Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

UK Financial Conduct Authority chairman Ashley Alder, pictured at the Island Shangri-La in Admiralty on January 28, 2026. Photo: Karma Lo

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.

1 hour ago

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

China stock market

China Business

How Tesla’s AI shift is prompting Chinese rivals to expand tech offerings

As Tesla diversifies into humanoid robots and self-driving cars, its Chinese competitors are also moving into flying cars, robots and chips.

35 minutes agovideocam

Science

In robot-aided surgery, it doesn’t matter where you are: Chinese study

First randomised controlled trial of telesurgery finds it a ‘feasible solution’ for uneven distribution of medical services.

1 hour agovideocam

Politics

Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison risks losing Panama port rights after court ruling

Panama’s Supreme Court rules port contract of Li Ka-shing firm’s subsidiary ‘unconstitutional’.

9 minutes ago

Focus

Can China’s AI strategy challenge India’s reign as ‘office of the world’?

World

China’s canal to Southeast Asia, Nipah virus sparks worry: 7 highlights

From China’s ‘gold fever’ sparking scandal to a tourist drought, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

1 hour ago

The construction site of the Pinglu Canal megaproject, a 134km waterway linking Nanning with the Gulf of Tonkin. Photo: Xinhua

Science

Chipmaking expert Xu Zhenpeng leaves OpenAI-funded start-up for Shanghai role

The rising talent in micron-precision 3D printing revealed the move from California to an academic position in China on social media.

4 hours agovideocam

Markets

China halts trading in 5 silver and oil funds amid volatility

The trading halts and alerts aim to ‘maintain the stability of the capital markets’ and protect investors from ‘huge losses’, analyst says.

17 minutes ago

Education

Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s 20-year evolution ensures it meets world’s fast-changing technological, industrial and societal needs.

In partnership with:

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Lifestyle & Culture

Will Thai tourism ambassador Blackpink’s Lisa help lure Chinese visitors back?

Chinese visitor arrivals slumped by nearly 30 per cent last year amid concerns over safety, the border war with Cambodia and the strong baht.

4 hours ago

Thai singer and actress Lalisa Manobal arrives for the Amazing Thailand Ambassador Exclusive Night at the Temple of Dawn or Wat Arun in Bangkok, Thailand, on Wednesday. Photo: EPA

Diplomacy

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.

41 minutes agovideocam

Transport

More seat belt confusion: does the new law cover all public buses in Hong Kong?

Ex-legislator who was part of committee that scrutinised proposed law says rule should only apply on buses newly registered from January 25.

1 hour ago

China Economy

How changing tastes in China are hitting Australia’s wine exports

Younger consumers’ preference for healthier, low-alcohol beverages has contributed to shrinking of Chinese market.

2 hours ago

Bottles of Australian wine at a store in Beijing in November 2020. Photo: Reuters

Africa

Niger’s junta accuses foreign leaders of sponsoring airport attack

Niger’s military ruler vows retaliation after gunmen attack an air force base before being repelled by Russian fighters.

1 hour ago

A satellite image shows roadblocks at the entrance of Diori Hamani International Airport. Photo: Vantor via Reuters

Americas

Venezuela approves oil industry overhaul as US eases some sanctions

Venezuela’s reform will enable additional foreign investment in the energy sector, a move expected to benefit the United States in particular.

2 hours ago

Diplomacy

Senate bills give clear message to Trump to back Taiwan as Xi meeting approaches

Thursday’s bills send signal to White House that US partnership with Taipei must not be forgotten as Trump threatens Cuba tariffs.

5 hours agovideocam

Business

NWD says parent approached by investors after report links Blackstone to sale

The debt-laden Hong Kong developer confirms investor approaches with its parent after reports of a possible stake sale and turnaround plan.

30 Jan 2026 - 12:24AM

Rumours have been circulating that investors have approached the parent of the indebted developer. Photo: Jelly Tse

SERIES: Hong Kong’s pop culture icons

Profile | From bar singer to Hong Kong icon: how Hins Cheung refused to let the dream die

The Cantopop star, who continues to sell out stadiums, is as passionate about the arts as he is about preserving heritage buildings.

30 Jan 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

Cantopop singer Hins Cheung performs during half-time at the Legends Assemble match between Real Madrid Legends and Barcelona Heroes at Hong Kong Stadium on December 20, 2024. Photo: Getty Images

United States & Canada

US trade deficit widens sharply, reversing big pullback lauded by Trump

The US president touted the success of his tariffs after the trade gap fell to an earlier low, but the figure has since boomeranged back.

30 Jan 2026 - 1:55AM

Health & Environment

Japan child suicides reach record high as experts warn of mounting pressures

The rise in child deaths contrasts with a broader decline in suicides, prompting scrutiny of school pressure and mental health support.

6 hours agovideocam

OPINION

Chen Zhao

Opinion | Fears of overcapacity ignore China’s full balance of payments picture

4 hours ago

Syed Munir Khasru

Opinion | How the world can design a new trade architecture

6 hours ago

Letters

Letters | PhD fellowship scheme holds a key to Hong Kong’s education hub dream

2 hours ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | No better time for Hong Kong to strike its golden deal with Shanghai

30 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Hong Kong right to remain vigilant against Nipah virus spread

30 Jan 2026 - 6:45AM

Harry’s View | 30 Jan 2026

MORE COMMENT

LATEST

1 minute ago

Middle East

‘They are trying to inject fear’: Iran rounding up thousands after crackdown

9 minutes ago

Politics

Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison risks losing Panama port rights after court ruling

16 minutes ago

Southeast Asia

‘I’m a billionaire now’: price boom thrills Vietnamese sitting on gold hoard

17 minutes ago

Markets

China halts trading in 5 silver and oil funds amid volatility

57 minutes ago

China Business

How Tesla’s AI shift is prompting Chinese rivals to expand tech offerings

1 hour ago

Food & Drink

11 new Hong Kong restaurants and bars to try in February 2026

MORE LATEST NEWS

SCMP Series

Year of the Horse 2026

China Inc. goes global

Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Children learn about how to care for horses as part of a Hong Kong Pony Club activity. The club helps nurture equine respect and skills, and fosters community through events and global connections. Photo: Instagram/HKPC

SCMP Series Year of the Horse 2026

How the Hong Kong Pony Club fosters young riders’ respect and nurtures relationships

Hong Kong Pony Club members learn horsemanship, build lasting friendships, and develop a lasting respect for horses and ponies.

29 Jan 2026 - 12:15PM

Reservations now open for new banknotes for Year of the Horse red packets

28 Jan 2026 - 6:15PM

What does AI predict will happen in the fiery Year of the Horse 2026?

24 Jan 2026 - 5:15PM

Open Questions series

China

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

29 Jan 2026 - 11:50AMvideocam

Tech Trends

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

26 Jan 2026 - 9:31AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

19 Jan 2026 - 6:57PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

Political scientist says the Western-led global order remains useful, and the Belt and Road Initiative isn’t a geopolitical project.

12 Jan 2026 - 10:06AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Big Tech

China’s Alibaba, Moonshot claim latest AI models challenge OpenAI, Google

Alibaba says Qwen3-Max-Thinking is its ‘best model so far’, while Moonshot calls Kimi K2.5 the world’s most powerful open-source model.

27 Jan 2026 - 5:30PM

The new models mark the first major Chinese releases this year. Photo: Shutterstock

China Business

How Tesla’s AI shift is prompting Chinese rivals to expand tech offerings

As Tesla diversifies into humanoid robots and self-driving cars, its Chinese competitors are also moving into flying cars, robots and chips.

35 minutes agovideocam

China Economy

Can China’s AI strategy challenge India’s reign as ‘office of the world’?

Beijing’s ambition to move up the value chain could see it becoming a major exporter of digital services, AI to global high-end providers.

6 hours agovideocam

Tech

China’s humanoid robot sales to double this year as costs fall: Morgan Stanley

The US investment bank revises its China robot sales forecast to 28,000 units this year, while its sees parts prices falling 16 per cent.

29 Jan 2026 - 10:51PMvideocam

A humanoid robot is seen at the 2025 Global Industrial Internet Conference in Shenyang, Liaoning province, in September 2025. Photo: Xinhua

Global Economy

Trump says the US dollar can move like a yo-yo. Will Treasuries be left hanging?

With the US president levelling threats at enemies, allies and his own central bank, alternatives like gold and Chinese assets are gaining appeal.

28 Jan 2026 - 11:18AMvideocam

Diplomacy

European leaders say the quiet part out loud: order no longer constrains power

EU leaders appear to have finally accepted they are facing a new era of great power competition – the question now is how they respond.

27 Jan 2026 - 9:40AMvideocam

China Economy

Exclusive | Maker of China’s C919 airliner set to ramp up production: sources

With 8 of the 15 planes made last year delivered to customers in November and December, a source said supply chain snags seem to be diminishing.

26 Jan 2026 - 9:33AM

China Economy

‘Loneliness economy’: how China is adapting to a rapid rise in solo living

The viral success of check-in app Are You Dead? has exposed the vast demand for services catering to China’s rapidly growing single population.

26 Jan 2026 - 2:12PMvideocam

A user checks in using the viral app Are You Dead?, also known as Demumu in English, which surged to the top of the paid app chart on Apple’s AppStore in China last week. Photo: Reuters

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}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 and Britain aim for long-term partnership as Xi and Keir meet in Beijing

How Tesla’s AI shift is prompting Chinese rivals to expand tech offerings

As Tesla diversifies into humanoid robots and self-driving cars, its Chinese competitors are also moving into flying cars, robots and chips.

In robot-aided surgery, it doesn’t matter where you are: Chinese study

First randomised controlled trial of telesurgery finds it a ‘feasible solution’ for uneven distribution of medical services.

Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison risks losing Panama port rights after court ruling

Panama’s Supreme Court rules port contract of Li Ka-shing firm’s subsidiary ‘unconstitutional’.

Can China’s AI strategy challenge India’s reign as ‘office of the world’?

China’s canal to Southeast Asia, Nipah virus sparks worry: 7 highlights

From China’s ‘gold fever’ sparking scandal to a tourist drought, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Chipmaking expert Xu Zhenpeng leaves OpenAI-funded start-up for Shanghai role

The rising talent in micron-precision 3D printing revealed the move from California to an academic position in China on social media.

China halts trading in 5 silver and oil funds amid volatility

The trading halts and alerts aim to ‘maintain the stability of the capital markets’ and protect investors from ‘huge losses’, analyst says.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s 20-year evolution ensures it meets world’s fast-changing technological, industrial and societal needs.

Will Thai tourism ambassador Blackpink’s Lisa help lure Chinese visitors back?

Chinese visitor arrivals slumped by nearly 30 per cent last year amid concerns over safety, the border war with Cambodia and the strong baht.

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.

More seat belt confusion: does the new law cover all public buses in Hong Kong?

Ex-legislator who was part of committee that scrutinised proposed law says rule should only apply on buses newly registered from January 25.

How changing tastes in China are hitting Australia’s wine exports

Younger consumers’ preference for healthier, low-alcohol beverages has contributed to shrinking of Chinese market.

Niger’s junta accuses foreign leaders of sponsoring airport attack

Niger’s military ruler vows retaliation after gunmen attack an air force base before being repelled by Russian fighters.

Venezuela approves oil industry overhaul as US eases some sanctions

Venezuela’s reform will enable additional foreign investment in the energy sector, a move expected to benefit the United States in particular.

Senate bills give clear message to Trump to back Taiwan as Xi meeting approaches

Thursday’s bills send signal to White House that US partnership with Taipei must not be forgotten as Trump threatens Cuba tariffs.

NWD says parent approached by investors after report links Blackstone to sale

The debt-laden Hong Kong developer confirms investor approaches with its parent after reports of a possible stake sale and turnaround plan.

Profile | From bar singer to Hong Kong icon: how Hins Cheung refused to let the dream die

The Cantopop star, who continues to sell out stadiums, is as passionate about the arts as he is about preserving heritage buildings.

US trade deficit widens sharply, reversing big pullback lauded by Trump

The US president touted the success of his tariffs after the trade gap fell to an earlier low, but the figure has since boomeranged back.

Japan child suicides reach record high as experts warn of mounting pressures

The rise in child deaths contrasts with a broader decline in suicides, prompting scrutiny of school pressure and mental health support.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Fears of overcapacity ignore China’s full balance of payments picture

Opinion | How the world can design a new trade architecture

Letters | PhD fellowship scheme holds a key to Hong Kong’s education hub dream

Editorial | No better time for Hong Kong to strike its golden deal with Shanghai

Editorial | Hong Kong right to remain vigilant against Nipah virus spread

‘They are trying to inject fear’: Iran rounding up thousands after crackdown

Hong Kong’s CK Hutchison risks losing Panama port rights after court ruling

‘I’m a billionaire now’: price boom thrills Vietnamese sitting on gold hoard

China halts trading in 5 silver and oil funds amid volatility

How Tesla’s AI shift is prompting Chinese rivals to expand tech offerings

11 new Hong Kong restaurants and bars to try in February 2026

How the Hong Kong Pony Club fosters young riders’ respect and nurtures relationships

Hong Kong Pony Club members learn horsemanship, build lasting friendships, and develop a lasting respect for horses and ponies.

Reservations now open for new banknotes for Year of the Horse red packets

What does AI predict will happen in the fiery Year of the Horse 2026?

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

Open Questions | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

Open Questions | Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

Political scientist says the Western-led global order remains useful, and the Belt and Road Initiative isn’t a geopolitical project.

China’s Alibaba, Moonshot claim latest AI models challenge OpenAI, Google

Alibaba says Qwen3-Max-Thinking is its ‘best model so far’, while Moonshot calls Kimi K2.5 the world’s most powerful open-source model.

How Tesla’s AI shift is prompting Chinese rivals to expand tech offerings

As Tesla diversifies into humanoid robots and self-driving cars, its Chinese competitors are also moving into flying cars, robots and chips.

Can China’s AI strategy challenge India’s reign as ‘office of the world’?

Beijing’s ambition to move up the value chain could see it becoming a major exporter of digital services, AI to global high-end providers.

China’s humanoid robot sales to double this year as costs fall: Morgan Stanley

The US investment bank revises its China robot sales forecast to 28,000 units this year, while its sees parts prices falling 16 per cent.

Trump says the US dollar can move like a yo-yo. Will Treasuries be left hanging?

With the US president levelling threats at enemies, allies and his own central bank, alternatives like gold and Chinese assets are gaining appeal.

European leaders say the quiet part out loud: order no longer constrains power

EU leaders appear to have finally accepted they are facing a new era of great power competition – the question now is how they respond.

Exclusive | Maker of China’s C919 airliner set to ramp up production: sources

With 8 of the 15 planes made last year delivered to customers in November and December, a source said supply chain snags seem to be diminishing.

‘Loneliness economy’: how China is adapting to a rapid rise in solo living

The viral success of check-in app Are You Dead? has exposed the vast demand for services catering to China’s rapidly growing single population.

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

Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Opinion | Fears of overcapacity ignore China’s full balance of payments picture