Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Ngo Bao Chau says he wants to help turn Asia into a powerhouse of maths and science. Photo: Handout

Things ‘I do not like’ led me to quit US for Hong Kong, top mathematician says

The academic also says he is motivated by his vision to make Asia an intellectual powerhouse for science and learning.

57 minutes agovideocam

China’s award-winning mathematician Wan Daqing leaves California for Chongqing

Science

Economic Indicators

China’s economy starts 2026 strongly as retail sales, investment rise

Before the Iran energy crisis and latest round of China-US trade talks, retail spending grew 2.8 per cent while fixed-asset investment increased 1.8 per cent.

2 hours ago

China Economy

China and US trade talks off to a low-key start after first meeting in Paris

Discussions expected to focus on trade, investment and rare earths ahead of crucial Xi-Trump summit later this month in Beijing.

3 hours agovideocam

Hong Kong Economy

Courier SF Express imposes temporary fuel surcharges within Hong Kong and Macau

China’s largest courier cites volatile global fuel prices for new HK$1 surcharge on local document and parcel deliveries.

2 hours ago

Open Questions

Why Iran war may drive East Asia nuclear race, hit China in Mideast: Zhao Tong

Entertainment

Oscars 2026: One Battle After Another is best picture, Michael B. Jordan best actor

The 98th Academy Awards saw One Battle After Another win big with six awards, Sinners followed with four, including best actor for Michael B. Jordan. Jessie Buckley took home best actress for Hamnet.

51 minutes ago

Paul Thomas Anderson (centre) and producer Sara Murphy (centre right) celebrate with the cast and crew onstage after winning the Oscar for best picture for One Battle After Another during the 98th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on 15 March, 2026. Photo: EPA

Middle East

Trump warns he ‘may delay’ China visit in demand for countries to secure Hormuz

Some allies say no to ships, after US president demands at least seven countries help secure the strategic waterway.

34 minutes agovideocam

Politics

Malaysia’s government accused of using law to silence critics

Civil society groups say an investigation into an alleged plot to topple the government risks shrinking civic space.

8 minutes ago

Business

How Schneider Electric powers Hong Kong’s ecosystem innovation

InvestHK backs firm’s efforts to optimise energy use in city’s buildings, infrastructure and transport as part of its low-carbon transition.

In partnership with:

InvestHK

A charging station designed for both private and commercial use was one of Schneider Electric’s eMobility solutions showcased at last October’s Innovation Summit Hong Kong 2025. Photo: Schneider Electric

World

China defence experts vanish online, Thai coconut cartel crisis: 5 weekend reads

From Hongkongers embracing OpenClaw to Thailand’s coconut cartel, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

48 minutes ago

Thai coconut farmer Lamduan Haochareon. Photo: Aidan Jones

Tech

Precision strike: China targets US, Japan stranglehold on photoresist supply

Essential material for advanced semiconductor processes expected to enter stage of accelerated breakthroughs, major Chinese supplier says.

5 hours ago

Economics

Asean trade strategy: diversifying beyond US and Chinese markets

The bloc will look for new markets and deepen regional cooperation to reduce trade uncertainty, economic ministers say.

3 hours agovideocam

Banking & Finance

Guess says it will shut all mainland China stores amid retail rethink

US fashion brand tells customers it will close all mainland China stores by end of March as analysts cite weak localisation, strategy gaps.

2 hours ago

A Guess outlet in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China. After two decades, the fashion outlet says it is calling it quits in mainland China. Photo: Getty Images

Lifestyle & Culture

Why Philippines’ Jollibee is Southeast Asia’s lone global food chain

The company is the only Southeast Asian name to make the top tier of a recent list of the world’s strongest restaurant brands, placing fifth.

1 hour ago

A Jollibee fast-food restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. Photo: Eugene Lee

Military

Could PLA’s new shipborne drone redefine South China Sea naval operations?

In a first, recent CCTV footage shows a lightweight uncrewed helicopter parked on the Chinese military’s Type 075 amphibious assault ship.

15 Mar 2026 - 10:00PM

Hong Kong Economy

30% jump in demand for regional holidays among Hongkongers amid Middle East war

Industry players say local travellers more cautious ahead of Easter holiday amid rising airfares and disrupted routes.

3 hours agovideocam

Politics

Trump wants Japanese warships in Hormuz. Can Takaichi ‘dodge the bullet’?

The Iran war complicates Trump-Takaichi talks, putting her in a bind between US demands and constitutional limits on military action.

5 hours agovideocam

A naval vessel sails in the Strait of Hormuz on March 1. Photo: AFP/Getty Images/TNS

World

IEA says oil from emergency stocks to flow in Asia and Oceania immediately

The International Energy Agency also said barrels for Europe and the Americas will only be available from the end of March.

16 Mar 2026 - 12:19AMvideocam

People queue up to refuel their vehicles at a petrol station in Chennai, India on Thursday. Photo: AFP

United States & Canada

Brother of Michigan synagogue attacker was Hezbollah commander: Israeli military

Ibrahim Ghazali was killed in Lebanon on March 5 along with 3 other relatives of Detroit attacker Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, the IDF said.

16 Mar 2026 - 1:12AM

United States & Canada

US energy chief signals Iran war could continue for several more weeks

Meanwhile, Iran’s FM said his nation was not interested in talks with the US ‘because we were talking when they decided to attack us’.

15 Mar 2026 - 11:50PMvideocam

OPINION

Lisa Lim

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2 hours ago

Alice Wu

Opinion | Mainland-style oversight system could help Legco to deliver

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Letters

Letters | US has succeeded in plunging Middle East into dangerous conflict

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Amna Saqib

Opinion | How US-Israel war on Iran rocks foundations of the Abraham Accords

16 Mar 2026 - 5:30AM

SCMP Editorial

Opinion | Hong Kong should work to ensure a steady fuel supply amid war in Iran

6 hours ago

Harry’s View | 16 Mar 2026

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Politics

Malaysia’s government accused of using law to silence critics

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World

China defence experts vanish online, Thai coconut cartel crisis: 5 weekend reads

1 hour ago

Science

Things ‘I do not like’ led me to quit US for Hong Kong, top mathematician says

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Lifestyle & Culture

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SCMP Series

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China Inc. goes global

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As a senator, Marco Rubio had cultivated a reputation as a China hawk. Photo: AP

SCMP Series Trump’s 2026 trip to China

Exclusive | Sanctioned Rubio to take part in Trump’s China trip despite previous missed opportunities

The formerly hawkish US secretary of state has been sanctioned by Beijing and sources say he has previously appeared reluctant to visit.

13 Mar 2026 - 6:18AMvideocam

Exclusive | Could China’s rare earth supplies dictate how long US strikes on Iran go on?

10 Mar 2026 - 11:59PMvideocam

Exclusive | Trump’s China visit confined to Beijing due to schedule, security needs: sources

9 Mar 2026 - 8:02PMvideocam

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Strikes on Iran not the biggest threat to China’s belt and road goals: Pan Guang

Mainland academic assesses the risks to Chinese investment and diplomacy in the region and what it means for the other main players.

9 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

Global Economy

Open Questions | Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

5 Mar 2026 - 5:24PM

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

23 Feb 2026 - 10:05AMvideocam

Global Economy

Open Questions | Why Trump’s April trip to China may not deliver ‘grand bargain’: James Zimmerman

The American Chamber of Commerce in China chairman says this year’s expected Trump-Xi meetings can put countries on a ‘visionary’ path.

5 Mar 2026 - 5:25PMvideocam

Key Industries:

Big Tech

China’s OpenClaw users paid to install viral AI. Now they spend to remove it

The shift comes as top cybersecurity expert warns country now home to 40 per cent of global assets linked to OpenClaw.

13 Mar 2026 - 2:40PMvideocam

China Business

Chinese carmakers step up global expansion using idled foreign facilities

Great Wall Motors, Geely and other Chinese carmakers are using an asset-light strategy to accelerate their growth overseas.

15 Mar 2026 - 8:00PM

Big Tech

China AI start-up Moonshot snags funds at US$18 billion valuation

Firm aims to raise US$1 billion, which would more than quadruple its valuation compared with three months ago.

15 Mar 2026 - 6:00PM

Big Tech

ByteDance said to hold Seedance AI video tool launch after copyright row

Reported moves follows copyright complaints by Disney and other Hollywood studios.

15 Mar 2026 - 5:10PM

ByteDance had been aiming to make the new video model available to customers worldwide in mid-March. Photo: VCG via Getty Images

Military

How are military helicopters evolving to adapt to the age of drone warfare?

Armed forces such as the US and China are increasingly arming themselves with UAVs, but analysts believe crewed aircraft still have a role.

15 Mar 2026 - 6:17AMvideocam

Tech Trends

Inside the OpenClaw AI mania in China, as security fears and enthusiasm surge

Appeal of autonomous AI agent spurs rapid adoption across country, from tech pros to retirees seeking a ‘digital staff’, but data wipes mar its rise and trigger warnings.

14 Mar 2026 - 6:53AMvideocam

China Economy

China’s industrial policy goes global, challenging decades of free market rule

China’s tighter embrace of industrial policy in recent years has transformed its economy – and other countries are following suit.

12 Mar 2026 - 8:53AM

China Economy

Why China’s red-hot tech push is leaving some sectors out in the cold

Beijing’s preferences for innovation and emerging industries are affecting businesses’ development paths and reshaping the corporate landscape.

11 Mar 2026 - 6:16AMvideocam

Things ‘I do not like’ led me to quit US for Hong Kong, top mathematician says

The academic also says he is motivated by his vision to make Asia an intellectual powerhouse for science and learning.

China’s award-winning mathematician Wan Daqing leaves California for Chongqing

China’s economy starts 2026 strongly as retail sales, investment rise

Before the Iran energy crisis and latest round of China-US trade talks, retail spending grew 2.8 per cent while fixed-asset investment increased 1.8 per cent.

China and US trade talks off to a low-key start after first meeting in Paris

Discussions expected to focus on trade, investment and rare earths ahead of crucial Xi-Trump summit later this month in Beijing.

Courier SF Express imposes temporary fuel surcharges within Hong Kong and Macau

China’s largest courier cites volatile global fuel prices for new HK$1 surcharge on local document and parcel deliveries.

Why Iran war may drive East Asia nuclear race, hit China in Mideast: Zhao Tong

Oscars 2026: One Battle After Another is best picture, Michael B. Jordan best actor

The 98th Academy Awards saw One Battle After Another win big with six awards, Sinners followed with four, including best actor for Michael B. Jordan. Jessie Buckley took home best actress for Hamnet.

Trump warns he ‘may delay’ China visit in demand for countries to secure Hormuz

Some allies say no to ships, after US president demands at least seven countries help secure the strategic waterway.

Malaysia’s government accused of using law to silence critics

Civil society groups say an investigation into an alleged plot to topple the government risks shrinking civic space.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How Schneider Electric powers Hong Kong’s ecosystem innovation

InvestHK backs firm’s efforts to optimise energy use in city’s buildings, infrastructure and transport as part of its low-carbon transition.

China defence experts vanish online, Thai coconut cartel crisis: 5 weekend reads

From Hongkongers embracing OpenClaw to Thailand’s coconut cartel, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Precision strike: China targets US, Japan stranglehold on photoresist supply

Essential material for advanced semiconductor processes expected to enter stage of accelerated breakthroughs, major Chinese supplier says.

Asean trade strategy: diversifying beyond US and Chinese markets

The bloc will look for new markets and deepen regional cooperation to reduce trade uncertainty, economic ministers say.

Guess says it will shut all mainland China stores amid retail rethink

US fashion brand tells customers it will close all mainland China stores by end of March as analysts cite weak localisation, strategy gaps.

Why Philippines’ Jollibee is Southeast Asia’s lone global food chain

The company is the only Southeast Asian name to make the top tier of a recent list of the world’s strongest restaurant brands, placing fifth.

Could PLA’s new shipborne drone redefine South China Sea naval operations?

In a first, recent CCTV footage shows a lightweight uncrewed helicopter parked on the Chinese military’s Type 075 amphibious assault ship.

30% jump in demand for regional holidays among Hongkongers amid Middle East war

Industry players say local travellers more cautious ahead of Easter holiday amid rising airfares and disrupted routes.

Trump wants Japanese warships in Hormuz. Can Takaichi ‘dodge the bullet’?

The Iran war complicates Trump-Takaichi talks, putting her in a bind between US demands and constitutional limits on military action.

IEA says oil from emergency stocks to flow in Asia and Oceania immediately

The International Energy Agency also said barrels for Europe and the Americas will only be available from the end of March.

Brother of Michigan synagogue attacker was Hezbollah commander: Israeli military

Ibrahim Ghazali was killed in Lebanon on March 5 along with 3 other relatives of Detroit attacker Ayman Mohamad Ghazali, the IDF said.

US energy chief signals Iran war could continue for several more weeks

Meanwhile, Iran’s FM said his nation was not interested in talks with the US ‘because we were talking when they decided to attack us’.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Language Matters | Amid new oil crisis, how the word ‘oil’ evolved from its food-based origins

Opinion | Mainland-style oversight system could help Legco to deliver

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | US has succeeded in plunging Middle East into dangerous conflict

Opinion | How US-Israel war on Iran rocks foundations of the Abraham Accords

Opinion | Hong Kong should work to ensure a steady fuel supply amid war in Iran

Malaysia’s government accused of using law to silence critics

China defence experts vanish online, Thai coconut cartel crisis: 5 weekend reads

Things ‘I do not like’ led me to quit US for Hong Kong, top mathematician says

Why Philippines’ Jollibee is Southeast Asia’s lone global food chain

Language Matters | Amid new oil crisis, how the word ‘oil’ evolved from its food-based origins

Guess says it will shut all mainland China stores amid retail rethink

Exclusive | Sanctioned Rubio to take part in Trump’s China trip despite previous missed opportunities

The formerly hawkish US secretary of state has been sanctioned by Beijing and sources say he has previously appeared reluctant to visit.

Exclusive | Could China’s rare earth supplies dictate how long US strikes on Iran go on?

Exclusive | Trump’s China visit confined to Beijing due to schedule, security needs: sources

Open Questions | Strikes on Iran not the biggest threat to China’s belt and road goals: Pan Guang

Mainland academic assesses the risks to Chinese investment and diplomacy in the region and what it means for the other main players.

Open Questions | Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

Open Questions | Abraham Newman on ‘weaponised interdependence’ in ‘neo‑royalist’ Trump era

American political scientist on how ‘interdependence’ can be exploited as part of the rivalry between major powers.

Open Questions | Why Trump’s April trip to China may not deliver ‘grand bargain’: James Zimmerman

The American Chamber of Commerce in China chairman says this year’s expected Trump-Xi meetings can put countries on a ‘visionary’ path.

China’s OpenClaw users paid to install viral AI. Now they spend to remove it

The shift comes as top cybersecurity expert warns country now home to 40 per cent of global assets linked to OpenClaw.

Chinese carmakers step up global expansion using idled foreign facilities

Great Wall Motors, Geely and other Chinese carmakers are using an asset-light strategy to accelerate their growth overseas.

China AI start-up Moonshot snags funds at US$18 billion valuation

Firm aims to raise US$1 billion, which would more than quadruple its valuation compared with three months ago.

ByteDance said to hold Seedance AI video tool launch after copyright row

Reported moves follows copyright complaints by Disney and other Hollywood studios.

How are military helicopters evolving to adapt to the age of drone warfare?

Armed forces such as the US and China are increasingly arming themselves with UAVs, but analysts believe crewed aircraft still have a role.

Inside the OpenClaw AI mania in China, as security fears and enthusiasm surge

Appeal of autonomous AI agent spurs rapid adoption across country, from tech pros to retirees seeking a ‘digital staff’, but data wipes mar its rise and trigger warnings.

China’s industrial policy goes global, challenging decades of free market rule

China’s tighter embrace of industrial policy in recent years has transformed its economy – and other countries are following suit.

Why China’s red-hot tech push is leaving some sectors out in the cold

Beijing’s preferences for innovation and emerging industries are affecting businesses’ development paths and reshaping the corporate landscape.

How Schneider Electric powers Hong Kong’s ecosystem innovation

Language Matters | Amid new oil crisis, how the word ‘oil’ evolved from its food-based origins

Letters | US has succeeded in plunging Middle East into dangerous conflict