Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Russian soldiers load Iskander-M short-range ballistic missile launchers as part of a June 2024 drill to train troops in using tactical nuclear weapons. Photo: Russian Defence Ministry Press Service via AP

Why the collapse of the last US-Russia nuclear treaty matters for China

Analysts warn expiry of New Start could trigger vicious circle and three-way arms race between Beijing, Washington and Moscow.

2 hours agovideocam

Trump wants US$1.5 trillion for military. Will China boost spending too?

US-China relations

Diplomacy

USS Abraham Lincoln is in the Arabian Sea. So is a Chinese vessel

Research ship Dayang Yihao may have been sailing near the American warship, independent military observer says in a social media post.

3 Feb 2026 - 7:28PM

China Economy

EU launches probe into Chinese wind turbine maker Goldwind

Investigation is being carried out under the bloc’s foreign subsidies regulation, a tool that is expected to be widely used this year.

5 hours agovideocam

Banking & Finance

China’s finance sector rocked by another sudden death amid overwork fears

Shen Xianbing is the latest high-profile figure in Chinese finance to die unexpectedly, as concerns rise over stress and overwork in the industry.

3 Feb 2026 - 4:32PMvideocam

Science

“Tiangong Kaiwu” is a renowned Ming dynasty encyclopaedia documenting over 130 types of handicraft techniques, including advanced textile processes and metallurgical methods. Photo: Handout

Ming dynasty ‘Guide to the Galaxy’: China names 2100 space plan after 1637 book

Military

China’s J-10C stars at Singapore Airshow after lead role in India-Pakistan war

Beijing is eyeing the Southeast Asian market after the 4.5-generation fighter raised its international profile by shooting down a Rafale jet.

3 Feb 2026 - 8:36PM

Chinese J-10C aircraft perform at the Singapore Airshow. Photo: Handout

China Economy

How a regulatory change could help China’s C919 jet take on Airbus and Boeing

Chinese regulators have opened the door to letting the C919 use narrow runways, which could boost the plane’s prospects in Southeast Asia.

3 Feb 2026 - 7:31PMvideocam

Politics

Panama could pay heavy price over CK Hutchison ports ruling, Beijing warns

Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office says in a commentary the Panamanian authorities are ‘shooting themselves in the foot’.

1 hour ago

Education

Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s 20-year evolution ensures it meets world’s fast-changing technological, industrial and societal needs.

In partnership with:

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

China Economy

China’s gold trading hub on edge: what is happening – and why now?

Uncertainty spreads in Shuibei as second platform falters, spooking investors.

3 Feb 2026 - 8:02PM

Chinese retail investors had rushed to capitalise on the unprecedented rally in global gold prices in recent months, leading many to put their funds into the online metals trading platform JWR. Photo: Xinhua

Europe

Nato starts planning for Arctic military mission amid Greenland row with Trump

The defence alliance has said it would boost its presence in the region after the US president’s repeated threats to take over the island.

1 hour agovideocam

Middle East

US shoots down Iranian drone ‘aggressively’ approaching aircraft carrier

The Iranian Shahed-139 was flying towards the Abraham Lincoln ‍warship ‘with unclear intent’, a US official says.

50 minutes ago

Politics

Chinese journalist Liu Hu detained after report scrutinising local officials

Liu and his assistant reportedly in custody for ‘illegal business operations’ and ‘false accusations’.

3 Feb 2026 - 7:52PM

Liu Hu is an investigative reporter who has covered disputes between private enterprises and local government bodies in China. Photo: Handout

China Economy

China’s financial powerhouse Shanghai aims for 5% growth, ‘global influence’

Chinese megacity ranks in the world’s five most powerful metros after New York, Tokyo and Los Angeles, with a GDP of 5.67 trillion yuan.

3 Feb 2026 - 5:00PMvideocam

People walk at the Bund by the Huangpu river with skyscrapers of the Lujiazui financial district in the background, in Shanghai. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Recovery of missing workers brings China bridge collapse fatalities to 5

Two people pulled from the wreckage died soon after from their injuries, with a search for three co-workers ending tragically on Tuesday.

3 Feb 2026 - 5:17PMvideocam

Europe

Pupil stabs, critically wounds teacher in France

A teenager has been arrested for the attempted murder of the 60-year-old victim, who was stabbed at least three times.

3 hours ago

United States & Canada

Disney theme parks chief Josh D’Amaro to succeed Bob Iger as CEO

The 28-year Disney veteran will take the helm of the company after years of overseeing its largest business segment.

1 hour ago

People

‘People are so polite’: why do Russian spies find Japan such an easy target?

A Russian spy, posing as a Ukrainian citizen, used a simple request for directions to trick a local worker into selling industrial secrets.

3 Feb 2026 - 5:21PM

People visit an observation tower in a suburb of Tokyo on Monday. Japan is pushing to strengthen its laws against spying. Photo: AFP

United States & Canada

Jill Biden’s first husband charged with killing wife in domestic dispute

William Stevenson, 77, and the former US first lady were married from 1970 to 1975.

14 minutes ago

Europe

France raids X offices, summons Musk over child pornography and deepfake probe

Paris prosecutors issue ‘voluntary interview’ summons to Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino for April 20 and quit platform in protest.

3 Feb 2026 - 8:40PM

OPINION

Jianlu Bi

Opinion | American allies are finally hedging against American risk

3 Feb 2026 - 8:30PM

Robin Hu

Opinion | China’s real constraint is where to direct limited fiscal resources

3 Feb 2026 - 4:30PM

Ken Chu

Opinion | As China opens up its space sector, Hong Kong should reach for the stars

3 Feb 2026 - 9:30AM

Genevieve Donnellon-May

Opinion | Why China and Europe should care about Central Asia’s water crisis

3 Feb 2026 - 5:30AM

Letters

Letters | Hong Kong’s economic comeback is the best answer to its critics

3 Feb 2026 - 11:30AM

Harry’s View | 4 Feb 2026

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LATEST

14 minutes ago

United States & Canada

Jill Biden’s first husband charged with killing wife in domestic dispute

1 hour ago

Middle East

US shoots down Iranian drone ‘aggressively’ approaching aircraft carrier

1 hour ago

Europe

Nato starts planning for Arctic military mission amid Greenland row with Trump

2 hours ago

United States & Canada

Disney theme parks chief Josh D’Amaro to succeed Bob Iger as CEO

3 hours ago

Europe

Pupil stabs, critically wounds teacher in France

3 hours ago

Politics

Panama could pay heavy price over CK Hutchison ports ruling, Beijing warns

MORE LATEST NEWS

SCMP Series

Year of the Horse 2026

China Inc. goes global

Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Rats will clash with the tai sui deity in the coming Year of the Horse 2026, but there are things you can do to stave off bad luck. Photo: Shutterstock

SCMP Series Year of the Horse 2026

How Rats can appease the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026, and what to watch out for

Rats will clash with the tai sui deity in the Year of the Fire Horse. Fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha reveals how they can improve their fortune.

3 Feb 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

This 17-year-old Hong Kong show jumper is making a name at home and abroad

2 Feb 2026 - 11:21AM

How Horses can appease the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026

3 Feb 2026 - 10:55AMvideocam

Open Questions series

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

Tech Trends

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

26 Jan 2026 - 9:31AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

19 Jan 2026 - 6:57PMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech Trends

‘Optimus chain’: Chinese suppliers form backbone of Tesla’s humanoid robot plans

Tesla’s pivot to producing humanoid robots is expected to engage a network of key Chinese component makers.

1 Feb 2026 - 2:00PMvideocam

Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot is seen on display at a company showroom in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Shutterstock

Tech

Mainland memory firms eye Hong Kong for funds to fuel ‘global ambitions’

Several suppliers aim to follow in the footsteps of Montage Technology, which is set to raise US$896 million and debuts next week.

3 Feb 2026 - 9:00PM

China Economy

How a regulatory change could help China’s C919 jet take on Airbus and Boeing

Chinese regulators have opened the door to letting the C919 use narrow runways, which could boost the plane’s prospects in Southeast Asia.

3 Feb 2026 - 7:31PMvideocam

China Economy

China’s expat pilots arrived on a red carpet – now, they’re taking a red-eye out

Well-paid foreign pilots once flocked to Chinese airlines – but winds have shifted as domestic talent steps up and airlines limit fleet expansions.

3 Feb 2026 - 7:38AMvideocam

China Economy

China’s expat pilots arrived on a red carpet – now, they’re taking a red-eye out

Well-paid foreign pilots once flocked to Chinese airlines – but winds have shifted as domestic talent steps up and airlines limit fleet expansions.

3 Feb 2026 - 7:38AMvideocam

China Economy

Exclusive | China’s widebody C929 may take off ahead of schedule, sources say

Maker of the home-grown rival to Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 is working directly with regulators, which analysts said could speed up certification.

2 Feb 2026 - 6:46PMvideocam

China

The future of AI in music? US and China strike different chords

As generative music tools surge, China turns to state oversight while the US relies on courts, copyright suits and settlements.

31 Jan 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Diplomacy

How will China respond as US expands foreign ship seizures?

The question is whether high-seas US actions will alarm Beijing into deploying naval safeguards or prompt similar moves in Taiwan Strait.

31 Jan 2026 - 8:02AMvideocam

Why the collapse of the last US-Russia nuclear treaty matters for China

Analysts warn expiry of New Start could trigger vicious circle and three-way arms race between Beijing, Washington and Moscow.

Trump wants US$1.5 trillion for military. Will China boost spending too?

USS Abraham Lincoln is in the Arabian Sea. So is a Chinese vessel

Research ship Dayang Yihao may have been sailing near the American warship, independent military observer says in a social media post.

EU launches probe into Chinese wind turbine maker Goldwind

Investigation is being carried out under the bloc’s foreign subsidies regulation, a tool that is expected to be widely used this year.

China’s finance sector rocked by another sudden death amid overwork fears

Shen Xianbing is the latest high-profile figure in Chinese finance to die unexpectedly, as concerns rise over stress and overwork in the industry.

Ming dynasty ‘Guide to the Galaxy’: China names 2100 space plan after 1637 book

China’s J-10C stars at Singapore Airshow after lead role in India-Pakistan war

Beijing is eyeing the Southeast Asian market after the 4.5-generation fighter raised its international profile by shooting down a Rafale jet.

How a regulatory change could help China’s C919 jet take on Airbus and Boeing

Chinese regulators have opened the door to letting the C919 use narrow runways, which could boost the plane’s prospects in Southeast Asia.

Panama could pay heavy price over CK Hutchison ports ruling, Beijing warns

Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office says in a commentary the Panamanian authorities are ‘shooting themselves in the foot’.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s 20-year evolution ensures it meets world’s fast-changing technological, industrial and societal needs.

China’s gold trading hub on edge: what is happening – and why now?

Uncertainty spreads in Shuibei as second platform falters, spooking investors.

Nato starts planning for Arctic military mission amid Greenland row with Trump

The defence alliance has said it would boost its presence in the region after the US president’s repeated threats to take over the island.

US shoots down Iranian drone ‘aggressively’ approaching aircraft carrier

The Iranian Shahed-139 was flying towards the Abraham Lincoln ‍warship ‘with unclear intent’, a US official says.

Chinese journalist Liu Hu detained after report scrutinising local officials

Liu and his assistant reportedly in custody for ‘illegal business operations’ and ‘false accusations’.

China’s financial powerhouse Shanghai aims for 5% growth, ‘global influence’

Chinese megacity ranks in the world’s five most powerful metros after New York, Tokyo and Los Angeles, with a GDP of 5.67 trillion yuan.

Recovery of missing workers brings China bridge collapse fatalities to 5

Two people pulled from the wreckage died soon after from their injuries, with a search for three co-workers ending tragically on Tuesday.

Pupil stabs, critically wounds teacher in France

A teenager has been arrested for the attempted murder of the 60-year-old victim, who was stabbed at least three times.

Disney theme parks chief Josh D’Amaro to succeed Bob Iger as CEO

The 28-year Disney veteran will take the helm of the company after years of overseeing its largest business segment.

‘People are so polite’: why do Russian spies find Japan such an easy target?

A Russian spy, posing as a Ukrainian citizen, used a simple request for directions to trick a local worker into selling industrial secrets.

Jill Biden’s first husband charged with killing wife in domestic dispute

William Stevenson, 77, and the former US first lady were married from 1970 to 1975.

France raids X offices, summons Musk over child pornography and deepfake probe

Paris prosecutors issue ‘voluntary interview’ summons to Musk and former CEO Linda Yaccarino for April 20 and quit platform in protest.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | American allies are finally hedging against American risk

Opinion | China’s real constraint is where to direct limited fiscal resources

Opinion | As China opens up its space sector, Hong Kong should reach for the stars

Opinion | Why China and Europe should care about Central Asia’s water crisis

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Hong Kong’s economic comeback is the best answer to its critics

Jill Biden’s first husband charged with killing wife in domestic dispute

US shoots down Iranian drone ‘aggressively’ approaching aircraft carrier

Nato starts planning for Arctic military mission amid Greenland row with Trump

Disney theme parks chief Josh D’Amaro to succeed Bob Iger as CEO

Pupil stabs, critically wounds teacher in France

Panama could pay heavy price over CK Hutchison ports ruling, Beijing warns

How Rats can appease the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026, and what to watch out for

Rats will clash with the tai sui deity in the Year of the Fire Horse. Fortune-teller Tong Pik-ha reveals how they can improve their fortune.

This 17-year-old Hong Kong show jumper is making a name at home and abroad

How Horses can appease the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026

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.

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

Open Questions | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

‘Optimus chain’: Chinese suppliers form backbone of Tesla’s humanoid robot plans

Tesla’s pivot to producing humanoid robots is expected to engage a network of key Chinese component makers.

Mainland memory firms eye Hong Kong for funds to fuel ‘global ambitions’

Several suppliers aim to follow in the footsteps of Montage Technology, which is set to raise US$896 million and debuts next week.

How a regulatory change could help China’s C919 jet take on Airbus and Boeing

Chinese regulators have opened the door to letting the C919 use narrow runways, which could boost the plane’s prospects in Southeast Asia.

China’s expat pilots arrived on a red carpet – now, they’re taking a red-eye out

Well-paid foreign pilots once flocked to Chinese airlines – but winds have shifted as domestic talent steps up and airlines limit fleet expansions.

China’s expat pilots arrived on a red carpet – now, they’re taking a red-eye out

Well-paid foreign pilots once flocked to Chinese airlines – but winds have shifted as domestic talent steps up and airlines limit fleet expansions.

Exclusive | China’s widebody C929 may take off ahead of schedule, sources say

Maker of the home-grown rival to Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 is working directly with regulators, which analysts said could speed up certification.

The future of AI in music? US and China strike different chords

As generative music tools surge, China turns to state oversight while the US relies on courts, copyright suits and settlements.

How will China respond as US expands foreign ship seizures?

The question is whether high-seas US actions will alarm Beijing into deploying naval safeguards or prompt similar moves in Taiwan Strait.

Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Opinion | American allies are finally hedging against American risk

Letters | Hong Kong’s economic comeback is the best answer to its critics