Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Donald Trump has called on other countries to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Reuters

China says it’s still talking to US about Trump trip after threat to delay

Two sides still ‘in communication’, foreign ministry says, after US leader hints he could postpone visit unless Beijing helps reopen Strait of Hormuz.

1 minute agovideocam

From ‘love and hate’ to nationalism, can Xi and Trump rebalance ties?

2026 Trump-Xi summit

Global Economy

No ships cross Strait of Hormuz for first time since conflict began, data shows

Transits drop to zero but vessels cluster outside corridor, signalling expectations of a reopening, maritime analytics firm says.

1 hour ago

China Economy

How record F1 crowds are accelerating Shanghai’s bid to be a global sports hub

Setting a near 20-year attendance record, this year’s race strengthened the city’s case as global event venue – and China’s efforts to spur consumption.

2 hours ago

Hong Kong Economy

Google to open Gemini chatbot to all Hong Kong users amid city’s AI push

Google Hong Kong’s Michael Yue says move will drive more creativity and productivity and help achieve commitment to advancing Hong Kong together.

36 minutes ago

Economy

People shop at a duty-free shopping mall in Sanya, south China’s Hainan province, on December 18, 2025. Photo: Xinhua

China’s economy starts 2026 strongly as retail sales, investment rise

Science

Could this Chinese breakthrough pave way for global organ transplant system?

Researchers in China report reviving and transplanting animal organs after freezing them at sub-zero temperatures for several days.

2 hours agovideocam

With preservation limited to a single day at most, transplants remain more like emergency procedures than elective surgeries. Photo: Shutterstock

Tech Trends

Chinese smartphone makers Vivo, Oppo raise prices as memory costs surge

Unable to absorb rising memory-chip prices, popular handset makers are passing on the costs to consumers.

22 minutes ago

Lifestyle & Culture

Most Filipino women think a woman’s place is in the home, survey finds

A record 83 per cent of women in the Philippines now say they find domestic life as fulfilling as a career, a 30-year high.

22 minutes ago

Business

How Schneider Electric powers Hong Kong’s ecosystem innovation

InvestHK backs firm’s efforts to optimise energy use in city’s buildings, infrastructure and transport as part of its low-carbon transition.

In partnership with:

InvestHK

A charging station designed for both private and commercial use was one of Schneider Electric’s eMobility solutions showcased at last October’s Innovation Summit Hong Kong 2025. Photo: Schneider Electric

Science

Things ‘I do not like’ led me to quit US for Hong Kong, top mathematician says

The academic also says he is motivated by his vision to make Asia an intellectual powerhouse for science and learning.

16 Mar 2026 - 12:03PMvideocam

Ngo Bao Chau says he wants to help turn Asia into a powerhouse of maths and science. Photo: Handout

Business

China’s first-tier home prices stabilise in February after a 9-month decline

Annual price declines deepen nationwide, with policy support and supply reforms seen as key to recovery.

2 hours ago

Diplomacy

China’s supply chain meets the wall of African resource nationalism

As resource-rich nations introduce export bans and other limits, analyst says investment may not automatically follow.

38 minutes agovideocam

Economics

Deal or no deal? Malaysia-US trade pact in turmoil after minister ‘misspeaks’

First, a minister called the deal dead. Then his ministry backtracked. Now the opposition is demanding answers.

2 hours agovideocam

US President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim pictured in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, last October. Photo: AP

Middle East

Trump warns he ‘may delay’ China visit in demand for countries to secure Hormuz

Some allies say no to ships, after US president demands at least seven countries help secure the strategic waterway.

5 minutes agovideocam

105

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping when they met in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Middle East

Iran to turn bombed girls’ school into museum commemorating US ‘crimes’

At least 168 pupils, 26 teachers and four parents were killed in the attack in the southern city of Minab on February 28.

32 minutes agovideocam

Society

Hong Kong watchdog warns 24-hour gym users of hidden costs, data privacy risks

Consumer Council urges users to weigh short-term costs and review privacy terms before signing up, with fees and policies varying citywide.

4 hours ago

China Economy

China and US trade talks off to a low-key start after first meeting in Paris

Discussions expected to focus on trade, investment and rare earths ahead of crucial Xi-Trump summit later this month in Beijing.

16 Mar 2026 - 9:33AMvideocam

The Chinese delegation arrives in Paris for trade talks with the United States on Sunday. The first meeting between the world’s two biggest economies proved to be a low-key affair. Photo: EPA

Middle East

Dubai flights disrupted after drone attack near airport; missile kills 1 in Abu Dhabi

Dubai’s international airport gradually resuming flights after a fuel tank fire caused by a drone attack.

2 hours ago

Smoke rises from an ongoing near Dubai International Airport. Photo: AFP

Politics

Myanmar’s junta-proxy parliament meets for first time since 2021 coup

Stacked with military allies and ex-generals, the new assembly aims to legitimise a regime the United Nations and EU have branded a sham.

4 hours agovideocam

Travel & Leisure

Shizuoka, in Japan, needs more tourists. How does it attract them?

For tourists tired of cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Shizuoka offers a quieter experience of Japanese culture. But how can it market itself?

2 hours agovideocam

OPINION

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The View | Why Iran war disruption isn’t enough to unsettle Asia’s hotels

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Lisa Lim

Language Matters | Amid new oil crisis, how the word ‘oil’ evolved from its food-based origins

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Opinion | Mainland-style oversight system could help Legco to deliver

16 Mar 2026 - 9:30AM

Letters

Letters | US has succeeded in plunging Middle East into dangerous conflict

16 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

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Video | Trump to delay China visit if Beijing doesn’t send ships to Hormuz

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Diplomacy

China says it’s still talking to US about Trump trip after threat to delay

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Most Filipino women think a woman’s place is in the home, survey finds

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As a senator, Marco Rubio had cultivated a reputation as a China hawk. Photo: AP

SCMP Series Trump’s 2026 trip to China

Exclusive | Sanctioned Rubio to take part in Trump’s China trip despite previous missed opportunities

The formerly hawkish US secretary of state has been sanctioned by Beijing and sources say he has previously appeared reluctant to visit.

13 Mar 2026 - 6:18AMvideocam

Exclusive | Could China’s rare earth supplies dictate how long US strikes on Iran go on?

10 Mar 2026 - 11:59PMvideocam

Exclusive | Trump’s China visit confined to Beijing due to schedule, security needs: sources

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Open Questions series

Military

Open Questions | Why Iran war may drive East Asia nuclear race, hit China in Mideast: Zhao Tong

Carnegie nuclear policy expert says law of the jungle signalled by US actions could spur more countries to pursue nuclear weapons.

16 Mar 2026 - 10:04AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Strikes on Iran not the biggest threat to China’s belt and road goals: Pan Guang

Mainland academic assesses the risks to Chinese investment and diplomacy in the region and what it means for the other main players.

9 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

Global Economy

Open Questions | Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

5 Mar 2026 - 5:24PM

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.

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Big Tech

China’s OpenClaw users paid to install viral AI. Now they spend to remove it

The shift comes as top cybersecurity expert warns country now home to 40 per cent of global assets linked to OpenClaw.

13 Mar 2026 - 2:40PMvideocam

China Business

Chinese carmakers step up global expansion using idled foreign facilities

Great Wall Motors, Geely and other Chinese carmakers are using an asset-light strategy to accelerate their growth overseas.

15 Mar 2026 - 8:00PM

Big Tech

China AI start-up Moonshot snags funds at US$18 billion valuation

Firm aims to raise US$1 billion, which would more than quadruple its valuation compared with three months ago.

15 Mar 2026 - 6:00PM

Big Tech

ByteDance said to hold Seedance AI video tool launch after copyright row

Reported moves follows copyright complaints by Disney and other Hollywood studios.

15 Mar 2026 - 5:10PM

ByteDance had been aiming to make the new video model available to customers worldwide in mid-March. Photo: VCG via Getty Images

Military

How are military helicopters evolving to adapt to the age of drone warfare?

Armed forces such as the US and China are increasingly arming themselves with UAVs, but analysts believe crewed aircraft still have a role.

15 Mar 2026 - 6:17AMvideocam

Tech Trends

Inside the OpenClaw AI mania in China, as security fears and enthusiasm surge

Appeal of autonomous AI agent spurs rapid adoption across country, from tech pros to retirees seeking a ‘digital staff’, but data wipes mar its rise and trigger warnings.

14 Mar 2026 - 6:53AMvideocam

China Economy

China’s industrial policy goes global, challenging decades of free market rule

China’s tighter embrace of industrial policy in recent years has transformed its economy – and other countries are following suit.

12 Mar 2026 - 8:53AM

China Economy

Why China’s red-hot tech push is leaving some sectors out in the cold

Beijing’s preferences for innovation and emerging industries are affecting businesses’ development paths and reshaping the corporate landscape.

11 Mar 2026 - 6:16AMvideocam

China says it’s still talking to US about Trump trip after threat to delay

Two sides still ‘in communication’, foreign ministry says, after US leader hints he could postpone visit unless Beijing helps reopen Strait of Hormuz.

From ‘love and hate’ to nationalism, can Xi and Trump rebalance ties?

No ships cross Strait of Hormuz for first time since conflict began, data shows

Transits drop to zero but vessels cluster outside corridor, signalling expectations of a reopening, maritime analytics firm says.

How record F1 crowds are accelerating Shanghai’s bid to be a global sports hub

Setting a near 20-year attendance record, this year’s race strengthened the city’s case as global event venue – and China’s efforts to spur consumption.

Google to open Gemini chatbot to all Hong Kong users amid city’s AI push

Google Hong Kong’s Michael Yue says move will drive more creativity and productivity and help achieve commitment to advancing Hong Kong together.

China’s economy starts 2026 strongly as retail sales, investment rise

Could this Chinese breakthrough pave way for global organ transplant system?

Researchers in China report reviving and transplanting animal organs after freezing them at sub-zero temperatures for several days.

Chinese smartphone makers Vivo, Oppo raise prices as memory costs surge

Unable to absorb rising memory-chip prices, popular handset makers are passing on the costs to consumers.

Most Filipino women think a woman’s place is in the home, survey finds

A record 83 per cent of women in the Philippines now say they find domestic life as fulfilling as a career, a 30-year high.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How Schneider Electric powers Hong Kong’s ecosystem innovation

InvestHK backs firm’s efforts to optimise energy use in city’s buildings, infrastructure and transport as part of its low-carbon transition.

Things ‘I do not like’ led me to quit US for Hong Kong, top mathematician says

The academic also says he is motivated by his vision to make Asia an intellectual powerhouse for science and learning.

China’s first-tier home prices stabilise in February after a 9-month decline

Annual price declines deepen nationwide, with policy support and supply reforms seen as key to recovery.

China’s supply chain meets the wall of African resource nationalism

As resource-rich nations introduce export bans and other limits, analyst says investment may not automatically follow.

Deal or no deal? Malaysia-US trade pact in turmoil after minister ‘misspeaks’

First, a minister called the deal dead. Then his ministry backtracked. Now the opposition is demanding answers.

Trump warns he ‘may delay’ China visit in demand for countries to secure Hormuz

Some allies say no to ships, after US president demands at least seven countries help secure the strategic waterway.

Iran to turn bombed girls’ school into museum commemorating US ‘crimes’

At least 168 pupils, 26 teachers and four parents were killed in the attack in the southern city of Minab on February 28.

Hong Kong watchdog warns 24-hour gym users of hidden costs, data privacy risks

Consumer Council urges users to weigh short-term costs and review privacy terms before signing up, with fees and policies varying citywide.

China and US trade talks off to a low-key start after first meeting in Paris

Discussions expected to focus on trade, investment and rare earths ahead of crucial Xi-Trump summit later this month in Beijing.

Dubai flights disrupted after drone attack near airport; missile kills 1 in Abu Dhabi

Dubai’s international airport gradually resuming flights after a fuel tank fire caused by a drone attack.

Myanmar’s junta-proxy parliament meets for first time since 2021 coup

Stacked with military allies and ex-generals, the new assembly aims to legitimise a regime the United Nations and EU have branded a sham.

Shizuoka, in Japan, needs more tourists. How does it attract them?

For tourists tired of cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Shizuoka offers a quieter experience of Japanese culture. But how can it market itself?

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}The View | Why Iran war disruption isn’t enough to unsettle Asia’s hotels

Language Matters | Amid new oil crisis, how the word ‘oil’ evolved from its food-based origins

Opinion | Mainland-style oversight system could help Legco to deliver

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | US has succeeded in plunging Middle East into dangerous conflict

Opinion | How US-Israel war on Iran rocks foundations of the Abraham Accords

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | Trump to delay China visit if Beijing doesn’t send ships to Hormuz

China says it’s still talking to US about Trump trip after threat to delay

Most Filipino women think a woman’s place is in the home, survey finds

Chinese smartphone makers Vivo, Oppo raise prices as memory costs surge

Iran to turn bombed girls’ school into museum commemorating US ‘crimes’

Google to open Gemini chatbot to all Hong Kong users amid city’s AI push

Exclusive | Sanctioned Rubio to take part in Trump’s China trip despite previous missed opportunities

The formerly hawkish US secretary of state has been sanctioned by Beijing and sources say he has previously appeared reluctant to visit.

Exclusive | Could China’s rare earth supplies dictate how long US strikes on Iran go on?

Exclusive | Trump’s China visit confined to Beijing due to schedule, security needs: sources

Open Questions | Why Iran war may drive East Asia nuclear race, hit China in Mideast: Zhao Tong

Carnegie nuclear policy expert says law of the jungle signalled by US actions could spur more countries to pursue nuclear weapons.

Open Questions | Strikes on Iran not the biggest threat to China’s belt and road goals: Pan Guang

Mainland academic assesses the risks to Chinese investment and diplomacy in the region and what it means for the other main players.

Open Questions | Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

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.

China’s OpenClaw users paid to install viral AI. Now they spend to remove it

The shift comes as top cybersecurity expert warns country now home to 40 per cent of global assets linked to OpenClaw.

Chinese carmakers step up global expansion using idled foreign facilities

Great Wall Motors, Geely and other Chinese carmakers are using an asset-light strategy to accelerate their growth overseas.

China AI start-up Moonshot snags funds at US$18 billion valuation

Firm aims to raise US$1 billion, which would more than quadruple its valuation compared with three months ago.

ByteDance said to hold Seedance AI video tool launch after copyright row

Reported moves follows copyright complaints by Disney and other Hollywood studios.

How are military helicopters evolving to adapt to the age of drone warfare?

Armed forces such as the US and China are increasingly arming themselves with UAVs, but analysts believe crewed aircraft still have a role.

Inside the OpenClaw AI mania in China, as security fears and enthusiasm surge

Appeal of autonomous AI agent spurs rapid adoption across country, from tech pros to retirees seeking a ‘digital staff’, but data wipes mar its rise and trigger warnings.

China’s industrial policy goes global, challenging decades of free market rule

China’s tighter embrace of industrial policy in recent years has transformed its economy – and other countries are following suit.

Why China’s red-hot tech push is leaving some sectors out in the cold

Beijing’s preferences for innovation and emerging industries are affecting businesses’ development paths and reshaping the corporate landscape.

How Schneider Electric powers Hong Kong’s ecosystem innovation

The View | Why Iran war disruption isn’t enough to unsettle Asia’s hotels

Letters | US has succeeded in plunging Middle East into dangerous conflict

Video | Trump to delay China visit if Beijing doesn’t send ships to Hormuz