Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Is China becoming Europe’s top science partner amid an American brain drain?

‘Massive changes in the global flow of talent’ are creating opportunities, according to the head of Germany’s Max Planck Society.

3 hours agovideocam

US lawmakers move to mandate first comprehensive review of China’s AI advances

Science

Diplomacy

How will Beijing judge Trump’s take on Taiwan? Look for 1 critical factor

For Beijing, the island is the biggest issue in China-US relations and has the potential to lead to conflict.

16 May 2026 - 10:06PMvideocam

Global Economy

China, US agree to establish trade, investment councils after Xi-Trump summit

The world’s two biggest economies also agree to roll back tariffs, deepen investment and establish a new board to manage disputes.

16 May 2026 - 11:05PM

Health & Environment

Man infected with rat hepatitis E, Hong Kong’s first case this year

Patient, 42, says he did not encounter rodents at home or at work before positive test on May 5, while three household contacts remain asymptomatic.

16 May 2026 - 11:30PM

Infographic

A comprehensive visual guide to Trump’s 2026 state visit to China

Global Economy

Bought the farm? Details still fuzzy on scope of US-China agriculture deal

China granted five-year export licenses to 77 US beef facilities, while renewing expired licenses of 425 other plants for another five years.

16 May 2026 - 10:06PM

Imported soybeans from Brazil are seen in a cargo vessel at a port in Yantai, in China’s eastern Shandong province. Photo: AFP

Diplomacy

How China and the US felt the weight of history behind Trump and Xi’s meeting

Both sides have been sending out similar signals after this week’s summit as they stress the importance of the occasion.

16 May 2026 - 9:16PMvideocam

Economics

Vietnam’s US$5 billion Apec island is running out of time

Phu Quoc is a test case for Vietnam’s build-fast model. But with 18 months to go, the island is short of workers, diesel and hotel rooms.

49 minutes ago

International

Global real estate event in Riyadh sees record transactions amid growing influence in sector

Cityscape Global achieves more than US$63 billion as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a major investment hub for urban development.

In partnership with:

Cityscape Global

United States & Canada

Canadian cruise passenger gets a presumptive positive hantavirus test result

The patient, who was on the MV Hondius where the outbreak began, shows mild symptoms including a fever and headache.

2 hours ago

The cruise ship MV Hondius leaves the port of Granadilla de Abona, Tenerife, Spain on May 11. Photo: Reuters

Diplomacy

After China-US reset, Putin heads to Beijing for Sino-Russian strategic refresh

Latest trip could allow leaders to align positions on recent geopolitical developments days after Donald Trump’s high-profile visit.

16 May 2026 - 7:16PMvideocam

Diplomacy

China confirms deal to buy US aircraft after Donald Trump’s visit

Ministry of Commerce’s statement follows US president’s comments that Beijing had agreed to buy at least 200 jets from Boeing.

16 May 2026 - 10:02PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Is China’s new mediation body gaining steam as Western brokers’ influence wanes?

Summit encourages countries to join Beijing-led initiative as stalled US-Iran peace talks reveal limits of traditional solution mechanisms.

16 May 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

Cui Jianchun, commissioner of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong, addresses a summit of the International Organisation for Mediation held in Hong Kong last Friday. Photo: Xinhua

Chinese Zodiac

Is the Year of the Horse’s fourth month lucky for you? Forecasts for all signs

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan breaks down this lunar month’s prospects for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs in work, finances, romance and health.

2 hours ago

How’s your luck in the Year of the Horse’s fourth month? Feng shui master Andrew Kwan gives his predictions for all 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs. Photo: Shutterstock

SERIES: Trump’s 2026 trip to China

Trump talks about Taiwan, espionage, trade deals and future meetings with Xi

US president wraps up ‘historic’ three-day visit with tea and a working lunch.

15 May 2026 - 10:50PMvideocam

111

Middle East

Gaza: Israel kills Hamas leader as deaths mount despite ceasefire

Izz al-Din al-Haddad, born 1970, was killed in the attack by Israel. A joint funeral was held on Saturday for Haddad, his wife and their 19-year-old daughter.

16 May 2026 - 11:20PMvideocam

Southeast Asia

Bangkok train-bus crash kills 8, Thai PM orders investigation

Eight people were killed and more than 30 injured after a goods train collided with a bus in a busy downtown intersection.

16 May 2026 - 9:50PM

Rescuers work at a train crash site near an airport rail link station in Bangkok, Thailand, on Saturday. Photo: AP

Europe

Timmy, the stranded whale that captivated Germany, found dead in Denmark

The animal had recently been released in the North Sea after an expensive and controversial rescue operation.

5 hours ago

Helpers use straps to try to pull a stranded humpback whale in Fährdorf, Germany, in April. Photo: dpa via AP

Hong Kong Economy

Is AI adoption causing ‘utilitarian’ employers to reduce entry-level hiring?

University graduates are recalibrating their expectations in market where number of vacancies has fallen by 61 per cent since 2022.

16 May 2026 - 9:26PM

Africa

Rwandan genocide suspect Kabuga dies in custody in The Hague at age 91

Accused of bankrolling the mass killing of the Tutsis, Kabuga was declared unfit to continue standing trial because he had dementia.

5 hours ago

LATEST

49 minutes ago

Boxing

Hong Kong boxer’s world title quest, wants Chris Eubank Jnr, Conor Benn fights

49 minutes ago

Economics

Vietnam’s US$5 billion Apec island is running out of time

50 minutes ago

Travel

From Hamburg to Hong Kong, the art of the tourist nap explained

1 hour ago

Europe

Bulgaria’s Dara wins Eurovision contest, beating out Israel for top spot

2 hours ago

Opinion

Editorial | Those lonely but not alone also deserve Hong Kong’s attention

2 hours ago

Chinese Zodiac

Is the Year of the Horse’s fourth month lucky for you? Forecasts for all signs

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Opinion

Editorial | Hong Kong’s trees can serve as barometers amid climate change

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United States & Canada

Canadian cruise passenger gets a presumptive positive hantavirus test result

3 hours ago

Science

Is China becoming Europe’s top science partner amid an American brain drain?

3 hours ago

Celebrities

Meet Natalie Alyn Lind, who plays Carter’s friend Oreana in Dutton Ranch

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SCMP Series

Trump’s 2026 trip to China

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SCMP Series Trump’s 2026 trip to China

Trump and his CEOs want China’s business – but has Asia moved on?

The US delegation went to Beijing looking for deals, but a ‘super cycle’ of capital expenditures across Asia is already fuelling enormous growth.

6-MIN READvideocam

The Xi-Trump summit is over. What comes next in the US-China rivalry?

5-MIN READvideocam

Trump holds his fire: China state visit reveals diplomatic turn on social media

2-MIN READvideocam

Open Questions series

Politics

Open Questions | Taiwan’s Cheng Li-wun on cross-strait peace, meeting Xi and managing US ties

Kuomintang chairwoman says hostility towards mainland is a product of political engineering that does not reflect reality of Taiwan.

17-MIN READvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Bai Chongen on China’s new economic paradigm and closing the US tech gap

Top economist explains how China has less in common with 1990s Japan than many think – and why talk of Chinese overcapacity is often ‘imprecise’.

13-MIN READvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Why China’s yuan faces the same ‘illusions’ that stalled the euro: Daniel Gros

Former European economic adviser says Beijing’s bid to build an international currency will hinge on leaders allowing it to fluctuate freely.

10-MIN READvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

15-MIN READvideocam

Key Industries:

Big Tech

China’s booming tech exports give Beijing ‘wind in its sails’ for Trump summit

The role of tech products in April’s trade data reflects how computing-related goods are a ‘new and important growth driver’ for exports.

3-MIN READ

Chinese trade received a significant boost from the technology sector in April. Photo: Shutterstock Images

China Business

Peugeot, Jeep take on Chinese rivals with new models using local EV tech

Peugeot and Jeep are following in the footsteps of Hyundai Motor’s Ioniq to regain lost ground in mainland China.

3-MIN READ

Tech

Trump, Xi weigh AI ‘guardrails’ as Nvidia chip exports hang in the balance

Meeting in Beijing, the presidents weighed safety protocols for the rapidly emerging technology, and H200 chip shipments were a ‘sovereign decision’ for ‌China.

2-MIN READ

Big Tech

Trump poured millions into tech giants seeking China deal, ethics filing shows

In the first quarter, Trump made at least nine trades in Nvidia, with transaction values ranging from US$1,001 to US$5 million.

2-MIN READ

US President Donald Trump gestures as he departs Beijing Capital International Airport aboard Air Force One, in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Reuters

China

Handshakes of history: when Chinese and US leaders meet - an infographic

US President Donald Trump visited Beijing on May 13-15, 2026. Explore the meetings that have helped shape one of the world's most consequential bilateral relationships.

1-MIN READ

Handshakes of history: when Chinese and US leaders meet - an infographic

Diplomacy

Latest US-China rivalry combines undersea dominance with a race to riches

Ahead of leaders’ summit in Beijing next week, experts point to a high-stakes competition that features military and mining technologies.

7-MIN READvideocam

China Economy

Why US commercial stakes are ‘too high for Trump to ignore’ on China visit

After the US$37 billion, 300-plane deal from Trump’s last visit stalled, industry observers say the next one could be more flexible.

6-MIN READvideocam

Diplomacy

Will warming Arctic trigger further chill in US-China relations?

The prospect of opening up new sea lanes presents both challenges and opportunities for the rival powers, analysts say.

6-MIN READvideocam

Is China becoming Europe’s top science partner amid an American brain drain?

‘Massive changes in the global flow of talent’ are creating opportunities, according to the head of Germany’s Max Planck Society.

US lawmakers move to mandate first comprehensive review of China’s AI advances

How will Beijing judge Trump’s take on Taiwan? Look for 1 critical factor

For Beijing, the island is the biggest issue in China-US relations and has the potential to lead to conflict.

China, US agree to establish trade, investment councils after Xi-Trump summit

The world’s two biggest economies also agree to roll back tariffs, deepen investment and establish a new board to manage disputes.

Man infected with rat hepatitis E, Hong Kong’s first case this year

Patient, 42, says he did not encounter rodents at home or at work before positive test on May 5, while three household contacts remain asymptomatic.

A comprehensive visual guide to Trump’s 2026 state visit to China

Bought the farm? Details still fuzzy on scope of US-China agriculture deal

China granted five-year export licenses to 77 US beef facilities, while renewing expired licenses of 425 other plants for another five years.

How China and the US felt the weight of history behind Trump and Xi’s meeting

Both sides have been sending out similar signals after this week’s summit as they stress the importance of the occasion.

Vietnam’s US$5 billion Apec island is running out of time

Phu Quoc is a test case for Vietnam’s build-fast model. But with 18 months to go, the island is short of workers, diesel and hotel rooms.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}Global real estate event in Riyadh sees record transactions amid growing influence in sector

Cityscape Global achieves more than US$63 billion as Saudi Arabia positions itself as a major investment hub for urban development.

Canadian cruise passenger gets a presumptive positive hantavirus test result

The patient, who was on the MV Hondius where the outbreak began, shows mild symptoms including a fever and headache.

After China-US reset, Putin heads to Beijing for Sino-Russian strategic refresh

Latest trip could allow leaders to align positions on recent geopolitical developments days after Donald Trump’s high-profile visit.

China confirms deal to buy US aircraft after Donald Trump’s visit

Ministry of Commerce’s statement follows US president’s comments that Beijing had agreed to buy at least 200 jets from Boeing.

Is China’s new mediation body gaining steam as Western brokers’ influence wanes?

Summit encourages countries to join Beijing-led initiative as stalled US-Iran peace talks reveal limits of traditional solution mechanisms.

Is the Year of the Horse’s fourth month lucky for you? Forecasts for all signs

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan breaks down this lunar month’s prospects for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs in work, finances, romance and health.

Trump talks about Taiwan, espionage, trade deals and future meetings with Xi

US president wraps up ‘historic’ three-day visit with tea and a working lunch.

Gaza: Israel kills Hamas leader as deaths mount despite ceasefire

Izz al-Din al-Haddad, born 1970, was killed in the attack by Israel. A joint funeral was held on Saturday for Haddad, his wife and their 19-year-old daughter.

Bangkok train-bus crash kills 8, Thai PM orders investigation

Eight people were killed and more than 30 injured after a goods train collided with a bus in a busy downtown intersection.

Timmy, the stranded whale that captivated Germany, found dead in Denmark

The animal had recently been released in the North Sea after an expensive and controversial rescue operation.

Is AI adoption causing ‘utilitarian’ employers to reduce entry-level hiring?

University graduates are recalibrating their expectations in market where number of vacancies has fallen by 61 per cent since 2022.

Rwandan genocide suspect Kabuga dies in custody in The Hague at age 91

Accused of bankrolling the mass killing of the Tutsis, Kabuga was declared unfit to continue standing trial because he had dementia.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | How China is making the most of the US’ faltering global leadership

Opinion | Trump’s China visit hints the ‘2 eyes of the world’ can learn to live together

Editorial | Those lonely but not alone also deserve Hong Kong’s attention

Editorial | Hong Kong’s trees can serve as barometers amid climate change

Macroscope | Global stock markets are bubbling along on unjustified optimism

Hong Kong boxer’s world title quest, wants Chris Eubank Jnr, Conor Benn fights

Vietnam’s US$5 billion Apec island is running out of time

From Hamburg to Hong Kong, the art of the tourist nap explained

Bulgaria’s Dara wins Eurovision contest, beating out Israel for top spot

Editorial | Those lonely but not alone also deserve Hong Kong’s attention

Is the Year of the Horse’s fourth month lucky for you? Forecasts for all signs

Editorial | Hong Kong’s trees can serve as barometers amid climate change

Canadian cruise passenger gets a presumptive positive hantavirus test result

Is China becoming Europe’s top science partner amid an American brain drain?

Meet Natalie Alyn Lind, who plays Carter’s friend Oreana in Dutton Ranch

Trump and his CEOs want China’s business – but has Asia moved on?

The US delegation went to Beijing looking for deals, but a ‘super cycle’ of capital expenditures across Asia is already fuelling enormous growth.

The Xi-Trump summit is over. What comes next in the US-China rivalry?

Trump holds his fire: China state visit reveals diplomatic turn on social media

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Open Questions | Taiwan’s Cheng Li-wun on cross-strait peace, meeting Xi and managing US ties

Kuomintang chairwoman says hostility towards mainland is a product of political engineering that does not reflect reality of Taiwan.

Open Questions | Bai Chongen on China’s new economic paradigm and closing the US tech gap

Top economist explains how China has less in common with 1990s Japan than many think – and why talk of Chinese overcapacity is often ‘imprecise’.

Open Questions | Why China’s yuan faces the same ‘illusions’ that stalled the euro: Daniel Gros

Former European economic adviser says Beijing’s bid to build an international currency will hinge on leaders allowing it to fluctuate freely.

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

China’s booming tech exports give Beijing ‘wind in its sails’ for Trump summit

The role of tech products in April’s trade data reflects how computing-related goods are a ‘new and important growth driver’ for exports.

Peugeot, Jeep take on Chinese rivals with new models using local EV tech

Peugeot and Jeep are following in the footsteps of Hyundai Motor’s Ioniq to regain lost ground in mainland China.

Trump, Xi weigh AI ‘guardrails’ as Nvidia chip exports hang in the balance

Meeting in Beijing, the presidents weighed safety protocols for the rapidly emerging technology, and H200 chip shipments were a ‘sovereign decision’ for ‌China.

Trump poured millions into tech giants seeking China deal, ethics filing shows

In the first quarter, Trump made at least nine trades in Nvidia, with transaction values ranging from US$1,001 to US$5 million.

Handshakes of history: when Chinese and US leaders meet - an infographic

US President Donald Trump visited Beijing on May 13-15, 2026. Explore the meetings that have helped shape one of the world's most consequential bilateral relationships.

Latest US-China rivalry combines undersea dominance with a race to riches

Ahead of leaders’ summit in Beijing next week, experts point to a high-stakes competition that features military and mining technologies.

Why US commercial stakes are ‘too high for Trump to ignore’ on China visit

Global real estate event in Riyadh sees record transactions amid growing influence in sector

Opinion | How China is making the most of the US’ faltering global leadership

Open Questions | Taiwan’s Cheng Li-wun on cross-strait peace, meeting Xi and managing US ties