Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Antelope Reef in the disputed Paracels is believed to be China’s most significant reclamation project in the strategic waters since it declared a halt to such activities about a decade ago. Photo: Handout

Why military base on contested Paracels will be of ‘limited’ value to Beijing

Chinese observers weigh in amid rising concern over Beijing’s land reclamation activities at Antelope Reef.

3 minutes agovideocam

South China Sea

Diplomacy

Why Beijing is blaming Japanese PM as Tokyo moves to downgrade China ties status

Tokyo’s annual diplomatic blue book set to describe China ties as ‘strategic’ and ‘mutually beneficial’, a step down from ‘most important’.

10 minutes agovideocam

China Economy

Why DHL is betting on rising Chinese exports – even as war and tariff risks grow

The global logistics giant still sees huge growth potential in the wave of Chinese companies looking to expand overseas.

2 hours agovideocam

Hong Kong

Singapore’s Lawrence Wong to visit Hong Kong after Boao Forum trip

Wong’s three-day official visit will be his first to Hong Kong as prime minister.

1 hour ago

Science

Workers assemble battery packs at Sunwoda Electric Vehicle Battery’s factory in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. Photo: Future Publishing via Getty Images

China-US study shows new EV battery tech can withstand global warming

Military

New Type 055 destroyers for PLA East China Fleet tested in first live-fire drill

Exercise will ‘rapidly integrate’ the advanced vessels into the joint combat system covering Taiwan and the seas near Japan.

4 hours ago

Intensive targeted live-fire exercises in mid-March for the Dongguan and Anqing Type 055 super destroyers simulated a range of combat operations, official media reported. Photo: Handout

Tech Trends

US move to ban China routers as part of onshoring push could be uphill battle

Foreign router makers seeking conditional approval must disclose details such as corporate structure and supply-chain information.

33 minutes ago

Global Economy

Economic ‘poison’? China has strong words for Japan’s ‘Takaichinomics’ strategy

Communist Party newspaper cautions against tying economic growth to ‘militaristic adventurism’, saying Japan’s citizens would shoulder the costs.

3 hours ago

Tech

Huawei’s commitment to global connectivity bridges digital divide

Tech company’s voice and data solutions serve 170 million people in remote areas in over 80 countries, Huawei Tech Cares Forum reveals.

In partnership with:

Huawei

South Asia

Pakistan hopes to mediate talks with US, Iran in Islamabad

It is possible that Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and US Vice-President J.D. Vance, could travel to Islamabad.

1 hour agovideocam

An Iranian man watches the news in Tehran. Photo: AFP

Politics

Chinese financial regulator and ex-corruption fighter Zhou Liang under probe

Authorities have zeroed in on the once-elite and opaque financial sector since the 2022 party congress.

1 hour agovideocam

Law and Crime

Swedish businessman in Hong Kong loses appeal in domestic helper rape case

Court of Appeal upholds conviction and sends Patrik Tobias Ekstrom, sentenced to seven years in prison for raping helper in 2022, back to jail.

2 hours ago

Middle East

Afghanistan releases detained US citizen after more than a year

Researcher Dennis Coyle, 64, was arrested in January 2025 on ‘violations of Afghanistan’s applicable laws’.

5 minutes ago

US citizen Dennis Coyle (middle) waits at the airport in Kabul on Tuesday after the Taliban released him. Photo: AFP

Middle East

Iran targets Israel and Gulf states after denying Trump claim of talks

There’s no sign of reduced fighting after the US president claimed there was dialogue in the Iran war.

22 minutes agovideocam

A man looks out of the window of a damaged building in Tel Aviv following Iranian missile barrages targeting central Israel. Photo: Reuters

Economics

Why Vietnam is leaning on Russia to weather energy turmoil

The energy shortage is ‘seriously threatening’ Vietnam’s growth objective and could dent the new leadership’s legitimacy, analysts say.

2 hours agovideocam

Society

Residents say there was no alarm as Tai Po blaze broke out - as it happened

One witness breaks into tears as she recounts the chaos of smoke entering her flat, mistaking it for renovation dust before escaping.

4 hours ago

Politics

Trump’s ‘wind-up doll’? Japan’s PM faces backlash over White House fawning

White House imagery showing Sanae Takaichi cheering for a rock song and laughing at a jibe at Joe Biden left some in Japan feeling ‘ashamed’.

3 hours agovideocam

A photograph published by the White House shows Takaichi arriving at an official dinner with her fists raised, handbag over one arm, apparently shouting with delight. Photo: White House

Arts

Chinese opera troupe’s retelling of ancient love story ends with a ‘brilliant’ surprise

At the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the new work ‘Red Wedding Bed’, based on the Liyuan opera classic, retells the tale of Chen San and Wu Niang.

3 hours ago

A scene from “Red Wedding Bed”, Fujian Province Liyuan Opera Inheritance Centre’s retelling of the Southern Song dynasty Chinese tale “Chen San and Wu Niang”, but with a different ending. Photo: courtesy of Hong Kong Arts Festival

Military

China slams Japan’s ‘kill network’ as long-range missile deployment looms

PLA Daily describes upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles as offensive weapons capable of targeting neighbouring countries.

3 hours agovideocam

China EVs

Memory costs ‘beyond imagination’ hurting smartphone makers: Xiaomi leader

Firms are being drawn into a price-raising cycle that could reshape the industry, executive says as company reports 27 per cent profit drop.

2 hours ago

OPINION

Alex Lo

As I see it | Donald Trump is the purest symbol of post-truth America

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Winston Mok

The View | Trump’s energy war over Iran is failing just like his China trade war

6 hours ago

Chenjie Song

Opinion | When it comes to the Persian Gulf, China’s top priority is economics

24 Mar 2026 - 9:30AM

Chietigj Bajpaee

Opinion | Look East? South Asia’s fate is far more intertwined with Middle East

24 Mar 2026 - 9:04AM

SCMP Editorial

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24 Mar 2026 - 7:15AM

Harry’s View | 24 Mar 2026

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3 minutes ago

International Rugby

New Zealand coach Rennie shakes up back room team as 2027 Rugby World Cup looms

3 minutes ago

Diplomacy

Why military base on contested Paracels will be of ‘limited’ value to Beijing

5 minutes ago

Middle East

Afghanistan releases detained US citizen after more than a year

11 minutes ago

Banking & Finance

Hong Kong a ‘safe harbour’ for family wealth as global tensions rise: officials

19 minutes ago

Law and Crime

Jealous Hongkonger who threatened to burn 6 media newsrooms jailed for 1 year

33 minutes ago

Tech Trends

US move to ban China routers as part of onshoring push could be uphill battle

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Hong Kong’s bid to win in AI: where are the road map and the guardrails?

Hong Kong’s AI revolution accelerates as policy funds skills training while industries and educators rush to integrate the shift.

16 Mar 2026 - 11:48AM

Exclusive | Hong Kong job openings hit 6-year low in 69% of sectors amid AI’s ascent

13 Mar 2026 - 10:05AM

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Open Questions series

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

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

Key Industries:

Big Tech

Nvidia’s Huang calls China ‘formidable’ in robotics as firm bets on physical AI

China’s microelectronics, motors, rare earth and magnets – which are foundational to robotics – are the world’s best, says Huang.

21 Mar 2026 - 6:18PM

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks during the company’s global AI conference in San Jose, California, March 17, 2026. Photo: Reuters

China EVs

Memory costs ‘beyond imagination’ hurting smartphone makers: Xiaomi leader

Firms are being drawn into a price-raising cycle that could reshape the industry, executive says as company reports 27 per cent profit drop.

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China

Video | Here’s what it takes to get a robot ready for the world

Each robot requires eight hours of rigorous testing to be ready for customers.

4 hours agovideocam

China Business

Rights to antibody drug from China’s Keymed change hands in US acquisition

Sichuan-based Keymed expects to receive up to US$320 million as a result of deal involving its autoimmune disease treatment licensed in 2024.

6 hours ago

Gilead Sciences is one of many drug firms facing a revenue gap owing to expiring patents. Photo: Reuters

China Economy

Chinese island province wants more than beachgoers as it chases economic growth

After three speculative booms – and busts – the island province is seeking sustainable growth based on new status as a free-trade port.

24 Mar 2026 - 9:38AMvideocam

China Economy

AI, flying cars drive economic transition in China’s Kunshan

City at heart of Yangtze River Delta region sees new tech dreams emerge as old ones based on mass production of electronics fade.

22 Mar 2026 - 6:51AM

Military

How long will US-Israel war on Iran last? Chinese analysts offer clues

Iran’s drones gaining edge as opponents burn through costly missiles, analysts note, as one labels the war a ‘serious mistake’ by US.

20 Mar 2026 - 6:00AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Why Beijing has struggled to rally Asia against Japan over PM’s Taiwan remarks

Many in the region harbour security concerns similar to Tokyo’s and prefer to stay neutral between the Asian heavyweights, analysts say.

19 Mar 2026 - 8:16AMvideocam

Why military base on contested Paracels will be of ‘limited’ value to Beijing

Chinese observers weigh in amid rising concern over Beijing’s land reclamation activities at Antelope Reef.

Why Beijing is blaming Japanese PM as Tokyo moves to downgrade China ties status

Tokyo’s annual diplomatic blue book set to describe China ties as ‘strategic’ and ‘mutually beneficial’, a step down from ‘most important’.

Why DHL is betting on rising Chinese exports – even as war and tariff risks grow

The global logistics giant still sees huge growth potential in the wave of Chinese companies looking to expand overseas.

Singapore’s Lawrence Wong to visit Hong Kong after Boao Forum trip

Wong’s three-day official visit will be his first to Hong Kong as prime minister.

China-US study shows new EV battery tech can withstand global warming

New Type 055 destroyers for PLA East China Fleet tested in first live-fire drill

Exercise will ‘rapidly integrate’ the advanced vessels into the joint combat system covering Taiwan and the seas near Japan.

US move to ban China routers as part of onshoring push could be uphill battle

Foreign router makers seeking conditional approval must disclose details such as corporate structure and supply-chain information.

Economic ‘poison’? China has strong words for Japan’s ‘Takaichinomics’ strategy

Communist Party newspaper cautions against tying economic growth to ‘militaristic adventurism’, saying Japan’s citizens would shoulder the costs.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}Huawei’s commitment to global connectivity bridges digital divide

Tech company’s voice and data solutions serve 170 million people in remote areas in over 80 countries, Huawei Tech Cares Forum reveals.

Pakistan hopes to mediate talks with US, Iran in Islamabad

It is possible that Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and US Vice-President J.D. Vance, could travel to Islamabad.

Chinese financial regulator and ex-corruption fighter Zhou Liang under probe

Authorities have zeroed in on the once-elite and opaque financial sector since the 2022 party congress.

Swedish businessman in Hong Kong loses appeal in domestic helper rape case

Court of Appeal upholds conviction and sends Patrik Tobias Ekstrom, sentenced to seven years in prison for raping helper in 2022, back to jail.

Afghanistan releases detained US citizen after more than a year

Researcher Dennis Coyle, 64, was arrested in January 2025 on ‘violations of Afghanistan’s applicable laws’.

Iran targets Israel and Gulf states after denying Trump claim of talks

There’s no sign of reduced fighting after the US president claimed there was dialogue in the Iran war.

Why Vietnam is leaning on Russia to weather energy turmoil

The energy shortage is ‘seriously threatening’ Vietnam’s growth objective and could dent the new leadership’s legitimacy, analysts say.

Residents say there was no alarm as Tai Po blaze broke out - as it happened

One witness breaks into tears as she recounts the chaos of smoke entering her flat, mistaking it for renovation dust before escaping.

Trump’s ‘wind-up doll’? Japan’s PM faces backlash over White House fawning

White House imagery showing Sanae Takaichi cheering for a rock song and laughing at a jibe at Joe Biden left some in Japan feeling ‘ashamed’.

Chinese opera troupe’s retelling of ancient love story ends with a ‘brilliant’ surprise

At the Hong Kong Arts Festival, the new work ‘Red Wedding Bed’, based on the Liyuan opera classic, retells the tale of Chen San and Wu Niang.

China slams Japan’s ‘kill network’ as long-range missile deployment looms

PLA Daily describes upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles as offensive weapons capable of targeting neighbouring countries.

Memory costs ‘beyond imagination’ hurting smartphone makers: Xiaomi leader

Firms are being drawn into a price-raising cycle that could reshape the industry, executive says as company reports 27 per cent profit drop.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}As I see it | Donald Trump is the purest symbol of post-truth America

The View | Trump’s energy war over Iran is failing just like his China trade war

Opinion | When it comes to the Persian Gulf, China’s top priority is economics

Opinion | Look East? South Asia’s fate is far more intertwined with Middle East

Editorial | Hong Kong graduates need to adapt to secure a job in the AI era

New Zealand coach Rennie shakes up back room team as 2027 Rugby World Cup looms

Why military base on contested Paracels will be of ‘limited’ value to Beijing

Afghanistan releases detained US citizen after more than a year

Hong Kong a ‘safe harbour’ for family wealth as global tensions rise: officials

Jealous Hongkonger who threatened to burn 6 media newsrooms jailed for 1 year

US move to ban China routers as part of onshoring push could be uphill battle

Hong Kong’s bid to win in AI: where are the road map and the guardrails?

Hong Kong’s AI revolution accelerates as policy funds skills training while industries and educators rush to integrate the shift.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Hong Kong job openings hit 6-year low in 69% of sectors amid AI’s ascent

Is AI displacing young people for entry-level jobs?

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.

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.

Nvidia’s Huang calls China ‘formidable’ in robotics as firm bets on physical AI

China’s microelectronics, motors, rare earth and magnets – which are foundational to robotics – are the world’s best, says Huang.

Memory costs ‘beyond imagination’ hurting smartphone makers: Xiaomi leader

Firms are being drawn into a price-raising cycle that could reshape the industry, executive says as company reports 27 per cent profit drop.

Video | Here’s what it takes to get a robot ready for the world

Each robot requires eight hours of rigorous testing to be ready for customers.

Rights to antibody drug from China’s Keymed change hands in US acquisition

Sichuan-based Keymed expects to receive up to US$320 million as a result of deal involving its autoimmune disease treatment licensed in 2024.

Chinese island province wants more than beachgoers as it chases economic growth

After three speculative booms – and busts – the island province is seeking sustainable growth based on new status as a free-trade port.

AI, flying cars drive economic transition in China’s Kunshan

City at heart of Yangtze River Delta region sees new tech dreams emerge as old ones based on mass production of electronics fade.

How long will US-Israel war on Iran last? Chinese analysts offer clues

Iran’s drones gaining edge as opponents burn through costly missiles, analysts note, as one labels the war a ‘serious mistake’ by US.

Why Beijing has struggled to rally Asia against Japan over PM’s Taiwan remarks

Many in the region harbour security concerns similar to Tokyo’s and prefer to stay neutral between the Asian heavyweights, analysts say.

Huawei’s commitment to global connectivity bridges digital divide

As I see it | Donald Trump is the purest symbol of post-truth America

Exclusive | Hong Kong job openings hit 6-year low in 69% of sectors amid AI’s ascent