Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

The DeepSeek app is seen on a mobile phone screen in Beijing on January 27, 2025. Photo: AFP

China’s DeepSeek prices new V4 AI model at 97% below OpenAI’s GPT-5.5

DeepSeek’s move aims to attract more enterprise clients, developers and agent-based users, according to an academic.

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OpenClaw adds DeepSeek V4 models as tech world assesses Huawei tie-up

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Diplomacy

Why experts say trade wins aren’t enough for Xi-Trump summit in May

Former diplomat warns ‘malpractice-like’ lack of preparation for meeting could hollow out potential for productive talks.

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China Economy

In China, a France-sized population loss begins to test coastal powerhouses

Rising pension burdens and social security subsidies are also straining public finances – though trends remain uneven, analysts say.

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Health & Environment

Hong Kong to block off parts of Sharp Island shore to protect corals over break

Authorities expect 1,000 visitors in the area each day during the coming Labour Day ‘golden week’ holiday.

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Focus

Why tougher US visa rules for skilled foreign workers may end in ‘brain drain’

Diplomacy

Trump’s Golden Dome targets China’s ‘hypersonic weapons, cruise missiles’

US president’s US$185 billion missile defence shield to counter Chinese, Russian missile arsenals, a senior Pentagon official told Congress.

8 minutes agovideocam

The Trump administration’s Golden Dome concept is expected to identify incoming projectiles, calculate their trajectories, and deploy interceptor missiles to destroy them mid-flight. Photo: Lockheed Martin

Companies

Rolls-Royce boosts China presence with engine maintenance venture

The maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Beijing will be capable of handling up to 250 shop visits per year.

32 minutes ago

Economics

Will Asean’s scramble for Russian oil fuel shift in regional alliances?

Southeast Asia’s pivot may be for economic reasons, but some analysts warn Moscow could seek to build lasting influence in the region.

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Tech

How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Huawei Technologies’ monitoring systems speed up real-time identification of China’s primates, coastal coral, and Norwegian salmon.

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Huawei

Diplomacy

Trump and Iran trade red lines as Putin enters the diplomatic crossfire

Message via Pakistan outlines terms on nuclear work and Strait of Hormuz, as Moscow signals support and Washington considers next move.

3 hours agovideocam

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, meets Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Monday in St Petersburg. Photo: AP

Middle East

Hezbollah disarmament ‘must happen’, Lebanese minister tells US think tank

Haneen Sayed said in Washington that the process would take time, as the group was a ‘community’, not merely a militant organisation.

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Science

Chinese supercomputers help crack mystery of Yellowstone volcanic plumbing

Scientists who started research in the US make breakthrough after returning to China and gaining access to domestic computing power.

27 Apr 2026 - 10:21PMvideocam

United States & Canada

Trump demands immediate sacking of TV host Jimmy Kimmel over ‘despicable’ joke

Trump joined his wife Melania in calling for ABC to fire Kimmel after the comedian said the first lady had a ‘glow like an expectant widow’.

5 hours agovideocam

US TV host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel. Photo: AFP

Diplomacy

2 months into the Iran war, who holds the upper hand?

Analysts are divided on who has the most to lose as the conflict drags on.

27 Apr 2026 - 10:08PMvideocam

The war in Iran is dragging on in part because both sides remain confident that time is on their side, according to one analyst. Photo: AFP

Big Tech

China blocks Meta’s Manus deal after months-long probe, thwarting purchase

Economic planner asks both parties to withdraw from deal for AI firm, in move with wider implications for other start-ups operating overseas.

27 Apr 2026 - 7:35PMvideocam

United States & Canada

‘Looming’ risk of nuclear arms race, UN proliferation meeting hears

With atomic powers at loggerheads over safeguards, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned trust is wearing thin.

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United States & Canada

Suspect in Washington dinner shooting charged with trying to assassinate Trump

Cole Tomas Allen, who has referred to himself as the ‘Friendly Federal Assassin’ could face a life sentence if convicted.

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Policed detain Cole Tomas Allen after a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington on Saturday. Photo: Donald J Trump via Truth Social / Handout via Reuters

China Economy

China outlines new labour protection plan for nation’s 200 million gig workers

The 12-point document pledges stronger protections for gig-economy workforce, which has rapidly grown amid China’s economic slowdown.

27 Apr 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

A group of delivery riders for the Chinese online platform Meituan takes a break in Chongqing, southwest China. Photo: Getty Images

Health & Wellness

The 10-minute morning exercise workout that millions of Japanese people do

Over 20 million people in Japan practice a Radio Taiso session at least once a week in a country with one of the highest life expectancies.

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United States & Canada

King Charles arrives in US for trip overshadowed by Iran quarrel and shooting

The state visit, the most consequential of Charles’ reign, marks 250 years since the US declaration of independence from British rule.

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OPINION

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SCMP Series

China takes stock as world frets over Mythos

US-Israel war on Iran

AI's impact on Hong Kong

Anthropic’s strong anti-China stance has increased the possibility that the US could use Mythos-type models to conduct cyberattacks against China, according to a cybersecurity expert. Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images

SCMP Series China takes stock as world frets over Mythos

From scepticism to concern: Mythos panic is slowly starting to reach China

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said on its influential social media account that Mythos showed ‘unprecedented cyberattack capabilities’.

3-MIN READ

Why Anthropic’s Mythos has energised China’s cybersecurity industry

3-MIN READ

Anthropic’s Mythos is stoking cybersecurity fears. What does it mean for China?

3-MIN READ

Open Questions series

China Economy

Open Questions | Why China’s yuan faces the same ‘illusions’ that stalled the euro: Daniel Gros

Former European economic adviser says Beijing’s bid to build an international currency will hinge on leaders allowing it to fluctuate freely.

10-MIN READvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

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Science

Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang

Kunyu Wanguo Quantu and maritime artefacts prove China explored the world earlier than Eurocentric accounts suggest, scholar argues.

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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.

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Key Industries:

Big Tech

As DJI duels Insta360, China sharpens global hardware edge amid US scrutiny

Western competitors like GoPro face shrinking footprints as strategic shifts of Chinese firms disrupt the status quo while navigating FCC-led national security bans.

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Tech Trends

China’s DeepSeek prices new V4 AI model at 97% below OpenAI’s GPT-5.5

DeepSeek’s move aims to attract more enterprise clients, developers and agent-based users, according to an academic.

2-MIN READ

Tech Trends

Chinese optical chipmaker’s profit soars 1,153% on strong AI demand

Yuanjie Semiconductor Technology’s profit gain matches its elevenfold share price increase over the past year.

2-MIN READ

Tech Trends

Chinese robotaxi firms accelerate global roll-outs as cost edge drives expansion

Pony AI and WeRide harness China’s supply chain strength to cut costs, boost efficiency and scale robotaxi fleets worldwide.

2-MIN READ

A Pony AI robotaxi is displayed at the Beijing Auto Show. Photo: DPA

Science

Will China’s mathematicians join a global effort to boycott the United States?

Question hovers as world’s premier mathematics conference faces revolt over American visa rules and foreign policies.

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Big Tech

As DJI duels Insta360, China sharpens global hardware edge amid US scrutiny

Western competitors like GoPro face shrinking footprints as strategic shifts of Chinese firms disrupt the status quo while navigating FCC-led national security bans.

7-MIN READvideocam

Tech

Prognosis positive: how AI could help China bridge the medical resources gap

Hospitals, medical professionals and patients stand to benefit as country pushes to integrate AI into healthcare sector.

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Hong Kong

How fire safety failures worsened Hong Kong’s deadly inferno

The second round of hearings from April 8 to April 17 exposed a series of failures that allowed the fire equipment and alarm system in Wang Fuk Court to be deactivated for months, and eventually contributed to the heavy death toll.

1-MIN READ

How fire safety failures worsened Hong Kong’s deadly inferno

China’s DeepSeek prices new V4 AI model at 97% below OpenAI’s GPT-5.5

DeepSeek’s move aims to attract more enterprise clients, developers and agent-based users, according to an academic.

OpenClaw adds DeepSeek V4 models as tech world assesses Huawei tie-up

Why experts say trade wins aren’t enough for Xi-Trump summit in May

Former diplomat warns ‘malpractice-like’ lack of preparation for meeting could hollow out potential for productive talks.

In China, a France-sized population loss begins to test coastal powerhouses

Rising pension burdens and social security subsidies are also straining public finances – though trends remain uneven, analysts say.

Hong Kong to block off parts of Sharp Island shore to protect corals over break

Authorities expect 1,000 visitors in the area each day during the coming Labour Day ‘golden week’ holiday.

Why tougher US visa rules for skilled foreign workers may end in ‘brain drain’

Trump’s Golden Dome targets China’s ‘hypersonic weapons, cruise missiles’

US president’s US$185 billion missile defence shield to counter Chinese, Russian missile arsenals, a senior Pentagon official told Congress.

Rolls-Royce boosts China presence with engine maintenance venture

The maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Beijing will be capable of handling up to 250 shop visits per year.

Will Asean’s scramble for Russian oil fuel shift in regional alliances?

Southeast Asia’s pivot may be for economic reasons, but some analysts warn Moscow could seek to build lasting influence in the region.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Huawei Technologies’ monitoring systems speed up real-time identification of China’s primates, coastal coral, and Norwegian salmon.

Trump and Iran trade red lines as Putin enters the diplomatic crossfire

Message via Pakistan outlines terms on nuclear work and Strait of Hormuz, as Moscow signals support and Washington considers next move.

Hezbollah disarmament ‘must happen’, Lebanese minister tells US think tank

Haneen Sayed said in Washington that the process would take time, as the group was a ‘community’, not merely a militant organisation.

Chinese supercomputers help crack mystery of Yellowstone volcanic plumbing

Scientists who started research in the US make breakthrough after returning to China and gaining access to domestic computing power.

Trump demands immediate sacking of TV host Jimmy Kimmel over ‘despicable’ joke

Trump joined his wife Melania in calling for ABC to fire Kimmel after the comedian said the first lady had a ‘glow like an expectant widow’.

2 months into the Iran war, who holds the upper hand?

Analysts are divided on who has the most to lose as the conflict drags on.

China blocks Meta’s Manus deal after months-long probe, thwarting purchase

Economic planner asks both parties to withdraw from deal for AI firm, in move with wider implications for other start-ups operating overseas.

‘Looming’ risk of nuclear arms race, UN proliferation meeting hears

With atomic powers at loggerheads over safeguards, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned trust is wearing thin.

Suspect in Washington dinner shooting charged with trying to assassinate Trump

Cole Tomas Allen, who has referred to himself as the ‘Friendly Federal Assassin’ could face a life sentence if convicted.

China outlines new labour protection plan for nation’s 200 million gig workers

The 12-point document pledges stronger protections for gig-economy workforce, which has rapidly grown amid China’s economic slowdown.

The 10-minute morning exercise workout that millions of Japanese people do

Over 20 million people in Japan practice a Radio Taiso session at least once a week in a country with one of the highest life expectancies.

King Charles arrives in US for trip overshadowed by Iran quarrel and shooting

The state visit, the most consequential of Charles’ reign, marks 250 years since the US declaration of independence from British rule.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Without diplomacy, deterrence in Asia is a path to escalation

Editorial | Online privacy guidelines underscore key role of parents and teachers

Editorial | New tactic on water seepage can help keep Hong Kong buildings safe

Opinion | Reopen Strait of Hormuz by reframing Iran’s tolls as reconstruction

The View | Asian private wealth an emerging force in property investment

Will Asean’s scramble for Russian oil fuel shift in regional alliances?

In China, a France-sized population loss begins to test coastal powerhouses

Hong Kong foil coach believes World Fencing League ‘positive move’ for sport

Director Jia Ding on reimagining Georges Bizet’s Carmen as a Hong Kong story

Rolls-Royce boosts China presence with engine maintenance venture

Trump’s Golden Dome targets China’s ‘hypersonic weapons, cruise missiles’

Editorial | Online privacy guidelines underscore key role of parents and teachers

The 10-minute morning exercise workout that millions of Japanese people do

Hong Kong to block off parts of Sharp Island shore to protect corals over break

100 Top Tables 2026: the finest restaurants and bars in Hong Kong

From scepticism to concern: Mythos panic is slowly starting to reach China

Chinese state broadcaster CCTV said on its influential social media account that Mythos showed ‘unprecedented cyberattack capabilities’.

Why Anthropic’s Mythos has energised China’s cybersecurity industry

Anthropic’s Mythos is stoking cybersecurity fears. What does it mean for China?

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Open Questions | Why China’s yuan faces the same ‘illusions’ that stalled the euro: Daniel Gros

Former European economic adviser says Beijing’s bid to build an international currency will hinge on leaders allowing it to fluctuate freely.

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang

Kunyu Wanguo Quantu and maritime artefacts prove China explored the world earlier than Eurocentric accounts suggest, scholar argues.

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.

As DJI duels Insta360, China sharpens global hardware edge amid US scrutiny

Western competitors like GoPro face shrinking footprints as strategic shifts of Chinese firms disrupt the status quo while navigating FCC-led national security bans.

China’s DeepSeek prices new V4 AI model at 97% below OpenAI’s GPT-5.5

DeepSeek’s move aims to attract more enterprise clients, developers and agent-based users, according to an academic.

Chinese optical chipmaker’s profit soars 1,153% on strong AI demand

Yuanjie Semiconductor Technology’s profit gain matches its elevenfold share price increase over the past year.

Chinese robotaxi firms accelerate global roll-outs as cost edge drives expansion

Pony AI and WeRide harness China’s supply chain strength to cut costs, boost efficiency and scale robotaxi fleets worldwide.

Will China’s mathematicians join a global effort to boycott the United States?

Question hovers as world’s premier mathematics conference faces revolt over American visa rules and foreign policies.

As DJI duels Insta360, China sharpens global hardware edge amid US scrutiny

Western competitors like GoPro face shrinking footprints as strategic shifts of Chinese firms disrupt the status quo while navigating FCC-led national security bans.

Prognosis positive: how AI could help China bridge the medical resources gap

How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Opinion | Without diplomacy, deterrence in Asia is a path to escalation

Open Questions | Why China’s yuan faces the same ‘illusions’ that stalled the euro: Daniel Gros