Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

What does the fall of PLA top brass Zhang Youxia say about Beijing’s Taiwan plans?

Investigations into China’s top military commanders have raised questions about the PLA’s battle readiness.

3 hours agovideocam

China’s military redoubles corruption fight in wake of Zhang Youxia’s downfall

Corruption in China

China Economy

Shanxi’s green leap: renewables surpass coal in China’s energy hub

Where Shanxi goes, China goes, in their broad energy overhaul, as the region with a quarter of the nation’s coal serves as the ultimate proving ground for Beijing’s ‘dual carbon’ strategy.

2 hours ago

Economics

Exclusive | Indonesia’s top economic minister vows capital market reforms

Airlangga Hartarto also tells This Week in Asia that Indonesia is not on a nationalisation drive, but merely targeting illegal operations.

1 hour agovideocam

Politics

Panama could pay heavy price over CK Hutchison ports ruling, Beijing warns

Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office says in a commentary the Panamanian authorities are ‘shooting themselves in the foot’.

2 hours ago

Diplomacy

China’s Dayang Yihao has been surveying the Arabian Sea since December 19, according to SeaLight, a Stanford University-affiliated maritime analysis group. Photo: Handout

USS Abraham Lincoln is in the Arabian Sea. So is a Chinese vessel

Military

China’s J-10C stars at Singapore Airshow after lead role in India-Pakistan war

Beijing is eyeing the Southeast Asian market after the 4.5-generation fighter raised its international profile by shooting down a Rafale jet.

3 Feb 2026 - 8:36PM

Chinese J-10C aircraft perform at the Singapore Airshow. Photo: Handout

Politics

As Japan’s Takaichi eyes big election win, will China stance shift?

A solid win will boost Takaichi’s position in foreign affairs but she is unlikely to become more confrontational towards China, analysts say.

5 minutes agovideocam

Transport

High rollers offered limousine trips for HK$3,500 as Uber drives into Macau

As cross-border travel requires permits, the service is exclusively operated by veteran transport operator Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings.

1 hour ago

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.

Military

Why the collapse of the last US-Russia nuclear treaty matters for China

Analysts warn expiry of New Start could trigger vicious circle and three-way arms race between Beijing, Washington and Moscow.

4 Feb 2026 - 1:38AMvideocam

Russian soldiers load Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile launchers as part of a June 2024 drill to train troops in using tactical nuclear weapons. Photo: Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP

United States & Canada

Trump signs spending bill to end US shutdown, setting stage for ICE fight

Hard negotiations loom as Democrats seek big changes to immigration operations following the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Nicole Good.

3 hours agovideocam

China Economy

China’s gold trading hub on edge: what is happening – and why now?

Uncertainty spreads in Shuibei as second platform falters, spooking investors.

3 Feb 2026 - 8:02PM

China Economy

EU launches probe into Chinese wind turbine maker Goldwind

Investigation is being carried out under the bloc’s foreign subsidies regulation, a tool that is expected to be widely used this year.

3 Feb 2026 - 10:13PMvideocam

The European Commission says a preliminary investigation found “indications” that the firm received subsidies. Photo: AFP

Middle East

US shoots down Iranian drone ‘aggressively’ approaching aircraft carrier

The Iranian Shahed-139 was flying towards the Abraham Lincoln ‍warship ‘with unclear intent’, a US official says.

4 hours ago

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln transits through the Arabian Sea in April 2012. Photo: US Navy via AFP

China Economy

How a regulatory change could help China’s C919 jet take on Airbus and Boeing

Chinese regulators have opened the door to letting the C919 use narrow runways, which could boost the plane’s prospects in Southeast Asia.

2 hours agovideocam

Americas

Trump makes up with Colombia’s Petro in fireworks-free meeting

The two had duelled online for months, with the US president even threatening to topple the Colombian leader like Venezuela’s Maduro.

4 hours ago

United States & Canada

Disney theme parks chief Josh D’Amaro to succeed Bob Iger as CEO

The 28-year Disney veteran will take the helm of the company after years of overseeing its largest business segment.

4 Feb 2026 - 2:25AM

People gather at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, in July 2022. Photo: Reuters

Europe

Nato starts planning for Arctic military mission amid Greenland row with Trump

The defence alliance has said it would boost its presence in the region after the US president’s repeated threats to take over the island.

4 Feb 2026 - 2:02AMvideocam

A Royal Danish Navy patrol vessel is moored in Nuuk, Greenland, in January. Photo: AFP

SERIES: Year of the Horse 2026

The unicorn has been revered for 4,000 years. It still has us under its spell

From ancient Indus Valley seals to Starbucks cups, the unicorn has long served as a symbol of magic and hope.

2 hours ago

Trending in China

Clip of China dad’s fit of rage over daughter drying hair with tissues gains 110 million views

Enraged man loses control, slams plastic chair at bedroom door as daughter hides inside; smashes up hairdryer.

36 minutes ago

LATEST

5 minutes ago

Politics

As Japan’s Takaichi eyes big election win, will China stance shift?

6 minutes ago

China Opinion

Opinion | Surging stocks could help China become more than an export powerhouse

15 minutes ago

Southeast Asia

Malaysia’s Petronas to tap Qatar for gas as local reserves dwindle

27 minutes ago

Golf

LIV Golf gets world ranking points but officials question ‘fairness’ of decision

36 minutes ago

Trending in China

Clip of China dad’s fit of rage over daughter drying hair with tissues gains 110 million views

1 hour ago

Transport

High rollers offered limousine trips for HK$3,500 as Uber drives into Macau

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Posties 27 Feb 2013. Features_Fantasy landscape with unicorn and a big moon Shutterstock Stock Photo: Image ID: 106687580 __One time use only

SCMP Series Year of the Horse 2026

The magic of unicorns: why this mythical horned horse still has us under its spell

From ancient Indus Valley seals to Starbucks cups, the unicorn has long served as a symbol of magic and hope.

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3 Feb 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

This 17-year-old Hong Kong show jumper is making a name at home and abroad

2 Feb 2026 - 11:21AM

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Lawrence Lau on why China must ‘work smarter’ and how it can invent from scratch

China must shift from quantity to quality by focusing on 12-year schooling, more basic research and GBA integration, renowned economist says.

2 Feb 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

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

Key Industries:

Tech Trends

‘Optimus chain’: Chinese suppliers form backbone of Tesla’s humanoid robot plans

Tesla’s pivot to producing humanoid robots is expected to engage a network of key Chinese component makers.

1 Feb 2026 - 2:00PMvideocam

Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot is seen on display at a company showroom in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Shutterstock

Tech

Mainland memory firms eye Hong Kong for funds to fuel ‘global ambitions’

Several suppliers aim to follow in the footsteps of Montage Technology, which is set to raise US$896 million and debuts next week.

3 Feb 2026 - 9:00PM

China Economy

How a regulatory change could help China’s C919 jet take on Airbus and Boeing

Chinese regulators have opened the door to letting the C919 use narrow runways, which could boost the plane’s prospects in Southeast Asia.

2 hours agovideocam

China Economy

China’s expat pilots arrived on a red carpet – now, they’re taking a red-eye out

Well-paid foreign pilots once flocked to Chinese airlines – but winds have shifted as domestic talent steps up and airlines limit fleet expansions.

3 Feb 2026 - 7:38AMvideocam

China Economy

China’s expat pilots arrived on a red carpet – now, they’re taking a red-eye out

Well-paid foreign pilots once flocked to Chinese airlines – but winds have shifted as domestic talent steps up and airlines limit fleet expansions.

3 Feb 2026 - 7:38AMvideocam

China Economy

Exclusive | China’s widebody C929 may take off ahead of schedule, sources say

Maker of the home-grown rival to Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 is working directly with regulators, which analysts said could speed up certification.

2 Feb 2026 - 6:46PMvideocam

China

The future of AI in music? US and China strike different chords

As generative music tools surge, China turns to state oversight while the US relies on courts, copyright suits and settlements.

31 Jan 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Diplomacy

How will China respond as US expands foreign ship seizures?

The question is whether high-seas US actions will alarm Beijing into deploying naval safeguards or prompt similar moves in Taiwan Strait.

31 Jan 2026 - 8:02AMvideocam

What does the fall of PLA top brass Zhang Youxia say about Beijing’s Taiwan plans?

Investigations into China’s top military commanders have raised questions about the PLA’s battle readiness.

China’s military redoubles corruption fight in wake of Zhang Youxia’s downfall

Shanxi’s green leap: renewables surpass coal in China’s energy hub

Where Shanxi goes, China goes, in their broad energy overhaul, as the region with a quarter of the nation’s coal serves as the ultimate proving ground for Beijing’s ‘dual carbon’ strategy.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Indonesia’s top economic minister vows capital market reforms

Airlangga Hartarto also tells This Week in Asia that Indonesia is not on a nationalisation drive, but merely targeting illegal operations.

Panama could pay heavy price over CK Hutchison ports ruling, Beijing warns

Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office says in a commentary the Panamanian authorities are ‘shooting themselves in the foot’.

USS Abraham Lincoln is in the Arabian Sea. So is a Chinese vessel

China’s J-10C stars at Singapore Airshow after lead role in India-Pakistan war

Beijing is eyeing the Southeast Asian market after the 4.5-generation fighter raised its international profile by shooting down a Rafale jet.

As Japan’s Takaichi eyes big election win, will China stance shift?

A solid win will boost Takaichi’s position in foreign affairs but she is unlikely to become more confrontational towards China, analysts say.

High rollers offered limousine trips for HK$3,500 as Uber drives into Macau

As cross-border travel requires permits, the service is exclusively operated by veteran transport operator Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings.

.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.

Why the collapse of the last US-Russia nuclear treaty matters for China

Analysts warn expiry of New Start could trigger vicious circle and three-way arms race between Beijing, Washington and Moscow.

Trump signs spending bill to end US shutdown, setting stage for ICE fight

Hard negotiations loom as Democrats seek big changes to immigration operations following the shooting deaths of Alex Pretti and Nicole Good.

China’s gold trading hub on edge: what is happening – and why now?

Uncertainty spreads in Shuibei as second platform falters, spooking investors.

EU launches probe into Chinese wind turbine maker Goldwind

Investigation is being carried out under the bloc’s foreign subsidies regulation, a tool that is expected to be widely used this year.

US shoots down Iranian drone ‘aggressively’ approaching aircraft carrier

The Iranian Shahed-139 was flying towards the Abraham Lincoln ‍warship ‘with unclear intent’, a US official says.

How a regulatory change could help China’s C919 jet take on Airbus and Boeing

Chinese regulators have opened the door to letting the C919 use narrow runways, which could boost the plane’s prospects in Southeast Asia.

Trump makes up with Colombia’s Petro in fireworks-free meeting

The two had duelled online for months, with the US president even threatening to topple the Colombian leader like Venezuela’s Maduro.

Disney theme parks chief Josh D’Amaro to succeed Bob Iger as CEO

The 28-year Disney veteran will take the helm of the company after years of overseeing its largest business segment.

Nato starts planning for Arctic military mission amid Greenland row with Trump

The defence alliance has said it would boost its presence in the region after the US president’s repeated threats to take over the island.

The unicorn has been revered for 4,000 years. It still has us under its spell

From ancient Indus Valley seals to Starbucks cups, the unicorn has long served as a symbol of magic and hope.

Clip of China dad’s fit of rage over daughter drying hair with tissues gains 110 million views

Enraged man loses control, slams plastic chair at bedroom door as daughter hides inside; smashes up hairdryer.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}As I see it | Epstein files reveal the underbelly of Western elites

Editorial | China well placed to take advantage of the shift away from the US dollar

Opinion | With US-Russia treaty set to expire, threat of a new nuclear arms race grows

Opinion | American allies are finally hedging against American risk

Opinion | China’s real constraint is where to direct limited fiscal resources

As Japan’s Takaichi eyes big election win, will China stance shift?

Opinion | Surging stocks could help China become more than an export powerhouse

Malaysia’s Petronas to tap Qatar for gas as local reserves dwindle

LIV Golf gets world ranking points but officials question ‘fairness’ of decision

Clip of China dad’s fit of rage over daughter drying hair with tissues gains 110 million views

High rollers offered limousine trips for HK$3,500 as Uber drives into Macau

The magic of unicorns: why this mythical horned horse still has us under its spell

From ancient Indus Valley seals to Starbucks cups, the unicorn has long served as a symbol of magic and hope.

How Rats can appease the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026

This 17-year-old Hong Kong show jumper is making a name at home and abroad

Open Questions | Lawrence Lau on why China must ‘work smarter’ and how it can invent from scratch

China must shift from quantity to quality by focusing on 12-year schooling, more basic research and GBA integration, renowned economist says.

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.

‘Optimus chain’: Chinese suppliers form backbone of Tesla’s humanoid robot plans

Tesla’s pivot to producing humanoid robots is expected to engage a network of key Chinese component makers.

Mainland memory firms eye Hong Kong for funds to fuel ‘global ambitions’

Several suppliers aim to follow in the footsteps of Montage Technology, which is set to raise US$896 million and debuts next week.

How a regulatory change could help China’s C919 jet take on Airbus and Boeing

Chinese regulators have opened the door to letting the C919 use narrow runways, which could boost the plane’s prospects in Southeast Asia.

China’s expat pilots arrived on a red carpet – now, they’re taking a red-eye out

Well-paid foreign pilots once flocked to Chinese airlines – but winds have shifted as domestic talent steps up and airlines limit fleet expansions.

China’s expat pilots arrived on a red carpet – now, they’re taking a red-eye out

Well-paid foreign pilots once flocked to Chinese airlines – but winds have shifted as domestic talent steps up and airlines limit fleet expansions.

Exclusive | China’s widebody C929 may take off ahead of schedule, sources say

Maker of the home-grown rival to Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 is working directly with regulators, which analysts said could speed up certification.

The future of AI in music? US and China strike different chords

As generative music tools surge, China turns to state oversight while the US relies on courts, copyright suits and settlements.

How will China respond as US expands foreign ship seizures?

The question is whether high-seas US actions will alarm Beijing into deploying naval safeguards or prompt similar moves in Taiwan Strait.

Exclusive | Indonesia’s top economic minister vows capital market reforms

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

As I see it | Epstein files reveal the underbelly of Western elites