Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Bangladesh's acquisition of a simulator for the JF-17 Thunder signals “serious intent to field modern fighters”, an observer says. Photo: Handout

Why Bangladesh could raise Indian red flags by buying a China-Pakistan fighter jet

Dhaka could be boosting its air power with the reported acquisition of a JF-17 flight simulator.

4 hours agovideocam

China confirms it helped Pakistan’s air force during last year’s war with India

China's military weapons

United States & Canada

Gunman dies after being shot by US Secret Service near White House

Trump was at the White House at the time working to negotiate a deal with Iran.

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Politics

Who has the better chance of inheriting Trump’s Maga movement: Vance or Rubio?

Analysts say the American vice-president and secretary of state are trying to prove loyalty without becoming political liabilities.

23 May 2026 - 10:03PM

Society

Hong Kong holds off on LGBTQ publicity drive. Is a community being forgotten?

Advocacy groups and lawmaker raise concerns over shrinking publicity spending by task force responsible for promoting sexual diversity.

1 hour ago

Economy

President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at the Unesco headquarters in Paris on March 27, 2014. Photo: AFP

‘Natural’ choice: why Unesco’s new STEM education centre is based in Shanghai

Middle East

Trump says Iran deal and opening of Strait of Hormuz are ‘largely negotiated’

The US president says the final details of the agreement would be revealed ‘shortly’.

5 hours agovideocam

The Malta-flagged tanker Agios Fanourios I sailed through the Strait of Hormuz, arriving in Iraq’s territorial waters off Basra in April. Photo: Reuters

Climate and energy

Middle East tensions complicate Beijing’s push to curb China solar overcapacity

Energy-security fears are slowing Beijing’s solar capacity cuts, deepening a ‘fight to the death’ among manufacturers trapped in a price war.

56 minutes ago

Politics

Budget cuts leave Thailand’s twin-sea navy at risk of falling behind

With submarine projects stalled and frigate funding cut, Thailand’s fleet risks being outpaced by regional rivals.

2 hours 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.

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Cityscape Global

Military

Is China building the world’s largest naval support ship?

Photos of a giant hull released by state-owned shipbuilder trigger speculation that the vessel will be used to supply carrier groups.

23 May 2026 - 9:00PM

The hull was pictured in the background of the shipyard. Photo: qq.com

Transport

Screams as 10 hurt in ‘drop tower’ turbulence on Cathay flight from Brisbane

Passenger describes experience as similar to ‘free-falling from a drop tower’, with severe altitude drop just before meals served.

23 May 2026 - 10:12PM

South Asia

Rubio renews US ties with India after Trump’s China visit

The US secretary of state called India a natural partner and invited PM Modi to the White House.

24 May 2026 - 12:51AMvideocam

China

82 killed in China’s worst coal mine accident for more than a decade

More than 100 survivors treated in hospital after the explosion in Shanxi and executives from the mining firm have been detained.

23 May 2026 - 11:42PMvideocam

Rescue workers at the scene at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Qinyuan county, Shanxi province, on Saturday. Photo: Xinhua

Diplomacy

Pakistani prime minister visits China amid ongoing Middle East peace drive

The two countries are also predicted to mark a significant diplomatic anniversary by further deepening their long-standing relationship.

23 May 2026 - 7:55PMvideocam

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is hoping to strengthen the country’s economic ties with China. Photo: AFP

Europe

‘Fjord’ by Romania’s Mungiu wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

The film stars Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve as a couple who have their children taken from them by child services for spanking them.

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Diplomacy

Why the largest-ever US-Philippine drill, and Japan’s role, makes China uneasy

The scale of this year’s Balikatan exercise has been described as part of a trend that will ‘exacerbate regional instability’.

23 May 2026 - 7:53PMvideocam

Science

Why China is looking to coal waste as a source of critical metals

China is leaning into its industrial strengths to extract germanium, aluminium, lithium and gallium from fossil fuel.

23 May 2026 - 7:07PMvideocam

Amid a global energy shortage, coal piles sit near a chemical plant in Datong, as China turns coal into critical metals. Photo: AP

Politics

Why Sara Duterte is altering tone on South China Sea dispute

The vice-president’s calls to ‘defend sovereignty’ are an attempt to please voters at home while not alienating Beijing, experts say.

23 May 2026 - 3:00PMvideocam

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte delivers a statement following her impeachment on February 7. Photo: Reuters

Society

Hong Kong’s astronaut to gather data using observatory created by local teams

Payload specialist Lai Ka-ying will collect data on greenhouse gas emissions using imaging equipment that is being hailed as world first.

23 May 2026 - 10:31PM

Politics

Will China’s residency changes to social insurance unlock economic growth?

The State Council’s decision to decouple household registration from welfare services could have benefits for society as a whole, analysts say.

23 May 2026 - 5:00PM

OPINION

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US President Donald Trump listening to a speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping at a state banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, last week. Photo: Reuters

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China will buy at least US$17 billion of US farm goods annually, White House says

The agreement was struck at the recent summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to US fact sheet.

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Regardless of the meeting’s outcome, the trend towards resolution of the Taiwan question won’t change, according to the Tsinghua academic.

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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.

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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’.

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China Economy

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

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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.

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

Banking & Finance

China’s property developers seek semiconductor salvation with chip side-hustles

Unprofitable real estate firms see shares soar after buying into silicon assets, and analysts weigh whether it is a safe bet or banking on a big bailout.

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China AI firms Zhipu, MiniMax to join Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Tech Index

Additions to the benchmark Hang Seng Index, meanwhile, increase the number of constituents to 93 as the bourse operator presses ahead with expansion to 100.

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Policy

China rejects claims of curbing US tech funding as Beijing pursues self-reliance

While reaffirming Beijing’s openness, the NDRC also stressed its support for home-grown AI and semiconductor industries.

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Putin left China, with no pipeline deal. Why is the valve still closed?

Though this week’s China-Russia summit featured many agreements, none progressed the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline.

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Science

China swaps Middle East oil for Xinjiang coal. What does it mean for the world?

With the war in Iran choking global oil supplies, China is tapping its 390 billion tonnes of coal reserves to build its own energy source.

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How a remote patch of Gobi Desert became central to China’s national security

A national energy and chemical hub being built on a 15,500 sq m site in the Gobi Desert is set to modernise coal mining.

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Putin is pushing for a ‘serious’ new energy deal in China. Will he get it?

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Why Bangladesh could raise Indian red flags by buying a China-Pakistan fighter jet

Dhaka could be boosting its air power with the reported acquisition of a JF-17 flight simulator.

China confirms it helped Pakistan’s air force during last year’s war with India

Gunman dies after being shot by US Secret Service near White House

Trump was at the White House at the time working to negotiate a deal with Iran.

Who has the better chance of inheriting Trump’s Maga movement: Vance or Rubio?

Analysts say the American vice-president and secretary of state are trying to prove loyalty without becoming political liabilities.

Hong Kong holds off on LGBTQ publicity drive. Is a community being forgotten?

Advocacy groups and lawmaker raise concerns over shrinking publicity spending by task force responsible for promoting sexual diversity.

‘Natural’ choice: why Unesco’s new STEM education centre is based in Shanghai

Trump says Iran deal and opening of Strait of Hormuz are ‘largely negotiated’

The US president says the final details of the agreement would be revealed ‘shortly’.

Middle East tensions complicate Beijing’s push to curb China solar overcapacity

Energy-security fears are slowing Beijing’s solar capacity cuts, deepening a ‘fight to the death’ among manufacturers trapped in a price war.

Budget cuts leave Thailand’s twin-sea navy at risk of falling behind

With submarine projects stalled and frigate funding cut, Thailand’s fleet risks being outpaced by regional rivals.

.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.

Is China building the world’s largest naval support ship?

Photos of a giant hull released by state-owned shipbuilder trigger speculation that the vessel will be used to supply carrier groups.

Screams as 10 hurt in ‘drop tower’ turbulence on Cathay flight from Brisbane

Passenger describes experience as similar to ‘free-falling from a drop tower’, with severe altitude drop just before meals served.

Rubio renews US ties with India after Trump’s China visit

The US secretary of state called India a natural partner and invited PM Modi to the White House.

82 killed in China’s worst coal mine accident for more than a decade

More than 100 survivors treated in hospital after the explosion in Shanxi and executives from the mining firm have been detained.

Pakistani prime minister visits China amid ongoing Middle East peace drive

The two countries are also predicted to mark a significant diplomatic anniversary by further deepening their long-standing relationship.

‘Fjord’ by Romania’s Mungiu wins Palme d’Or at Cannes

The film stars Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve as a couple who have their children taken from them by child services for spanking them.

Why the largest-ever US-Philippine drill, and Japan’s role, makes China uneasy

The scale of this year’s Balikatan exercise has been described as part of a trend that will ‘exacerbate regional instability’.

Why China is looking to coal waste as a source of critical metals

China is leaning into its industrial strengths to extract germanium, aluminium, lithium and gallium from fossil fuel.

Why Sara Duterte is altering tone on South China Sea dispute

The vice-president’s calls to ‘defend sovereignty’ are an attempt to please voters at home while not alienating Beijing, experts say.

Hong Kong’s astronaut to gather data using observatory created by local teams

Payload specialist Lai Ka-ying will collect data on greenhouse gas emissions using imaging equipment that is being hailed as world first.

Will China’s residency changes to social insurance unlock economic growth?

The State Council’s decision to decouple household registration from welfare services could have benefits for society as a whole, analysts say.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | In a fractured world, Hong Kong must seize its Apec moment

Editorial | Law on advance medical directives will help ensure dignity at end of life

Editorial | Indie hit Dear You shows the power of storytelling over big budgets

Opinion | Hong Kong can turn Hung Shui Kiu into a northwest stronghold

My Take | Chinese orchids bring a message of hope to Chelsea Flower Show

Hayes turns to three-year-olds in bid to keep in touch with title leaders

Middle East tensions complicate Beijing’s push to curb China solar overcapacity

Opinion | In a fractured world, Hong Kong must seize its Apec moment

Hong Kong holds off on LGBTQ publicity drive. Is a community being forgotten?

‘Natural’ choice: why Unesco’s new STEM education centre is based in Shanghai

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | How a rural French town became the cradle of Chinese communism

China boy wants to raise silkworms to create silk quilt; parents buy 10,000 seeds

Hong Kong Soccer Sevens aiding former Premier League stars’ coaching ambitions

Budget cuts leave Thailand’s twin-sea navy at risk of falling behind

This week in PostMag: a nostalgic celebration of food, glorious food

China will buy at least US$17 billion of US farm goods annually, White House says

The agreement was struck at the recent summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to US fact sheet.

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

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

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Open Questions | Mainland China’s Wu Yongping on what the Xi-Trump summit means for Taiwan

Regardless of the meeting’s outcome, the trend towards resolution of the Taiwan question won’t change, according to the Tsinghua academic.

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.

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.

China’s property developers seek semiconductor salvation with chip side-hustles

Unprofitable real estate firms see shares soar after buying into silicon assets, and analysts weigh whether it is a safe bet or banking on a big bailout.

China AI firms Zhipu, MiniMax to join Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Tech Index

Additions to the benchmark Hang Seng Index, meanwhile, increase the number of constituents to 93 as the bourse operator presses ahead with expansion to 100.

China rejects claims of curbing US tech funding as Beijing pursues self-reliance

While reaffirming Beijing’s openness, the NDRC also stressed its support for home-grown AI and semiconductor industries.

Putin left China, with no pipeline deal. Why is the valve still closed?

Though this week’s China-Russia summit featured many agreements, none progressed the long-delayed Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline.

China swaps Middle East oil for Xinjiang coal. What does it mean for the world?

With the war in Iran choking global oil supplies, China is tapping its 390 billion tonnes of coal reserves to build its own energy source.

How a remote patch of Gobi Desert became central to China’s national security

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

Opinion | In a fractured world, Hong Kong must seize its Apec moment

Video | How a rural French town became the cradle of Chinese communism

Open Questions | Mainland China’s Wu Yongping on what the Xi-Trump summit means for Taiwan