Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Overall fish biomass in the Yangtze River has risen by 209 per cent compared with pre-2021 levels, while species richness increased by 13 per cent, a study has found. Photo: Xinhua

How China’s Yangtze River fishing ban is also helping finless porpoise recover

Restoration and sustainable aquaculture project held up as model for other major river systems such as the Mekong and Amazon.

4 hours agovideocam

China blows up 300 dams, shuts hydropower stations to save Yangtze River habitat

Science

Diplomacy

Date set for US President Donald Trump’s trip to China

Trump’s visit will begin on March 31 and be the first to the country since taking office for a second time.

2 hours agovideocam

Big Tech

Why China’s tech giants cannot afford to lose the global AI race

AI rivalry is challenging the traditional strategies of China’s ‘big tech’ firms and how they have monetised their products in the past.

5 hours ago

Hong Kong Economy

New US 10% global tariff will have ‘limited impact’ on Hong Kong: treasury chief

Christopher Hui cites city’s service-dominated economy as buffer and says US move highlights Hong Kong’s safe haven status.

21 minutes ago

Year of the Horse

Customers choose colored glaze snake handicrafts for the coming Chinese New Year, the Year of Snake, in Xiye Colored Glaze Studio in Boshan district, Zibo city, Shandong province, China, on Jan. 9, 2025. With a long history of colored glaze, Boshan is regarded as China’s Hometown of Colored Glaze and has 12 colored glaze enterprises and 65 art studios. (Xinhua)
新华社照片，淄博（山东），2025年1月9日
1月9日，消费者在淄博市博山区西冶工坊展销厅内挑选蛇年主题琉璃工艺品。
春节临近，山东省淄博市博山区的琉璃生产企业推出众多蛇年主题创意琉璃制品，受到市场青睐。博山区被誉为“中国琉璃之乡“，琉璃生产历史悠久，当地已发展琉璃生产企业12家、工作室65个。
新华社记者朱峥摄

Feng shui tips for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs for the Year of the Horse 2026

China Business

From AI to aerospace: China meme rocket shares take off in race with US

Investors scramble for opportunities to maintain market momentum after the AI frenzy shows signs of losing steam.

6 hours ago

A rocket blasts off from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang, south China’s Hainan province. Photo: Xinhua

Diplomacy

Trump lashes out at US Supreme Court, rolls out new 10% global tariffs

Decision threatens administration’s trade agenda; casts shadow on Xi-Trump summit as some China tariffs wiped out before Beijing talks.

21 Feb 2026 - 8:27AMvideocam

Lifestyle & Culture

Unearthed temple in Nepal sheds new light on Buddha’s early life

Archaeologists hope the newly discovered ruins at Siddhartha Gautam’s childhood palace will help secure Unesco World Heritage status.

40 minutes ago

Business

The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Found everywhere from food products to biofuel, this vegetable oil is preferred for its versatility, safety and sustainable production.

In partnership with:

MPOC

Palm oil is a versatile ingredient found in a wide range of everyday items, from ice cream and cake to lipstick and biofuel.

Science

Chinese scientists create new battery with electrolyte as safe as tofu brine

Moving beyond flammable lithium-ion batteries, Chinese scientists have developed a long-lasting battery that uses a non-toxic electrolyte.

4 hours agovideocam

Chinese scientists are working on a green-friendly and safer alternative to lithium-ion batteries which have been known to explode and cause fires. Photo: Getty Images

Transport

600 Guangdong drivers enter Hong Kong as thousands apply for new scheme

Transport minister Mable Chan says government has received 3,000 applications for the scheme so far, with 1,700 motorists already booking trips.

47 minutes ago

Politics

Will Thailand’s election be voided? Bar code blunder sparks ballot secrecy fears

With counting errors forcing revotes this Sunday, the reformist opposition is seizing on irregularities to demand a fresh election.

2 hours ago

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong budget 2026-27: ‘sweeteners’ for grass roots or the middle class?

Debate grows in the wake of finance chief’s projection that city will achieve early operating account surplus after three-year deficit.

21 Feb 2026 - 8:38AM

People at a pedestrian crossing in Central. How will the coming budget benefit ordinary Hongkongers? Photo: Karma Lo

Europe

UK to consider removing ex-prince Andrew from royal line of succession

Police, meanwhile, are urging Andrew’s former protection officers to come forward with any allegations of Epstein-related sex offences.

2 hours agovideocam

Newspapers featuring coverage of the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are displayed at a newsagent in Egham near Windsor on Friday. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Where is Kim Ju-ae? Succession question hangs over North Korea’s ruling congress

With Kim Jong-un set to outline his end-of-decade vision, the notable absence of his teenage daughter raises fresh succession questions.

2 hours ago

Middle East

How Trump’s threatened strikes on Iran could backfire

Instead of pushing Tehran towards a nuclear deal, bombing the country could set off a deadly cycle of retaliation, analysts warn.

21 Feb 2026 - 7:49AMvideocam

United States & Canada

US military kills 3 in latest strike on ‘narcoterrorist’ boat

The latest lethal strike pushes the overall death toll from the Trump administration’s deadly campaign to at least 148 across 43 attacks.

6 hours ago

This screen grab from a video posted on the X account of US Southern Command on Friday shows a vessel after it was struck while allegedly transiting along narco-trafficking routes in international waters. Photo: X/Southcom

Other Sport

Speed skater Joey Lam ‘dreaming’ after claiming city’s best finish at Winter Games

The 19-year-old, making her Olympic debut, finished seventh in a competitive field that saw a South Korean 1-2 finish.

1 hour ago

Joey Lam (far left) finished with a time of 2:35.755 in a final that was won by Kim Gil-li of South Korea. Photo: Reuters

Diplomacy

Is China’s ‘reverse Great Firewall’ quietly blocking global access to official data?

Study finds many government websites in China inaccessible from abroad, suggesting bid to prevent open-source intelligence gathering.

21 Feb 2026 - 12:00AMvideocam

Society

Tai Po fire owners to get buy-back offer of up to about HK$10,000 per square foot

Government sources say acquisition prices will range from about HK$8,000 to HK$10,000 per square foot, higher than previously estimated.

20 Feb 2026 - 11:28PM

OPINION

Alex Capri

Opinion | Who will save the world from a US-China AI arms race?

3 hours ago

Lizzi C. Lee

Opinion | How the next China shock is shaping hearts and minds

6 hours ago

Wee Kek Koon

Reflections | As Kim Jong-un grooms daughter to rule, a Chinese princess’s fatal ambition

21 Feb 2026 - 8:15AM

Letters

Letters | Jimmy Lai case verdict and State Council’s white paper send strong message

4 hours ago

Alex Lo

As I see it | An America without independent institutions cannot stay No 1

21 Feb 2026 - 5:30AM

Harry’s View | 21 Feb 2026

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Health & Wellness

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Racing

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Lifestyle & Culture

Unearthed temple in Nepal sheds new light on Buddha’s early life

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Europe

Policing the past: Hitler’s childhood home becomes a police station

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Tennis

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SCMP Series Year of the Horse 2026

Year of the Horse 2026 feng shui advice for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs to enjoy good luck

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where each Chinese zodiac sign can place items for good luck in the Year of the Fire Horse.

21 Feb 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

Feng shui advice for Snakes for luck in money, health and romance

20 Feb 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

Why do Chinese love water chestnuts? All about the lucky ‘horse’s hoof’

19 Feb 2026 - 11:15AM

Open Questions series

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.

13 Feb 2026 - 9:03AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Trump’s ‘imperial’ agenda and the end of the old world order: Luuk van Middelaar

Political theorist says rapid acceleration of the US president’s ‘offensive, almost imperial’ agenda has left Europe disoriented.

9 Feb 2026 - 1:10PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Lawrence Lau on why China must ‘work smarter’ and how it can invent from scratch

China must shift from quantity to quality by focusing on 12-year schooling, more basic research and GBA integration, renowned economist says.

2 Feb 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

China

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

29 Jan 2026 - 11:50AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Big Tech

How Chinese AI put a new spin on Winter Olympics action

Chinese tech firms have been using the Milano Cortina Games to showcase their capabilities to a global audience.

20 Feb 2026 - 7:00PM

Figure skater Ilia Malinin, from the United States, competes in the men’s singles free skating team event at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics on February 8. Photo: AFP

Big Tech

Why China’s tech giants cannot afford to lose the global AI race

AI rivalry is challenging the traditional strategies of China’s ‘big tech’ firms and how they have monetised their products in the past.

5 hours ago

AI

China’s extreme 996 work schedule meets US tech’s hustle culture

Why advocates believe 996, the controversial 9am to 9pm, six-day-a-week culture popularised in China, can give American firms decisive edge.

20 Feb 2026 - 11:51PMvideocam

Big Tech

The next interface race: how AI is bringing smart glasses into focus

LLVision CEO Wu Fei explains how advances in AI and hardware are pushing smart glasses closer to everyday use.

20 Feb 2026 - 2:38PM

LLVision’s Leion Hey2 focuses on real-time translation at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas. Photo: Wency Chen

Hong Kong Economy

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.

20 Feb 2026 - 8:36AM

Military

Everything we know about China’s mysterious, futuristic Nantianmen Project

Is it a storytelling vehicle for imaginative military hardware, blending science fiction with reality, or is it a glimpse of the future?

17 Feb 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Big Tech

Humanoids go mainstream as China’s robotics champions appear at CCTV spectacle

ByteDance, Unitree, RedNote, Bilibili and Kuaishou among the firms involved in the unparalleled nationwide marketing opportunity.

17 Feb 2026 - 4:46PMvideocam

Military

Will China’s state-backed thriller spill details of little-known spy cases?

‘Scare Out’ depicts leak of PLA jet secrets, and some speculate the plot could be based on true story involving stealth fighter tech.

15 Feb 2026 - 7:00AM

“Scare Out”, directed by Zhang Yimou, will debut in mainland China cinemas on February 17. Photo: Weibo

How China’s Yangtze River fishing ban is also helping finless porpoise recover

Restoration and sustainable aquaculture project held up as model for other major river systems such as the Mekong and Amazon.

China blows up 300 dams, shuts hydropower stations to save Yangtze River habitat

Date set for US President Donald Trump’s trip to China

Trump’s visit will begin on March 31 and be the first to the country since taking office for a second time.

Why China’s tech giants cannot afford to lose the global AI race

AI rivalry is challenging the traditional strategies of China’s ‘big tech’ firms and how they have monetised their products in the past.

New US 10% global tariff will have ‘limited impact’ on Hong Kong: treasury chief

Christopher Hui cites city’s service-dominated economy as buffer and says US move highlights Hong Kong’s safe haven status.

Feng shui tips for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs for the Year of the Horse 2026

From AI to aerospace: China meme rocket shares take off in race with US

Investors scramble for opportunities to maintain market momentum after the AI frenzy shows signs of losing steam.

Trump lashes out at US Supreme Court, rolls out new 10% global tariffs

Decision threatens administration’s trade agenda; casts shadow on Xi-Trump summit as some China tariffs wiped out before Beijing talks.

Unearthed temple in Nepal sheds new light on Buddha’s early life

Archaeologists hope the newly discovered ruins at Siddhartha Gautam’s childhood palace will help secure Unesco World Heritage status.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Found everywhere from food products to biofuel, this vegetable oil is preferred for its versatility, safety and sustainable production.

Chinese scientists create new battery with electrolyte as safe as tofu brine

Moving beyond flammable lithium-ion batteries, Chinese scientists have developed a long-lasting battery that uses a non-toxic electrolyte.

600 Guangdong drivers enter Hong Kong as thousands apply for new scheme

Transport minister Mable Chan says government has received 3,000 applications for the scheme so far, with 1,700 motorists already booking trips.

Will Thailand’s election be voided? Bar code blunder sparks ballot secrecy fears

With counting errors forcing revotes this Sunday, the reformist opposition is seizing on irregularities to demand a fresh election.

Hong Kong budget 2026-27: ‘sweeteners’ for grass roots or the middle class?

Debate grows in the wake of finance chief’s projection that city will achieve early operating account surplus after three-year deficit.

UK to consider removing ex-prince Andrew from royal line of succession

Police, meanwhile, are urging Andrew’s former protection officers to come forward with any allegations of Epstein-related sex offences.

Where is Kim Ju-ae? Succession question hangs over North Korea’s ruling congress

With Kim Jong-un set to outline his end-of-decade vision, the notable absence of his teenage daughter raises fresh succession questions.

How Trump’s threatened strikes on Iran could backfire

Instead of pushing Tehran towards a nuclear deal, bombing the country could set off a deadly cycle of retaliation, analysts warn.

US military kills 3 in latest strike on ‘narcoterrorist’ boat

The latest lethal strike pushes the overall death toll from the Trump administration’s deadly campaign to at least 148 across 43 attacks.

Speed skater Joey Lam ‘dreaming’ after claiming city’s best finish at Winter Games

The 19-year-old, making her Olympic debut, finished seventh in a competitive field that saw a South Korean 1-2 finish.

Is China’s ‘reverse Great Firewall’ quietly blocking global access to official data?

Study finds many government websites in China inaccessible from abroad, suggesting bid to prevent open-source intelligence gathering.

Tai Po fire owners to get buy-back offer of up to about HK$10,000 per square foot

Government sources say acquisition prices will range from about HK$8,000 to HK$10,000 per square foot, higher than previously estimated.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Who will save the world from a US-China AI arms race?

Opinion | How the next China shock is shaping hearts and minds

Reflections | As Kim Jong-un grooms daughter to rule, a Chinese princess’s fatal ambition

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Jimmy Lai case verdict and State Council’s white paper send strong message

As I see it | An America without independent institutions cannot stay No 1

Burnout brought a CEO to breaking point. How to recognise the signs and fix it

Colourful King spearheads Eustace’s bid for a change of luck

Unearthed temple in Nepal sheds new light on Buddha’s early life

Policing the past: Hitler’s childhood home becomes a police station

Coleman Wong poised for career high despite narrow defeat at Delray Beach Open

New US 10% global tariff will have ‘limited impact’ on Hong Kong: treasury chief

Year of the Horse 2026 feng shui advice for all 12 Chinese zodiac signs to enjoy good luck

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where each Chinese zodiac sign can place items for good luck in the Year of the Fire Horse.

Feng shui advice for Snakes for luck in money, health and romance

Why do Chinese love water chestnuts? All about the lucky ‘horse’s hoof’

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.

Open Questions | Trump’s ‘imperial’ agenda and the end of the old world order: Luuk van Middelaar

Political theorist says rapid acceleration of the US president’s ‘offensive, almost imperial’ agenda has left Europe disoriented.

Open Questions | Lawrence Lau on why China must ‘work smarter’ and how it can invent from scratch

China must shift from quantity to quality by focusing on 12-year schooling, more basic research and GBA integration, renowned economist says.

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

How Chinese AI put a new spin on Winter Olympics action

Chinese tech firms have been using the Milano Cortina Games to showcase their capabilities to a global audience.

Why China’s tech giants cannot afford to lose the global AI race

AI rivalry is challenging the traditional strategies of China’s ‘big tech’ firms and how they have monetised their products in the past.

China’s extreme 996 work schedule meets US tech’s hustle culture

Why advocates believe 996, the controversial 9am to 9pm, six-day-a-week culture popularised in China, can give American firms decisive edge.

The next interface race: how AI is bringing smart glasses into focus

LLVision CEO Wu Fei explains how advances in AI and hardware are pushing smart glasses closer to everyday use.

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.

Everything we know about China’s mysterious, futuristic Nantianmen Project

Is it a storytelling vehicle for imaginative military hardware, blending science fiction with reality, or is it a glimpse of the future?

Humanoids go mainstream as China’s robotics champions appear at CCTV spectacle

ByteDance, Unitree, RedNote, Bilibili and Kuaishou among the firms involved in the unparalleled nationwide marketing opportunity.

Will China’s state-backed thriller spill details of little-known spy cases?

‘Scare Out’ depicts leak of PLA jet secrets, and some speculate the plot could be based on true story involving stealth fighter tech.

The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Opinion | Who will save the world from a US-China AI arms race?

Letters | Jimmy Lai case verdict and State Council’s white paper send strong message