Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

A view of China Telecom’s stand at the annual MWC Barcelona trade show held in March last year. Photo: Shutterstock

China Telecom develops MoE models trained entirely on Huawei’s AI chips

The state-owned telecoms network operator trains its TeleChat3 models on Huawei’s Ascend 910B chips.

1 hour ago

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

Semiconductors

Global Economy

China’s He Lifeng warns of ‘law of the jungle’, blasts protectionism, at Davos

Amid escalating transatlantic rifts fuelled by Donald Trump, vice-premier urges global cooperation, free trade and dialogue, pledging to boost imports and open China’s market.

2 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

China’s mega embassy in London approved, clearing way for Starmer visit

The prospect that Britain would block the planned new embassy had cast doubt on the prime minister’s planned trip to China this month.

1 hour ago

China Economy

China’s zero-tariff gambit: why Beijing is slashing duties as Trump raises them

China’s average effective tariff rate estimated to be as low as 1.3 per cent in 2025, helping it secure raw materials and build soft power.

34 minutes agovideocam

Diplomacy

US President Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire for Greenland to become part of the United States. Photo: Reuters

Don’t expect Greenland crisis to realign EU with China, former US diplomat says

Politics

Death toll rises to 9 after explosion at north China rare earth steel plant

The safety practices of Baotou Steel Group, the factory’s owner, have frequently come under criticism from authorities.

3 hours ago

Smoke rises from the site of an explosion at a steel factory in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region in north China on Sunday. Photo: Xinhua via AP

United States & Canada

Bessent meets China’s He Lifeng in Davos, praises trade progress

After meeting China’s vice-premier, the treasury secretary said rare earth magnet flows satisfactory; Beijing on track to buy 25 million tons of soybeans.

15 minutes ago

Law and Crime

Hong Kong police arrest 2 women as child abuse allegation goes viral online

Father makes social media post accusing helper of causing son’s brain haemorrhage day after two women arrested by police.

6 minutes 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.

Diplomacy

China urges Taliban to tighten security after suicide attack on restaurant in Kabul

Militant group Isis-K claimed responsibility for the attack in the Afghan capital, says it has placed Chinese nationals on its target list.

2 hours agovideocam

Taliban security personnel stand guard at the scene of the attack in Kabul. Photo: AFP

Global Economy

China’s Xi pushes ‘holistic’ execution by local cadres for 5-year plan

President emphasises need for comprehensive grasp of 2026-2030 goals, setting boundaries amid domestic malaise and external challenges to get the ball rolling.

2 hours ago

Diplomacy

Japan’s last 2 giant pandas set for early trip home to China as tensions spiral

Return of twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei to mark first time Japan will be without any pandas since normalisation of diplomatic ties in 1972.

3 hours agovideocam

China Business

Chinese EV makers’ outlook overseas improves as Europe levels the playing field

Europe’s 33 per cent EV sales growth outpaces the mainland in 2025, while Germany launches a US$3.5 billion subsidy programme.

4 hours ago

A BYD Seal is displayed at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9, 2026. Photo: EPA

Europe

Almost half of Kyiv without heat, power after massive Russian strike

Over 5,600 buildings lose heat in sub-zero temperatures as Russia targets energy grids amid ongoing US-led peace negotiations.

4 hours ago

Ukrainian servicemen shoot down a missile during a Russian strike in Kyiv on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Diplomacy

China sends emergency food aid to Cuba as US sanctions worsen shortages

First batch of rice arrives in Cuba under new Chinese programme while the island reels from abrupt halt in Venezuelan oil shipments.

58 minutes agovideocam

East Asia

How Project 2025 is reshaping immigration for Korean-Americans

Activist Kim Dong-seok warns lack of White House restraint has blurred immigration lines, leaving Korean-American residents in constant fear.

20 Jan 2026 - 4:51PMvideocam

Australasia

Australia approves gun buy-back, hate crime reforms after Bondi attack

New legislation limits firearm access, sets up a gun buy-back programme, and tackles hate speech.

2 hours agovideocam

People add to a floral tribute at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 18, 2025. Photo: AP

Diplomacy

China confirms invite to Trump’s Gaza ‘peace board’ – won’t say if it will join

US President Donald Trump has invited dozens of leaders to join the body, but is reportedly demanding US$1 billion for permanent membership.

2 hours agovideocam

The board was originally proposed as a way of helping Gaza to rebuild, but it appears that its remit may be expanded. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Critics in Taiwan question true cost of US deal hailed for tariff cut

Debate centres on Taiwan’s financial commitment to the US – whether US$250 billion or US$500 billion – and if it will harm the economy.

3 hours agovideocam

China Economy

China targets hi-tech industries, household spending in 2026 with policy package

Beijing announces support for small businesses and the tech sector, after 2025 economic data shows heavy reliance on exports.

5 hours agovideocam

OPINION

Brian Y. S. Wong

Opinion | Why isn’t Trump learning from past foreign policy mistakes?

3 hours ago

James David Spellman

Opinion | How generational wealth transfer will reshape China’s economy

5 hours ago

Letters

Letters | Prioritise scam victims’ well-being in fighting transnational cybercrime

20 Jan 2026 - 11:30AM

Andy Xie

Opinion | China’s focus is on stability as the US rocks the global boat

20 Jan 2026 - 10:10AM

Lisa Cam

Opinion | In Chinese astrology, why are benefactors and networking so important?

20 Jan 2026 - 7:34AM

Harry’s View | 20 Jan 2026

MORE COMMENT

LATEST

4 minutes ago

China

EU moves to force Huawei out of networks, opening door to wider China tech bans

6 minutes ago

Law and Crime

Hong Kong police arrest 2 women as child abuse allegation goes viral online

15 minutes ago

United States & Canada

Bessent meets China’s He Lifeng in Davos, praises trade progress

58 minutes ago

Diplomacy

China sends emergency food aid to Cuba as US sanctions worsen shortages

1 hour ago

China Economy

China’s zero-tariff gambit: why Beijing is slashing duties as Trump raises them

2 hours ago

Society

Elderly Hongkongers facing eviction over subdivided flat revamp fear losing jobs

MORE LATEST NEWS

SCMP Series

China Inc. goes global

Year of the Horse 2026

Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Revisiting US-China relations

SCMP Series China Inc. goes global

The US has played its hand in Latin America. Will China’s firms there cash out?

After the abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, many Chinese entrepreneurs in the region say they are staying put – for now.

13 Jan 2026 - 9:55AMvideocam

Why overseas residency is a ‘practical advantage’ for Chinese firms going global

12 Jan 2026 - 11:19AMvideocam

Chinese companies expand globally

12 Dec 2025 - 12:42PM

Open Questions series

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

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.

9 Jan 2026 - 12:37PMvideocam

Key Industries:

Big Tech

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

17 Jan 2026 - 10:46AM

Big Tech

China Telecom develops MoE models trained entirely on Huawei’s AI chips

The state-owned telecoms network operator trains its TeleChat3 models on Huawei’s Ascend 910B chips.

1 hour ago

China Business

Chinese EV makers’ outlook overseas improves as Europe levels the playing field

Europe’s 33 per cent EV sales growth outpaces the mainland in 2025, while Germany launches a US$3.5 billion subsidy programme.

4 hours ago

China Economy

Shanghai unveils road map to rival world cities in finance, tech and innovation

Economic powerhouse has sights set on AI, advanced manufacturing and global financial services, reflecting a national 5-year plan’s first explicit financial-centre directive.

20 Jan 2026 - 11:00AM

A view of the Lujiazui financial district in Shanghai’s Pudong district is seen through an installation on October 27. The city has its sights set on financial and developmental advancements in the coming years. Photo: AFP

Global Economy

Can China’s cosmetics brands rival K-beauty and refashion global markets?

Once the top export market for South Korean cosmetics, Chinese firms lead at home and have made headway overseas – but gaps remain.

18 Jan 2026 - 6:06AMvideocam

Big Tech

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

17 Jan 2026 - 10:46AM

Diplomacy

Counting China’s ‘swing nation’ wins and losses in new era of power rivalry

As US-China race for hi-tech resources heats up across Global South, countries caught in the middle are under pressure to strike a balance.

17 Jan 2026 - 7:43AMvideocam

China Economy

A Chinese tech hub eyes 3- to 7-nanometre chip breakthroughs to beat US curbs

Province’s five-year plan backs national push for tech independence – but can it succeed?

16 Jan 2026 - 11:14AMvideocam

China is world’s largest chip manufacturer, demonstrating the country’s superiority in global supply chain. Photo: Shutterstock

China Telecom develops MoE models trained entirely on Huawei’s AI chips

The state-owned telecoms network operator trains its TeleChat3 models on Huawei’s Ascend 910B chips.

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

China’s He Lifeng warns of ‘law of the jungle’, blasts protectionism, at Davos

Amid escalating transatlantic rifts fuelled by Donald Trump, vice-premier urges global cooperation, free trade and dialogue, pledging to boost imports and open China’s market.

China’s mega embassy in London approved, clearing way for Starmer visit

The prospect that Britain would block the planned new embassy had cast doubt on the prime minister’s planned trip to China this month.

China’s zero-tariff gambit: why Beijing is slashing duties as Trump raises them

China’s average effective tariff rate estimated to be as low as 1.3 per cent in 2025, helping it secure raw materials and build soft power.

Don’t expect Greenland crisis to realign EU with China, former US diplomat says

Death toll rises to 9 after explosion at north China rare earth steel plant

The safety practices of Baotou Steel Group, the factory’s owner, have frequently come under criticism from authorities.

Bessent meets China’s He Lifeng in Davos, praises trade progress

After meeting China’s vice-premier, the treasury secretary said rare earth magnet flows satisfactory; Beijing on track to buy 25 million tons of soybeans.

Hong Kong police arrest 2 women as child abuse allegation goes viral online

Father makes social media post accusing helper of causing son’s brain haemorrhage day after two women arrested by police.

.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.

China urges Taliban to tighten security after suicide attack on restaurant in Kabul

Militant group Isis-K claimed responsibility for the attack in the Afghan capital, says it has placed Chinese nationals on its target list.

China’s Xi pushes ‘holistic’ execution by local cadres for 5-year plan

President emphasises need for comprehensive grasp of 2026-2030 goals, setting boundaries amid domestic malaise and external challenges to get the ball rolling.

Japan’s last 2 giant pandas set for early trip home to China as tensions spiral

Return of twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei to mark first time Japan will be without any pandas since normalisation of diplomatic ties in 1972.

Chinese EV makers’ outlook overseas improves as Europe levels the playing field

Europe’s 33 per cent EV sales growth outpaces the mainland in 2025, while Germany launches a US$3.5 billion subsidy programme.

Almost half of Kyiv without heat, power after massive Russian strike

Over 5,600 buildings lose heat in sub-zero temperatures as Russia targets energy grids amid ongoing US-led peace negotiations.

China sends emergency food aid to Cuba as US sanctions worsen shortages

First batch of rice arrives in Cuba under new Chinese programme while the island reels from abrupt halt in Venezuelan oil shipments.

How Project 2025 is reshaping immigration for Korean-Americans

Activist Kim Dong-seok warns lack of White House restraint has blurred immigration lines, leaving Korean-American residents in constant fear.

Australia approves gun buy-back, hate crime reforms after Bondi attack

New legislation limits firearm access, sets up a gun buy-back programme, and tackles hate speech.

China confirms invite to Trump’s Gaza ‘peace board’ – won’t say if it will join

US President Donald Trump has invited dozens of leaders to join the body, but is reportedly demanding US$1 billion for permanent membership.

Critics in Taiwan question true cost of US deal hailed for tariff cut

Debate centres on Taiwan’s financial commitment to the US – whether US$250 billion or US$500 billion – and if it will harm the economy.

China targets hi-tech industries, household spending in 2026 with policy package

Beijing announces support for small businesses and the tech sector, after 2025 economic data shows heavy reliance on exports.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Why isn’t Trump learning from past foreign policy mistakes?

Opinion | How generational wealth transfer will reshape China’s economy

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Prioritise scam victims’ well-being in fighting transnational cybercrime

Opinion | China’s focus is on stability as the US rocks the global boat

Opinion | In Chinese astrology, why are benefactors and networking so important?

EU moves to force Huawei out of networks, opening door to wider China tech bans

Hong Kong police arrest 2 women as child abuse allegation goes viral online

Bessent meets China’s He Lifeng in Davos, praises trade progress

China sends emergency food aid to Cuba as US sanctions worsen shortages

China’s zero-tariff gambit: why Beijing is slashing duties as Trump raises them

Elderly Hongkongers facing eviction over subdivided flat revamp fear losing jobs

The US has played its hand in Latin America. Will China’s firms there cash out?

After the abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, many Chinese entrepreneurs in the region say they are staying put – for now.

Why overseas residency is a ‘practical advantage’ for Chinese firms going global

Chinese companies expand globally

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.

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.

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

China Telecom develops MoE models trained entirely on Huawei’s AI chips

The state-owned telecoms network operator trains its TeleChat3 models on Huawei’s Ascend 910B chips.

Chinese EV makers’ outlook overseas improves as Europe levels the playing field

Europe’s 33 per cent EV sales growth outpaces the mainland in 2025, while Germany launches a US$3.5 billion subsidy programme.

Shanghai unveils road map to rival world cities in finance, tech and innovation

Economic powerhouse has sights set on AI, advanced manufacturing and global financial services, reflecting a national 5-year plan’s first explicit financial-centre directive.

Can China’s cosmetics brands rival K-beauty and refashion global markets?

Once the top export market for South Korean cosmetics, Chinese firms lead at home and have made headway overseas – but gaps remain.

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

Counting China’s ‘swing nation’ wins and losses in new era of power rivalry

As US-China race for hi-tech resources heats up across Global South, countries caught in the middle are under pressure to strike a balance.

A Chinese tech hub eyes 3- to 7-nanometre chip breakthroughs to beat US curbs

Province’s five-year plan backs national push for tech independence – but can it succeed?

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

Opinion | Why isn’t Trump learning from past foreign policy mistakes?

Letters | Prioritise scam victims’ well-being in fighting transnational cybercrime