Takeaways from SCO summit opening, China’s advanced drones: SCMP daily highlights

From the meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation leaders to a potential advance in wearable devices, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage

Reading Time:2 minutes

Russia’s Vladimir Putin, India’s Narendra Modi and China’s Xi Jinping. Photo: Kyodo

Published: 9:15pm, 1 Sep 2025Updated: 10:51pm, 1 Sep 2025

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.

1. 6 takeaways from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit opening

Chinese President Xi Jinping called on members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to uphold international fairness and justice while pursuing mutually beneficial economic and cultural cooperation.

2. China’s yuan could strengthen to 7 per US dollar as Fed sends dovish signals

The Chinese yuan is set to continue making gains against the US dollar over the coming months, as China’s central bank sets strong daily reference rates for the currency and traders bet on possible US interest rate cuts, analysts said.

3. How will China’s advanced drones and robobeasts share stage with PLA personnel?

Drones such as the armed reconnaissance stealth drone, the GJ-11, are expected to be on show during China’s military parade on September 3. Robot dogs and other quadruped systems are also expected to be out in force. Photo: Handout

Some 16 years after China first showcased drones in a military parade, there is keen interest in how the People’s Liberation Army has developed its unmanned systems, and how they will be displayed during Beijing’s military parade on Wednesday.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00