Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

The “Haiyang Dizhi 2” research vessel completed its first deep-sea scientific mission of 2026 last Saturday, according to China’s Ministry of Natural Resources. Photo: CCTV

China tests submarine cable cutter at 3,500-metre depth

Trial described as bridging ‘last mile’ from deep-sea equipment development to engineering application, suggesting deployment is coming next.

2 minutes agovideocam

China unveils a powerful deep-sea cable cutter that could reset the world order

Science

Diplomacy

Strong China-Russia ties are stabilising force in ‘turbulent’ world: Xi Jinping

In Beijing, Chinese president tells Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ‘both sides should maintain strategic resolve’.

50 minutes agovideocam

Diplomacy

Trump will head to Beijing amid warming trend in sentiment about China at home

Pew research finds most Americans have negative views but positive opinions have nearly doubled since 2023.

2 hours agovideocam

Banking & Finance

Global funds fuel Hong Kong IPO rebound as investors rebalance China portfolios

AI, robotics and energy storage firms make up most of the record-high IPO pipeline of 520 hopefuls in Hong Kong, says Chan.

55 minutes ago

Science

Professor Zhang Kai started at USTC in China in January, describing it as the institution most likely to realise his academic ambitions. Photo: Handout

Zhang Kai: why I left Yale for China at the peak of my career in life science

China EVs

Brazil blacklists BYD, some foreign brands may exit China: 7 EV reads

From Telsa regaining world’s top spot to Chinese carmakers gaining rapid ground in Europe, here are seven EV stories you may have missed.

3 hours ago

BYD’s electric-vehicle factory construction site in Camaçari, Brazil, in December 2024. Photo: Reuters

China Economy

China publicly criticises fiscal spending by ‘imprudent’ local governments

Amid belt-tightening drive, spotlight falls on projects deemed not in the public interest, including millions of yuan spent on promotional songs.

2 hours ago

Politics

Singapore balances national interest with rising anti-US sentiment

Negative public sentiment does not immediately translate to worsening bilateral ties as the US remains an important partner, experts say.

9 minutes agovideocam

Business

From waste to bottle: the technology that gives packaging waste a verifiable second life

Dow’s digital tracking system in China proves to consumers and businesses how waste can be recycled into new products.

In partnership with:

Dow

Caption: Dow’s Track and Trace Platform makes it possible to follow a recycled bottle’s journey from disposal to its rebirth as a new plastic bottle. Photo: Shutterstock

Military

Chinese rocket force scientist Major General Feng Yufang dies aged 63

Feng advocated for self-reliance, once saying ‘core technologies cannot be bought and relying on imports will not get us far’.

6 hours agovideocam

Chinese state media announced on Tuesday that Major General Feng Yufang, a leading missile scientist with the PLA Rocket Force, had died aged 63. Photo: Handout

Diplomacy

Russian and Chinese envoys meet in Beijing to discuss Iran, Ukraine and Taiwan

Chinese readout warns of rising turmoil in veiled swipe at Washington and Trump as Beijing strengthens ties with Moscow.

15 Apr 2026 - 4:46AMvideocam

Global Economy

Hormuz blockade: shipping body slams transit fees as 20,000 seafarers stranded

A ‘retrograde’ toll proposal by Tehran risks similar charges in other vital waterways, warns global association for merchant shipowners and operators.

15 Apr 2026 - 11:00AMvideocam

Law and Crime

100‑metre ladders ‘unsuitable’ for narrow Hong Kong roads, Tai Po fire probe told

Fire Services Department explains its choice of equipment to fight blaze, while police stress buildings were thoroughly searched for survivors.

11 minutes ago

Seven out of Wang Fuk Court’s eight buildings were destroyed in the blaze. Photo: Sam Tsang

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong set to rise to No 2 global financial hub within 15 years: Paul Chan

Finance chief says city’s strengths are its stable environment and strong growth.

2 hours ago

Hong Kong retained its position as Asia’s top financial centre and ranked third globally. Photo: Jelly Tse

Economics

How India’s nuclear breakthrough could end reliance on energy imports

Success at the Kalpakkam prototype fast breeder reactor will allow India to generate energy using its abundant thorium reserves.

2 hours agovideocam

Politics

Leaked plan for US military overflights triggers sovereignty row in Indonesia

Internal warnings reveal a government split over risks that blanket access for US warplanes could drag Indonesia into foreign conflicts.

15 minutes ago

Hong Kong Economy

Could Middle East conflict dent turnout at Hong Kong Rugby Sevens?

Source at Kai Tak Sports Park says tournament will definitely feel an impact due to a noticeable drop in visitors from Middle East.

4 hours ago

Hong Kong Sevens is running from Friday to Sunday this week. Photo: Eugene Lee

Diplomacy

After ‘wonderful’ talks with Lebanon, Israel envoy says more dialogue coming

Sides commit to more engagement as Trump urges disarming Hezbollah, but analysts warn a durable Israel-Lebanon deal remains unlikely.

15 Apr 2026 - 9:46AMvideocam

Israeli air strikes on Lebanon have complicated the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Photo: AFP

People

South Korea’s former first couple endure a frosty courtroom reunion

The hearing lasted all of half an hour. Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife, appearing as a witness, made eye contact only once.

6 hours agovideocam

China

China and the US want rare earths. Brazil will share – on one condition

Move comes as Washington locks US$565 million deal with Brazil’s only operating rare earth mine.

15 Apr 2026 - 5:48AMvideocam

OPINION

Jeffrey Wu

Opinion | US controls chips in the AI race, but China controls the scoreboard

2 hours ago

Alex Lo

As I see it | KMT chief shows way forward to avoid blind confrontation with Beijing

15 Apr 2026 - 9:30AM

Letters

Letters | Hong Kong is the perfect complement to Dubai, not a replacement

15 Apr 2026 - 11:30AM

Syed Munir Khasru

Opinion | How Pakistan outmanoeuvred India in Iran war diplomacy with China’s help

15 Apr 2026 - 5:30AM

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Hong Kong’s U-turn on basketball betting a prudent move

15 Apr 2026 - 7:15AM

Harry’s View | 15 Apr 2026

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China tests submarine cable cutter at 3,500-metre depth

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As the conflict has intensified, more energy and civilian sites have been targeted in what is seen as a broader approach.

9 Apr 2026 - 9:26AMvideocam

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8 Apr 2026 - 11:10AMvideocam

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Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang

Kunyu Wanguo Quantu and maritime artefacts prove China explored the world earlier than Eurocentric accounts suggest, scholar argues.

13 Apr 2026 - 8:15AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Andrew Tilton on China’s economic trajectory in wake of Iran war

Goldman Sachs’ chief Asia-Pacific economist says worst is over in terms of property slump’s impact on China’s economic growth.

6 Apr 2026 - 10:01AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Kenneth Rogoff on why China’s yuan will be a reserve currency within 5 years

Harvard economist explains why cryptocurrencies will never take the US dollar’s place, despite their popularity in underground economies.

30 Mar 2026 - 10:03AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

As investors await Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences, two experts discuss the assets’ integration with the city’s economy – and the world’s.

25 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

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Shanghai Gigafactory has potential to build humanoid robots: Tesla China head

Shanghai Gigafactory could be a ‘golden key’ to advancing Elon Musk’s hopes of commercialising the technology swiftly, Tesla China head says.

14 Apr 2026 - 9:02PM

A Tesla robot on display at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. Tesla has said it is transforming itself into a physical AI firm. Photo: AFP

China EVs

Brazil blacklists BYD, some foreign brands may exit China: 7 EV reads

From Telsa regaining world’s top spot to Chinese carmakers gaining rapid ground in Europe, here are seven EV stories you may have missed.

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Chinese robotics firms focus on quadrupeds as major revenue drivers

The newly established AgiQuad, a separate subsidiary under Shanghai-based AgiBot, is targeting US$73 million in revenue this year.

15 Apr 2026 - 7:00AM

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Why Sigenergy’s IPO ignited market frenzy with oversubscription of 1,000 times

Sigenergy and Guoxia are gaining traction as investors eye a major shift to AI in the renewable energy storage sector.

14 Apr 2026 - 9:40PM

Visitors at the Sigenergy booth during the Solar and Storage Live Africa show in Johannesburg, South Africa, March 25, 2026. Photo: Xinhua

Diplomacy

Why the US may need more than just fixing gaps to rival China on rare earths

Washington’s mining ambitions may be complicated by the erosion of industrial know-how and a weak education pipeline, experts say.

14 Apr 2026 - 8:55AMvideocam

China Economy

Vocational schools a new front as China backs businesses’ global expansion

Earlier programmes focused on infrastructure, but new wave is shaped by demand in e-commerce, digital services and advanced manufacturing.

11 Apr 2026 - 6:06AM

Military

The US could be moving away from precision strikes in the Iran war. Here’s why

As the conflict has intensified, more energy and civilian sites have been targeted in what is seen as a broader approach.

9 Apr 2026 - 9:26AMvideocam

Politics

What next for the struggling rural mothers in China who helped to build AI?

Data-labelling workshops once hailed as a solution in the country’s poverty alleviation campaign face a painful reckoning.

5 Apr 2026 - 6:10AMvideocam

China tests submarine cable cutter at 3,500-metre depth

Trial described as bridging ‘last mile’ from deep-sea equipment development to engineering application, suggesting deployment is coming next.

China unveils a powerful deep-sea cable cutter that could reset the world order

Strong China-Russia ties are stabilising force in ‘turbulent’ world: Xi Jinping

In Beijing, Chinese president tells Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov ‘both sides should maintain strategic resolve’.

Trump will head to Beijing amid warming trend in sentiment about China at home

Pew research finds most Americans have negative views but positive opinions have nearly doubled since 2023.

Global funds fuel Hong Kong IPO rebound as investors rebalance China portfolios

AI, robotics and energy storage firms make up most of the record-high IPO pipeline of 520 hopefuls in Hong Kong, says Chan.

Zhang Kai: why I left Yale for China at the peak of my career in life science

Brazil blacklists BYD, some foreign brands may exit China: 7 EV reads

From Telsa regaining world’s top spot to Chinese carmakers gaining rapid ground in Europe, here are seven EV stories you may have missed.

China publicly criticises fiscal spending by ‘imprudent’ local governments

Amid belt-tightening drive, spotlight falls on projects deemed not in the public interest, including millions of yuan spent on promotional songs.

Singapore balances national interest with rising anti-US sentiment

Negative public sentiment does not immediately translate to worsening bilateral ties as the US remains an important partner, experts say.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}From waste to bottle: the technology that gives packaging waste a verifiable second life

Dow’s digital tracking system in China proves to consumers and businesses how waste can be recycled into new products.

Chinese rocket force scientist Major General Feng Yufang dies aged 63

Feng advocated for self-reliance, once saying ‘core technologies cannot be bought and relying on imports will not get us far’.

Russian and Chinese envoys meet in Beijing to discuss Iran, Ukraine and Taiwan

Chinese readout warns of rising turmoil in veiled swipe at Washington and Trump as Beijing strengthens ties with Moscow.

Hormuz blockade: shipping body slams transit fees as 20,000 seafarers stranded

A ‘retrograde’ toll proposal by Tehran risks similar charges in other vital waterways, warns global association for merchant shipowners and operators.

100‑metre ladders ‘unsuitable’ for narrow Hong Kong roads, Tai Po fire probe told

Fire Services Department explains its choice of equipment to fight blaze, while police stress buildings were thoroughly searched for survivors.

Hong Kong set to rise to No 2 global financial hub within 15 years: Paul Chan

Finance chief says city’s strengths are its stable environment and strong growth.

How India’s nuclear breakthrough could end reliance on energy imports

Success at the Kalpakkam prototype fast breeder reactor will allow India to generate energy using its abundant thorium reserves.

Leaked plan for US military overflights triggers sovereignty row in Indonesia

Internal warnings reveal a government split over risks that blanket access for US warplanes could drag Indonesia into foreign conflicts.

Could Middle East conflict dent turnout at Hong Kong Rugby Sevens?

Source at Kai Tak Sports Park says tournament will definitely feel an impact due to a noticeable drop in visitors from Middle East.

After ‘wonderful’ talks with Lebanon, Israel envoy says more dialogue coming

Sides commit to more engagement as Trump urges disarming Hezbollah, but analysts warn a durable Israel-Lebanon deal remains unlikely.

South Korea’s former first couple endure a frosty courtroom reunion

The hearing lasted all of half an hour. Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife, appearing as a witness, made eye contact only once.

China and the US want rare earths. Brazil will share – on one condition

Move comes as Washington locks US$565 million deal with Brazil’s only operating rare earth mine.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | US controls chips in the AI race, but China controls the scoreboard

As I see it | KMT chief shows way forward to avoid blind confrontation with Beijing

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Hong Kong is the perfect complement to Dubai, not a replacement

Opinion | How Pakistan outmanoeuvred India in Iran war diplomacy with China’s help

Editorial | Hong Kong’s U-turn on basketball betting a prudent move

China tests submarine cable cutter at 3,500-metre depth

Explainer: What is a death doula – and why is Nicole Kidman becoming one?

Your Hong Kong weekend drinks guide for April 17-19

Meet Robin Dearden, wife of Malcolm in the Middle star Bryan Cranston

Ice cream brand hit over ‘soft porn vibes’ after comparing product to ballet shoes

Who is Hacks actress Jean Smart’s boyfriend, Joe Pacheco?

Pakistan seeks to shield Gulf states as US-Iran talks set to resume

Mega-events drive 14% year-on-year rise in Hong Kong tourist arrivals in March

How Japan’s kabuki theatre legacies are kept in the family

Incoming Hungarian leader vows to suspend state news broadcasts

Iran war: is the US shifting away from its strategy of precision strikes?

As the conflict has intensified, more energy and civilian sites have been targeted in what is seen as a broader approach.

What is the war on Iran teaching China about the United States’ resilience?

How lessons from Iran war could shape mainland China’s Taiwan calculus

Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang

Kunyu Wanguo Quantu and maritime artefacts prove China explored the world earlier than Eurocentric accounts suggest, scholar argues.

Open Questions | Andrew Tilton on China’s economic trajectory in wake of Iran war

Goldman Sachs’ chief Asia-Pacific economist says worst is over in terms of property slump’s impact on China’s economic growth.

Open Questions | Kenneth Rogoff on why China’s yuan will be a reserve currency within 5 years

Harvard economist explains why cryptocurrencies will never take the US dollar’s place, despite their popularity in underground economies.

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

As investors await Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences, two experts discuss the assets’ integration with the city’s economy – and the world’s.

Shanghai Gigafactory has potential to build humanoid robots: Tesla China head

Shanghai Gigafactory could be a ‘golden key’ to advancing Elon Musk’s hopes of commercialising the technology swiftly, Tesla China head says.

Brazil blacklists BYD, some foreign brands may exit China: 7 EV reads

From Telsa regaining world’s top spot to Chinese carmakers gaining rapid ground in Europe, here are seven EV stories you may have missed.

Chinese robotics firms focus on quadrupeds as major revenue drivers

The newly established AgiQuad, a separate subsidiary under Shanghai-based AgiBot, is targeting US$73 million in revenue this year.

Why Sigenergy’s IPO ignited market frenzy with oversubscription of 1,000 times

Sigenergy and Guoxia are gaining traction as investors eye a major shift to AI in the renewable energy storage sector.

Why the US may need more than just fixing gaps to rival China on rare earths

Washington’s mining ambitions may be complicated by the erosion of industrial know-how and a weak education pipeline, experts say.

Vocational schools a new front as China backs businesses’ global expansion

Earlier programmes focused on infrastructure, but new wave is shaped by demand in e-commerce, digital services and advanced manufacturing.

The US could be moving away from precision strikes in the Iran war. Here’s why

From waste to bottle: the technology that gives packaging waste a verifiable second life

Opinion | US controls chips in the AI race, but China controls the scoreboard

Letters | Hong Kong is the perfect complement to Dubai, not a replacement