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Sweden

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Sweden. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Stockholm

Head of State

King Carl XVI Gustaf

Head of Government

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson

US President Donald Trump is pictured next to Malaysian flags before departing Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Air Force One in October. Photo: AFP

US-Asean relations

Southeast Asia barely features in America’s new security strategy

The region appears just twice in the new 32-page US National Security Strategy, raising fears it is being relegated to a ‘bargaining chip’.

3 hours ago

TikTok

Are China’s social media apps the soft power play to win over the West?

4 hours agovideocam

Malaysia

Southeast Asia’s rich buy sky garages while the middle class lose their homes

13 Dec 2025 - 9:30AMvideocam

Banking & finance

Hong Kong needs to attract global champions to broaden fundraising base: FSDC

Think tank urges the expansion of connect schemes to cover a wider range of asset classes and the promotion of digital asset trading.

12 Dec 2025 - 5:30PM

“Hong Kong has every opportunity to shape, innovate and lead,” according to the FSDC. Photo: Sam Tsang

China trade

Explainer | As China’s companies become industry leaders, where in the world are they going?

Across numerous sectors, China’s firms are setting up shop worldwide – and gaining ground on their well-entrenched competitors.

11 Dec 2025 - 11:21AMvideocam

China trade

Explainer | From railways to Labubus: how China Inc. went on a 50-year trip abroad

Chinese companies have steadily expanded their global reach over the past half-century, but it has been a winding, often turbulent journey.

11 Dec 2025 - 11:21AMvideocam

North Korea

North Korea unveils new missiles, angles for Russian jets amid Ukraine war deal

Analysts say the event served a dual purpose: grooming Kim’s potential successor and angling for Russian jets as payment for Ukraine war aid.

2 Dec 2025 - 11:27AMvideocam

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (centre) and his daughter Ju-ae (centre, left) watch a demonstration flight commemorating the 80th anniversary of the air force’s founding on Friday. Photo: KCNA/KNS/AFP

The Philippines

Why Russia is targeting the Philippines with Ukraine mercenary claims

As Moscow wages an information war far from the battlefields of Ukraine, an improbable front has opened up in Southeast Asia.

1 Dec 2025 - 4:02PM

India

India’s looming BrahMos missile deal with Indonesia challenges US-China binary

New Delhi is emerging as a serious alternative security partner for Southeast Asia, offering hi-tech arms without ‘hegemonic baggage’.

1 Dec 2025 - 3:51PM

Singapore

Singapore becomes Plan B for Chinese travellers giving Japan a wide berth

Beijing’s call to boycott Japan after Sanae Takaichi’s remarks is benefiting Southeast Asian countries, travel agents say.

30 Nov 2025 - 9:30AM

Tourists take photos with the Merlion statue in Singapore. Chinese visitors say the city state is an “easy and comfortable” travel destination. Photo: Reuters

Malaysia

From Singapore to Malaysia, tech firms double down on AI despite bubble fears

Bubble bursting? Not here. Meet the regional founders who see a potential global AI crash as a ‘healthy’ correction.

28 Nov 2025 - 5:30PM

An electronic chip board used for AI processing. Photo: Shutterstock

South Korea

Seoul sanctions Prince Group chairman Chen Zhi in Cambodia crime crackdown

Chen Zhi, the chairman of the Prince Group, is accused of overseeing scam compounds that detained dozens of South Koreans.

27 Nov 2025 - 5:10PMvideocam

Fashion

8 viral tote bags: Emily Ratajkowski’s Daunt Books tote and more

Trader Joe’s micro bags have brought totes into the conversation again – here are a few that have taken off and are gaining cult status.

26 Nov 2025 - 2:00PM

Asean

Widodo hails Southeast Asia’s rise as ‘global force’ in entrepreneurship

Former Indonesian leader says the next unicorn could emerge from Southeast Asia and urges the region to prepare for an ‘intelligent economy’.

21 Nov 2025 - 7:17PMvideocam

Joko Widodo, Indonesia’s former president, has urged Southeast Asian countries to prepare for an “intelligent economy”. Photo: dpa

Asean

Why Asean’s AI ambition may lead to widening economic and tech divide

While countries such as Singapore and Malaysia are ahead in the AI race, others like Cambodia and Laos risk being left behind, analysts say.

21 Nov 2025 - 5:31PM

An illustration of stock market trading using artificial intelligence. Asean is aiming to expand the use of AI across sectors. Photo: Shutterstock

United States

Outside In | Trump’s G20 boycott sums up a year of US attacks on multilateralism

Despite the duress, most countries clearly do not prefer Trumpian unilateralism. But while multilateralism is not dead, it is limping badly.

21 Nov 2025 - 9:15PMvideocam

Singapore

Singapore PM hopes China, Japan ‘find ways to resolve’ Taiwan Strait row

Lawrence Wong cites the example of Southeast Asia and Japan, who have ‘put history aside’ and are moving forward.

20 Nov 2025 - 12:59AMvideocam

Hong Kong politics

Advisory panel urges US Congress to put Hong Kong on tighter sanctions leash

Report says government’s ongoing crackdown on dissidents ‘has eliminated a once vibrant civil society and created an atmosphere of repression comparable to mainland China’.

18 Nov 2025 - 4:26PM

The advisory panel to the US Congress has recommended passing a law that would only allow Hong Kong to keep its official status as a US dollar trading hub if it followed all American sanctions. Photo: Felix Wong

SCMP Highlights

Malaysia-Singapore crossing brawl, climate crisis in focus: 7 Asia highlights

From a Bangladesh court sentencing Hasina to a Muslim trans woman’s secret, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

18 Nov 2025 - 12:41PM

Asia housing and property

The View | An AI-fuelled data centre bubble in the making? Not in Asia

Asia provides strong reassurance that the AI boom is not the only factor driving development and investment in data centres.

17 Nov 2025 - 4:30PMvideocam

Japan

Japan battles drug crisis as youths get hooked on ‘zombie cigarettes’

The etomidate-laced vapes are spreading via social media, prompting nationwide vigilance and crackdowns on trafficking.

16 Nov 2025 - 3:05PMvideocam

In many cases, etomidate is inhaled from an electronic cigarette or vape device. Photo: Eugene Lee

Malaysia

Malaysia’s start-ups shiver through a venture capital deep freeze

Global risk capital has fled Asia, with the region’s entrepreneurs left to fight over a dwindling pool of funds.

15 Nov 2025 - 3:00PM

Malaysia’s national flag is seen next to a sculpture at a snow festival in Japan. Asia faces a venture capital “winter”. Photo: AFP

Nepal

Asian Angle | Nepal found out what Thailand already knew: digital repression is risky

The tactics vary, from Myanmar’s internet blackouts to Indonesia’s subtler control, but the results are the same: resentment and resistance.

15 Nov 2025 - 1:00PMvideocam

Climate change

Climate collapse: Southeast Asia’s new normal?

With a 30th year of Cop climate talks under way in Brazil, for many of Asia’s most vulnerable populations, the crisis is already here.

21 Nov 2025 - 6:58AM

Nordic nations

3 killed as Stockholm bus slams into pedestrians

Rescuers were seen crouched under the double-decker vehicle, appearing to help people trapped underneath.

15 Nov 2025 - 6:00AM

Several people were killed when a bus rammed into a bus stop queue in central Stockholm on Friday. Photo: Handout

Singapore

How Singapore’s green shipping vision is gaining traction, with China’s help

The deal with China will boost maritime decarbonisation and allow Singapore to build a strong supply chain with alternative fuels, analysts say.

14 Nov 2025 - 11:43AM

Vessels with shipping containers are seen at Pasir Panjang port terminal in Singapore in October. The country supplied more than 1 million tonnes of alternative bunker fuels in 2024. Photo: AFP

South Korea

Will Japan and South Korea join Aukus, co-develop nuclear submarines with US?

With US approval for Seoul to develop nuclear submarines, Aukus become a more expansive Indo-Pacific defence network.

13 Nov 2025 - 4:36PM

Asean

Opinion | How Asean quietly became China’s buffer against US tariffs

China and Asean now have a lawful way to cushion tariffs by shifting where value is added, how it is recorded and which standards to meet.

12 Nov 2025 - 4:30PMvideocam

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Sweden

Southeast Asia barely features in America’s new security strategy

The region appears just twice in the new 32-page US National Security Strategy, raising fears it is being relegated to a ‘bargaining chip’.

Are China’s social media apps the soft power play to win over the West?

Southeast Asia’s rich buy sky garages while the middle class lose their homes

Hong Kong needs to attract global champions to broaden fundraising base: FSDC

Think tank urges the expansion of connect schemes to cover a wider range of asset classes and the promotion of digital asset trading.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Explainer | As China’s companies become industry leaders, where in the world are they going?

Across numerous sectors, China’s firms are setting up shop worldwide – and gaining ground on their well-entrenched competitors.

Explainer | From railways to Labubus: how China Inc. went on a 50-year trip abroad

Chinese companies have steadily expanded their global reach over the past half-century, but it has been a winding, often turbulent journey.

North Korea unveils new missiles, angles for Russian jets amid Ukraine war deal

Analysts say the event served a dual purpose: grooming Kim’s potential successor and angling for Russian jets as payment for Ukraine war aid.

Why Russia is targeting the Philippines with Ukraine mercenary claims

As Moscow wages an information war far from the battlefields of Ukraine, an improbable front has opened up in Southeast Asia.

India’s looming BrahMos missile deal with Indonesia challenges US-China binary

New Delhi is emerging as a serious alternative security partner for Southeast Asia, offering hi-tech arms without ‘hegemonic baggage’.

Singapore becomes Plan B for Chinese travellers giving Japan a wide berth

Beijing’s call to boycott Japan after Sanae Takaichi’s remarks is benefiting Southeast Asian countries, travel agents say.

From Singapore to Malaysia, tech firms double down on AI despite bubble fears

Bubble bursting? Not here. Meet the regional founders who see a potential global AI crash as a ‘healthy’ correction.

Seoul sanctions Prince Group chairman Chen Zhi in Cambodia crime crackdown

Chen Zhi, the chairman of the Prince Group, is accused of overseeing scam compounds that detained dozens of South Koreans.

8 viral tote bags: Emily Ratajkowski’s Daunt Books tote and more

Trader Joe’s micro bags have brought totes into the conversation again – here are a few that have taken off and are gaining cult status.

Widodo hails Southeast Asia’s rise as ‘global force’ in entrepreneurship

Former Indonesian leader says the next unicorn could emerge from Southeast Asia and urges the region to prepare for an ‘intelligent economy’.

Why Asean’s AI ambition may lead to widening economic and tech divide

While countries such as Singapore and Malaysia are ahead in the AI race, others like Cambodia and Laos risk being left behind, analysts say.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Outside In | Trump’s G20 boycott sums up a year of US attacks on multilateralism

Despite the duress, most countries clearly do not prefer Trumpian unilateralism. But while multilateralism is not dead, it is limping badly.

Singapore PM hopes China, Japan ‘find ways to resolve’ Taiwan Strait row

Lawrence Wong cites the example of Southeast Asia and Japan, who have ‘put history aside’ and are moving forward.

Advisory panel urges US Congress to put Hong Kong on tighter sanctions leash

Report says government’s ongoing crackdown on dissidents ‘has eliminated a once vibrant civil society and created an atmosphere of repression comparable to mainland China’.

Malaysia-Singapore crossing brawl, climate crisis in focus: 7 Asia highlights

From a Bangladesh court sentencing Hasina to a Muslim trans woman’s secret, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

The View | An AI-fuelled data centre bubble in the making? Not in Asia

Asia provides strong reassurance that the AI boom is not the only factor driving development and investment in data centres.

Japan battles drug crisis as youths get hooked on ‘zombie cigarettes’

The etomidate-laced vapes are spreading via social media, prompting nationwide vigilance and crackdowns on trafficking.

Malaysia’s start-ups shiver through a venture capital deep freeze

Global risk capital has fled Asia, with the region’s entrepreneurs left to fight over a dwindling pool of funds.

Asian Angle | Nepal found out what Thailand already knew: digital repression is risky

The tactics vary, from Myanmar’s internet blackouts to Indonesia’s subtler control, but the results are the same: resentment and resistance.

Climate collapse: Southeast Asia’s new normal?

With a 30th year of Cop climate talks under way in Brazil, for many of Asia’s most vulnerable populations, the crisis is already here.

3 killed as Stockholm bus slams into pedestrians

Rescuers were seen crouched under the double-decker vehicle, appearing to help people trapped underneath.

How Singapore’s green shipping vision is gaining traction, with China’s help

The deal with China will boost maritime decarbonisation and allow Singapore to build a strong supply chain with alternative fuels, analysts say.

Will Japan and South Korea join Aukus, co-develop nuclear submarines with US?

With US approval for Seoul to develop nuclear submarines, Aukus become a more expansive Indo-Pacific defence network.

Opinion | How Asean quietly became China’s buffer against US tariffs

China and Asean now have a lawful way to cushion tariffs by shifting where value is added, how it is recorded and which standards to meet.

Explainer | As China’s companies become industry leaders, where in the world are they going?

Outside In | Trump’s G20 boycott sums up a year of US attacks on multilateralism