Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Security has been ramped up in the Pakistani capital Islamabad for talks between Iranian and American officials. Photo: EPA

US starts Hormuz mine-clearing preparations as Iran talks advance

The first direct, in-person talks between Iran and the US at this level since 1979 continue in Islamabad.

59 minutes ago

Iranian duo set to lead US ceasefire talks were once on Israeli hit list

US-Israel war on Iran

Science

Chinese crystal ‘paves way’ for GPS-free thorium clock navigation

World-first crystal tunes laser light to power ultra-precise, compact nuclear clocks which could guide submarines and deep-space probes.

5 hours agovideocam

Military

‘A big deal’: military drills show Tokyo’s growing focus on deterring China

Combat-ready Japanese troops are being deployed in the Philippines for the first time since Japan’s occupation of the country during World War II.

11 Apr 2026 - 8:08PM

Transport

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific and HK Express cut some flights as jet fuel prices rise

Cathay reduction affects flights mainly on regional routes, along with some services to Australia, South Asia and South Africa, from May 16 to June 30.

4 hours agovideocam

Focus

Vocational schools a new front as China backs businesses’ global expansion

Politics

UAE pulls US$3.5 billion from Pakistan after Iran war mediation

As Abu Dhabi signals its displeasure with Islamabad, analysts say other indebted partners will be watching closely.

11 Apr 2026 - 12:18PMvideocam

A shopkeeper displays Iranian flags after the US-Iran ceasefire announcement in Karachi, Pakistan, on Thursday. Photo: EPA

Politics

China targets middlemen in renewed crackdown on ‘hidden’ corruption

The top court and prosecutor signal how the criminal law can be aimed at the enablers of graft.

11 Apr 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

Economics

Nepal’s school fee crackdown upends South Asian private education norms

Nepal wants private schools to charge less and be more transparent. It could backfire, industry insiders say.

11 Apr 2026 - 5:00PM

Business

SMEs leverage Standard Chartered’s global network and expertise to achieve growth

Bank’s financial services and partnership with consultancy Altios help Singapore-headquartered company TFE expand into India.

In partnership with:

Standard Chartered

Diplomacy

Is this Kenyan rail project a model for Chinese and Western firms in Africa?

The Nairobi Railway City project is being built by Chinese contractor but Britain is helping to provide the funding.

11 Apr 2026 - 6:03PMvideocam

An artist’s impression of Nairobi’s new Central Train Station to be built by Chinese contractors. Photo: Handout

China Economy

China warns university students about lucrative job offers from foreign spies

Data processing or research jobs promising easy money could be ‘traps’ aimed at illegally collecting sensitive information, ministry says.

11 Apr 2026 - 4:00PM

Politics

Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs wraps up second bay area visit in 3 weeks

Xia Baolong’s successive trips underscore greater urgency from Beijing for Hong Kong’s integration, analysts say.

5 hours ago

South Asia

Fish and vegetarianism major flashpoints in India’s West Bengal election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party has promoted dietary restrictions as part of its Hindu nationalist agenda.

4 hours agovideocam

A labourer inspects a Hindustan Ambassador yellow taxi, transporting fish at a wholesale market on January 30, in Kolkata, West Bengal state, India. Photo: AFP

World

Russia and Ukraine begin 32-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter

Kyiv says it will reciprocate the Kremlin-ordered truce from Saturday afternoon until the end of Sunday.

6 hours agovideocam

Beams of light illuminate the sky over the graves of fallen Ukrainian soldiers as friends and relatives take part in a joint prayer and candlelight vigil at Lychakiv Military Cemetery in Lviv, western Ukraine, on February 23. Photo: EPA

Europe

Israeli spy firm Black Cube involved in Cyprus corruption probe

Black Cube came to prominence in 2017 for its operations aimed at discrediting women who accused Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault.

6 hours ago

Law and Crime

Gucci shoes worth HK$11,000 stolen from shopping centre restroom in Hong Kong

Shopper bought shoes from Gucci store in Times Square and left them in restroom only to discover them gone when she returned.

11 Apr 2026 - 7:52PM

Diplomacy

The winners from China’s growing intercity football rivalries may surprise you

Lighthearted contests between areas with different customs, dialects and cuisine encourage local pride but ultimate control is elsewhere.

11 Apr 2026 - 4:00PMvideocam

Supporters cheer during the final of the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League between Taizhou and Nantong on November 1. Photo: VCG via Getty Images

Big Tech

Samsung weighs China overhaul as local rivals pile on the pressure

Reports of a potential pullback come as domestic competitors gain ground in China, forcing Samsung to reassess where it deploys resources.

11 Apr 2026 - 4:07PM

Samsung is considering a broad restructuring of its China business, potentially exiting segments such as home appliances and displays, say analysts. Photo: Handout

Global Economy

‘Cancelling orders’ in China: Hormuz oil crisis hits transport and manufacturing

Analysts and industry insiders say higher costs are squeezing margins, with some of China’s wary industrial heartland compelled to make day-to-day purchases.

11 Apr 2026 - 1:00PMvideocam

Gadgets

How to get an iPod and set it up as Apple’s music device makes a comeback

From Nanos to Touches, Apple’s retro iPods are gaining fans years after being discontinued. Here’s a guide on finding them and what to avoid.

11 Apr 2026 - 7:15PM

OPINION

Cliff Buddle

My Take | Discovery Bay will never be the same if the restriction on taxi access is lifted

3 hours ago

Anthony Rowley

Macroscope | Can World Bank and IMF leaders rescue a global economy on the brink?

11 Apr 2026 - 4:30PM

Nguyen Khac Giang

Asian Angle | Who is Vietnam’s new Prime Minister Le Minh Hung?

11 Apr 2026 - 1:00PM

Alex Lo

As I see it | Helpful analysts predict China property recovery now, soon and much later

11 Apr 2026 - 9:30AM

Letters

Letters | Policy outcomes of Hong Kong’s mega-events can be improved

11 Apr 2026 - 11:30AM

Harry’s View | 12 Apr 2026

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Opinion

My Take | Discovery Bay will never be the same if the restriction on taxi access is lifted

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Society

Medical intern suspended after complaint over patient data in social media post

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South Asia

Fish and vegetarianism major flashpoints in India’s West Bengal election

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Science

Chinese crystal ‘paves way’ for GPS-free thorium clock navigation

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Russia and Ukraine begin 32-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter

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Traditional Russian wooden dolls depict Chinese President Xi Jinping, then US president-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a souvenir shop in St Petersburg, Russia, on November 21, 2024. Photo: AP

SCMP Series Trump’s 2026 trip to China

Exclusive | What does it mean for China if Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin visit back to back?

Expected trips in close succession highlight Beijing’s strategic effort to manage relations with the two in turbulent times, analysts say.

27 Mar 2026 - 11:40PMvideocam

Exclusive | What are the real reasons behind the change of date for Trump’s China visit?

21 Mar 2026 - 2:39PMvideocam

Exclusive | Trump ally Steve Daines will be first US senator to visit Hong Kong since 2019

20 Mar 2026 - 6:28PMvideocam

Open Questions series

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.

6 Apr 2026 - 10:01AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Kenneth Rogoff on why China’s yuan will be a reserve currency within 5 years

Harvard economist explains why cryptocurrencies will never take the US dollar’s place, despite their popularity in underground economies.

30 Mar 2026 - 10:03AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

As investors await Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences, two experts discuss the assets’ integration with the city’s economy – and the world’s.

25 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

Former diplomat posted to Beijing speaks on Iran, Taiwan and global supply chains as details of Xi-Trump meeting are worked out.

23 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech Trends

Chinese AI rivals clash over Anthropic’s OpenClaw exit amid global token crunch

Chinese companies are competing to offer the cheapest alternatives to premium US services from the likes of OpenAI and Anthropic.

6 Apr 2026 - 3:58PM

A lobster-shaped cutout representing OpenClaw stands outside the Baidu offices in Beijing, March 17, 2026. Photo: Reuters

Tech

China’s Li Qiang hosts Moonshot AI chief, urges faster industrial AI roll-out

Beijing signals stronger push to embed AI in manufacturing as premier meets rising start-up founders and industry leaders.

10 Apr 2026 - 11:30PM

Tech

Tencent moves to rein in AI content flood on WeChat with stricter rules

Updated guidelines target mass-produced and AI-rewritten posts, reflecting growing concern over the spread of low-effort content.

10 Apr 2026 - 9:31PM

Tech Trends

Alibaba takes on Seedance as AI rivalry offers glimpse into race for top talent

HappyHorse’s debut on the global stage has put the spotlight on its creator, Zhang Di, who has been away from Alibaba for five years.

10 Apr 2026 - 8:30PM

HappyHorse 1.0 was developed under the newly formed Alibaba Token Hub (ATH) business group. Photo: Handout

Politics

What next for the struggling rural mothers in China who helped to build AI?

Data-labelling workshops once hailed as a solution in the country’s poverty alleviation campaign face a painful reckoning.

5 Apr 2026 - 6:10AMvideocam

Society

Is it time to call an end to Hong Kong’s boar war?

Wild boar numbers have dropped by half in recent years, prompting calls from experts for an end to aggressive control measures such as culling.

2 Apr 2026 - 8:30AM

Science

Inside the shadowy practices plaguing China’s science awards

Beijing has rolled out new rules for investigating violations in scientific activities. So why are critics still pessimistic?

1 Apr 2026 - 9:50AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Europe’s crisis tourism: how the Iran war swallowed the EU’s geopolitical agenda

From trade with China to the Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock, Brussels’ agenda has been repeatedly knocked off course.

31 Mar 2026 - 6:03AMvideocam

US starts Hormuz mine-clearing preparations as Iran talks advance

The first direct, in-person talks between Iran and the US at this level since 1979 continue in Islamabad.

Iranian duo set to lead US ceasefire talks were once on Israeli hit list

Chinese crystal ‘paves way’ for GPS-free thorium clock navigation

World-first crystal tunes laser light to power ultra-precise, compact nuclear clocks which could guide submarines and deep-space probes.

‘A big deal’: military drills show Tokyo’s growing focus on deterring China

Combat-ready Japanese troops are being deployed in the Philippines for the first time since Japan’s occupation of the country during World War II.

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific and HK Express cut some flights as jet fuel prices rise

Cathay reduction affects flights mainly on regional routes, along with some services to Australia, South Asia and South Africa, from May 16 to June 30.

Vocational schools a new front as China backs businesses’ global expansion

UAE pulls US$3.5 billion from Pakistan after Iran war mediation

As Abu Dhabi signals its displeasure with Islamabad, analysts say other indebted partners will be watching closely.

China targets middlemen in renewed crackdown on ‘hidden’ corruption

The top court and prosecutor signal how the criminal law can be aimed at the enablers of graft.

Nepal’s school fee crackdown upends South Asian private education norms

Nepal wants private schools to charge less and be more transparent. It could backfire, industry insiders say.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}SMEs leverage Standard Chartered’s global network and expertise to achieve growth

Bank’s financial services and partnership with consultancy Altios help Singapore-headquartered company TFE expand into India.

Is this Kenyan rail project a model for Chinese and Western firms in Africa?

The Nairobi Railway City project is being built by Chinese contractor but Britain is helping to provide the funding.

China warns university students about lucrative job offers from foreign spies

Data processing or research jobs promising easy money could be ‘traps’ aimed at illegally collecting sensitive information, ministry says.

Beijing’s point man on Hong Kong affairs wraps up second bay area visit in 3 weeks

Xia Baolong’s successive trips underscore greater urgency from Beijing for Hong Kong’s integration, analysts say.

Fish and vegetarianism major flashpoints in India’s West Bengal election

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party has promoted dietary restrictions as part of its Hindu nationalist agenda.

Russia and Ukraine begin 32-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter

Kyiv says it will reciprocate the Kremlin-ordered truce from Saturday afternoon until the end of Sunday.

Israeli spy firm Black Cube involved in Cyprus corruption probe

Black Cube came to prominence in 2017 for its operations aimed at discrediting women who accused Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual assault.

Gucci shoes worth HK$11,000 stolen from shopping centre restroom in Hong Kong

Shopper bought shoes from Gucci store in Times Square and left them in restroom only to discover them gone when she returned.

The winners from China’s growing intercity football rivalries may surprise you

Lighthearted contests between areas with different customs, dialects and cuisine encourage local pride but ultimate control is elsewhere.

Samsung weighs China overhaul as local rivals pile on the pressure

Reports of a potential pullback come as domestic competitors gain ground in China, forcing Samsung to reassess where it deploys resources.

‘Cancelling orders’ in China: Hormuz oil crisis hits transport and manufacturing

Analysts and industry insiders say higher costs are squeezing margins, with some of China’s wary industrial heartland compelled to make day-to-day purchases.

How to get an iPod and set it up as Apple’s music device makes a comeback

From Nanos to Touches, Apple’s retro iPods are gaining fans years after being discontinued. Here’s a guide on finding them and what to avoid.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}My Take | Discovery Bay will never be the same if the restriction on taxi access is lifted

Macroscope | Can World Bank and IMF leaders rescue a global economy on the brink?

Asian Angle | Who is Vietnam’s new Prime Minister Le Minh Hung?

As I see it | Helpful analysts predict China property recovery now, soon and much later

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Policy outcomes of Hong Kong’s mega-events can be improved

My Take | Discovery Bay will never be the same if the restriction on taxi access is lifted

Medical intern suspended after complaint over patient data in social media post

Fish and vegetarianism major flashpoints in India’s West Bengal election

Chinese crystal ‘paves way’ for GPS-free thorium clock navigation

SCMP Best Bets: Endued can show his quality at Sha Tin

Russia and Ukraine begin 32-hour ceasefire for Orthodox Easter

Exclusive | What does it mean for China if Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin visit back to back?

Expected trips in close succession highlight Beijing’s strategic effort to manage relations with the two in turbulent times, analysts say.

Exclusive | What are the real reasons behind the change of date for Trump’s China visit?

Exclusive | Trump ally Steve Daines will be first US senator to visit Hong Kong since 2019

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.

Open Questions | Kenneth Rogoff on why China’s yuan will be a reserve currency within 5 years

Harvard economist explains why cryptocurrencies will never take the US dollar’s place, despite their popularity in underground economies.

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

As investors await Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences, two experts discuss the assets’ integration with the city’s economy – and the world’s.

Open Questions | Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

Former diplomat posted to Beijing speaks on Iran, Taiwan and global supply chains as details of Xi-Trump meeting are worked out.

Chinese AI rivals clash over Anthropic’s OpenClaw exit amid global token crunch

Chinese companies are competing to offer the cheapest alternatives to premium US services from the likes of OpenAI and Anthropic.

China’s Li Qiang hosts Moonshot AI chief, urges faster industrial AI roll-out

Beijing signals stronger push to embed AI in manufacturing as premier meets rising start-up founders and industry leaders.

Tencent moves to rein in AI content flood on WeChat with stricter rules

Updated guidelines target mass-produced and AI-rewritten posts, reflecting growing concern over the spread of low-effort content.

Alibaba takes on Seedance as AI rivalry offers glimpse into race for top talent

HappyHorse’s debut on the global stage has put the spotlight on its creator, Zhang Di, who has been away from Alibaba for five years.

What next for the struggling rural mothers in China who helped to build AI?

Data-labelling workshops once hailed as a solution in the country’s poverty alleviation campaign face a painful reckoning.

Is it time to call an end to Hong Kong’s boar war?

Wild boar numbers have dropped by half in recent years, prompting calls from experts for an end to aggressive control measures such as culling.

Inside the shadowy practices plaguing China’s science awards

Beijing has rolled out new rules for investigating violations in scientific activities. So why are critics still pessimistic?

Europe’s crisis tourism: how the Iran war swallowed the EU’s geopolitical agenda

From trade with China to the Middle East conflict and resulting energy shock, Brussels’ agenda has been repeatedly knocked off course.

SMEs leverage Standard Chartered’s global network and expertise to achieve growth

My Take | Discovery Bay will never be the same if the restriction on taxi access is lifted

Letters | Policy outcomes of Hong Kong’s mega-events can be improved