Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

A China Coast Guard ship patrols the waters near Scarborough Shoal, which Beijing claims and calls Huangyan, in the South China Sea on November 14, 2025. Photo: Xinhua

China’s Scarborough Shoal presence ‘unprecedented’ in 2025: report

Beijing is said to have substantially increased patrols as well as broadened coverage near contested sites in highly prized waters.

20 minutes agovideocam

Shandong’s use of PLA dry dock near South China Sea suggests carrier milestone

South China Sea

Global Economy

US presses China to let yuan strengthen – but avoids controversial label

Washington says it could still designate Beijing in future if evidence found that it limits currency’s strength.

2 hours ago

Politics

Former Inner Mongolia party chief, veterans minister investigated for corruption

Sun Shaocheng’s downfall is announced days after investigations into China’s top-ranking general Zhang Youxia.

2 hours agovideocam

Transport

Hong Kong to suspend bus seat belt rules over ‘deficiencies’ in law

Rules took effect last Sunday, but wording of law only applies to new buses registered from January 25 this year.

1 minute ago

Focus

Can China’s AI strategy challenge India’s reign as ‘office of the world’?

Markets

China halts trading in 5 silver and oil funds amid volatility

The trading halts and alerts aim to ‘maintain the stability of the capital markets’ and protect investors from ‘huge losses’, analyst says.

3 hours ago

An employee shows bars of silver and gold in a safe deposit room in Munich, Germany, on January 28, 2026. Photo: Reuters

Global Economy

Before Trump’s Fed pick, a new clear favourite emerges for chair

Betting markets show shiny odds for a former governor, with a prominent asset manager trailing a distant second as the announcement looms.

20 minutes ago

Politics

Base instincts: why US warship visit won’t calm fears over Cambodian port

The USS Cincinnati is the first US warship to dock at Ream Naval Base since its China-funded expansion was completed in April last year.

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.

China Business

How Tesla’s AI shift is prompting Chinese rivals to expand tech offerings

As Tesla diversifies into humanoid robots and self-driving cars, its Chinese competitors are also moving into flying cars, robots and chips.

4 hours agovideocam

Xpeng’s X2 flying car is displayed at the Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show in Tangerang, Banten, Indonesia, in July 2025. Photo: Shutterstock

Banking & Finance

Exclusive | UK and China weigh cross-border asset-management scheme to deepen market ties

Ashley Alder, chairman of the Financial Conduct Authority, joins the British delegation, with UK-China links high on the agenda.

4 hours ago

Middle East

‘They are trying to inject fear’: Iran rounding up thousands after crackdown

Security forces reportedly use unofficial warehouses and secret lock-ups as activists say arrests stand at more than 42,000.

3 hours ago

Banking & Finance

Developing | HSBC suffers temporary system shutdown, stopping services in Hong Kong

Both the bank’s mobile app and in-person services at several branches were made unavailable by the outage on Friday afternoon.

49 minutes ago

Pedestrians walk past the lion statues outside HSBC’s Hong Kong headquarters in Central. Photo: Elson Li

Lifestyle & Culture

Will Thai tourism ambassador Blackpink’s Lisa help lure Chinese visitors back?

Chinese visitor arrivals slumped by nearly 30 per cent last year amid concerns over safety, the border war with Cambodia and the strong baht.

3 hours ago

Thai singer and actress Lalisa Manobal arrives for the Amazing Thailand Ambassador Exclusive Night at the Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday. Photo: EPA

Science

In robot-aided surgery, it doesn’t matter where you are: Chinese study

First randomised controlled trial of telesurgery finds it a ‘feasible solution’ for uneven distribution of medical services.

4 hours agovideocam

China Economy

How changing tastes in China are hitting Australia’s wine exports

Younger consumers’ preference for healthier, low-alcohol beverages has contributed to shrinking of Chinese market.

6 hours ago

Politics

Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison risks losing Panama port rights after court ruling

Panama’s Supreme Court rules port contract of firm’s subsidiary ‘unconstitutional’, but port operator slams ruling as ‘inconsistent’.

1 hour ago

Panama’s Supreme Court has ruled that the concession contract between the state and the Panama Ports Company, a CK Hutchison subsidiary, is unconstitutional. Photo: AFP

Lifestyle & Culture

Singapore begins ban on ‘undesirable’ visitors, airlines to comply or face fine

Among such visitors barred from entering are those with a criminal record in Singapore or who pose a threat to public safety.

2 hours ago

Travellers walk through a transit hall of Changi International Airport in Singapore. Photo: AFP

World

China’s ‘gold fever’ sparks scandal, tourist drought in Japan: 7 highlights

From China’s ‘gold fever’ sparking scandal to a tourist drought, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

3 hours ago

Science

Chipmaking expert Xu Zhenpeng leaves OpenAI-funded start-up for Shanghai role

The rising talent in micron-precision 3D printing revealed the move from California to an academic position in China on social media.

30 Jan 2026 - 10:15AMvideocam

OPINION

David Dodwell

Outside In | Gradually, then suddenly, the world is waking up to the US threat

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Chen Zhao

Opinion | Fears of overcapacity ignore China’s full balance of payments picture

30 Jan 2026 - 9:30AM

Syed Munir Khasru

Opinion | How the world can design a new trade architecture

30 Jan 2026 - 7:49AM

Letters

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Harry’s View | 30 Jan 2026

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SCMP Series

Year of the Horse 2026

China Inc. goes global

Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Children learn about how to care for horses as part of a Hong Kong Pony Club activity. The club helps nurture equine respect and skills, and fosters community through events and global connections. Photo: Instagram/HKPC

SCMP Series Year of the Horse 2026

How the Hong Kong Pony Club fosters young riders’ respect and nurtures relationships

Hong Kong Pony Club members learn horsemanship, build lasting friendships, and develop a lasting respect for horses and ponies.

29 Jan 2026 - 12:15PM

Reservations now open for new banknotes for Year of the Horse red packets

28 Jan 2026 - 6:15PM

What does AI predict will happen in the fiery Year of the Horse 2026?

24 Jan 2026 - 5:15PM

Open Questions series

China

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

29 Jan 2026 - 11:50AMvideocam

Tech Trends

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

26 Jan 2026 - 9:31AMvideocam

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

Key Industries:

Big Tech

China’s Alibaba, Moonshot claim latest AI models challenge OpenAI, Google

Alibaba says Qwen3-Max-Thinking is its ‘best model so far’, while Moonshot calls Kimi K2.5 the world’s most powerful open-source model.

27 Jan 2026 - 5:30PM

The new models mark the first major Chinese releases this year. Photo: Shutterstock

China Business

How Tesla’s AI shift is prompting Chinese rivals to expand tech offerings

As Tesla diversifies into humanoid robots and self-driving cars, its Chinese competitors are also moving into flying cars, robots and chips.

4 hours agovideocam

China Economy

Can China’s AI strategy challenge India’s reign as ‘office of the world’?

Beijing’s ambition to move up the value chain could see it becoming a major exporter of digital services, AI to global high-end providers.

30 Jan 2026 - 8:03AMvideocam

Tech

China’s humanoid robot sales to double this year as costs fall: Morgan Stanley

The US investment bank revises its China robot sales forecast to 28,000 units this year, while its sees parts prices falling 16 per cent.

29 Jan 2026 - 10:51PMvideocam

A humanoid robot is seen at the 2025 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, Liaoning province, in September 2025. Photo: Xinhua

Global Economy

Trump says the US dollar can move like a yo-yo. Will Treasuries be left hanging?

With the US president levelling threats at enemies, allies and his own central bank, alternatives like gold and Chinese assets are gaining appeal.

28 Jan 2026 - 11:18AMvideocam

Diplomacy

European leaders say the quiet part out loud: order no longer constrains power

EU leaders appear to have finally accepted they are facing a new era of great power competition – the question now is how they respond.

27 Jan 2026 - 9:40AMvideocam

China Economy

Exclusive | Maker of China’s C919 airliner set to ramp up production: sources

With 8 of the 15 planes made last year delivered to customers in November and December, a source said supply chain snags seem to be diminishing.

26 Jan 2026 - 9:33AM

China Economy

‘Loneliness economy’: how China is adapting to a rapid rise in solo living

The viral success of check-in app Are You Dead? has exposed the vast demand for services catering to China’s rapidly growing single population.

26 Jan 2026 - 2:12PMvideocam

A user checks in using the viral app Are You Dead?, also known as Demumu in English, which surged to the top of the paid app chart on Apple’s AppStore in China last week. Photo: Reuters

China’s Scarborough Shoal presence ‘unprecedented’ in 2025: report

Beijing is said to have substantially increased patrols as well as broadened coverage near contested sites in highly prized waters.

Shandong’s use of PLA dry dock near South China Sea suggests carrier milestone

US presses China to let yuan strengthen – but avoids controversial label

Washington says it could still designate Beijing in future if evidence found that it limits currency’s strength.

Former Inner Mongolia party chief, veterans minister investigated for corruption

Sun Shaocheng’s downfall is announced days after investigations into China’s top-ranking general Zhang Youxia.

Hong Kong to suspend bus seat belt rules over ‘deficiencies’ in law

Rules took effect last Sunday, but wording of law only applies to new buses registered from January 25 this year.

Can China’s AI strategy challenge India’s reign as ‘office of the world’?

China halts trading in 5 silver and oil funds amid volatility

The trading halts and alerts aim to ‘maintain the stability of the capital markets’ and protect investors from ‘huge losses’, analyst says.

Before Trump’s Fed pick, a new clear favourite emerges for chair

Betting markets show shiny odds for a former governor, with a prominent asset manager trailing a distant second as the announcement looms.

Base instincts: why US warship visit won’t calm fears over Cambodian port

The USS Cincinnati is the first US warship to dock at Ream Naval Base since its China-funded expansion was completed in April last year.

.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.

How Tesla’s AI shift is prompting Chinese rivals to expand tech offerings

As Tesla diversifies into humanoid robots and self-driving cars, its Chinese competitors are also moving into flying cars, robots and chips.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | UK and China weigh cross-border asset-management scheme to deepen market ties

Ashley Alder, chairman of the Financial Conduct Authority, joins the British delegation, with UK-China links high on the agenda.

‘They are trying to inject fear’: Iran rounding up thousands after crackdown

Security forces reportedly use unofficial warehouses and secret lock-ups as activists say arrests stand at more than 42,000.

Developing | HSBC suffers temporary system shutdown, stopping services in Hong Kong

Both the bank’s mobile app and in-person services at several branches were made unavailable by the outage on Friday afternoon.

Will Thai tourism ambassador Blackpink’s Lisa help lure Chinese visitors back?

Chinese visitor arrivals slumped by nearly 30 per cent last year amid concerns over safety, the border war with Cambodia and the strong baht.

In robot-aided surgery, it doesn’t matter where you are: Chinese study

First randomised controlled trial of telesurgery finds it a ‘feasible solution’ for uneven distribution of medical services.

How changing tastes in China are hitting Australia’s wine exports

Younger consumers’ preference for healthier, low-alcohol beverages has contributed to shrinking of Chinese market.

Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison risks losing Panama port rights after court ruling

Panama’s Supreme Court rules port contract of firm’s subsidiary ‘unconstitutional’, but port operator slams ruling as ‘inconsistent’.

Singapore begins ban on ‘undesirable’ visitors, airlines to comply or face fine

Among such visitors barred from entering are those with a criminal record in Singapore or who pose a threat to public safety.

China’s ‘gold fever’ sparks scandal, tourist drought in Japan: 7 highlights

From China’s ‘gold fever’ sparking scandal to a tourist drought, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Chipmaking expert Xu Zhenpeng leaves OpenAI-funded start-up for Shanghai role

The rising talent in micron-precision 3D printing revealed the move from California to an academic position in China on social media.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Outside In | Gradually, then suddenly, the world is waking up to the US threat

Opinion | Fears of overcapacity ignore China’s full balance of payments picture

Opinion | How the world can design a new trade architecture

Letters | PhD fellowship scheme holds a key to Hong Kong’s education hub dream

Editorial | No better time for Hong Kong to strike its golden deal with Shanghai

Hong Kong to suspend bus seat belt rules over ‘deficiencies’ in law

Before Trump’s Fed pick, a new clear favourite emerges for chair

Outside In | Gradually, then suddenly, the world is waking up to the US threat

The foreigners who fought for Russia, now stuck in POW limbo in Ukraine

Trump sues IRS, US Treasury for US$10 billion over leaked tax returns

So you bought capers. Here’s what to do with them

How the Hong Kong Pony Club fosters young riders’ respect and nurtures relationships

Hong Kong Pony Club members learn horsemanship, build lasting friendships, and develop a lasting respect for horses and ponies.

Reservations now open for new banknotes for Year of the Horse red packets

What does AI predict will happen in the fiery Year of the Horse 2026?

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

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.

China’s Alibaba, Moonshot claim latest AI models challenge OpenAI, Google

Alibaba says Qwen3-Max-Thinking is its ‘best model so far’, while Moonshot calls Kimi K2.5 the world’s most powerful open-source model.

How Tesla’s AI shift is prompting Chinese rivals to expand tech offerings

As Tesla diversifies into humanoid robots and self-driving cars, its Chinese competitors are also moving into flying cars, robots and chips.

Can China’s AI strategy challenge India’s reign as ‘office of the world’?

Beijing’s ambition to move up the value chain could see it becoming a major exporter of digital services, AI to global high-end providers.

China’s humanoid robot sales to double this year as costs fall: Morgan Stanley

The US investment bank revises its China robot sales forecast to 28,000 units this year, while its sees parts prices falling 16 per cent.

Trump says the US dollar can move like a yo-yo. Will Treasuries be left hanging?

With the US president levelling threats at enemies, allies and his own central bank, alternatives like gold and Chinese assets are gaining appeal.

European leaders say the quiet part out loud: order no longer constrains power

EU leaders appear to have finally accepted they are facing a new era of great power competition – the question now is how they respond.

Exclusive | Maker of China’s C919 airliner set to ramp up production: sources

With 8 of the 15 planes made last year delivered to customers in November and December, a source said supply chain snags seem to be diminishing.

‘Loneliness economy’: how China is adapting to a rapid rise in solo living

The viral success of check-in app Are You Dead? has exposed the vast demand for services catering to China’s rapidly growing single population.

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

Exclusive | UK and China weigh cross-border asset-management scheme to deepen market ties

Outside In | Gradually, then suddenly, the world is waking up to the US threat