Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

DJI products like the Mavic 2 Pro have proved popular in the US, where the Chinese tech firm sells more than half of all commercial drones. Photo: Getty Images

Is the US banning drones from China until it can make better ones itself?

Washington forced to weigh public comments backing popular Chinese-made devices as it reckons with new reality of shared tech frontier.

3 hours agovideocam

China showcases portable laser weapons for a single soldier to shoot down drones

US-China relations

US

Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

New Delhi says Washington pledged AI access would continue after Anthropic restrictions as the US-led initiative adds new members.

5 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Trump backs ‘Six Assurances’ to Taiwan but no arms sale timeline: US diplomat

Michael DeSombre confirms long-standing US policy still in place despite Trump’s apparent departure from it after Beijing meeting with Xi.

5 hours agovideocam

SERIES: Hong Kong 29 years after handover

Exclusive | Hong Kong’s own drug regulator pushes ahead with hiring, seeks WHO recognition

Health chief says the city is aiming to approve drugs independently by 2030 as it builds capacity and courts global pharmaceutical companies.

28 minutes ago

Economy

ANA and Japan Airlines planes taxi at Haneda airport in Tokyo on April 12, 2026. Photo: Kyodo

China-Japan flights to decline 57% in summer travel peak as tensions linger

Diplomacy

US officials fear ‘supervillain’ China pulling ahead in AI race even a little

US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Senator Jim Banks expressed concerns about China eroding America’s lead.

4 hours agovideocam

US Senator Jim Banks, seen in 2023, has warned that America must fend off efforts by China to catch up with its AI lead. Photo: Gage Skidmore (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Big Tech

DeepSeek on hiring spree – seeks newcomers, not just AI geniuses

The Chinese AI giant is looking to double in size as it seeks to become a ‘driving force’ in the creation of artificial general intelligence.

26 Jun 2026 - 12:40AM

Politics

North Korea’s border build-up opens a Seoul-UN Command rift

South Korea views its the North’s border fortifications as an armistice violation. The UN body disagrees.

1 hour ago

International

Global real estate event in Riyadh sees record transactions amid growing influence in sector

Cityscape Global achieves more than US$63 billion as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a major investment hub for urban development.

In partnership with:

Cityscape Global

Americas

Venezuela earthquakes draw aid from governments that cut ties with Caracas

Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and other governments that suspended relations with Venezuela offer rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

2 hours agovideocam

Neighbours carry a man rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building in La Guaira, Venezuela, on Thursday. Photo: AP

US

US hearing warns Chinese economic espionage now targets AI

Witnesses say decades of technology theft have strengthened Beijing, while others caution against broad anti-China measures.

4 hours agovideocam

Military

US shifts South China Sea reconnaissance towards drones, Philippines: think tank

Reliance on close-in aerial reconnaissance over contested waters comes as large American vessels face growing constraints.

6 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Beijing slams US, European concerns over coastguard patrols near Taiwan

Mainland Chinese authorities reject criticism, saying deployments are necessary response to maritime border talks between Manila and Tokyo.

6 hours ago

A mainland Chinese vessel is seen approaching the waters near Taiwan-controlled Taiping Island in the South China Sea on June 11. Photo: Taiwan Ocean Affairs Council via AP

United States & Canada

US Supreme Court paves way for Trump’s mass deportation of Haitians, Syrians

The top court ruled that the administration can strip protections from some 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians living in the US.

1 hour ago

Immigration activists rally against the US Supreme Court’s ruling on temporary protective status in Washington on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Diplomacy

EU pitches Brazil a ‘more beneficial’ rare earths deal than US or China

EU’s Jozef Sikela promises refining investment and technology transfer, in a race for Brazilian minerals that the US and China already lead.

3 hours agovideocam

Middle East

Singapore-flagged cargo ship hit by ‘unknown projectile’ while crossing Hormuz

The suspected Iranian attack has prompted the UN to pause its evacuation plan to shepherd vessels through the strait.

6 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

US-led relief effort puts Washington’s post-Maduro strategy in Venezuela to test

Washington’s swift disaster response clearest indication yet of how relationship with Caracas has evolved, but bigger challenges lie ahead.

4 hours agovideocam

People walk and ride past collapsed structures and debris following an earthquake in Catia La Mar, Venezuela, on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

Football

World Cup while you were sleeping: Ecuador stun Germany, push Scots closer to exit

South Americans survive seven minutes of hell to reach last 32, while Ivory Coast beat Curacao to seal runners-up spot in Group F.

2 hours ago

Ecuador’s Kevin Rodriguez (left) and Jordy Caicedo celebrate during their remarkable win over Germany. Photo: AP

Tech Trends

How a Chinese physical AI start-up’s new paradigm bypasses US road maps

Shanghai-based Fysics AI says Fysiverse is a ‘new-generation physics-based world model that adheres to real-world physical laws’.

25 Jun 2026 - 10:48PMvideocam

Society

Wang Fuk Court fire result of ‘systemic failure’ in policy, experts tell hearing

PolyU professors say local building regulations focus largely on interior blazes, while deadly estate fire started outside.

25 Jun 2026 - 8:44PMvideocam

OPINION

Hu Chao

Opinion | Why Hong Kong’s bilingualism is uniquely indispensable in the AI era

4 hours ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Hong Kong villages can thrive alongside Northern Metropolis

2 hours ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Alan Greenspan’s passing marks the end of an era

2 hours ago

Bernard Chan

Opinion | For many outside China, Dear You reflects family history, not politics

25 Jun 2026 - 8:30PM

Nicholas Spiro

Macroscope | Is investors’ love affair with India ending?

25 Jun 2026 - 4:30PM

Harry’s View | 26 Jun 2026

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China Opinion

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The Sadiola mine in Mali is Canadian company Allied Gold’s biggest mining asset in Africa. Photo: Wikipedia

SCMP Series China-Africa evolving partnership

Is China’s risk tolerance reaching its limit with pause of African mine deal?

Regulators ‘sending a signal’ with scrutiny of potential acquisition that includes important mining assets in conflict-prone regions.

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How Benin is on the road to reshaping its cotton industry, with China’s help

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More and more Africans want to learn Chinese. But who will teach them?

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Open Questions series

Politics

Open Questions | Nie Huihua on non-Westernness of Chinese government and challenge to innovation

Harvard-trained professor examines the tension between strengthening centralised control and encouraging local enthusiasm.

12-MIN READvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | AIIB head Zou Jiayi on multilateralism as ‘infrastructure of global trust’

As the Beijing-based development bank marks its 10th anniversary, its president says institutions like hers ‘create certainty amid uncertainty’.

15-MIN READ

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Economist James Heckman on the value of risk-taking, and China’s ‘common goal’

He also discusses the economic outlook, youth unemployment and whether the country can overtake the US in science and tech.

14-MIN READvideocam

China Business

Open Questions | Hong Kong must embrace ‘bipolar’ role to thrive in its ‘Stage 3.0’: Charles Li

Veteran deal maker urges an IPO link to lure global resource giants and turn Chinese buyers into owners as city solidifies role as East-West bridge and global capital hub.

9-MIN READvideocam

Key Industries:

Big Tech

How DeepSeek’s landmark funding cements founder’s grip amid heated AI rivalry

Liang remains committed to pursuing artificial general intelligence (AGI) – a vision he reinforced to investors repeatedly last month.

3-MIN READ

Liang’s decision to lead the round would ensure he still steers the direction of the firm after bringing in external investors. Photo: Shutterstock Images

China Business

Can China’s car market absorb 156 new models? Analysts warn of new price war

A record wave of launches – mostly EVs – threatens to overwhelm demand, forcing smaller players into a fight for survival.

2-MIN READ

Markets

HKEX pushes deeper into index business as AI reshapes Hong Kong market

The bourse wants proprietary indices to better capture China’s technology boom as traditional Hong Kong benchmarks trail regional peers.

2-MIN READ

Tech Trends

How a Chinese physical AI start-up’s new paradigm bypasses US road maps

Shanghai-based Fysics AI says Fysiverse is a ‘new-generation physics-based world model that adheres to real-world physical laws’.

2-MIN READvideocam

Global Economy

Why the Vietnam ‘detour’ for US-bound Chinese goods hit a dead end

Is finding another Hanoi haven possible, or would trying be a fool’s errand for Chinese firms looking to get the jump on Trump and evade tariffs?

6-MIN READvideocam

Politics

How ‘lying flat’ went from a niche subculture to mainstream phenomenon

Spy agency says foreign forces are ‘brainwashing’ people, but critics call lying flat a rational response to a broken system.

6-MIN READvideocam

China Business

China leads charge in energy storage, powered by battery progress

Battery-based grid storage is set for 150 per cent growth in China, as Beijing prioritises energy security and firms eye global markets.

6-MIN READ

Diplomacy

Exclusive | No call with Taiwan, no new arms sales: how Trump is preparing to welcome Xi

There are no signs that the US president is about to phone Lai Ching-te and upset the fragile stability with Beijing, sources say.

4-MIN READvideocam

Sources say that US President Donald Trump is unlikely to put in a call to Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te. Photo: AP

Is the US banning drones from China until it can make better ones itself?

Washington forced to weigh public comments backing popular Chinese-made devices as it reckons with new reality of shared tech frontier.

China showcases portable laser weapons for a single soldier to shoot down drones

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

New Delhi says Washington pledged AI access would continue after Anthropic restrictions as the US-led initiative adds new members.

Trump backs ‘Six Assurances’ to Taiwan but no arms sale timeline: US diplomat

Michael DeSombre confirms long-standing US policy still in place despite Trump’s apparent departure from it after Beijing meeting with Xi.

Exclusive | Hong Kong’s own drug regulator pushes ahead with hiring, seeks WHO recognition

Health chief says the city is aiming to approve drugs independently by 2030 as it builds capacity and courts global pharmaceutical companies.

China-Japan flights to decline 57% in summer travel peak as tensions linger

US officials fear ‘supervillain’ China pulling ahead in AI race even a little

US House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Senator Jim Banks expressed concerns about China eroding America’s lead.

DeepSeek on hiring spree – seeks newcomers, not just AI geniuses

The Chinese AI giant is looking to double in size as it seeks to become a ‘driving force’ in the creation of artificial general intelligence.

North Korea’s border build-up opens a Seoul-UN Command rift

South Korea views its the North’s border fortifications as an armistice violation. The UN body disagrees.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}Global real estate event in Riyadh sees record transactions amid growing influence in sector

Cityscape Global achieves more than US$63 billion as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a major investment hub for urban development.

Venezuela earthquakes draw aid from governments that cut ties with Caracas

Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and other governments that suspended relations with Venezuela offer rescue teams and humanitarian aid.

US hearing warns Chinese economic espionage now targets AI

Witnesses say decades of technology theft have strengthened Beijing, while others caution against broad anti-China measures.

US shifts South China Sea reconnaissance towards drones, Philippines: think tank

Reliance on close-in aerial reconnaissance over contested waters comes as large American vessels face growing constraints.

Beijing slams US, European concerns over coastguard patrols near Taiwan

Mainland Chinese authorities reject criticism, saying deployments are necessary response to maritime border talks between Manila and Tokyo.

US Supreme Court paves way for Trump’s mass deportation of Haitians, Syrians

The top court ruled that the administration can strip protections from some 350,000 Haitians and 6,000 Syrians living in the US.

EU pitches Brazil a ‘more beneficial’ rare earths deal than US or China

EU’s Jozef Sikela promises refining investment and technology transfer, in a race for Brazilian minerals that the US and China already lead.

Singapore-flagged cargo ship hit by ‘unknown projectile’ while crossing Hormuz

The suspected Iranian attack has prompted the UN to pause its evacuation plan to shepherd vessels through the strait.

US-led relief effort puts Washington’s post-Maduro strategy in Venezuela to test

Washington’s swift disaster response clearest indication yet of how relationship with Caracas has evolved, but bigger challenges lie ahead.

World Cup while you were sleeping: Ecuador stun Germany, push Scots closer to exit

South Americans survive seven minutes of hell to reach last 32, while Ivory Coast beat Curacao to seal runners-up spot in Group F.

How a Chinese physical AI start-up’s new paradigm bypasses US road maps

Shanghai-based Fysics AI says Fysiverse is a ‘new-generation physics-based world model that adheres to real-world physical laws’.

Wang Fuk Court fire result of ‘systemic failure’ in policy, experts tell hearing

PolyU professors say local building regulations focus largely on interior blazes, while deadly estate fire started outside.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Why Hong Kong’s bilingualism is uniquely indispensable in the AI era

Editorial | Hong Kong villages can thrive alongside Northern Metropolis

Editorial | Alan Greenspan’s passing marks the end of an era

Opinion | For many outside China, Dear You reflects family history, not politics

Macroscope | Is investors’ love affair with India ending?

Chinese man sells random vacant flat to trusting couple for US$103,000

In China’s 6G smart city, every wall and pipe can be a sensor

Can China’s car market absorb 156 new models? Analysts warn of new price war

Opinion | How Chinese philosophy influenced US founding fathers

Exclusive | Hong Kong’s own drug regulator pushes ahead with hiring, seeks WHO recognition

North Korea’s border build-up opens a Seoul-UN Command rift

Is China’s risk tolerance reaching its limit with pause of African mine deal?

Regulators ‘sending a signal’ with scrutiny of potential acquisition that includes important mining assets in conflict-prone regions.

How Benin is on the road to reshaping its cotton industry, with China’s help

More and more Africans want to learn Chinese. But who will teach them?

Open Questions | Nie Huihua on non-Westernness of Chinese government and challenge to innovation

Harvard-trained professor examines the tension between strengthening centralised control and encouraging local enthusiasm.

Open Questions | AIIB head Zou Jiayi on multilateralism as ‘infrastructure of global trust’

As the Beijing-based development bank marks its 10th anniversary, its president says institutions like hers ‘create certainty amid uncertainty’.

Open Questions | Economist James Heckman on the value of risk-taking, and China’s ‘common goal’

He also discusses the economic outlook, youth unemployment and whether the country can overtake the US in science and tech.

Open Questions | Hong Kong must embrace ‘bipolar’ role to thrive in its ‘Stage 3.0’: Charles Li

Veteran deal maker urges an IPO link to lure global resource giants and turn Chinese buyers into owners as city solidifies role as East-West bridge and global capital hub.

How DeepSeek’s landmark funding cements founder’s grip amid heated AI rivalry

Liang remains committed to pursuing artificial general intelligence (AGI) – a vision he reinforced to investors repeatedly last month.

Can China’s car market absorb 156 new models? Analysts warn of new price war

A record wave of launches – mostly EVs – threatens to overwhelm demand, forcing smaller players into a fight for survival.

HKEX pushes deeper into index business as AI reshapes Hong Kong market

The bourse wants proprietary indices to better capture China’s technology boom as traditional Hong Kong benchmarks trail regional peers.

How a Chinese physical AI start-up’s new paradigm bypasses US road maps

Shanghai-based Fysics AI says Fysiverse is a ‘new-generation physics-based world model that adheres to real-world physical laws’.

Why the Vietnam ‘detour’ for US-bound Chinese goods hit a dead end

Is finding another Hanoi haven possible, or would trying be a fool’s errand for Chinese firms looking to get the jump on Trump and evade tariffs?

How ‘lying flat’ went from a niche subculture to mainstream phenomenon

Spy agency says foreign forces are ‘brainwashing’ people, but critics call lying flat a rational response to a broken system.

China leads charge in energy storage, powered by battery progress

Battery-based grid storage is set for 150 per cent growth in China, as Beijing prioritises energy security and firms eye global markets.

Exclusive | No call with Taiwan, no new arms sales: how Trump is preparing to welcome Xi

There are no signs that the US president is about to phone Lai Ching-te and upset the fragile stability with Beijing, sources say.

Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

Global real estate event in Riyadh sees record transactions amid growing influence in sector

Opinion | Why Hong Kong’s bilingualism is uniquely indispensable in the AI era