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Britain

Britain
The latest breaking news and stories on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), a constitutional monarchy in northern Europe which includes England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and the world’s sixth largest economy. Also covering the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU) post Brexit, as well as with China, plus commentary and updates on the UK’s economy, politics, society and social issues.
Capital
London
Head of State
King Charles III
King Charles III
Head of Government
Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Children play next to The Bund Bull sculpture in Shanghai on April 9, 2025. Photo: AFP
China economy

Opinion | US-China rivalry: great powers that don’t make things won’t be great for long

As globalisation falters, it is countries that focus on building productive capacity, not financial excess, that will come out on top.

Jeffrey Epstein

Former UK ambassador quits Labour Party after latest Epstein files revelations

China-Africa relations

How China’s plan to internationalise yuan has quietly taken a step forward

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Fame and celebrity

Meet Finn Bennett, who plays Prince Aerion in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms

The Irish-British actor plays Aerion in HBO Max’s new Game of Thrones spin-off, but did you know he was in True Detective and Warfare, too?

British actor Finn Bennett poses as part of a red carpet event for the newly released HBO Max production series, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the new prequel of the Game of Thrones saga, in Rome, on January 15. Photo: AFP
Jeffrey Epstein

UK PM says ex-prince Andrew should explain all Epstein ties in US Congress

The prime minister’s tougher stance is likely to ratchet up the pressure on Andrew, who was stripped of his royal titles by the king last year.

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Sexual harassment and assault

New Epstein photos show ex-prince Andrew on all fours over woman on the floor

The British royal also discussed potentially meeting a ‘beautiful’ Russian woman in her 20s in emails with the late sex offender.

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Sundance Film Festival

Film on Scottish community resisting immigration raid wins Sundance award

Documentary ‘Everybody To Kenmure Street’ is about the day hundreds of people in Glasgow gathered to prevent two neighbours being detained.

An image from ‘Everybody to Kenmure Street’, a documentary about a community in Scotland resisting an immigration raid. Photo: via PA Media/dpa
Pop Mart

Labubu toymaker Pop Mart picks London as European headquarters in overseas push

CEO Wang Ning reveals firm’s latest expansion plan at Friday’s closed-door meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Japan

Japan, UK agree outer space, critical mineral supply chains collaboration

PMs Sanae Takaichi and Keir Starmer also said they’d work together in other areas, including cybersecurity, trade and defence.

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China-EU relations

Full pivot or anxious hedge? Europe’s leaders flock to China

In Brussels, a form of transactional pragmatism has taken root as bloc seeks to weather US hostility.

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Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain, a non-EU state, pictured in Shanghai on Friday, becoming the latest European leader to make a beeline for China. Photo: Pool via Reuters
China travel

Here are 5 ways to enter China without a visa – by land, sea or air

With more countries joining the visa exemption list and more points of entry for other passport holders, travel to China has never been easier.

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Visa-free transit signage at Beijing Capital International Airport. Photo: Simon Song
US-China relations

As Canada and UK hit refresh on China ties, is this the end of Five Eyes?

The White House’s ‘America first’ strategy is prompting alliance members to take another look at their relationship with Beijing.

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Diplomacy

Editorial | Starmer’s visit to China highlights benefits of dialogue over confrontation

While several deals were struck on the UK prime minister’s trip, the most important outcome is the willingness of the leaders of both countries to work constructively together.

China-UK relations

China lifted sanctions on British lawmakers after Starmer–Xi meeting, UK says

Prime minister says Beijing has removed 2021 curbs on MPs as part of a wider reset, though sanctions on others appear to remain.

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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addresses Chinese and UK business delegations at a reception in Shanghai on Friday. Photo: AFP
China's military weapons

Has China’s game-changer PL-17 long-range missile finally been seen up close?

Photo on Chinese social media appears to show full-size model of missile that may pose threat to US air dominance in Pacific, analysts say.

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A PLA J-16 fighter jet is seen loaded with missiles including the PL-10, PL-12, PL-15 and the bigger PL-17, which observers say is the world’s longest-range air-to-air missile. Photo: Handout
China trade

What has UK PM Starmer achieved in China – and what next for Sino-British ties?

The British leader’s trip has so far yielded tariff cuts and agreements on trade and investment.

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US-China trade war

Trump slams allies’ China ties, top generals fall, cross-strait talks

This week: US president says ‘very dangerous’ for UK to boost China ties, two top Chinese generals face corruption probes, and gold surges. Next week: Communist Party and Taiwan’s Kuomintang resume forum after 10 years, Uruguay president visits China, Shanghai opens skies to drones and more.

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United States

Outside In | Gradually, then suddenly, the world is waking up to the US threat

Middle powers are pivoting to Beijing and hedging with new partners as China’s economic displacement of the US rapidly expands.

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US President Donald Trump raises his fist after a “Board of Peace” meeting at the World Economic Forum annual gathering in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22. Photo: AFP
China stock market

Exclusive | UK and China weigh cross-border asset-management scheme to deepen market ties

Ashley Alder, chairman of the Financial Conduct Authority, joins the British delegation, with UK-China links high on the agenda.

China-UK relations

Britain’s Starmer hopes gift of Man United match ball scores with China’s Xi

Reviving a familiar playbook, the British leader uses football to seek diplomatic headway during an official visit to Beijing.

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Hong Kong politics

Starmer stresses Hong Kong’s stability as key to stronger ties in meeting with Xi

Meeting focused on shared interests to bolster Sino‑British relations, with Jimmy Lai’s national security case also touched upon in ‘respectful’ discussions.

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Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, left, greets Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting in Beijing. Photo: Carl Court/Pool Photo via AP
Bangladesh

Not cricket? Political sticky wicket forces Bangladesh out of T20 World Cup

Bangladesh’s national election on February 12 has brought tensions among the South Asian neighbours to the forefront.

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Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain (right) is congratulated by teammate Mahmudullah during a T20 World Cup cricket match on June 20, 2024. Photo: AP
Fame and celebrity

5 things to know about Bridgerton’s Luke Thompson – and his IRL love life

Bridgerton season 4 focuses on the love story of Sophie Baek, played by Yerin Ha, and Benedict – here’s what to know about the actor who plays him.

China-UK relations

China and Britain aim for long-term partnership as Xi and Keir meet in Beijing

Starmer, the first UK leader to travel to China since 2018, says it is ‘vital to build a more sophisticated relationship’.

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Hong Kong

Legal Tales | Late corporate activist David Webb showed why transparency benefits Hong Kong

Webb’s website reported on suspicious corporate wrongdoings under an open system that improved city’s governance and exercise of the rule of law.

David Webb with his website displayed on his computer, photographed at his Shiu Fai Terrace home in 2000. Photo: SCMP
Hong Kong economy

Opinion | What Hang Seng Bank’s delisting tells us about Hong Kong’s markets

The development raises the question: what happens when Hong Kong’s most enduring financial symbols outlive their origins?

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Hang Seng Bank’s headquarters in Central, Hong Kong, on October 9. Photo: Jelly Tse
Religion

‘Big statement’: Sarah Mullally confirmed as first female Archbishop of Canterbury

The worldwide Anglican Communion, including the US Episcopal Church, has no formal head, but the archbishop is its spiritual leader.

China-UK relations

Opinion | With China visit, Starmer makes clear he’s putting Britain first

The prime minister’s visit to China is a declaration that the UK will no longer be a simple passenger in a contest defined in Washington and Beijing.

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