Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

The Italian Competition Authority praised DeepSeek for committing to lower the hallucination rate of its AI models through technical fixes. Photo: Shutterstock

DeepSeek to customise namesake chatbot for Italian users following probe

The firm agrees to a package of commitments, including tackling AI model ‘hallucination’ issues, with the Italian Competition Authority.

46 minutes ago

China’s DeepSeek adds advanced ‘thinking’ feature amid buzz over next model

Artificial intelligence

Diplomacy

US won’t rule out pressuring Venezuela to curb China, Russia ties

White House vows continued ‘American dominance in the western hemisphere’ as Trump claims Caracas will now buy ‘only American-made’ products.

3 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Will Trump’s threats to Greenland help bring China and Europe closer together?

The US president has said control of the Danish territory is a national security issue, causing increased alarm among Copenhagen’s allies.

8 Jan 2026 - 12:51AMvideocam

Hong Kong Economy

Exclusive | Hong Kong watchdog probes privacy risks to early users of popular mobile wallet

One of Hong Kong’s largest e-payment apps, PayMe serves more than 100,000 local and online merchants, from retail shops to taxis across city.

1 hour ago

Focus

How will China react in 2026 as Korean peninsula arms race heats up?

China Economy

Explainer | Trump says Greenland is ‘surrounded’ by Chinese ships. What’s the real story?

China has engaged with Greenland in areas ranging from oil and minerals to tourism. But its footprint is far smaller than Trump claims.

7 Jan 2026 - 11:12PMvideocam

Icebergs float in the water off Nuuk, Greenland. The United States aims to acquire Greenland, which is a self-governing Danish territory. Photo: AFP

United States & Canada

ICE agent shoots woman dead during Minneapolis immigration crackdown

Authorities say the woman tried to ram officers with her vehicle, but the city’s mayor says the shooting was reckless and unnecessary.

2 hours ago

Politics

South Korea’s conservatives attempt break from Yoon with martial law apology

Yoon Suk-yeol’s former ruling party has offered a belated mea culpa, but critics see the move as nothing more than a cynical election ploy.

2 hours ago

People & Culture

How this year’s Yidan Prize laureates reshape modern literacy and skills worldwide

Mamadou Amadou Ly and Uri Wilensky help transform teaching and learning through multilingual education and computational thinking.

In partnership with:

Yidan Prize Foundation

The 2025 Yidan Prize laureates Professor Uri Wilensky (left) and Mamadou Amadou Ly help remove barriers to education by transforming how learners access and engage with knowledge.

China

BYD’s win, Tesla’s defeat, Ford’s pivot: the widening gap in US-China EV markets

From wavering policy to cost gaps, analysts say decades of state backing have given China a decisive edge over US rivals.

5 hours agovideocam

Cars come off the assembly line at BYD’s plant in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan province. Photo: Xinhua

Economy, Trade & Business

US to take control of Venezuela oil sales indefinitely after tanker seizures

Trump says Venezuela ‘stole’ US oil and vowed that proceeds from crude would be sold and controlled by him to benefit both countries.

37 minutes agovideocam

United States & Canada

Trump calls for US$1.5 trillion in military spending, citing ‘dangerous times’

The remarks come as the US president eyes Greenland and says he’s open to operations in Colombia, while Rubio warns Cuba is ‘in trouble’.

2 hours ago

China Business

Chinese biotechs strike a record US$136 billion in out-licensing deals in 2025

Chinese drug makers signed 157 out-licensing deals with global pharmaceutical firms last year versus 94 a year earlier.

1 hour ago

Last year, China approved 76 innovative drugs, including 47 chemical drugs and 23 biologics. Photo: Shutterstock

United States & Canada

Trump plots to buy Greenland, as Nato ally Denmark seethes

The US president has repeatedly refused to rule out using force to seize the Arctic island, but his team says the first option is diplomacy.

4 hours agovideocam

A Danish navy vessel patrols the waters off Nuuk, Greenland, in March 2025. Photo: AFP

United States & Canada

Trump pulls US out of dozens of international organisations, UN agencies

Many are groups and treaties the US president’s team has categorised as catering to diversity and ‘woke’ initiatives, such as climate talks.

2 hours agovideocam

Tech

Soaring prices, but shrinking demand as China’s memory chip market falters

China’s spot market for memory chips is surging on tight global supply, but Shenzhen vendors say sky-high quotes are scaring off buyers.

7 Jan 2026 - 9:03PM

China Economy

China discourages trend-chasing among officials, warning of ‘involution’

Communist Party newspaper says authorities should avoid ‘policy bandwagons’ that could lead to economic imbalances, urging plans based on local strengths.

7 Jan 2026 - 10:19PM

Intense competition within several of China’s industries has driven down prices and led to an excess of production capacity. Photo: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images

China Business

Xiaomi’s refreshed SU7 turns up the heat on Tesla in China’s EV race

Updated SU7 model offers longer range – more than 900km (560 miles) on a single charge – and other advanced features.

8 Jan 2026 - 1:50AM

A refreshed version of Xiaomi’s SU7 will be launched in April. Photo: AFP

Society

Hong Kong firms set to return to projects as new scaffolding nets expected soon

Deadly Tai Po blaze triggered the citywide removal of protective mesh at around 420 buildings undergoing renovations.

6 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

The US, Venezuela and why China is even less keen on talk of a G2

Beijing may seize on growing distrust of Washington and pitch itself to Global South as the more stable power, observers say.

7 Jan 2026 - 8:09PMvideocam

OPINION

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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.

5 Jan 2026 - 9:11AMvideocam

Diplomacy

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.

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China’s Qwen and DeepSeek edge out US AI models in Christian values benchmark

US start-up Gloo’s Flourishing AI Christian benchmark tested how the output of AI models ‘help people flourish’, CEO Pat Gelsinger said.

17 Dec 2025 - 7:00AM

The questions in FAI-C were reviewed by a panel of Biblical experts, including theologians, pastors, psychologists and scholars of ethics. Photo: SCMP

Tech Trends

DeepSeek to customise namesake chatbot for Italian users following probe

The firm agrees to a package of commitments, including tackling AI model ‘hallucination’ issues, with the Italian Competition Authority.

46 minutes ago

China Business

Chinese biotechs strike a record US$136 billion in out-licensing deals in 2025

Chinese drug makers signed 157 out-licensing deals with global pharmaceutical firms last year versus 94 a year earlier.

1 hour ago

China Business

Xiaomi’s refreshed SU7 turns up the heat on Tesla in China’s EV race

Updated SU7 model offers longer range – more than 900km (560 miles) on a single charge – and other advanced features.

8 Jan 2026 - 1:50AM

Military

‘Real and accelerating’: China-Japan military tensions surge amid missile race

Analysts hold out little hope that security pressures will ease, given US insistence that regional allies boost first island chain defences.

1 hour agovideocam

Diplomacy

Why China is turning down the nationalist heat in its row with Japan

With economic stakes high, Beijing seen as ‘more cautious in handling external frictions’, avoiding fanning of ‘uncontrollable’ nationalism.

4 Jan 2026 - 6:06AMvideocam

Military

Just how close did a PLA drone come to the heart of Taipei during drill?

Footage shared by a mainland military social media account shows Taipei 101 but it’s not clear when it was taken.

2 Jan 2026 - 6:00AMvideocam

Law and Crime

Hong Kong’s sex offence laws are to be overhauled. What needs to be updated?

Consent and gender issues are key areas the government will look at when it starts the review process.

2 Jan 2026 - 8:34AM

DeepSeek to customise namesake chatbot for Italian users following probe

The firm agrees to a package of commitments, including tackling AI model ‘hallucination’ issues, with the Italian Competition Authority.

China’s DeepSeek adds advanced ‘thinking’ feature amid buzz over next model

US won’t rule out pressuring Venezuela to curb China, Russia ties

White House vows continued ‘American dominance in the western hemisphere’ as Trump claims Caracas will now buy ‘only American-made’ products.

Will Trump’s threats to Greenland help bring China and Europe closer together?

The US president has said control of the Danish territory is a national security issue, causing increased alarm among Copenhagen’s allies.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Hong Kong watchdog probes privacy risks to early users of popular mobile wallet

One of Hong Kong’s largest e-payment apps, PayMe serves more than 100,000 local and online merchants, from retail shops to taxis across city.

How will China react in 2026 as Korean peninsula arms race heats up?

Explainer | Trump says Greenland is ‘surrounded’ by Chinese ships. What’s the real story?

China has engaged with Greenland in areas ranging from oil and minerals to tourism. But its footprint is far smaller than Trump claims.

ICE agent shoots woman dead during Minneapolis immigration crackdown

Authorities say the woman tried to ram officers with her vehicle, but the city’s mayor says the shooting was reckless and unnecessary.

South Korea’s conservatives attempt break from Yoon with martial law apology

Yoon Suk-yeol’s former ruling party has offered a belated mea culpa, but critics see the move as nothing more than a cynical election ploy.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}How this year’s Yidan Prize laureates reshape modern literacy and skills worldwide

Mamadou Amadou Ly and Uri Wilensky help transform teaching and learning through multilingual education and computational thinking.

BYD’s win, Tesla’s defeat, Ford’s pivot: the widening gap in US-China EV markets

From wavering policy to cost gaps, analysts say decades of state backing have given China a decisive edge over US rivals.

US to take control of Venezuela oil sales indefinitely after tanker seizures

Trump says Venezuela ‘stole’ US oil and vowed that proceeds from crude would be sold and controlled by him to benefit both countries.

Trump calls for US$1.5 trillion in military spending, citing ‘dangerous times’

The remarks come as the US president eyes Greenland and says he’s open to operations in Colombia, while Rubio warns Cuba is ‘in trouble’.

Chinese biotechs strike a record US$136 billion in out-licensing deals in 2025

Chinese drug makers signed 157 out-licensing deals with global pharmaceutical firms last year versus 94 a year earlier.

Trump plots to buy Greenland, as Nato ally Denmark seethes

The US president has repeatedly refused to rule out using force to seize the Arctic island, but his team says the first option is diplomacy.

Trump pulls US out of dozens of international organisations, UN agencies

Many are groups and treaties the US president’s team has categorised as catering to diversity and ‘woke’ initiatives, such as climate talks.

Soaring prices, but shrinking demand as China’s memory chip market falters

China’s spot market for memory chips is surging on tight global supply, but Shenzhen vendors say sky-high quotes are scaring off buyers.

China discourages trend-chasing among officials, warning of ‘involution’

Communist Party newspaper says authorities should avoid ‘policy bandwagons’ that could lead to economic imbalances, urging plans based on local strengths.

Xiaomi’s refreshed SU7 turns up the heat on Tesla in China’s EV race

Updated SU7 model offers longer range – more than 900km (560 miles) on a single charge – and other advanced features.

Hong Kong firms set to return to projects as new scaffolding nets expected soon

Deadly Tai Po blaze triggered the citywide removal of protective mesh at around 420 buildings undergoing renovations.

The US, Venezuela and why China is even less keen on talk of a G2

Beijing may seize on growing distrust of Washington and pitch itself to Global South as the more stable power, observers say.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | How China’s history links military strength to fighting corruption

Opinion | As denuclearisation stalls, China will shape stability on Korean peninsula

Legal Tales | What happens in Hong Kong’s top court, hidden amid the city’s winter wonderland

Editorial | Long-term housing for Tai Po fire survivors requires flexible approach

On the Menu | Is 2026 the year of the cabbage? How the vegetable is being hailed online

3 Chinese AI, robotics stocks gain in Hong Kong debuts

Legal Tales | What happens in Hong Kong’s top court, hidden amid the city’s winter wonderland

Opinion | How China’s history links military strength to fighting corruption

On This Day | Netflix launches in Hong Kong in 2016 – from the SCMP archive

DeepSeek to customise namesake chatbot for Italian users following probe

‘Hold on tight’: China woman wins 22 pig-catching contests, biggest hog weighs 73kg

Why has Beijing turned down the heat in the Taiwan Strait in the second half of 2025?

PLA warplanes and ships have been less active around the island in the second half of the year, Taiwanese data shows.

Beijing is pinning hopes for Taiwan reunification on KMT – but not all of them

‘Urgent’: has mainland China changed tone for Taiwan peaceful reunification?

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.

Open Questions | Political scientist Ivan Krastev on European vertigo in a post-American world

While melancholy Europe frets that the US and China will shape the future, middle powers are jostling for a place at the big table.

Open Questions | George Yeo on superpower ‘headaches’ and why the US dollar could crack

Singapore’s former foreign minister also discusses Trump, the latest China-Japan dust-up, and rivalry between Hong Kong and the city state.

China’s Qwen and DeepSeek edge out US AI models in Christian values benchmark

US start-up Gloo’s Flourishing AI Christian benchmark tested how the output of AI models ‘help people flourish’, CEO Pat Gelsinger said.

DeepSeek to customise namesake chatbot for Italian users following probe

The firm agrees to a package of commitments, including tackling AI model ‘hallucination’ issues, with the Italian Competition Authority.

Chinese biotechs strike a record US$136 billion in out-licensing deals in 2025

Chinese drug makers signed 157 out-licensing deals with global pharmaceutical firms last year versus 94 a year earlier.

Xiaomi’s refreshed SU7 turns up the heat on Tesla in China’s EV race

Updated SU7 model offers longer range – more than 900km (560 miles) on a single charge – and other advanced features.

‘Real and accelerating’: China-Japan military tensions surge amid missile race

Analysts hold out little hope that security pressures will ease, given US insistence that regional allies boost first island chain defences.

Why China is turning down the nationalist heat in its row with Japan

With economic stakes high, Beijing seen as ‘more cautious in handling external frictions’, avoiding fanning of ‘uncontrollable’ nationalism.

Just how close did a PLA drone come to the heart of Taipei during drill?

Footage shared by a mainland military social media account shows Taipei 101 but it’s not clear when it was taken.

Hong Kong’s sex offence laws are to be overhauled. What needs to be updated?

Consent and gender issues are key areas the government will look at when it starts the review process.

Exclusive | Hong Kong watchdog probes privacy risks to early users of popular mobile wallet

How this year’s Yidan Prize laureates reshape modern literacy and skills worldwide

Opinion | How China’s history links military strength to fighting corruption