Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

How will China react in 2026 as Korean peninsula arms race heats up?

Seoul’s calls for Chinese mediation seen to underscore Beijing’s central role in preserving stability between two Koreas.

1 hour agovideocam

China, South Korea sign US$44 million in trade deals after years of friction

China-North Korea relations

Diplomacy

US won’t rule out pressuring Venezuela to curb China, Russia ties

White House vows continued ‘American dominance in the western hemisphere’ as Trump claims Caracas will now buy ‘only American-made’ products.

17 minutes agovideocam

Economy, Trade & Business

US to take control of Venezuela oil sales indefinitely after tanker seizures

Trump says Venezuela ‘stole’ US oil and vowed that proceeds from crude would be sold and controlled by him to benefit both countries.

2 hours ago

Society

Hong Kong firms set to return to projects as new scaffolding nets expected soon

Deadly Tai Po blaze triggered the citywide removal of protective mesh at around 420 buildings undergoing renovations.

4 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Icebergs float in the water off Nuuk, Greenland. The United States aims to acquire Greenland, which is a self-governing Danish territory. Photo: AFP

Trump says Greenland is ‘surrounded’ by Chinese ships. What’s the real story?

Diplomacy

Will Trump’s threats to Greenland help bring China and Europe closer together?

The US president has said control of the Danish territory is a national security issue, causing increased alarm among Copenhagen’s allies.

6 hours agovideocam

Donald Trump has said the US needs Greenland “right now”. Photo: Reuters

Tech

Soaring prices, but shrinking demand as China’s memory chip market falters

China’s spot market for memory chips is surging on tight global supply, but Shenzhen vendors say sky-high quotes are scaring off buyers.

7 Jan 2026 - 9:03PM

China

BYD’s win, Tesla’s defeat, Ford’s pivot: the widening gap in US-China EV markets

From wavering policy to cost gaps, analysts say decades of state backing have given China a decisive edge over US rivals.

2 hours agovideocam

Business

The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Found everywhere from food products to biofuel, this vegetable oil is preferred for its versatility, safety and sustainable production.

In partnership with:

MPOC

Palm oil is a versatile ingredient found in a wide range of everyday items, from ice cream and cake to lipstick and biofuel.

United States & Canada

ICE agent shoots woman dead during Minneapolis immigration crackdown

Authorities say the woman tried to ram officers with her vehicle, but the city’s mayor says the shooting was ‘reckless’ and unnecessary.

2 hours ago

A protester holds a sign that reads “Shame” as members of law enforcement work the scene following a shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Diplomacy

The US, Venezuela and why China is even less keen on talk of a G2

Beijing may seize on growing distrust of Washington and pitch itself to Global South as the more stable power, observers say.

7 Jan 2026 - 8:09PMvideocam

China Economy

China discourages trend-chasing among officials, warning of ‘involution’

Communist Party newspaper says authorities should avoid ‘policy bandwagons’ that could lead to economic imbalances, urging plans based on local strengths.

7 Jan 2026 - 10:19PM

China Business

Xiaomi’s refreshed SU7 turns up the heat on Tesla in China’s EV race

Updated SU7 model offers longer range – more than 900km (560 miles) on a single charge – and other advanced features.

5 hours ago

A refreshed version of Xiaomi’s SU7 will be launched in April. Photo: AFP

United States & Canada

AI deepfakes flood social media after dramatic US raid on Maduro

Fake images of Venezuela’s abducted former leader Nicolas Maduro in US custody and recycled war photos are drowning out real news.

6 hours ago

Captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife are escorted to a Manhattan court to face US federal charges on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Politics

The Maduro effect: US raid accelerates Asia’s drift away from Washington

Cambodia, Laos and North Korea are expected to tighten their embrace of Moscow and Beijing amid growing distrust of the US.

7 Jan 2026 - 7:16PMvideocam

Diplomacy

China blasts US for ‘blatant interference’ after Trump claims Venezuela’s oil

Beijing says Caracas has ‘full permanent sovereignty over all its natural resources’.

7 Jan 2026 - 9:16PMvideocam

United States & Canada

Trump plots to buy Greenland, as Nato ally Denmark seethes

The US president has repeatedly refused to rule out using force to seize the Arctic island, but his team says the first option is diplomacy.

2 hours agovideocam

A Danish navy vessel patrols the waters off Nuuk, Greenland, in March 2025. Photo: AFP

United States & Canada

Canada’s Carney to meet Xi in China, as Trump tariffs hurt US ties

PM Mark Carney will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for trade and other talks in first such trip by a Canadian leader in nearly a decade.

4 hours agovideocam

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the start of a meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea, in October. Photo: The Canadian Press via AP

Politics

Taiwan halts F-16 training missions after pilot and fighter jet go missing

Rescuers intensify search for Taiwanese airforce pilot who reportedly parachuted from F-16V during flight training exercise.

7 Jan 2026 - 9:01PMvideocam

Europe

Europe paralysed by snow as brutal cold snap disrupts flights, rail services

Thousands stranded as chaos grounds flights, with black ice sparking fatal accidents, while death toll rises to six in season’s worst freeze.

7 Jan 2026 - 8:16PM

OPINION

Lee Min-Yong

Opinion | As denuclearisation stalls, China will shape stability on Korean peninsula

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Nirbhay Rana

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7 Jan 2026 - 8:30PM

Peiman Salehi

Opinion | Why Asia should be concerned about the US attack on Venezuela

7 Jan 2026 - 6:22PM

Robin Hu

Opinion | Why coastguards, not warships, are shaping future of South China Sea

7 Jan 2026 - 9:30AM

Letters

Letters | Besides part-time employees, Hong Kong should protect gig workers

7 Jan 2026 - 11:30AM

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How will China react in 2026 as Korean peninsula arms race heats up?

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SCMP Series Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Why has Beijing turned down the heat in the Taiwan Strait in the second half of 2025?

PLA warplanes and ships have been less active around the island in the second half of the year, Taiwanese data shows.

25 Dec 2025 - 9:58AMvideocam

Beijing is pinning hopes for Taiwan reunification on KMT – but not all of them

24 Dec 2025 - 9:53PMvideocam

‘Urgent’: has mainland China changed tone for Taiwan peaceful reunification?

23 Dec 2025 - 3:43PMvideocam

Open Questions series

Global Economy

Open Questions | ‘Embrace the moment’: on China, Daniel Kritenbrink puts pragmatism first

Former US ambassador to Vietnam says a return to the past for US-China relations is unrealistic, but both economic powers benefit from ties.

5 Jan 2026 - 9:11AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | How new C100 chief plans to foster ties between Chinese-Americans and China

The Committee of 100’s president Paul Cheung has high hopes for Chinese-Americans’ relationship with China in these uncertain times.

5 Jan 2026 - 8:45PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Political scientist Ivan Krastev on European vertigo in a post-American world

While melancholy Europe frets that the US and China will shape the future, middle powers are jostling for a place at the big table.

29 Dec 2025 - 9:04AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | George Yeo on superpower ‘headaches’ and why the US dollar could crack

Singapore’s former foreign minister also discusses Trump, the latest China-Japan dust-up, and rivalry between Hong Kong and the city state.

22 Dec 2025 - 10:02AMvideocam

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Tech

China’s Qwen and DeepSeek edge out US AI models in Christian values benchmark

US start-up Gloo’s Flourishing AI Christian benchmark tested how the output of AI models ‘help people flourish’, CEO Pat Gelsinger said.

17 Dec 2025 - 7:00AM

The questions in FAI-C were reviewed by a panel of Biblical experts, including theologians, pastors, psychologists and scholars of ethics. Photo: SCMP

China Business

Xiaomi’s refreshed SU7 turns up the heat on Tesla in China’s EV race

Updated SU7 model offers longer range – more than 900km (560 miles) on a single charge – and other advanced features.

5 hours ago

Tech

Soaring prices, but shrinking demand as China’s memory chip market falters

China’s spot market for memory chips is surging on tight global supply, but Shenzhen vendors say sky-high quotes are scaring off buyers.

7 Jan 2026 - 9:03PM

Big Tech

China’s top lithography bet shifts gears: SMEE sells subsidiary in key pivot

State-backed SMEE, often dubbed China’s best ASML challenger, has sold Shanghai Weiyao to AMIES in a move that prioritises tool development.

7 Jan 2026 - 8:00PM

China’s state-backed lithography champion Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (SMEE) has reshuffled its business. Photo: Reuters

Military

‘Real and accelerating’: China-Japan military tensions surge amid missile race

Analysts hold out little hope that security pressures will ease, given US insistence that regional allies boost first island chain defences.

6 Jan 2026 - 11:31AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Why China is turning down the nationalist heat in its row with Japan

With economic stakes high, Beijing seen as ‘more cautious in handling external frictions’, avoiding fanning of ‘uncontrollable’ nationalism.

4 Jan 2026 - 6:06AMvideocam

Military

Just how close did a PLA drone come to the heart of Taipei during drill?

Footage shared by a mainland military social media account shows Taipei 101 but it’s not clear when it was taken.

2 Jan 2026 - 6:00AMvideocam

Law and Crime

Hong Kong’s sex offence laws are to be overhauled. What needs to be updated?

Consent and gender issues are key areas the government will look at when it starts the review process.

2 Jan 2026 - 8:34AM

How will China react in 2026 as Korean peninsula arms race heats up?

Seoul’s calls for Chinese mediation seen to underscore Beijing’s central role in preserving stability between two Koreas.

China, South Korea sign US$44 million in trade deals after years of friction

US won’t rule out pressuring Venezuela to curb China, Russia ties

White House vows continued ‘American dominance in the western hemisphere’ as Trump claims Caracas will now buy ‘only American-made’ products.

US to take control of Venezuela oil sales indefinitely after tanker seizures

Trump says Venezuela ‘stole’ US oil and vowed that proceeds from crude would be sold and controlled by him to benefit both countries.

Hong Kong firms set to return to projects as new scaffolding nets expected soon

Deadly Tai Po blaze triggered the citywide removal of protective mesh at around 420 buildings undergoing renovations.

Trump says Greenland is ‘surrounded’ by Chinese ships. What’s the real story?

Will Trump’s threats to Greenland help bring China and Europe closer together?

The US president has said control of the Danish territory is a national security issue, causing increased alarm among Copenhagen’s allies.

Soaring prices, but shrinking demand as China’s memory chip market falters

China’s spot market for memory chips is surging on tight global supply, but Shenzhen vendors say sky-high quotes are scaring off buyers.

BYD’s win, Tesla’s defeat, Ford’s pivot: the widening gap in US-China EV markets

From wavering policy to cost gaps, analysts say decades of state backing have given China a decisive edge over US rivals.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Found everywhere from food products to biofuel, this vegetable oil is preferred for its versatility, safety and sustainable production.

ICE agent shoots woman dead during Minneapolis immigration crackdown

Authorities say the woman tried to ram officers with her vehicle, but the city’s mayor says the shooting was ‘reckless’ and unnecessary.

The US, Venezuela and why China is even less keen on talk of a G2

Beijing may seize on growing distrust of Washington and pitch itself to Global South as the more stable power, observers say.

China discourages trend-chasing among officials, warning of ‘involution’

Communist Party newspaper says authorities should avoid ‘policy bandwagons’ that could lead to economic imbalances, urging plans based on local strengths.

Xiaomi’s refreshed SU7 turns up the heat on Tesla in China’s EV race

Updated SU7 model offers longer range – more than 900km (560 miles) on a single charge – and other advanced features.

AI deepfakes flood social media after dramatic US raid on Maduro

Fake images of Venezuela’s abducted former leader Nicolas Maduro in US custody and recycled war photos are drowning out real news.

The Maduro effect: US raid accelerates Asia’s drift away from Washington

Cambodia, Laos and North Korea are expected to tighten their embrace of Moscow and Beijing amid growing distrust of the US.

China blasts US for ‘blatant interference’ after Trump claims Venezuela’s oil

Beijing says Caracas has ‘full permanent sovereignty over all its natural resources’.

Trump plots to buy Greenland, as Nato ally Denmark seethes

The US president has repeatedly refused to rule out using force to seize the Arctic island, but his team says the first option is diplomacy.

Canada’s Carney to meet Xi in China, as Trump tariffs hurt US ties

PM Mark Carney will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping for trade and other talks in first such trip by a Canadian leader in nearly a decade.

Taiwan halts F-16 training missions after pilot and fighter jet go missing

Rescuers intensify search for Taiwanese airforce pilot who reportedly parachuted from F-16V during flight training exercise.

Europe paralysed by snow as brutal cold snap disrupts flights, rail services

Thousands stranded as chaos grounds flights, with black ice sparking fatal accidents, while death toll rises to six in season’s worst freeze.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | As denuclearisation stalls, China will shape stability on Korean peninsula

Opinion | Why Shein doesn’t have to be the model for the fashion industry

Opinion | Why Asia should be concerned about the US attack on Venezuela

Opinion | Why coastguards, not warships, are shaping future of South China Sea

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Besides part-time employees, Hong Kong should protect gig workers

Cadillac have no illusions of F1 task ahead, but they’re ‘up for the challenge’

Editorial | Long-term housing for Tai Po fire survivors requires flexible approach

Bye-bye bags: 4 best under-eye patches for dark circles and wrinkles

How will China react in 2026 as Korean peninsula arms race heats up?

Opinion | As denuclearisation stalls, China will shape stability on Korean peninsula

Lawyer for Rob Reiner’s son withdraws, delaying arraignment for parents’ murder

Why has Beijing turned down the heat in the Taiwan Strait in the second half of 2025?

PLA warplanes and ships have been less active around the island in the second half of the year, Taiwanese data shows.

Beijing is pinning hopes for Taiwan reunification on KMT – but not all of them

‘Urgent’: has mainland China changed tone for Taiwan peaceful reunification?

Open Questions | ‘Embrace the moment’: on China, Daniel Kritenbrink puts pragmatism first

Former US ambassador to Vietnam says a return to the past for US-China relations is unrealistic, but both economic powers benefit from ties.

Open Questions | How new C100 chief plans to foster ties between Chinese-Americans and China

The Committee of 100’s president Paul Cheung has high hopes for Chinese-Americans’ relationship with China in these uncertain times.

Open Questions | Political scientist Ivan Krastev on European vertigo in a post-American world

While melancholy Europe frets that the US and China will shape the future, middle powers are jostling for a place at the big table.

Open Questions | George Yeo on superpower ‘headaches’ and why the US dollar could crack

Singapore’s former foreign minister also discusses Trump, the latest China-Japan dust-up, and rivalry between Hong Kong and the city state.

China’s Qwen and DeepSeek edge out US AI models in Christian values benchmark

US start-up Gloo’s Flourishing AI Christian benchmark tested how the output of AI models ‘help people flourish’, CEO Pat Gelsinger said.

Xiaomi’s refreshed SU7 turns up the heat on Tesla in China’s EV race

Updated SU7 model offers longer range – more than 900km (560 miles) on a single charge – and other advanced features.

Soaring prices, but shrinking demand as China’s memory chip market falters

China’s spot market for memory chips is surging on tight global supply, but Shenzhen vendors say sky-high quotes are scaring off buyers.

China’s top lithography bet shifts gears: SMEE sells subsidiary in key pivot

State-backed SMEE, often dubbed China’s best ASML challenger, has sold Shanghai Weiyao to AMIES in a move that prioritises tool development.

‘Real and accelerating’: China-Japan military tensions surge amid missile race

Analysts hold out little hope that security pressures will ease, given US insistence that regional allies boost first island chain defences.

Why China is turning down the nationalist heat in its row with Japan

With economic stakes high, Beijing seen as ‘more cautious in handling external frictions’, avoiding fanning of ‘uncontrollable’ nationalism.

Just how close did a PLA drone come to the heart of Taipei during drill?

Footage shared by a mainland military social media account shows Taipei 101 but it’s not clear when it was taken.

Hong Kong’s sex offence laws are to be overhauled. What needs to be updated?

Consent and gender issues are key areas the government will look at when it starts the review process.

The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Opinion | As denuclearisation stalls, China will shape stability on Korean peninsula

Letters | Besides part-time employees, Hong Kong should protect gig workers