims to reshape how the world reclaims looted heritage – with Japan its biggest test.

How a Tang dynasty tablet became a test for China-Japan restitution

Fresh calls involving Tokyo’s Imperial Palace could spell turning point for repatriating looted war relics after decades of inertia.

Why China’s Iran war strategy is working – and may even be an opportunity

Beijing happy to watch, wait and safeguard core interests – oil flows, Taiwan and trade – as its geopolitical rival spends resources on war.

From waste to bottle: the technology that gives packaging waste a verifiable second life

On This Day | World’s first Chinese-language TV station goes off-air in 2016 – SCMP archive

As I see it | Why China is always misunderstood and misrepresented