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Illustration: Brian Wang

The great slowdown: Germany at a standstill as ‘China shock’ hits

As Europe’s biggest economy is pummelled by structural problems and external threats, rocky China ties are compounding the dreary picture.

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German foreign minister in ‘last stages of coordinating’ trip to China

China-Germany relations
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Science

Cambridge ex-vice-chancellor Nigel Slater joins China’s biotech revolution

Veteran academic to collaborate with Chinese scientists to develop next-gen cancer therapies using vaccine tech for tumour immunotherapy.

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Diplomacy

China sends seasoned ‘America hand’ to serve as top envoy to Philippines

New ambassador arrives in Manila as South China Sea tensions flare and the Philippines draws closer to Washington on defence.

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Politics

Beijing warns foreign media in Hong Kong over crossing ‘red lines’ during meeting

In meeting with wire agencies and other outlets, national security office says reports on fire relief efforts and Legco poll must adhere to law.

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US-China Relations
The US says that one of its priorities is to deter a conflict over Taiwan, “ideally by preserving military overmatch”. Photo: EPA

What could challenge Washington’s latest strategic goal on Taiwan?

Society

Hong Kong fire aftermath: how victims are dealing with the psychological toll

Psychologists say encouragement from family, friends and colleagues crucial to helping residents even as government steps up mental health support.

People pay tribute to the victims of the Tai Po fire. Photo: Sam Tsang
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China Economy

Flash in the pan: how China’s plant-based meat craze fizzled

The closure of Beyond Meat’s China business, despite heavy financing and marketing, underscores challenges that scuppered many vegan meat firms.

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Law and Crime

Hong Kong national security law provision used for first time to make arrest

Police say suspect was invited to assist investigation and revealed details in YouTube video next day, with source naming individual as Wong Kwok-ngon.

Lifestyle

A nation by design: how Singapore’s creative spirit drives its development

As the city state celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence this year, we look at how design has shaped its growth, from building its modern skyline from the ground up to enhancing the quality of life for an ageing population and allowing citizens to live healthier lives

In partnership with:
DesignSingapore Council
Marina Bay, envisioned as a place for people to live, work and play around the clock, is now home to many of Singapore’s iconic landmarks. This centrepiece of the cityscape has continued evolving to support its sustainable development.

Military

Is China changing tack and accepting North Korea as a nuclear-armed state?

In a break with the recent past, Beijing makes no mention of ‘denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula’ in a white paper.

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North Korea rolls out an intercontinental ballistic missile during a military parade in Pyongyang on October 10. Photo: Korean Central News Agency

Military

US public backs active role in global affairs, including Taiwan defence: poll

A poll by the Ronald Reagan Institute suggests the American public’s view of global affairs is out of sync with Donald Trump’s approach.

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Economics

Probe links Philippines flood corruption to Pogo crypto schemes

Cybercrime officials have uncovered a ‘definite link’ between the massive graft scandal and laundering rings run by banned gaming operators.

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Society

55 blocks in Hong Kong can’t meet deadline to take down scaffolding nets

Netting at 175 private buildings removed, government says, as companies race to comply with order in wake of Tai Po blaze.

The government has ordered scaffolding nets to be taken down across the city by the end of Saturday. Photo: Dickson Lee

Outdoor

Eileen Gu returns to scene of her Beijing Olympic triumphs – and wins again

The double Olympic champion heads an all-China podium in the freeskiing event in new Snow League.

Eileen Gu will return to the same Secret Garden snow park in Zhangjiakou next week for a World Cup event. Photo: AFP

Politics

Lifeline or rubbish? Taiwan updates disaster and conflict survival guide

‘Little orange book’ sent to nearly 10 million households advises on survival response, but many question its cost and value.

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Society

Lessons not learned, Hong Kong construction council says after site checks

Head of industry association says flammable materials and cigarette butts still found at sites after deadly Tai Po blaze.

Middle East

Gaza truce incomplete without ‘full withdrawal’ by Israel: Qatar PM

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani says Qatar and fellow truce guarantors are ‘getting together’ to advance the next phase of the deal.

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Palestinians walk through the destruction left by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Gaza City, Friday. Photo: AP

Europe

4 arrested after protesters throw dessert at Britain’s Crown Jewels

Take Back Power, which describes itself as a new non-violent civil-resistance group, claims it was behind the act at the Tower of London.

Two supporters of Take Back Power group after dessert was thrown over the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. Four protesters were arrested for throwing food at the display case. Photo: Take Back Power/PA Media/dpa

Africa

Mass shooting at a South African bar leaves 11 dead, including 3 children

Police say shootings at illegal taverns are becoming a serious problem, and over 11,000 such establishments have been shut down recently.

Politics

Jakarta vs the internet: Indonesia’s gamble with digital freedom

As the government demands global tech firms like Cloudflare bend to its will, critics say it’s ‘burning the rice barn to kill the rats’.

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OPINION
Cliff Buddle

My Take | The role of jurors in the legal system should be strengthened, not restricted

Cliff Buddle
Anthony Rowley

Macroscope | Inflated asset prices show markets don’t always know best

Anthony Rowley
Alex Lo

As I see it | Politicisation of Hong Kong’s fire tragedy in Western media a new low

Alex Lo
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Lisa Lim

Language Matters | The enduring legacy of bamboo, a symbol of resilience and strength in Asia

Lisa Lim
Letters

Letters | Asia is waking up to storms that are stronger – and more polluted

Letters
Harry’s View | 7 Dec 2025
December 7, 2025
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LATEST

United States & Canada

Florida kicks off first black bear hunt in a decade, despite outcry

Russia & Central Asia

Ukraine’s Zelensky holds ‘very substantive’ call with Trump envoys

Law and Crime

Hong Kong national security law provision used for first time to make arrest

Africa

Mass shooting at a South African bar leaves 11 dead, including 3 children

Americas

Venezuela’s Machado defies warning, vows to attend Nobel Peace Prize ceremony

Opinion

My Take | The role of jurors in the legal system should be strengthened, not restricted

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SCMP Series
China’s alcohol economy
Chinese scientists return home
How China is telling its own story
Illustration: Henry Wong
SCMP SeriesChina’s alcohol economy

Pursuit of hoppiness: why China’s cash-conscious drinkers have embraced craft beers

As discerning alcohol consumers seek ‘wallet-friendly’ products, premium beers are winning out over higher-end options.

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After peaking, decline of China’s European wine imports worries makers

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China’s liquor capital faces long march to rebirth as ‘liquid gold’ glory wanes

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Ex-PLA colonel Zhou Bo on Taiwan reunification, lessons from the Ukraine war

Commentator and former senior colonel on Beijing’s row with Japan, lessons from the Ukraine war and why playing global policeman is a trap.

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China Economy

Open Questions | ‘A mistaken view’: US economist Nicholas Lardy on the ‘peak China’ hypothesis

The veteran China watcher talks Beijing’s need for financial reform and how US-China economic convergence could still be on the horizon.

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China Economy

Open Questions | Chinese economist Lu Feng on why the time is ripe for a consumption rebalance

Peking University professor says China’s next five-year plan could provide the necessary momentum to shift more public resources to households.

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Politics

Open Questions | Silkpunk creator Ken Liu takes on AI, modernity and what it means to be American

The sci-fi sensation compares the new technology to the early days of the camera and predicts a long period of transition for the new medium.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
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China Future Tech
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Big Tech

China’s DeepSeek challenges Google DeepMind with new AI model

DeepSeek’s V3.2-Speciale equals Google’s Gemini 3 Pro in reasoning capabilities, the Chinese start-up says.

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A shop advertising DeepSeek in Hong Kong. Photo: Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Tech Trends

How China’s solopreneurs are using AI to crack a tough job market

Armed with a variety of AI tools, a new breed of young entrepreneurs forges a path in a challenging economy.

China Economy

A Chinese home-grown business jet is on the way. Will it rival Gulfstream?

China’s state-owned aircraft maker is stepping up efforts to break into the business jet market with its CBJ model.

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Tech

Chinese EV maker Li Auto unveils industry’s cheapest AI glasses at US$282

Despite its lightweight build, Livis promises robust performance with an impressive battery life of 18.8 hours under normal usage.

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Li Auto’s glasses are also among the lightest on the market, weighing 46 grams including the lens. Photo: Handout

Diplomacy

Why China may be better placed than US in tussle for rare earths

While Beijing has long engaged with resource-rich nations, Trump’s Washington is seen as more ‘aggressive’ and reactive.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

China Economy

Why China sees Brazil as ‘last untapped blue ocean market’ for investment boom

Chinese investment in Brazil is soaring as firms eye the vast potential growth in South America’s ‘blue ocean market’.

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China Economy

How Chinese lifestyle brands are finding fans abroad with toys, tea and trends

From milk tea to blind boxes, China’s lighter consumer brands are winning worldwide recognition – though time will tell if the craze will last.

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China Economy

Factory of factories: China’s manufacturers join wave of overseas expansions

With many of their clients moving or building sites abroad, China’s factory owners are following suit, seizing a ‘last chance’ for new revenues.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
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