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Focus

Focus
SCMP gets to the heart of the matter with its in-depth analysis on the pressing issues in Hong Kong and around the world.
Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Two Sessions 2026

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

Beijing is using economic clout to reshape its global financial influence – a strategy analysts say could play out over decades.

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US-China relations

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

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Banking & finance

Why China’s rise as a ‘financial superpower’ could depend on Hong Kong

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Hong Kong budget 2026-27

What’s at stake for Hong Kong as reflected in budget 2026-27?

Analysts are upbeat amid city’s booming IPO sector and thriving financial market, but warn of geopolitical headwinds.

Illustration: Davies Christian Surya
Pop Mart

Pop Mart balances boom and bust: can Labubu’s leap match Molly’s momentum?

As Labubu’s meteoric rise cools, Molly’s longevity highlights the challenge Pop Mart faces in turning hype into stable intellectual property.

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Education in Hong Kong

Will allowing more Hong Kong schools to use English be too testing for pupils?

After decades of debate, authorities and schools sector say time is right to adjust the language policy but some argue move is mainly political.

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South China Sea

How Manila’s ‘naming and shaming’ challenges Beijing’s South China Sea stance

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

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Illustration: Henry Wong
South China Sea

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

As 2026 Asean chair, Manila has highlighted its push to finalise within its term a code of conduct covering the contested waters.

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South China Sea

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

Effective January 17, the framework protects unique marine biodiversity and ecosystems in areas beyond any individual country’s jurisdiction.

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Science

How old is Chinese civilisation? A scholar says it really dates back 8,000 years

Leading scholar’s argument stretches the timeline back beyond the widely accepted figure of 5,000 years.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China trade

As Beijing and Moscow tout ties, China’s companies keep Ukraine’s lights on

Ukrainians are buying Chinese batteries and emergency items en masse after Russian strikes, with Beijing’s ties to Moscow no damper on trade.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Hong Kong economy

Is Hong Kong barking up the wrong tree with dog-friendly restaurants?

Can pet-friendly premises really give Hong Kong’s economy a boost?

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Corruption in China

What does the fall of PLA top brass Zhang Youxia say about Beijing’s Taiwan plans?

Investigations into China’s top military commanders have raised questions about the PLA’s battle readiness.

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China travel

China’s expat pilots arrived on a red carpet – now, they’re taking a red-eye out

Well-paid foreign pilots once flocked to Chinese airlines – but winds have shifted as domestic talent steps up and airlines limit fleet expansions.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
Semiconductors

Chinese firms set for market growth as the global memory super cycle heats up

Eye-watering DRAM prices are bad news for consumers and smartphone brands, but present an opportunity for Chinese firms led by CXMT and YMTC.

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US-China relations

How will China respond as US expands foreign ship seizures?

The question is whether high-seas US actions will alarm Beijing into deploying naval safeguards or prompt similar moves in Taiwan Strait.

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China manufacturing

Can China’s AI strategy challenge India’s reign as ‘office of the world’?

Beijing’s ambition to move up the value chain could see it becoming a major exporter of digital services, AI to global high-end providers.

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Banking & finance

Trump says the US dollar can move like a yo-yo. Will Treasuries be left hanging?

With the US president levelling threats at enemies, allies and his own central bank, alternatives like gold and Chinese assets are gaining appeal.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China-EU relations

European leaders say the quiet part out loud: order no longer constrains power

EU leaders appear to have finally accepted they are facing a new era of great power competition – the question now is how they respond.

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China-Asean relations

Why China was so keen to get to alleged cybercrime boss Chen Zhi first

Young tycoon, who was indicted by the US in October, was extradited from Cambodia this month, accused of running a vast scam network.

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IPO

From labs to listings: capital markets are the next battleground in the AI race

Stock exchanges have become another barometer in the US-China tech rivalry as markets assess a wave of start-ups in real time.

Illustration: Henry Wong
US-China trade war

At America’s biggest retail show, the China question never really goes away

Tariffs may ebb and supply chains may detour, but US shoppers – and giants like Walmart and Amazon – still rely heavily on Chinese goods.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-Kuen
Crime in Hong Kong

Can Hong Kong find quick fixes for corruption in building maintenance sector?

Bid-rigging practices are back in spotlight following deadly Tai Po blaze but how widespread is the problem and how do syndicates work?

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US-China relations

Greenland meltdown: what does Trump’s quest mean for the global order and China?

Dispute over the Danish territory has strained Europe’s relationship with the US and it could force the EU to recalibrate ties with China.

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Science

The West cheered China’s coal-fired export ban. Then came the massive blackouts

Did Beijing’s decision to stop financing overseas coal plants after pressure from US and Europe lead to mass – yet avoidable – power cuts?

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
China jobs

Hong Kong degree is ‘passport’ to jobs in the world’s third-largest art market

Art graduates from the mainland, looking to expand their horizons and gain an edge in the job market, are flocking to Hong Kong for further study.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
China exports

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.

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Artificial intelligence

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.

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