Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Xu Zhenpeng has left the US to take up a full-time position at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (pictured), one of China’s leaders in artificial intelligence hardware research. Photo: Shutterstock

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.

2 hours agovideocam

US looking inward under Trump made room for China’s development, expert says

Science

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

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

13 minutes agovideocam

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.

4 hours 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.

5 minutes ago

Focus

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

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.

56 minutes ago

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

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

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

Business

The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Found everywhere from food products to biofuel, this vegetable oil is preferred for its versatility, safety and sustainable production.

In partnership with:

MPOC

Palm oil is a versatile ingredient found in a wide range of everyday items, from ice cream and cake to lipstick and biofuel.

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.

2 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 a state visit to Beijing.

3 hours agovideocam

Military

‘Communist warrior’: China’s leaders pay tribute to late general Liao Xilong

Liao praised for his party loyalty just days after the downfall of the country’s top uniformed officer.

29 Jan 2026 - 11:08PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Do Americans think China will overtake the US? The results are in

Washington think tank takes the public’s temperature on global power and influence.

29 Jan 2026 - 10:40PMvideocam

China’s biggest advantage over the US is technology, according to a poll of Americans. Photo: Shutterstock

United States & Canada

Why was America’s top spy present at FBI raid on election facility?

DNI’s Tulsi Gabbard raises eyebrows as her team defends her presence as vital for ‘identifying vulnerabilities in our critical infrastructure’.

1 hour ago

The US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard speaks on the phone during the FBI raid in Georgia on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters

United States & Canada

Trump and Democrats strike deal to avert US government shutdown

DHS funding would be extended for two weeks as lawmakers continue ⁠negotiating guardrails to rein in immigration agents.

53 minutes ago

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.

4 hours agovideocam

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.

21 minutes ago

Venezuela’s acting president Delcy Rodriguez holds up a copy of the new law. Photo: AP

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.

5 hours agovideocam

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

China Business

Hong Kong stocks end 7-day rally as investors resort to profit-taking

Despite the setback, the Hang Seng Index is set for its best monthly performance since February 2025.

59 minutes ago

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.

29 Jan 2026 - 10:08PM

OPINION

Chen Zhao

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

3 hours ago

Syed Munir Khasru

Opinion | How the world can design a new trade architecture

4 hours ago

Letters

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

43 minutes ago

SCMP Editorial

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

5 hours ago

SCMP Editorial

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

5 hours ago

Harry’s View | 30 Jan 2026

MORE COMMENT

LATEST

5 minutes ago

Transport

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

7 minutes ago

Video | Tai Po fire widow wants answers and accountability

03:56

13 minutes ago

Science

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

26 minutes ago

Hong Kong

Hongkonger Thompson’s Australian Open adventure ends in junior quarter-finals

56 minutes ago

China Economy

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

1 hour ago

United States & Canada

Why was America’s top spy present at FBI raid on election facility?

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 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.

4 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

Companies

AstraZeneca unveils US$15 billion China investment as Starmer visits Beijing

The drug maker says the funding will expand medicines production and research capabilities, as London and Beijing seek to rebuild momentum.

29 Jan 2026 - 9:10PM

AstraZeneca’s US$15 billion China bet marks the biggest deal of Starmer’s Beijing trip. Photo: Shutterstock

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

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.

US looking inward under Trump made room for China’s development, expert says

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Found everywhere from food products to biofuel, this vegetable oil is preferred for its versatility, safety and sustainable production.

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 a state visit to Beijing.

‘Communist warrior’: China’s leaders pay tribute to late general Liao Xilong

Liao praised for his party loyalty just days after the downfall of the country’s top uniformed officer.

Do Americans think China will overtake the US? The results are in

Washington think tank takes the public’s temperature on global power and influence.

Why was America’s top spy present at FBI raid on election facility?

DNI’s Tulsi Gabbard raises eyebrows as her team defends her presence as vital for ‘identifying vulnerabilities in our critical infrastructure’.

Trump and Democrats strike deal to avert US government shutdown

DHS funding would be extended for two weeks as lawmakers continue ⁠negotiating guardrails to rein in immigration agents.

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.

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.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}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.

Hong Kong stocks end 7-day rally as investors resort to profit-taking

Despite the setback, the Hang Seng Index is set for its best monthly performance since February 2025.

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.

.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

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

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | Tai Po fire widow wants answers and accountability

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

Hongkonger Thompson’s Australian Open adventure ends in junior quarter-finals

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

Why was America’s top spy present at FBI raid on election facility?

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.

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.

AstraZeneca unveils US$15 billion China investment as Starmer visits Beijing

The drug maker says the funding will expand medicines production and research capabilities, as London and Beijing seek to rebuild momentum.

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.

The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

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

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

Video | Tai Po fire widow wants answers and accountability