Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Taiwan’s military conducts a live-fire drill with US-made Himars on May 12 in Pingtung county, Taiwan. Photo: EPA-EFE

Taiwan’s defence ministry slams TPP’s ‘unworkable’ military spending plan

Opposition party’s proposal would drop plans for ‘T-Dome’ air defence system and cut budget ceiling to US$12.7 billion.

3 hours ago

Taiwan launches firepower hub with US as PLA pressure intensifies

Taiwan

Science

Chinese drug could help India’s Nipah virus surge: Wuhan Institute of Virology

Researchers from Wuhan Institute of Virology say Covid-19 treatment could be a ‘readily available’ option for dealing with outbreaks.

42 minutes agovideocam

Diplomacy

Why Britain seeks to take China relationship to ‘new level’ as Starmer visits

London’s ambassador to Beijing outlines hopes for ties built on ‘mutual respect and trust’ ahead of the prime minister’s four-day trip.

28 Jan 2026 - 8:00AM

Banking & Finance

Hong Kong’s US$8 billion wealth fund eyes fintech, aerospace and AI for growth

The Hong Kong Investment Corporation will use the city’s advantages amid global competition, geopolitical challenges, CEO Clara Chan says.

5 minutes ago

Focus

Trump says the US dollar can move like a yo-yo. Will Treasuries be left hanging?

Economics

Why Japan’s public is ‘happy’ to see a Chinese tourist drought

Travel operators say business has so far remained resilient, with strong demand from other parts of Asia, Europe and the US.

6 hours agovideocam

A Chinese tourist group is led by a tour guide in Asakusa, a popular sightseeing spot in Tokyo, Japan, in November 2025. Photo: Reuters

Banking & Finance

China second to US in global AI finance index, with Hong Kong third as city hub

China rated the strongest country in converting AI capacity into production use, while Hong Kong trailed New York and London as finance hub.

3 hours ago

Politics

Malaysians lampoon minister linking work stress to gay people

Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan has come under fire for claiming in parliament that work stress turns people gay.

1 hour 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.

Society

Legal action considered in Hong Kong after tooth found in Maxim’s toast

Food safety officers inspected bakery outlet and factory but found no irregularities.

29 minutes ago

A government laboratory has confirmed that a foreign object found in Maxim’s toast was a tooth. Photo: Handout

Politics

South Korea’s ex-first lady gets 20 months’ jail for corruption

The ruling marked the first time that both members of a presidential couple were convicted of crimes in the country.

26 minutes agovideocam

Business

Partnerships, not plants: Chinese companies rethink overseas expansion strategy

Executives are urging a measured approach as Chinese firms turn to global markets amid intensifying competition at home.

4 hours ago

Business

Hong Kong home prices snap 3-year downturn as rents surge to a new high

The property market has turned a corner, buoyed by rate cuts, stock gains and talent schemes, analysts say.

1 hour ago

The property market turnaround has set the tone for a broader rebound this year, analysts say. Photo: Sam Tsang

Europe

Ukraine war military casualties ‘near 2 million’ as more crunch talks loom

CSIS study estimates nearly 1.2 million Russian and 600,000 Ukrainian casualties, as the US tries to broker a deal between the warring sides.

2 hours ago

A billboard in St Petersburg advertising contract Russian military service. It reads: ‘New. Irreplaceable. Unmanned Systems Troops’. Photo: EPA

China Economy

Is China about to end its after-school tutoring ban? A huge fine suggests not

Speculation was growing that Beijing would relax a ban on for-profit tutoring to boost the economy. Then a firm was hit with a US$9.7 million penalty.

28 Jan 2026 - 8:00AMvideocam

Health & Environment

Hongkongers urged to avoid West Bengal in India amid Nipah virus outbreak

Bengali community members expected to delay planned trips to India until situation improves, local leader says.

3 hours ago

Politics

New gas find prompts Philippines to step up defence of energy frontier

The move to boost security around Malampaya East-1 is seen as a test case for protecting future offshore energy projects in contested waters.

5 hours agovideocam

Drilling of the Malampaya East-1 reservoir in Palawan province, Philippines, on January 19. Photo: Prime Energy via AP

Middle East

Trump warns Iraq against returning former prime minister to power

US president says the US would ‘no longer help’ if Nouri al-Maliki is prime minister again.

4 hours ago

Iraqis burn a crossed-out picture of US President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu during a demonstration in front of the Iranian embassy in Baghdad, to show solidarity with Iran against US threats this month. Photo: dpa

World

‘Doomsday Clock’ moves closer to midnight than ever before. Here’s why

Scientists behind the ‘Doomsday Clock’ set it to 85 seconds to midnight, the theoretical point of annihilation.

12 minutes agovideocam

China

China’s CMOC makes US$1 billion Brazil gold push as bullion jumps on rising global risks

Company gains three Brazilian mines as gold tops US$5,000 per ounce, highlighting Beijing’s resource push amid US-led geopolitical strains.

28 Jan 2026 - 2:45AMvideocam

OPINION

Elina Noor

Opinion | Why Southeast Asia should not fear Trump’s disruption

5 hours ago

David Tingxuan Zhang

Opinion | China’s slowing overseas investment reflects caution, not retreat

5 hours ago

Letters

Letters | Time to update Hong Kong’s wildlife protection law

3 hours ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Hong Kong’s future as a financial centre looks golden

28 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | It’s time Hong Kong got tough on cross-border blood sample smuggling

28 Jan 2026 - 6:45AM

Harry’s View | 28 Jan 2026

MORE COMMENT

LATEST

5 minutes ago

Banking & Finance

Hong Kong’s US$8 billion wealth fund eyes fintech, aerospace and AI for growth

26 minutes ago

Politics

South Korea’s ex-first lady gets 20 months’ jail for corruption

53 minutes ago

Trending in China

China new blind box series features cute muyu-inspired toys to help reduce stress

1 hour ago

Football

Top Malaysian football officials quit over foreign-born players scandal

1 hour ago

Politics

Malaysians lampoon minister linking work stress to gay people

1 hour ago

East Asia

North Korean ex-envoy on Kim Jong-un’s ‘decapitation’ fears after Maduro’s fall

MORE LATEST NEWS

SCMP Series

Year of the Horse 2026

China Inc. goes global

Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Alphabet Inc.â€™s Google debuted an updated version of its artificial intelligence model, Gemini, that executives said represents a â€œmassive jumpâ€ in reasoning and coding ability. (Dreamstime/TNS)

SCMP Series Year of the Horse 2026

Year of the Horse 2026: what does AI predict the ‘Double Fire’ event has in store for us?

With the rise of AI mirroring the Year of the Fire Horse’s restless energy, we ask DeepSeek, Perplexity and Gemini their 2026 predictions.

24 Jan 2026 - 5:15PM

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Snakes, from money to health

23 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Dragons, from career to romance

26 Jan 2026 - 11:52AM

Open Questions series

Tech Trends

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

26 Jan 2026 - 9:31AMvideocam

Diplomacy

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.

19 Jan 2026 - 6:57PMvideocam

Diplomacy

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.

12 Jan 2026 - 10:06AMvideocam

Global Economy

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.

5 Jan 2026 - 9:11AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech Trends

China’s ‘infrastructure first’ effort a major edge in AI arms race: Davos panel

A rapid energy buildout and strategic data centre expansion give China unique advantages in developing its AI industry.

22 Jan 2026 - 5:48PM

China’s “AI Plus” panel discussion at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday included, from left, moderator Guan Xin, Tencent Holdings’ Dowson Tong, Moonshot AI’s Zhang Yutong and Nankai University’s Gong Ke. Photo: SCMP

Tech

DeepSeek taps Alibaba open-source AI technology to boost OCR performance

The Chinese AI start-up says its latest OCR model delivers stronger performance after adopting an Alibaba-developed open-source model.

27 Jan 2026 - 11:57PM

China Business

Over 70% of European firms in China review supply chain strategies: survey

The findings show how European firms must maintain a delicate balancing act between China’s tight security and focus on self-reliance.

27 Jan 2026 - 8:30PM

China Business

China could approve first AI-designed drug next year, Merck executive says

AI and genetics are creating a ‘seismic shift’ in the pharmaceutical business, experts on Asian Financial Forum panel say.

6 hours ago

AI will allow drug makers to pick better molecules, make better medicines and improve molecule design, Amgen executive says. Photo: Shutterstock

Diplomacy

European leaders say the quiet part out loud: order no longer constrains power

EU leaders appear to have finally accepted they are facing a new era of great power competition – the question now is how they respond.

27 Jan 2026 - 9:40AMvideocam

China Economy

Exclusive | Maker of China’s C919 airliner set to ramp up production: sources

With 8 of the 15 planes made last year delivered to customers in November and December, a source said supply chain snags seem to be diminishing.

26 Jan 2026 - 9:33AM

China Economy

‘Loneliness economy’: how China is adapting to a rapid rise in solo living

The viral success of check-in app Are You Dead? has exposed the vast demand for services catering to China’s rapidly growing single population.

26 Jan 2026 - 2:12PMvideocam

Politics

Why China was so keen to get to alleged cybercrime boss Chen Zhi first

Young tycoon, who was indicted by the US in October, was extradited from Cambodia this month, accused of running a vast scam network.

26 Jan 2026 - 11:35AMvideocam

Taiwan’s defence ministry slams TPP’s ‘unworkable’ military spending plan

Opposition party’s proposal would drop plans for ‘T-Dome’ air defence system and cut budget ceiling to US$12.7 billion.

Taiwan launches firepower hub with US as PLA pressure intensifies

Chinese drug could help India’s Nipah virus surge: Wuhan Institute of Virology

Researchers from Wuhan Institute of Virology say Covid-19 treatment could be a ‘readily available’ option for dealing with outbreaks.

Why Britain seeks to take China relationship to ‘new level’ as Starmer visits

London’s ambassador to Beijing outlines hopes for ties built on ‘mutual respect and trust’ ahead of the prime minister’s four-day trip.

Hong Kong’s US$8 billion wealth fund eyes fintech, aerospace and AI for growth

The Hong Kong Investment Corporation will use the city’s advantages amid global competition, geopolitical challenges, CEO Clara Chan says.

Trump says the US dollar can move like a yo-yo. Will Treasuries be left hanging?

Why Japan’s public is ‘happy’ to see a Chinese tourist drought

Travel operators say business has so far remained resilient, with strong demand from other parts of Asia, Europe and the US.

China second to US in global AI finance index, with Hong Kong third as city hub

China rated the strongest country in converting AI capacity into production use, while Hong Kong trailed New York and London as finance hub.

Malaysians lampoon minister linking work stress to gay people

Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan has come under fire for claiming in parliament that work stress turns people gay.

.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.

Legal action considered in Hong Kong after tooth found in Maxim’s toast

Food safety officers inspected bakery outlet and factory but found no irregularities.

South Korea’s ex-first lady gets 20 months’ jail for corruption

The ruling marked the first time that both members of a presidential couple were convicted of crimes in the country.

Partnerships, not plants: Chinese companies rethink overseas expansion strategy

Executives are urging a measured approach as Chinese firms turn to global markets amid intensifying competition at home.

Hong Kong home prices snap 3-year downturn as rents surge to a new high

The property market has turned a corner, buoyed by rate cuts, stock gains and talent schemes, analysts say.

Ukraine war military casualties ‘near 2 million’ as more crunch talks loom

CSIS study estimates nearly 1.2 million Russian and 600,000 Ukrainian casualties, as the US tries to broker a deal between the warring sides.

Is China about to end its after-school tutoring ban? A huge fine suggests not

Speculation was growing that Beijing would relax a ban on for-profit tutoring to boost the economy. Then a firm was hit with a US$9.7 million penalty.

Hongkongers urged to avoid West Bengal in India amid Nipah virus outbreak

Bengali community members expected to delay planned trips to India until situation improves, local leader says.

New gas find prompts Philippines to step up defence of energy frontier

The move to boost security around Malampaya East-1 is seen as a test case for protecting future offshore energy projects in contested waters.

Trump warns Iraq against returning former prime minister to power

US president says the US would ‘no longer help’ if Nouri al-Maliki is prime minister again.

‘Doomsday Clock’ moves closer to midnight than ever before. Here’s why

Scientists behind the ‘Doomsday Clock’ set it to 85 seconds to midnight, the theoretical point of annihilation.

China’s CMOC makes US$1 billion Brazil gold push as bullion jumps on rising global risks

Company gains three Brazilian mines as gold tops US$5,000 per ounce, highlighting Beijing’s resource push amid US-led geopolitical strains.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Why Southeast Asia should not fear Trump’s disruption

Opinion | China’s slowing overseas investment reflects caution, not retreat

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Time to update Hong Kong’s wildlife protection law

Editorial | Hong Kong’s future as a financial centre looks golden

Editorial | It’s time Hong Kong got tough on cross-border blood sample smuggling

Hong Kong’s US$8 billion wealth fund eyes fintech, aerospace and AI for growth

South Korea’s ex-first lady gets 20 months’ jail for corruption

China new blind box series features cute muyu-inspired toys to help reduce stress

Top Malaysian football officials quit over foreign-born players scandal

Malaysians lampoon minister linking work stress to gay people

North Korean ex-envoy on Kim Jong-un’s ‘decapitation’ fears after Maduro’s fall

Year of the Horse 2026: what does AI predict the ‘Double Fire’ event has in store for us?

With the rise of AI mirroring the Year of the Fire Horse’s restless energy, we ask DeepSeek, Perplexity and Gemini their 2026 predictions.

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Snakes, from money to health

Year of the Horse 2026 predictions for Dragons, from career to romance

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

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.

China’s ‘infrastructure first’ effort a major edge in AI arms race: Davos panel

A rapid energy buildout and strategic data centre expansion give China unique advantages in developing its AI industry.

DeepSeek taps Alibaba open-source AI technology to boost OCR performance

The Chinese AI start-up says its latest OCR model delivers stronger performance after adopting an Alibaba-developed open-source model.

Over 70% of European firms in China review supply chain strategies: survey

The findings show how European firms must maintain a delicate balancing act between China’s tight security and focus on self-reliance.

China could approve first AI-designed drug next year, Merck executive says

AI and genetics are creating a ‘seismic shift’ in the pharmaceutical business, experts on Asian Financial Forum panel say.

European leaders say the quiet part out loud: order no longer constrains power

EU leaders appear to have finally accepted they are facing a new era of great power competition – the question now is how they respond.

Exclusive | Maker of China’s C919 airliner set to ramp up production: sources

With 8 of the 15 planes made last year delivered to customers in November and December, a source said supply chain snags seem to be diminishing.

‘Loneliness economy’: how China is adapting to a rapid rise in solo living

The viral success of check-in app Are You Dead? has exposed the vast demand for services catering to China’s rapidly growing single population.

Why China was so keen to get to alleged cybercrime boss Chen Zhi first

Young tycoon, who was indicted by the US in October, was extradited from Cambodia this month, accused of running a vast scam network.

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

Opinion | Why Southeast Asia should not fear Trump’s disruption

Letters | Time to update Hong Kong’s wildlife protection law