Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Chinese President Xi Jinping has spoken to US President Donald Trump hours after talking to Vladimir Putin, at a time when a US-Russia nuclear pack is set to expire. Photos: AFP

Xi speaks with Trump hours after video chat with Putin, talks Taiwan, Ukraine

Chinese readout says Xi urged caution on US arms sales to Taiwan as Trump pledged dialogue to keep bilateral relations positive and stable.

2 hours agovideocam

Xi tells Putin a ‘grand plan’ is needed to develop ties between China and Russia

US-China relations

China Economy

As US toughens stance, how exposed is China to Iranian and Venezuelan oil?

US restrictions could lead China to turn to higher-priced barrels in other markets, while it continues to reduce its reliance on oil imports.

1 hour ago

Science

Chinese semiconductor engineer Xu Zhenpeng says he left US to find freedom

China’s advanced manufacturing research ecosystem and more independent research environment were key drivers, he said.

10 minutes agovideocam

Politics

Hong Kong urged to focus on economic progress, align with national development

Liaison office chief Zhou Ji also calls on the city to strengthen executive-led governance model.

22 minutes ago

Focus

US and China defence sectors emerge as key battlegrounds in the race for AI

Diplomacy

Epstein files reveal proposal for Tsinghua University campus in Boston

Prominent figures affiliated with the top Chinese university and Harvard discuss the plans in newly released emails.

5 Feb 2026 - 12:19AM

Emails from 2016 suggest China’s Tsinghua University had agreed to build a branch campus in Boston, but the plans later fell through.
Photo: Shutterstock

Diplomacy

US pitches critical minerals plan to allies to halt Beijing’s dominance

More than 50 countries encouraged to back US-led framework using price floors and financing to blunt Beijing’s control of hi-tech materials.

1 hour agovideocam

Military

China expels defence officials from legislature amid corruption crackdown

Three senior executives removed from National People’s Congress without explanation could face disciplinary action or criminal charges.

5 hours agovideocam

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.

Global Economy

New brainer: China’s C929 widebody lands partner to power next-gen flight mind

After Comac secures core flight-system supplier for its widebody jet’s ‘brain’, sourcing the ‘heart’ of the C929 remains a lofty challenge.

4 Feb 2026 - 11:31PM

A model of China’s in-development C929 aircraft is displayed at the Singapore Airshow on Tuesday. Photo: AFP

Big Tech

China’s chip champion Moore Threads sees beyond silicon with push into AI coding

Moore Threads is betting on AI coding software to complement its flagship GPU, as the battle for developer tools intensifies.

4 Feb 2026 - 8:10PM

Diplomacy

Panama president defends ruling after China slams canal port concession decision

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino rejects Chinese criticism, arguing verdict was within Panama’s constitutional and legal framework.

6 hours agovideocam

United States & Canada

Washington Post cutting hundreds of jobs, as US media faces Trump pressure

The newspaper, now owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, once helped bring down US President Richard Nixon in the Watergate scandal.

54 minutes ago

The Washington Post office building is seen in Washington on Wednesday. Photo: AFP

United States & Canada

Nasa’s Juno finds Jupiter is a tiny bit smaller than previously thought

The robotic spacecraft was launched in 2011 and has been orbiting ‍the gas giant since 2016, transmitting raw data back to Earth.

3 hours agovideocam

An enhanced-colour image, using raw data from the Juno spacecraft, shows Jupiter with the shadow of its moon Ganymede on the left. Image: Nasa/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS via Reuters

Middle East

Trump says Iran leaders should be ‘very worried’ as talks near

Negotiations will take place in Oman, but there is disagreement over whether Tehran’s missile programme will be discussed.

1 hour ago

Hong Kong Economy

US ‘pressure’ a challenge in CK Hutchison’s arbitration against Panama: experts

Case could take years to resolve, whether the Hong Kong conglomerate seeks compensation or ruling invalidating the voiding of its contract.

4 Feb 2026 - 6:39PM

United States & Canada

France arrests 4 people suspected of spying on Starlink for China

Those detained include a pair of Chinese nationals accused of conducting satellite ‌interception operations from ⁠an Airbnb in Gironde.

3 hours agovideocam

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Starlink satellites is seen over Sebastian Inlet after launching from Cape Canaveral, Florida, in February 2025. Photo: Reuters

China

Olympic champion Lin Xiaojun ‘grateful’ to China for chance to keep skating

Former South Korean tells state media TV programme that being part of the Chinese team has been a turning point in his career.

14 minutes ago

Chinese short-track speed skater Lin Xiaojun (left) training in Beijing last month ahead of the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Photo: Xinhua

Europe

‘Need for recognition’: Norway royal’s tearful plea in trial, denies rape

A tearful Marius Borg Hoiby tells an Oslo court that an extreme need for recognition drove his life of excess, as he stands trial for rape.

4 Feb 2026 - 10:36PM

United States & Canada

Trump border tsar removing 700 immigration officers from Minnesota

Tom Homan’s comments came after US President Donald Trump seemed to signal a willingness to ease tensions in the region.

5 hours ago

OPINION

Quentin Parker

Opinion | The world must act on space debris. Hong Kong can play a leading role

2 hours ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Keep Hong Kong safe, but limit impact on drivers’ livelihoods

30 minutes ago

Malaika Thiam-Bockman

Opinion | Chilling effect of US outbound investment rules will extend beyond China

4 Feb 2026 - 9:55PM

Michael Han

Opinion | China’s real estate rethink can help end developers’ debt addiction

4 Feb 2026 - 4:30PM

Letters

Letters | How Hong Kong can help cement the UK-China relationship

4 Feb 2026 - 11:31AM

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Olympic champion Lin Xiaojun ‘grateful’ to China for chance to keep skating

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Year of the Horse 2026

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SCMP Series Year of the Horse 2026

The magic of unicorns: why this mythical horned horse still has us under its spell

From ancient Indus Valley seals to Starbucks cups, the unicorn has long served as a symbol of magic and hope.

4 Feb 2026 - 7:16AM

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

3 Feb 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

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

4 Feb 2026 - 11:36AM

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.

4 Feb 2026 - 3:48PMvideocam

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

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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

Big Tech

From chatbots to replays: Alibaba rolls out AI suite for 2026 Winter Olympics

Alibaba Cloud has unveiled AI assistants for the 2026 Winter Olympics, integrating its Qwen model into Games operations.

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China Business

China’s turbocharged EV market hits a speed bump amid falling sales

After years at full throttle, China’s EV sector is slowing sharply, with sales sliding in January as tax breaks fade and costs rise.

4 Feb 2026 - 9:47PM

Global Economy

New brainer: China’s C929 widebody lands partner to power next-gen flight mind

After Comac secures core flight-system supplier for its widebody jet’s ‘brain’, sourcing the ‘heart’ of the C929 remains a lofty challenge.

4 Feb 2026 - 11:31PM

Military

What does the fall of PLA top brass Zhang Youxia say about Beijing’s Taiwan plans?

Investigations into China’s top military commanders have raised questions about the PLA’s battle readiness.

4 Feb 2026 - 6:14AMvideocam

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

Xi speaks with Trump hours after video chat with Putin, talks Taiwan, Ukraine

Chinese readout says Xi urged caution on US arms sales to Taiwan as Trump pledged dialogue to keep bilateral relations positive and stable.

Xi tells Putin a ‘grand plan’ is needed to develop ties between China and Russia

As US toughens stance, how exposed is China to Iranian and Venezuelan oil?

US restrictions could lead China to turn to higher-priced barrels in other markets, while it continues to reduce its reliance on oil imports.

Chinese semiconductor engineer Xu Zhenpeng says he left US to find freedom

China’s advanced manufacturing research ecosystem and more independent research environment were key drivers, he said.

Hong Kong urged to focus on economic progress, align with national development

Liaison office chief Zhou Ji also calls on the city to strengthen executive-led governance model.

US and China defence sectors emerge as key battlegrounds in the race for AI

Epstein files reveal proposal for Tsinghua University campus in Boston

Prominent figures affiliated with the top Chinese university and Harvard discuss the plans in newly released emails.

US pitches critical minerals plan to allies to halt Beijing’s dominance

More than 50 countries encouraged to back US-led framework using price floors and financing to blunt Beijing’s control of hi-tech materials.

China expels defence officials from legislature amid corruption crackdown

Three senior executives removed from National People’s Congress without explanation could face disciplinary action or criminal charges.

.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.

New brainer: China’s C929 widebody lands partner to power next-gen flight mind

After Comac secures core flight-system supplier for its widebody jet’s ‘brain’, sourcing the ‘heart’ of the C929 remains a lofty challenge.

China’s chip champion Moore Threads sees beyond silicon with push into AI coding

Moore Threads is betting on AI coding software to complement its flagship GPU, as the battle for developer tools intensifies.

Panama president defends ruling after China slams canal port concession decision

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino rejects Chinese criticism, arguing verdict was within Panama’s constitutional and legal framework.

Washington Post cutting hundreds of jobs, as US media faces Trump pressure

The newspaper, now owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, once helped bring down US President Richard Nixon in the Watergate scandal.

Nasa’s Juno finds Jupiter is a tiny bit smaller than previously thought

The robotic spacecraft was launched in 2011 and has been orbiting ‍the gas giant since 2016, transmitting raw data back to Earth.

Trump says Iran leaders should be ‘very worried’ as talks near

Negotiations will take place in Oman, but there is disagreement over whether Tehran’s missile programme will be discussed.

US ‘pressure’ a challenge in CK Hutchison’s arbitration against Panama: experts

Case could take years to resolve, whether the Hong Kong conglomerate seeks compensation or ruling invalidating the voiding of its contract.

France arrests 4 people suspected of spying on Starlink for China

Those detained include a pair of Chinese nationals accused of conducting satellite ‌interception operations from ⁠an Airbnb in Gironde.

Olympic champion Lin Xiaojun ‘grateful’ to China for chance to keep skating

Former South Korean tells state media TV programme that being part of the Chinese team has been a turning point in his career.

‘Need for recognition’: Norway royal’s tearful plea in trial, denies rape

A tearful Marius Borg Hoiby tells an Oslo court that an extreme need for recognition drove his life of excess, as he stands trial for rape.

Trump border tsar removing 700 immigration officers from Minnesota

Tom Homan’s comments came after US President Donald Trump seemed to signal a willingness to ease tensions in the region.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | The world must act on space debris. Hong Kong can play a leading role

Editorial | Keep Hong Kong safe, but limit impact on drivers’ livelihoods

Opinion | Chilling effect of US outbound investment rules will extend beyond China

Opinion | China’s real estate rethink can help end developers’ debt addiction

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | How Hong Kong can help cement the UK-China relationship

Olympic champion Lin Xiaojun ‘grateful’ to China for chance to keep skating

Chinese semiconductor engineer Xu Zhenpeng says he left US to find freedom

Editorial | Keep Hong Kong safe, but limit impact on drivers’ livelihoods

Washington Post cutting hundreds of jobs, as US media faces Trump pressure

As US toughens stance, how exposed is China to Iranian and Venezuelan oil?

Meet Florence Hunt, who plays Hyacinth on Netflix’s Bridgerton

The magic of unicorns: why this mythical horned horse still has us under its spell

From ancient Indus Valley seals to Starbucks cups, the unicorn has long served as a symbol of magic and hope.

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

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

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.

From chatbots to replays: Alibaba rolls out AI suite for 2026 Winter Olympics

Alibaba Cloud has unveiled AI assistants for the 2026 Winter Olympics, integrating its Qwen model into Games operations.

China’s turbocharged EV market hits a speed bump amid falling sales

After years at full throttle, China’s EV sector is slowing sharply, with sales sliding in January as tax breaks fade and costs rise.

New brainer: China’s C929 widebody lands partner to power next-gen flight mind

After Comac secures core flight-system supplier for its widebody jet’s ‘brain’, sourcing the ‘heart’ of the C929 remains a lofty challenge.

What does the fall of PLA top brass Zhang Youxia say about Beijing’s Taiwan plans?

Investigations into China’s top military commanders have raised questions about the PLA’s battle readiness.

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.

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

Opinion | The world must act on space debris. Hong Kong can play a leading role

Letters | How Hong Kong can help cement the UK-China relationship