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Asia

Analysts expect China to put greater emphasis on hi-tech advancements, manufacturing resilience and domestic consumption over the next five years. Photo: AFP

How China’s next five-year plan hones in on weak links laid bare by trade war

With new five-year plan emphasising science and industrial modernisation, Beijing is taking steps to protect China from protracted US battle.

1 hour agovideocam

China’s Xi doubles down on self-reliance, rallying officials to step it up

US-China trade war

Science

PLA researchers rank Cold War relic B-52 a bigger nuclear threat than F-35, B-2

A Chinese military study puts the 70-year-old bomber ahead of sleek, modern aircraft in risk assessment based on limited strike.

5 hours ago

Military

How China’s military might use anti-AI tactics on the battlefields of the future

For the first time, the official PLA Daily spells out how it might target an enemy’s AI combat models.

6 hours agovideocam

Law and Crime

10 arrested in Hong Kong in bribery case centred on CK Asset housing project

ICAC alleges that subcontractors offered site supervisors perks in exchange for lax oversight of steel rebar work on Anderson Road project.

1 hour ago

Focus

Taiwan’s Lai enters second year in office with troubles mounting on all sides

China Economy

China’s theme park capital in ‘stage of rapid growth’ as foreign capital invests

From Peppa Pig to Lego, Shanghai leads the way in attracting global amusement parks – a sector free from trade tensions, analysts say.

21 May 2025 - 5:00PMvideocam

Fireworks explode over the Enchanted Storybook Castle at the Shanghai Disney Resort on New Year’s Day on January 1, 2024 in Shanghai, China. Photo: VCG via Getty Images

Diplomacy

China urges trust with Pakistan, Afghanistan as regional tensions mount

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledges support, security cooperation as his counterparts discuss improving diplomatic ties.

3 hours ago

Politics

India government accused of ‘mischievous intent’ in Tharoor pick for Kashmir job

Complaints about Shashi Tharoor’s diplomatic role shows the rifts in the Congress Party, which the ruling party can exploit, analysts say.

5 hours agovideocam

Business

‘Asean’s gateway’ Singapore offers foreign tech start-ups unparalleled growth potential

Support of government agency IMDA ensures city state’s strategic advantages can help innovative firms succeed across region and beyond.

In partnership with:

IMDA

Singapore’s wide range of strategic advantages and proactive approach to digitalisation have attracted many forward-thinking entrepreneurs to set up their regional offices in the city state while creating an environment where technology start-ups can develop and grow. Photo: Shutterstock

China

Beijing vows reprisal in chip war, US-China envoys meet: SCMP daily highlights

From Beijing vowing to react to a possible Huawei ban to ‘candid’ talks between US and China envoys, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

3 hours ago

Chinese Foreign Vice-Minister Ma Zhaoxu (right), shown here with US ambassador to China David Perdue (left) in Beijing on Tuesday, says he hopes the US “will meet China halfway” to promote stable ties. Photo: X/USAmbChina

Diplomacy

US envoy holds first talks with senior Chinese official as trade tensions linger

New American ambassador David Perdue says he shares Trump’s priorities for ties after meeting Chinese foreign vice-minister.

4 hours ago

Middle East

EU demands answers after Israeli troops fire ‘warning’ shots near diplomats

The incident during a visit by foreign diplomats to the occupied West Bank has sparked global condemnation amid calls for Israel to provide aid access to Gaza.

2 hours ago

Big Tech

China’s army of robot makers jostle for attention in overcrowded market

Distributors in the US are now more willing to negotiate on purchases given that tariffs have been lowered.

5 hours ago

Service robots are demonstrated at the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, Guangdong province on April 16, 2025. Photo: AP

Other Sport

Pan Zhanle wins gold No 4 at China swimming meet – despite suffering from cough

The 12-year-old Yu Zidi wins her first gold of the event as several swimmers report having had fever amid rise in Covid-19 in Shenzhen.

1 hour ago

Pan Zhanle won his fourth gold of the national swimming championships in Shenzhen. Photo: AFP

Politics

Hong Kong journalist group slams ‘tax review on 20 reporters, groups’

Hong Kong Journalists Association says Inland Revenue Department’s moves have placed extra stress on the reporters and media groups.

14 minutes ago

Diplomacy

For China, Golden Dome shows US is ‘obsessed with absolute security’

Foreign ministry says missile defence system ‘violates the principle of peaceful use of outer space’ and risks turning it into battlefield.

6 hours agovideocam

Business

Family offices to increase exposure to China and India over next 12 months: UBS

Around 18 per cent of global family offices say they plan to increase their exposure to mainland China.

4 hours ago

People visit The Bund in Shanghai. Photo: AFP

Tech Trends

Meet Chinese start-up Xreal, Google’s partner in AR glasses project

Project Aura provides a big boost to Xreal’s credentials in the smart glasses arena, while widening its reach in the international market.

4 hours ago

The Project Aura eyewear from Xreal and Google is expected to compete with other augmented reality spectacles from the likes of Meta Platforms, Orion and Artemis. Photo: Handout

United States & Canada

Trump administration urges Supreme Court block transparency orders on Musk’s Doge

The US government argues that Doge is a presidential advisory body, not a federal agency, and is exempt from Freedom of Information Act requests.

43 minutes ago

China Economy

Rare earth rush? China’s mineral exports surged ahead of US trade war escalation

Chinese critical mineral exports rose sharply ahead of “Liberation Day” tariffs, analysts warn overseas dependence could last years.

5 hours agovideocam

LATEST

43 minutes ago

United States & Canada

Trump administration urges Supreme Court block transparency orders on Musk’s Doge

1 hour ago

Racing

Yip at the double as Hayes cuts title lead down to five

2 hours ago

Middle East

EU demands answers after Israeli troops fire ‘warning’ shots near diplomats

3 hours ago

Politics

Hong Kong journalist group slams ‘tax review on 20 reporters, groups’

3 hours ago

Big Tech

Baidu’s robotaxi service completes 11 million ride amid company growth

3 hours ago

China Economy

How China’s next five-year plan hones in on weak links laid bare by trade war

MORE LATEST NEWS

Find Out More

US tariff war

US President Donald Trump announces tariffs at the White House on April 2. Photo: AP

Trump’s trade war is cracking the West’s unity, former Chinese envoy says

Wu Hailong tells Global Prosperity Summit that fault lines are emerging between US and allies that could reshape the international order.

20 May 2025 - 9:00PMvideocam

‘Not a real remedy’: Chinese crane maker raises questions over US tariff plans

20 May 2025 - 8:00PM

China’s manufacturing resilient in April despite US tariffs; consumption softens

19 May 2025 - 5:09PMvideocam

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Brics message to ‘ring hollow’ if Pakistan is ‘blocked by India’: Khalil Hashmi

Pakistan’s ambassador in Beijing says China – and Trump – welcome to mediate Kashmir conflict.

19 May 2025 - 10:04AMvideocam

Global Economy

Open Questions | As unswerving superpowers meet unsustainable tariffs, Yao Yang breaks down the paradox

From the US-China trade war to China’s economic outlook for the months ahead, the economist and academic – known for his hot takes – talks policy and strategy.

12 May 2025 - 12:05PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Princeton’s Rory Truex unwraps Trump’s gifts to China, from tariffs to tech wars

The Chinese politics specialist says he could imagine Beijing leadership smiling about Washington’s ‘counterproductive’ foreign policy.

5 May 2025 - 12:48PMvideocam

Global Economy

Open Questions | Why Scott Kennedy thinks the US-China trade war is ‘far from the endgame’

The political scientist talks tariffs, a potential deal between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, and why the US dollar has lost some of its lustre.

28 Apr 2025 - 10:37AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech Trends

Huawei, UBTech team up to bring humanoid robots to factories and homes

The partnership aims to establish smart factories, leveraging Huawei’s strengths in self-developed AI processors.

12 May 2025 - 9:59PM

UBTech’s Walker robot seen at the company’s offices in Shenzhen. Photo: Edmond So

Big Tech

Baidu’s robotaxi service completes 11 million ride amid company growth

The tech giant has been expanding its autonomous ride-hailing service, while AI growth helped it beat profit expectations in the first quarter.

45 minutes agovideocam

China Economy

How China’s next five-year plan hones in on weak links laid bare by trade war

With new five-year plan emphasising science and industrial modernisation, Beijing is taking steps to protect China from protracted US battle.

1 hour agovideocam

Tech Trends

Meet Chinese start-up Xreal, Google’s partner in AR glasses project

Project Aura provides a big boost to Xreal’s credentials in the smart glasses arena, while widening its reach in the international market.

4 hours ago

China Economy

How critical minerals became China’s ultimate trump card in the trade war

Beijing is still tightening its grip over supplies of rare earths and other key minerals despite the tariff truce, allowing it to cut off US access at will.

20 May 2025 - 6:05AMvideocam

Politics

International Museum Day: how China is aiming for cultural superpower status

While investment in cultural heritage is declining in the US and other countries, the ‘unique’ Chinese model is flourishing, observers said.

20 May 2025 - 4:14PMvideocam

China Economy

Foreign degree? Think again, say Chinese parents as change of heart shifts focus

Middle-class parents in China long viewed overseas diplomas as the best path to success, so what has changed? And why are overseas students in an ‘increasingly awkward position’?

17 May 2025 - 6:00AMvideocam

China Economy

Why Trump’s drug price promise may fail to protect China’s pharma industry

America is reliant on mainland companies for the raw materials needed to make life-saving drugs, but experts say duties are likely.

16 May 2025 - 10:18AM

China’s pharmaceutical industry is globally competitive, with relatively low manufacturing costs and a complete industrial chain. Photo: Xinhua

How China’s next five-year plan hones in on weak links laid bare by trade war

With new five-year plan emphasising science and industrial modernisation, Beijing is taking steps to protect China from protracted US battle.

China’s Xi doubles down on self-reliance, rallying officials to step it up

PLA researchers rank Cold War relic B-52 a bigger nuclear threat than F-35, B-2

A Chinese military study puts the 70-year-old bomber ahead of sleek, modern aircraft in risk assessment based on limited strike.

How China’s military might use anti-AI tactics on the battlefields of the future

For the first time, the official PLA Daily spells out how it might target an enemy’s AI combat models.

10 arrested in Hong Kong in bribery case centred on CK Asset housing project

ICAC alleges that subcontractors offered site supervisors perks in exchange for lax oversight of steel rebar work on Anderson Road project.

Taiwan’s Lai enters second year in office with troubles mounting on all sides

China’s theme park capital in ‘stage of rapid growth’ as foreign capital invests

From Peppa Pig to Lego, Shanghai leads the way in attracting global amusement parks – a sector free from trade tensions, analysts say.

China urges trust with Pakistan, Afghanistan as regional tensions mount

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi pledges support, security cooperation as his counterparts discuss improving diplomatic ties.

India government accused of ‘mischievous intent’ in Tharoor pick for Kashmir job

Complaints about Shashi Tharoor’s diplomatic role shows the rifts in the Congress Party, which the ruling party can exploit, analysts say.

‘Asean’s gateway’ Singapore offers foreign tech start-ups unparalleled growth potential

Support of government agency IMDA ensures city state’s strategic advantages can help innovative firms succeed across region and beyond.

Beijing vows reprisal in chip war, US-China envoys meet: SCMP daily highlights

From Beijing vowing to react to a possible Huawei ban to ‘candid’ talks between US and China envoys, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

US envoy holds first talks with senior Chinese official as trade tensions linger

New American ambassador David Perdue says he shares Trump’s priorities for ties after meeting Chinese foreign vice-minister.

EU demands answers after Israeli troops fire ‘warning’ shots near diplomats

The incident during a visit by foreign diplomats to the occupied West Bank has sparked global condemnation amid calls for Israel to provide aid access to Gaza.

China’s army of robot makers jostle for attention in overcrowded market

Distributors in the US are now more willing to negotiate on purchases given that tariffs have been lowered.

Pan Zhanle wins gold No 4 at China swimming meet – despite suffering from cough

The 12-year-old Yu Zidi wins her first gold of the event as several swimmers report having had fever amid rise in Covid-19 in Shenzhen.

Hong Kong journalist group slams ‘tax review on 20 reporters, groups’

Hong Kong Journalists Association says Inland Revenue Department’s moves have placed extra stress on the reporters and media groups.

For China, Golden Dome shows US is ‘obsessed with absolute security’

Foreign ministry says missile defence system ‘violates the principle of peaceful use of outer space’ and risks turning it into battlefield.

Family offices to increase exposure to China and India over next 12 months: UBS

Around 18 per cent of global family offices say they plan to increase their exposure to mainland China.

Meet Chinese start-up Xreal, Google’s partner in AR glasses project

Project Aura provides a big boost to Xreal’s credentials in the smart glasses arena, while widening its reach in the international market.

Trump administration urges Supreme Court block transparency orders on Musk’s Doge

The US government argues that Doge is a presidential advisory body, not a federal agency, and is exempt from Freedom of Information Act requests.

Rare earth rush? China’s mineral exports surged ahead of US trade war escalation

Chinese critical mineral exports rose sharply ahead of “Liberation Day” tariffs, analysts warn overseas dependence could last years.

Opinion | US-China tariff truce offers hope for resolution on fentanyl and other issues

Opinion | In bargaining with China, US is coming to terms with losing its supremacy

My Take | Closer Asean ties can help China counter US militarisation of region

Opinion | Hong Kong firms must take initiative on safe AI practices

My Take | US presidents often hide the true state of their health from the public

Trump administration urges Supreme Court block transparency orders on Musk’s Doge

Yip at the double as Hayes cuts title lead down to five

EU demands answers after Israeli troops fire ‘warning’ shots near diplomats

Hong Kong journalist group slams ‘tax review on 20 reporters, groups’

Baidu’s robotaxi service completes 11 million ride amid company growth

How China’s next five-year plan hones in on weak links laid bare by trade war

Trump’s trade war is cracking the West’s unity, former Chinese envoy says

Wu Hailong tells Global Prosperity Summit that fault lines are emerging between US and allies that could reshape the international order.

‘Not a real remedy’: Chinese crane maker raises questions over US tariff plans

China’s manufacturing resilient in April despite US tariffs; consumption softens

Open Questions | Brics message to ‘ring hollow’ if Pakistan is ‘blocked by India’: Khalil Hashmi

Pakistan’s ambassador in Beijing says China – and Trump – welcome to mediate Kashmir conflict.

Open Questions | As unswerving superpowers meet unsustainable tariffs, Yao Yang breaks down the paradox

From the US-China trade war to China’s economic outlook for the months ahead, the economist and academic – known for his hot takes – talks policy and strategy.

Open Questions | Princeton’s Rory Truex unwraps Trump’s gifts to China, from tariffs to tech wars

The Chinese politics specialist says he could imagine Beijing leadership smiling about Washington’s ‘counterproductive’ foreign policy.

Open Questions | Why Scott Kennedy thinks the US-China trade war is ‘far from the endgame’

The political scientist talks tariffs, a potential deal between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, and why the US dollar has lost some of its lustre.

Huawei, UBTech team up to bring humanoid robots to factories and homes

The partnership aims to establish smart factories, leveraging Huawei’s strengths in self-developed AI processors.

Baidu’s robotaxi service completes 11 million ride amid company growth

The tech giant has been expanding its autonomous ride-hailing service, while AI growth helped it beat profit expectations in the first quarter.

How China’s next five-year plan hones in on weak links laid bare by trade war

With new five-year plan emphasising science and industrial modernisation, Beijing is taking steps to protect China from protracted US battle.

Meet Chinese start-up Xreal, Google’s partner in AR glasses project

Project Aura provides a big boost to Xreal’s credentials in the smart glasses arena, while widening its reach in the international market.

How critical minerals became China’s ultimate trump card in the trade war

Beijing is still tightening its grip over supplies of rare earths and other key minerals despite the tariff truce, allowing it to cut off US access at will.

International Museum Day: how China is aiming for cultural superpower status

While investment in cultural heritage is declining in the US and other countries, the ‘unique’ Chinese model is flourishing, observers said.

Foreign degree? Think again, say Chinese parents as change of heart shifts focus

Middle-class parents in China long viewed overseas diplomas as the best path to success, so what has changed? And why are overseas students in an ‘increasingly awkward position’?

Why Trump’s drug price promise may fail to protect China’s pharma industry

America is reliant on mainland companies for the raw materials needed to make life-saving drugs, but experts say duties are likely.