Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Rows of solar panels are seen at a photovoltaic farm in Datong, China. Photo: AP

AI gives China ‘God’s-eye view’ of green sector as data-centre demand booms

Alibaba and Peking University map nation’s extensive green-energy sites – a move that could help stabilise national grid amid surge in computing-power needs.

1 hour agovideocam

China’s Chery plans for 1m EVs sold abroad amid global energy crisis

Business of climate change

Military

China’s J-10CE jets defeat Eurofighters 9-0 in mock battles, CCTV confirms

While state broadcaster does not identify the drill, details appear to match a 2024 exercise in Qatar involving Pakistan.

2 hours ago

Global Economy

China breaks ground on Gulf aviation megaproject in shadow of Iran war

A state-owned firm has launched work on a massive aviation complex, signalling continued confidence amid regional conflict.

3 hours ago

Diplomacy

Why a Trump-Lai call could trigger ‘turbulence’ between Washington and Beijing

Such a move would cross Beijing’s red line and undo progress from recent summit with Xi, analysts warn.

3 minutes agovideocam

Diplomacy

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and US President Donald Trump are expected to meet again this year. Photo: AP

Xi’s back-to-back meetings with Trump and Putin: everything you need to know

Science

Can China team’s Greek dig unveil an untold truth in ancient world history?

A joint archaeological project between Greece’s culture ministry and a Chinese team of researchers is breaking new ground.

5 hours ago

The Aetolia-Acarnania region in Greece held particular significance during the Hellenistic period when there were extensive cultural exchanges across Eurasia. Photo: Wikipedia

Banking & Finance

Hong Kong set to be ousted by Nasdaq as world’s biggest IPO market

International investors remain interested in Hong Kong tech listings due to attractive valuations, UBS and JPMorgan say.

1 hour ago

Health & Environment

Hong Kong issues red travel alert for DR Congo as Ebola outbreak spreads

139 suspected deaths and 600 suspected cases have been recorded in DR Congo and Uganda, with numbers expected to rise.

4 minutes ago

Business

How Changan Automobile’s design-driven brand strategy shapes its global expansion plans

Klaus Zyciora, vice-president of the Chinese carmaker, says its innovative, smart, low-carbon vehicles can entice customers around the world.

In partnership with:

Changan Automobile

Diplomacy

China’s Xi Jinping expected to visit North Korea as early as next week

The news comes hard on the heels of visits to Beijing by the presidents of the United States and Russia.

3 hours agovideocam

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and President Xi Jinping at Pyongyang airport in June 2019. Photo: AFP

Global Economy

Asia-Pacific trade risks loom large as Apec official warns of protectionism

China is urged to evolve as a world buyer, ahead of ministers’ gathering in Suzhou where a raft of far-reaching trade issues will be discussed.

2 hours agovideocam

United States & Canada

US jobless claims fall as lay-offs remain low despite economic uncertainty

Despite historically low lay-offs, the labour market appears to be stuck in what economists call a ‘low-hire, low-fire’ state.

59 minutes ago

Africa

Morocco building collapse kills at least 4

Six others were injured and a search for others who might still be buried was ongoing.

52 minutes ago

Rescuers on Thursday search through the rubble of a four-storey building that collapsed overnight in the Moroccan city of Fes. Photo: AFP

Southeast Asia

Philippine justice chief orders arrest of senator wanted by ICC

Senator Ronald dela Rosa is a former national police chief who enforced then-president Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody crackdown against drugs.

39 minutes agovideocam

Senator Ronald dela Rosa attends a senate session in Manila last week. Photo: AFP

Politics

Cambodia raids sites linked to Chen Zhi, Chinese tycoon accused of scam empire

82 Chinese nationals among 104 people detained in Phnom Penh raids as governments around the world crack down on Chen’s scam business.

4 hours agovideocam

Football

Iran players apply for US, Canada visas in signal they will play at World Cup

Iran squad pause training to attend appointments for Canadian visas, with some seeking US ones; however, travel, ⁠security concerns persist.

1 hour ago

Economics

Singapore Airlines faces narrow window to gain market share from Gulf rivals

SIA can capture more Asia-Europe traffic due to its strong oil hedging strategy and balance sheet, and the Iran war’s impact, analysts say.

1 hour agovideocam

Singapore Airlines planes sit on the tarmac at Changi Airport in Singapore. SIA says it will increase services to several European cities including Manchester, Milan and Munich. Photo: Reuters

China

Ex-Chinese Super League star swaps pitch for food delivery to gain life insights

The 48-year-old played for the Jianlibao Youth Team, a famous youth development project sent to Brazil, Qingdao Hainiu and Beijing Guoan.

1 hour ago

Qiu Zhonghui (left), here in action for Beijing Guoan in 2004, has attracted widespread attention after posting videos on social media about his new role as a food delivery rider. Photo: Imaginechina

Politics

What Lee’s Netanyahu ‘war criminal’ remark means for South Korea’s diplomacy

The president criticised Israel for ‘going too far’ in detaining two South Koreans who were at sea trying to send aid to Gaza.

5 hours ago

Diplomacy

China slams US over Castro charges and ‘unauthorised’ sanctions on Cuba

Beijing says it supports ‘Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity’ after charges over downed planes.

1 hour agovideocam

OPINION

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China Economy

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Law and Crime

Hong Kong police probe suspected airgun damage to window of Yuen Long flat

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Southeast Asia

Philippine justice chief orders arrest of senator wanted by ICC

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Africa

Morocco building collapse kills at least 4

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United States & Canada

US jobless claims fall as lay-offs remain low despite economic uncertainty

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Ex-Chinese Super League star swaps pitch for food delivery to gain life insights

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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

SCMP Series Trump’s 2026 trip to China

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.

3-MIN READ

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

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

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Open Questions series

Politics

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.

12-MIN READ

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

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

Climate and energy

AI gives China ‘God’s-eye view’ of green sector as data-centre demand booms

Alibaba and Peking University map nation’s extensive green-energy sites – a move that could help stabilise national grid amid surge in computing-power needs.

2-MIN READvideocam

Tech

China unveils first humanoid robot for household chores, ready as early as 2027

Companies are still improving data required for robots to perform complex household tasks, some of which require embodied AI.

2-MIN READ

Big Tech

Alibaba signals next phase of AI growth from investment to commercialisation

Chinese e-commerce and cloud computing giant forecasts 30 billion yuan AI revenue in 2026, with agents driving more than half of cloud sales.

2-MIN READ

Alibaba stands at a critical inflection point in the development of artificial general intelligence, according to a letter to shareholders. Photo: AFP

China Economy

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

The Russian leader arrives in China days after Trump in search of an energy deal, with yuan settlements, pricing potentially on the table.

6-MIN READvideocam

Science

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.

6-MIN READvideocam

Economy

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

Diplomacy

Why tougher US visa rules for skilled foreign workers may end in ‘brain drain’

Trump administration is targeting several visa categories, including popular H-1B pathway, with bias towards fewer numbers and more revenue.

7-MIN READvideocam

AI gives China ‘God’s-eye view’ of green sector as data-centre demand booms

Alibaba and Peking University map nation’s extensive green-energy sites – a move that could help stabilise national grid amid surge in computing-power needs.

China’s Chery plans for 1m EVs sold abroad amid global energy crisis

China’s J-10CE jets defeat Eurofighters 9-0 in mock battles, CCTV confirms

While state broadcaster does not identify the drill, details appear to match a 2024 exercise in Qatar involving Pakistan.

China breaks ground on Gulf aviation megaproject in shadow of Iran war

A state-owned firm has launched work on a massive aviation complex, signalling continued confidence amid regional conflict.

Why a Trump-Lai call could trigger ‘turbulence’ between Washington and Beijing

Such a move would cross Beijing’s red line and undo progress from recent summit with Xi, analysts warn.

Xi’s back-to-back meetings with Trump and Putin: everything you need to know

Can China team’s Greek dig unveil an untold truth in ancient world history?

A joint archaeological project between Greece’s culture ministry and a Chinese team of researchers is breaking new ground.

Hong Kong set to be ousted by Nasdaq as world’s biggest IPO market

International investors remain interested in Hong Kong tech listings due to attractive valuations, UBS and JPMorgan say.

Hong Kong issues red travel alert for DR Congo as Ebola outbreak spreads

139 suspected deaths and 600 suspected cases have been recorded in DR Congo and Uganda, with numbers expected to rise.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How Changan Automobile’s design-driven brand strategy shapes its global expansion plans

Klaus Zyciora, vice-president of the Chinese carmaker, says its innovative, smart, low-carbon vehicles can entice customers around the world.

China’s Xi Jinping expected to visit North Korea as early as next week

The news comes hard on the heels of visits to Beijing by the presidents of the United States and Russia.

Asia-Pacific trade risks loom large as Apec official warns of protectionism

China is urged to evolve as a world buyer, ahead of ministers’ gathering in Suzhou where a raft of far-reaching trade issues will be discussed.

US jobless claims fall as lay-offs remain low despite economic uncertainty

Despite historically low lay-offs, the labour market appears to be stuck in what economists call a ‘low-hire, low-fire’ state.

Morocco building collapse kills at least 4

Six others were injured and a search for others who might still be buried was ongoing.

Philippine justice chief orders arrest of senator wanted by ICC

Senator Ronald dela Rosa is a former national police chief who enforced then-president Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody crackdown against drugs.

Cambodia raids sites linked to Chen Zhi, Chinese tycoon accused of scam empire

82 Chinese nationals among 104 people detained in Phnom Penh raids as governments around the world crack down on Chen’s scam business.

Iran players apply for US, Canada visas in signal they will play at World Cup

Iran squad pause training to attend appointments for Canadian visas, with some seeking US ones; however, travel, ⁠security concerns persist.

Singapore Airlines faces narrow window to gain market share from Gulf rivals

SIA can capture more Asia-Europe traffic due to its strong oil hedging strategy and balance sheet, and the Iran war’s impact, analysts say.

Ex-Chinese Super League star swaps pitch for food delivery to gain life insights

The 48-year-old played for the Jianlibao Youth Team, a famous youth development project sent to Brazil, Qingdao Hainiu and Beijing Guoan.

What Lee’s Netanyahu ‘war criminal’ remark means for South Korea’s diplomacy

The president criticised Israel for ‘going too far’ in detaining two South Koreans who were at sea trying to send aid to Gaza.

China slams US over Castro charges and ‘unauthorised’ sanctions on Cuba

Beijing says it supports ‘Cuba in safeguarding its national sovereignty and national dignity’ after charges over downed planes.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | What Putin, Trump summits say about China’s role in world affairs

Macroscope | Bond market sell-off raises stakes for Asia’s tech-driven economies

Opinion | A Teochew hit film shows what’s ailing Chinese entertainment

Legal Tales | The weight of silk: what the honour means for the Inner Bar as an institution

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | In medical incident probes, stats and facts are as vital as transparency

As Chinese supertankers cross Strait of Hormuz, is the crisis starting to ease?

Hong Kong police probe suspected airgun damage to window of Yuen Long flat

Philippine justice chief orders arrest of senator wanted by ICC

Morocco building collapse kills at least 4

US jobless claims fall as lay-offs remain low despite economic uncertainty

Iran players apply for US, Canada visas in signal they will play at World Cup

Ex-Chinese Super League star swaps pitch for food delivery to gain life insights

Hong Kong set to be ousted by Nasdaq as world’s biggest IPO market

AI gives China ‘God’s-eye view’ of green sector as data-centre demand booms

Singapore Airlines faces narrow window to gain market share from Gulf rivals

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

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.

AI gives China ‘God’s-eye view’ of green sector as data-centre demand booms

Alibaba and Peking University map nation’s extensive green-energy sites – a move that could help stabilise national grid amid surge in computing-power needs.

China unveils first humanoid robot for household chores, ready as early as 2027

Companies are still improving data required for robots to perform complex household tasks, some of which require embodied AI.

Alibaba signals next phase of AI growth from investment to commercialisation

Chinese e-commerce and cloud computing giant forecasts 30 billion yuan AI revenue in 2026, with agents driving more than half of cloud sales.

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

The Russian leader arrives in China days after Trump in search of an energy deal, with yuan settlements, pricing potentially on the table.

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.

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

How Changan Automobile’s design-driven brand strategy shapes its global expansion plans

Opinion | What Putin, Trump summits say about China’s role in world affairs

Letters | In medical incident probes, stats and facts are as vital as transparency