Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

QatarEnergy’s operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City on Monday, when Qatar suspended liquefied natural gas production. Photo: AFP

Europe counts the cost as Iran war disrupts energy shipments

Analysts urge EU to accelerate green energy transition and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports.

10 minutes ago

Why the Iran war will accelerate China’s push to become an ‘energy powerhouse’

US-Israel war on Iran

Military

Generals stripped of CPPCC roles as China’s corruption clean-up continues

The official dismissal confirms the fall of Han Weiguo, PLA Central Theatre Command’s inaugural commander.

1 hour agovideocam

Global Economy

Exclusive | US, China discuss investment revival ahead of Trump’s trip: sources

Both sides exploring structured joint ventures and licensing deals, with Beijing seeking protection and Washington eyeing better market access amid declining capital flows.

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Hong Kong Economy

Iran war disrupts 54 Hong Kong-Mideast flights as airspace remains closed

Tour agency WWPKG says it has suspended Middle East trips through March 10 amid rising tensions.

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Focus

How China is using its economic clout to give the US dollar a run for its money

US

Trump says Iran war could last a month or longer as conflict widens

Trump administration says the ‘hardest hits are yet to come’ for Iran, as Tehran and its allies hit back across the region.

19 minutes agovideocam

133

US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Photo: Reuters

China Economy

‘We couldn’t reach them’: Chinese firms’ Iran business in limbo after strikes

Attacks on Iran by the US and Israel have left China’s exporters doing business there unsure of their future, with contacts unresponsive.

2 hours agovideocam

People

Allies of Philippines’ Duterte step up online attacks as drug war trial looms

The efforts have focused on undermining the ICC itself, targeting victims and witnesses and normalising mockery of the dead.

10 minutes ago

Business

How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Deepa Jivan, CEO of J.Gordhan & Co, says bank’s tailored financial solutions and expertise give it the agility to navigate global marketplace.

In partnership with:

Standard Chartered

Deepa Jivan is the founder and CEO of Hong Kong-based arts and crafts products company J.Gordhan & Co.

Society

‘We want to go home’: Hongkongers trapped in Mideast call for more official help

‘We hope the Hong Kong government can care more about Hongkongers stranded in Dubai, not just provide an emergency contact number,’ one person says.

3 hours ago

A black plume of smoke rises from a warehouse in Sharjah following reports of Iranian strikes in the UAE. Photo: AP

Politics

India’s 100GW nuclear push was missing one thing. Canada just provided it

India needs to triple its uranium supply to meet its nuclear targets. Canada, with mines already in the pipeline, is well placed to deliver.

2 hours agovideocam

Middle East

New satellite photos show apparent attack on Iran nuclear site: report

Strikes on Iran’s Natanz complex occurred between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, report shows.

1 hour agovideocam

Asia

Southeast Asian navy strategies, Japan video sparks outrage: 7 Asia highlights

From predictions on Iranian leadership to North Korea’s nuclear vindication, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

2 hours ago

Screenshots from a viral video posted by an social media user on Wednesday showing her daughter being shoved while attempting to take a photo at Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya Crossing. Photo: Instagram/peipeilin527

Military

Language as a weapon? PLA academics seek training overhaul, cite Ukraine war

Digitised battlefields demand new breed of soldier, as skilled at data analysis and psy-ops as at wielding a weapon, veteran instructor says.

5 hours agovideocam

Coordinated push from military academics reflects a broader recognition within China’s defence establishment as the People’s Liberation Army’s global footprint expands. Photo: Reuters

Diplomacy

Will Iran attack derail Trump’s high-stakes China visit to meet Xi Jinping?

China has condemned killing of Iranian leader as a grave violation of sovereignty and called US incitement of regime change ‘unacceptable’.

2 Mar 2026 - 11:38PMvideocam

Banking & Finance

How AI ‘scare trade’ is sparking an M&A rush by traditional firms, start-ups

AI start-ups and legacy firms clash in capital markets, spurring M&A as the technology reshapes industries.

15 minutes ago

Middle East

Iran’s cheap threat: US$20,000 drones vs US$4 million interceptors

Iran and the US may run low on weapons in a matter of days or weeks. Whoever can last longer will gain a serious advantage.

32 minutes ago

A building that was damaged by an Iranian drone attack in Juffair, Manama, Bahrain, on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

US

Europe divided, on edge as US-Israel strikes on Iran ripple across the continent

Cyprus hit, oil prices jump and EU leaders clash over legality, regime change and Washington’s role in the widening conflict.

3 Mar 2026 - 6:05AMvideocam

The gate of the British Royal Air Force air base after it was struck by a drone earlier in the morning near Limassol, Cyprus, on Monday. Photo: AP

Military

What weapons were used in US-Iran strikes, and which are deployed near China?

From American bombers and Iranian suicide drones to an array of missiles, military observers are tracking the roll-out of hi-tech armaments.

2 Mar 2026 - 11:27PMvideocam

Banking & Finance

Can HKIC fix Hong Kong’s 15 million square-foot office vacancy problem?

Attracting foreign institutions might prove difficult amid the commercial property sector’s elevated vacancy rates and uncertain recovery.

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OPINION

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Letters

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Bully vs sovereignty: how Manila and Beijing are sharpening their South China Sea messaging

Analysts say the Philippines’ approach of ‘assertive transparency’ may be wearing thin at home and in the region.

12 Feb 2026 - 11:07AMvideocam

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Open Questions series

Global Economy

Open Questions | Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

2 Mar 2026 - 5:31PM

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

23 Feb 2026 - 10:05AMvideocam

Global Economy

Open Questions | Why Trump’s April trip to China may not deliver ‘grand bargain’: James Zimmerman

The American Chamber of Commerce in China chairman says this year’s expected Trump-Xi meetings can put countries on a ‘visionary’ path.

13 Feb 2026 - 9:03AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Trump’s ‘imperial’ agenda and the end of the old world order: Luuk van Middelaar

Political theorist says rapid acceleration of the US president’s ‘offensive, almost imperial’ agenda has left Europe disoriented.

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Key Industries:

Tech

Chinese chip firms Cambricon, Moore Threads post sales jump on domestic demand

Cambricon reports first full-year profit since listing in 2020, while Moore Threads’ revenue jumps 243 per cent.

27 Feb 2026 - 10:26PM

Chinese AI chip designer Cambricon posted its first annual profit since listing in 2020. Photo: VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Tech

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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China EVs

China should skip a step in self-driving cars, Xpeng CEO says

He Xiaopeng urges Beijing to clear way for a leap ahead in autonomous driving technology – a jump he promises to propose at the ‘two sessions’.

2 Mar 2026 - 8:28PM

China Economy

China supply chain expo set to welcome more US firms, launch AI section

Amid trade tensions, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade describes business communities as a ‘bridge’ for exchanges.

2 Mar 2026 - 5:00PMvideocam

China

Xi-Trump talk plans rattled by chaotic US team: ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’

Analysts warn thin US coordination and rushed timelines risk weak deliverables and surprises ahead of high-stakes Beijing meeting.

27 Feb 2026 - 1:57AMvideocam

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A deep dive into the data from Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget announcement, looking at the government’s growing revenue and increasing investment in infrastructure.

26 Feb 2026 - 4:01PM

Diplomacy

5 top takeaways from Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address

In a speech that runs nearly two hours, Trump casts himself as a global peacemaker and touts his economic credentials.

25 Feb 2026 - 12:50PMvideocam

Science

Smaller, faster, smarter: Chinese transistor ready for future AI chips

Breakthrough said to overcome long-standing limitations of traditional ferroelectric transistors, ‘paving way for large-scale application’.

25 Feb 2026 - 6:19AMvideocam

Ferroelectric transistors function similarly to neurons in the human brain, as they integrate memory and processing in a single unit. Photo: Shutterstock

Europe counts the cost as Iran war disrupts energy shipments

Analysts urge EU to accelerate green energy transition and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports.

Why the Iran war will accelerate China’s push to become an ‘energy powerhouse’

Generals stripped of CPPCC roles as China’s corruption clean-up continues

The official dismissal confirms the fall of Han Weiguo, PLA Central Theatre Command’s inaugural commander.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | US, China discuss investment revival ahead of Trump’s trip: sources

Both sides exploring structured joint ventures and licensing deals, with Beijing seeking protection and Washington eyeing better market access amid declining capital flows.

Iran war disrupts 54 Hong Kong-Mideast flights as airspace remains closed

Tour agency WWPKG says it has suspended Middle East trips through March 10 amid rising tensions.

How China is using its economic clout to give the US dollar a run for its money

Trump says Iran war could last a month or longer as conflict widens

Trump administration says the ‘hardest hits are yet to come’ for Iran, as Tehran and its allies hit back across the region.

‘We couldn’t reach them’: Chinese firms’ Iran business in limbo after strikes

Attacks on Iran by the US and Israel have left China’s exporters doing business there unsure of their future, with contacts unresponsive.

Allies of Philippines’ Duterte step up online attacks as drug war trial looms

The efforts have focused on undermining the ICC itself, targeting victims and witnesses and normalising mockery of the dead.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Deepa Jivan, CEO of J.Gordhan & Co, says bank’s tailored financial solutions and expertise give it the agility to navigate global marketplace.

‘We want to go home’: Hongkongers trapped in Mideast call for more official help

‘We hope the Hong Kong government can care more about Hongkongers stranded in Dubai, not just provide an emergency contact number,’ one person says.

India’s 100GW nuclear push was missing one thing. Canada just provided it

India needs to triple its uranium supply to meet its nuclear targets. Canada, with mines already in the pipeline, is well placed to deliver.

New satellite photos show apparent attack on Iran nuclear site: report

Strikes on Iran’s Natanz complex occurred between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning, report shows.

Southeast Asian navy strategies, Japan video sparks outrage: 7 Asia highlights

From predictions on Iranian leadership to North Korea’s nuclear vindication, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Language as a weapon? PLA academics seek training overhaul, cite Ukraine war

Digitised battlefields demand new breed of soldier, as skilled at data analysis and psy-ops as at wielding a weapon, veteran instructor says.

Will Iran attack derail Trump’s high-stakes China visit to meet Xi Jinping?

China has condemned killing of Iranian leader as a grave violation of sovereignty and called US incitement of regime change ‘unacceptable’.

How AI ‘scare trade’ is sparking an M&A rush by traditional firms, start-ups

AI start-ups and legacy firms clash in capital markets, spurring M&A as the technology reshapes industries.

Iran’s cheap threat: US$20,000 drones vs US$4 million interceptors

Iran and the US may run low on weapons in a matter of days or weeks. Whoever can last longer will gain a serious advantage.

Europe divided, on edge as US-Israel strikes on Iran ripple across the continent

Cyprus hit, oil prices jump and EU leaders clash over legality, regime change and Washington’s role in the widening conflict.

What weapons were used in US-Iran strikes, and which are deployed near China?

From American bombers and Iranian suicide drones to an array of missiles, military observers are tracking the roll-out of hi-tech armaments.

Can HKIC fix Hong Kong’s 15 million square-foot office vacancy problem?

Attracting foreign institutions might prove difficult amid the commercial property sector’s elevated vacancy rates and uncertain recovery.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Cartoonist Harry Harrison’s humorous takes on Hong Kong and beyond in February

Letters | Iran’s people deserve stability, dignity and peace

Opinion | Kim Jong-un’s daughter may well become North Korea’s first female leader

Editorial | Strikes on Iran may complicate US-China ties

Opinion | Nipah and mpox expose Asia’s urgent need for stronger disease surveillance

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | Iran vows to defend itself ‘decisively’

Thailand seeks to arrest South African couple in US$30 million fraud case

Europe counts the cost as Iran war disrupts energy shipments

Allies of Philippines’ Duterte step up online attacks as drug war trial looms

Chinese man earns US$23,000 in holiday week through cat-feeding services

She married 2 men at once in Thailand – and her mother is fine with it

Bully vs sovereignty: how Manila and Beijing are sharpening their South China Sea messaging

Analysts say the Philippines’ approach of ‘assertive transparency’ may be wearing thin at home and in the region.

The Philippines wants to seal South China Sea code of conduct. Can it deliver?

Why High Seas Treaty could change ‘rules of the game’ in South China Sea row

Open Questions | Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

Open Questions | Why Trump’s April trip to China may not deliver ‘grand bargain’: James Zimmerman

The American Chamber of Commerce in China chairman says this year’s expected Trump-Xi meetings can put countries on a ‘visionary’ path.

Open Questions | Trump’s ‘imperial’ agenda and the end of the old world order: Luuk van Middelaar

Political theorist says rapid acceleration of the US president’s ‘offensive, almost imperial’ agenda has left Europe disoriented.

Chinese chip firms Cambricon, Moore Threads post sales jump on domestic demand

Cambricon reports first full-year profit since listing in 2020, while Moore Threads’ revenue jumps 243 per cent.

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.

China should skip a step in self-driving cars, Xpeng CEO says

He Xiaopeng urges Beijing to clear way for a leap ahead in autonomous driving technology – a jump he promises to propose at the ‘two sessions’.

China supply chain expo set to welcome more US firms, launch AI section

Amid trade tensions, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade describes business communities as a ‘bridge’ for exchanges.

Xi-Trump talk plans rattled by chaotic US team: ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’

Analysts warn thin US coordination and rushed timelines risk weak deliverables and surprises ahead of high-stakes Beijing meeting.

Breaking down the key figures in Hong Kong 2026-27 budget

A deep dive into the data from Hong Kong finance chief Paul Chan’s latest budget announcement, looking at the government’s growing revenue and increasing investment in infrastructure.

5 top takeaways from Trump’s 2026 State of the Union address

In a speech that runs nearly two hours, Trump casts himself as a global peacemaker and touts his economic credentials.

Smaller, faster, smarter: Chinese transistor ready for future AI chips

Breakthrough said to overcome long-standing limitations of traditional ferroelectric transistors, ‘paving way for large-scale application’.

Exclusive | US, China discuss investment revival ahead of Trump’s trip: sources

How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Opinion | Cartoonist Harry Harrison’s humorous takes on Hong Kong and beyond in February

Video | Iran vows to defend itself ‘decisively’