Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Smoke rises over Tehran after US and Israeli strikes on March 1. The growing conflict in the Middle East is disrupting shipping flows, affecting China’s imports of key materials. Photo: Getty Images

Not just oil: Iran war disrupts China’s imports of key industrial material

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is choking off China’s imports of methanol – a vital input for the country’s industrial sector.

2 hours agovideocam

‘We couldn’t reach them’: Chinese firms’ Iran business in limbo after strikes

China trade

Diplomacy

Will Iran feature in foreign policy talks at China’s ‘two sessions’?

The focus is on economics and the five-year plan but the turmoil could prompt a rethink in some areas, analysts say.

5 hours agovideocam

Global Economy

As US-Iran war threatens oil supplies, will China speed up its green transition?

Beijing is still dependent on fossil fuels but Washington’s recent interventions may prompt officials to fast-track shift, analysts say.

6 hours agovideocam

Politics

Focus on development and cherish stability, Xia Baolong urges Hong Kong

Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director meets local delegates ahead of annual political gatherings in capital.

2 hours agovideocam

Exclusive

US President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping shake hands at an October meeting in South Korea. The two are expected to meet again in four weeks. Photo: Reuters

US, China discuss investment revival ahead of Trump’s trip: sources

Global Economy

Trump’s tariff wars reshaped US-China trade – at what cost to American firms?

US exporters lost tens of billions of US dollars in sales to China in 2025, economist says.

3 Mar 2026 - 6:00PM

US goods exports to China fell significantly in 2025, a victim of the trade war launched in April by US President Donald Trump. Photo: Reuters

Military

US patrol flights over South China Sea drop 30% as focus shifts to Middle East

Decline in reconnaissance aircraft sorties comes during critical time in China-US ties ahead of planned Donald Trump visit.

3 Mar 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

Diplomacy

How will China adjust Israel ties as US-led strikes on Iran reshape Middle East?

Beijing is unlikely to abandon ‘balanced diplomacy’ in the region despite killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, analysts say.

1 hour agovideocam

Business

How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Deepa Jivan, CEO of J.Gordhan & Co, says bank’s tailored financial solutions and expertise give it the agility to navigate global marketplace.

In partnership with:

Standard Chartered

Deepa Jivan is the founder and CEO of Hong Kong-based arts and crafts products company J.Gordhan & Co.

Science

China team mulls hitting typhoons with an energy beam from space

Scientist Duan Baoyan says the Zhuri project could also act as a ‘space-based power bank’ to charge satellites and other facilities.

3 Mar 2026 - 5:00PMvideocam

Duan Baoyan theorises that microwave beams from outer space could “alter regional atmospheric circulation and change a typhoon’s intensity and path”. Photo: Shutterstock

United States & Canada

Global sell-off in stocks slams Wall Street as oil prices leap even higher on war woes

Oil prices made the leap as Iran struck the US embassy in Saudi Arabia.

1 hour agovideocam

Law and Crime

Hong Kong court convicts British woman of blackmailing banker over false rape claim

Judge brands defendant ‘thoroughly dishonest’ for fabricating rape claim to extort compatriot out of £100,000.

2 hours ago

Diplomacy

China and France agree to help de-escalate US-Israeli conflict with Iran

The world must not return to the law of the jungle, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang tells France’s Jean-Noel Barrot.

5 hours agovideocam

France says it was neither informed of nor involved in the military operations against Iran. Photo: AFP

China

China teen sensation Yu becomes youngest ever to receive Laureus nomination

Yu Zidi up for Breakthrough of the Year Award, while Hong Kong charity Rugby for Good also gets a nod in Sport for Good category.

59 minutes ago

Yu Zidi became the youngest swimmer ever to win a medal at the World Aquatics Championships. Photo: Reuters

Diplomacy

EU strips AI, chips and quantum from industrial plan aimed at countering China

Leaked draft shows biotechnology and robotics are other cutting-edge sectors to be cut from Industrial Accelerator Act ahead of unveiling.

22 minutes agovideocam

Law and Crime

Hong Kong boy, 14, held over online videos, photos depicting abuse of cats

Student reportedly part of online group that sent graphic material to cat‑rescue groups on the mainland and incited others to dox the volunteers.

1 hour ago

Tech Trends

Chinese AI drug researcher XtalPi expects to turn first annual profit

Shenzhen-based company projects net profit of at least US$14.5 million in 2025 on narrowing losses in core businesses, investment gains.

5 hours ago

Founded in 2015 by three quantum physicists, XtalPi was listed in Hong Kong in June 2024. Photo: Handout

Lifestyle & Culture

‘Too high a cost’: why some Singaporeans are forgoing parenthood

As the city state battles a record low fertility rate, analysts say deeper anxieties and rising opportunity costs continue to shape decisions.

3 Mar 2026 - 7:00PM

People walk across the Jubilee Bridge at the Marina Bay waterfront in Singapore in November 2025. Photo: AFP

Diplomacy

Understanding China’s cautious stance on Iran following US-Israel strikes

Beijing’s strong but restrained reaction aligns with a long-standing strategy of diplomatic backing without direct military engagement.

3 Mar 2026 - 4:26PMvideocam

Global Economy

How is the conflict in Iran affecting Europe’s energy supply and prices?

Analysts urge EU to accelerate green energy transition and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports.

3 Mar 2026 - 3:25PM

OPINION

Sameed Basha

Opinion | US war on Iran isn’t likely to go as planned

4 hours ago

Jianlu Bi

Opinion | How the US ceded the robotics economy to China

3 Mar 2026 - 4:30PM

SCMP

Opinion | Cartoonist Harry Harrison’s humorous takes on Hong Kong and beyond in February

3 Mar 2026 - 12:15PM

Letters

Letters | Iran’s people deserve stability, dignity and peace

3 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

Rob York

Opinion | Kim Jong-un’s daughter may well become North Korea’s first female leader

3 Mar 2026 - 9:30AM

Harry’s View | 4 Mar 2026

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United States & Canada

Dad who gave gun to US school shooting suspect guilty of second-degree murder

2 hours ago

Southeast Asia

Video | Philippine overseas workers under fire as Iran conflict worsens

3 hours ago

Law and Crime

Hong Kong court convicts British woman of blackmailing banker over false rape claim

3 hours ago

United States & Canada

Global sell-off in stocks slams Wall Street as oil prices leap even higher on war woes

3 hours ago

Diplomacy

How will China adjust Israel ties as US-led strikes on Iran reshape Middle East?

3 hours ago

Asia

Video | Philippine overseas workers under fire as Iran conflict worsens

Philippine carers have described racing to bomb shelters in Israel as the US-Israeli war in Iran sends missiles across the Middle East.

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Bully vs sovereignty: how Manila and Beijing are sharpening their South China Sea messaging

Analysts say the Philippines’ approach of ‘assertive transparency’ may be wearing thin at home and in the region.

12 Feb 2026 - 11:07AMvideocam

The Philippines wants to seal South China Sea code of conduct. Can it deliver?

11 Feb 2026 - 6:14AMvideocam

Why High Seas Treaty could change ‘rules of the game’ in South China Sea row

10 Feb 2026 - 9:43AMvideocam

Open Questions series

Global Economy

Open Questions | Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

2 Mar 2026 - 5:31PM

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

23 Feb 2026 - 10:05AMvideocam

Global Economy

Open Questions | Why Trump’s April trip to China may not deliver ‘grand bargain’: James Zimmerman

The American Chamber of Commerce in China chairman says this year’s expected Trump-Xi meetings can put countries on a ‘visionary’ path.

13 Feb 2026 - 9:03AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Trump’s ‘imperial’ agenda and the end of the old world order: Luuk van Middelaar

Political theorist says rapid acceleration of the US president’s ‘offensive, almost imperial’ agenda has left Europe disoriented.

9 Feb 2026 - 1:10PMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech

Chinese chip firms Cambricon, Moore Threads post sales jump on domestic demand

Cambricon reports first full-year profit since listing in 2020, while Moore Threads’ revenue jumps 243 per cent.

27 Feb 2026 - 10:26PM

Chinese AI chip designer Cambricon posted its first annual profit since listing in 2020. Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Business

Will users stick around after China’s US$1 billion AI marketing battle?

Vouchers, red packets and sponsorships drove a surge in AI users over Chinese New Year, but now the tech giants face a retention test.

5 hours ago

Tech Trends

Chinese AI drug researcher XtalPi expects to turn first annual profit

Shenzhen-based company projects net profit of at least US$14.5 million in 2025 on narrowing losses in core businesses, investment gains.

5 hours ago

Tech

AI-aided US strikes in Iran to intensify China tech self-reliance push: analysts

AI’s militarisation adds momentum to China’s drive for domestic chips and infrastructure, analysts say.

3 Mar 2026 - 10:42AMvideocam

The US reportedly deployed Anthropic’s systems in the Iran campaign, including for intelligence assessments, target identification and battle scenario simulations. Photo: AFP

China

Xi-Trump talk plans rattled by chaotic US team: ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’

Analysts warn thin US coordination and rushed timelines risk weak deliverables and surprises ahead of high-stakes Beijing meeting.

27 Feb 2026 - 1:57AMvideocam

Hong Kong Economy

Breaking down the key figures in Hong Kong 2026-27 budget

A deep dive into the data from Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget announcement, looking at the government’s growing revenue and increasing investment in infrastructure.

26 Feb 2026 - 4:01PM

Diplomacy

5 top takeaways from Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address

In a speech that runs nearly two hours, Trump casts himself as a global peacemaker and touts his economic credentials.

25 Feb 2026 - 12:50PMvideocam

Science

Smaller, faster, smarter: Chinese transistor ready for future AI chips

Breakthrough said to overcome long-standing limitations of traditional ferroelectric transistors, ‘paving way for large-scale application’.

25 Feb 2026 - 6:19AMvideocam

Ferroelectric transistors function similarly to neurons in the human brain, as they integrate memory and processing in a single unit. Photo: Shutterstock

Not just oil: Iran war disrupts China’s imports of key industrial material

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is choking off China’s imports of methanol – a vital input for the country’s industrial sector.

‘We couldn’t reach them’: Chinese firms’ Iran business in limbo after strikes

Will Iran feature in foreign policy talks at China’s ‘two sessions’?

The focus is on economics and the five-year plan but the turmoil could prompt a rethink in some areas, analysts say.

As US-Iran war threatens oil supplies, will China speed up its green transition?

Beijing is still dependent on fossil fuels but Washington’s recent interventions may prompt officials to fast-track shift, analysts say.

Focus on development and cherish stability, Xia Baolong urges Hong Kong

Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director meets local delegates ahead of annual political gatherings in capital.

US, China discuss investment revival ahead of Trump’s trip: sources

Trump’s tariff wars reshaped US-China trade – at what cost to American firms?

US exporters lost tens of billions of US dollars in sales to China in 2025, economist says.

US patrol flights over South China Sea drop 30% as focus shifts to Middle East

Decline in reconnaissance aircraft sorties comes during critical time in China-US ties ahead of planned Donald Trump visit.

How will China adjust Israel ties as US-led strikes on Iran reshape Middle East?

Beijing is unlikely to abandon ‘balanced diplomacy’ in the region despite killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, analysts say.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Deepa Jivan, CEO of J.Gordhan & Co, says bank’s tailored financial solutions and expertise give it the agility to navigate global marketplace.

China team mulls hitting typhoons with an energy beam from space

Scientist Duan Baoyan says the Zhuri project could also act as a ‘space-based power bank’ to charge satellites and other facilities.

Global sell-off in stocks slams Wall Street as oil prices leap even higher on war woes

Oil prices made the leap as Iran struck the US embassy in Saudi Arabia.

Hong Kong court convicts British woman of blackmailing banker over false rape claim

Judge brands defendant ‘thoroughly dishonest’ for fabricating rape claim to extort compatriot out of £100,000.

China and France agree to help de-escalate US-Israeli conflict with Iran

The world must not return to the law of the jungle, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang tells France’s Jean-Noel Barrot.

China teen sensation Yu becomes youngest ever to receive Laureus nomination

Yu Zidi up for Breakthrough of the Year Award, while Hong Kong charity Rugby for Good also gets a nod in Sport for Good category.

EU strips AI, chips and quantum from industrial plan aimed at countering China

Leaked draft shows biotechnology and robotics are other cutting-edge sectors to be cut from Industrial Accelerator Act ahead of unveiling.

Hong Kong boy, 14, held over online videos, photos depicting abuse of cats

Student reportedly part of online group that sent graphic material to cat‑rescue groups on the mainland and incited others to dox the volunteers.

Chinese AI drug researcher XtalPi expects to turn first annual profit

Shenzhen-based company projects net profit of at least US$14.5 million in 2025 on narrowing losses in core businesses, investment gains.

‘Too high a cost’: why some Singaporeans are forgoing parenthood

As the city state battles a record low fertility rate, analysts say deeper anxieties and rising opportunity costs continue to shape decisions.

Understanding China’s cautious stance on Iran following US-Israel strikes

Beijing’s strong but restrained reaction aligns with a long-standing strategy of diplomatic backing without direct military engagement.

How is the conflict in Iran affecting Europe’s energy supply and prices?

Analysts urge EU to accelerate green energy transition and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | US war on Iran isn’t likely to go as planned

Opinion | How the US ceded the robotics economy to China

Opinion | Cartoonist Harry Harrison’s humorous takes on Hong Kong and beyond in February

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Iran’s people deserve stability, dignity and peace

Opinion | Kim Jong-un’s daughter may well become North Korea’s first female leader

Dad who gave gun to US school shooting suspect guilty of second-degree murder

Video | Philippine overseas workers under fire as Iran conflict worsens

Hong Kong court convicts British woman of blackmailing banker over false rape claim

Global sell-off in stocks slams Wall Street as oil prices leap even higher on war woes

How will China adjust Israel ties as US-led strikes on Iran reshape Middle East?

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | Philippine overseas workers under fire as Iran conflict worsens

Bully vs sovereignty: how Manila and Beijing are sharpening their South China Sea messaging

Analysts say the Philippines’ approach of ‘assertive transparency’ may be wearing thin at home and in the region.

The Philippines wants to seal South China Sea code of conduct. Can it deliver?

Why High Seas Treaty could change ‘rules of the game’ in South China Sea row

Open Questions | Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

Open Questions | Why Trump’s April trip to China may not deliver ‘grand bargain’: James Zimmerman

The American Chamber of Commerce in China chairman says this year’s expected Trump-Xi meetings can put countries on a ‘visionary’ path.

Open Questions | Trump’s ‘imperial’ agenda and the end of the old world order: Luuk van Middelaar

Political theorist says rapid acceleration of the US president’s ‘offensive, almost imperial’ agenda has left Europe disoriented.

Chinese chip firms Cambricon, Moore Threads post sales jump on domestic demand

Cambricon reports first full-year profit since listing in 2020, while Moore Threads’ revenue jumps 243 per cent.

Will users stick around after China’s US$1 billion AI marketing battle?

Vouchers, red packets and sponsorships drove a surge in AI users over Chinese New Year, but now the tech giants face a retention test.

Chinese AI drug researcher XtalPi expects to turn first annual profit

Shenzhen-based company projects net profit of at least US$14.5 million in 2025 on narrowing losses in core businesses, investment gains.

AI-aided US strikes in Iran to intensify China tech self-reliance push: analysts

AI’s militarisation adds momentum to China’s drive for domestic chips and infrastructure, analysts say.

Xi-Trump talk plans rattled by chaotic US team: ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’

Analysts warn thin US coordination and rushed timelines risk weak deliverables and surprises ahead of high-stakes Beijing meeting.

Breaking down the key figures in Hong Kong 2026-27 budget

A deep dive into the data from Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget announcement, looking at the government’s growing revenue and increasing investment in infrastructure.

5 top takeaways from Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address

In a speech that runs nearly two hours, Trump casts himself as a global peacemaker and touts his economic credentials.

Smaller, faster, smarter: Chinese transistor ready for future AI chips

Breakthrough said to overcome long-standing limitations of traditional ferroelectric transistors, ‘paving way for large-scale application’.

How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Opinion | US war on Iran isn’t likely to go as planned

Letters | Iran’s people deserve stability, dignity and peace

Video | Philippine overseas workers under fire as Iran conflict worsens