Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Bars of silver are stacked at a processing plant in Glogow, Poland. Spot silver briefly surpassed US$80 an ounce for the first time in December. Photo: Reuters

China’s January 1 silver curbs to deepen global crunch amid volatility: analysts

Beijing’s new export-licensing system seen squeezing foreign buyers, pushing price towards US$100 an ounce; Elon Musk joins warning chorus.

2 hours ago

China’s lagging basic research calls for core tech pivot, economic adviser urges

China trade

Military

Was PLA’s Taiwan drill testing ‘inexpensive’ ways to wear down air defences?

The drills were on a larger scale than previous ones and featured the use of rocket systems that could give mainland Chinese forces an edge.

4 hours agovideocam

Global Economy

China imposes beef-import quota, adds over-quota tariffs to guard local industry

From Thursday, over-quota imports from Brazil, Australia, US and other trade partners face new duties to help local producers recover amid price declines.

6 hours ago

Health & Environment

6 patients spared higher fees as new hospital charges take effect in Hong Kong

Hospital Authority chief executive Libby Lee says implementation of the new A&E charges has been smooth.

59 minutes ago

Science

A view of the core of the CHIEF1300. The latest CHIEF1900 was built by Shanghai Electric Nuclear Power Group and shipped to Zhejiang University last week for installation. Photo: Xinhua

China builds a record-breaking hypergravity machine to compress space and time

Society

Hong Kong rings in 2026 as tens of thousands pack Central, Tsim Sha Tsui

Tens of thousands of Hongkongers and tourists welcome new year, as cheers ring across streets of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui.

47 minutes agovideocam

Revellers gather in Central for the countdown. Photo: Sam Tsang

United States & Canada

China buys two-thirds of pledged US soybeans as 2025 closes

Beijing has moved to reduce tariffs on the crop and lifted import bans on three US exporters after talks between Xi and Trump.

2 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

In New Year’s speech, Xi urges growth, vows ‘unstoppable’ Taiwan reunification

President Xi Jinping also praises Chinese innovation, noting advancements in AI, chip development, aerospace and military technology.

6 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.

Business

Multibillion Manus deal delights, but raises spectre of a China AI exodus

Meta’s acquisition of Manus has opened a new cash-out path for China’s AI founders, but also sparked concerns over a brain drain.

6 hours ago

Manus has effectively shattered the fixation on ‘Ivy League’ degrees and marquee work histories. Photo: Shutterstock

Europe

France plans social media ban for children under 15

A draft law to protect minors from ‘inappropriate content’ and online harassment would also call for a ban on cellphone use in schools.

2 hours agovideocam

World

World begins to bid goodbye to 2025 with fireworks and icy plunges

Celebrations began as early as noon, as people around the world bid farewell to a challenging year.

1 hour agovideocam

Diplomacy

Beijing hits back at ‘extremely hypocritical’ critics of drills around Taiwan

Japan, Australia, Britain and the EU express concern about live-fire and blockade exercises around island.

31 Dec 2025 - 7:16PMvideocam

131

The Japanese government reportedly expressed concern to Beijing over conducted around Taiwan on Monday and Tuesday. Photo: AFP

China Economy

Airbus scores major win in China with orders for 148 A320 aircraft

The flurry of orders, worth billions of US dollars, marks a big victory for the European aviation firm over US rival Boeing in a key market.

6 hours agovideocam

Aircraft operated by Air China are parked at an airport in Beijing. The state-owned Chinese airline is one of several buyers in China to place orders for Airbus passenger jets in recent days. Photo: AFP

Global Economy

Nexperia, Wingtech set for fresh face-off in January with US$8 billion at stake

Dutch chipmaker’s Chinese owner warns of multi-track legal action, seeking full control of the firm and damages for improper seizure amid supply-chain tensions.

31 Dec 2025 - 8:00PMvideocam

Arts

Important arts events in China’s Greater Bay Area in January 2026

China’s Greater Bay Area is hosting a number of arts happenings in early 2026. Here is a selection of must-attend events.

31 Dec 2025 - 6:15PM

China Economy

China’s factory activity breaks 8-month contraction, but headwinds persist

China’s manufacturing PMI rose to 50.1 in December, but analysts said it was too early to point to a sustained recovery.

31 Dec 2025 - 12:54PM

A major indicator of China’s factory activity returned to expansion in December, after eight straight months of contraction. Photo: AFP

Australasia

‘Not cowed’: Australia sees defiant start to 2026 after mass shooting

Many police officers openly carried rapid-fire rifles, a first for the popular annual fireworks display over Sydney’s Harbour Bridge.

4 hours ago

Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the New Year. Photo: Reuters

Policy

China rolls out trade-in funding for 2026 as campaign to spur spending continues

The programme, which has helped stimulate consumption increases, will continue to subsidise purchases of big-ticket goods and refurbishments.

31 Dec 2025 - 5:00PMvideocam

Policy

Xi renews call to boost grain output after trade war sharpens food security push

Beijing renews push to fortify domestic crop supplies and modernise agriculture amid a tense geopolitical climate.

31 Dec 2025 - 9:00AMvideocam

OPINION

Edward Ding

Opinion | Why Donald Trump will focus on the Fed in 2026

31 Dec 2025 - 8:30PM

Chow Chung-yan

Opinion | Be a potato: the lesson of the resilient staple resonates as 2026 approaches

31 Dec 2025 - 9:04AM

James David Spellman

Opinion | How China’s home-grown luxury labels took on Western brands

31 Dec 2025 - 4:32PM

Alex Lo

As I see it | Why China is Myanmar’s only real hope

31 Dec 2025 - 9:30AM

Letters

Letters | Annual spending cap protects the medically and financially at risk

31 Dec 2025 - 11:30AM

Harry’s View | 1 Jan 2026

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United States & Canada

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World

World begins to bid goodbye to 2025 with fireworks and icy plunges

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Health & Environment

6 patients spared higher fees as new hospital charges take effect in Hong Kong

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China buys two-thirds of pledged US soybeans as 2025 closes

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SCMP Series Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Why has Beijing turned down the heat in the Taiwan Strait in the second half of 2025?

PLA warplanes and ships have been less active around the island in the second half of the year, Taiwanese data shows.

25 Dec 2025 - 9:58AMvideocam

Beijing is pinning hopes for Taiwan reunification on KMT – but not all of them

24 Dec 2025 - 9:53PMvideocam

‘Urgent’: has mainland China changed tone for Taiwan peaceful reunification?

23 Dec 2025 - 3:43PMvideocam

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Political scientist Ivan Krastev on European vertigo in a post-American world

While melancholy Europe frets that the US and China will shape the future, middle powers are jostling for a place at the big table.

29 Dec 2025 - 9:04AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | George Yeo on superpower ‘headaches’ and why the US dollar could crack

Singapore’s former foreign minister also discusses Trump, the latest China-Japan dust-up, and rivalry between Hong Kong and the city state.

22 Dec 2025 - 10:02AMvideocam

Science

Open Questions | Sci-fi writer Liu Cixin on why he’ll be happy if AI surpasses humans

Acclaimed author of the Three-Body trilogy also discusses his ‘dark forest’ theory, and the struggle to come up with original ideas.

15 Dec 2025 - 10:05AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Economist Huang Yiping on why China’s AI push must be ‘job-oriented’

Dean of Peking University’s National School of Development says ‘balance’ needed in AI development to protect employment, ‘human well-being’.

8 Dec 2025 - 10:07AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech

China’s Qwen and DeepSeek edge out US AI models in Christian values benchmark

US start-up Gloo’s Flourishing AI Christian benchmark tested how the output of AI models ‘help people flourish’, CEO Pat Gelsinger said.

17 Dec 2025 - 7:00AM

The questions in FAI-C were reviewed by a panel of Biblical experts, including theologians, pastors, psychologists and scholars of ethics. Photo: SCMP

Business

Multibillion Manus deal delights, but raises spectre of a China AI exodus

Meta’s acquisition of Manus has opened a new cash-out path for China’s AI founders, but also sparked concerns over a brain drain.

6 hours ago

Global Economy

Nexperia, Wingtech set for fresh face-off in January with US$8 billion at stake

Dutch chipmaker’s Chinese owner warns of multi-track legal action, seeking full control of the firm and damages for improper seizure amid supply-chain tensions.

31 Dec 2025 - 8:00PMvideocam

Big Tech

Nvidia asks chipmaker TSMC to ramp up H200 production amid China demand: sources

Chinese tech companies place orders for more than 2 million H200 chips for 2026, according to sources.

31 Dec 2025 - 5:03PM

The exact additional volume of H200 chips Nvidia intends to order from semiconductor foundry TSMC remains unclear. Photo: Shutterstock

Politics

‘No fixed identity’: new Chinese-American writers are telling their own stories

They’re not shaped by history like the previous generation, and observer says US-China tensions can give them ‘more space’ to explore issues.

31 Dec 2025 - 8:23AMvideocam

Diplomacy

How Takaichi’s Taiwan comments fuelled Beijing-Tokyo row with no end in sight

Dispute over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan could ultimately hinge on the US-China-Japan triangle, analysts say.

30 Dec 2025 - 9:01AMvideocam

Military

A look at China’s ‘Flying Shark’ J-15 jet that made waves near Japan

Fighter in service for more than a decade often patrols potential conflict hotspots including the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

28 Dec 2025 - 11:00PMvideocam

Science

Chinese 6G smart surface could allow stealth jets to use radar as a power source

The technology could help power future communications systems and shift the dynamics of electronic warfare, team says.

28 Dec 2025 - 6:00AMvideocam

The development could given China an edge in the development of 6G technology. Photo: Shutterstock

China’s January 1 silver curbs to deepen global crunch amid volatility: analysts

Beijing’s new export-licensing system seen squeezing foreign buyers, pushing price towards US$100 an ounce; Elon Musk joins warning chorus.

China’s lagging basic research calls for core tech pivot, economic adviser urges

Was PLA’s Taiwan drill testing ‘inexpensive’ ways to wear down air defences?

The drills were on a larger scale than previous ones and featured the use of rocket systems that could give mainland Chinese forces an edge.

China imposes beef-import quota, adds over-quota tariffs to guard local industry

From Thursday, over-quota imports from Brazil, Australia, US and other trade partners face new duties to help local producers recover amid price declines.

6 patients spared higher fees as new hospital charges take effect in Hong Kong

Hospital Authority chief executive Libby Lee says implementation of the new A&E charges has been smooth.

China builds a record-breaking hypergravity machine to compress space and time

Hong Kong rings in 2026 as tens of thousands pack Central, Tsim Sha Tsui

Tens of thousands of Hongkongers and tourists welcome new year, as cheers ring across streets of Central and Tsim Sha Tsui.

China buys two-thirds of pledged US soybeans as 2025 closes

Beijing has moved to reduce tariffs on the crop and lifted import bans on three US exporters after talks between Xi and Trump.

In New Year’s speech, Xi urges growth, vows ‘unstoppable’ Taiwan reunification

President Xi Jinping also praises Chinese innovation, noting advancements in AI, chip development, aerospace and military technology.

.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.

Multibillion Manus deal delights, but raises spectre of a China AI exodus

Meta’s acquisition of Manus has opened a new cash-out path for China’s AI founders, but also sparked concerns over a brain drain.

France plans social media ban for children under 15

A draft law to protect minors from ‘inappropriate content’ and online harassment would also call for a ban on cellphone use in schools.

World begins to bid goodbye to 2025 with fireworks and icy plunges

Celebrations began as early as noon, as people around the world bid farewell to a challenging year.

Beijing hits back at ‘extremely hypocritical’ critics of drills around Taiwan

Japan, Australia, Britain and the EU express concern about live-fire and blockade exercises around island.

Airbus scores major win in China with orders for 148 A320 aircraft

The flurry of orders, worth billions of US dollars, marks a big victory for the European aviation firm over US rival Boeing in a key market.

Nexperia, Wingtech set for fresh face-off in January with US$8 billion at stake

Dutch chipmaker’s Chinese owner warns of multi-track legal action, seeking full control of the firm and damages for improper seizure amid supply-chain tensions.

Important arts events in China’s Greater Bay Area in January 2026

China’s Greater Bay Area is hosting a number of arts happenings in early 2026. Here is a selection of must-attend events.

China’s factory activity breaks 8-month contraction, but headwinds persist

China’s manufacturing PMI rose to 50.1 in December, but analysts said it was too early to point to a sustained recovery.

‘Not cowed’: Australia sees defiant start to 2026 after mass shooting

Many police officers openly carried rapid-fire rifles, a first for the popular annual fireworks display over Sydney’s Harbour Bridge.

China rolls out trade-in funding for 2026 as campaign to spur spending continues

The programme, which has helped stimulate consumption increases, will continue to subsidise purchases of big-ticket goods and refurbishments.

Xi renews call to boost grain output after trade war sharpens food security push

Beijing renews push to fortify domestic crop supplies and modernise agriculture amid a tense geopolitical climate.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Why Donald Trump will focus on the Fed in 2026

Opinion | Be a potato: the lesson of the resilient staple resonates as 2026 approaches

Opinion | How China’s home-grown luxury labels took on Western brands

As I see it | Why China is Myanmar’s only real hope

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Annual spending cap protects the medically and financially at risk

Trump issues first vetoes, as ally who backed Epstein vote fears ‘retaliation’

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | Hong Kong welcomes 2026 without fireworks

World begins to bid goodbye to 2025 with fireworks and icy plunges

6 patients spared higher fees as new hospital charges take effect in Hong Kong

Gallery | Harry's View: January 2026

China buys two-thirds of pledged US soybeans as 2025 closes

Why has Beijing turned down the heat in the Taiwan Strait in the second half of 2025?

PLA warplanes and ships have been less active around the island in the second half of the year, Taiwanese data shows.

Beijing is pinning hopes for Taiwan reunification on KMT – but not all of them

‘Urgent’: has mainland China changed tone for Taiwan peaceful reunification?

Open Questions | Political scientist Ivan Krastev on European vertigo in a post-American world

While melancholy Europe frets that the US and China will shape the future, middle powers are jostling for a place at the big table.

Open Questions | George Yeo on superpower ‘headaches’ and why the US dollar could crack

Singapore’s former foreign minister also discusses Trump, the latest China-Japan dust-up, and rivalry between Hong Kong and the city state.

Open Questions | Sci-fi writer Liu Cixin on why he’ll be happy if AI surpasses humans

Acclaimed author of the Three-Body trilogy also discusses his ‘dark forest’ theory, and the struggle to come up with original ideas.

Open Questions | Economist Huang Yiping on why China’s AI push must be ‘job-oriented’

Dean of Peking University’s National School of Development says ‘balance’ needed in AI development to protect employment, ‘human well-being’.

China’s Qwen and DeepSeek edge out US AI models in Christian values benchmark

US start-up Gloo’s Flourishing AI Christian benchmark tested how the output of AI models ‘help people flourish’, CEO Pat Gelsinger said.

Multibillion Manus deal delights, but raises spectre of a China AI exodus

Meta’s acquisition of Manus has opened a new cash-out path for China’s AI founders, but also sparked concerns over a brain drain.

Nexperia, Wingtech set for fresh face-off in January with US$8 billion at stake

Dutch chipmaker’s Chinese owner warns of multi-track legal action, seeking full control of the firm and damages for improper seizure amid supply-chain tensions.

Nvidia asks chipmaker TSMC to ramp up H200 production amid China demand: sources

Chinese tech companies place orders for more than 2 million H200 chips for 2026, according to sources.

‘No fixed identity’: new Chinese-American writers are telling their own stories

They’re not shaped by history like the previous generation, and observer says US-China tensions can give them ‘more space’ to explore issues.

How Takaichi’s Taiwan comments fuelled Beijing-Tokyo row with no end in sight

Dispute over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan could ultimately hinge on the US-China-Japan triangle, analysts say.

A look at China’s ‘Flying Shark’ J-15 jet that made waves near Japan

Fighter in service for more than a decade often patrols potential conflict hotspots including the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

Chinese 6G smart surface could allow stealth jets to use radar as a power source

The technology could help power future communications systems and shift the dynamics of electronic warfare, team says.

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

Opinion | Why Donald Trump will focus on the Fed in 2026

Letters | Annual spending cap protects the medically and financially at risk

Video | Hong Kong welcomes 2026 without fireworks