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TOPIC

In Focus

In Focus
SCMP gets to the heart of the matter with its in-depth analysis on the pressing issues in Hong Kong and around the world.
Illustration: Henry Wong
China-Australia relations

In Focus | How Pacific nations walk a tightrope between Western security and Chinese trade

As Australia expands defence pacts in the region, Beijing courts local communities with ‘small and beautiful’ aid.

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China energy security

In Focus | China, the US and EU are taking separate climate paths – but are any dead ends?

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Xinjiang

In Focus | As the US widens a Xinjiang trade ban, China’s cotton industry shrugs it off

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Hong Kong economy

In Focus | Does struggling Hongkong Post need to deliver profits or just public services?

After eight consecutive years of deficits and with few branches turning a profit, what is next for Hongkong Post?

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Illustration: Henry Wong
China economy

In Focus | A matter of trust: China’s wealthy grapple with new offshore asset tax rules

Once a reliable vehicle for tax avoidance, offshore trusts are being reconsidered as enforcement bodies step up their efforts, backed by new regulations.

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China-Russia relations

In Focus | Why the Arctic sea route has become so important for China and Russia

Global shipping disruptions, along with oil and gas projects, have added to the strategic value of the Northern Sea Route.

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China property

In Focus | Bottom fishers? Foreign funds’ moves on China property give hope for rebound

International capital is circling China’s property sector, testing valuations and chasing returns after years of strain.

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Illustration: Dennis Yip
Hong Kong society

In Focus | Hong Kong’s growing wealth inequality: will it be an M- or olive-shaped society?

Experts say the double whammy of a rapidly ageing population and a widening wealth gap presents the city with its most pressing livelihood challenges.

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Hong Kong society

In Focus | ‘Enjoying two worlds at once’: work in Hong Kong, live and play in Greater Bay Area

The bay area is gradually removing traditional space constraints for Hongkongers by giving them access to cross-border networks and services.

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China-Singapore relations

In Focus | Why Singapore scholarships are drawing China’s brightest STEM talent

City state’s scholarships for students from China form an early-stage talent pipeline into its highly skilled workforce, experts say.

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Illustration: Quoc Huy Truong
Hong Kong economy

In Focus | What comes next for Hong Kong as a global financial hub?

Hong Kong needs more yuan products, commodity trading infrastructure and fintech innovation, market participants say.

Illustration: Henry Wong
US-China relations

In Focus | Singapore and South Korea eye science opportunity as US-China ties shatter

New research hubs are emerging in other countries in response to Washington’s restrictions – but there are likely to be few winners overall.

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Hong Kong economy

In Focus | Why does Hong Kong need a 5-year plan – and will it curb its free-market economy?

As Hong Kong embraces long-term planning for the first time, economists and officials debate whether strategic state guidance can coexist with its open, market-led economy.

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China's military weapons

In Focus | Beyond the numbers: why China’s carrier force won’t copy the US model

Defence experts say PLA carrier fleet is expected to complement land-based forces and extend reach into the western Pacific and beyond.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China energy security

In Focus | China’s nuclear machine is leaving the West behind. Is the pace sustainable?

While delays and soaring costs bog down projects in the US, China’s state-directed model is moving at record speed – but geographical limits pose huge challenges.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Banking & finance

In Focus | Beijing hits super-rich with 20% offshore tax. What does it mean for Hong Kong?

For decades, Hong Kong has prospered by managing the wealth of Asia’s elite. Will that change as China introduces tougher offshore tax policies?

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China jobs

In Focus | Why foreign workers are still climbing mountains of paperwork for a job in China

Beijing’s rigid visa points system and strict sponsorship rules frustrate young expats, but most are still undeterred in their job search.

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US-China relations

In Focus | Race for UN top job enters final stage: choice may ‘make or break’ bloc

A strong, visionary leader is needed as next secretary general as Iran war rages during one of most ‘unpredictable times geopolitically’.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Hong Kong science and tech

In Focus | Hong Kong aims to be a global tech hub, but can it hold on to its young talent?

An increasingly risk-averse culture and a lack of early-stage support may push young start-up founders to look overseas, critics warn.

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China consumption

In Focus | ‘Quiet luxury’: why premium Chinese consumers are embracing home-grown brands

A growing number of local brands are winning over premium consumers who prize craftsmanship, innovation and a high‑value sense of luxury.

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China's military weapons

In Focus | China’s Palantir? Private tech firms surge into defence AI, aiming to match US giants

Some mainland companies’ tech proficiency may be closing gaps with American counterparts, but challenges remain, analysts say.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
China's military weapons

In Focus | Why China’s military is laser-focused on ‘disruptive’ technologies

From artificial intelligence to quantum technology and hypersonic weapons, the PLA is in a race to define the next era of warfare.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Electric & new energy vehicles

In Focus | Will new EV batteries fast-charge the global automotive industry?

Amid a fiercely competitive domestic market, China’s battery tech leads in global innovation and cost reduction, promising safer, faster EVs.

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China’s Communist Party

Why is China’s Communist Party intent on control over the military?

Beijing’s anti-corruption clean-up of the military reflects a historic commitment to party control, ensuring the armed forces strictly serve party goals.

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US-China relations

The numbers game: why the US is losing ground to China in the first island chain

The PLA is rapidly progressing towards its 2027 ‘world-class military’ goal in ways that could challenge US defence lines, analysts say.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
China’s military

The PLA at 99: how China’s military went from ragtag rifles to world-class force

From revolutionary group to hi-tech machine, the PLA’s transformation has been a long pursuit of strength and self-reliance.

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Illustration: Davies Christian
Hong Kong economy

Yacht travel scheme makes waves but can Hong Kong cash in on marine economy?

Boat owners and maritime experts say Hong Kong must seize the opportunity to upgrade marine infrastructure to attract mainland yachts.

China trade

Indonesia wants to move beyond raw materials. Will its China ties suffer?

Beijing and Jakarta enjoy unprecedented economic interdependence – but shifting priorities in Indonesia threaten to strain the partnership.

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