Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

William Lai Ching-te said Chiang Kai-shek and Japanese did not really care about the island. Photo: CNA

Taiwan leader ‘glorifying Japanese colonial rule’, Beijing says

Backlash was prompted by a speech that said the early days of the KMT’s rule over the island were ‘worse than the colonial regime’.

2 hours agovideocam

PLA ramps up Taiwan patrols after lull as Beijing slams William Lai’s speech

Taiwan

China Business

Exclusive | Singapore-headquartered GLP eyes 50% rent surge as China demand fuels growth

Firm will ride Beijing’s push for domestic demand by expanding logistics, data centres and renewable energy capacity, GLP China CEO says.

3 hours ago

China Business

Recession fears grip markets as energy facilities under fire in Middle East

Risk-off mode takes hold as attacks bring crisis to ‘a more dangerous level for the global economy’, analyst says.

10 minutes ago

Banking & Finance

SFC prepares to inspect Hong Kong IPO listing sponsors amid quality concerns

Market regulator will soon begin inspection of investment banks amid concerns about deficiencies in listing documents and misconduct.

40 minutes ago

Economy

China has been promoting its own cross-border payment system as it seeks to hedge against potential weaponisation of the US financial system. Photo: AFP

How China opened the door to creating a direct rival to US payment systems

Military

A troubled US warship is moving away from Iran. Does it reflect bigger problems?

Fire damage and plumbing issues on the USS Gerald R. Ford suggest an overstretched military and ‘hollowed out’ industrial base, analysts say.

2 hours ago

The USS Gerald R. Ford has been supporting the American operation against Iran in the Red Sea. Photo: Handout

Tech

Alibaba discloses GPU output for first time as quarterly profit misses estimates

The e-commerce giant’s revenue in the December quarter rose 2 per cent to US$40.7 billion.

25 minutes ago

Politics

Support for Duterte’s ICC trial has halved in a year. Here’s why

Only 30 per cent of Gen Z Filipinos now back the ICC drugs war case, as AI-generated disinformation floods TikTok.

28 minutes ago

Business

How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Deepa Jivan, CEO of J.Gordhan & Co, says bank’s tailored financial solutions and expertise give it the agility to navigate global marketplace.

In partnership with:

Standard Chartered

Deepa Jivan is the founder and CEO of Hong Kong-based arts and crafts products company J.Gordhan & Co.

China Economy

China taps reserves as Iran war disrupts 30% of global fertiliser trade

War in the Middle East is causing global disruption – from oil to agriculture – as countries, including China, enter spring planting season.

3 hours agovideocam

As China and other northern hemisphere countries enter spring planting season, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has said war in the Middle East could have a serious impact on global food prices if it continues beyond three months. Photo: Xinhua

Society

Public hearing outlines 6 key failures behind Tai Po fire – as it happened

Lead barrister Victor Dawes says messages show substandard scaffolding mesh was used by contractors, while a cigarette ‘most likely’ caused the blaze.

2 hours ago

China Economy

China’s youth unemployment falls for sixth consecutive month in February

But young job-hunters say they are still struggling to find work in a testing post-holiday labour market amid rising global economic uncertainty.

4 hours ago

Business

Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison reports 7% gain in underlying profit

Diversified business mitigates impact of adverse developments including ‘legal conflict’ over Panama ports, chairman says.

1 hour ago

Flags fly outside Cheung Kong Center in Central on February 4, 2026. Photo: Jelly Tse

Science

Leading Chinese remote-sensing scientist Zhang Jinshui dies at 47

Beijing Normal University professor led major R&D programmes and was instrumental in boosting China’s food security with satellite tech.

3 hours agovideocam

Zhang Jinshui was a professor and doctoral supervisor in the Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University. Photo: Handout

China Economy

Shanghai certifies 30 overseas offices amid China’s investment sales pitch

The city welcomed a batch of new regional headquarters and R&D centres this week, as China continues its campaign to win back overseas capital.

1 hour ago

Politics

Beyond ‘lip service’: Philippines urged to act on air defence gaps

The Iran war has underscored the need for robust air systems and Manila should look to build a layered defence architecture, experts say.

2 hours ago

Hong Kong

Hongkongers on BN(O) pathway won’t face tougher English test, UK confirms

Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp says current B1 English language requirement for settlement under BN(O) route will remain unchanged.

4 hours ago

Statistics show about 46,900 Hongkongers arrived in the UK under the BN(O) scheme in its first year and will soon be able to apply for permanent settlement. Photo: EPA-EFE

Diplomacy

US says mainland China has no plans to attack Taiwan in 2027

Beijing seeks to control the island without the use of force, the US intelligence community confirms in its annual report on global threats.

19 Mar 2026 - 8:01AMvideocam

The People’s Liberation Army conducts military drills near Pingtan island, in eastern China’s Fujian province, the closest point to Taiwan, on December 30, 2025. Photo: AFP

Entertainment

A KPop Demon Hunters world tour? It could be happening

You, too, could help seal the Honmoon if the world tour goes ahead – though Netflix is yet to decide who would perform or where it would go.

25 minutes ago

Football

Messi scores 900th career goal in Inter Milan match, joins Ronaldo in elite club

Argentine World Cup winner reaches landmark in 1,142nd appearance for club and country, ⁠almost 100 games ⁠fewer than the Portuguese.

40 minutes ago

OPINION

Nicholas Spiro

Macroscope | China is weathering the Iran war oil shock better than others in Asia

3 hours ago

Victor Dawes

Legal Tales | Tribute to towering jurist: how the late Sir Anthony Mason shaped Hong Kong courts

2 hours ago

Ronny Tong

Opinion | Here’s what an executive-led government really means in Hong Kong

19 Mar 2026 - 9:30AM

Phoebe Zhang

Opinion | China’s OpenClaw mania driven by fear of missing next tech gold rush

19 Mar 2026 - 5:30AM

Letters

Letters | Ireland is a predictable partner in unsettling times

19 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

Harry’s View | 19 Mar 2026

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10 minutes ago

China Business

Recession fears grip markets as energy facilities under fire in Middle East

16 minutes ago

Southeast Asia

Soaring oil prices hit Filipino jeepney drivers: ‘what we earn goes to diesel’

25 minutes ago

Entertainment

A KPop Demon Hunters world tour? It could be happening

40 minutes ago

Banking & Finance

SFC prepares to inspect Hong Kong IPO listing sponsors amid quality concerns

40 minutes ago

Football

Messi scores 900th career goal in Inter Milan match, joins Ronaldo in elite club

40 minutes ago

Icons & Influencers

In their words: Peter Cheung on why Hongkongers are ahead of fashion trends

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SCMP Series AI's impact on Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s bid to win in AI: where are the road map and the guardrails?

Hong Kong’s AI revolution accelerates as policy funds skills training while industries and educators rush to integrate the shift.

16 Mar 2026 - 11:48AM

Exclusive | Hong Kong job openings hit 6-year low in 69% of sectors amid AI’s ascent

13 Mar 2026 - 10:05AM

Is AI displacing young people for entry-level jobs?

16 Mar 2026 - 11:48AM

Open Questions series

Military

Open Questions | Why Iran war may drive East Asia nuclear race, hit China in Mideast: Zhao Tong

Carnegie nuclear policy expert says law of the jungle signalled by US actions could spur more countries to pursue nuclear weapons.

16 Mar 2026 - 10:04AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Strikes on Iran not the biggest threat to China’s belt and road goals: Pan Guang

Mainland academic assesses the risks to Chinese investment and diplomacy in the region and what it means for the other main players.

9 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

Global Economy

Open Questions | Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

5 Mar 2026 - 5:24PM

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

23 Feb 2026 - 10:05AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech

Can Nvidia’s inference push at GTC help or hinder China’s catch-up efforts?

Nvidia’s Groq 3 LPU chip widens the AI gap with China, but offers Chinese firms niche inference market opportunities, analysts say.

17 Mar 2026 - 10:00PM

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks during the company’s annual GTC conference in San Jose on Monday. Photo: Bay Area News Group via AP

China Business

China presses EV makers to end price war and focus on innovation as demand cools

Oversight of China’s industry intensifies, with carmakers urged to move beyond discounts and focus on chips and self-driving systems.

4 hours ago

Big Tech

China’s Tencent pledges new wave of AI investment as it bets on WeChat agents

The tech giant reported a 17 per cent increase in net income last year, in line with analysts’ predictions, as fervour over AI agents grips China.

18 Mar 2026 - 10:05PM

China EVs

Geely speeds to the top, BYD’s quest for faster charging: 7 EV reads

From top Chinese carmakers selling more units overseas to Geely’s upper hand in local market, here are seven EV stories you may have missed.

18 Mar 2026 - 3:30PM

China’s bestselling EV model Galaxy Xingyuan. Photo: Handout

Diplomacy

Why Beijing has struggled to rally Asia against Japan over PM’s Taiwan remarks

Many in the region harbour security concerns similar to Tokyo’s and prefer to stay neutral between the Asian heavyweights, analysts say.

19 Mar 2026 - 8:16AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Why Japan thinks China’s growing cultural clout is something it needs to counter

The global success of Chinese video games and animation – as well as the appeal of traditional culture – has triggered a reaction in Tokyo.

19 Mar 2026 - 8:33AMvideocam

Military

How are military helicopters evolving to adapt to the age of drone warfare?

Armed forces such as the US and China are increasingly arming themselves with UAVs, but analysts believe crewed aircraft still have a role.

15 Mar 2026 - 6:17AMvideocam

Tech Trends

Inside the OpenClaw AI mania in China, as security fears and enthusiasm surge

Appeal of autonomous AI agent spurs rapid adoption across country, from tech pros to retirees seeking a ‘digital staff’, but data wipes mar its rise and trigger warnings.

14 Mar 2026 - 6:53AMvideocam

Taiwan leader ‘glorifying Japanese colonial rule’, Beijing says

Backlash was prompted by a speech that said the early days of the KMT’s rule over the island were ‘worse than the colonial regime’.

PLA ramps up Taiwan patrols after lull as Beijing slams William Lai’s speech

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Singapore-headquartered GLP eyes 50% rent surge as China demand fuels growth

Firm will ride Beijing’s push for domestic demand by expanding logistics, data centres and renewable energy capacity, GLP China CEO says.

Recession fears grip markets as energy facilities under fire in Middle East

Risk-off mode takes hold as attacks bring crisis to ‘a more dangerous level for the global economy’, analyst says.

SFC prepares to inspect Hong Kong IPO listing sponsors amid quality concerns

Market regulator will soon begin inspection of investment banks amid concerns about deficiencies in listing documents and misconduct.

How China opened the door to creating a direct rival to US payment systems

A troubled US warship is moving away from Iran. Does it reflect bigger problems?

Fire damage and plumbing issues on the USS Gerald R. Ford suggest an overstretched military and ‘hollowed out’ industrial base, analysts say.

Alibaba discloses GPU output for first time as quarterly profit misses estimates

The e-commerce giant’s revenue in the December quarter rose 2 per cent to US$40.7 billion.

Support for Duterte’s ICC trial has halved in a year. Here’s why

Only 30 per cent of Gen Z Filipinos now back the ICC drugs war case, as AI-generated disinformation floods TikTok.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Deepa Jivan, CEO of J.Gordhan & Co, says bank’s tailored financial solutions and expertise give it the agility to navigate global marketplace.

China taps reserves as Iran war disrupts 30% of global fertiliser trade

War in the Middle East is causing global disruption – from oil to agriculture – as countries, including China, enter spring planting season.

Public hearing outlines 6 key failures behind Tai Po fire – as it happened

Lead barrister Victor Dawes says messages show substandard scaffolding mesh was used by contractors, while a cigarette ‘most likely’ caused the blaze.

China’s youth unemployment falls for sixth consecutive month in February

But young job-hunters say they are still struggling to find work in a testing post-holiday labour market amid rising global economic uncertainty.

Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison reports 7% gain in underlying profit

Diversified business mitigates impact of adverse developments including ‘legal conflict’ over Panama ports, chairman says.

Leading Chinese remote-sensing scientist Zhang Jinshui dies at 47

Beijing Normal University professor led major R&D programmes and was instrumental in boosting China’s food security with satellite tech.

Shanghai certifies 30 overseas offices amid China’s investment sales pitch

The city welcomed a batch of new regional headquarters and R&D centres this week, as China continues its campaign to win back overseas capital.

Beyond ‘lip service’: Philippines urged to act on air defence gaps

The Iran war has underscored the need for robust air systems and Manila should look to build a layered defence architecture, experts say.

Hongkongers on BN(O) pathway won’t face tougher English test, UK confirms

Minister for Migration and Citizenship Mike Tapp says current B1 English language requirement for settlement under BN(O) route will remain unchanged.

US says mainland China has no plans to attack Taiwan in 2027

Beijing seeks to control the island without the use of force, the US intelligence community confirms in its annual report on global threats.

A KPop Demon Hunters world tour? It could be happening

You, too, could help seal the Honmoon if the world tour goes ahead – though Netflix is yet to decide who would perform or where it would go.

Messi scores 900th career goal in Inter Milan match, joins Ronaldo in elite club

Argentine World Cup winner reaches landmark in 1,142nd appearance for club and country, ⁠almost 100 games ⁠fewer than the Portuguese.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Macroscope | China is weathering the Iran war oil shock better than others in Asia

Legal Tales | Tribute to towering jurist: how the late Sir Anthony Mason shaped Hong Kong courts

Opinion | Here’s what an executive-led government really means in Hong Kong

Opinion | China’s OpenClaw mania driven by fear of missing next tech gold rush

Letters | Ireland is a predictable partner in unsettling times

Recession fears grip markets as energy facilities under fire in Middle East

Soaring oil prices hit Filipino jeepney drivers: ‘what we earn goes to diesel’

A KPop Demon Hunters world tour? It could be happening

SFC prepares to inspect Hong Kong IPO listing sponsors amid quality concerns

Messi scores 900th career goal in Inter Milan match, joins Ronaldo in elite club

In their words: Peter Cheung on why Hongkongers are ahead of fashion trends

Hong Kong’s bid to win in AI: where are the road map and the guardrails?

Hong Kong’s AI revolution accelerates as policy funds skills training while industries and educators rush to integrate the shift.

Exclusive | Hong Kong job openings hit 6-year low in 69% of sectors amid AI’s ascent

Is AI displacing young people for entry-level jobs?

Open Questions | Why Iran war may drive East Asia nuclear race, hit China in Mideast: Zhao Tong

Carnegie nuclear policy expert says law of the jungle signalled by US actions could spur more countries to pursue nuclear weapons.

Open Questions | Strikes on Iran not the biggest threat to China’s belt and road goals: Pan Guang

Mainland academic assesses the risks to Chinese investment and diplomacy in the region and what it means for the other main players.

Open Questions | Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

Can Nvidia’s inference push at GTC help or hinder China’s catch-up efforts?

Nvidia’s Groq 3 LPU chip widens the AI gap with China, but offers Chinese firms niche inference market opportunities, analysts say.

China presses EV makers to end price war and focus on innovation as demand cools

Oversight of China’s industry intensifies, with carmakers urged to move beyond discounts and focus on chips and self-driving systems.

China’s Tencent pledges new wave of AI investment as it bets on WeChat agents

The tech giant reported a 17 per cent increase in net income last year, in line with analysts’ predictions, as fervour over AI agents grips China.

Geely speeds to the top, BYD’s quest for faster charging: 7 EV reads

From top Chinese carmakers selling more units overseas to Geely’s upper hand in local market, here are seven EV stories you may have missed.

Why Beijing has struggled to rally Asia against Japan over PM’s Taiwan remarks

Many in the region harbour security concerns similar to Tokyo’s and prefer to stay neutral between the Asian heavyweights, analysts say.

Why Japan thinks China’s growing cultural clout is something it needs to counter

The global success of Chinese video games and animation – as well as the appeal of traditional culture – has triggered a reaction in Tokyo.

How are military helicopters evolving to adapt to the age of drone warfare?

Armed forces such as the US and China are increasingly arming themselves with UAVs, but analysts believe crewed aircraft still have a role.

Inside the OpenClaw AI mania in China, as security fears and enthusiasm surge

Appeal of autonomous AI agent spurs rapid adoption across country, from tech pros to retirees seeking a ‘digital staff’, but data wipes mar its rise and trigger warnings.

Exclusive | Singapore-headquartered GLP eyes 50% rent surge as China demand fuels growth

How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Macroscope | China is weathering the Iran war oil shock better than others in Asia