Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Houthis brandish their weapons as they rally in solidarity with Iran and Lebanon, amid the US-Israeli war with Iran, in the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Friday. Photo: AFP

1 month, 2 straits, more strikes: how long will the US-Israeli war on Iran last?

With Houthi rebels entering the fray, the next maritime choke point at risk could be the Bab el-Mandeb.

5 hours agovideocam

Trump says Iran ‘begging’ for deal, but teases new aid for hard-hit US farmers

Israel-Iran conflict

Military

Beijing tightens drone rules, citing ‘low-altitude security’ concerns

The Chinese capital sets strict limits on the sales, storage and transport of unmanned aerial vehicles and core components.

28 Mar 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

Science

Cambridge top architect Francois Penz relocates to China from UK

Pioneering French professor who blended architecture with film joins Nanjing University in a full-time position after 45 years at Cambridge.

28 Mar 2026 - 6:11PMvideocam

Law and Crime

Beijing summons US envoy in Hong Kong over alert on national security law changes

City authorities also issue statement after US consulate in Hong Kong warns citizens about new rule criminalising refusal to reveal phone passwords.

5 hours ago

Science

The new electrolyte could pave the way for lithium batteries that work better in a range of conditions, including the batteries that power electric vehicles. Photo: Xinhua

Chinese lithium battery electrolyte could double EV range, run in extreme cold

Middle East

Iran war: US amphibious assault ship arrives amid talk of ground operation

The USS Tripoli is the flagship for a contingent of about 3,500 Marines and sailors, as well as transport and fighter aircraft.

11 minutes agovideocam

The USS Tripoli enters the Singapore Strait on March 17. Photo: Reuters

China Economy

AI ‘collusion’ could force wages down, warns ILO economist

Young people’s unemployment woes ‘mostly related to the current economic slowdown, more than to specific AI’, says Ekkehard Ernst.

28 Mar 2026 - 7:00PM

Diplomacy

Asean countries warned against exploiting US-China tensions for short-term gain

Chinese political scientist says Southeast Asian nations ‘should not assume that the US will back them’ and that strategy could backfire.

28 Mar 2026 - 4:22PMvideocam

Tech

Huawei’s commitment to global connectivity bridges digital divide

Tech company’s voice and data solutions serve 170 million people in remote areas in over 80 countries, Huawei Tech Cares Forum reveals.

In partnership with:

Huawei

Politics

Trump’s Iran gamble falters as war drags on amid concerns of long-term chaos

With Iran emboldened despite US and Israeli strikes, analysts warn of the ‘permanent risk of repeated disruption’ for the global economy.

28 Mar 2026 - 3:53PM

First responders work to remove a body from the rubble of a residential building hit in an overnight US-Israeli strike in Tehran on Friday. Photo: AP

Society

‘Like a horror movie’: Hongkonger rescued after Myanmar forced labour ordeal

Security Bureau liaised with Chinese embassies in Myanmar and Thailand, economic and trade office in Bangkok and Thai authorities to rescue man.

5 hours ago

United States & Canada

Amid Iran war, anti-Trumpers protest on ‘No Kings’ day

It is the third time in less than a year that Americans protest under the ‘No Kings’ movement.

4 hours ago

Europe

French police foil Paris bomb attack outside US bank

A suspect was detained and another escaped.

4 hours ago

The Bank of America building with police and private security vehicles in the 8th arrondissement of Paris on Saturday, following an apparent bomb attack attempt. Photo: AFP

China Economy

As China’s property downturn grinds on, foreign suppliers strive to adapt

US lift giant Otis is riding a growing trend for retrofitting older buildings in China, as new construction projects remain thin on the ground.

28 Mar 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

New construction projects in China have declined in recent years amid a property downturn, which continues to affect downstream industries. Photo: Getty Images

Europe

400,000 KitKat bars stolen, as thieves ‘make a break’ with 12 tonne shipment

The heist could cause a shortage of the chocolate snacks in Europe right before Easter, Nestlé warns.

44 minutes agovideocam

Politics

‘Economic own goal’? Vietnam’s AI law sets a risky pace for Southeast Asia

From Malaysia’s sovereign cloud to Vietnam’s data curbs, critics say the rush to regulate will deter investment.

28 Mar 2026 - 12:30PM

Transport

Hong Kong MTR track intrusion prompts calls for tougher penalties, education

Passenger opened train emergency exit on Friday causing a two-hour service disruption during evening rush hour.

6 hours ago

Stranded passengers at Tai Wai station following a suspension of MTR services on Friday. Photo: Edmond So

Big Tech

Alibaba to deploy AI ‘digital workforce’ for millions of merchants on Taobao, Tmal

OpenClaw frenzy accelerates shift to autonomous AI, as Alibaba equips merchants with always-on digital workers.

28 Mar 2026 - 9:00PM

People walk past a billboard promoting Tmall’s Singles’ Day sale at a popular shopping district in Beijing on November 10, 2025. Photo: AP

Hong Kong Economy

Why SD cards and hard drives are the new ‘digital gold’ in Hong Kong

Hongkongers find prices of professional-grade storage devices are going through the roof.

28 Mar 2026 - 7:03PM

Diplomacy

Can China step in to fill the gap as US pressures allies to snub South Africa?

On the same day South Africa is disinvited from the G7 summit following threats from Washington, Beijing offers tariff-free trade.

28 Mar 2026 - 3:08PMvideocam

OPINION

Cliff Buddle

My Take | Verdict finds what any parent knows: social media is designed to be addictive

5 hours ago

Anthony Rowley

Macroscope | Iran war’s ripple effects are just getting started for Asia

28 Mar 2026 - 5:23PM

Letters

Letters | For US allies, Trump’s Oval Office offers the most uncomfortable seat

28 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

Alex Lo

As I see it | How to win friends and influence people in ancient China

28 Mar 2026 - 9:30AM

Francis C. Domingo

Asian Angle | The Philippine military must transform, not just modernise

28 Mar 2026 - 11:00AM

Harry’s View | 29 Mar 2026

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11 minutes ago

Middle East

Iran war: US amphibious assault ship arrives amid talk of ground operation

44 minutes ago

Europe

400,000 KitKat bars stolen, as thieves ‘make a break’ with 12 tonne shipment

4 hours ago

Society

Hong Kong airport caps power banks to 2 per passenger in line with global rule

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Europe

French police foil Paris bomb attack outside US bank

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Health & Environment

Boy’s heart stops for 16 minutes after tube comes loose in Hong Kong hospital

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Snowboarding star Su Yiming claims second Crystal Globe trophy of the season

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SCMP Series AI's impact on Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s bid to win in AI: where are the road map and the guardrails?

Hong Kong’s AI revolution accelerates as policy funds skills training while industries and educators rush to integrate the shift.

16 Mar 2026 - 11:48AM

Exclusive | Hong Kong job openings hit 6-year low in 69% of sectors amid AI’s ascent

13 Mar 2026 - 10:05AM

Is AI displacing young people for entry-level jobs?

16 Mar 2026 - 11:48AM

Open Questions series

China Economy

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

As investors await Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences, two experts discuss the assets’ integration with the city’s economy – and the world’s.

25 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

Former diplomat posted to Beijing speaks on Iran, Taiwan and global supply chains as details of Xi-Trump meeting are worked out.

23 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

Military

Open Questions | Why Iran war may drive East Asia nuclear race, hit China in Mideast: Zhao Tong

Carnegie nuclear policy expert says law of the jungle signalled by US actions could spur more countries to pursue nuclear weapons.

16 Mar 2026 - 10:04AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Strikes on Iran not the biggest threat to China’s belt and road goals: Pan Guang

Mainland academic assesses the risks to Chinese investment and diplomacy in the region and what it means for the other main players.

9 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Big Tech

Nvidia’s Huang calls China ‘formidable’ in robotics as firm bets on physical AI

China’s microelectronics, motors, rare earth and magnets – which are foundational to robotics – are the world’s best, says Huang.

21 Mar 2026 - 6:18PM

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks during the company’s global AI conference in San Jose, California, March 17, 2026. Photo: Reuters

China EVs

How China’s EV makers think they can outrun disastrous price wars

At Beijing’s urging, an industry largely built on discounting must hold the line on prices and convince buyers to pay for better technology.

28 Mar 2026 - 10:03AM

China Business

BYD’s four-year profit run ends, eyes global markets as next engine of growth

Earnings at China’s EV leader fall short of expectations amid intense domestic competition.

27 Mar 2026 - 10:00PM

Companies

Pain at the pump fuels EV rush in China, driving a timely boost for carmakers

Brent crude above US$110 is pushing mainland buyers away from petrol cars, lifting China’s EV makers despite fading subsidies.

27 Mar 2026 - 9:00PM

The oil price surge could offer timely relief for EV makers, which have been grappling with softer demand following the rollback of subsidies. Photo: Xinhua

Diplomacy

Why China’s Iran war strategy is working – and may even be an opportunity

Beijing happy to watch, wait and safeguard core interests – oil flows, Taiwan and trade – as its geopolitical rival spends resources on war.

26 Mar 2026 - 8:09AMvideocam

China Economy

Chinese island province wants more than beachgoers as it chases economic growth

After three speculative booms – and busts – the island province is seeking sustainable growth based on new status as a free-trade port.

24 Mar 2026 - 9:38AMvideocam

China Economy

AI, flying cars drive economic transition in China’s Kunshan

City at heart of Yangtze River Delta region sees new tech dreams emerge as old ones based on mass production of electronics fade.

22 Mar 2026 - 6:51AM

Military

How long will US-Israel war on Iran last? Chinese analysts offer clues

Iran’s drones gaining edge as opponents burn through costly missiles, analysts note, as one labels the war a ‘serious mistake’ by US.

20 Mar 2026 - 6:00AMvideocam

Smoke and flames rise at the site of air strikes on an oil depot in Tehran, capital of Iran, on March 7. Photo: TNS

1 month, 2 straits, more strikes: how long will the US-Israeli war on Iran last?

With Houthi rebels entering the fray, the next maritime choke point at risk could be the Bab el-Mandeb.

Trump says Iran ‘begging’ for deal, but teases new aid for hard-hit US farmers

Beijing tightens drone rules, citing ‘low-altitude security’ concerns

The Chinese capital sets strict limits on the sales, storage and transport of unmanned aerial vehicles and core components.

Cambridge top architect Francois Penz relocates to China from UK

Pioneering French professor who blended architecture with film joins Nanjing University in a full-time position after 45 years at Cambridge.

Beijing summons US envoy in Hong Kong over alert on national security law changes

City authorities also issue statement after US consulate in Hong Kong warns citizens about new rule criminalising refusal to reveal phone passwords.

Chinese lithium battery electrolyte could double EV range, run in extreme cold

Iran war: US amphibious assault ship arrives amid talk of ground operation

The USS Tripoli is the flagship for a contingent of about 3,500 Marines and sailors, as well as transport and fighter aircraft.

AI ‘collusion’ could force wages down, warns ILO economist

Young people’s unemployment woes ‘mostly related to the current economic slowdown, more than to specific AI’, says Ekkehard Ernst.

Asean countries warned against exploiting US-China tensions for short-term gain

Chinese political scientist says Southeast Asian nations ‘should not assume that the US will back them’ and that strategy could backfire.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}Huawei’s commitment to global connectivity bridges digital divide

Tech company’s voice and data solutions serve 170 million people in remote areas in over 80 countries, Huawei Tech Cares Forum reveals.

Trump’s Iran gamble falters as war drags on amid concerns of long-term chaos

With Iran emboldened despite US and Israeli strikes, analysts warn of the ‘permanent risk of repeated disruption’ for the global economy.

‘Like a horror movie’: Hongkonger rescued after Myanmar forced labour ordeal

Security Bureau liaised with Chinese embassies in Myanmar and Thailand, economic and trade office in Bangkok and Thai authorities to rescue man.

Amid Iran war, anti-Trumpers protest on ‘No Kings’ day

It is the third time in less than a year that Americans protest under the ‘No Kings’ movement.

French police foil Paris bomb attack outside US bank

A suspect was detained and another escaped.

As China’s property downturn grinds on, foreign suppliers strive to adapt

US lift giant Otis is riding a growing trend for retrofitting older buildings in China, as new construction projects remain thin on the ground.

400,000 KitKat bars stolen, as thieves ‘make a break’ with 12 tonne shipment

The heist could cause a shortage of the chocolate snacks in Europe right before Easter, Nestlé warns.

‘Economic own goal’? Vietnam’s AI law sets a risky pace for Southeast Asia

From Malaysia’s sovereign cloud to Vietnam’s data curbs, critics say the rush to regulate will deter investment.

Hong Kong MTR track intrusion prompts calls for tougher penalties, education

Passenger opened train emergency exit on Friday causing a two-hour service disruption during evening rush hour.

Alibaba to deploy AI ‘digital workforce’ for millions of merchants on Taobao, Tmal

OpenClaw frenzy accelerates shift to autonomous AI, as Alibaba equips merchants with always-on digital workers.

Why SD cards and hard drives are the new ‘digital gold’ in Hong Kong

Hongkongers find prices of professional-grade storage devices are going through the roof.

Can China step in to fill the gap as US pressures allies to snub South Africa?

On the same day South Africa is disinvited from the G7 summit following threats from Washington, Beijing offers tariff-free trade.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}My Take | Verdict finds what any parent knows: social media is designed to be addictive

Macroscope | Iran war’s ripple effects are just getting started for Asia

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | For US allies, Trump’s Oval Office offers the most uncomfortable seat

As I see it | How to win friends and influence people in ancient China

Asian Angle | The Philippine military must transform, not just modernise

Iran war: US amphibious assault ship arrives amid talk of ground operation

400,000 KitKat bars stolen, as thieves ‘make a break’ with 12 tonne shipment

Hong Kong airport caps power banks to 2 per passenger in line with global rule

French police foil Paris bomb attack outside US bank

Boy’s heart stops for 16 minutes after tube comes loose in Hong Kong hospital

Snowboarding star Su Yiming claims second Crystal Globe trophy of the season

Hong Kong’s bid to win in AI: where are the road map and the guardrails?

Hong Kong’s AI revolution accelerates as policy funds skills training while industries and educators rush to integrate the shift.

Exclusive | Hong Kong job openings hit 6-year low in 69% of sectors amid AI’s ascent

Is AI displacing young people for entry-level jobs?

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

As investors await Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences, two experts discuss the assets’ integration with the city’s economy – and the world’s.

Open Questions | Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

Former diplomat posted to Beijing speaks on Iran, Taiwan and global supply chains as details of Xi-Trump meeting are worked out.

Open Questions | Why Iran war may drive East Asia nuclear race, hit China in Mideast: Zhao Tong

Carnegie nuclear policy expert says law of the jungle signalled by US actions could spur more countries to pursue nuclear weapons.

Open Questions | Strikes on Iran not the biggest threat to China’s belt and road goals: Pan Guang

Mainland academic assesses the risks to Chinese investment and diplomacy in the region and what it means for the other main players.

Nvidia’s Huang calls China ‘formidable’ in robotics as firm bets on physical AI

China’s microelectronics, motors, rare earth and magnets – which are foundational to robotics – are the world’s best, says Huang.

How China’s EV makers think they can outrun disastrous price wars

At Beijing’s urging, an industry largely built on discounting must hold the line on prices and convince buyers to pay for better technology.

BYD’s four-year profit run ends, eyes global markets as next engine of growth

Earnings at China’s EV leader fall short of expectations amid intense domestic competition.

Pain at the pump fuels EV rush in China, driving a timely boost for carmakers

Brent crude above US$110 is pushing mainland buyers away from petrol cars, lifting China’s EV makers despite fading subsidies.

Why China’s Iran war strategy is working – and may even be an opportunity

Beijing happy to watch, wait and safeguard core interests – oil flows, Taiwan and trade – as its geopolitical rival spends resources on war.

Chinese island province wants more than beachgoers as it chases economic growth

After three speculative booms – and busts – the island province is seeking sustainable growth based on new status as a free-trade port.

AI, flying cars drive economic transition in China’s Kunshan

City at heart of Yangtze River Delta region sees new tech dreams emerge as old ones based on mass production of electronics fade.

How long will US-Israel war on Iran last? Chinese analysts offer clues

Iran’s drones gaining edge as opponents burn through costly missiles, analysts note, as one labels the war a ‘serious mistake’ by US.

Huawei’s commitment to global connectivity bridges digital divide

My Take | Verdict finds what any parent knows: social media is designed to be addictive

Letters | For US allies, Trump’s Oval Office offers the most uncomfortable seat