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Sweden

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Sweden. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Stockholm

Head of State

King Carl XVI Gustaf

Head of Government

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson

People queue to vote for Sweden’s general election at a polling station in Stockholm, Sweden, on Sunday. Photo: AFP

European Union

Sweden votes over immigration as right-wing bloc gains traction

Critics say the Prime Minister’s government is undermining civil liberties while forcing immigrants to conform to Swedish culture or leave the country.

13 Sep 2026 - 6:59PMvideocam

From our archives

On This Day | Hong Kong mourns Mao Zedong’s death in 1976 – SCMP archive

13 Sep 2026 - 11:15AM

European Union

Sweden heads into final stretch before key election

11 Sep 2026 - 11:12PM

China-EU relations

Why Sweden, once one of Beijing’s most outspoken critics, has changed its tune

Driven by geopolitical shifts and critical industrial needs, Stockholm is expected to pivot towards Beijing to shield its economic future.

11 Sep 2026 - 11:08PM

Election campaign posters are displayed in central Stockholm. Photo: AFP

China's military weapons

From Pakistan to Uzbekistan: how China’s J-10CE is widening its overseas reach

Fighter jet is becoming an appealing option for a growing number of foreign operators, potentially providing insight into its performance.

11 Sep 2026 - 5:00PM

China's military weapons

Pakistan’s China-made HQ-17AE system to boost drone defence in future India war

Successful integration with other foreign systems by Pakistan would strengthen China’s export case ‘considerably’, analyst notes.

9 Sep 2026 - 12:08AMvideocam

Nordic nations

Sweden buying US-made Himars for long-range strike capability

New Nato member spends US$730 million on Lockheed Martin artillery while deepening defence ties with Finland.

8 Sep 2026 - 11:19AM

A Ukrainian Himars crew fires rockets at Russian positions in August. Photo: Associated Press

Space

German rocket reaches space as Europe enters satellite launch race

Isar Aerospace, which launched its rocket from a spaceport in Norway, plans to offer a commercial ⁠satellite launch service.

6 Sep 2026 - 6:25AM

China-EU relations

EU gives Arctic shipping route cold shoulder as China and Russia push ahead

Its opposition to the commercialisation of Arctic transit comes amid rising anxiety over Beijing and Moscow’s closer polar collaboration.

4 Sep 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

Science

Swedish chip expert Henry Homayoun Radamson dies in China of ‘sudden illness’

Sudden death of Guangdong-based researcher, who specialised in the medical use of technology, leaves a ‘profound void’.

1 Sep 2026 - 7:54PMvideocam

Henry Homayoun Radamson died of a “sudden illness” in Shanghai last month. Photo: Handout

European Union

Sword attack that killed 1 at Sweden high school prompts social media probe

Police are investigating whether the teenager who carried out the attack was involved in online communities promoting school violence.

23 Aug 2026 - 12:36AM

Police and rescue services on site at Brinellskolan school during an emergency response after a man with a sword reportedly attacked several people at the school in Fagersta, Sweden, on Friday. Photo: EPA

Crime

1 killed, 3 injured when man with sword attacks Swedish school

The assailant, an 18-year-old man, was shot and detained by police.

22 Aug 2026 - 5:00AM

China-EU relations

China’s trade grip tightens in Europe as clock ticks towards October deadline

As Brussels continues its push to rebalance ties, the latest data show China’s trade surplus expanded over all but three EU members in July.

22 Aug 2026 - 3:06AMvideocam

European Union

Belgium battles worst wildfire on record, EU allies come to aid

Helicopters from the Czech Republic and Swedish water-bombing aircraft were due to arrive under the European Union civil protection mechanism.

16 Aug 2026 - 6:09PM

Smoke from a massive wildfire in Belgium’s Hohes Venn region is seen from Germany, on Sunday. Photo: dpa

SCMP Highlights

China retaliates on US sanctions; North Korea’s dog meat advisory: 7 highlights

From Chinese hotpot giant Haidilao’s burger brand to Filipino star Eala’s maiden WTA win, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

7 Aug 2026 - 12:15PM

Live dogs for sale behind Rajin market in North Korea. Photo: SCMP

Trending in China

Chinese baby adopted by Swedish couple makes emotional return decades later

When asked about her decision, Gao reflects, ‘I’ve made peace with my past and need to know where my roots are’.

4 Aug 2026 - 6:14PM

Crime

Sweden doubles prison terms for gang-related crimes

Sweden has struggled to contain gang violence, with criminal networks often recruiting teenagers to carry out contract killings.

1 Aug 2026 - 9:01PMvideocam

Hong Kong society

‘Fear and anger’ drive parents to seek review of city’s custody of baby Danny

Tsang Wai-bong and Kwan Pui-sin argue son should not be taken away from them because of their stance against vaccinations and prenatal check-ups.

31 Jul 2026 - 10:21PMvideocam

Parents Kwan Pui-sin and Tsang Wai-bong address the media outside the High Court in Admiralty. Photo: Karma Lo

Britain

Norwegian teen found guilty in UK murder plot tied to Iran-linked group

Prosecutors said Natland had been recruited by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organised crime group used by ⁠the Iranian state.

29 Jul 2026 - 8:49PMvideocam

Nordic nations

European heatwaves drive summer tourists to cooler north

The concept of ‘coolcations’ – holidays in a cooler clime – has been gathering pace in recent years and appears to have exploded in 2026.

26 Jul 2026 - 12:54PM

France

Modelling scout with links to Epstein found dead in France

Daniel Siad, 69, was one of several men accused of helping the US financier traffic and abuse women.

23 Jul 2026 - 12:08PM

Daniel Siad had ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Photo: US Department of Justice

European Union

France and Germany reach nuclear deal as Europe builds up defences

France is the only nuclear power in the 27-member EU, while Germany plans to build Europe’s strongest conventional military by 2039.

19 Jul 2026 - 6:32PM

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (right) and French President Emmanuel Macron after the 26th Franco-German Ministerial Council at Augustusburg Palace in Bruehl, Germany, on Friday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Get to Know

Meet Greta Thunberg’s younger sister Beata Andersson, who’s a singer

The rising Swedish artist, known as Beata MonaLisa on social media, has distanced herself from her older sibling’s fame by changing her surname.

15 Jul 2026 - 6:00PM

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong couple files complaint with UN over Swedish custody plans for daughter

Tsang Wai-bong and Kwan Pui-sin appeal to UN Human Rights Committee over Swedish authorities’ handling of four-year-old Lily in custody dispute.

14 Jul 2026 - 4:46PM

Science

Using AI could reduce exam scores by a fifth, a study on Chinese students finds

Researchers in Sweden and Hong Kong say students may experience a deceptive sense of fluency – AI makes tasks feel effortless.

14 Jul 2026 - 9:03AMvideocam

By comparing AI users with non-users, researchers from Sweden and Hong Kong found a clear gap: AI boosted short-term efficiency but harmed long-term learning. Photo: Shutterstock

Ukraine war

Ukraine allies meet in Paris to boost air defence, pressure Russia to end war

The 37-member Coalition of the Willing aims to develop ‘purely defensive’ anti-ballistic capabilities in Europe.

14 Jul 2026 - 3:40AMvideocam

French President Emmanuel Macron, left, greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky upon arrival for a summit of the Coalition of the Willing at the Hotel des Invalides in Paris on Monday. Photo: AFP

Nato

1 revolver, 6 bullets: Turkish president’s ‘unusual’ gift to Nato leaders

Bring it home? Leave it in Turkey? Their delegations puzzled over what to do with the gun and live ammunition from Erdogan.

10 Jul 2026 - 9:46AM

Crime

Norway police says 28 arrested in international child porn operation

The men, aged 22 to 54, had been arrested in Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany.

8 Jul 2026 - 7:15PM

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Sweden

Sweden votes over immigration as right-wing bloc gains traction

Critics say the Prime Minister’s government is undermining civil liberties while forcing immigrants to conform to Swedish culture or leave the country.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}On This Day | Hong Kong mourns Mao Zedong’s death in 1976 – SCMP archive

Sweden heads into final stretch before key election

Why Sweden, once one of Beijing’s most outspoken critics, has changed its tune

Driven by geopolitical shifts and critical industrial needs, Stockholm is expected to pivot towards Beijing to shield its economic future.

From Pakistan to Uzbekistan: how China’s J-10CE is widening its overseas reach

Fighter jet is becoming an appealing option for a growing number of foreign operators, potentially providing insight into its performance.

Pakistan’s China-made HQ-17AE system to boost drone defence in future India war

Successful integration with other foreign systems by Pakistan would strengthen China’s export case ‘considerably’, analyst notes.

Sweden buying US-made Himars for long-range strike capability

New Nato member spends US$730 million on Lockheed Martin artillery while deepening defence ties with Finland.

German rocket reaches space as Europe enters satellite launch race

Isar Aerospace, which launched its rocket from a spaceport in Norway, plans to offer a commercial ⁠satellite launch service.

EU gives Arctic shipping route cold shoulder as China and Russia push ahead

Its opposition to the commercialisation of Arctic transit comes amid rising anxiety over Beijing and Moscow’s closer polar collaboration.

Swedish chip expert Henry Homayoun Radamson dies in China of ‘sudden illness’

Sudden death of Guangdong-based researcher, who specialised in the medical use of technology, leaves a ‘profound void’.

Sword attack that killed 1 at Sweden high school prompts social media probe

Police are investigating whether the teenager who carried out the attack was involved in online communities promoting school violence.

1 killed, 3 injured when man with sword attacks Swedish school

The assailant, an 18-year-old man, was shot and detained by police.

China’s trade grip tightens in Europe as clock ticks towards October deadline

As Brussels continues its push to rebalance ties, the latest data show China’s trade surplus expanded over all but three EU members in July.

Belgium battles worst wildfire on record, EU allies come to aid

Helicopters from the Czech Republic and Swedish water-bombing aircraft were due to arrive under the European Union civil protection mechanism.

China retaliates on US sanctions; North Korea’s dog meat advisory: 7 highlights

From Chinese hotpot giant Haidilao’s burger brand to Filipino star Eala’s maiden WTA win, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Chinese baby adopted by Swedish couple makes emotional return decades later

When asked about her decision, Gao reflects, ‘I’ve made peace with my past and need to know where my roots are’.

Sweden doubles prison terms for gang-related crimes

Sweden has struggled to contain gang violence, with criminal networks often recruiting teenagers to carry out contract killings.

‘Fear and anger’ drive parents to seek review of city’s custody of baby Danny

Tsang Wai-bong and Kwan Pui-sin argue son should not be taken away from them because of their stance against vaccinations and prenatal check-ups.

Norwegian teen found guilty in UK murder plot tied to Iran-linked group

Prosecutors said Natland had been recruited by the Foxtrot Network, a Swedish organised crime group used by ⁠the Iranian state.

European heatwaves drive summer tourists to cooler north

The concept of ‘coolcations’ – holidays in a cooler clime – has been gathering pace in recent years and appears to have exploded in 2026.

Modelling scout with links to Epstein found dead in France

Daniel Siad, 69, was one of several men accused of helping the US financier traffic and abuse women.

France and Germany reach nuclear deal as Europe builds up defences

France is the only nuclear power in the 27-member EU, while Germany plans to build Europe’s strongest conventional military by 2039.

Meet Greta Thunberg’s younger sister Beata Andersson, who’s a singer

The rising Swedish artist, known as Beata MonaLisa on social media, has distanced herself from her older sibling’s fame by changing her surname.

Hong Kong couple files complaint with UN over Swedish custody plans for daughter

Tsang Wai-bong and Kwan Pui-sin appeal to UN Human Rights Committee over Swedish authorities’ handling of four-year-old Lily in custody dispute.

Using AI could reduce exam scores by a fifth, a study on Chinese students finds

Researchers in Sweden and Hong Kong say students may experience a deceptive sense of fluency – AI makes tasks feel effortless.

Ukraine allies meet in Paris to boost air defence, pressure Russia to end war

The 37-member Coalition of the Willing aims to develop ‘purely defensive’ anti-ballistic capabilities in Europe.

1 revolver, 6 bullets: Turkish president’s ‘unusual’ gift to Nato leaders

Bring it home? Leave it in Turkey? Their delegations puzzled over what to do with the gun and live ammunition from Erdogan.

Norway police says 28 arrested in international child porn operation

The men, aged 22 to 54, had been arrested in Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany.

On This Day | Hong Kong mourns Mao Zedong’s death in 1976 – SCMP archive