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Can the US Democrats beat Trump by becoming more like him?

Fighting fire with fire may deliver electoral wins, but risks hurting the party’s brand eventually, Chinese academic argues.

1 hour agovideocam

Trump urged by Democrats to keep US ban on Chinese cars as Xi meeting looms

US-China relations

Diplomacy

Taiwan’s William Lai lands in eSwatini on trip Beijing calls a political ‘stunt’

Lai travels to island sole African ally after earlier visit cancelled because of overflight permission withdrawn.

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The ageing dilemma: why robots can’t save us but China-US cooperation might

US medical anthropologist Arthur Kleinman looks for path out of a social paradox: longer lives without a defined social role.

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Hong Kong Economy

‘Golden week’ begins with bang in Hong Kong, but restaurants’ gains ‘limited’

City records 13 per cent increase in mainland Chinese visitors on first day of holiday, but more prudent spending is affecting restaurants.

17 minutes ago

Politics

Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the main opposition Kuomintang, is expected to visit the United States next month. Photo: EPA

Counting gains from Beijing, Taiwan’s opposition leader eyes US trip in June

Diplomacy

China trip will go ahead as planned – and it will be amazing, Trump insists

US president says the visit will go ahead as planned later this month despite the ongoing stalemate in peace talks with Iran.

2 hours agovideocam

US President Donald Trump said his upcoming visit to China will be great. Photo: AP

Politics

China Eastern says sorry for boarding bridge collision at Shanghai airport

Airline blames incident on mechanical malfunction after landing, says all passengers are safe.

2 hours ago

Politics

UAE’s Opec exit signals aim to accelerate foreign policy diversification

Iran’s attacks on Gulf states have forced Abu Dhabi to rethink its place within the Saudi Arabia-led diplomatic architecture, analysts say.

6 hours agovideocam

Tech

How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Huawei Technologies’ monitoring systems speed up real-time identification of China’s primates, coastal coral, and Norwegian salmon.

In partnership with:

Huawei

Middle East

Iran will not accept ‘imposed’ peace, Trump not satisfied with negotiations

US lawmakers are pressuring the President to resolve the war, while Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is attempting to ease the war’s toll on Iran’s economy.

2 hours agovideocam

A woman walks past an anti-US billboard depicting US President Donald Trump and the Strait of Hormuz, in Tehran, Iran, on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

China Economy

From Beijing to backwaters? Why China’s live music boom is spreading

Local authorities are using big concerts to attract tourists and revenue, part of broader efforts to boost consumption under new five-year plan.

6 hours ago

Politics

Why are modern Chinese audiences shying away from dubbed films?

Greater subtitle literacy among streaming viewers is among factors chipping away at enthusiasm for dubbed movies in China.

6 hours agovideocam

Europe

Russia’s inching advance in Ukraine approaches eastern fortress belt

Kostiantynivka, along with other cities in eastern Ukraine, forms part of a so-called fortress belt well-fortified against Russian attack.

4 hours agovideocam

A service member of the 93rd Kholodnyi Yar Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces walks on a road near destroyed cars, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in the frontline town of Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region, Ukraine, on February 19. Photo: Reuters

Diplomacy

China’s UN envoy blasts US ‘bullying’ as sanctions widen before Trump-Xi talks

Curbs tied to Iran and a fragile ceasefire cast a shadow over the leaders’ planned Beijing summit as tensions between the powers mount.

2 May 2026 - 6:36AMvideocam

China’s UN envoy Fu Cong warns US sanctions on Chinese firms over Iran risk undermining ceasefire efforts and the rule of law in international affairs. Photo: Reuters

Health & Environment

300 verbal warnings issued to Sharp Island visitors on Labour Day

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department also says number of visitors to island on Saturday had ‘exceeded expectations’.

2 hours ago

Society

Tai Po fire: over 800 Wang Fuk Court families ask to make second trip to estate

Government to review first round of returns to ensure process can run as smoothly as possible, Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk says.

3 hours agovideocam

East Asia

Takaichi to hold talks in Vietnam on economic security, critical minerals

Both sides are expected to discuss cooperation in areas such as energy and artificial intelligence.

2 May 2026 - 4:15PMvideocam

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrives at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Friday. Photo: AFP

China Economy

Durian Express? China brings in cheaper fruit with new Southeast Asia train

A new cold-storage rail service is whisking mountains of durians from Thailand to China, reducing prices for the prized fruit.

2 May 2026 - 10:02AM

A shopper browses a mound of durians at a market in Hong Kong. Photo: Eugene Lee

Europe

Trump-EU rift spurs Germany to boost military, add 75,000 soldiers

The German defence minister said the US withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany was expected, spurring Europe to improve its defences against Russia.

6 hours ago

United States & Canada

New Mexico trial citing ‘public nuisance’ laws against Meta, social platforms

The case is being closely watched as governments across the US pursue similar claims seeking to force big tech platforms to change to protect young users.

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OPINION

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SCMP Series

China takes stock as world frets over Mythos

US-Israel war on Iran

AI's impact on Hong Kong

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

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

Tech

ByteDance’s drug unit presents AI-designed therapies at global conferences

Chinese tech giant fields teams in Boston, Rio de Janeiro and Barcelona as its unit unveils frameworks and therapies powered by AI.

2-MIN READ

China Business

Lights, camera, traction: China’s EV race rolls out film-projecting headlights

Ultra-fast charging technology and a wave of smart features are helping Chinese EVs win over overseas buyers.

2-MIN READ

Big Tech

Chinese firms face pressure on AI investments as US peers’ spending soars

Largest US companies on track for US$700 billion in AI capital expenditures this year, versus about US$105 billion in China.

2-MIN READ

Google and Microsoft both expect 2026 capex to reach about US$190 billion. Photo: AP Photo

China EVs

Shifting gears: how foreign giants aim to catch up in China’s EV era

International carmakers launch tailored models and accelerate R&D as they scramble to match the speed and sophistication of domestic rivals.

5-MIN READ

Politics

Why Beijing now wants its spies executed in Taiwan back in the spotlight

Mainland China is seeing a surge in interest over ‘invisible martyrs’ such as Wu Shi, a KMT defector who was executed in Taipei in 1950.

6-MIN READvideocam

Diplomacy

The big shift in Xi Jinping’s travel plans and what it means for China

Data analysis by the SCMP reveals a changing dynamic in Beijing towards high-level diplomatic meetings.

5-MIN READvideocam

Diplomacy

The UAE’s exit from Opec could bring ‘even bigger trouble’: Chinese expert

While the UAE’s departure from oil cartel is disruptive, it could also further drive apart Gulf Cooperation Council members, observer says.

3-MIN READvideocam

The Gulf Cooperation Council has been fractured by an intensifying rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, as the countries each pursue competing visions of regional leadership. Photo: AFP

Can the US Democrats beat Trump by becoming more like him?

Fighting fire with fire may deliver electoral wins, but risks hurting the party’s brand eventually, Chinese academic argues.

Trump urged by Democrats to keep US ban on Chinese cars as Xi meeting looms

Taiwan’s William Lai lands in eSwatini on trip Beijing calls a political ‘stunt’

Lai travels to island sole African ally after earlier visit cancelled because of overflight permission withdrawn.

The ageing dilemma: why robots can’t save us but China-US cooperation might

US medical anthropologist Arthur Kleinman looks for path out of a social paradox: longer lives without a defined social role.

‘Golden week’ begins with bang in Hong Kong, but restaurants’ gains ‘limited’

City records 13 per cent increase in mainland Chinese visitors on first day of holiday, but more prudent spending is affecting restaurants.

Counting gains from Beijing, Taiwan’s opposition leader eyes US trip in June

China trip will go ahead as planned – and it will be amazing, Trump insists

US president says the visit will go ahead as planned later this month despite the ongoing stalemate in peace talks with Iran.

China Eastern says sorry for boarding bridge collision at Shanghai airport

Airline blames incident on mechanical malfunction after landing, says all passengers are safe.

UAE’s Opec exit signals aim to accelerate foreign policy diversification

Iran’s attacks on Gulf states have forced Abu Dhabi to rethink its place within the Saudi Arabia-led diplomatic architecture, analysts say.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Huawei Technologies’ monitoring systems speed up real-time identification of China’s primates, coastal coral, and Norwegian salmon.

Iran will not accept ‘imposed’ peace, Trump not satisfied with negotiations

US lawmakers are pressuring the President to resolve the war, while Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is attempting to ease the war’s toll on Iran’s economy.

From Beijing to backwaters? Why China’s live music boom is spreading

Local authorities are using big concerts to attract tourists and revenue, part of broader efforts to boost consumption under new five-year plan.

Why are modern Chinese audiences shying away from dubbed films?

Greater subtitle literacy among streaming viewers is among factors chipping away at enthusiasm for dubbed movies in China.

Russia’s inching advance in Ukraine approaches eastern fortress belt

Kostiantynivka, along with other cities in eastern Ukraine, forms part of a so-called fortress belt well-fortified against Russian attack.

China’s UN envoy blasts US ‘bullying’ as sanctions widen before Trump-Xi talks

Curbs tied to Iran and a fragile ceasefire cast a shadow over the leaders’ planned Beijing summit as tensions between the powers mount.

300 verbal warnings issued to Sharp Island visitors on Labour Day

Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department also says number of visitors to island on Saturday had ‘exceeded expectations’.

Tai Po fire: over 800 Wang Fuk Court families ask to make second trip to estate

Government to review first round of returns to ensure process can run as smoothly as possible, Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk says.

Takaichi to hold talks in Vietnam on economic security, critical minerals

Both sides are expected to discuss cooperation in areas such as energy and artificial intelligence.

Durian Express? China brings in cheaper fruit with new Southeast Asia train

A new cold-storage rail service is whisking mountains of durians from Thailand to China, reducing prices for the prized fruit.

Trump-EU rift spurs Germany to boost military, add 75,000 soldiers

The German defence minister said the US withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany was expected, spurring Europe to improve its defences against Russia.

New Mexico trial citing ‘public nuisance’ laws against Meta, social platforms

The case is being closely watched as governments across the US pursue similar claims seeking to force big tech platforms to change to protect young users.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}My Take | World Cup football belongs to the fans, not to Trump and his friend at Fifa

Macroscope | Mini-crises sparked by the Iran war may add up to a big collapse

Being Chinese | 3 months in China became 10 years. Here’s why I stayed

Asian Angle | A year after corporal punishment ban, Thailand needs to curb resurgence

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Hong Kong must prioritise well-being of flag bearers of tomorrow

My Take | World Cup football belongs to the fans, not to Trump and his friend at Fifa

Can the US Democrats beat Trump by becoming more like him?

SCMP Best Bets: Punters can feel winning Vibes at Sha Tin

She answered an advert for a part-time helper. Then she lost HK$2.25 million

Taiwan’s William Lai lands in eSwatini on trip Beijing calls a political ‘stunt’

Iran will not accept ‘imposed’ peace, Trump not satisfied with negotiations

4 winning tickets take home over HK$55.7 million each in record Mark Six jackpot

The ageing dilemma: why robots can’t save us but China-US cooperation might

Russia’s inching advance in Ukraine approaches eastern fortress belt

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | A final message for a Tai Po fire victim from her husband

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.

ByteDance’s drug unit presents AI-designed therapies at global conferences

Chinese tech giant fields teams in Boston, Rio de Janeiro and Barcelona as its unit unveils frameworks and therapies powered by AI.

Lights, camera, traction: China’s EV race rolls out film-projecting headlights

Ultra-fast charging technology and a wave of smart features are helping Chinese EVs win over overseas buyers.

Chinese firms face pressure on AI investments as US peers’ spending soars

Largest US companies on track for US$700 billion in AI capital expenditures this year, versus about US$105 billion in China.

Shifting gears: how foreign giants aim to catch up in China’s EV era

International carmakers launch tailored models and accelerate R&D as they scramble to match the speed and sophistication of domestic rivals.

Why Beijing now wants its spies executed in Taiwan back in the spotlight

Mainland China is seeing a surge in interest over ‘invisible martyrs’ such as Wu Shi, a KMT defector who was executed in Taipei in 1950.

The big shift in Xi Jinping’s travel plans and what it means for China

How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

My Take | World Cup football belongs to the fans, not to Trump and his friend at Fifa

Letters | Hong Kong must prioritise well-being of flag bearers of tomorrow

Video | A final message for a Tai Po fire victim from her husband