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Taiwan

Taiwan
Latest news, in-depth features and opinion on Taiwan, covering politics, economy, society and the island's relationship with mainland China.
Li Yihu, an NPC delegate and head of Peking University’s Institute of Taiwan Studies, says Beijing is making rapid progress in its area-denial capabilities through drills surrounding Taiwan. Photo: Simon Song
Two Sessions 2026

China may gain from US moving military assets for Iran war: cross-strait adviser

‘Any weakening of its presence in the Asia-Pacific will inevitably work to someone’s advantage – and you can imagine who that is’.

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The Philippines

As US missiles leave South Korea, the Philippines asks: are we next?

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Two Sessions 2026

China’s ‘two sessions’ 2026: everything you need to know

United States

Taiwan scrambles to sign US arms deals before deadline amid budget gridlock

Taipei receives formal US offer for 82 Himars while agreements for howitzers and missiles also await sign-off by island’s legislature.

A missile is fired from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (Himars) during a military drill in Pingtung, Taiwan, on May 12, 2025. Photo: EPA-EFE
Banking & finance

Deutsche Bank bets on Hong Kong boom as Asian billionaires look beyond US assets

Hong Kong is becoming a focal point for Asian billionaires seeking to pivot away from US exposure, Deutsche Bank’s private bank says.

US-China relations

Mainland Chinese see Taiwan positively, won’t retreat from US trade war: survey

China Pulse polling study gives rare window into views of ordinary people on mainland, where opinions are often restricted or even banned.

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US-China relations

From ‘love and hate’ to nationalism, can Xi and Trump rebalance ties?

Chinese scholars say the US-China relationship has changed, and there’s a chance for the two powers to steer away from confrontation.

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US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Beijing and meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the end of the month. Photo: TNS
Hong Kong entertainment

Sour note for fans after Taiwanese rock band Mayday switches Hong Kong date

Veteran rockers’ show originally scheduled for March 24 cancelled, with new concert added on March 29.

Two Sessions 2026

Stability comes first: Chinese defence chief signals Beijing’s strategic caution

Dong Jun’s remarks stressing prudence as Xi-Trump summit looms and amid Iran war suggest no military action on Taiwan for now, analysts say.

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Two Sessions 2026

Editorial | High-level US-China dialogue is good for global stability

Foreign Minister Wang Yi has suggested the Trump-Xi summit is still on track and Beijing’s commitment to diplomacy is clear in budget allocations.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi listens to a question during a press conference on foreign policy and external relations during the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing on March 8. Photo: EPA
Two Sessions 2026

China’s Wang sees ‘landmark year’ in US relations

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said the US and China could shorten their ‘list of problems’, while also promoting Beijing as a source of global stability amid the war in Iran.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Taiwan tensions No 1 in Beijing’s top 10 geopolitical risks of 2026: think tank

Most consequential external security variable may be uncertainty in the US ahead of the midterm elections in November, report warns.

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China's military weapons

Why have China’s arms imports plummeted 72% over the past 5 years?

Neighbours in Asia and Oceania increase their overseas weapons purchases amid ‘fears over China’s intentions’.

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Two Sessions 2026

Wang Yi warns Japan on Taiwan ‘red line’, dashing hopes of ending diplomatic row

Invoking the legacy of WWII resistance, top diplomat cautions Tokyo against interfering in China’s affairs.

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sparked tensions with Beijing in November when she suggested Japan’s military might intervene in the event of a Taiwan conflict. Photo: via Reuters
Two Sessions 2026

Takeaways from Foreign Minister Wang Yi at China’s ‘two sessions’

Top diplomat addresses questions on US ties, the Iran crisis, South China Sea disputes and Beijing’s vision for a multipolar world order.

China top diplomat Wang Yi speaks to the press about Beijing’s foreign policy objectives during the “two sessions” in Beijing on March 8. Photo: AFP
Huang Kuo-chang

Whose vision for Taiwan’s military will win? Rival defence bills reveal rift

The island’s main political parties clash over whether to prioritise US arms or invest in home-grown weapons and ‘T-Dome’ air shield.

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Two Sessions 2026

China’s last CMC general standing urges more ‘political rectification’ for PLA

Combat readiness and loyalty to Xi Jinping also highlighted in Central Military Commission vice-chairman’s remarks at ‘two sessions’.

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Lunar New Year

Video | Taiwan celebrates Lantern Festival with a bang

Firecrackers erupt as carriers march the Earth God’s sedan chair through Taipei.

Lanteren Festival in Taipei, Taiwan.
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Two Sessions 2026

China targets lowest growth range in 35 years as pressures rise

Beijing to prioritise hi-tech over stimulus-driven growth with focus on the people in notable shift, premier’s work report to NPC reveals.

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Two Sessions 2026

China keeps defence budget growth steady as modernisation deadline looms

Beijing plans to set aside 7 per cent more for the military this year, with the total still a fraction of US spending.

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US, Israel war on Iran

What does Marco Rubio’s ‘unleash Chiang’ threat against Iran actually mean?

US secretary of state’s invocation of Cold War expression stirs unexpected debate in Taiwan.

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Analysts say US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s use of the phrase “unleash Chiang” should not be interpreted as a signal directed at Taiwan or mainland China. Photo: EPA
Religion

What are Buddhist relics? The bones and teeth with great power for followers

Buddhist relics are seen as living, active sources of blessings imbued with supernatural qualities, but authenticity can be an issue.

The Shakyamuni Buddha Tooth is displayed at the Wei Mountain Temple in Rosemead, California, on February 17, 2026. Buddhist relics like these are revered by followers of Buddhism, providing connections to the Buddha and other revered monks. Photo: AP
Mainland China

No PLA planes over Taiwan in 6 days. Why has Beijing pressed pause?

Analysts say the recent pause may be aimed at creating a conciliatory atmosphere in advance of this month’s leaders’ meeting.

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Two Sessions 2026

Takeaways from Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s government work report

Li raises the curtain on the annual session of the National People’s Congress with a series of targets for the economy.

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Japan

Failure to launch: Japan’s Space One aborts Kairos flight after lift-off

The start-up has so far had three failed launches in its attempt to become the first Japanese private entity to put a satellite into orbit.

Space One’s Kairos No 3 rocket lifts off from Space Port Kii in Kushimoto, Wakayama prefecture, on Thursday. Photo: Kyodo
From our archives

On This Day | Ang Lee becomes first Asian person to win directing Oscar in 2006 – SCMP archive

Twenty years ago on March 5, 2006, Lee won the Academy Award for best director for the film Brokeback Mountain.

Ang Lee holds his Oscar for achievement in directing. He is the first Asian winner of the award. Photo: EPA
US-China relations

Khamenei’s fall exposes China’s military AI lag versus US: Beijing adviser

Zheng Yongnian cites precision strikes on Iran and earlier Venezuela raid to warn about risks posed by deep AI integration in US military.

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Asian cinema: Hong Kong film

Review | Girlfriends: Fish Liew and Jennifer Yu reunite for tender lesbian romance

Tracy Choi’s semi-autobiographical, episodic drama gives an intimate portrait of a woman searching for her place at different stages of life.

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