Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

An XPU-R chip developed by Kunlunxin. Photo: Handout

Exclusive | Baidu chip unit eyes US$14.7b valuation in Hong Kong IPO: sources

The company is seeking to list on the Sci-Tech Innovation Board, also known as the Star Market, of the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

11 minutes ago

Photonics chipmaker Lightelligence surges 400% in Hong Kong debut amid AI frenzy

Semiconductors

Military

Fate of China’s ex-defence heads shows party won’t allow disloyalty: state media

Editorial from Chinese military’s official newspaper is the first time that Li Shangfu has been labelled a traitor.

1 hour agovideocam

Global Economy

Trump invites Boeing, Mastercard CEOs to join China trip next week: sources

Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump will also join the high-stakes summit in Beijing, sources say.

53 minutes ago

Law and Crime

Australian remanded on fresh eat-and-run charges in Hong Kong after earlier fine

Samuel Monkivitch, 50, allegedly fled four other restaurants without paying bills totalling more than HK$2,000 and destroyed electronic property.

9 minutes ago

Focus

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

Science

Why are China’s coastal fish farms disappearing while India’s are expanding?

China’s coastal aquaculture ponds span the largest area in the world but they are shrinking – and that is a good thing.

24 minutes ago

Aquaculture workers check sea cucumber growth at a marine farm in China's eastern Shandong province. Photo: Xinhua

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.

5 hours agovideocam

Economics

Malaysia’s EV import curbs to protect local sector criticised for inconsistency

The move contradicts the country’s aim to grow the EV sector and use more renewable energy sources, analysts say.

9 minutes agovideocam

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

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 hour 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

AI power gap fuels Weichai, GE Vernova shares as generator demand surges

AI’s explosive growth is triggering a global power crisis, as data centres deploy backup generators amid soaring electricity demand.

52 minutes ago

Military

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.

2 hours agovideocam

Law and Crime

Hong Kong-based mediation body resolves international maritime dispute

International Organisation for Mediation hails successful dispute resolution between parties from mainland China and Singapore as milestone.

46 minutes ago

The headquarters of the International Organisation for Mediation in Wan Chai. Photo: Dickson Lee

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.

2 hours agovideocam

A boat heading towards the port on Wednesday from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius, which is stationary off the port of Praia, Cape Verde. Photo: TNS

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.

3 hours ago

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.

4 hours agovideocam

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.

5 hours ago

US President Donald Trump, backed by his Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth (centre) and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has taken a raft of unilateral actions leaving the international order altered. Photo: Reuters

Chinese culture

Best things to do in China’s Nanjing, from food and architecture to history

Planning a weekend in Nanjing? Here’s an itinerary to consider for visiting the bustling metropolis in eastern China.

10 minutes ago

Jiming Temple rises above surrounding buildings in Nanjing. The ancient city, which has served as China’s capital at various points in history, is a feast for the senses. Here’s how to spend a weekend there. Photo: Shutterstock

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.

5 hours ago

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.

1 hour ago

OPINION

David Dodwell

Outside In | Prepare for ‘China shock 3.0’ to the global food economy

55 minutes ago

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

6 hours ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Middle East war offers Hong Kong a golden opportunity

8 May 2026 - 7:15AM

Harry’s View | 8 May 2026

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3 minutes ago

Hong Kong Economy

Veteran politician Jeffrey Lam to lead Hung Shui Kiu industrial park operator

9 minutes ago

Economics

Malaysia’s EV import curbs to protect local sector criticised for inconsistency

10 minutes ago

Chinese culture

Best things to do in China’s Nanjing, from food and architecture to history

16 minutes ago

Tech Trends

Exclusive | Baidu chip unit eyes US$14.7b valuation in Hong Kong IPO: sources

24 minutes ago

Asia

Video | Taiwan town celebrates snail’s pace lifestyle

Alysa Chang, left, and Li Cheng-wen hold up their snail racers in Fenglin town, Hualien County, eastern of Taiwan, Saturday, May 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)

01:40

24 minutes ago

Science

Why are China’s coastal fish farms disappearing while India’s are expanding?

26 minutes ago

Law and Crime

Australian remanded on fresh eat-and-run charges in Hong Kong after earlier fine

38 minutes ago

Politics

New database tracks shifting outcomes of Malaysia’s political corruption cases

52 minutes ago

China Business

AI power gap fuels Weichai, GE Vernova shares as generator demand surges

53 minutes ago

Global Economy

Trump invites Boeing, Mastercard CEOs to join China trip next week: sources

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SCMP Series Trump’s 2026 trip to China

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.

6-MIN READvideocam

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

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

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Open Questions series

China Economy

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’.

13-MIN READvideocam

China Economy

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.

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Diplomacy

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.

15-MIN READvideocam

Science

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.

16-MIN READvideocam

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China EVs

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.

3-MIN READ

A humanoid robot poses at a BYD booth beside an electric vehicle at the Beijing auto show. Photo: Kyodo

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.

2-MIN READ

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.

2-MIN READ

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.

2-MIN READvideocam

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

Diplomacy

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.

6-MIN READvideocam

Society

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.

7-MIN READ

Military

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

Islamabad’s elevated stature in Middle East security could make it ‘the operational face of Chinese defence systems’ via regional deployment.

5-MIN READvideocam

China Economy

How the Middle East crisis is expanding China’s agrochemical influence

China accounts for about a third of global fertiliser production, and 70 per cent of the raw materials for chemical pesticides.

7-MIN READ

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Baidu chip unit eyes US$14.7b valuation in Hong Kong IPO: sources

The company is seeking to list on the Sci-Tech Innovation Board, also known as the Star Market, of the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Photonics chipmaker Lightelligence surges 400% in Hong Kong debut amid AI frenzy

Fate of China’s ex-defence heads shows party won’t allow disloyalty: state media

Editorial from Chinese military’s official newspaper is the first time that Li Shangfu has been labelled a traitor.

Trump invites Boeing, Mastercard CEOs to join China trip next week: sources

Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump will also join the high-stakes summit in Beijing, sources say.

Australian remanded on fresh eat-and-run charges in Hong Kong after earlier fine

Samuel Monkivitch, 50, allegedly fled four other restaurants without paying bills totalling more than HK$2,000 and destroyed electronic property.

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

Why are China’s coastal fish farms disappearing while India’s are expanding?

China’s coastal aquaculture ponds span the largest area in the world but they are shrinking – and that is a good thing.

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.

Malaysia’s EV import curbs to protect local sector criticised for inconsistency

The move contradicts the country’s aim to grow the EV sector and use more renewable energy sources, analysts say.

.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.

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.

AI power gap fuels Weichai, GE Vernova shares as generator demand surges

AI’s explosive growth is triggering a global power crisis, as data centres deploy backup generators amid soaring electricity demand.

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.

Hong Kong-based mediation body resolves international maritime dispute

International Organisation for Mediation hails successful dispute resolution between parties from mainland China and Singapore as milestone.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Best things to do in China’s Nanjing, from food and architecture to history

Planning a weekend in Nanjing? Here’s an itinerary to consider for visiting the bustling metropolis in eastern China.

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.

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.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Outside In | Prepare for ‘China shock 3.0’ to the global food economy

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

Veteran politician Jeffrey Lam to lead Hung Shui Kiu industrial park operator

Malaysia’s EV import curbs to protect local sector criticised for inconsistency

Best things to do in China’s Nanjing, from food and architecture to history

Exclusive | Baidu chip unit eyes US$14.7b valuation in Hong Kong IPO: sources

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | Taiwan town celebrates snail’s pace lifestyle

Why are China’s coastal fish farms disappearing while India’s are expanding?

Australian remanded on fresh eat-and-run charges in Hong Kong after earlier fine

New database tracks shifting outcomes of Malaysia’s political corruption cases

AI power gap fuels Weichai, GE Vernova shares as generator demand surges

Trump invites Boeing, Mastercard CEOs to join China trip next week: sources

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 | Baidu chip unit eyes US$14.7b valuation in Hong Kong IPO: sources

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

Outside In | Prepare for ‘China shock 3.0’ to the global food economy

Video | Taiwan town celebrates snail’s pace lifestyle