Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

A view of the Royal Mint Court, the proposed site of the new Chinese mega embassy in London. Photo: Reuters

Breaking | China’s mega embassy in London approved, clearing way for Starmer visit

Roughly 700,000 sq ft embassy will be built at the site of the Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London.

5 minutes ago

Despite Starmer’s ‘China threat’ rhetoric, Britain seeks tighter Beijing ties

China-UK relations

Global Economy

Breaking | China’s He Lifeng warns of ‘law of the jungle’ at Davos as Trump roils Europe

Vice-premier urges global cooperation, free trade and dialogue, pledging to boost imports and open China’s market amid escalating trans-Atlantic rifts.

8 minutes ago

China Economy

China targets hi-tech industries, household spending in 2026 with policy package

Beijing announces support for small businesses and the tech sector, after 2025 economic data shows heavy reliance on exports.

52 minutes agovideocam

Society

Hongkongers can observe first open meeting of committee probing Tai Po fire

At ‘direction conference’ on February 5, Independent Committee chairman Justice David Lok will provide guidance on arrangements for coming hearings.

47 minutes ago

Diplomacy

US President Donald Trump has made no secret of his desire for Greenland to become part of the United States. Photo: Reuters

Don’t expect Greenland crisis to realign EU with China, former US diplomat says

Diplomacy

Japan’s last 2 giant pandas set for early trip home to China as tensions spiral

Return of twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei to mark first time Japan will be without any pandas since normalisation of diplomatic ties in 1972.

18 minutes agovideocam

Visitors have been queuing for hours to see Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei at Tokyo’s Ueno zoo since it was announced they would leave earlier than previously planned. Photo: Kyodo

Diplomacy

China confirms invite to Trump’s Gaza ‘peace board’ but won’t say if will join

The US president has invited dozens of leaders to join the body, but is reportedly demanding US$1 billion for permanent membership.

1 hour agovideocam

Economics

Diversify or die: Asian firms face trade uncertainty amid Trump’s Mexico threats

The president’s call for strikes against drug cartels in Mexico and Colombia will add to the cost of trading with the US, analysts say.

53 minutes agovideocam

Education

Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s 20-year evolution ensures it meets world’s fast-changing technological, industrial and societal needs.

In partnership with:

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University

Tech Trends

Exclusive | China’s Xiaomi, Transsion slash 2026 smartphone shipments as memory crunch bites

Xiaomi cut its latest shipment forecast by between 10 and 70 million units, while Transsion lowered its target by 30 to 45 million units.

38 minutes ago

Chinese smartphone makers are adjusting their handset shipment forecasts due to rising memory-chip prices. Photo: Shutterstock

Military

China’s next generation of warships will be propelled by a 50MW gas turbine

The advanced technology is part of Beijing’s push to establish a self-reliant supply chain for sectors deemed critical to national security.

2 hours ago

China Economy

China’s consumers refuse to open their wallets. Is ‘luxury-phobia’ the problem?

Chinese households are not splashing out on luxury goods partly because they feel ‘stigmatised’ for doing so, scholar argues.

5 hours agovideocam

Science

First contact: in quest for moon water, Chinese team flags risk in touching ice

Scientists warn water on the moon is locked in frozen soil, not exposed to air and held in place only by cold and vacuum.

5 hours agovideocam

The Chang’e-7 mission is expected to touch down on the rim of Shackleton crater near the lunar south pole this year as part of China’s search for water on the moon. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong’s jobless rate holds steady at 3.8% amid growth outlook

Movements in unemployment rate in different industry sectors varied for October to December period, but magnitudes were generally small.

3 hours ago

The jobless rate in the city remained unchanged at 3.8 per cent. Photo: Elson Li

Politics

China expels former intelligence official Gao Yichen from party for corruption

Discipline watchdog condemns ‘retired but not resting’ vice-minister for taking bribes and ‘wantonly’ amassing wealth after leaving office.

3 hours ago

Business

Labubu maker Pop Mart surges after buy-back in show of confidence

Repurchase signals management’s confidence and healthy balance sheet, analysts say, though stock remains 40 per cent below last year’s peak.

3 hours ago

Russia & Central Asia

Is the Trump-Greenland dispute a win for Russia?

Russia eyes Trump’s Greenland bid straining Nato ties, and while the Kremlin mocks Europe’s dilemma, Moscow fears US unpredictability in the Arctic.

2 hours agovideocam

Protesters take part in a demonstration to show support for Greenland in Copenhagen, Denmark on January 17. Photo: Reuters

East Asia

Japan arrests man for selling AI-generated celebrity porn

A 31-year-old in Japan arrested for using generative AI to create and sell 520,000 explicit images of celebrities for US$70,000 in profit.

47 minutes ago

AI misuse sparks concern as a Japanese man is arrested for selling obscene deepfake images of celebrities Photo: Getty Images

Politics

US ambassador to Singapore’s much ‘larger gifts’ call to mark July 4 rankles

In light of recent US actions, Anjani Sinha’s call could be deemed as the embassy trying to ‘shake down businesses’, an analyst says.

21 minutes ago

Politics

Crossing a line: did military spies help a student fly drones into North Korea?

What began as a student’s claim of hunting radioactive waste has spiralled into a scandal linking military spies to dangerous border flights.

2 hours ago

OPINION

James David Spellman

Opinion | How generational wealth transfer will reshape China’s economy

1 hour ago

Andy Xie

Opinion | China’s focus is on stability as the US rocks the global boat

20 Jan 2026 - 10:10AM

Lisa Cam

Opinion | In Chinese astrology, why are benefactors and networking so important?

20 Jan 2026 - 7:34AM

Letters

Letters | Prioritise scam victims’ well-being in fighting transnational cybercrime

20 Jan 2026 - 11:30AM

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | China-EU compromise over EVs bodes well for trade and overall ties

20 Jan 2026 - 7:15AM

Harry’s View | 20 Jan 2026

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3 minutes ago

Society

Hong Kong earmarks Kai Tak site among 3 plots for private student hostel projects

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Global Economy

Breaking | China’s He Lifeng warns of ‘law of the jungle’ at Davos as Trump roils Europe

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Diplomacy

Japan’s last 2 giant pandas set for early trip home to China as tensions spiral

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Tennis

Hong Kong’s tennis chief confident about future status of ATP tournament

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Breaking | China’s mega embassy in London approved, clearing way for Starmer visit

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Exclusive | China’s Xiaomi, Transsion slash 2026 smartphone shipments as memory crunch bites

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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.

13 Jan 2026 - 9:55AMvideocam

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12 Jan 2026 - 11:19AMvideocam

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Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

19 Jan 2026 - 6:57PMvideocam

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

Key Industries:

Big Tech

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

17 Jan 2026 - 10:46AM

China Economy

Shanghai unveils road map to rival world cities in finance, tech and innovation

Economic powerhouse has sights set on AI, advanced manufacturing and global financial services, reflecting a national 5-year plan’s first explicit financial-centre directive.

20 Jan 2026 - 11:00AM

China Business

Exclusive | China challenges US in AI drug race, but rivals still reliant on each other

While US biotech firms increase use of Chinese clinical data, Chinese firms need US counterparts for monetisation, investor and scientist says.

20 Jan 2026 - 11:16AM

China Business

Chinese automotive suppliers speed up localisation to boost global market share

International carmakers’ orders from Chinese vendors are an endorsement of the quality and competitiveness of their products, analyst says.

20 Jan 2026 - 7:30AM

BYD’s plant in Zhengzhou, central China’s Henan province. Photo: Xinhua

Global Economy

Can China’s cosmetics brands rival K-beauty and refashion global markets?

Once the top export market for South Korean cosmetics, Chinese firms lead at home and have made headway overseas – but gaps remain.

18 Jan 2026 - 6:06AMvideocam

Big Tech

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

17 Jan 2026 - 10:46AM

Diplomacy

Counting China’s ‘swing nation’ wins and losses in new era of power rivalry

As US-China race for hi-tech resources heats up across Global South, countries caught in the middle are under pressure to strike a balance.

17 Jan 2026 - 7:43AMvideocam

China Economy

A Chinese tech hub eyes 3- to 7-nanometre chip breakthroughs to beat US curbs

Province’s five-year plan backs national push for tech independence – but can it succeed?

16 Jan 2026 - 11:14AMvideocam

China is world’s largest chip manufacturer, demonstrating the country’s superiority in global supply chain. Photo: Shutterstock

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Breaking | China’s mega embassy in London approved, clearing way for Starmer visit

Roughly 700,000 sq ft embassy will be built at the site of the Royal Mint Court near the Tower of London.

Despite Starmer’s ‘China threat’ rhetoric, Britain seeks tighter Beijing ties

Breaking | China’s He Lifeng warns of ‘law of the jungle’ at Davos as Trump roils Europe

Vice-premier urges global cooperation, free trade and dialogue, pledging to boost imports and open China’s market amid escalating trans-Atlantic rifts.

China targets hi-tech industries, household spending in 2026 with policy package

Beijing announces support for small businesses and the tech sector, after 2025 economic data shows heavy reliance on exports.

Hongkongers can observe first open meeting of committee probing Tai Po fire

At ‘direction conference’ on February 5, Independent Committee chairman Justice David Lok will provide guidance on arrangements for coming hearings.

Don’t expect Greenland crisis to realign EU with China, former US diplomat says

Japan’s last 2 giant pandas set for early trip home to China as tensions spiral

Return of twins Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei to mark first time Japan will be without any pandas since normalisation of diplomatic ties in 1972.

China confirms invite to Trump’s Gaza ‘peace board’ but won’t say if will join

The US president has invited dozens of leaders to join the body, but is reportedly demanding US$1 billion for permanent membership.

Diversify or die: Asian firms face trade uncertainty amid Trump’s Mexico threats

The president’s call for strikes against drug cartels in Mexico and Colombia will add to the cost of trading with the US, analysts say.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University’s 20-year evolution ensures it meets world’s fast-changing technological, industrial and societal needs.

Exclusive | China’s Xiaomi, Transsion slash 2026 smartphone shipments as memory crunch bites

Xiaomi cut its latest shipment forecast by between 10 and 70 million units, while Transsion lowered its target by 30 to 45 million units.

China’s next generation of warships will be propelled by a 50MW gas turbine

The advanced technology is part of Beijing’s push to establish a self-reliant supply chain for sectors deemed critical to national security.

China’s consumers refuse to open their wallets. Is ‘luxury-phobia’ the problem?

Chinese households are not splashing out on luxury goods partly because they feel ‘stigmatised’ for doing so, scholar argues.

First contact: in quest for moon water, Chinese team flags risk in touching ice

Scientists warn water on the moon is locked in frozen soil, not exposed to air and held in place only by cold and vacuum.

Hong Kong’s jobless rate holds steady at 3.8% amid growth outlook

Movements in unemployment rate in different industry sectors varied for October to December period, but magnitudes were generally small.

China expels former intelligence official Gao Yichen from party for corruption

Discipline watchdog condemns ‘retired but not resting’ vice-minister for taking bribes and ‘wantonly’ amassing wealth after leaving office.

Labubu maker Pop Mart surges after buy-back in show of confidence

Repurchase signals management’s confidence and healthy balance sheet, analysts say, though stock remains 40 per cent below last year’s peak.

Is the Trump-Greenland dispute a win for Russia?

Russia eyes Trump’s Greenland bid straining Nato ties, and while the Kremlin mocks Europe’s dilemma, Moscow fears US unpredictability in the Arctic.

Japan arrests man for selling AI-generated celebrity porn

A 31-year-old in Japan arrested for using generative AI to create and sell 520,000 explicit images of celebrities for US$70,000 in profit.

US ambassador to Singapore’s much ‘larger gifts’ call to mark July 4 rankles

In light of recent US actions, Anjani Sinha’s call could be deemed as the embassy trying to ‘shake down businesses’, an analyst says.

Crossing a line: did military spies help a student fly drones into North Korea?

What began as a student’s claim of hunting radioactive waste has spiralled into a scandal linking military spies to dangerous border flights.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | How generational wealth transfer will reshape China’s economy

Opinion | China’s focus is on stability as the US rocks the global boat

Opinion | In Chinese astrology, why are benefactors and networking so important?

Letters | Prioritise scam victims’ well-being in fighting transnational cybercrime

Editorial | China-EU compromise over EVs bodes well for trade and overall ties

Hong Kong earmarks Kai Tak site among 3 plots for private student hostel projects

Breaking | China’s He Lifeng warns of ‘law of the jungle’ at Davos as Trump roils Europe

Japan’s last 2 giant pandas set for early trip home to China as tensions spiral

Hong Kong’s tennis chief confident about future status of ATP tournament

Breaking | China’s mega embassy in London approved, clearing way for Starmer visit

Exclusive | China’s Xiaomi, Transsion slash 2026 smartphone shipments as memory crunch bites

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 | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

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.

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

Shanghai unveils road map to rival world cities in finance, tech and innovation

Economic powerhouse has sights set on AI, advanced manufacturing and global financial services, reflecting a national 5-year plan’s first explicit financial-centre directive.

Exclusive | China challenges US in AI drug race, but rivals still reliant on each other

While US biotech firms increase use of Chinese clinical data, Chinese firms need US counterparts for monetisation, investor and scientist says.

Chinese automotive suppliers speed up localisation to boost global market share

International carmakers’ orders from Chinese vendors are an endorsement of the quality and competitiveness of their products, analyst says.

Can China’s cosmetics brands rival K-beauty and refashion global markets?

Once the top export market for South Korean cosmetics, Chinese firms lead at home and have made headway overseas – but gaps remain.

China curbs US AI chips, shuns foreign capital in pursuit of tech self-reliance

These restrictions signify a new phase in the US-China tech war where ‘offensive and defensive roles have shifted’, says an analyst.

Counting China’s ‘swing nation’ wins and losses in new era of power rivalry

As US-China race for hi-tech resources heats up across Global South, countries caught in the middle are under pressure to strike a balance.

A Chinese tech hub eyes 3- to 7-nanometre chip breakthroughs to beat US curbs

Province’s five-year plan backs national push for tech independence – but can it succeed?

Breaking | China’s mega embassy in London approved, clearing way for Starmer visit

Academic innovation can help budding entrepreneurs overcome future challenges

Opinion | How generational wealth transfer will reshape China’s economy