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Infrastructure

Infrastructure
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Infrastructure. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
People queue to have their laptops installed with OpenClaw, an open-source AI assistant, at the Baidu headquarters in Beijing on March 11. Photo: AFP
OpenClaw

Opinion | Frenzy over AI agent OpenClaw shows the lobster has escaped the pot

AI agents are the next frontier in the tech race, which is rapidly accelerating as the distance between curiosity and adoption is compressed.

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Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Iran war shows urgency of Hong Kong’s green shipping transition

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China-Latin America relations

China wants Brazil’s biggest port terminal. Washington just said no

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China GDP

China’s economy starts 2026 strongly as retail sales, investment rise

Before the Iran energy crisis and latest round of China-US trade talks, retail spending grew 2.8 per cent while fixed-asset investment increased 1.8 per cent.

People shop at a duty-free shopping mall in Sanya, south China’s Hainan province, on December 18, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
Asean

Opinion | Underwater and unprotected: why Asean and the EU must secure subsea lifelines

With global data at risk from hybrid threats, Southeast Asia and Europe need to look past declarations to secure our shared data arteries.

Artificial intelligence

Companies ramp up AI spend, but most pilots fail to deploy: Lenovo executive

A Lenovo survey shows companies expect strong returns from AI investments, though most corporate pilots never reach successful deployment.

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Hong Kong environmental issues

Opinion | To stay competitive, Hong Kong must embrace nature-based solutions

The government’s push for improved urban design is strategic and timely. Now it must turn ideas into action.

People admire blossoming lotus flowers at Long Valley Nature Park in Sheung Shui with the skyline of Shenzhen in the distance, on May 19, 2025. Photo: Eugene Lee
United States

Meta plans to cut up to 20% of staff to fund AI infrastructure

If Meta settles on the 20 per cent figure, the lay-offs will be its biggest since 21,000 were made redundant in its ‘year of efficiency’.

OpenClaw

Inside the OpenClaw AI mania in China, as security fears and enthusiasm surge

Appeal of autonomous AI agent spurs rapid adoption across country, from tech pros to retirees seeking a ‘digital staff’, but data wipes mar its rise and trigger warnings.

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Nepal

Nepal just elected a rapper for PM. His foreign policy has a new beat

Newly elected Balendra Shah’s public messaging suggests a balanced approach rather than a tilt to either side, analysts say.

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Balendra Shah greets supporters in Damak, Jhapa district, on March 7 after winning the election. Photo: Reuters
China-India relations

How China plans for greater power projection in Xinjiang and Tibet

China aims to finish two highways spanning all nine land-border provinces, advance a highway on east coast and upgrade three highways into Tibet.

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According to China’s draft 15th five-year plan released last week, the country will strengthen infrastructure in border areas. Photo: Xinhua
US-China trade war

China summons Maersk, MSC on shipping operations amid Panama saga, Iran war

Beijing gave no reason for order – but both firms at centre of dispute after Panama ruled against CK Hutchison’s operation of two ports.

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Artificial intelligence

China lays out blueprint for AI, space internet and green energy in US tech race

Beijing’s infrastructure buildout strategy becomes a core focus of nation’s draft 15th five-year plan amid intense rivalry with Washington.

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The Philippines

‘Ghost projects’ push Philippines to record US$26.5 billion budget deficit

A widening deficit and falling revenue are ‘direct, quantifiable effects’ of an investigation into the flood-control scandal, economists say.

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A shopkeeper looks at his smartphone while waiting customers in Manila. The Philippines’ budget deficit hit a record high last year. Photo: EPA
Artificial intelligence

China’s chip industry seeks more state support for AI dominance

Scholars and entrepreneurs in semiconductor sector urge Beijing to regulate prices of AI computing power, leverage strategic raw materials and fund tech solutions for self-reliance.

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A worker handles materials at a factory producing semiconductor chips for export in China’s Shandong province. Photo: AFP
Two Sessions 2026

China pivots to ‘investing in people’ strategy as growth engine switches gears

Premier announces changes in spending priorities, aiming to boost consumption, but doubts remain whether resources will match ambitions.

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China manufacturing

China bets on AI-manufacturing integration to narrow digital gap with US

Beijing’s new five-year plan calls for digital economy to account for bigger share of GDP, backed by 28 major projects, 5G upgrades and data-focused industrial policy.

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US-China relations

Africa emerges as new arena in US-China competition over artificial intelligence

With a fast-growing digital economy and young population, the continent is becoming a critical front in the global race to shape AI’s future.

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Photo: Shutterstock
Asean

Opinion | Fatigue is rewriting the US-China soft power contest, starting in Asean

At a time when no one has bandwidth left, soft power is being won by being the partner that feels usable, steady and low-risk.

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Malaysia

Villagers’ ‘swift action’ stops runaway train in Malaysia’s Sabah

The train had suffered a brake failure during a morning commute in southwest Sabah, prompting calls from officials for a full investigation.

Artificial intelligence

AI-aided US strikes in Iran to intensify China tech self-reliance push: analysts

AI’s militarisation adds momentum to China’s drive for domestic chips and infrastructure, analysts say.

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The US reportedly deployed Anthropic’s systems in the Iran campaign, including for intelligence assessments, target identification and battle scenario simulations. Photo: AFP
China energy security

How China is using a massive ‘electron gap’ to pivot the AI race with US

Ex-finance official Zhu Guangyao says abundant energy supply gives the nation a critical edge in AI, as ‘electricity is computing power’.

As AI development triggers an explosion in global electricity demand, China’s vast energy buildout is seen as a strategic advantage. Photo: Shutterstock
Belt and Road Initiative

China poised to earn vast profits from global energy transition: analysts

Chinese firms are in pole position to benefit from a wave of investment in clean energy infrastructure that could be worth trillions of US dollars.

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China jobs

From gala spectacle to job scare: Chinese workers confront the AI threat

The country’s economy – with an expansive public sector – is better positioned to withstand AI shocks, but more government support is needed.

Two Sessions 2026

China’s pivot from GDP obsession sparks cadre confusion, tests local governance

Governors and mayors must reconcile Beijing’s people-centric mandates with traditional growth targets, navigating vague appraisal changes and performance concepts.

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A vendor sits at the doorway to her store in Beijing on February 18. China’s leadership is pivoting towards people-centric, consumption-led economic growth. Photo: Getty Images
Hong Kong budget 2026-27

Opinion | Hong Kong’s fiscal surplus is cause for celebration, not complacency

More creative strategies are needed to secure the city’s long-term liquidity amid an ageing population and increased infrastructure spending.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
Myanmar

Why China’s Myanmar dilemma still persists, 5 years and 1 election later

Old concerns about stability and security linger as other big players vie for sway over Myanmar’s rare earth bounty and strategic location.

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Middle East

US presses Syria to shift from Chinese telecoms systems

Washington warned Damascus, which is considering buying Chinese telecoms technology, to buy from US or allied states.

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