Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Retail sales increased slightly in 2025, but still fell short of market expectations. Photo: Xinhua

China targets hi-tech industries, household spending in 2026 with policy package

Beijing announces support for small businesses and the tech sector, after 2025 economic data shows heavy reliance on exports.

19 minutes agovideocam

China hits 2025 GDP target – but quarterly growth drops to 3-year low

China consumption

Military

China’s next generation of warships will be propelled by a 50MW gas turbine

The advanced technology is part of Beijing’s push to establish a self-reliant supply chain for sectors deemed critical to national security.

1 hour ago

Diplomacy

China confirms invite to Trump’s Gaza ‘peace board’ but won’t say if will join

The US president has invited dozens of leaders to join the body, but is reportedly demanding US$1 billion for permanent membership.

48 minutes agovideocam

Society

Hongkongers can observe first open meeting of committee probing Tai Po fire

At ‘direction conference’ on February 5, Independent Committee chairman Justice David Lok will provide guidance on arrangements for coming hearings.

14 minutes ago

Diplomacy

US President Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire for Greenland to become part of the United States. Photo: Reuters

Don’t expect Greenland crisis to realign EU with China, former US diplomat says

China Economy

China’s consumers refuse to open their wallets. Is ‘luxury-phobia’ the problem?

Chinese households are not splashing out on luxury goods partly because they feel ‘stigmatised’ for doing so, scholar argues.

4 hours agovideocam

A Labubu toy hangs from a consumer’s Hermes bag in Beijing. To get consumers spending, China should not stigmatise the pursuit of luxury goods, a professor at Peking University has argued. Photo: Beijing

Politics

China expels former intelligence official Gao Yichen from party for corruption

Discipline watchdog condemns ‘retired but not resting’ vice-minister for taking bribes and ‘wantonly’ amassing wealth after leaving office.

3 hours ago

Economics

Diversify or die: Asian firms face trade uncertainty amid Trump’s Mexico threats

The president’s call for strikes against drug cartels in Mexico and Colombia will add to the cost of trading with the US, analysts say.

19 minutes agovideocam

Education

Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s 20-year evolution ensures it meets world’s fast-changing technological, industrial and societal needs.

In partnership with:

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Science

First contact: in quest for moon water, Chinese team flags risk in touching ice

Scientists warn water on the moon is locked in frozen soil, not exposed to air and held in place only by cold and vacuum.

5 hours agovideocam

The Chang’e-7 mission is expected to touch down on the rim of Shackleton crater near the lunar south pole this year as part of China’s search for water on the moon. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong’s jobless rate holds steady at 3.8% amid growth outlook

Movements in unemployment rate in different industry sectors varied for October to December period, but magnitudes were generally small.

2 hours ago

Business

Labubu maker Pop Mart surges after buy-back in show of confidence

Repurchase signals management’s confidence and healthy balance sheet, analysts say, though stock remains 40 per cent below last year’s peak.

3 hours ago

Russia & Central Asia

Is the Trump-Greenland dispute a win for Russia?

Russia eyes Trump’s Greenland bid straining Nato ties, and while the Kremlin mocks Europe’s dilemma, Moscow fears US unpredictability in the Arctic.

2 hours agovideocam

Protesters take part in a demonstration to show support for Greenland in Copenhagen, Denmark on January 17. Photo: Reuters

East Asia

Japan arrests man for selling AI-generated celebrity porn

A 31-year-old in Japan arrested for using generative AI to create and sell 520,000 explicit images of celebrities for US$70,000 in profit.

14 minutes ago

AI misuse sparks concern as a Japanese man is arrested for selling obscene deepfake images of celebrities Photo: Getty Images

Politics

US ambassador to Singapore’s much ‘larger gifts’ call to mark July 4 rankles

In light of recent US actions, Anjani Sinha’s call could be deemed as the embassy trying to ‘shake down businesses’, an analyst says.

48 minutes ago

Politics

Crossing a line: did military spies help a student fly drones into North Korea?

What began as a student’s claim of hunting radioactive waste has spiralled into a scandal linking military spies to dangerous border flights.

2 hours ago

Law and Crime

Families of Hong Kong ferry crash victims say verdict won’t bring closure

Alice Leung, who lost 23-year-old brother in Lamma ferry disaster, says she knows inquest findings will not provide all the answers.

1 hour ago

The wreckage of the Lamma IV at the government dockyard on Stonecutters Island. Photo: Elson Li

Law and Crime

Hong Kong set to receive long-awaited inquest verdict on 2012 Lamma ferry crash

Coroner’s Court set to deliver verdict on ferry disaster that claimed the lives of 39 people more than a decade ago.

2 hours ago

The 2012 ferry crash killed 39 people. Photo: Handout

Economics

US drone demand puts Indonesia’s strategic balance to the test

According to a leaked document, Washington proposed lowering tariffs if Indonesia bought US-made drones and publicly announced the purchase.

1 hour agovideocam

Policy

China signals global AI push as MiniMax CEO joins meeting with Premier Li Qiang

Last January, DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng met the Chinese premier in the same setting following the start-up’s rapid rise to prominence.

5 hours ago

OPINION

James David Spellman

Opinion | How generational wealth transfer will reshape China’s economy

37 minutes ago

Andy Xie

Opinion | China’s focus is on stability as the US rocks the global boat

20 Jan 2026 - 10:10AM

Letters

Letters | Prioritise scam victims’ well-being in fighting transnational cybercrime

20 Jan 2026 - 11:30AM

Lisa Cam

Opinion | In Chinese astrology, why are benefactors and networking so important?

20 Jan 2026 - 7:34AM

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | China-EU compromise over EVs bodes well for trade and overall ties

20 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

Harry’s View | 20 Jan 2026

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4 minutes ago

Tech Trends

Exclusive | China’s Xiaomi, Transsion slash 2026 smartphone shipments as memory crunch bites

4 minutes ago

Arts

World’s first Chinese rosewood cello stars in Hong Kong exhibition

4 minutes ago

Banking & Finance

New energy, AI, EV and biotech to drive Hong Kong IPO growth: HKEX

14 minutes ago

East Asia

Japan arrests man for selling AI-generated celebrity porn

14 minutes ago

Society

Hongkongers can observe first open meeting of committee probing Tai Po fire

19 minutes ago

China Economy

China targets hi-tech industries, household spending in 2026 with policy package

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The US has played its hand in Latin America. Will China’s firms there cash out?

After the abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, many Chinese entrepreneurs in the region say they are staying put – for now.

13 Jan 2026 - 9:55AMvideocam

Why overseas residency is a ‘practical advantage’ for Chinese firms going global

12 Jan 2026 - 11:19AMvideocam

Chinese companies expand globally

12 Dec 2025 - 12:42PM

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

19 Jan 2026 - 6:57PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

Political scientist says the Western-led global order remains useful, and the Belt and Road Initiative isn’t a geopolitical project.

12 Jan 2026 - 10:06AMvideocam

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.

9 Jan 2026 - 12:37PMvideocam

Key Industries:

Big Tech

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

17 Jan 2026 - 10:46AM

China Economy

Shanghai unveils road map to rival world cities in finance, tech and innovation

Economic powerhouse has sights set on AI, advanced manufacturing and global financial services, reflecting a national 5-year plan’s first explicit financial-centre directive.

20 Jan 2026 - 11:00AM

China Business

Exclusive | China challenges US in AI drug race, but rivals still reliant on each other

While US biotech firms increase use of Chinese clinical data, Chinese firms need US counterparts for monetisation, investor and scientist says.

20 Jan 2026 - 11:16AM

China Business

Chinese automotive suppliers speed up localisation to boost global market share

International carmakers’ orders from Chinese vendors are an endorsement of the quality and competitiveness of their products, analyst says.

20 Jan 2026 - 7:30AM

BYD’s plant in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan province. Photo: Xinhua

Global Economy

Can China’s cosmetics brands rival K-beauty and refashion global markets?

Once the top export market for South Korean cosmetics, Chinese firms lead at home and have made headway overseas – but gaps remain.

18 Jan 2026 - 6:06AMvideocam

Big Tech

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

17 Jan 2026 - 10:46AM

Diplomacy

Counting China’s ‘swing nation’ wins and losses in new era of power rivalry

As US-China race for hi-tech resources heats up across Global South, countries caught in the middle are under pressure to strike a balance.

17 Jan 2026 - 7:43AMvideocam

China Economy

A Chinese tech hub eyes 3- to 7-nanometre chip breakthroughs to beat US curbs

Province’s five-year plan backs national push for tech independence – but can it succeed?

16 Jan 2026 - 11:14AMvideocam

China is world’s largest chip manufacturer, demonstrating the country’s superiority in global supply chain. Photo: Shutterstock

China targets hi-tech industries, household spending in 2026 with policy package

Beijing announces support for small businesses and the tech sector, after 2025 economic data shows heavy reliance on exports.

China hits 2025 GDP target – but quarterly growth drops to 3-year low

China’s next generation of warships will be propelled by a 50MW gas turbine

The advanced technology is part of Beijing’s push to establish a self-reliant supply chain for sectors deemed critical to national security.

China confirms invite to Trump’s Gaza ‘peace board’ but won’t say if will join

The US president has invited dozens of leaders to join the body, but is reportedly demanding US$1 billion for permanent membership.

Hongkongers can observe first open meeting of committee probing Tai Po fire

At ‘direction conference’ on February 5, Independent Committee chairman Justice David Lok will provide guidance on arrangements for coming hearings.

Don’t expect Greenland crisis to realign EU with China, former US diplomat says

China’s consumers refuse to open their wallets. Is ‘luxury-phobia’ the problem?

Chinese households are not splashing out on luxury goods partly because they feel ‘stigmatised’ for doing so, scholar argues.

China expels former intelligence official Gao Yichen from party for corruption

Discipline watchdog condemns ‘retired but not resting’ vice-minister for taking bribes and ‘wantonly’ amassing wealth after leaving office.

Diversify or die: Asian firms face trade uncertainty amid Trump’s Mexico threats

The president’s call for strikes against drug cartels in Mexico and Colombia will add to the cost of trading with the US, analysts say.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s 20-year evolution ensures it meets world’s fast-changing technological, industrial and societal needs.

First contact: in quest for moon water, Chinese team flags risk in touching ice

Scientists warn water on the moon is locked in frozen soil, not exposed to air and held in place only by cold and vacuum.

Hong Kong’s jobless rate holds steady at 3.8% amid growth outlook

Movements in unemployment rate in different industry sectors varied for October to December period, but magnitudes were generally small.

Labubu maker Pop Mart surges after buy-back in show of confidence

Repurchase signals management’s confidence and healthy balance sheet, analysts say, though stock remains 40 per cent below last year’s peak.

Is the Trump-Greenland dispute a win for Russia?

Russia eyes Trump’s Greenland bid straining Nato ties, and while the Kremlin mocks Europe’s dilemma, Moscow fears US unpredictability in the Arctic.

Japan arrests man for selling AI-generated celebrity porn

A 31-year-old in Japan arrested for using generative AI to create and sell 520,000 explicit images of celebrities for US$70,000 in profit.

US ambassador to Singapore’s much ‘larger gifts’ call to mark July 4 rankles

In light of recent US actions, Anjani Sinha’s call could be deemed as the embassy trying to ‘shake down businesses’, an analyst says.

Crossing a line: did military spies help a student fly drones into North Korea?

What began as a student’s claim of hunting radioactive waste has spiralled into a scandal linking military spies to dangerous border flights.

Families of Hong Kong ferry crash victims say verdict won’t bring closure

Alice Leung, who lost 23-year-old brother in Lamma ferry disaster, says she knows inquest findings will not provide all the answers.

Hong Kong set to receive long-awaited inquest verdict on 2012 Lamma ferry crash

Coroner’s Court set to deliver verdict on ferry disaster that claimed the lives of 39 people more than a decade ago.

US drone demand puts Indonesia’s strategic balance to the test

According to a leaked document, Washington proposed lowering tariffs if Indonesia bought US-made drones and publicly announced the purchase.

China signals global AI push as MiniMax CEO joins meeting with Premier Li Qiang

Last January, DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng met the Chinese premier in the same setting following the start-up’s rapid rise to prominence.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | How generational wealth transfer will reshape China’s economy

Opinion | China’s focus is on stability as the US rocks the global boat

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Prioritise scam victims’ well-being in fighting transnational cybercrime

Opinion | In Chinese astrology, why are benefactors and networking so important?

Editorial | China-EU compromise over EVs bodes well for trade and overall ties

Exclusive | China’s Xiaomi, Transsion slash 2026 smartphone shipments as memory crunch bites

World’s first Chinese rosewood cello stars in Hong Kong exhibition

New energy, AI, EV and biotech to drive Hong Kong IPO growth: HKEX

Japan arrests man for selling AI-generated celebrity porn

Hongkongers can observe first open meeting of committee probing Tai Po fire

China targets hi-tech industries, household spending in 2026 with policy package

The US has played its hand in Latin America. Will China’s firms there cash out?

After the abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, many Chinese entrepreneurs in the region say they are staying put – for now.

Why overseas residency is a ‘practical advantage’ for Chinese firms going global

Chinese companies expand globally

Open Questions | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

Open Questions | Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

Political scientist says the Western-led global order remains useful, and the Belt and Road Initiative isn’t a geopolitical project.

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.

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

Shanghai unveils road map to rival world cities in finance, tech and innovation

Economic powerhouse has sights set on AI, advanced manufacturing and global financial services, reflecting a national 5-year plan’s first explicit financial-centre directive.

Exclusive | China challenges US in AI drug race, but rivals still reliant on each other

While US biotech firms increase use of Chinese clinical data, Chinese firms need US counterparts for monetisation, investor and scientist says.

Chinese automotive suppliers speed up localisation to boost global market share

International carmakers’ orders from Chinese vendors are an endorsement of the quality and competitiveness of their products, analyst says.

Can China’s cosmetics brands rival K-beauty and refashion global markets?

Once the top export market for South Korean cosmetics, Chinese firms lead at home and have made headway overseas – but gaps remain.

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

Counting China’s ‘swing nation’ wins and losses in new era of power rivalry

As US-China race for hi-tech resources heats up across Global South, countries caught in the middle are under pressure to strike a balance.

A Chinese tech hub eyes 3- to 7-nanometre chip breakthroughs to beat US curbs

Province’s five-year plan backs national push for tech independence – but can it succeed?

Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Opinion | How generational wealth transfer will reshape China’s economy

Letters | Prioritise scam victims’ well-being in fighting transnational cybercrime