Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Demonstrators outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, set fire to a placard with a picture of US President Donald Trump on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

Developing | Three US service members killed as Iran retaliates; Trump signals potential talks

US announces first casualties as Israel unleashes fresh wave of strikes deep into central Tehran.

18 minutes ago

Trump gambles his Iran attack will save flailing Maga agenda

US-Israel war on Iran

Diplomacy

Why China’s ties with Iran will endure despite death of Khamenei

Killing of Iranian supreme leader has sparked turmoil and triggered talk about an ideological shift to the West.

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Diplomacy

Is Europe, the world’s geopolitical punching bag, ready to hit back?

The EU could land a range of economic blows if it wants to be more than a lightweight, researchers say.

5 hours agovideocam

Middle East

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: defiant Iranian leader’s rule ended by his enemies

The death of the 86-year-old cleric in a US-Israeli operation leaves a vacuum at the heart of the Islamic Republic.

1 Mar 2026 - 8:11PMvideocam

Crisis in Iran

US President Donald Trump greets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida in December. Photo: via TNS

US-Israel attack on Iran: how it unfolded

Military

What will first Type 055 destroyers for PLA East China Fleet mean for Taiwan?

Two of the guided-missile destroyers with hull numbers assigned have been spotted at a naval base on the East China Sea coast.

1 Mar 2026 - 8:00PM

China’s Type 055 destroyer, designated “Renhai-class” by Nato, is a cruiser-sized vessel with robust air defence, anti-submarine and surface warfare capabilities. Photo: Handout

Politics

Inside Xi Jinping’s new guide to promoting Communist Party officials

Chinese leader targets ‘two-faced’ officials and demands new benchmarks tailored to local needs in newly released speeches.

5 hours agovideocam

Transport

35 Hong Kong to Mideast flights disrupted, with more expected after attack on Iran

Passengers already packing Hong Kong airport to inquire about suspended departures to Riyadh, Doha and Qatar from day before.

4 hours ago

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

United States & Canada

3 dead, 14 injured in Texas bar shooting

The FBI said the attack at Buford’s bar in Austin was ‘potentially’ an act of terrorism. The shooter was among the dead.

3 hours ago

The Austin Police Department and the FBI investigate a shooting at Buford’s in Austin, Texas on Sunday. Photo: AP

Diplomacy

Trump threatens more hits, Khamenei dead and Israel mounts new attacks

Beijing says the killing of Iran’s supreme leader is ‘a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security’.

3 hours agovideocam

418

Politics

Will Iran collapse without Khamenei or can its regime endure?

Experts see short-term stability, but warn that deeper structural strains could emerge once the immediate shock subsides.

1 Mar 2026 - 8:40PMvideocam

Politics

As US names Tibet coordinator, is it eyeing China, its minority groups or trade?

Special coordinator for Tibetan issues says he seeks to advance US efforts to ‘preserve Tibetans’ precious heritage’.

6 hours agovideocam

Riley Barnes, the new US special coordinator for Tibetan issues, has held several senior positions at the State Department. He visited Dharamsala in 2019 and also in July 2025 for the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. Photo: Handout

Middle East

Iran ‘internationalises battlefield’ as missiles put Gulf in firing line

Iranian strikes targeting American allies in the Middle East could bolster Arab rulers’ support for US-Israeli military operation.

1 Mar 2026 - 4:36PMvideocam

Smoke rises from a burning building hit by an Iranian drone strike in Seef district, Manama, Bahrain, on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

China Economy

China poised to earn vast profits from global energy transition: analysts

Chinese firms are in pole position to benefit from a wave of investment in clean energy infrastructure that could be worth trillions of US dollars.

1 Mar 2026 - 4:00PMvideocam

Tech

China’s Honor debuts robot phone and humanoid companion in push into AI hardware

Robot phone – featuring motorised arm that tracks motion and interacts with users through camera movement – unveiled ahead of MWC Barcelona.

6 hours ago

Tech Trends

Chinese smartphone makers bet on pivot to AI to weather memory chip crunch

Some Android phone makers are also expected to showcase experimental robots and other AI devices at the annual trade show.

1 Mar 2026 - 5:00PM

Politics

Death of Iran’s Khamenei sparks outrage and calls for restraint in Asia

Protesters stormed the US consulate in Karachi as leaders, including Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim, condemned the killing and appealed for dialogue.

1 Mar 2026 - 4:51PMvideocam

Shiite Muslims mourn the killing of Iran’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Srinagar, India-run Kashmir, on Sunday. Photo: EPA

Business

China Resources subsidiary acquires Hong Kong hotel for student housing project

CR Longdation buys Kwai Chung hotel for US$122 million and plans 900-bed facility as non-local student numbers continue to rise.

1 Mar 2026 - 8:00PM

Global Economy

US-Iran strikes: global shipping braces for hit from Strait of Hormuz closure

Various reports indicate that authorities in Tehran have taken control of the vital energy transport route.

1 Mar 2026 - 5:00PMvideocam

OPINION

Alex Lo

My Take | China always ends up winning when the United States goes to war (with others)

6 hours ago

Terry Su

Opinion | Japan’s rightward shift puts it on a collision course with China

1 Mar 2026 - 8:30PM

Adam Au

Opinion | As AI agents advance, Hong Kong should shape the rules now

1 Mar 2026 - 4:30PM

David Lam

Asian Angle | Southeast Asia needs AI sovereignty – the Grok scandal proved it

1 Mar 2026 - 12:00PM

Kong Qingjiang

Opinion | Why China steers clear of the West’s transactional diplomacy

1 Mar 2026 - 5:30AM

Harry’s View | 2 Mar 2026

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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。
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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.

21 Feb 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

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

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

19 Feb 2026 - 11:15AM

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.

13 Feb 2026 - 9:03AMvideocam

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

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

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

China’s Honor debuts robot phone and humanoid companion in push into AI hardware

Robot phone – featuring motorised arm that tracks motion and interacts with users through camera movement – unveiled ahead of MWC Barcelona.

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Hong Kong-listed Chinese drug firms set to turn corner on rising sales, deals

Chinese pharmaceutical firms are poised for profit growth, driven by innovative drug sales and licensing deals, despite pricing pressures.

1 Mar 2026 - 12:00PM

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How China could narrow a tech hub’s income gap – and avoid Silicon Valley’s fate

As tech mecca Zhejiang province sees wealth soar on the back of robotics, gaming and AI, Beijing hopes to avert a wide income disparity.

1 Mar 2026 - 10:00AMvideocam

An employee works on the production line of the Tashan hip-assisted exoskeleton at a workshop in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province. Photo: China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

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

Hong Kong Economy

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

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Developing | Three US service members killed as Iran retaliates; Trump signals potential talks

US announces first casualties as Israel unleashes fresh wave of strikes deep into central Tehran.

Trump gambles his Iran attack will save flailing Maga agenda

Why China’s ties with Iran will endure despite death of Khamenei

Killing of Iranian supreme leader has sparked turmoil and triggered talk about an ideological shift to the West.

Is Europe, the world’s geopolitical punching bag, ready to hit back?

The EU could land a range of economic blows if it wants to be more than a lightweight, researchers say.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: defiant Iranian leader’s rule ended by his enemies

The death of the 86-year-old cleric in a US-Israeli operation leaves a vacuum at the heart of the Islamic Republic.

US-Israel attack on Iran: how it unfolded

What will first Type 055 destroyers for PLA East China Fleet mean for Taiwan?

Two of the guided-missile destroyers with hull numbers assigned have been spotted at a naval base on the East China Sea coast.

Inside Xi Jinping’s new guide to promoting Communist Party officials

Chinese leader targets ‘two-faced’ officials and demands new benchmarks tailored to local needs in newly released speeches.

35 Hong Kong to Mideast flights disrupted, with more expected after attack on Iran

Passengers already packing Hong Kong airport to inquire about suspended departures to Riyadh, Doha and Qatar from day before.

.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.

3 dead, 14 injured in Texas bar shooting

The FBI said the attack at Buford’s bar in Austin was ‘potentially’ an act of terrorism. The shooter was among the dead.

Trump threatens more hits, Khamenei dead and Israel mounts new attacks

Beijing says the killing of Iran’s supreme leader is ‘a grave violation of Iran’s sovereignty and security’.

Will Iran collapse without Khamenei or can its regime endure?

Experts see short-term stability, but warn that deeper structural strains could emerge once the immediate shock subsides.

As US names Tibet coordinator, is it eyeing China, its minority groups or trade?

Special coordinator for Tibetan issues says he seeks to advance US efforts to ‘preserve Tibetans’ precious heritage’.

Iran ‘internationalises battlefield’ as missiles put Gulf in firing line

Iranian strikes targeting American allies in the Middle East could bolster Arab rulers’ support for US-Israeli military operation.

China poised to earn vast profits from global energy transition: analysts

Chinese firms are in pole position to benefit from a wave of investment in clean energy infrastructure that could be worth trillions of US dollars.

China’s Honor debuts robot phone and humanoid companion in push into AI hardware

Robot phone – featuring motorised arm that tracks motion and interacts with users through camera movement – unveiled ahead of MWC Barcelona.

Chinese smartphone makers bet on pivot to AI to weather memory chip crunch

Some Android phone makers are also expected to showcase experimental robots and other AI devices at the annual trade show.

Death of Iran’s Khamenei sparks outrage and calls for restraint in Asia

Protesters stormed the US consulate in Karachi as leaders, including Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim, condemned the killing and appealed for dialogue.

China Resources subsidiary acquires Hong Kong hotel for student housing project

CR Longdation buys Kwai Chung hotel for US$122 million and plans 900-bed facility as non-local student numbers continue to rise.

US-Iran strikes: global shipping braces for hit from Strait of Hormuz closure

Various reports indicate that authorities in Tehran have taken control of the vital energy transport route.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}My Take | China always ends up winning when the United States goes to war (with others)

Opinion | Japan’s rightward shift puts it on a collision course with China

Opinion | As AI agents advance, Hong Kong should shape the rules now

Asian Angle | Southeast Asia needs AI sovereignty – the Grok scandal proved it

Opinion | Why China steers clear of the West’s transactional diplomacy

Iran football federation chief says World Cup participation in US is in doubt

3 dead, 14 injured in Texas bar shooting

Developing | Three US service members killed as Iran retaliates; Trump signals potential talks

Hongkong Post’s airmail services to 24 countries affected by strikes in Middle East

Sun Yingsha wins Singapore Smash title for third time, Wang Chuqin reclaims crown

Why China’s ties with Iran will endure despite death of Khamenei

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’

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.

China’s Honor debuts robot phone and humanoid companion in push into AI hardware

Robot phone – featuring motorised arm that tracks motion and interacts with users through camera movement – unveiled ahead of MWC Barcelona.

Hong Kong-listed Chinese drug firms set to turn corner on rising sales, deals

Chinese pharmaceutical firms are poised for profit growth, driven by innovative drug sales and licensing deals, despite pricing pressures.

How China could narrow a tech hub’s income gap – and avoid Silicon Valley’s fate

As tech mecca Zhejiang province sees wealth soar on the back of robotics, gaming and AI, Beijing hopes to avert a wide income disparity.

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’.

Developing | Three US service members killed as Iran retaliates; Trump signals potential talks

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

My Take | China always ends up winning when the United States goes to war (with others)