Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Pakistan’s air force includes Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets. Photo: AFP

China confirms it helped Pakistan’s air force during last year’s war with India

Engineers tell state media they had provided technical support during a conflict that saw an Indian fighter downed by a Chinese-made fighter.

36 minutes agovideocam

Has China given the first sign it’s ready to export J-35A fighter to Pakistan?

China's military weapons

Diplomacy

Why today’s ‘unravelled’ international order echoes the lead-up to WWI

Dangerous pre-war conditions are here following raft of unilateral actions taken by Trump administration, ex-senior White House adviser says.

3 hours ago

Politics

Exclusive | Was China’s ‘fireworks capital’ rushing its July 4 orders when deadly blast hit?

Industry insiders say Liuyang factories were under pressure to meet deadlines ahead of summer production ban.

3 hours agovideocam

Law and Crime

Housing checking unit admits ‘blind spots’ amid ‘robotic’ workflow criticism

Te Chi-wang, deputy director of the Home Affairs Department, and ex-ICU head Lau Fu-kwok take stand at hearing into Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades.

56 minutes ago

Focus

Why US commercial stakes are ‘too high for Trump to ignore’ on China visit

Global Economy

Tall story? Sophie la Girafe, France’s national toy, revealed to be Chinese-made

The maker of Sophie la Girafe reportedly ran a ‘fake’ factory in France for years, while secretly producing the iconic toy in China.

1 minute ago

Sophie la Girafe, the national toy of France, is actually manufactured in China, according to an investigation by a French media outlet. Photo: Sophie la Girafe

China Business

Tesla China posts 36% sales rise, as local rivals nip at heels

April sales rose on a year-on-year basis but dropped from the previous month, indicating fiercer competition from domestic brands.

1 hour ago

Health & Environment

Asia faces low hantavirus risk as Singapore isolates 2 from cruise over cases

Eight hantavirus cases linked to the cruise have been reported so far, including three deaths, the WHO says.

13 minutes agovideocam

Tech

How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Huawei Technologies’ monitoring systems speed up real-time identification of China’s primates, coastal coral, and Norwegian salmon.

In partnership with:

Huawei

World

Shanghai’s expat population, Hong Kong trail sign fallout: 7 highlights

From the South Korean judge’s death to China debuting naval drone tech, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

4 hours ago

A viral photo of a woman holding a detached MacLehose Trail sign in Sai Kung has drawn criticism online. Photo: Handout

Politics

Asean’s pivot to energy security leaves long-standing issues on summit sidelines

Southeast Asia is one of the worst affected by the global fuel crisis due to its high imports of oil and gas coming from the Gulf.

3 hours agovideocam

China Economy

China’s airship ambitions progress as first commercial pilots certified at home

The sector is advancing faster than the available talent pool – but officials call licenses a ‘breakthrough’ moment.

5 hours ago

Global Economy

China robotics to drive next chapter of manufacturing dominance: Morgan Stanley

Strategic state-led investment and low production costs are expected to lift the nation’s manufacturing export share amid deployment of advanced automation.

8 May 2026 - 9:11AMvideocam

A guest interacts with a humanoid robot at the 2026 Chery International Business Summit in China’s Anhui province on April 28. Photo: Xinhua

Southeast Asia

3 dead in Indonesia’s Mount Dukono volcanic eruption, Singaporeans among missing

The volcano in North Maluku province erupted on Friday morning, spewing volcanic ash as high as 10km into the sky.

27 minutes ago

Mount Dukono spews volcanic material up to the sky during an eruption in North Halmahera, Indonesia, on Friday. Photo: Indonesia’s Vulcanology and Geological Disaster Mitigation Centre/EPA

Politics

Chinese J-35 stealth jets set to give Pakistan a strategic edge over India

India has a much larger fleet of 4.5-generation fighters but is lagging behind Pakistan in the acquisition of stealth warplanes.

5 hours agovideocam

Society

Hong Kong’s pinball wizards and claw fans defend arcade thrills as curbs loom

Citywide craze in pinball and claw machines has prompted authorities to consider tightening regulations to prevent addiction to these games.

4 hours ago

Diplomacy

US targets Cuba nickel operation in move affecting China-linked supply chains

Marco Rubio revealed sanctions on Thursday, escalating Trump administration’s pressure campaign against Havana’s military-controlled economy.

8 May 2026 - 5:48AMvideocam

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced sanctions on Thursday against Moa Nickel SA, a joint venture between Sherritt International and Cuba’s state-owned General Nickel Company. Photo: Xinhua

Football

World Cup ticket prices dropping on resale market as Fifa triples ‘best’ price for final

News comes ⁠not long after its president, Gianni Infantino, defends the high costs ⁠and attributes them to the demand in the US market.

30 minutes ago

Of the 11 American stadiums hosting games, Houston’s NRG Stadium has had the greatest 14-day decline in resale ticket prices. Photo: AFP

Diplomacy

China’s study of Ukraine, Iran wars could sharpen Taiwan propaganda tactics

Beijing’s study of Iran, Ukraine wars could help hone its ability to wage information warfare against the US during a Taiwan Strait crisis.

8 May 2026 - 5:06AMvideocam

People

Scrutiny on Prince Hisahito fuels debate on Japan’s succession crisis

Media reports have speculated about whether the young prince has a girlfriend and his security challenges as a university student.

8 May 2026 - 9:30AM

OPINION

Jane Lee

Opinion | Hong Kong needs the people’s wisdom for its 5-year plan to succeed

8 May 2026 - 9:30AM

Göktuğ Çalışkan

Opinion | Why China’s warning over military blocs is finding listeners in Asia

8 May 2026 - 5:30AM

Letters

Letters | Rigid quotas will undercut Hong Kong’s ride-hailing service providers

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SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Middle East war offers Hong Kong a golden opportunity

8 May 2026 - 7:15AM

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Editorial | China’s snooker world champions cue up a bright future for the sport

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Harry’s View | 8 May 2026

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Asia

Video | Filipino cowgirls tackle stereotypes

This photo taken on April 13, 2026, shows a participant trying to catch a cow during the Rodeo Festival in the province of Masbate. While larger provinces boast more cattle, the Masbate rodeo -- begun in 1993 in a bid to boost tourism -- has become synonymous with the island province of fewer than one million. (Photo by Jam STA ROSA / AFP) / To go with ‘Philippines-Culture-Sport-Rodeo’ Focus by Chad Williams and Pam Castro

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Hong Kong

Gallery | Dragon dance parade lights up Tuen Mun’s Tin Hau Festival

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Global Economy

Tall story? Sophie la Girafe, France’s national toy, revealed to be Chinese-made

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Special Reports

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Health & Environment

Asia faces low hantavirus risk as Singapore isolates 2 from cruise over cases

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Football

World Cup ticket prices dropping on resale market as Fifa triples ‘best’ price for final

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Military

China confirms it helped Pakistan’s air force during last year’s war with India

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East Asia

Ex-SriLankan Airlines head in US$16 million Airbus corruption case found dead

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China Business

Tesla China posts 36% sales rise, as local rivals nip at heels

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Japanese bus driver admits to speeding before crash that killed teenager

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China’s airship ambitions progress as first commercial pilots certified at home

The sector is advancing faster than the available talent pool – but officials call licenses a ‘breakthrough’ moment.

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Strategic state-led investment and low production costs are expected to lift the nation’s manufacturing export share amid deployment of advanced automation.

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Will warming Arctic trigger further chill in US-China relations?

The prospect of opening up new sea lanes presents both challenges and opportunities for the rival powers, analysts say.

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Will Hong Kong’s lending clampdown wean helpers off debt – and save their dreams?

NGOs say regulations should not be so strict that they deny domestic helpers access to loans since they may have legitimate needs such as family emergencies.

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Will new Saudi-Pakistan defence pact give Chinese arms risk-free exposure?

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China confirms it helped Pakistan’s air force during last year’s war with India

Engineers tell state media they had provided technical support during a conflict that saw an Indian fighter downed by a Chinese-made fighter.

Has China given the first sign it’s ready to export J-35A fighter to Pakistan?

Why today’s ‘unravelled’ international order echoes the lead-up to WWI

Dangerous pre-war conditions are here following raft of unilateral actions taken by Trump administration, ex-senior White House adviser says.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Was China’s ‘fireworks capital’ rushing its July 4 orders when deadly blast hit?

Industry insiders say Liuyang factories were under pressure to meet deadlines ahead of summer production ban.

Housing checking unit admits ‘blind spots’ amid ‘robotic’ workflow criticism

Te Chi-wang, deputy director of the Home Affairs Department, and ex-ICU head Lau Fu-kwok take stand at hearing into Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades.

Why US commercial stakes are ‘too high for Trump to ignore’ on China visit

Tall story? Sophie la Girafe, France’s national toy, revealed to be Chinese-made

The maker of Sophie la Girafe reportedly ran a ‘fake’ factory in France for years, while secretly producing the iconic toy in China.

Tesla China posts 36% sales rise, as local rivals nip at heels

April sales rose on a year-on-year basis but dropped from the previous month, indicating fiercer competition from domestic brands.

Asia faces low hantavirus risk as Singapore isolates 2 from cruise over cases

Eight hantavirus cases linked to the cruise have been reported so far, including three deaths, the WHO says.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Huawei Technologies’ monitoring systems speed up real-time identification of China’s primates, coastal coral, and Norwegian salmon.

Shanghai’s expat population, Hong Kong trail sign fallout: 7 highlights

From the South Korean judge’s death to China debuting naval drone tech, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Asean’s pivot to energy security leaves long-standing issues on summit sidelines

Southeast Asia is one of the worst affected by the global fuel crisis due to its high imports of oil and gas coming from the Gulf.

China’s airship ambitions progress as first commercial pilots certified at home

The sector is advancing faster than the available talent pool – but officials call licenses a ‘breakthrough’ moment.

China robotics to drive next chapter of manufacturing dominance: Morgan Stanley

Strategic state-led investment and low production costs are expected to lift the nation’s manufacturing export share amid deployment of advanced automation.

3 dead in Indonesia’s Mount Dukono volcanic eruption, Singaporeans among missing

The volcano in North Maluku province erupted on Friday morning, spewing volcanic ash as high as 10km into the sky.

Chinese J-35 stealth jets set to give Pakistan a strategic edge over India

India has a much larger fleet of 4.5-generation fighters but is lagging behind Pakistan in the acquisition of stealth warplanes.

Hong Kong’s pinball wizards and claw fans defend arcade thrills as curbs loom

Citywide craze in pinball and claw machines has prompted authorities to consider tightening regulations to prevent addiction to these games.

US targets Cuba nickel operation in move affecting China-linked supply chains

Marco Rubio revealed sanctions on Thursday, escalating Trump administration’s pressure campaign against Havana’s military-controlled economy.

World Cup ticket prices dropping on resale market as Fifa triples ‘best’ price for final

News comes ⁠not long after its president, Gianni Infantino, defends the high costs ⁠and attributes them to the demand in the US market.

China’s study of Ukraine, Iran wars could sharpen Taiwan propaganda tactics

Beijing’s study of Iran, Ukraine wars could help hone its ability to wage information warfare against the US during a Taiwan Strait crisis.

Scrutiny on Prince Hisahito fuels debate on Japan’s succession crisis

Media reports have speculated about whether the young prince has a girlfriend and his security challenges as a university student.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Hong Kong needs the people’s wisdom for its 5-year plan to succeed

Opinion | Why China’s warning over military blocs is finding listeners in Asia

Letters | Rigid quotas will undercut Hong Kong’s ride-hailing service providers

Editorial | Middle East war offers Hong Kong a golden opportunity

Editorial | China’s snooker world champions cue up a bright future for the sport

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | Filipino cowgirls tackle stereotypes

Gallery | Dragon dance parade lights up Tuen Mun’s Tin Hau Festival

Tall story? Sophie la Girafe, France’s national toy, revealed to be Chinese-made

Hyrox’s Rise in Asia

Asia faces low hantavirus risk as Singapore isolates 2 from cruise over cases

World Cup ticket prices dropping on resale market as Fifa triples ‘best’ price for final

China confirms it helped Pakistan’s air force during last year’s war with India

Ex-SriLankan Airlines head in US$16 million Airbus corruption case found dead

Tesla China posts 36% sales rise, as local rivals nip at heels

Japanese bus driver admits to speeding before crash that killed teenager

Wrapped in a Boeing: will Trump’s China visit include another aircraft deal?

After the US$37 billion, 300-plane deal from Trump’s last visit stalled, industry observers say the next one could be more flexible.

China tells close Trump ally its wish list ahead of US leader’s Beijing trip

Has ‘the Beast’ arrived in Beijing? Trump’s motorcade SUVs spotted before visit

Open Questions | Bai Chongen on China’s new economic paradigm and closing the US tech gap

Top economist explains how China has less in common with 1990s Japan than many think – and why talk of Chinese overcapacity is often ‘imprecise’.

Open Questions | Why China’s yuan faces the same ‘illusions’ that stalled the euro: Daniel Gros

Former European economic adviser says Beijing’s bid to build an international currency will hinge on leaders allowing it to fluctuate freely.

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang

Kunyu Wanguo Quantu and maritime artefacts prove China explored the world earlier than Eurocentric accounts suggest, scholar argues.

From Beijing to Berlin: Chinese EVs turn heads as brands eye European markets

BYD, Geely and Xpeng showcase eye-catching EVs at Beijing auto show as they build momentum in Europe and target more discerning buyers.

Tesla China posts 36% sales rise, as local rivals nip at heels

April sales rose on a year-on-year basis but dropped from the previous month, indicating fiercer competition from domestic brands.

China’s airship ambitions progress as first commercial pilots certified at home

The sector is advancing faster than the available talent pool – but officials call licenses a ‘breakthrough’ moment.

China robotics to drive next chapter of manufacturing dominance: Morgan Stanley

Strategic state-led investment and low production costs are expected to lift the nation’s manufacturing export share amid deployment of advanced automation.

Will warming Arctic trigger further chill in US-China relations?

The prospect of opening up new sea lanes presents both challenges and opportunities for the rival powers, analysts say.

Will Hong Kong’s lending clampdown wean helpers off debt – and save their dreams?

NGOs say regulations should not be so strict that they deny domestic helpers access to loans since they may have legitimate needs such as family emergencies.

Will new Saudi-Pakistan defence pact give Chinese arms risk-free exposure?

Exclusive | Was China’s ‘fireworks capital’ rushing its July 4 orders when deadly blast hit?

How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Opinion | Hong Kong needs the people’s wisdom for its 5-year plan to succeed

Video | Filipino cowgirls tackle stereotypes