Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

A group of delivery riders for the Chinese online platform Meituan takes a break in Chongqing, southwest China. Photo: Getty Images

China outlines new labour protection plan for nation’s 200 million gig workers

The 12-point document pledges stronger protections for gig-economy workforce, which has rapidly grown amid China’s economic slowdown.

1 hour agovideocam

‘Careful scrutiny’ needed in China’s applications of AI: Jiang Xiaojuan

China jobs

Diplomacy

Exclusive | Territorial integrity is ‘red line’ for Europe, Finland warns after US Greenland threats

Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen insists on the importance of national sovereignty, saying ‘we react through the means we have’.

2 hours agovideocam

Military

PLA showcases YJ-20 anti-ship missiles as US-Japan-Philippines test war moves

Video of PLA Navy strike tests emerges as US, allies take part in Balikatan 2026, marking Japan’s first-ever operational role in the drills.

2 hours agovideocam

Law and Crime

Hong Kong police arrest 9 men in joint Asia-wide crackdown on child pornography

Suspects aged between 18 and 61 held in the city as part of coordinated operation involving seven jurisdictions and more than 300 arrests.

2 hours ago

Tech

China blocks Meta’s Manus deal after months-long probe, thwarting purchase

Politics

Taiwan completes US tank deal as final Abrams shipment reaches port

Acquisition marks the biggest upgrade to Taiwan’s armoured forces in decades as island moves to bolster northern defence.

1 hour agovideocam

A US-made M1A2T Abrams tank fires at a target during a live-fire drill in Taiwan’s Hsinchu county in July 2025. Photo: EPA

Global Economy

Guangdong’s rule as China’s GDP king faces an unprecedented threat to the crown

A rival provincial powerhouse, with a GDP as big as some G7 nations, is becoming a hub for strategic emerging sectors while outpacing the national economic growth rate.

49 minutes agovideocam

China Economy

China’s industrial profits hit 6-month high amid Iran war price spikes

Fuel-processing sector pivots to profit while tech gains shield margins from modest revenue growth, highlighting an efficiency-led rally over a demand recovery.

3 hours ago

Business

Lingxi Games’ Three Kingdoms Tactics hits target with global audience

Chinese game company’s flagship title among raft of nation’s simulation games to resonate with players at home and abroad.

In partnership with:

Lingxi Games

(From left) Hong Kong marketing professional Edmond Woo, mainland Chinese short‑track speed skater Han Tianyu and Beijing-based Italian language teacher and sinologist Cristiano Mazzucco discuss the impact on them of games like Three Kingdoms Tactics.

Diplomacy

Pakistani president’s visit seeks to bolster ‘full spectrum’ of ties with China

Asif Ali Zardari’s visit also comes at a time when Islamabad is seeking to play a key role in ending the US-Israeli war on Iran.

27 minutes agovideocam

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari (centre) pictured on a visit to an industrial plant in Changsha. Photo: EPA

China Business

China equities set for boost as Trump-Xi meeting raises hopes of thaw

Investors are betting a Trump-Xi summit will ease tensions, helping Chinese equities close their long-standing valuation gap.

4 hours ago

China Economy

China delivers record LNG carrier – is South Korea losing its shipbuilding edge?

The vessel’s completion follows China dominating global shipbuilding orders last year, with South Korea leading in high-value segments.

6 hours ago

SERIES: China takes stock as world frets over Mythos

From scepticism to concern: Mythos panic is slowly starting to reach China

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said on its influential social media account that Mythos showed ‘unprecedented cyberattack capabilities’.

27 Apr 2026 - 10:00AM

Anthropic’s strong anti-China stance has increased the possibility that the US could use Mythos-type models to conduct cyberattacks against China, according to a cybersecurity expert. Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images

Science

China unveils ultra-cheap ‘all-iron flow battery’ for renewable energy storage

Next-generation large-scale energy storage system promises ultra-low cost and record lifespan.

5 hours agovideocam

A close-up view of multiple battery energy storage system (BESS) containers in utility installation. They are designed to support renewable integration, load balancing and grid electricity. Photo: Handout

People

‘I feel anger’: Japan’s women rise up against constitutional reform push

The women are part of a growing protest wave seeking to protect Japan’s post-war peace commitments.

2 hours agovideocam

United States & Canada

Elon Musk’s trial against Sam Altman reveals power struggle for OpenAI

Musk, one of the original co-founders of OpenAI, is seeking US$150 billion in damages from the company and Microsoft, one of its largest investors.

7 minutes agovideocam

Politics

Philippine court order over Marcos’ health raises constitutional question

The order for Marcos to comment on a petition comes as Duterte’s supporters continue to cast doubts about the president’s fitness.

3 hours agovideocam

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr tosses the ceremonial ball during the opening of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in Pasay in September. Photo: AP

Outdoor

Adidas gets lift from 2 sub-2-hour runs, 2 world records at London Marathon

Both men’s and women’s winners, Sabastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha, wore the German brand’s new lightweight shoe, as did the men’s runner-up.

19 minutes ago

Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa (left) and Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe with their Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3 shoes after winning and setting world records at the London Marathon on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

Australasia

India, New Zealand sign ‘once-in-a-generation’ free-trade deal

The deal will cut or remove tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India, with all Indian exports to New Zealand duty free.

2 hours agovideocam

Companies

Pop Mart comes with a cool idea for red-hot Labubu: mini-fridges

The Chinese toymaker is launching two limited-edition Labubu-themed mini-refrigerators priced at US$878 each.

3 hours ago

OPINION

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Opinion | Reopen Strait of Hormuz by reframing Iran’s tolls as reconstruction

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The View | Asian private wealth an emerging force in property investment

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Letters

Letters | In US-China AI race, Southeast Asia is no side act

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Opinion | Hong Kong’s civil service accountability system will end buck-passing mentality

27 Apr 2026 - 9:30AM

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SCMP Series

China takes stock as world frets over Mythos

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SCMP Series China takes stock as world frets over Mythos

From scepticism to concern: Mythos panic is slowly starting to reach China

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said on its influential social media account that Mythos showed ‘unprecedented cyberattack capabilities’.

3-MIN READ

Why Anthropic’s Mythos has energised China’s cybersecurity industry

3-MIN READ

Anthropic’s Mythos is stoking cybersecurity fears. What does it mean for China?

3-MIN READ

Open Questions series

China Economy

Open Questions | Why China’s yuan faces the same ‘illusions’ that stalled the euro: Daniel Gros

Former European economic adviser says Beijing’s bid to build an international currency will hinge on leaders allowing it to fluctuate freely.

10-MIN READvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

15-MIN READvideocam

Science

Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang

Kunyu Wanguo Quantu and maritime artefacts prove China explored the world earlier than Eurocentric accounts suggest, scholar argues.

16-MIN READvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Andrew Tilton on China’s economic trajectory in wake of Iran war

Goldman Sachs’ chief Asia-Pacific economist says worst is over in terms of property slump’s impact on China’s economic growth.

9-MIN READvideocam

Key Industries:

Big Tech

As DJI duels Insta360, China sharpens global hardware edge amid US scrutiny

Western competitors like GoPro face shrinking footprints as strategic shifts of Chinese firms disrupt the status quo while navigating FCC-led national security bans.

7-MIN READvideocam

China Business

China’s CATL touts landmark energy-storage order for sodium-ion batteries

Deal for massive grid storage system shows that CATL has ‘overcome all the challenges in mass-producing sodium-ion batteries’, company says.

2-MIN READvideocam

China Business

WuXi AppTec posts record first-quarter revenue on strong global demand

Earnings top estimates as multinational pharmaceutical firms ramp up investment and partnerships in China.

2-MIN READ

Big Tech

China blocks Meta’s Manus deal after months-long probe, thwarting purchase

Economic planner asks both parties to withdraw from deal for AI firm, in move with wider implications for other start-ups operating overseas.

3-MIN READvideocam

Science

Will China’s mathematicians join a global effort to boycott the United States?

Question hovers as world’s premier mathematics conference faces revolt over American visa rules and foreign policies.

5-MIN READvideocam

Big Tech

As DJI duels Insta360, China sharpens global hardware edge amid US scrutiny

Western competitors like GoPro face shrinking footprints as strategic shifts of Chinese firms disrupt the status quo while navigating FCC-led national security bans.

7-MIN READvideocam

Tech

Prognosis positive: how AI could help China bridge the medical resources gap

Hospitals, medical professionals and patients stand to benefit as country pushes to integrate AI into healthcare sector.

5-MIN READvideocam

Hong Kong

How fire safety failures worsened Hong Kong’s deadly inferno

The second round of hearings from April 8 to April 17 exposed a series of failures that allowed the fire equipment and alarm system in Wang Fuk Court to be deactivated for months, and eventually contributed to the heavy death toll.

1-MIN READ

How fire safety failures worsened Hong Kong’s deadly inferno

China outlines new labour protection plan for nation’s 200 million gig workers

The 12-point document pledges stronger protections for gig-economy workforce, which has rapidly grown amid China’s economic slowdown.

‘Careful scrutiny’ needed in China’s applications of AI: Jiang Xiaojuan

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Territorial integrity is ‘red line’ for Europe, Finland warns after US Greenland threats

Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen insists on the importance of national sovereignty, saying ‘we react through the means we have’.

PLA showcases YJ-20 anti-ship missiles as US-Japan-Philippines test war moves

Video of PLA Navy strike tests emerges as US, allies take part in Balikatan 2026, marking Japan’s first-ever operational role in the drills.

Hong Kong police arrest 9 men in joint Asia-wide crackdown on child pornography

Suspects aged between 18 and 61 held in the city as part of coordinated operation involving seven jurisdictions and more than 300 arrests.

China blocks Meta’s Manus deal after months-long probe, thwarting purchase

Taiwan completes US tank deal as final Abrams shipment reaches port

Acquisition marks the biggest upgrade to Taiwan’s armoured forces in decades as island moves to bolster northern defence.

Guangdong’s rule as China’s GDP king faces an unprecedented threat to the crown

A rival provincial powerhouse, with a GDP as big as some G7 nations, is becoming a hub for strategic emerging sectors while outpacing the national economic growth rate.

China’s industrial profits hit 6-month high amid Iran war price spikes

Fuel-processing sector pivots to profit while tech gains shield margins from modest revenue growth, highlighting an efficiency-led rally over a demand recovery.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}Lingxi Games’ Three Kingdoms Tactics hits target with global audience

Chinese game company’s flagship title among raft of nation’s simulation games to resonate with players at home and abroad.

Pakistani president’s visit seeks to bolster ‘full spectrum’ of ties with China

Asif Ali Zardari’s visit also comes at a time when Islamabad is seeking to play a key role in ending the US-Israeli war on Iran.

China equities set for boost as Trump-Xi meeting raises hopes of thaw

Investors are betting a Trump-Xi summit will ease tensions, helping Chinese equities close their long-standing valuation gap.

China delivers record LNG carrier – is South Korea losing its shipbuilding edge?

The vessel’s completion follows China dominating global shipbuilding orders last year, with South Korea leading in high-value segments.

From scepticism to concern: Mythos panic is slowly starting to reach China

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said on its influential social media account that Mythos showed ‘unprecedented cyberattack capabilities’.

China unveils ultra-cheap ‘all-iron flow battery’ for renewable energy storage

Next-generation large-scale energy storage system promises ultra-low cost and record lifespan.

‘I feel anger’: Japan’s women rise up against constitutional reform push

The women are part of a growing protest wave seeking to protect Japan’s post-war peace commitments.

Elon Musk’s trial against Sam Altman reveals power struggle for OpenAI

Musk, one of the original co-founders of OpenAI, is seeking US$150 billion in damages from the company and Microsoft, one of its largest investors.

Philippine court order over Marcos’ health raises constitutional question

The order for Marcos to comment on a petition comes as Duterte’s supporters continue to cast doubts about the president’s fitness.

Adidas gets lift from 2 sub-2-hour runs, 2 world records at London Marathon

Both men’s and women’s winners, Sabastian Sawe and Yomif Kejelcha, wore the German brand’s new lightweight shoe, as did the men’s runner-up.

India, New Zealand sign ‘once-in-a-generation’ free-trade deal

The deal will cut or remove tariffs on 95 per cent of New Zealand’s exports to India, with all Indian exports to New Zealand duty free.

Pop Mart comes with a cool idea for red-hot Labubu: mini-fridges

The Chinese toymaker is launching two limited-edition Labubu-themed mini-refrigerators priced at US$878 each.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Reopen Strait of Hormuz by reframing Iran’s tolls as reconstruction

The View | Asian private wealth an emerging force in property investment

Letters | In US-China AI race, Southeast Asia is no side act

Opinion | Hong Kong’s civil service accountability system will end buck-passing mentality

Opinion | 122 years on, Mackinder’s ‘heartland’ remains geopolitically decisive

China’s CATL touts landmark energy-storage order for sodium-ion batteries

Elon Musk’s trial against Sam Altman reveals power struggle for OpenAI

Adidas gets lift from 2 sub-2-hour runs, 2 world records at London Marathon

Guangdong’s rule as China’s GDP king faces an unprecedented threat to the crown

Opinion | Reopen Strait of Hormuz by reframing Iran’s tolls as reconstruction

Hong Kong proposes bill for unified regulation of new mass transit projects

Taiwan completes US tank deal as final Abrams shipment reaches port

China outlines new labour protection plan for nation’s 200 million gig workers

WuXi AppTec posts record first-quarter revenue on strong global demand

Pakistani president’s visit seeks to bolster ‘full spectrum’ of ties with China

From scepticism to concern: Mythos panic is slowly starting to reach China

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said on its influential social media account that Mythos showed ‘unprecedented cyberattack capabilities’.

Why Anthropic’s Mythos has energised China’s cybersecurity industry

Anthropic’s Mythos is stoking cybersecurity fears. What does it mean for China?

Open Questions | Why China’s yuan faces the same ‘illusions’ that stalled the euro: Daniel Gros

Former European economic adviser says Beijing’s bid to build an international currency will hinge on leaders allowing it to fluctuate freely.

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang

Kunyu Wanguo Quantu and maritime artefacts prove China explored the world earlier than Eurocentric accounts suggest, scholar argues.

Open Questions | Andrew Tilton on China’s economic trajectory in wake of Iran war

Goldman Sachs’ chief Asia-Pacific economist says worst is over in terms of property slump’s impact on China’s economic growth.

As DJI duels Insta360, China sharpens global hardware edge amid US scrutiny

Western competitors like GoPro face shrinking footprints as strategic shifts of Chinese firms disrupt the status quo while navigating FCC-led national security bans.

China’s CATL touts landmark energy-storage order for sodium-ion batteries

Deal for massive grid storage system shows that CATL has ‘overcome all the challenges in mass-producing sodium-ion batteries’, company says.

WuXi AppTec posts record first-quarter revenue on strong global demand

Earnings top estimates as multinational pharmaceutical firms ramp up investment and partnerships in China.

China blocks Meta’s Manus deal after months-long probe, thwarting purchase

Economic planner asks both parties to withdraw from deal for AI firm, in move with wider implications for other start-ups operating overseas.

Will China’s mathematicians join a global effort to boycott the United States?

Question hovers as world’s premier mathematics conference faces revolt over American visa rules and foreign policies.

As DJI duels Insta360, China sharpens global hardware edge amid US scrutiny

Western competitors like GoPro face shrinking footprints as strategic shifts of Chinese firms disrupt the status quo while navigating FCC-led national security bans.

Prognosis positive: how AI could help China bridge the medical resources gap

Exclusive | Territorial integrity is ‘red line’ for Europe, Finland warns after US Greenland threats

Lingxi Games’ Three Kingdoms Tactics hits target with global audience

Opinion | Reopen Strait of Hormuz by reframing Iran’s tolls as reconstruction