Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Smoke rises in the Iranian capital Tehran following Israeli and US strikes on Saturday. Photo: WANA via Reuters

Trump urges Iranians to overthrow government after US-Israel strikes

US bases in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain under attack by Revolutionary Guard, according to Iranian media outlet.

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China warns citizens in Iran about security risks as nuclear talks end without deal

China-Middle East relations

Diplomacy

Israel claims top Iranian officials dead, but Iran says leadership still intact

Accounts of damage made to Iran’s leadership remain sharply contested, as Beijing expresses ‘deep concern’ over on-going military assault.

47 minutes agovideocam

Middle East

Missiles streak across Gulf skies as Iran responds to US-Israel attack

The sudden escalation in military operations has left many in the Middle East on edge.

2 hours agovideocam

Politics

Cathay Pacific suspends all Middle East operations after US-Israeli attack on Iran

Hong Kong’s Airport Authority says at least nine flights have been cancelled or postponed.

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Crisis in Iran

Smoke rises in central Tehran after Israel launched what it called a pre-emptive strike on Saturday. Photo: EPA

US-Israel attack on Iran: how it unfolded

Diplomacy

Why US money may not be enough to break China’s rare earths dominance

Washington aims to spend billions in Africa to build up a strategic reserve of key minerals, but analysts warn it may not be so simple.

3 hours agovideocam

US representatives were out in force at the recent African Mining Indaba in Cape Town. Photo: AFP

Middle East

Who are the main players in the US-Iran-Israel crisis?

With the decisions and actions of those involved impacting countless millions, the stakes are high.

4 hours agovideocam

Military

Taiwan is buying expensive US weapons systems, but are they the right ones?

The pricey arms packages are already facing legislative pushback. Now critics say they may be addressing the wrong threat.

5 hours agovideocam

Travel & Leisure

How use of AI will help travel operators transform behaviour of holidaymakers

Experts explore innovative technology’s role in industry’s evolution at ‘Limitless: Dida Engage 2026’ in Shenzhen.

In partnership with:

Dida

Middle East

What military assets does the US have in the Middle East?

Before Saturday’s strikes on Iran, Donald Trump ordered a huge military presence in the region, including warships crewed by thousands.

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The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford left the Greek island of Crete on Thursday. Photo: via TNS

Middle East

Airspace closed, flights cancelled amid US-Israel-Iran conflict

Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Syria and the UAE all announced at least partial closures of their skies.

3 hours agovideocam

Society

Applications miss target as 670 Hongkongers settle in UK with BN(O) visa

Experts also suggest uncertainties over country’s long-term settlement of migrants could deter future applicants.

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Politics

CK Hutchison subsidiary slams Panama over ‘unnotified intrusion’ at storage site

Panama Ports Company accuses Panamanian authorities of undermining due process with raid, slams earlier takeover of canal ports as ‘illegal’.

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A subsidiary of CK Hutchison Holdings previously operated two ports at either end of the Panama Canal before the country took over. Photo: Sam Tsang

Politics

‘Managed escalation’: Pakistan-Taliban stand-off enters dangerous new phase

With positions entrenched, mediation efforts by regional powers are unlikely to deliver a swift breakthrough, observers say.

28 Feb 2026 - 4:03PMvideocam

A Taliban fighter holds his weapon beside a Humvee after exchanges of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces in Momand Dara district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

China

Basketball world body apologises to China after calling win over Japan ‘sneaky’

Use of the word on Fiba’s social media posts after World Cup qualifier sparks anger, leading to changes and an official apology.

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Diplomacy

Why won’t Chile let China’s military hospital ship give medical aid?

The vessel has sailed into Valparaiso’s waters as the geopolitical winds shift in the western hemisphere.

28 Feb 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

East Asia

North Korea unveils image of Kim’s daughter firing rifle at shooting range

Speculation has mounted that Kim Jong-un is grooming his daughter – believed to be named Kim Ju-ae and about 13 years old – as his successor.

6 hours ago

North Korean leader Kim Jong- un’s daughter, believed to be called Kim Ju-ae, firing a sniper rifle at a shooting range in North Korea on Friday. Photo: North Korean Central News Agency via EPA

Economics

Trains through the Taliban: Central Asia’s plan to bypass Russia and Iran

The Soviet Union severed Central Asia’s ancient trade routes to the Indian subcontinent. The region’s modern-day leaders want them back.

28 Feb 2026 - 10:00AMvideocam

A Taliban guard walks along railway tracks near a TAPI pipeline construction site at the Afghanistan-Turkmenistan border in 2024. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong Economy

Scam-hit Cambodia tries to woo Hong Kong but travel agencies have doubts

Tourism board chief says addressing visitors’ safety concerns is a priority, adding that government is ‘determined’ to get rid of scam compounds.

28 Feb 2026 - 7:20PMvideocam

China Economy

Deals of steel: how China’s price-setting agreements are easing trade tempers

Chinese exporters agree to raise prices to avoid anti‑dumping duties, echoing earlier electric vehicle agreement with European Union.

28 Feb 2026 - 4:00PM

OPINION

Cliff Buddle

My Take | Ruling that allows harassment victims to sue has far-reaching implications

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Marco Vicenzino

Opinion | US-Israeli strike on Iran signals new phase of global escalation

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28 Feb 2026 - 4:30PM

Stephen Olson

Opinion | Southeast Asia, do not mistake Trump’s tariff defeat for a reprieve

28 Feb 2026 - 12:00PM

Wee Kek Koon

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Customers choose colored glaze snake handicrafts for the coming Chinese New Year, the Year of Snake, in Xiye Colored Glaze Studio in Boshan district, Zibo city, Shandong province, China, on Jan. 9, 2025. With a long history of colored glaze, Boshan is regarded as China’s Hometown of Colored Glaze and has 12 colored glaze enterprises and 65 art studios. (Xinhua)
新华社照片，淄博（山东），2025年1月9日
1月9日，消费者在淄博市博山区西冶工坊展销厅内挑选蛇年主题琉璃工艺品。
春节临近，山东省淄博市博山区的琉璃生产企业推出众多蛇年主题创意琉璃制品，受到市场青睐。博山区被誉为“中国琉璃之乡“，琉璃生产历史悠久，当地已发展琉璃生产企业12家、工作室65个。
新华社记者朱峥摄

SCMP Series Year of the Horse 2026

Year of the Horse 2026 feng shui advice for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs to enjoy good luck

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where each Chinese zodiac sign can place items for good luck in the Year of the Fire Horse.

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Open Questions series

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

Global Economy

Open Questions | Why Trump’s April trip to China may not deliver ‘grand bargain’: James Zimmerman

The American Chamber of Commerce in China chairman says this year’s expected Trump-Xi meetings can put countries on a ‘visionary’ path.

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Diplomacy

Open Questions | Trump’s ‘imperial’ agenda and the end of the old world order: Luuk van Middelaar

Political theorist says rapid acceleration of the US president’s ‘offensive, almost imperial’ agenda has left Europe disoriented.

9 Feb 2026 - 1:10PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Lawrence Lau on why China must ‘work smarter’ and how it can invent from scratch

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2 Feb 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

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Chinese chip firms Cambricon, Moore Threads post sales jump on domestic demand

Cambricon reports first full-year profit since listing in 2020, while Moore Threads’ revenue jumps 243 per cent.

27 Feb 2026 - 10:26PM

Chinese AI chip designer Cambricon posted its first annual profit since listing in 2020. Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Tech

Alibaba to launch new smart glasses powered by Qwen AI assistant at MWC

The coming release marks Alibaba’s second major foray into smart eyewear, following the Quark AI Glasses launched in November 2025.

28 Feb 2026 - 5:16PM

China

Meet Habibi – the Chinese AI uniting 20 Arabic dialects in a Middle East first

Lead author says there are many differences between Arabic dialects and Modern Standard Arabic, which is used in official circumstances.

28 Feb 2026 - 2:00PMvideocam

Science

Chinese gene-editing technique raises prospect of new autism treatments

Lab tests on mice given the treatment showed considerable cognitive and behavioural functions, new study says.

28 Feb 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

The scientists used a new gene-editing tool to correct the mutation in mice. Photo: Shutterstock

China

Xi-Trump talk plans rattled by chaotic US team: ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’

Analysts warn thin US coordination and rushed timelines risk weak deliverables and surprises ahead of high-stakes Beijing meeting.

27 Feb 2026 - 1:57AMvideocam

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Breaking down the key figures in Hong Kong 2026-27 budget

A deep dive into the data from Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget announcement, looking at the government’s growing revenue and increasing investment in infrastructure.

26 Feb 2026 - 4:01PM

Diplomacy

5 top takeaways from Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address

In a speech that runs nearly two hours, Trump casts himself as a global peacemaker and touts his economic credentials.

25 Feb 2026 - 12:50PMvideocam

Science

Smaller, faster, smarter: Chinese transistor ready for future AI chips

Breakthrough said to overcome long-standing limitations of traditional ferroelectric transistors, ‘paving way for large-scale application’.

25 Feb 2026 - 6:19AMvideocam

Ferroelectric transistors function similarly to neurons in the human brain, as they integrate memory and processing in a single unit. Photo: Shutterstock

Trump urges Iranians to overthrow government after US-Israel strikes

US bases in Kuwait, UAE, Qatar and Bahrain under attack by Revolutionary Guard, according to Iranian media outlet.

China warns citizens in Iran about security risks as nuclear talks end without deal

Israel claims top Iranian officials dead, but Iran says leadership still intact

Accounts of damage made to Iran’s leadership remain sharply contested, as Beijing expresses ‘deep concern’ over on-going military assault.

Missiles streak across Gulf skies as Iran responds to US-Israel attack

The sudden escalation in military operations has left many in the Middle East on edge.

Cathay Pacific suspends all Middle East operations after US-Israeli attack on Iran

Hong Kong’s Airport Authority says at least nine flights have been cancelled or postponed.

US-Israel attack on Iran: how it unfolded

Why US money may not be enough to break China’s rare earths dominance

Washington aims to spend billions in Africa to build up a strategic reserve of key minerals, but analysts warn it may not be so simple.

Who are the main players in the US-Iran-Israel crisis?

With the decisions and actions of those involved impacting countless millions, the stakes are high.

Taiwan is buying expensive US weapons systems, but are they the right ones?

The pricey arms packages are already facing legislative pushback. Now critics say they may be addressing the wrong threat.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}How use of AI will help travel operators transform behaviour of holidaymakers

Experts explore innovative technology’s role in industry’s evolution at ‘Limitless: Dida Engage 2026’ in Shenzhen.

What military assets does the US have in the Middle East?

Before Saturday’s strikes on Iran, Donald Trump ordered a huge military presence in the region, including warships crewed by thousands.

Airspace closed, flights cancelled amid US-Israel-Iran conflict

Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Syria and the UAE all announced at least partial closures of their skies.

Applications miss target as 670 Hongkongers settle in UK with BN(O) visa

Experts also suggest uncertainties over country’s long-term settlement of migrants could deter future applicants.

CK Hutchison subsidiary slams Panama over ‘unnotified intrusion’ at storage site

Panama Ports Company accuses Panamanian authorities of undermining due process with raid, slams earlier takeover of canal ports as ‘illegal’.

‘Managed escalation’: Pakistan-Taliban stand-off enters dangerous new phase

With positions entrenched, mediation efforts by regional powers are unlikely to deliver a swift breakthrough, observers say.

Basketball world body apologises to China after calling win over Japan ‘sneaky’

Use of the word on Fiba’s social media posts after World Cup qualifier sparks anger, leading to changes and an official apology.

Why won’t Chile let China’s military hospital ship give medical aid?

The vessel has sailed into Valparaiso’s waters as the geopolitical winds shift in the western hemisphere.

North Korea unveils image of Kim’s daughter firing rifle at shooting range

Speculation has mounted that Kim Jong-un is grooming his daughter – believed to be named Kim Ju-ae and about 13 years old – as his successor.

Trains through the Taliban: Central Asia’s plan to bypass Russia and Iran

The Soviet Union severed Central Asia’s ancient trade routes to the Indian subcontinent. The region’s modern-day leaders want them back.

Scam-hit Cambodia tries to woo Hong Kong but travel agencies have doubts

Tourism board chief says addressing visitors’ safety concerns is a priority, adding that government is ‘determined’ to get rid of scam compounds.

Deals of steel: how China’s price-setting agreements are easing trade tempers

Chinese exporters agree to raise prices to avoid anti‑dumping duties, echoing earlier electric vehicle agreement with European Union.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}My Take | Ruling that allows harassment victims to sue has far-reaching implications

Opinion | US-Israeli strike on Iran signals new phase of global escalation

Macroscope | Why Japan should push back on Trump’s investment demands

Opinion | Southeast Asia, do not mistake Trump’s tariff defeat for a reprieve

Reflections | After Andrew’s arrest, how high-born criminals were treated in ancient China

My Take | Ruling that allows harassment victims to sue has far-reaching implications

Airspace closed, flights cancelled amid US-Israel-Iran conflict

Hi-tech aids proposed to help elderly climb stairs to fire-ravaged Tai Po flats

Basketball world body apologises to China after calling win over Japan ‘sneaky’

Why US money may not be enough to break China’s rare earths dominance

Israel claims top Iranian officials dead, but Iran says leadership still intact

Year of the Horse 2026 feng shui advice for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs to enjoy good luck

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where each Chinese zodiac sign can place items for good luck in the Year of the Fire Horse.

Feng shui advice for Snakes for luck in money, health and romance

Why do Chinese love water chestnuts? All about the lucky ‘horse’s hoof’

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}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.

Open Questions | Why Trump’s April trip to China may not deliver ‘grand bargain’: James Zimmerman

The American Chamber of Commerce in China chairman says this year’s expected Trump-Xi meetings can put countries on a ‘visionary’ path.

Open Questions | Trump’s ‘imperial’ agenda and the end of the old world order: Luuk van Middelaar

Political theorist says rapid acceleration of the US president’s ‘offensive, almost imperial’ agenda has left Europe disoriented.

Open Questions | Lawrence Lau on why China must ‘work smarter’ and how it can invent from scratch

China must shift from quantity to quality by focusing on 12-year schooling, more basic research and GBA integration, renowned economist says.

Chinese chip firms Cambricon, Moore Threads post sales jump on domestic demand

Cambricon reports first full-year profit since listing in 2020, while Moore Threads’ revenue jumps 243 per cent.

Alibaba to launch new smart glasses powered by Qwen AI assistant at MWC

The coming release marks Alibaba’s second major foray into smart eyewear, following the Quark AI Glasses launched in November 2025.

Meet Habibi – the Chinese AI uniting 20 Arabic dialects in a Middle East first

Lead author says there are many differences between Arabic dialects and Modern Standard Arabic, which is used in official circumstances.

Chinese gene-editing technique raises prospect of new autism treatments

Lab tests on mice given the treatment showed considerable cognitive and behavioural functions, new study says.

Xi-Trump talk plans rattled by chaotic US team: ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’

Analysts warn thin US coordination and rushed timelines risk weak deliverables and surprises ahead of high-stakes Beijing meeting.

Breaking down the key figures in Hong Kong 2026-27 budget

A deep dive into the data from Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget announcement, looking at the government’s growing revenue and increasing investment in infrastructure.

5 top takeaways from Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address

In a speech that runs nearly two hours, Trump casts himself as a global peacemaker and touts his economic credentials.

Smaller, faster, smarter: Chinese transistor ready for future AI chips

Breakthrough said to overcome long-standing limitations of traditional ferroelectric transistors, ‘paving way for large-scale application’.

How use of AI will help travel operators transform behaviour of holidaymakers

My Take | Ruling that allows harassment victims to sue has far-reaching implications

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