Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

A view of China Telecom’s stand at the annual MWC Barcelona trade show held in March last year. Photo: Shutterstock

China Telecom develops MoE models trained entirely on Huawei’s AI chips

The state-owned telecoms network operator trains its TeleChat3 models on Huawei’s Ascend 910B chips.

5 hours ago

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

Semiconductors

Global Economy

China’s He Lifeng warns of ‘law of the jungle’, blasts protectionism, at Davos

Amid escalating transatlantic rifts fuelled by Donald Trump, vice-premier urges global cooperation, free trade and dialogue, pledging to boost imports and open China’s market.

6 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

China’s mega embassy in London approved, clearing way for Starmer visit

The prospect that Britain would block the planned new embassy had cast doubt on the prime minister’s planned trip to China this month.

5 hours ago

China

EU moves to force Huawei out of networks, opening door to wider China tech bans

European Commission plan would make vendor removals mandatory within three years and allow broader curbs if China is deemed a cyber risk.

1 minute agovideocam

Diplomacy

US President Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire for Greenland to become part of the United States. Photo: Reuters

Don’t expect Greenland crisis to realign EU with China, former US diplomat says

United States & Canada

Canada models response to US invasion as Trump posts ‘takeover’ map: report

As Trump hints at making Canada the ‘51st state’, a report reveals a theoretical defence strategy to resist US forces if necessary.

2 hours ago

Canadian soldiers and Afghan National Army members take positions during a joint operation to seek out Taliban fighters in Kandahar province in 2006. Photo: AP

China Economy

China’s zero-tariff gambit: why Beijing is slashing duties as Trump raises them

China’s average effective tariff rate estimated to be as low as 1.3 per cent in 2025, helping it secure raw materials and build soft power.

4 hours agovideocam

Law and Crime

Hong Kong police arrest 2 women as child abuse allegation goes viral online

Father makes social media post accusing helper of causing son’s brain haemorrhage day after two women arrested by police.

4 hours ago

Business

The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Found everywhere from food products to biofuel, this vegetable oil is preferred for its versatility, safety and sustainable production.

In partnership with:

MPOC

Palm oil is a versatile ingredient found in a wide range of everyday items, from ice cream and cake to lipstick and biofuel.

Diplomacy

China urges Taliban to tighten security after suicide attack on restaurant in Kabul

Militant group Isis-K claimed responsibility for the attack in the Afghan capital, says it has placed Chinese nationals on its target list.

6 hours agovideocam

Taliban security personnel stand guard at the scene of the attack in Kabul. Photo: AFP

United States & Canada

Bessent cites trade progress after meeting China’s He Lifeng in Davos

US Treasury chief says rare earths are flowing and China is buying soybeans as talks move towards an April Trump-Xi meeting.

2 hours agovideocam

Politics

Death toll rises to 9 after explosion at north China rare earth steel plant

The safety practices of Baotou Steel Group, the factory’s owner, have frequently come under criticism from authorities.

20 Jan 2026 - 8:40PM

Diplomacy

China sends emergency food aid to Cuba as US sanctions worsen shortages

First batch of rice arrives in Cuba under new Chinese programme while the island reels from abrupt halt in Venezuelan oil shipments.

5 hours agovideocam

Workers in Havana, Cuba stack donated rice that arrived from China on Monday. Photo: Xinhua

Diplomacy

Macron urges Europe to hit back against Trump’s threats

French president advocates use of the EU’s anti-coercion mechanism against US tariffs, as he warns of moving ‘towards a world without rules’.

16 minutes agovideocam

French President Emmanuel Macron, wearing aviator sunglasses due to an eye condition, delivers a speech during the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Photo: dpa

Europe

Almost half of Kyiv without heat, power after massive Russian strike

Over 5,600 buildings lose heat in sub-zero temperatures as Russia targets energy grids amid ongoing US-led peace negotiations.

20 Jan 2026 - 8:16PM

Global Economy

China’s Xi pushes ‘holistic’ execution by local cadres for 5-year plan

President emphasises need for comprehensive grasp of 2026-2030 goals, setting boundaries amid domestic malaise and external challenges to get the ball rolling.

5 hours ago

Politics

Critics in Taiwan question true cost of US deal hailed for tariff cut

Debate centres on Taiwan’s financial commitment to the US – whether US$250 billion or US$500 billion – and if it will harm the economy.

6 hours agovideocam

Taiwanese opposition parties have warned that what officials portray as a tariff win could carry heavy long-term costs for the island’s economy and industrial base. Photo: AFP

East Asia

How Project 2025 is reshaping immigration for Korean-Americans

Activist Kim Dong-seok warns lack of White House restraint has blurred immigration lines, leaving Korean-American residents in constant fear.

20 Jan 2026 - 4:51PMvideocam

ICE federal agents conducting an enforcement operation at a Hyundai-LG electric vehicle battery plant in Ellabell, Georgia, on September 4, 2025. Photo: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement/AFP

China Business

Chinese EV makers’ outlook overseas improves as Europe levels the playing field

Europe’s 33 per cent EV sales growth outpaces the mainland in 2025, while Germany launches a US$3.5 billion subsidy programme.

20 Jan 2026 - 8:12PM

Diplomacy

Japan’s last 2 giant pandas set for early trip home to China as tensions spiral

Return of twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei to mark first time Japan will be without any pandas since normalisation of diplomatic ties in 1972.

20 Jan 2026 - 8:56PMvideocam

OPINION

Brian Y. S. Wong

Opinion | Why isn’t Trump learning from past foreign policy mistakes?

20 Jan 2026 - 8:30PM

James David Spellman

Opinion | How generational wealth transfer will reshape China’s economy

20 Jan 2026 - 6:42PM

Andy Xie

Opinion | China’s focus is on stability as the US rocks the global boat

20 Jan 2026 - 10:10AM

Letters

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20 Jan 2026 - 11:30AM

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20 Jan 2026 - 7:34AM

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Middle East

Syria gives Kurds 4 days to accept integration, as US signals end of support

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Greenland PM warns islanders to prepare for possible US invasion

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United States & Canada

Canada models response to US invasion as Trump posts ‘takeover’ map: report

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Open Questions | ‘Embrace the moment’: on China, Daniel Kritenbrink puts pragmatism first

Former US ambassador to Vietnam says a return to the past for US-China relations is unrealistic, but both economic powers benefit from ties.

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Big Tech

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

17 Jan 2026 - 10:46AM

Big Tech

China Telecom develops MoE models trained entirely on Huawei’s AI chips

The state-owned telecoms network operator trains its TeleChat3 models on Huawei’s Ascend 910B chips.

5 hours ago

China Business

Chinese EV makers’ outlook overseas improves as Europe levels the playing field

Europe’s 33 per cent EV sales growth outpaces the mainland in 2025, while Germany launches a US$3.5 billion subsidy programme.

20 Jan 2026 - 8:12PM

China Economy

Shanghai unveils road map to rival world cities in finance, tech and innovation

Economic powerhouse has sights set on AI, advanced manufacturing and global financial services, reflecting a national 5-year plan’s first explicit financial-centre directive.

20 Jan 2026 - 11:00AM

A view of the Lujiazui financial district in Shanghai’s Pudong district is seen through an installation on October 27. The city has its sights set on financial and developmental advancements in the coming years. Photo: AFP

Global Economy

Can China’s cosmetics brands rival K-beauty and refashion global markets?

Once the top export market for South Korean cosmetics, Chinese firms lead at home and have made headway overseas – but gaps remain.

18 Jan 2026 - 6:06AMvideocam

Big Tech

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

17 Jan 2026 - 10:46AM

Diplomacy

Counting China’s ‘swing nation’ wins and losses in new era of power rivalry

As US-China race for hi-tech resources heats up across Global South, countries caught in the middle are under pressure to strike a balance.

17 Jan 2026 - 7:43AMvideocam

China Economy

A Chinese tech hub eyes 3- to 7-nanometre chip breakthroughs to beat US curbs

Province’s five-year plan backs national push for tech independence – but can it succeed?

16 Jan 2026 - 11:14AMvideocam

China is world’s largest chip manufacturer, demonstrating the country’s superiority in global supply chain. Photo: Shutterstock

China Telecom develops MoE models trained entirely on Huawei’s AI chips

The state-owned telecoms network operator trains its TeleChat3 models on Huawei’s Ascend 910B chips.

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

China’s He Lifeng warns of ‘law of the jungle’, blasts protectionism, at Davos

Amid escalating transatlantic rifts fuelled by Donald Trump, vice-premier urges global cooperation, free trade and dialogue, pledging to boost imports and open China’s market.

China’s mega embassy in London approved, clearing way for Starmer visit

The prospect that Britain would block the planned new embassy had cast doubt on the prime minister’s planned trip to China this month.

EU moves to force Huawei out of networks, opening door to wider China tech bans

European Commission plan would make vendor removals mandatory within three years and allow broader curbs if China is deemed a cyber risk.

Don’t expect Greenland crisis to realign EU with China, former US diplomat says

Canada models response to US invasion as Trump posts ‘takeover’ map: report

As Trump hints at making Canada the ‘51st state’, a report reveals a theoretical defence strategy to resist US forces if necessary.

China’s zero-tariff gambit: why Beijing is slashing duties as Trump raises them

China’s average effective tariff rate estimated to be as low as 1.3 per cent in 2025, helping it secure raw materials and build soft power.

Hong Kong police arrest 2 women as child abuse allegation goes viral online

Father makes social media post accusing helper of causing son’s brain haemorrhage day after two women arrested by police.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Found everywhere from food products to biofuel, this vegetable oil is preferred for its versatility, safety and sustainable production.

China urges Taliban to tighten security after suicide attack on restaurant in Kabul

Militant group Isis-K claimed responsibility for the attack in the Afghan capital, says it has placed Chinese nationals on its target list.

Bessent cites trade progress after meeting China’s He Lifeng in Davos

US Treasury chief says rare earths are flowing and China is buying soybeans as talks move towards an April Trump-Xi meeting.

Death toll rises to 9 after explosion at north China rare earth steel plant

The safety practices of Baotou Steel Group, the factory’s owner, have frequently come under criticism from authorities.

China sends emergency food aid to Cuba as US sanctions worsen shortages

First batch of rice arrives in Cuba under new Chinese programme while the island reels from abrupt halt in Venezuelan oil shipments.

Macron urges Europe to hit back against Trump’s threats

French president advocates use of the EU’s anti-coercion mechanism against US tariffs, as he warns of moving ‘towards a world without rules’.

Almost half of Kyiv without heat, power after massive Russian strike

Over 5,600 buildings lose heat in sub-zero temperatures as Russia targets energy grids amid ongoing US-led peace negotiations.

China’s Xi pushes ‘holistic’ execution by local cadres for 5-year plan

President emphasises need for comprehensive grasp of 2026-2030 goals, setting boundaries amid domestic malaise and external challenges to get the ball rolling.

Critics in Taiwan question true cost of US deal hailed for tariff cut

Debate centres on Taiwan’s financial commitment to the US – whether US$250 billion or US$500 billion – and if it will harm the economy.

How Project 2025 is reshaping immigration for Korean-Americans

Activist Kim Dong-seok warns lack of White House restraint has blurred immigration lines, leaving Korean-American residents in constant fear.

Chinese EV makers’ outlook overseas improves as Europe levels the playing field

Europe’s 33 per cent EV sales growth outpaces the mainland in 2025, while Germany launches a US$3.5 billion subsidy programme.

Japan’s last 2 giant pandas set for early trip home to China as tensions spiral

Return of twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei to mark first time Japan will be without any pandas since normalisation of diplomatic ties in 1972.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Why isn’t Trump learning from past foreign policy mistakes?

Opinion | How generational wealth transfer will reshape China’s economy

Opinion | China’s focus is on stability as the US rocks the global boat

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Prioritise scam victims’ well-being in fighting transnational cybercrime

Opinion | In Chinese astrology, why are benefactors and networking so important?

Syria gives Kurds 4 days to accept integration, as US signals end of support

Greenland PM warns islanders to prepare for possible US invasion

Macron urges Europe to hit back against Trump’s threats

Canada models response to US invasion as Trump posts ‘takeover’ map: report

Hong Kong motor trade sees red over tightened vehicle inspection rules

EU moves to force Huawei out of networks, opening door to wider China tech bans

The US has played its hand in Latin America. Will China’s firms there cash out?

After the abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, many Chinese entrepreneurs in the region say they are staying put – for now.

Why overseas residency is a ‘practical advantage’ for Chinese firms going global

Chinese companies expand globally

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.

Open Questions | Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

Political scientist says the Western-led global order remains useful, and the Belt and Road Initiative isn’t a geopolitical project.

Open Questions | ‘Embrace the moment’: on China, Daniel Kritenbrink puts pragmatism first

Former US ambassador to Vietnam says a return to the past for US-China relations is unrealistic, but both economic powers benefit from ties.

Open Questions | How new C100 chief plans to foster ties between Chinese-Americans and China

The Committee of 100’s president Paul Cheung has high hopes for Chinese-Americans’ relationship with China in these uncertain times.

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

China Telecom develops MoE models trained entirely on Huawei’s AI chips

The state-owned telecoms network operator trains its TeleChat3 models on Huawei’s Ascend 910B chips.

Chinese EV makers’ outlook overseas improves as Europe levels the playing field

Europe’s 33 per cent EV sales growth outpaces the mainland in 2025, while Germany launches a US$3.5 billion subsidy programme.

Shanghai unveils road map to rival world cities in finance, tech and innovation

Economic powerhouse has sights set on AI, advanced manufacturing and global financial services, reflecting a national 5-year plan’s first explicit financial-centre directive.

Can China’s cosmetics brands rival K-beauty and refashion global markets?

Once the top export market for South Korean cosmetics, Chinese firms lead at home and have made headway overseas – but gaps remain.

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

Counting China’s ‘swing nation’ wins and losses in new era of power rivalry

As US-China race for hi-tech resources heats up across Global South, countries caught in the middle are under pressure to strike a balance.

A Chinese tech hub eyes 3- to 7-nanometre chip breakthroughs to beat US curbs

Province’s five-year plan backs national push for tech independence – but can it succeed?

The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Opinion | Why isn’t Trump learning from past foreign policy mistakes?

Letters | Prioritise scam victims’ well-being in fighting transnational cybercrime