The SCMP’s senior editors have concluded that the commentary piece published on July 18th (online) and 19th (in print) “How’s the Singaporean investor in the Peninsula’s holding company linked to Xi Jinping’s right-hand man?”, on further examination, does not meet our standards for publication because it includes multiple unverifiable insinuations. We apologise to our readers for this regrettable misstep, and will examine and improve our editorial process as a result.

The SCMP does not shy away from controversial topics. From the passing of a prominent human rights activist to ongoing internet censorship in China, our newsroom has provided readers with comprehensive, thoroughly researched and in-depth coverage that does justice to our standards of truth and fairness, and upholds our mission to lead the global conversation about China.