Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

US President Donald Trump signs an executive order designating illicit fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Monday. Photo: EPA

Trump classes fentanyl as ‘weapon of mass destruction’ in executive order

US president dramatically escalates his fight against the drug by signing an executive order and warning against the ‘scourge’ of fentanyl.

2 minutes ago

US senators warn of China-cartel links forming a global ‘Silk Road of crime’

United States

Military

China’s latest stealth endurance drone, CH-7, completes maiden flight

Designer says UAV can quickly penetrate target areas for reconnaissance and rely on stealth to send information from battle front lines.

6 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Mexico stands by its decision for 50 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods

Government defends tariff package as vital to supporting domestic workers and producers, and not aimed at curbing imports from China.

3 hours agovideocam

Law and Crime

Court finds Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai guilty after landmark national security trial

Lai, 78, was mastermind behind three conspiracies to instigate international sanctions against Hong Kong and mainland China, judges find.

4 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi has spelled out Tokyo’s position on Taiwan as set out in a 1972 joint communique, but did not read out a portion of the relevant clause reflecting Beijing’s position. Photo: AFP

Tokyo spells out part position on Taiwan in bid to ease tension with Beijing

Military

Chinese tank, upgraded for high altitudes, could be sent to border with India

The Type 99B has been designed for ‘rapid and sustained combat operations’ in areas like the Himalayas, according to state media.

15 Dec 2025 - 8:33PM

The Type 99B main battle tank has been designed for improved performance at high altitudes, according to state television. Photo: CCTV

Tech War

Huawei’s Kirin 9030 processor shows China’s chip progress despite US curbs

Despite ‘meaningful density improvements’ in its N+3 process, SMIC’s capabilities are still behind leading chipmakers TSMC and Samsung.

15 Dec 2025 - 10:25PM

Science

Why China’s growing demand for rare-earth steel is bad news for America’s F-35

Advanced product is used in huge infrastructure projects but that has further reduced supply for overseas buyers like the US defence sector.

15 Dec 2025 - 9:43PMvideocam

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

Japan’s bid to ease tensions with China, Liu Cixin on AI: SCMP daily highlights

From Tokyo spelling out in part its position on Taiwan to acclaimed author Liu Cixin discussing AI, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

15 Dec 2025 - 9:15PM

The Japanese government has spelled out its position on Taiwan – although only in part. Photo: Reuters

Diplomacy

China and Saudi Arabia pledge deeper hi-tech cooperation despite US pressure

Mohammed bin Salman says the kingdom will work with Beijing in areas ranging from oil to AI to bring ‘greater benefits’ to both countries.

15 Dec 2025 - 8:55PMvideocam

China Economy

1 station, 116 million trips: Shenzhen breaks travel record as rail usage booms

Over 116 million passengers have already passed through Shenzhen’s main rail station this year, as trips from Hong Kong continue to rise.

15 Dec 2025 - 7:30PMvideocam

United States & Canada

Trump condemned for saying filmmaker Rob Reiner brought on his own murder

Critics slammed the US president’s ‘sick’ remarks suggesting Reiner and his wife were killed because of the director’s criticism of Trump.

4 hours ago

Law and Crime

Jimmy Lai trial: Post sketches offer public a glimpse of courtroom moments

Illustrations by Post senior designer Victor Sanjinez captured some of the drama inside the court as Jimmy Lai’s trial progressed.

5 hours ago

The scene inside the court on Monday as Jimmy Lai learned his fate. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Law and Crime

Jimmy Lai’s conviction in Hong Kong becomes flashpoint between China, West

Western nations unlikely to hit city with more sanctions as they need Beijing’s cooperation to offset unfair US trade practices, experts say.

4 hours ago

Europe

US has agreed to give Ukraine security guarantees in peace talks: officials

Following discussions with Zelensky and European leaders in Berlin, the US said the offer of guarantees will not be on the table ‘forever’.

34 minutes agovideocam

Law and Crime

Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai used personal ties to seek foreign sanctions: court ruling

Former media boss tapped into vast political network for intervention against Beijing and Hong Kong, according to 857-page judgment.

4 hours agovideocam

Jimmy Lai holds talks with then US vice-president Mike Pence in the White House in 2019. Photo: Handout

Big Tech

Why Nvidia chip is unlikely to derail ambitions of China’s Huawei, Moore Threads

China’s huge demand for AI computing power leaves room for growth for both US and domestic chips, analysts say.

15 Dec 2025 - 7:00PM

Nvidia’s H200 artificial intelligence processors will give China a much-needed boost in computing power. Photo: Shutterstock

Europe

Russia has thrust world into new ‘age of uncertainty’, says UK’s new spy chief

Blaise Metreweli, the first woman to lead MI6, highlighted the ‘threat’ posed by an ‘aggressive, expansionist and revisionist’ Russia.

3 hours agovideocam

South Asia

Bangladesh to airlift injured uprising leader to Singapore after shooting

Attackers shot student leader Sharif Osman Hadi shortly after a date was announced for elections, following on from last year’s uprising.

15 Dec 2025 - 11:03PMvideocam

OPINION

Lucie Qian Xia

Opinion | In France, China sees a civilisational partner in a polarised world

22 minutes ago

Terry Su

Opinion | US global retreat shows Japan’s folly in defying China

15 Dec 2025 - 8:30PM

Nicholas Spiro

The View | After vitalising its property market, India must shore up its weaknesses

15 Dec 2025 - 5:43PM

Jianlu Bi

Opinion | China’s Politburo swaps emergency economic surgery for preventive care

15 Dec 2025 - 5:30AM

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Tai Po pet rescues put Hong Kong’s compassion on show

15 Dec 2025 - 7:15AM

Harry’s View | 16 Dec 2025

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Politics

Trump classes fentanyl as ‘weapon of mass destruction’ in executive order

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Opinion | In France, China sees a civilisational partner in a polarised world

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Europe

US has agreed to give Ukraine security guarantees in peace talks: officials

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Trends

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Mexico stands by its decision for 50 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods

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SCMP Series

WWII: 80 years on

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How China is telling its own story

Simon Li, executive director of the Hong Kong Holocaust and Tolerance Centre, with students (from second left) Kavira S. Kazimoto, Gem Peduche and Josue Camarena, at Andrews University’s Hong Kong campus. Photo: Handout

SCMP Series WWII: 80 years on

After The War | Virtual reality and the Nanking massacre: where does historical immersion become trauma?

Amid push in China for museum digitalisation, one educator seeks to help students ‘feel history without being flooded by it’.

14 Dec 2025 - 4:20PM

After The War | How the post-WWII order was formed and why China wants to reshape it

8 Sep 2025 - 4:11PMvideocam

After The War | Chinese scholars slam Western ‘historical nihilism’ on World War II

2 Sep 2025 - 5:16PM

Open Questions series

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

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Ex-PLA colonel Zhou Bo on Taiwan reunification, lessons from the Ukraine war

Commentator and former senior colonel on Beijing’s row with Japan, lessons from the Ukraine war and why playing global policeman is a trap.

1 Dec 2025 - 3:57PMvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | ‘A mistaken view’: US economist Nicholas Lardy on the ‘peak China’ hypothesis

The veteran China watcher talks Beijing’s need for financial reform and how US-China economic convergence could still be on the horizon.

24 Nov 2025 - 10:09AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Big Tech

China’s DeepSeek challenges Google DeepMind with new AI model

DeepSeek’s V3.2-Speciale equals Google’s Gemini 3 Pro in reasoning capabilities, the Chinese start-up says.

2 Dec 2025 - 4:51PM

A shop advertising DeepSeek in Hong Kong. Photo: Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Tech War

Huawei’s Kirin 9030 processor shows China’s chip progress despite US curbs

Despite ‘meaningful density improvements’ in its N+3 process, SMIC’s capabilities are still behind leading chipmakers TSMC and Samsung.

15 Dec 2025 - 10:25PM

China Business

Can Volkswagen regain its China market share with its US$3.5 billion bet?

Volkswagen, which once had 50 per cent of China’s vehicle market, has invested €3 billion in its largest R&D centre outside its home country in Hefei.

15 Dec 2025 - 4:31PM

China EVs

Xpeng steps up ‘go global’ drive with Malaysian assembly hub for Southeast Asia

The Guangzhou-based company said it would partner with Malaysia’s EP Manufacturing to locally assemble intelligent EVs.

15 Dec 2025 - 5:00PM

Workers conduct final checks on an Xpeng new energy car at the firm’s plant in Zhaoqing, Guangdong province, on October 9, 2023. Photo: Xinhua

Military

Why has reference to Taiwan attending Rimpac been removed from US defence bill?

Senators’ bid to ‘strongly encourage’ invitation is removed from compromise bill, raising questions in Taipei.

14 Dec 2025 - 8:40PMvideocam

Some of the naval ships taking part in the 2024 Rimpac exercises, as seen from the Japanese JS Kunisaki. Photo: Reuters

Tech Trends

Sea change: China narrows AI gap with US 3 years after ChatGPT shock

The turning point came when DeepSeek released its V3 and R1 models, which were on par with OpenAI’s GPT and Meta’s Llama models at the time.

14 Dec 2025 - 12:57AM

Science

US green tech retreat echoes mistake of China’s Qing dynasty before collapse

While Washington pulls back on climate, Beijing is making it possible for developing nations to leapfrog into a cleaner energy era.

13 Dec 2025 - 7:07AMvideocam

Diplomacy

First China ore shipment rewards Guinea leader’s push for Simandou alliance

Mining minister says China and Rio Tinto were pressed to work on shared infrastructure because ‘we do not want railways running everywhere’.

11 Dec 2025 - 6:16AMvideocam

Trump classes fentanyl as ‘weapon of mass destruction’ in executive order

US president dramatically escalates his fight against the drug by signing an executive order and warning against the ‘scourge’ of fentanyl.

US senators warn of China-cartel links forming a global ‘Silk Road of crime’

China’s latest stealth endurance drone, CH-7, completes maiden flight

Designer says UAV can quickly penetrate target areas for reconnaissance and rely on stealth to send information from battle front lines.

Mexico stands by its decision for 50 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods

Government defends tariff package as vital to supporting domestic workers and producers, and not aimed at curbing imports from China.

Court finds Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai guilty after landmark national security trial

Lai, 78, was mastermind behind three conspiracies to instigate international sanctions against Hong Kong and mainland China, judges find.

Tokyo spells out part position on Taiwan in bid to ease tension with Beijing

Chinese tank, upgraded for high altitudes, could be sent to border with India

The Type 99B has been designed for ‘rapid and sustained combat operations’ in areas like the Himalayas, according to state media.

Huawei’s Kirin 9030 processor shows China’s chip progress despite US curbs

Despite ‘meaningful density improvements’ in its N+3 process, SMIC’s capabilities are still behind leading chipmakers TSMC and Samsung.

Why China’s growing demand for rare-earth steel is bad news for America’s F-35

Advanced product is used in huge infrastructure projects but that has further reduced supply for overseas buyers like the US defence sector.

.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.

Japan’s bid to ease tensions with China, Liu Cixin on AI: SCMP daily highlights

From Tokyo spelling out in part its position on Taiwan to acclaimed author Liu Cixin discussing AI, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

China and Saudi Arabia pledge deeper hi-tech cooperation despite US pressure

Mohammed bin Salman says the kingdom will work with Beijing in areas ranging from oil to AI to bring ‘greater benefits’ to both countries.

1 station, 116 million trips: Shenzhen breaks travel record as rail usage booms

Over 116 million passengers have already passed through Shenzhen’s main rail station this year, as trips from Hong Kong continue to rise.

Trump condemned for saying filmmaker Rob Reiner brought on his own murder

Critics slammed the US president’s ‘sick’ remarks suggesting Reiner and his wife were killed because of the director’s criticism of Trump.

Jimmy Lai trial: Post sketches offer public a glimpse of courtroom moments

Illustrations by Post senior designer Victor Sanjinez captured some of the drama inside the court as Jimmy Lai’s trial progressed.

Jimmy Lai’s conviction in Hong Kong becomes flashpoint between China, West

Western nations unlikely to hit city with more sanctions as they need Beijing’s cooperation to offset unfair US trade practices, experts say.

US has agreed to give Ukraine security guarantees in peace talks: officials

Following discussions with Zelensky and European leaders in Berlin, the US said the offer of guarantees will not be on the table ‘forever’.

Hong Kong’s Jimmy Lai used personal ties to seek foreign sanctions: court ruling

Former media boss tapped into vast political network for intervention against Beijing and Hong Kong, according to 857-page judgment.

Why Nvidia chip is unlikely to derail ambitions of China’s Huawei, Moore Threads

China’s huge demand for AI computing power leaves room for growth for both US and domestic chips, analysts say.

Russia has thrust world into new ‘age of uncertainty’, says UK’s new spy chief

Blaise Metreweli, the first woman to lead MI6, highlighted the ‘threat’ posed by an ‘aggressive, expansionist and revisionist’ Russia.

Bangladesh to airlift injured uprising leader to Singapore after shooting

Attackers shot student leader Sharif Osman Hadi shortly after a date was announced for elections, following on from last year’s uprising.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | In France, China sees a civilisational partner in a polarised world

Opinion | US global retreat shows Japan’s folly in defying China

The View | After vitalising its property market, India must shore up its weaknesses

Opinion | China’s Politburo swaps emergency economic surgery for preventive care

Editorial | Tai Po pet rescues put Hong Kong’s compassion on show

Trump classes fentanyl as ‘weapon of mass destruction’ in executive order

Opinion | In France, China sees a civilisational partner in a polarised world

US has agreed to give Ukraine security guarantees in peace talks: officials

The stars wearing upcycled fashion using everything from watch straps to spoons

Russia has thrust world into new ‘age of uncertainty’, says UK’s new spy chief

Mexico stands by its decision for 50 per cent tariffs on Chinese goods

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}After The War | Virtual reality and the Nanking massacre: where does historical immersion become trauma?

Amid push in China for museum digitalisation, one educator seeks to help students ‘feel history without being flooded by it’.

After The War | How the post-WWII order was formed and why China wants to reshape it

After The War | Chinese scholars slam Western ‘historical nihilism’ on World War II

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’.

Open Questions | Ex-PLA colonel Zhou Bo on Taiwan reunification, lessons from the Ukraine war

Commentator and former senior colonel on Beijing’s row with Japan, lessons from the Ukraine war and why playing global policeman is a trap.

Open Questions | ‘A mistaken view’: US economist Nicholas Lardy on the ‘peak China’ hypothesis

The veteran China watcher talks Beijing’s need for financial reform and how US-China economic convergence could still be on the horizon.

China’s DeepSeek challenges Google DeepMind with new AI model

DeepSeek’s V3.2-Speciale equals Google’s Gemini 3 Pro in reasoning capabilities, the Chinese start-up says.

Huawei’s Kirin 9030 processor shows China’s chip progress despite US curbs

Despite ‘meaningful density improvements’ in its N+3 process, SMIC’s capabilities are still behind leading chipmakers TSMC and Samsung.

Can Volkswagen regain its China market share with its US$3.5 billion bet?

Volkswagen, which once had 50 per cent of China’s vehicle market, has invested €3 billion in its largest R&D centre outside its home country in Hefei.

Xpeng steps up ‘go global’ drive with Malaysian assembly hub for Southeast Asia

The Guangzhou-based company said it would partner with Malaysia’s EP Manufacturing to locally assemble intelligent EVs.

Why has reference to Taiwan attending Rimpac been removed from US defence bill?

Senators’ bid to ‘strongly encourage’ invitation is removed from compromise bill, raising questions in Taipei.

Sea change: China narrows AI gap with US 3 years after ChatGPT shock

The turning point came when DeepSeek released its V3 and R1 models, which were on par with OpenAI’s GPT and Meta’s Llama models at the time.

US green tech retreat echoes mistake of China’s Qing dynasty before collapse

While Washington pulls back on climate, Beijing is making it possible for developing nations to leapfrog into a cleaner energy era.

First China ore shipment rewards Guinea leader’s push for Simandou alliance

Mining minister says China and Rio Tinto were pressed to work on shared infrastructure because ‘we do not want railways running everywhere’.

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

Opinion | In France, China sees a civilisational partner in a polarised world

After The War | Virtual reality and the Nanking massacre: where does historical immersion become trauma?