Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived on Friday in Pakistan, which hosted peace talks with the US earlier this month. Photo: Xinhua

‘Hear them out’: Second round of US-Iran talks set for Pakistan this weekend

Trump is dispatching special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to Islamabad while Vice-President Vance remains in Washington.

4 minutes agovideocam

US presses Iran as talks gear up in Pakistan under fragile ceasefire

Pakistan

China Economy

Beijing ramps up tax crackdown, frames consumption levies as fiscal lifelines

Authorities target retailers, shell companies and off-the-books manoeuvres to lessen tax liabilities.

24 Apr 2026 - 10:00PM

China Business

Chinese EV makers target global expansion at Auto China amid energy shock

Most carmakers taking part in the exhibition have either debuted models designed for export markets or announced expansion plans.

24 Apr 2026 - 8:57PM

Big Tech

DeepSeek unveils next-gen AI model as Huawei vows ‘full support’ with new chips

The company says its cost-efficient new V4 model is competitive with top closed-source models from OpenAI and Google DeepMind.

24 Apr 2026 - 7:47PMvideocam

Military

Iran war shows ‘strategic value’ of AI for China’s military, PLA Daily says

Military

China stages navy drill as US and Philippines embark on Balikatan 2026

The Liaoning aircraft carrier appears to be among 14 large naval vessels snapped on manoeuvres in a satellite image circulating online.

24 Apr 2026 - 8:29PMvideocam

China’s first aircraft carrier went into commission in 2012 and was named “Liaoning” after the northeastern province. Photo: Xinhua via AP

United States & Canada

US drops criminal probe of Fed chair Powell, likely clearing way for Warsh

Judge James Boasberg, said prosecutors had produced ‘essentially zero evidence’ to suspect Powell of a crime.

5 hours agovideocam

Health & Environment

Disciplinary inquiry resumes into doctor’s alleged baby blunder 16 years ago

Inquiry involving Dr Sit Sou-chi, who is accused of medical blunder that left boy permanently disabled, was terminated by council last year.

5 hours ago

Business

Lingxi Games’ Three Kingdoms Tactics hits target with global audience

Chinese game company’s flagship title among raft of nation’s simulation games to resonate with players at home and abroad.

In partnership with:

Lingxi Games

(From left) Hong Kong marketing professional Edmond Woo, mainland Chinese short‑track speed skater Han Tianyu and Beijing-based Italian language teacher and sinologist Cristiano Mazzucco discuss the impact on them of games like Three Kingdoms Tactics.

Tech

Why China’s optical communications sector is the latest AI boom beneficiary

What are optical modules, why are they so critical and which Chinese makers’ stocks are soaring?

24 Apr 2026 - 7:30PM

Data centres are shifting from copper wires to optical interconnect systems, which can provide the massive bandwidth that AI set-ups demand. Photo: Shutterstock

Big Tech

Huawei, DeepSeek strengthen China’s AI self-reliance with V4 collaboration

DeepSeek says its V4 model will have throughput issues until the second half of the year, until Ascend 950PR supernodes ‘ship at scale’.

6 hours ago

Europe

G7 ‘concerned’ at Russia and China’s nuclear build-up

The remarks come ahead of a month-long conference to revise the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

45 minutes agovideocam

United States & Canada

Trump Justice Department adds firing squads for federal executions

Electrocution and gas are also being added as methods, after the US president called for an expansion of the use of the death penalty.

2 hours ago

A firing squad chair (left) and an electric chair are seen in Columbia, South Carolina. The death penalty is normally carried out at the state level, but the federal government can also seek execution for certain crimes. Photo: South Carolina Department of Corrections via AP

Tech

US crackdown threat could shake out China’s ‘distillation’ AI copycats: analysts

US plans action against AI ‘distillation’, as analysts warn weaker Chinese start-ups could be forced out within a year.

5 hours ago

Even among more capable developers, distillation is often used to accelerate AI iteration. Photo: EPA

Hong Kong Economy

Over 50 Central restaurants, shops join drive to boost spending, lure tourists

Merchants taking part in scheme promoting hidden delicacies and goods will offer discounts to residents and tourists.

24 Apr 2026 - 8:14PM

United States & Canada

US sanctions China-based oil refinery and 40 shippers over Iran oil

Hengli Petrochemical’s facility in Dalian can process 400,000 barrels per day, making it one of the biggest independent refineries in China.

1 hour agovideocam

China Economy

‘Paradigm shift’: is China’s deal with mining giant BHP a global yuan milestone?

The agreement to partly link iron ore pricing to the yuan is a breakthrough but US dollar dominance in the trade remains entrenched for now, analysts say.

24 Apr 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

In late 2025, reports surfaced that CMRG had instructed traders to stop buying US dollar-denominated iron ore from BHP – sparking tense negotiations that culminated in the recent agreement. Photo: Reuters

Diplomacy

In lead-up to Trump’s Beijing visit, China announces 2 pandas are set for US zoo

Foreign ministry says deal will aid protection of pandas and other threatened species and help global biodiversity conservation efforts.

24 Apr 2026 - 6:02PMvideocam

Fu Shuang will head to Atlanta under a new 10-year deal. She will be accompanied by Ping Ping. Photo: QQ.com

China Economy

Why China is spending billions on a robot army to run its power grid

China’s grid operators plan to purchase thousands of robots in 2026 alone, including devices to inspect and maintain vital infrastructure.

24 Apr 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

United States & Canada

US and EU sign critical minerals plan in push to loosen China’s grip

Western nations are seeking to diversify their supply chains for resources used to make semiconductors, EVs and advanced weapons.

1 hour ago

OPINION

Andrew Sheng

Opinion | Asia’s future depends on looking beyond the West and its institutions

24 Apr 2026 - 8:30PM

David Dodwell

Outside In | The Iran war is brewing a food crisis we must avert

24 Apr 2026 - 4:30PM

Tang Meng Kit

Opinion | Engine dilemma lies at heart of successful take-off for China’s C919

24 Apr 2026 - 9:30AM

Zohaib Altaf

Opinion | Iran war ship seizures show how dual-use claims are being weaponised

24 Apr 2026 - 8:29AM

Letters

Letters | China’s interest doesn’t lie in US failures

24 Apr 2026 - 11:30AM

Harry’s View | 25 Apr 2026

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45 minutes ago

Europe

G7 ‘concerned’ at Russia and China’s nuclear build-up

2 hours ago

United States & Canada

US sanctions China-based oil refinery and 40 shippers over Iran oil

2 hours ago

United States & Canada

Trump Justice Department adds firing squads for federal executions

3 hours ago

United States & Canada

US and EU sign critical minerals plan in push to loosen China’s grip

5 hours ago

Europe

Germany’s Merz says no ‘immediate’ Ukraine EU membership

5 hours ago

Europe

UK bill to allow assisted dying fails as parliamentary time runs out

5 hours ago

Law and Crime

Changes to fire services law with tougher penalties set for public consultation

6 hours ago

Tech

US crackdown threat could shake out China’s ‘distillation’ AI copycats: analysts

6 hours ago

United States & Canada

US drops criminal probe of Fed chair Powell, likely clearing way for Warsh

6 hours ago

Health & Environment

Disciplinary inquiry resumes into doctor’s alleged baby blunder 16 years ago

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SCMP Series

US-Israel war on Iran

AI's impact on Hong Kong

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SCMP Series US-Israel war on Iran

Iran war: is the US shifting away from its strategy of precision strikes?

As the conflict has intensified, more energy and civilian sites have been targeted in what is seen as a broader approach.

9 Apr 2026 - 9:26AMvideocam

What is the war on Iran teaching China about the United States’ resilience?

8 Apr 2026 - 11:10AMvideocam

How lessons from Iran war could shape mainland China’s Taiwan calculus

7 Apr 2026 - 2:20AMvideocam

Open Questions series

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.

20 Apr 2026 - 10:05AMvideocam

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.

13 Apr 2026 - 8:15AMvideocam

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.

6 Apr 2026 - 10:01AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Kenneth Rogoff on why China’s yuan will be a reserve currency within 5 years

Harvard economist explains why cryptocurrencies will never take the US dollar’s place, despite their popularity in underground economies.

30 Mar 2026 - 10:03AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech

Can ‘token exports’ give China an edge in the AI era?

As AI tokens emerge as a new commodity, China’s cost advantage is reshaping global model competition, though monetisation gaps remain.

22 Apr 2026 - 11:20PM

Starting this year, models from Chinese companies have intermittently ranked among the global top tier in token usage. Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Tech

US crackdown threat could shake out China’s ‘distillation’ AI copycats: analysts

US plans action against AI ‘distillation’, as analysts warn weaker Chinese start-ups could be forced out within a year.

5 hours ago

Big Tech

Huawei, DeepSeek strengthen China’s AI self-reliance with V4 collaboration

DeepSeek says its V4 model will have throughput issues until the second half of the year, until Ascend 950PR supernodes ‘ship at scale’.

6 hours ago

China Business

Chinese EV makers target global expansion at Auto China amid energy shock

Most carmakers taking part in the exhibition have either debuted models designed for export markets or announced expansion plans.

24 Apr 2026 - 8:57PM

Xpeng CEO He Xiaopeng speaks at the launch of the Xpeng GX at the Beijing car show on Friday. Photo: AFP

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.

23 Apr 2026 - 6:04PM

How fire safety failures worsened Hong Kong’s deadly inferno

Hong Kong Economy

Hongkongers find value, space and style in Shenzhen’s new cultural hotspots

Short cross‑border getaways emerging as the ‘quick escape’ of choice, with the newly opened Shenzhen Bay Culture Square adding to appeal.

24 Apr 2026 - 8:35AM

China Economy

How a Chinese plastics hub shapes Tesla’s supply chain – and moulds the modern world

From car components to keyboards, this little-known industrial district in eastern China is crafting the small parts the world relies on.

23 Apr 2026 - 6:54AMvideocam

Politics

Trump’s military push confronts US lawmakers and China’s shipbuilding edge

Congressional resistance, war costs and industrial limits could constrain ambitions, even as Beijing expands its naval capacity.

22 Apr 2026 - 12:55AMvideocam

‘Hear them out’: Second round of US-Iran talks set for Pakistan this weekend

Trump is dispatching special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to Islamabad while Vice-President Vance remains in Washington.

US presses Iran as talks gear up in Pakistan under fragile ceasefire

Beijing ramps up tax crackdown, frames consumption levies as fiscal lifelines

Authorities target retailers, shell companies and off-the-books manoeuvres to lessen tax liabilities.

Chinese EV makers target global expansion at Auto China amid energy shock

Most carmakers taking part in the exhibition have either debuted models designed for export markets or announced expansion plans.

DeepSeek unveils next-gen AI model as Huawei vows ‘full support’ with new chips

The company says its cost-efficient new V4 model is competitive with top closed-source models from OpenAI and Google DeepMind.

Iran war shows ‘strategic value’ of AI for China’s military, PLA Daily says

China stages navy drill as US and Philippines embark on Balikatan 2026

The Liaoning aircraft carrier appears to be among 14 large naval vessels snapped on manoeuvres in a satellite image circulating online.

US drops criminal probe of Fed chair Powell, likely clearing way for Warsh

Judge James Boasberg, said prosecutors had produced ‘essentially zero evidence’ to suspect Powell of a crime.

Disciplinary inquiry resumes into doctor’s alleged baby blunder 16 years ago

Inquiry involving Dr Sit Sou-chi, who is accused of medical blunder that left boy permanently disabled, was terminated by council last year.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}Lingxi Games’ Three Kingdoms Tactics hits target with global audience

Chinese game company’s flagship title among raft of nation’s simulation games to resonate with players at home and abroad.

Why China’s optical communications sector is the latest AI boom beneficiary

What are optical modules, why are they so critical and which Chinese makers’ stocks are soaring?

Huawei, DeepSeek strengthen China’s AI self-reliance with V4 collaboration

DeepSeek says its V4 model will have throughput issues until the second half of the year, until Ascend 950PR supernodes ‘ship at scale’.

G7 ‘concerned’ at Russia and China’s nuclear build-up

The remarks come ahead of a month-long conference to revise the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Trump Justice Department adds firing squads for federal executions

Electrocution and gas are also being added as methods, after the US president called for an expansion of the use of the death penalty.

US crackdown threat could shake out China’s ‘distillation’ AI copycats: analysts

US plans action against AI ‘distillation’, as analysts warn weaker Chinese start-ups could be forced out within a year.

Over 50 Central restaurants, shops join drive to boost spending, lure tourists

Merchants taking part in scheme promoting hidden delicacies and goods will offer discounts to residents and tourists.

US sanctions China-based oil refinery and 40 shippers over Iran oil

Hengli Petrochemical’s facility in Dalian can process 400,000 barrels per day, making it one of the biggest independent refineries in China.

‘Paradigm shift’: is China’s deal with mining giant BHP a global yuan milestone?

The agreement to partly link iron ore pricing to the yuan is a breakthrough but US dollar dominance in the trade remains entrenched for now, analysts say.

In lead-up to Trump’s Beijing visit, China announces 2 pandas are set for US zoo

Foreign ministry says deal will aid protection of pandas and other threatened species and help global biodiversity conservation efforts.

Why China is spending billions on a robot army to run its power grid

China’s grid operators plan to purchase thousands of robots in 2026 alone, including devices to inspect and maintain vital infrastructure.

US and EU sign critical minerals plan in push to loosen China’s grip

Western nations are seeking to diversify their supply chains for resources used to make semiconductors, EVs and advanced weapons.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Asia’s future depends on looking beyond the West and its institutions

Outside In | The Iran war is brewing a food crisis we must avert

Opinion | Engine dilemma lies at heart of successful take-off for China’s C919

Opinion | Iran war ship seizures show how dual-use claims are being weaponised

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | China’s interest doesn’t lie in US failures

G7 ‘concerned’ at Russia and China’s nuclear build-up

US sanctions China-based oil refinery and 40 shippers over Iran oil

Trump Justice Department adds firing squads for federal executions

US and EU sign critical minerals plan in push to loosen China’s grip

Germany’s Merz says no ‘immediate’ Ukraine EU membership

UK bill to allow assisted dying fails as parliamentary time runs out

Changes to fire services law with tougher penalties set for public consultation

US crackdown threat could shake out China’s ‘distillation’ AI copycats: analysts

US drops criminal probe of Fed chair Powell, likely clearing way for Warsh

Disciplinary inquiry resumes into doctor’s alleged baby blunder 16 years ago

Iran war: is the US shifting away from its strategy of precision strikes?

As the conflict has intensified, more energy and civilian sites have been targeted in what is seen as a broader approach.

What is the war on Iran teaching China about the United States’ resilience?

How lessons from Iran war could shape mainland China’s Taiwan calculus

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.

Open Questions | Kenneth Rogoff on why China’s yuan will be a reserve currency within 5 years

Harvard economist explains why cryptocurrencies will never take the US dollar’s place, despite their popularity in underground economies.

Can ‘token exports’ give China an edge in the AI era?

As AI tokens emerge as a new commodity, China’s cost advantage is reshaping global model competition, though monetisation gaps remain.

US crackdown threat could shake out China’s ‘distillation’ AI copycats: analysts

US plans action against AI ‘distillation’, as analysts warn weaker Chinese start-ups could be forced out within a year.

Huawei, DeepSeek strengthen China’s AI self-reliance with V4 collaboration

DeepSeek says its V4 model will have throughput issues until the second half of the year, until Ascend 950PR supernodes ‘ship at scale’.

Chinese EV makers target global expansion at Auto China amid energy shock

Most carmakers taking part in the exhibition have either debuted models designed for export markets or announced expansion plans.

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.

Hongkongers find value, space and style in Shenzhen’s new cultural hotspots

Short cross‑border getaways emerging as the ‘quick escape’ of choice, with the newly opened Shenzhen Bay Culture Square adding to appeal.

How a Chinese plastics hub shapes Tesla’s supply chain – and moulds the modern world

Lingxi Games’ Three Kingdoms Tactics hits target with global audience

Opinion | Asia’s future depends on looking beyond the West and its institutions

Letters | China’s interest doesn’t lie in US failures