Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

A legal expert in Beijing said tighter national security legislation was needed to make China more “resilient”. Photo: Shutterstock

The US has sent a ‘dangerous’ message and China must act, legal expert warns

Beijing think tank expert calls for legislation to protect against ‘external suppression’ and to safeguard technology and supply chains.

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Why China fears Trump’s Nvidia H200 deal is a sophisticated Trojan horse

US-China relations

Diplomacy

China and Canada at ‘new starting point’ as Mark Carney makes state visit

Chinese Premier Li Qiang says the two countries have worked together to achieve a turnaround in relations.

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Politics

Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong removes Pritam Singh as Leader of the Opposition

Wong invites the Workers’ Party to nominate another elected MP to serve as the next Leader of the Opposition.

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Law and Crime

Hong Kong police shoot and kill man wielding meat cleaver in Tuen Mun

Officer responding to the scene opens fire at Tuen Mun Town Plaza.

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Exclusive

C919s at the Singapore Airshow in February 2024. Photo: Xinhua

European test pilots put China’s C919 airliner through paces in Shanghai

United States & Canada

US seizes Venezuela-linked tanker in Caribbean ahead of Trump-Machado meeting

The ‍seizure marks the sixth vessel ‌targeted in recent weeks that was ‍either carrying Venezuelan oil or had done so ‌in the past.

37 minutes agovideocam

US Marines and sailors from Southern Spear boarded and seized the tanker Veronica on Thursday in the Caribbean. Photo: Handout

Diplomacy

China warns against ‘law of the jungle’ amid anti-government protests in Iran

Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that Beijing was willing to mediate.

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United States & Canada

Minneapolis on edge as Trump threatens Insurrection Act to end protests

The act lets the president deploy the military or federalise the National Guard for law enforcement, even over governors’ objections.

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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.

China Economy

China targets wealthy influencers with audits, fines as fiscal pressures rise

Big data is used to flag income gaps for top online stars and overseas earners, as regulators recover billions in unpaid levies amid slumping land sales and value-added tax revenue decline.

4 hours ago

China is cracking down on live-streamers who are not paying their fair share of taxes. Photo: Shutterstock

Politics

Exclusive | 3 new Hong Kong lawmakers fail to declare company shareholdings

Newcomers blame omissions on heavy workloads or misunderstandings.

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United States & Canada

EU allies bolster Greenland troop presence amid Trump’s takeover bid

Initial deployments are small – including just 13 German and 15 French specialists – but aim to demonstrate united resolve.

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Russia & Central Asia

Kremlin warns Ukraine running out of time to accept peace terms

The Kremlin insists Ukraine is running out of options as US-led talks stall, warning that the ‘situation is deteriorating’ for Kyiv daily.

4 hours ago

Firefighters work at a private delivery company’s logistics hub hit by a Russian missile strike in Kharkiv, Ukraine on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Politics

How Chinese corruption busters are tracking down bribes paid in cryptocurrency

A documentary on state television highlights how a senior central bank official was bribed with a digital currency.

4 hours agovideocam

Yao Qian’s corruption case featured in a documentary broadcast on state television. Photo: Capco

China Business

China’s subsidy change adds to EV makers’ stress, while petrol cars gain

Typical subsidy on an EV drops by around US$1,150, changing buyer calculations and exacerbating the sector’s profitability woes.

4 hours ago

Tech War

Chinese firms to incur higher costs for deploying AI chips from US: analysts

‘Beijing has made it politically unpalatable for private firms to rely too much on imported AI chips,’ EIU senior analyst Chim Lee says.

3 hours ago

Economics

‘Trump’s wrath’: India’s aim to diversify trade via Iran faces tariff threat

The 25 per cent tariff against countries that trade with Iran may curtail India’s plan to develop the Chabahar port in Iran.

15 Jan 2026 - 5:13PMvideocam

Officials attend a ceremony in 2019 to mark the first export convoy to India via Iran at Chabahar port. Photo: Getty Images

Politics

Asean urged to rethink stance as Myanmar election risks normalising junta rule

The bloc should encourage Indonesia’s approach of engaging key stakeholders in efforts to resolve the Myanmar crisis, observers say.

6 hours ago

An official of the Union Election Commission displays a ballot for counting during the second phase of the general election at a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar, on Sunday. Photo: Xinhua

United States & Canada

Astronauts splash down on Earth after first-ever medical evacuation

The crew’s mission on the International Space Station was cut short by over a month.

4 hours agovideocam

Tech Trends

Uber’s WeChat tie-up pays off as demand from Chinese tourists rises overseas

Uber will offer a discount of at least 40 per cent during Lunar New Year for new mainland users who join via its WeChat mini-program.

4 hours ago

OPINION

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Opinion | High Seas Treaty will both boost China’s power and hold it accountable

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United States & Canada

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The US has played its hand in Latin America. Will China’s firms there cash out?

After the abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, many Chinese entrepreneurs in the region say they are staying put – for now.

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Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

Political scientist says the Western-led global order remains useful, and the Belt and Road Initiative isn’t a geopolitical project.

12 Jan 2026 - 10:06AMvideocam

Global Economy

Open Questions | ‘Embrace the moment’: on China, Daniel Kritenbrink puts pragmatism first

Former US ambassador to Vietnam says a return to the past for US-China relations is unrealistic, but both economic powers benefit from ties.

5 Jan 2026 - 9:11AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | How new C100 chief plans to foster ties between Chinese-Americans and China

The Committee of 100’s president Paul Cheung has high hopes for Chinese-Americans’ relationship with China in these uncertain times.

9 Jan 2026 - 12:37PMvideocam

Diplomacy

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

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Tech War

Zhipu AI breaks US chip reliance with first major model trained on Huawei stack

Zhipu claims GLM-Image achieved industry-leading scores among open-source models for text rendering and Chinese character generation.

14 Jan 2026 - 8:00PM

Zhipu said the achievement proved the feasibility of developing powerful multimodal models without US chips. Photo: Shutterstock Images

Tech War

Chinese firms to incur higher costs for deploying AI chips from US: analysts

‘Beijing has made it politically unpalatable for private firms to rely too much on imported AI chips,’ EIU senior analyst Chim Lee says.

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China Business

China’s subsidy change adds to EV makers’ stress, while petrol cars gain

Typical subsidy on an EV drops by around US$1,150, changing buyer calculations and exacerbating the sector’s profitability woes.

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Tech Trends

SpacemiT to launch server-class RISC-V processor following capital injection

CEO Chen is betting on Edge AI – which can run AI algorithms locally rather than in the cloud – to boost the adoption of RISC-V chips.

15 Jan 2026 - 3:00PM

Shipments of processors based on the RISC-V architecture are forecast to grow 50 per cent each year between 2024 and 2030. Photo: Shutterstock Images

China Economy

Can China’s cheap, renewable energy help it outrun the US in the AI race?

China’s energy buildout means cheap, green and reliable electricity fuels its manufacturing and tech industries, giving it an edge over rivals.

14 Jan 2026 - 9:14AMvideocam

Diplomacy

How the US raid in Venezuela has triggered Brazilian fury and a Chinese opening

Latin America’s largest economy seeks ‘delicate balance’ between Trump’s ambitions and boosting ties with Beijing, its top trading partner.

11 Jan 2026 - 6:04AMvideocam

Global Economy

‘Expansion to defence’: China firms strategise in Latin America after Venezuela

After the abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, many Chinese entrepreneurs in the region say they are staying put – for now.

13 Jan 2026 - 9:55AMvideocam

Banking & Finance

What does HSBC’s buyout of Hang Seng Bank mean for its future and investors?

HSBC’s historic US$13.6 billion buyout of Hang Seng Bank aims to cut costs, tackle bad debts and fuel growth, but challenges abound.

10 Jan 2026 - 10:00AM

The US has sent a ‘dangerous’ message and China must act, legal expert warns

Beijing think tank expert calls for legislation to protect against ‘external suppression’ and to safeguard technology and supply chains.

Why China fears Trump’s Nvidia H200 deal is a sophisticated Trojan horse

China and Canada at ‘new starting point’ as Mark Carney makes state visit

Chinese Premier Li Qiang says the two countries have worked together to achieve a turnaround in relations.

Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong removes Pritam Singh as Leader of the Opposition

Wong invites the Workers’ Party to nominate another elected MP to serve as the next Leader of the Opposition.

Hong Kong police shoot and kill man wielding meat cleaver in Tuen Mun

Officer responding to the scene opens fire at Tuen Mun Town Plaza.

European test pilots put China’s C919 airliner through paces in Shanghai

US seizes Venezuela-linked tanker in Caribbean ahead of Trump-Machado meeting

The ‍seizure marks the sixth vessel ‌targeted in recent weeks that was ‍either carrying Venezuelan oil or had done so ‌in the past.

China warns against ‘law of the jungle’ amid anti-government protests in Iran

Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi that Beijing was willing to mediate.

Minneapolis on edge as Trump threatens Insurrection Act to end protests

The act lets the president deploy the military or federalise the National Guard for law enforcement, even over governors’ objections.

.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.

China targets wealthy influencers with audits, fines as fiscal pressures rise

Big data is used to flag income gaps for top online stars and overseas earners, as regulators recover billions in unpaid levies amid slumping land sales and value-added tax revenue decline.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | 3 new Hong Kong lawmakers fail to declare company shareholdings

Newcomers blame omissions on heavy workloads or misunderstandings.

EU allies bolster Greenland troop presence amid Trump’s takeover bid

Initial deployments are small – including just 13 German and 15 French specialists – but aim to demonstrate united resolve.

Kremlin warns Ukraine running out of time to accept peace terms

The Kremlin insists Ukraine is running out of options as US-led talks stall, warning that the ‘situation is deteriorating’ for Kyiv daily.

How Chinese corruption busters are tracking down bribes paid in cryptocurrency

A documentary on state television highlights how a senior central bank official was bribed with a digital currency.

China’s subsidy change adds to EV makers’ stress, while petrol cars gain

Typical subsidy on an EV drops by around US$1,150, changing buyer calculations and exacerbating the sector’s profitability woes.

Chinese firms to incur higher costs for deploying AI chips from US: analysts

‘Beijing has made it politically unpalatable for private firms to rely too much on imported AI chips,’ EIU senior analyst Chim Lee says.

‘Trump’s wrath’: India’s aim to diversify trade via Iran faces tariff threat

The 25 per cent tariff against countries that trade with Iran may curtail India’s plan to develop the Chabahar port in Iran.

Asean urged to rethink stance as Myanmar election risks normalising junta rule

The bloc should encourage Indonesia’s approach of engaging key stakeholders in efforts to resolve the Myanmar crisis, observers say.

Astronauts splash down on Earth after first-ever medical evacuation

The crew’s mission on the International Space Station was cut short by over a month.

Uber’s WeChat tie-up pays off as demand from Chinese tourists rises overseas

Uber will offer a discount of at least 40 per cent during Lunar New Year for new mainland users who join via its WeChat mini-program.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | An internally split Europe can never fully engage China and Asia

Macroscope | Investors are giving Trump a free pass

Opinion | Without pension reform, China is leaving its rural elderly out in the cold

Opinion | High Seas Treaty will both boost China’s power and hold it accountable

Letters | Japan should put more eggs in the renewable basket

US appeal court reverses order that freed pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil

‘Hong Kong lawyers should not aim just to compete but specialise in Greater Bay Area’

Minneapolis on edge as Trump threatens Insurrection Act to end protests

Bid-rigging and loopholes: pledges fall short of fixing Hong Kong’s building sector

North Korean quintet among overseas runners invited for Hong Kong Marathon

EU allies bolster Greenland troop presence amid Trump’s takeover bid

The US has played its hand in Latin America. Will China’s firms there cash out?

After the abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, many Chinese entrepreneurs in the region say they are staying put – for now.

Why overseas residency is a ‘practical advantage’ for Chinese firms going global

Chinese companies expand globally

Open Questions | Zheng Yongnian on what US’ ‘neocolonialism’, Venezuela operation mean for China

Political scientist says the Western-led global order remains useful, and the Belt and Road Initiative isn’t a geopolitical project.

Open Questions | ‘Embrace the moment’: on China, Daniel Kritenbrink puts pragmatism first

Former US ambassador to Vietnam says a return to the past for US-China relations is unrealistic, but both economic powers benefit from ties.

Open Questions | How new C100 chief plans to foster ties between Chinese-Americans and China

The Committee of 100’s president Paul Cheung has high hopes for Chinese-Americans’ relationship with China in these uncertain times.

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.

Zhipu AI breaks US chip reliance with first major model trained on Huawei stack

Zhipu claims GLM-Image achieved industry-leading scores among open-source models for text rendering and Chinese character generation.

Chinese firms to incur higher costs for deploying AI chips from US: analysts

‘Beijing has made it politically unpalatable for private firms to rely too much on imported AI chips,’ EIU senior analyst Chim Lee says.

China’s subsidy change adds to EV makers’ stress, while petrol cars gain

Typical subsidy on an EV drops by around US$1,150, changing buyer calculations and exacerbating the sector’s profitability woes.

SpacemiT to launch server-class RISC-V processor following capital injection

CEO Chen is betting on Edge AI – which can run AI algorithms locally rather than in the cloud – to boost the adoption of RISC-V chips.

Can China’s cheap, renewable energy help it outrun the US in the AI race?

China’s energy buildout means cheap, green and reliable electricity fuels its manufacturing and tech industries, giving it an edge over rivals.

How the US raid in Venezuela has triggered Brazilian fury and a Chinese opening

Latin America’s largest economy seeks ‘delicate balance’ between Trump’s ambitions and boosting ties with Beijing, its top trading partner.

‘Expansion to defence’: China firms strategise in Latin America after Venezuela

After the abduction of former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, many Chinese entrepreneurs in the region say they are staying put – for now.

What does HSBC’s buyout of Hang Seng Bank mean for its future and investors?

HSBC’s historic US$13.6 billion buyout of Hang Seng Bank aims to cut costs, tackle bad debts and fuel growth, but challenges abound.

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

Exclusive | 3 new Hong Kong lawmakers fail to declare company shareholdings

Opinion | An internally split Europe can never fully engage China and Asia