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Asia

From friends to foes: what’s behind Trump’s Brazil-India wrath

Experts see Washington drawing new map, and the president’s frustration with Brasilia and New Delhi has put its contours into sharper relief.

46 minutes ago

Trump’s 50% tariff sows ‘total mistrust’ between US and India

United States

China Economy

What does the Beidaihe guest list tell us about China’s economic priorities?

The invitees to the Communist Party’s annual summer getaway offer clues about Beijing’s priorities ahead of a crucial October meeting.

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Science

Chinese scientists build largest array of atoms for quantum computing

Peer reviewers hail breakthrough as ‘significant’ advance in the development of atom-related quantum physics.

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Tech Trends

Unitree founder: lack of advanced AI deters mass adoption of robots

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13 Aug 2025 - 7:00PM

Science

Chinese scientists have been able to boost hybrid crop development speed in a robotic breeding factory. Photo: Shutterstock Images

China boosts hybrid crop development speed by 400% with robotic breeding plant

Law and Crime

Hong Kong slams ‘smear campaigns’ as Jimmy Lai returns to court for trial

Government spokesman warns on eve of trial resuming against anyone trying to interfere with the court.

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Politics

‘Extraordinary’: Taiwan’s William Lai hit by strong Japanese media backlash

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China Economy

After Chinese-owned aircraft detained in Russia, leasing firms incur huge losses

Chinese cargo exports have also been seized under Moscow’s ban on goods that could aid Ukraine’s war effort.

13 Aug 2025 - 6:00PM

Travel & Leisure

Finding peace amid Jiuzhaigou’s lush greenery and rich Tibetan culture

Get immersed in northern Sichuan’s calming soundscape with Nicholas He, hotel manager of Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

In partnership with:

Luxury Group by Marriott International

Nicholas He, hotel manager of Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Jiuzhaigou, says he found his inner peace after moving to the county in northern Sichuan province.

China

Chinese families in ‘broken houses’; PLA’s warning: SCMP daily highlights

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5 hours ago

A file picture of the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins, which has entered the South China Sea, according to the PLA Southern Theatre Command. Photo: Getty Images

Russia & Central Asia

Trump floats meeting with Putin and Zelensky if Alaska talks go well

The US president also said Russia would face consequences if Putin does not agree to stop the war in Ukraine.

35 minutes agovideocam

Politics

Philippine military slams ‘fabricated’ video of stand-off with Malaysian navy

Manila’s navy says it has deployed a guided missile frigate for a long-planned joint military exercise in Penang.

13 Aug 2025 - 7:44PM

Russia & Central Asia

Putin may soon test ‘invincible’ missile that could overshadow Trump summit

The Russian leader says the nuclear-armed Burevestnik – dubbed Skyfall by Nato – has almost unlimited range and can evade missile defences.

52 minutes agovideocam

Television footage from March 2018 shows the launch of what President Vladimir Putin said was a new nuclear-powered intercontinental cruise missile. Putin announced in October 2023, that Russia had effectively completed the development of the Burevestnik cruise missile. Photo: RU-RTR Russian Television via AP

People

Malaysian ex-minister Rafizi Ramli’s son, 12, wounded in syringe attack

Rafizi says he believes the attack is premeditated and a ‘warning’ for him to stop being vocal on issues.

5 hours ago

Malaysia’s former minister Rafizi Ramli. Photo: handout

Politics

India’s navy gets a double dose of stealth with twin warship launch

Analysts say the two stealth frigates, a part of India’s Project 17A, are set to become key assets in countering China’s regional presence.

13 Aug 2025 - 6:30PM

Banking & Finance

HKMA, HSBC allay fears about Hong Kong’s loan risks amid property glut

Risks associated with commercial real estate loans were manageable, HKMA and HSBC said in separate statements on Wednesday.

3 hours ago

Global Economy

China bans agencies and individuals from dealing with 2 EU banks

The move is seen as countermeasure against financial sanctions imposed on two small Chinese lenders by 27-member bloc.

4 hours agovideocam

Entertainment

Review | Nobody 2: Bob Odenkirk returns as a family-minded hitman in flat sequel

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2 hours agovideocam

Bob Odenkirk (front) as Hutch Mansell in a still from Nobody 2.

Big Tech

Tencent’s second-quarter earnings beat forecasts, bolstered by AI

Net profit rose 16 per cent to 56 billion yuan (US$7.81 billion ) while sales jumped 15 per cent to 184.5 billion yuan.

3 hours ago

Other Sport

China extend World Games golden lead through Bai Yulu, Han Yu, Shang Chunsong

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LATEST

1 hour ago

Russia & Central Asia

Trump floats meeting with Putin and Zelensky if Alaska talks go well

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Economy, Trade & Business

From friends to foes: what’s behind Trump’s Brazil-India wrath

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Europe

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Entertainment

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Law and Crime

Hong Kong slams ‘smear campaigns’ as Jimmy Lai returns to court for trial

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SCMP Series

China’s rare-earths lead

DSE’s lure for mainland Chinese students

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Open Dialogue

SCMP Series China’s rare-earths lead

Could the US and Europe go rare earth-free to escape China’s magnetic pull?

Researchers have been seeking alternative ways to produce the magnets needed to make everything from mobile phones to military equipment.

5-MIN READ

How China used rare earths to turn on the US chip tap again

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Why America’s brute-force effort on rare earths may not work against China

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Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | 80 years on from WWII, China’s interests lie in peaceful Asia-Pacific: Mitter

The Harvard expert says that if trends continue, the region could be a bigger driver of the global economy than it is now.

11 Aug 2025 - 9:13AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | ‘Delusional’: Jeffrey Sachs on why Western hegemony has ended

American economist sees China as key to the global energy transition to zero-carbon energy, especially in markets outside US and Europe.

4 Aug 2025 - 11:00AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Yuen Yuen Ang on how China can turn ‘polycrisis’ into ‘polytunity’

The Johns Hopkins professor of political economy says Beijing’s ‘directed improvisation’ remains essential at a time when innovation is king.

28 Jul 2025 - 12:47PMvideocam

Global Economy

Open Questions | Sean Stein on why US businesses are walking a tightrope to stay in China

The US-China Business Council president says even in a fraught trade environment, companies cannot ignore the value of the Chinese market.

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Key Industries:

Tech

Humanoid haven: China’s new robot store showcases home-grown products

The Robot Mall in Beijing’s E-Town features products from over 40 domestic brands, including Unitree and UBTech.

8 Aug 2025 - 5:00PM

A man adjusts a humanoid robot at the Robot Mall in Beijing. Photo: AFP

Tech Trends

Unitree founder: lack of advanced AI deters mass adoption of robots

In an interview with the People’s Daily, Wang Xingxing predicts that significant progress in the sector will arrive in three to five years.

13 Aug 2025 - 7:00PM

Big Tech

Tencent’s second-quarter earnings beat forecasts, bolstered by AI

Net profit rose 16 per cent to 56 billion yuan (US$7.81 billion ) while sales jumped 15 per cent to 184.5 billion yuan.

3 hours ago

Big Tech

Meta leads AI glasses surge, as Xiaomi emerges as dark horse

Competition is expected to intensify as more companies, such as Alibaba and ByteDance, enter the space in the second half of 2025.

13 Aug 2025 - 5:00PM

Xiaomi’s AI-powered smart glasses on display at a store in Guangzhou, China. Photo: VCG via Getty Images

Diplomacy

Trump’s overhaul of State Department may play into Beijing’s hands for decades

US foreign service has lost more than 3,000 employees and dozens of bureaus, leaving China with largest diplomatic corps.

9 Aug 2025 - 11:52PMvideocam

Science

Exclusive | For university that bridges China and West, geopolitics is ‘biggest challenge’

Easing visa restrictions for foreign students and visitors could help to improve understanding of China, head of XJTLU says.

9 Aug 2025 - 8:17AMvideocam

Science

‘Reduce reliance’: can US and Europe break free from China’s rare earth grip?

Researchers have been seeking alternative ways to produce the magnets needed to make everything from mobile phones to military equipment.

8 Aug 2025 - 10:46AM

Science

How China used rare earths to turn on the US chip tap again

Washington tried to slow Chinese AI progress with export bans, a tactic Beijing later employed to regain some ground.

7 Aug 2025 - 6:11AMvideocam

From friends to foes: what’s behind Trump’s Brazil-India wrath

Experts see Washington drawing new map, and the president’s frustration with Brasilia and New Delhi has put its contours into sharper relief.

Trump’s 50% tariff sows ‘total mistrust’ between US and India

What does the Beidaihe guest list tell us about China’s economic priorities?

The invitees to the Communist Party’s annual summer getaway offer clues about Beijing’s priorities ahead of a crucial October meeting.

Chinese scientists build largest array of atoms for quantum computing

Peer reviewers hail breakthrough as ‘significant’ advance in the development of atom-related quantum physics.

Unitree founder: lack of advanced AI deters mass adoption of robots

In an interview with the People’s Daily, Wang Xingxing predicts that significant progress in the sector will arrive in three to five years.

China boosts hybrid crop development speed by 400% with robotic breeding plant

Hong Kong slams ‘smear campaigns’ as Jimmy Lai returns to court for trial

Government spokesman warns on eve of trial resuming against anyone trying to interfere with the court.

‘Extraordinary’: Taiwan’s William Lai hit by strong Japanese media backlash

Sharply worded editorials across media spectrum seen to reflect Japan’s concerns over Lai’s political direction after failed recall vote.

After Chinese-owned aircraft detained in Russia, leasing firms incur huge losses

Chinese cargo exports have also been seized under Moscow’s ban on goods that could aid Ukraine’s war effort.

Finding peace amid Jiuzhaigou’s lush greenery and rich Tibetan culture

Get immersed in northern Sichuan’s calming soundscape with Nicholas He, hotel manager of Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.

Chinese families in ‘broken houses’; PLA’s warning: SCMP daily highlights

From China sanctioning two European banks to a Chinese-owned aircraft detained in Russia, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

Trump floats meeting with Putin and Zelensky if Alaska talks go well

The US president also said Russia would face consequences if Putin does not agree to stop the war in Ukraine.

Philippine military slams ‘fabricated’ video of stand-off with Malaysian navy

Manila’s navy says it has deployed a guided missile frigate for a long-planned joint military exercise in Penang.

Putin may soon test ‘invincible’ missile that could overshadow Trump summit

The Russian leader says the nuclear-armed Burevestnik – dubbed Skyfall by Nato – has almost unlimited range and can evade missile defences.

Malaysian ex-minister Rafizi Ramli’s son, 12, wounded in syringe attack

Rafizi says he believes the attack is premeditated and a ‘warning’ for him to stop being vocal on issues.

India’s navy gets a double dose of stealth with twin warship launch

Analysts say the two stealth frigates, a part of India’s Project 17A, are set to become key assets in countering China’s regional presence.

HKMA, HSBC allay fears about Hong Kong’s loan risks amid property glut

Risks associated with commercial real estate loans were manageable, HKMA and HSBC said in separate statements on Wednesday.

China bans agencies and individuals from dealing with 2 EU banks

The move is seen as countermeasure against financial sanctions imposed on two small Chinese lenders by 27-member bloc.

Review | Nobody 2: Bob Odenkirk returns as a family-minded hitman in flat sequel

Odenkirk and Sharon Stone’s performances can’t save this over-the-top action film that lacks depth and feels more like a John Wick knock-off.

Tencent’s second-quarter earnings beat forecasts, bolstered by AI

Net profit rose 16 per cent to 56 billion yuan (US$7.81 billion ) while sales jumped 15 per cent to 184.5 billion yuan.

China extend World Games golden lead through Bai Yulu, Han Yu, Shang Chunsong

Current world snooker champion, former pool and parkour global winners give hosts three more wins, with billiards hoping to add more.

My Take | Our bravest journalists today are all working and dying in Gaza

Opinion | Unlike the US, China is not trying to shut out the future

Opinion | How China seeks to distribute AI while US only wants to dominate

Opinion | Why smear Hong Kong’s prosecution of secession as political persecution?

Opinion | Tibet mega dam is China’s chance to build confidence with India

Trump floats meeting with Putin and Zelensky if Alaska talks go well

From friends to foes: what’s behind Trump’s Brazil-India wrath

Putin may soon test ‘invincible’ missile that could overshadow Trump summit

Zelensky warns Trump that Putin is ‘bluffing’ ahead of summit

Review | Nobody 2: Bob Odenkirk returns as a family-minded hitman in flat sequel

Hong Kong slams ‘smear campaigns’ as Jimmy Lai returns to court for trial

Could the US and Europe go rare earth-free to escape China’s magnetic pull?

Researchers have been seeking alternative ways to produce the magnets needed to make everything from mobile phones to military equipment.

How China used rare earths to turn on the US chip tap again

Why America’s brute-force effort on rare earths may not work against China

Open Questions | 80 years on from WWII, China’s interests lie in peaceful Asia-Pacific: Mitter

The Harvard expert says that if trends continue, the region could be a bigger driver of the global economy than it is now.

Open Questions | ‘Delusional’: Jeffrey Sachs on why Western hegemony has ended

American economist sees China as key to the global energy transition to zero-carbon energy, especially in markets outside US and Europe.

Open Questions | Yuen Yuen Ang on how China can turn ‘polycrisis’ into ‘polytunity’

The Johns Hopkins professor of political economy says Beijing’s ‘directed improvisation’ remains essential at a time when innovation is king.

Open Questions | Sean Stein on why US businesses are walking a tightrope to stay in China

The US-China Business Council president says even in a fraught trade environment, companies cannot ignore the value of the Chinese market.

Humanoid haven: China’s new robot store showcases home-grown products

The Robot Mall in Beijing’s E-Town features products from over 40 domestic brands, including Unitree and UBTech.

Unitree founder: lack of advanced AI deters mass adoption of robots

In an interview with the People’s Daily, Wang Xingxing predicts that significant progress in the sector will arrive in three to five years.

Tencent’s second-quarter earnings beat forecasts, bolstered by AI

Net profit rose 16 per cent to 56 billion yuan (US$7.81 billion ) while sales jumped 15 per cent to 184.5 billion yuan.

Meta leads AI glasses surge, as Xiaomi emerges as dark horse

Competition is expected to intensify as more companies, such as Alibaba and ByteDance, enter the space in the second half of 2025.

Trump’s overhaul of State Department may play into Beijing’s hands for decades

US foreign service has lost more than 3,000 employees and dozens of bureaus, leaving China with largest diplomatic corps.

Exclusive | For university that bridges China and West, geopolitics is ‘biggest challenge’

Easing visa restrictions for foreign students and visitors could help to improve understanding of China, head of XJTLU says.

‘Reduce reliance’: can US and Europe break free from China’s rare earth grip?

Researchers have been seeking alternative ways to produce the magnets needed to make everything from mobile phones to military equipment.

How China used rare earths to turn on the US chip tap again

Washington tried to slow Chinese AI progress with export bans, a tactic Beijing later employed to regain some ground.