Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

The fully autonomous U-Hawk, described as a “cockpitless” Black Hawk, is said to be capable of delivering a total payload of 10,000lbs, including one HIMARS multiple launch rocket system pod or two Navy strike missiles. Photo: Handout

‘Black Hawk’ drones: new frontier in US-China rivalry over Taiwan Strait?

Why US drones and uncrewed helicopters deployed from allied bases could play a ‘critical role’ in disrupting PLA operations.

5 hours agovideocam

What Beijing’s drone flight over Pratas Island means for its Taiwan strategy

Taiwan

Science

China sends fourth ‘Shenlong’ reusable spacecraft mission into orbit

Programme for ‘peaceful use of outer space’ launched in 2020 is seen as potential rival to US Space Force’s X-37B.

7 Feb 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Military

Has the YJ-15 missile been deployed to the Chinese navy? A photo gives clues

The world-leading weapon was unveiled during last year’s Victory Day parade but there was no word then on where it would be used.

6 hours ago

Society

Call for tougher animal welfare laws after invasive turtle found in Hong Kong

Discovery of 85kg alligator snapping turtle in New Territories pond shows how city has fallen behind in biosecurity, experts say.

7 Feb 2026 - 6:11PM

Science

Swiss firm Synhelion set up the world’s first industrial-scale solar fuel plant. Photo: Handout

How Chinese scientists made petrol building blocks with CO2, water and sunlight

Politics

China’s military command tightens discipline at the top in generals’ wake

Revised rules are meant to close loopholes, PLA mouthpiece says, two weeks after Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli’s downfall.

6 hours agovideocam

China has tightened rules on party discipline within the military. Photo: Xinhua

Diplomacy

Israeli diplomat Aviv Ezra says ties with China must not be marred by ‘politics’

Highest level official to visit China since Gaza war highlights opportunities for China and Israel to advance ties as peace deal progresses.

7 Feb 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

Lifestyle & Culture

‘Tip of the iceberg’: arrests in Nepal over fake mountain rescues welcomed

The suspects are believed to be among a network of scammers who have cheated insurers by staging fake rescue operations for years.

7 Feb 2026 - 4:00PM

Education

Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s 20-year evolution ensures it meets world’s fast-changing technological, industrial and societal needs.

In partnership with:

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

China

Mum urges China star Eileen Gu to ‘wake up’, sparks Olympics comeback after fall

Double Olympic champion loses her balance during her initial run in the slopestyle qualifiers before recovering on the second go.

1 hour ago

Eileen Gu was all smiles after eventually qualifying for the final in second place. Photo: AP

Diplomacy

‘China threat’? Norway slammed over ‘sheer speculation’ putting ties on line

Chinese embassy rebuke follows latest annual risk assessments from Norwegian intelligence, police and national security agencies.

6 hours ago

Big Tech

US software rout spills over to China’s SaaS sector

The software sector in China has long been constrained by slower cloud adoption and a weaker appetite for recurring subscription fees.

7 Feb 2026 - 5:18PM

Society

Hong Kong plans to revive privacy law requiring firms to report data breaches

Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung says watchdog intends to consult lawmakers this year after legislative reform was put on hold in 2024.

7 Feb 2026 - 8:00PM

Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung says the mandatory breach reporting measures may be carried out in phases. Photo: Jelly Tse

Europe

Fatal floods strike Spain and Portugal, thousands evacuating

Both countries have issued warnings over the potential fresh floods, after inundations blocked hundreds of roads and disrupted trains.

5 hours ago

A resident walks along a flooded street after the Sado River overflowed following heavy rains in Alcácer do Sal, southern Portugal, on Friday. Photo: AP

China Economy

Shanghai makes future-tech bid with promise of data, talent and capital

The city is striving for an early-mover advantage in the technology of tomorrow, including AI and quantum computing.

7 Feb 2026 - 7:30PMvideocam

Cryptocurrency

China tightens crypto crackdown with onshore RWA tokenisation ban

Domestic entities, as well as offshore entities under their control, cannot issue virtual currencies overseas without approval.

7 Feb 2026 - 2:20PM

Military

Taiwan wants an effective reserve force. Will live-fire drills do the job?

Challenges in forging conscripts into fighting force range from inadequate training facilities to eroding public will to defend the island.

7 Feb 2026 - 2:25PMvideocam

Taiwanese military reservists in pre-combat training during the annual Han Kuang military exercises in July. Photo: EPA

China Economy

Chinese sports brands set sights on European expansion at 2026 Winter Olympics

The Games have become a test case for firms seeking to raise their global profile, highlighting rising ambitions and challenges.

7 Feb 2026 - 4:00PM

Diplomacy

As traditional US allies hedge their bets, will China be the one to cash in?

‘Trump shock’ has prompted a thaw between other Western leaders and Beijing, a trend that raises questions about its deeper long-term impact.

7 Feb 2026 - 10:00AMvideocam

Society

Hong Kong to enforce stricter measures at nature spots for Lunar New Year break

Authorities step up crowd and environmental controls to prevent repeat of past incidents as city braces for 1.4 million mainland Chinese tourists.

6 hours ago

OPINION

Cliff Buddle

My Take | Bus seat belt law not at the end of the road despite fiasco of the first attempt

5 hours ago

Anthony Rowley

Macroscope | Trump-Takaichi meddling in finance spells more turbulence ahead

7 Feb 2026 - 4:30PM

Treethep Srisa-nga

Asian Angle | Thailand’s election will pass verdict on the architecture of elite control

7 Feb 2026 - 11:00AM

Wee Kek Koon

Reflections | What do common Lunar New Year snacks in China, Singapore and Malaysia symbolise?

7 Feb 2026 - 8:15AM

C. Uday Bhaskar

Opinion | Why the new US-India trade agreement is a big deal

7 Feb 2026 - 5:30AM

Harry’s View | 8 Feb 2026

MORE COMMENT

LATEST

2 hours ago

Russia & Central Asia

Ukraine’s Zelensky says US wants deal to end Russia’s war by June

4 hours ago

Middle East

Saudi Arabia, Syria sign telecom and airline deals as sanctions lift

4 hours ago

China

Mum urges China star Eileen Gu to ‘wake up’, sparks Olympics comeback after fall

5 hours ago

Europe

Fatal floods strike Spain and Portugal, thousands evacuating

5 hours ago

Health & Environment

Woman arrested over illegally importing 112 birds worth HK$15,000

5 hours ago

Society

Public bus driver makes detour to take child to hospital in Hong Kong

MORE LATEST NEWS

SCMP Series

Year of the Horse 2026

China Inc. goes global

Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

A tray of Lunar New Year snacks. Many Chinese communities enjoy the same festive favourites at this time of year, but places such as Singapore and Malaysia also gorge on regional treats shaped by foreign influences and migration. Photo: Getty Images

SCMP Series Year of the Horse 2026

Reflections | What common Lunar New Year snacks in China, Singapore and Malaysia symbolise

Lunar New Year treats in China vary from those in Singapore and Malaysia, for which some question whether they are truly ‘Chinese’.

7 Feb 2026 - 8:15AM

How Rabbits can avoid bad luck in the Year of the Horse 2026

7 Feb 2026 - 7:41AMvideocam

Oxen clash with the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026. How to avoid bad luck

5 Feb 2026 - 10:30AMvideocam

Open Questions series

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

China

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

29 Jan 2026 - 11:50AMvideocam

Tech Trends

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

4 Feb 2026 - 3:48PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

19 Jan 2026 - 6:57PMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech Trends

‘Optimus chain’: Chinese suppliers form backbone of Tesla’s humanoid robot plans

Tesla’s pivot to producing humanoid robots is expected to engage a network of key Chinese component makers.

1 Feb 2026 - 2:00PMvideocam

Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot is seen on display at a company showroom in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Shutterstock

China Business

Tesla launches China AI training centre as self-driving race accelerates

US EV giant opens hub to advance its Full Self-Driving software, as Chinese carmakers step up their own L3 autonomous driving plans.

6 Feb 2026 - 11:07PM

China Business

Fosun Pharma unit licenses lung cancer drug to Eisai in US$1.55 billion deal

The deal comes as Chinese novel drug makers are having more say in how their new medicines are developed with global partners.

6 Feb 2026 - 5:00PM

Tech

China trials largest locally made AI computing resource in infrastructure push

The node is designed for large-scale AI scenarios, including trillion-parameter model training and high-throughput inference.

6 Feb 2026 - 4:19PM

A worker adjusts a display panel showing a computer chip and the Chinese characters for “independence” at the Sugon booth during the World AI Conference in Shanghai, July 5, 2023. Photo: AP

Business

How Western brands are adapting to China’s changing consumer landscape

Starbucks’ China stake sale signals a seismic shift, as global firms retreat amid rising competition, price wars and evolving consumer tastes.

7 Feb 2026 - 10:07AM

Global Economy

As Beijing and Moscow tout ties, China’s companies keep Ukraine’s lights on

Ukrainians are buying Chinese batteries and emergency items en masse after Russian strikes, with Beijing’s ties to Moscow no damper on trade.

7 Feb 2026 - 6:39AMvideocam

Hong Kong Economy

Is Hong Kong barking up the wrong tree with dog-friendly restaurants?

Can pet-friendly premises really give Hong Kong’s economy a boost?

6 Feb 2026 - 8:32AM

Diplomacy

US and China defence sectors emerge as key battlegrounds in the race for AI

As both military powers vie to integrate innovative technology first, the race is on to develop and fast-track the latest advancements.

5 Feb 2026 - 1:41AMvideocam

‘Black Hawk’ drones: new frontier in US-China rivalry over Taiwan Strait?

Why US drones and uncrewed helicopters deployed from allied bases could play a ‘critical role’ in disrupting PLA operations.

What Beijing’s drone flight over Pratas Island means for its Taiwan strategy

China sends fourth ‘Shenlong’ reusable spacecraft mission into orbit

Programme for ‘peaceful use of outer space’ launched in 2020 is seen as potential rival to US Space Force’s X-37B.

Has the YJ-15 missile been deployed to the Chinese navy? A photo gives clues

The world-leading weapon was unveiled during last year’s Victory Day parade but there was no word then on where it would be used.

Call for tougher animal welfare laws after invasive turtle found in Hong Kong

Discovery of 85kg alligator snapping turtle in New Territories pond shows how city has fallen behind in biosecurity, experts say.

How Chinese scientists made petrol building blocks with CO2, water and sunlight

China’s military command tightens discipline at the top in generals’ wake

Revised rules are meant to close loopholes, PLA mouthpiece says, two weeks after Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli’s downfall.

Israeli diplomat Aviv Ezra says ties with China must not be marred by ‘politics’

Highest level official to visit China since Gaza war highlights opportunities for China and Israel to advance ties as peace deal progresses.

‘Tip of the iceberg’: arrests in Nepal over fake mountain rescues welcomed

The suspects are believed to be among a network of scammers who have cheated insurers by staging fake rescue operations for years.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s 20-year evolution ensures it meets world’s fast-changing technological, industrial and societal needs.

Mum urges China star Eileen Gu to ‘wake up’, sparks Olympics comeback after fall

Double Olympic champion loses her balance during her initial run in the slopestyle qualifiers before recovering on the second go.

‘China threat’? Norway slammed over ‘sheer speculation’ putting ties on line

Chinese embassy rebuke follows latest annual risk assessments from Norwegian intelligence, police and national security agencies.

US software rout spills over to China’s SaaS sector

The software sector in China has long been constrained by slower cloud adoption and a weaker appetite for recurring subscription fees.

Hong Kong plans to revive privacy law requiring firms to report data breaches

Privacy Commissioner Ada Chung says watchdog intends to consult lawmakers this year after legislative reform was put on hold in 2024.

Fatal floods strike Spain and Portugal, thousands evacuating

Both countries have issued warnings over the potential fresh floods, after inundations blocked hundreds of roads and disrupted trains.

Shanghai makes future-tech bid with promise of data, talent and capital

The city is striving for an early-mover advantage in the technology of tomorrow, including AI and quantum computing.

China tightens crypto crackdown with onshore RWA tokenisation ban

Domestic entities, as well as offshore entities under their control, cannot issue virtual currencies overseas without approval.

Taiwan wants an effective reserve force. Will live-fire drills do the job?

Challenges in forging conscripts into fighting force range from inadequate training facilities to eroding public will to defend the island.

Chinese sports brands set sights on European expansion at 2026 Winter Olympics

The Games have become a test case for firms seeking to raise their global profile, highlighting rising ambitions and challenges.

As traditional US allies hedge their bets, will China be the one to cash in?

‘Trump shock’ has prompted a thaw between other Western leaders and Beijing, a trend that raises questions about its deeper long-term impact.

Hong Kong to enforce stricter measures at nature spots for Lunar New Year break

Authorities step up crowd and environmental controls to prevent repeat of past incidents as city braces for 1.4 million mainland Chinese tourists.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}My Take | Bus seat belt law not at the end of the road despite fiasco of the first attempt

Macroscope | Trump-Takaichi meddling in finance spells more turbulence ahead

Asian Angle | Thailand’s election will pass verdict on the architecture of elite control

Reflections | What do common Lunar New Year snacks in China, Singapore and Malaysia symbolise?

Opinion | Why the new US-India trade agreement is a big deal

Ukraine’s Zelensky says US wants deal to end Russia’s war by June

Saudi Arabia, Syria sign telecom and airline deals as sanctions lift

Mum urges China star Eileen Gu to ‘wake up’, sparks Olympics comeback after fall

Fatal floods strike Spain and Portugal, thousands evacuating

Woman arrested over illegally importing 112 birds worth HK$15,000

Public bus driver makes detour to take child to hospital in Hong Kong

Reflections | What common Lunar New Year snacks in China, Singapore and Malaysia symbolise

Lunar New Year treats in China vary from those in Singapore and Malaysia, for which some question whether they are truly ‘Chinese’.

How Rabbits can avoid bad luck in the Year of the Horse 2026

Oxen clash with the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026. How to avoid bad luck

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

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

Open Questions | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

‘Optimus chain’: Chinese suppliers form backbone of Tesla’s humanoid robot plans

Tesla’s pivot to producing humanoid robots is expected to engage a network of key Chinese component makers.

Tesla launches China AI training centre as self-driving race accelerates

US EV giant opens hub to advance its Full Self-Driving software, as Chinese carmakers step up their own L3 autonomous driving plans.

Fosun Pharma unit licenses lung cancer drug to Eisai in US$1.55 billion deal

The deal comes as Chinese novel drug makers are having more say in how their new medicines are developed with global partners.

China trials largest locally made AI computing resource in infrastructure push

The node is designed for large-scale AI scenarios, including trillion-parameter model training and high-throughput inference.

How Western brands are adapting to China’s changing consumer landscape

Starbucks’ China stake sale signals a seismic shift, as global firms retreat amid rising competition, price wars and evolving consumer tastes.

As Beijing and Moscow tout ties, China’s companies keep Ukraine’s lights on

Ukrainians are buying Chinese batteries and emergency items en masse after Russian strikes, with Beijing’s ties to Moscow no damper on trade.

Is Hong Kong barking up the wrong tree with dog-friendly restaurants?

Can pet-friendly premises really give Hong Kong’s economy a boost?

US and China defence sectors emerge as key battlegrounds in the race for AI

As both military powers vie to integrate innovative technology first, the race is on to develop and fast-track the latest advancements.

Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

My Take | Bus seat belt law not at the end of the road despite fiasco of the first attempt

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