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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.
Mayday will now perform in Hong Kong on March 25 and March 27 to 29. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong entertainment

Taiwan’s Mayday invites fans angered by axed Hong Kong show to free rehearsal

Concert scheduled for March 24 was cancelled and another show added on March 29, prompting wave of complaints.

US, Israel war on Iran

How Iran’s strikes on US bases could offer a preview for the Asia-Pacific

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Two Sessions 2026

Why China may gain from US moving military assets for Iran war

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The Philippines

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

South Korea couldn’t stop the pull-out. Now, Manila must figure out if it is indeed a strategic partner or just another supply depot.

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Patriot missile launchers are seen deployed at a US military base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, on Sunday. Photo: Yonhap/AFP
Two Sessions 2026

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

From US ties post-Iran to new tech innovation strategies, here is everything you need to know about China’s ongoing ‘two sessions’.

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.

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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.

Claudio de Sanctis, head of Private Banking at Deutsche Bank. Photo: Sun Yeung
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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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.

Mayday putting on a show at Kai Tak Stadium last year. Photo: Handout
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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Dong Jun has served as China’s defence minister since December 2023. Photo: Reuters
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.

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.

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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A report has identified escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait as the most pressing external security concern for Beijing. Photo: AP
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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China’s share of global arms imports is waning as it uses more of its own technology. Photo: VCG via Getty Images
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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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.

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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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Washington has approved US$11 billion in sales of weapons and systems to Taiwan, including Himars rocket launchers. Photo: AFP
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.

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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Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s speech at the National People’s Congress opening session is broadcast on a giant TV screen, in Beijing on Thursday. Photo: Robert Ng
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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China’s spending on defence will increase by about 7 per cent this year. Photo: Xinhua
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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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.

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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While no aircraft were recorded near Taiwan over six consecutive days, including the Chinese New Year, the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command said it maintained combat-oriented training over the period. Photo: Handout
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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Chinese Premier Li Qiang opens the annual session of the National People’s Congress by delivering the government’s work report. Photo: AFP
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.

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.

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