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SCMP

Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. Beijing denies threat as FBI opens new office in New Zealand to ‘counter China’
Claims by the head of the FBI that China is a threat to the Indo-Pacific are groundless, Beijing said as the American security agency opened its first permanent office in New Zealand.
2. Trump administration sends mixed messages on China trade pact
The US government sent mixed messages on Thursday on where the latest trade agreement with China, including a possible extension of the pause on tariff hikes, is headed.
3. US’ containerised launcher ‘poses threats to regional security’: China’s military

China’s military has warned that America’s new containerised missile and rocket launch system could “seriously undermine regional strategic stability”.
4. China’s customisable robot market may be about to take off
A store near a bustling shopping centre in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen feels more like a small robotics fair, with all kinds of robots – from humanoid assistants to food delivery bots and massage machines – quietly drawing curious eyes.
5. Guangzhou and Shenzhen, once China’s growth engines, report GDP underperformance

Two cities that have served as economic pillars for China’s southern province of Guangdong appear to be losing steam relative to their peers, prompting calls for stronger action to revive businesses.
6. Taiwan relief over US 20% tariff but pressure mounts for island to concede more
Taiwan has temporarily breathed a sigh of relief after learning that its exports to the United States will face a 20 per cent tariff – lower than the initially feared 32 per cent – pending further negotiations for a reduced rate.
7. China’s coastguard tows Philippine ship after tense maritime clash in new video

China has for the first time released a video showing its coastguard towing away a Philippine ship in the South China Sea, using its strongest language yet to describe such confrontations with Manila in the disputed waters.


US drone presence worries China, top neuroscientist moves to Shenzhen: SCMP’s 7 highlights

Appeasing the tai sui, Lunar New Year customs, Hong Kong borscht: 7 Lifestyle highlights

CATL’s battery game changer, Tesla’s AI training centre in China: 7 EV reads

Indonesia’s tourist visa, Filipino assaulted in Singaporean mall: 7 Asia highlights

SCMP Highlights

China denies FBI chief’s accusation; customised robots for rent: SCMP daily highlights

US FBI Director Kash Patel opened the bureau’s new New Zealand office in Wellington on Thursday. Photo: Getty

The containerised launch system was seen in footage from President Donald Trump’s visit to the US Army’s Fort Bragg base in June. Photo: X/Dan Scavino

Shenzhen, China’s southern tech hub, has reported lower GDP growth rates than the national average for the first half of 2025. Photo: Xinhua

Footage released by CCTV on Friday shows a six-minute confrontation at the Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Renai Jiao, in the South China Sea. Photo: Junhao

China and Kuwait pledge closer military ties as joint ammunition plant opening nears

China and Kuwait are nearing the completion of an ammunition factory in the Gulf state, according to a senior defence official from the Gulf state. Photo: Xinhua

Behind Trump’s South Korea deal, a plan to transform global shipbuilding

A ship is under construction at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan Shipyard in South Korea. Seoul has pledged US$150 billion to help the United States revive its shipbuilding industry. Photo: Reuters

Ships are under construction at the China Merchants Industry Jinling Shipyard in China. The dominance of China’s shipyards has become a concern for the United States, which is trying to revive American shipbuilding. Photo: AFP

Japan asks Beijing to ensure citizens’ safety after new attack in Chinese city of Suzhou

The attack follows a similar incident in the same city last year. Photo: Shutterstock 

News

China

From Beijing’s response to Kash Patel’s ‘groundless’ claim to Guangzhou and Shenzhen’s underperformance, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage


From Beijing’s response to Kash Patel’s ‘groundless’ claim to Guangzhou and Shenzhen’s underperformance, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.


China denies FBI chief’s accusation; customised robots for rent: SCMP daily highlights

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From Beijing’s response to Kash Patel’s ‘groundless’ claim to Guangzhou and Shenzhen’s underperformance, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage

1. Beijing denies threat as FBI opens new office in New Zealand to ‘counter China’

2. Trump administration sends mixed messages on China trade pact

3. US’ containerised launcher ‘poses threats to regional security’: China’s military

From Beijing’s response to Kash Patel’s ‘groundless’ claim to Guangzhou and Shenzhen’s underperformance, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage