Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

China’s furnishing malaise is couched in weaker property demand and a brutal race to the bottom on prices. Photo: Reuters

Sofa so bad: China’s home-furnishing sector hits a do-or-die stretch

Falling home prices and relentless price competition are forcing small decor firms into a battle for survival.

43 minutes ago

No floor yet: China home prices keep falling despite policy support

China property

Military

Chinese military urged to overhaul English teaching to boost language skills

Senior lecturers warn that troops are not being given the communication skills they need to operate on the international stage.

5 hours agovideocam

Military

US offers more details on claim China conducted secret nuclear weapons test

State Department official says China’s alleged 2020 test was ‘a singular explosion’, confirms US will return to nuclear testing.

2 hours agovideocam

Society

‘Stay vigilant even in peace,’ rural leader says in Lunar New Year prophecy

After drawing the No 22 fortune stick, Kenneth Lau also calls on the city to drive innovation in economic development.

33 minutes ago

Infographic

All you need to know about the Year of the Horse

Diplomacy

Exclusive | Hasan Piker talks about his controversial China trip – and ‘thinking Chinese thoughts’

One of the most influential political commentators among young Americans, Piker claims Americans are ‘taught to hate China’, calling it ‘stupid’.

6 hours agovideocam

Hasan Piker, whose recent trip to China sparked a fierce online debate across the political spectrum. Photo: Instagram/Hasan Piker

Diplomacy

Peru President Jose Jeri ousted in ‘Chifagate’ scandal tied to China contractor

Late-night meeting with Chinese businessman at a restaurant in Lima fuelled a probe and created major cross-party revolt.

5 hours agovideocam

Politics

‘A very good thing’: Japan’s Takaichi steps back from Liancourt Rocks pledge

Analysts say Takaichi’s decision not to send a cabinet minister to the event shows she is ‘protecting ties’ with Seoul amid regional tensions.

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.

SERIES: Year of the Horse 2026

When should you open your Lunar New Year red packets? The luckiest time, and why

It is considered rude to open lai see in front of the giver but don’t leave the red packets unopened for more than a couple of months.

2 hours agovideocam

Giving red packets (also called lai see or hong bao) is a Lunar New Year tradition, but when should you open them? Photo: Getty Images

Politics

Bipartisan push grows for Quad summit before Trump’s China trip

Lawmakers urge White House to rally Indo-Pacific partners ahead of high-stakes Xi meeting, citing leverage and coordination concerns.

4 hours ago

Politics

‘The game is over’: South Korea braces for Yoon Suk-yeol’s insurrection verdict

Two earlier convictions have defined Yoon’s martial law decree as part of an insurrection plot, raising the stakes ahead of Thursday’s ruling.

3 hours agovideocam

China

China’s men claim historic team pursuit bronze, but wait for Games gold goes on

Speedskaters Liu Hanbin, Wu Yu and Li Wenhao reach podium for first time, while Italy stun favourites US in race for top spot.

1 hour ago

China trio (from left) Liu Hanbin, Wu Yu and Li Wenhao sprung a surprise in the men’s team pursuit. Photo: Xinhua

United States & Canada

Canada launches huge defence plan to curb reliance on Trump’s US

Prime Minister Mark Carney has become one of the most prominent global voices criticising the US president’s administration.

23 minutes agovideocam

Prime Minister Mark Carney (right) tours CAE Inc facilities in Montreal on Tuesday. Photo: The Canadian Press via AP

East Asia

Trump unveils first Japan investments under trade deal with US

The president hailed the projects – a critical minerals site, a gas power plant and an LNG facility in the US – ahead of PM Takaichi’s visit.

5 hours agovideocam

Society

Workers ready to sacrifice Lunar New Year break as scaffold net rules bite

Labour groups warn of rising unemployment as stricter scaffold net rules stall projects and leave hundreds of workers unpaid for months.

2 hours ago

Hong Kong Economy

Tens of thousands line streets for Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year night parade

Float parade to mark start of the Year of the Horse begins with an East-meets-West street party.

30 minutes agovideocam

The Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui on Tuesday evening. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Military

Everything we know about China’s mysterious, futuristic Nantianmen Project

Is it a storytelling vehicle for imaginative military hardware, blending science fiction with reality, or is it a glimpse of the future?

17 Feb 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

A CCTV report said the “space-sky integrated” fighter jets of the sci-fi Nantianmen Project would one day become reality. Photo: CCTV

Americas

11 killed in US strikes on 3 more alleged drug boats

It was one of the deadliest days in the Trump administration’s months-long campaign, and brings the toll to at least 145 fatalities.

3 hours agovideocam

United States & Canada

Police arrest man running towards US Capitol with a shotgun

The gunman was wearing a tactical vest and gloves and had a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in his vehicle.

5 hours agovideocam

OPINION

Futao Huang

Opinion | Universities in Japan and China are becoming tools of national strategy

1 hour ago

Lijia Zhang

Opinion | Why trade alone won’t make China beloved in South America

4 hours ago

Chang Zi Qian

Being Chinese | The great Lunar New Year divide and how I bridged it

17 Feb 2026 - 9:30AM

Liu Zongyi

Opinion | Bangladesh’s BNP could struggle to enact reforms despite election win

17 Feb 2026 - 9:51AM

Sophie Wushuang Yi

Opinion | Can Manila’s South China Sea strategy of defiance and diplomacy hold?

16 Feb 2026 - 5:30AM

Harry’s View | 18 Feb 2026

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36 minutes ago

Society

‘Stay vigilant even in peace,’ rural leader says in Lunar New Year prophecy

43 minutes ago

Companies

Sofa so bad: China’s home-furnishing sector hits a do-or-die stretch

1 hour ago

China

China’s men claim historic team pursuit bronze, but wait for Games gold goes on

1 hour ago

Europe

Chinese and Indian tourists to boost Europe’s travel market amid US slowdown

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‘A very good thing’: Japan’s Takaichi steps back from Liancourt Rocks pledge

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Year of the Horse 2026

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SCMP Series Year of the Horse 2026

When is the best time to open Lunar New Year red packets in the Year of the Horse 2026?

It is considered rude to open lai see in front of the giver but don’t leave the red packets unopened for more than a couple of months.

2 hours agovideocam

Feng shui advice for Rabbits for luck in money, health and romance

3 hours agovideocam

Which zodiac signs must appease the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026?

17 Feb 2026 - 2:15PMvideocam

Open Questions series

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

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

Key Industries:

China’s AI arms race sees sector brace for major flagship model launch week

A ‘stealth’ model has emerged, while advancements by Alibaba’s Qwen-3.5 and Zhipu’s GLM-5 aim to spur domestic competition following releases by US heavyweights.

9 Feb 2026 - 8:02PM

China’s AI sector is bracing for a monumental week, with a flurry of anticipated model releases. Photo: Shutterstock

Big Tech

China’s Unitree eyes 20,000-robot output after viral success of annual gala

With shipments set to jump and investors watching closely, Unitree is positioning itself at the forefront of China’s humanoid robotics push.

1 hour agovideocam

Big Tech

Global AI race heats up as Chinese tech giant releases new model

With multimodal capabilities and open weights, Qwen-3.5 signals Alibaba’s ambition to anchor the next phase of global AI deployment.

16 Feb 2026 - 7:05PM

China Economy

China’s Xi prioritises ‘AI-plus’ and consumer spending to counter economic risks

Previously unreleased comments by Xi urge income growth and tech breakthroughs, potentially setting stage for measures ahead of March’s parliamentary meetings.

16 Feb 2026 - 3:58PMvideocam

Big Tech

Humanoids go mainstream as China’s robotics champions appear at CCTV spectacle

ByteDance, Unitree, RedNote, Bilibili and Kuaishou among the firms involved in the unparalleled nationwide marketing opportunity.

17 Feb 2026 - 4:46PMvideocam

Bot the star of the show: a dancing robot delights during China Central Television’s Spring Festival Photo: CCTV

Military

Will China’s state-backed thriller spill details of little-known spy cases?

‘Scare Out’ depicts leak of PLA jet secrets, and some speculate the plot could be based on true story involving stealth fighter tech.

15 Feb 2026 - 7:00AM

Companies

Pop Mart balances boom and bust: can Labubu’s leap match Molly’s momentum?

As Labubu’s meteoric rise cools, Molly’s longevity highlights the challenge Pop Mart faces in turning hype into stable intellectual property.

14 Feb 2026 - 10:01AM

Diplomacy

How Manila’s ‘naming and shaming’ challenges Beijing’s South China Sea stance

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

12 Feb 2026 - 11:07AMvideocam

Sofa so bad: China’s home-furnishing sector hits a do-or-die stretch

Falling home prices and relentless price competition are forcing small decor firms into a battle for survival.

No floor yet: China home prices keep falling despite policy support

Chinese military urged to overhaul English teaching to boost language skills

Senior lecturers warn that troops are not being given the communication skills they need to operate on the international stage.

US offers more details on claim China conducted secret nuclear weapons test

State Department official says China’s alleged 2020 test was ‘a singular explosion’, confirms US will return to nuclear testing.

‘Stay vigilant even in peace,’ rural leader says in Lunar New Year prophecy

After drawing the No 22 fortune stick, Kenneth Lau also calls on the city to drive innovation in economic development.

All you need to know about the Year of the Horse

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Hasan Piker talks about his controversial China trip – and ‘thinking Chinese thoughts’

One of the most influential political commentators among young Americans, Piker claims Americans are ‘taught to hate China’, calling it ‘stupid’.

Peru President Jose Jeri ousted in ‘Chifagate’ scandal tied to China contractor

Late-night meeting with Chinese businessman at a restaurant in Lima fuelled a probe and created major cross-party revolt.

‘A very good thing’: Japan’s Takaichi steps back from Liancourt Rocks pledge

Analysts say Takaichi’s decision not to send a cabinet minister to the event shows she is ‘protecting ties’ with Seoul amid regional tensions.

.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.

When should you open your Lunar New Year red packets? The luckiest time, and why

It is considered rude to open lai see in front of the giver but don’t leave the red packets unopened for more than a couple of months.

Bipartisan push grows for Quad summit before Trump’s China trip

Lawmakers urge White House to rally Indo-Pacific partners ahead of high-stakes Xi meeting, citing leverage and coordination concerns.

‘The game is over’: South Korea braces for Yoon Suk-yeol’s insurrection verdict

Two earlier convictions have defined Yoon’s martial law decree as part of an insurrection plot, raising the stakes ahead of Thursday’s ruling.

China’s men claim historic team pursuit bronze, but wait for Games gold goes on

Speedskaters Liu Hanbin, Wu Yu and Li Wenhao reach podium for first time, while Italy stun favourites US in race for top spot.

Canada launches huge defence plan to curb reliance on Trump’s US

Prime Minister Mark Carney has become one of the most prominent global voices criticising the US president’s administration.

Trump unveils first Japan investments under trade deal with US

The president hailed the projects – a critical minerals site, a gas power plant and an LNG facility in the US – ahead of PM Takaichi’s visit.

Workers ready to sacrifice Lunar New Year break as scaffold net rules bite

Labour groups warn of rising unemployment as stricter scaffold net rules stall projects and leave hundreds of workers unpaid for months.

Tens of thousands line streets for Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year night parade

Float parade to mark start of the Year of the Horse begins with an East-meets-West street party.

Everything we know about China’s mysterious, futuristic Nantianmen Project

Is it a storytelling vehicle for imaginative military hardware, blending science fiction with reality, or is it a glimpse of the future?

11 killed in US strikes on 3 more alleged drug boats

It was one of the deadliest days in the Trump administration’s months-long campaign, and brings the toll to at least 145 fatalities.

Police arrest man running towards US Capitol with a shotgun

The gunman was wearing a tactical vest and gloves and had a Kevlar helmet and gas mask in his vehicle.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Universities in Japan and China are becoming tools of national strategy

Opinion | Why trade alone won’t make China beloved in South America

Being Chinese | The great Lunar New Year divide and how I bridged it

Opinion | Bangladesh’s BNP could struggle to enact reforms despite election win

Opinion | Can Manila’s South China Sea strategy of defiance and diplomacy hold?

‘Stay vigilant even in peace,’ rural leader says in Lunar New Year prophecy

Sofa so bad: China’s home-furnishing sector hits a do-or-die stretch

China’s men claim historic team pursuit bronze, but wait for Games gold goes on

Chinese and Indian tourists to boost Europe’s travel market amid US slowdown

‘A very good thing’: Japan’s Takaichi steps back from Liancourt Rocks pledge

Opinion | Universities in Japan and China are becoming tools of national strategy

When is the best time to open Lunar New Year red packets in the Year of the Horse 2026?

It is considered rude to open lai see in front of the giver but don’t leave the red packets unopened for more than a couple of months.

Feng shui advice for Rabbits for luck in money, health and romance

Which zodiac signs must appease the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026?

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.

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.

China’s AI arms race sees sector brace for major flagship model launch week

A ‘stealth’ model has emerged, while advancements by Alibaba’s Qwen-3.5 and Zhipu’s GLM-5 aim to spur domestic competition following releases by US heavyweights.

China’s Unitree eyes 20,000-robot output after viral success of annual gala

With shipments set to jump and investors watching closely, Unitree is positioning itself at the forefront of China’s humanoid robotics push.

Global AI race heats up as Chinese tech giant releases new model

With multimodal capabilities and open weights, Qwen-3.5 signals Alibaba’s ambition to anchor the next phase of global AI deployment.

China’s Xi prioritises ‘AI-plus’ and consumer spending to counter economic risks

Previously unreleased comments by Xi urge income growth and tech breakthroughs, potentially setting stage for measures ahead of March’s parliamentary meetings.

Humanoids go mainstream as China’s robotics champions appear at CCTV spectacle

ByteDance, Unitree, RedNote, Bilibili and Kuaishou among the firms involved in the unparalleled nationwide marketing opportunity.

Will China’s state-backed thriller spill details of little-known spy cases?

‘Scare Out’ depicts leak of PLA jet secrets, and some speculate the plot could be based on true story involving stealth fighter tech.

Pop Mart balances boom and bust: can Labubu’s leap match Molly’s momentum?

As Labubu’s meteoric rise cools, Molly’s longevity highlights the challenge Pop Mart faces in turning hype into stable intellectual property.

How Manila’s ‘naming and shaming’ challenges Beijing’s South China Sea stance

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

Exclusive | Hasan Piker talks about his controversial China trip – and ‘thinking Chinese thoughts’

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

Opinion | Universities in Japan and China are becoming tools of national strategy