https://www.scmp.com/rss/517867/feed Ningrong Liu is a professor in globalisation and business at the City University of Hong Kong. He was associate vice-president at the University of Hong Kong and the founding director of HKU Institute for China Business. He specialises in the fields of globalisation, education leadership, and marketing communication. He is a prolific writer on topics such as globalisation and the global economy. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Ningrong Liu Ningrong Liu During a summer trip to Europe 15 years ago, I sat with friends in a Monaco hotel as we discussed their bold new idea. One of them, trained in technology and just beginning his entrepreneurial journey, shared his vision: to make the lectures of world-class professors accessible online to college students across China. I admired his passion, though I doubted whether such a venture could succeed. Not long ago, that company, now a leading provider of digital solutions for higher education in China,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3352556/how-scientist-entrepreneurs-are-shaping-chinas-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3352556/how-scientist-entrepreneurs-are-shaping-chinas-future?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 May 2026 01:30:05 +0000 Ningrong Liu Ningrong Liu Hong Kong’s first five-year plan is expected to guide the city’s future development. Never before has the city attempted a comprehensive plan in the style of mainland China, signalling a major shift in how it approaches long‑term growth. The real question is not why a laissez‑faire economy must adopt a new model but how this transformation will unfold. This exercise is unprecedented on multiple fronts. First, it departs from Hong Kong’s long-standing reliance on market forces and incremental... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3348085/how-china-transforming-hong-kong-strategic-hub?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3348085/how-china-transforming-hong-kong-strategic-hub?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Apr 2026 01:30:09 +0000 Ningrong Liu Ningrong Liu The Iran war has declared the death of the old global order. Europe wasn’t even consulted before Washington struck Iran alongside Israel – proof the continent is trapped between moral outrage and geopolitical irrelevance. If Europe wants to matter, it must shift its gaze eastwards, redefining China not as a binary adversary but as a balancing power. This is the path from Atlantic dependence to Eurasian relevance. For China, too, this moment is pivotal. US President Donald Trump has launched wars... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3344614/emerging-world-order-europe-and-chinas-interests-align?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3344614/emerging-world-order-europe-and-chinas-interests-align?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 07 Mar 2026 12:30:08 +0000 Ningrong Liu Ningrong Liu China’s robust export performance accounted for 32.7 per cent of GDP growth in 2025, offsetting subdued domestic demand and weak consumption. Although this momentum is expected to persist in 2026, it carries geopolitical risks. To secure sustainable prosperity, China must ignite its stock market as a catalyst for entrepreneurial confidence and consumer-driven growth. At the dawn of 2026, the Shanghai Stock Exchange surged past 4,100 points, extending gains after its 10-year high last year.... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3342116/surging-stocks-could-help-china-become-more-export-powerhouse?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3342116/surging-stocks-could-help-china-become-more-export-powerhouse?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:30:36 +0000 Ningrong Liu Ningrong Liu The anticipated rise of Shenzhen’s Nanshan district to a “trillion-yuan district” marks a monumental milestone, placing it alongside Shanghai’s Pudong and Beijing’s Haidian as the only districts to reach such a GDP threshold. Beyond a mere numerical benchmark, the “trillion-yuan” label signifies China’s transition into a technology-powered economic era. This achievement underscores more than local success – it amplifies the resilience of China’s economy, increasingly driven by hi-tech... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3339686/chinas-trillion-yuan-districts-reveal-gains-and-gaps-its-hi-tech-push?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3339686/chinas-trillion-yuan-districts-reveal-gains-and-gaps-its-hi-tech-push?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 Jan 2026 08:30:15 +0000 Ningrong Liu Ningrong Liu While US-China relations are likely to warm in 2026 and US President Donald Trump’s National Security Strategy strikes a comparatively softer tone, the long-term trajectory of the two nations’ rivalry remains irreversible. Strategic competition will only intensify, focusing ever more on economic and security issues in the Pacific Rim. Notably, the Pentagon’s call for a major US military overhaul centred on the Pacific Rim could raise the risk of security confrontation. This dynamic will further... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3337770/trumps-pivot-puts-pacific-rim-heart-global-power-shift?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/world-opinion/article/3337770/trumps-pivot-puts-pacific-rim-heart-global-power-shift?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 28 Dec 2025 12:30:08 +0000 Ningrong Liu Ningrong Liu A quiet transformation is weaving itself into the fabric of Hong Kong. In recent years, the city’s social and business circles have been energised by a wave of newcomers from across the Chinese mainland. They have brought with them a culinary revolution – restaurants serving flavours from fiery Sichuan to delicate Zhejiang now dot neighbourhoods once dominated by Cantonese fare. And these tables are magnets for a new cohort of ambitious entrepreneurs, who speak of supply chains stretching into... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3335639/how-hong-kong-became-trusted-bridgehead-china-firms-going-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3335639/how-hong-kong-became-trusted-bridgehead-china-firms-going-out?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Dec 2025 01:30:08 +0000 Ningrong Liu Ningrong Liu My recent visit to Mianyang, the second-largest city in Sichuan province, revealed a place little known despite being just a 90-minute drive from Chengdu. Its unique distinction lies in its high concentration of scientists – a legacy of its role as a central hub during the “Third Front Construction” from 1964 to 1978. This was a critical period when China relocated strategic industries inland to build a self-reliant economy against a backdrop of external threats. This era formed the second of... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3333115/beyond-us-china-decoupling-self-reliance-now-global-movement?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3333115/beyond-us-china-decoupling-self-reliance-now-global-movement?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Nov 2025 12:30:09 +0000 Ningrong Liu Ningrong Liu China’s 15th five-year plan is more than a policy blueprint; it is a pivotal turning point. This plan and the next one will define an era of innovation-led growth, solidifying China’s status as a major power and peer competitor to the United States. Since the reform and opening-up policy was launched, China’s economic development has had distinct phases. The 1978-1992 period marked the initial stage of opening up. Reform and opening-up was imperative in the wake of economic challenges after the... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3330435/chinas-transition-global-powerhouse-hinges-more-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3330435/chinas-transition-global-powerhouse-hinges-more-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Oct 2025 21:30:08 +0000 Ningrong Liu Ningrong Liu As the world eagerly awaits a Xi-Trump meeting that could signal a potential resolution to the long-lasting US-China tariff war, Beijing has introduced its strictest export controls yet on rare earth elements and the related production technology. The announcement took US President Donald Trump by surprise; he decided to raise tariffs on Chinese goods by a further 100 per cent. From the start of this tariff war, Beijing has shown an ability for long-term strategy, positioning itself for a... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3328816/chinas-counter-attacks-are-giving-trump-taste-his-own-medicine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3328816/chinas-counter-attacks-are-giving-trump-taste-his-own-medicine?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Oct 2025 12:30:09 +0000 Ningrong Liu Ningrong Liu As Shenzhen approaches 45 years as a special economic zone (SEZ), the importance of opening up in driving China’s progress was stressed by none other than Huawei Technologies founder Ren Zhengfei. “The more open the country becomes, the more it will drive our progress,” he told People’s Daily in a recent interview, speaking also of the importance of basic research, education and talent development. Soon after, the government outlined reforms to accelerate the development of hi-tech emerging... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3314813/hong-kongs-research-strength-vital-chinas-third-wave-reform?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3314813/hong-kongs-research-strength-vital-chinas-third-wave-reform?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Jun 2025 21:30:08 +0000 The financial challenges confronting Hong Kong, such as deficits and budget cuts, have generated significant debate and anxiety in the city. However, amid these discussions, a crucial aspect appears to have been overlooked – the potential for Hong Kong to explore new avenues for growth. With the rise of DeepSeek – developed in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province – some Chinese cities are questioning why they have not seen the emergence of similar tech start-ups. In Hangzhou, a group of six artificial... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3301122/can-hong-kong-emulate-success-hangzhous-tech-titans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3301122/can-hong-kong-emulate-success-hangzhous-tech-titans?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Mar 2025 01:30:08 +0000 Panama’s recent withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative underscores the obstacles China encounters in maintaining the momentum of its ambitious global infrastructure project. While Panama’s exit was anticipated given sustained pressure from the Trump administration, its decision raises concerns about potential ripple effects in Latin America. The initiative has significantly bolstered China’s global trade network since its establishment in 2013. According to the Ministry of Commerce, trade... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3298504/how-china-can-counter-trumps-assault-belt-and-road?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3298504/how-china-can-counter-trumps-assault-belt-and-road?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 16 Feb 2025 21:30:07 +0000 Reform has become the buzzword in Hong Kong, a term that has been associated with China for the past four decades. With Hong Kong’s economy sputtering and US president-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House, rapid change is badly needed. Where can Hong Kong find its new uniqueness to navigate through the turmoil? Hong Kong must put its past successes behind it and focus on the future while emphasising structural changes. While this long-term development strategy is crucial for the city,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3290874/reform-only-answer-securing-hong-kongs-prosperous-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3290874/reform-only-answer-securing-hong-kongs-prosperous-future?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Dec 2024 01:30:09 +0000 The imminent emergence of Trump 2.0 has sparked global concerns, particularly over the possibility of an escalating trade war with China. However, Donald Trump might just provide China with the “geopolitical stimulus” it needs to rebalance its economy. In fact, his policies could be the catalyst for much-needed reforms in China as it grapples with an economic downturn. Historically, China has shown a tendency to enact rapid changes in response to external pressures or implement difficult... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3288154/trump-tariffs-could-be-blessing-disguise-chinas-reformers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3288154/trump-tariffs-could-be-blessing-disguise-chinas-reformers?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Nov 2024 21:30:07 +0000 With five universities ranked among the top 100 globally, by Times Higher Education and Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), Hong Kong has a greater number of prestigious universities than even London and New York. In the era of the hub economy, competitive cities must expand beyond their traditional roles as commercial and financial hubs. As Hong Kong universities rise in global rankings, the question is whether the trend will propel the city into becoming a powerhouse of scientific research and... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3282319/rise-tech-hub-hong-kong-must-fund-and-prioritise-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3282319/rise-tech-hub-hong-kong-must-fund-and-prioritise-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 16 Oct 2024 21:30:07 +0000 After the lengthy summer recess, attention in the US Congress has shifted towards China, with a series of bills being introduced to restrict China’s advancements in hi-tech sectors, expanding beyond semiconductors to include biotechnology and drones. This activity on Capitol Hill, referred to as “China Week”, is not only focused on hi-tech industries. Proposed bills also target Hong Kong, with proposals to close the city’s three trade offices in the US. The bills also aim to dismantle Confucius... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3278976/targeting-china-will-just-poison-ties-without-helping-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3278976/targeting-china-will-just-poison-ties-without-helping-us?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Sep 2024 12:30:09 +0000 “City or not city?”, the humorous meme coined by an American vlogger in China to ask whether a place is fashionable or has the flair of a major city, encapsulates the allure of China’s dynamic and evolving cities – and also its picturesque countryside. Beyond the charm of China’s cities and beauty of its rural scenery lies a deeper sense of excitement and development that is palpable in its culture, economy and society. This phenomenon has captured the world’s attention, providing the emotional... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3272519/chinas-tourism-policy-must-now-go-beyond-visa-free-travel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3272519/chinas-tourism-policy-must-now-go-beyond-visa-free-travel?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 02 Aug 2024 21:30:12 +0000 “City or not city?”, the humorous meme coined by an American vlogger in China to ask whether a place is fashionable or has the flair of a major city, encapsulates the allure of China’s dynamic and evolving cities – and also its picturesque countryside. Beyond the charm of China’s cities and beauty of its rural scenery lies a deeper sense of excitement and development that is palpable in its culture, economy and society. This phenomenon has captured the world’s attention, providing the emotional... https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3272641/chinas-tourism-policy-must-now-go-beyond-visa-free-travel?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3272641/chinas-tourism-policy-must-now-go-beyond-visa-free-travel?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 01 Aug 2024 01:00:14 +0000 On the day the European Union announced its decision to raise tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, I arrived in the United Kingdom for the first time in more than five years. Sitting in Oxford’s Saïd Business School with Chinese senior executives, we were all shocked to hear about Europe’s deepening suspicion of China. Today, Europeans are increasingly disappointed with China’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war and have gradually adopted the view that the continent should not be as open to... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3270802/3-steps-china-can-take-fix-ties-european-countries?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3270802/3-steps-china-can-take-fix-ties-european-countries?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Jul 2024 21:30:11 +0000 On the day the European Union announced its decision to raise tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, I arrived in the United Kingdom for the first time in more than five years. Sitting in Oxford’s Saïd Business School with Chinese senior executives, we were all shocked to hear about Europe’s deepening suspicion of China. Today, Europeans are increasingly disappointed with China’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war and have gradually adopted the view that the continent should not be as open to... https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3270889/3-steps-china-can-take-fix-ties-european-countries?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3270889/3-steps-china-can-take-fix-ties-european-countries?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Jul 2024 05:00:09 +0000 Tesla founder and CEO Elon Musk’s surprise visit to Beijing before the Labour Day holiday was hailed as a pivotal moment for the electric vehicle maker, which has been grappling with soft demand and fierce competition. The company’s stock soared after it reportedly received in-principle approval to roll out its semi-autonomous driving technology in China and clearance for meeting key data security requirements. The significance of the meeting between Chinese Premier Li Qiang and his “old friend”... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3261728/how-chinas-old-friend-diplomacy-will-shape-its-economic-future?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3261728/how-chinas-old-friend-diplomacy-will-shape-its-economic-future?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 08 May 2024 11:30:19 +0000 Ningrong Liu Ningrong Liu Hong Kong falling out of the world’s top 10 container ports for the first time is a sign of the city’s declining stature. Meanwhile, thriving rival cities such as Shanghai, Singapore and Shenzhen continue to secure top rankings. Also last week, Apple announced a US$250 million expansion in Singapore, bolstering the city state’s position as the region’s leading tech hub. Hong Kong is grappling with its rivals’ rapid development. During the recent Easter holiday, Hongkongers made over 1.5 million... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3260194/hong-kong-must-find-its-drive-again-rivals-singapore-surge-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3260194/hong-kong-must-find-its-drive-again-rivals-singapore-surge-ahead?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Apr 2024 01:15:15 +0000 With the passing of the Article 23 national security legislation, Hong Kong finds itself at a critical juncture, desperately needing to revive its economy. However, the path forward requires more than just economic reforms. The job demands a complete transformation of mindset and the attraction of fresh talent. Hong Kong must embrace change and encourage innovation if it hopes to thrive in the face of adversity. Hong Kong’s success story from the late 1970s onwards is closely intertwined with... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3257591/hong-kongs-third-phase-superconnector-requires-tech-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/hong-kong-opinion/article/3257591/hong-kongs-third-phase-superconnector-requires-tech-innovation?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 06 Apr 2024 01:30:13 +0000 The “two sessions” held annually in Beijing, which for this year concluded last week, have captured global attention because of the interconnection between China’s economic recovery and the growth of the world economy. With an ambitious 5 per cent growth target set for 2024, the Chinese government faces significant challenges, as acknowledged by Premier Li Qiang during the National People’s Congress meeting. While China’s GDP growth of 5.2 per cent last year is commendable, ordinary citizens... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3255483/chinas-focus-hi-tech-advanced-sectors-could-hold-key-revival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3255483/chinas-focus-hi-tech-advanced-sectors-could-hold-key-revival?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 17 Mar 2024 21:30:18 +0000