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China vows to boost economy ahead of ‘two sessions’ and Trump visit

4 Mar 2026 - 9:50PMvideocam

The National People’s Congress is convening in Beijing for its annual session. Photo: Robert Ng

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China’s ‘two sessions’: Beijing sets 2026 defence budget increase at 7%

Beijing poised to give final endorsement of 15th five-year plan for economic and social development as it faces complex global landscape

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China vows to boost economy ahead of ‘two sessions’ and Trump visit

4 Mar 2026 - 9:50PMvideocam

A view of the Port of Balboa, managed by CK Hutchison Holdings based in Hong Kong, at the entrance to the Panama Canal in Panama City. On February 24, 2026, Hong Kong-based conglomerate CK Hutchison objected to a takeover by Panamanian authorities of two ports its subsidiary previously controlled on the Panama Canal. Photo: AFP

Panama out, but study says China investing US$23.9 billion in world’s seaports

Beijing funds 363 ports outside the Panama Canal to safeguard against East-West decoupling and US bid to curb China’s supply chain influence.

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‘Absolutely wrong’: Jeffrey Sachs rejects US claims of Chinese overcapacity

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Military

Is the US in decline? After Iran strikes, maybe not, Chinese analysts say

The popular idea in China that American strength is waning may need a rethink, observers say.

4 Mar 2026 - 11:59PMvideocam

Diplomacy

US Senate rejects bid to curb Trump’s Iran war powers despite growing concerns

The bipartisan resolution, which failed by 52-47 votes, was aimed at stifling Donald Trump’s authority to continue military strikes on Iran.

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Society

Relief, joy as first flight back from Dubai brings stranded Hongkongers home

Passengers happy to ‘finally be somewhere safe’ after conflict in Middle East closed airports.

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Focus

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Diplomacy

Khamenei’s fall exposes China’s military AI lag versus US: Beijing adviser

Zheng Yongnian cites precision strikes on Iran and earlier Venezuela raid to warn about risks posed by deep AI integration in US military.

4 Mar 2026 - 11:01PMvideocam

Plumes of smoke rise in Iranian capital Tehran following US-Israeli missile strikes on March 1. Photo: AFP

US

Africa emerges as new arena in US-China competition over artificial intelligence

With a fast-growing digital economy and young population, the continent is becoming a critical front in the global race to shape AI’s future.

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Lifestyle & Culture

How Southeast Asia’s coffee chains are brewing cross-border success

Home-grown brands such as Zus Coffee are betting on cultural fluency, halal positioning and digital tools to make further inroads.

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Business

How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

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In partnership with:

Standard Chartered

Deepa Jivan is the founder and CEO of Hong Kong-based arts and crafts products company J.Gordhan & Co.

United States & Canada

Trump’s 15% global tariffs likely to start this week, US Treasury chief says

US president imposed a 10 per cent levy after the Supreme Court invalidated his previous measures, then threatened to raise it further.

5 Mar 2026 - 1:28AMvideocam

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks at the Economic Club Of Dallas in Texas in February. Photo: AFP

Military

Why China is staying on the sidelines of the US-Iran conflict

Decision based on consideration of Beijing’s own interests as well as its ties with Washington and others, analysts say.

4 Mar 2026 - 8:23PMvideocam

Diplomacy

China in the crosshairs as EU launches sweeping plans to save industrial future

Proposals reveal EU anxiety over competing with Chinese products, security fears linked to Chinese investments and urgency to act.

4 Mar 2026 - 9:43PMvideocam

Science

China team’s space laser breakthrough takes communication speeds to high orbit

Experiment sustains uninterrupted high-speed data transmission between satellite and Earth for more than three hours, team reports.

4 Mar 2026 - 9:30PMvideocam

The laser communication ground station at the Gaomeigu Observatory in Yunnan province, southwest China where the experiment was conducted. Photo: Handout

Food & Drink

‘My dad thought I was crazy’: Thai-American chef pushes family joint forward

Justin Pichetrungsi shares how he is transforming Anajak Thai in Los Angeles, which counts John Legend and The Bear actors as regulars.

2 hours ago

James Beard Award-winning chef Justin Pichetrungsi of Anajak Thai is pictured at his family’s restaurant in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles. Photo: Carter Hiyama

Science

‘Two sessions’, two paths: China prioritises AI integration amid US tech rivalry

Beijing’s open-source push in focus ahead of annual legislative meeting and coming five-year plan, as Washington chooses different approach.

5 Mar 2026 - 12:51AMvideocam

United States & Canada

US lawmakers vote to subpoena Pam Bondi over Epstein files

Five Republicans joined Democrats to support the measure, in a sharp rebuke of Trump’s attorney general.

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United States & Canada

US agency proposes English proficiency requirement for foreign call centres

The Federal Communications Commission wants to bring call centre jobs back to the US and place guard rails on those that remain abroad.

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If the proposed rules are approved, the FCC will seek public input on ways customers can request to be transferred to US-based call centres and whether the location of the centre should be disclosed in customer interactions. Photo: AFP

Formula One (F1)

Wings, power units, sons of DRS: a rough guide to Formula 1 rule changes for 2026

‘Revolutionary’ changes including smaller, lighter and more eco-sustainable cars could make the new season a very different one.

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Spanish driver Fernando Alonso taking his new-look Aston Martin out for pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit last month. Photo: dpa

Politics

Hong Kong tycoons say Middle East outlook remains promising despite conflict

New World scion Adrian Cheng highlights city’s status as safe haven for capital; K Wah’s Francis Lui says property and stocks holding firm.

4 Mar 2026 - 11:40PM

Hong Kong Economy

Beijing to roll out more measures for Hong Kong as John Lee praised for work

Central government will also make further arrangements in 15th five-year plan to support Hong Kong, National People’s Congress spokesman says.

4 Mar 2026 - 10:54PM

OPINION

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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.

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Will users stick around after China’s US$1 billion AI marketing battle?

Vouchers, red packets and sponsorships drove a surge in AI users over Chinese New Year, but now the tech giants face a retention test.

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Red-packet battle: AI tech giants spent a collective US$1 billion on marketing this Chinese New Year. Photo: Getty Images

Big Tech

Alibaba recruits Google DeepMind contributor to join Qwen AI team: sources

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China’s EV battery leader CATL to step up use of AI in R&D: founder

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China biotech outlicensing tops US$52 billion in first 2 months

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How China is using its economic clout to give the US dollar a run for its money

Beijing is using economic clout to reshape its global financial influence – a strategy analysts say could play out over decades.

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What cost foreign prestige? China says no to some Western science journal fees

Chinese researchers will no longer be reimbursed for paper publication charges in Nature Communications, among other titles.

2 Mar 2026 - 3:15PMvideocam

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Xi-Trump talk plans rattled by chaotic US team: ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’

Analysts warn thin US coordination and rushed timelines risk weak deliverables and surprises ahead of high-stakes Beijing meeting.

27 Feb 2026 - 1:57AMvideocam

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China vows to boost economy ahead of ‘two sessions’ and Trump visit

China’s ‘two sessions’: Beijing sets 2026 defence budget increase at 7%

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Beijing poised to give final endorsement of 15th five-year plan for economic and social development as it faces complex global landscape

China vows to boost economy ahead of ‘two sessions’ and Trump visit

Panama out, but study says China investing US$23.9 billion in world’s seaports

Beijing funds 363 ports outside the Panama Canal to safeguard against East-West decoupling and US bid to curb China’s supply chain influence.

‘Absolutely wrong’: Jeffrey Sachs rejects US claims of Chinese overcapacity

Is the US in decline? After Iran strikes, maybe not, Chinese analysts say

The popular idea in China that American strength is waning may need a rethink, observers say.

US Senate rejects bid to curb Trump’s Iran war powers despite growing concerns

The bipartisan resolution, which failed by 52-47 votes, was aimed at stifling Donald Trump’s authority to continue military strikes on Iran.

Relief, joy as first flight back from Dubai brings stranded Hongkongers home

Passengers happy to ‘finally be somewhere safe’ after conflict in Middle East closed airports.

Why China’s anti-corruption push in academia is key to its science and tech aims

Khamenei’s fall exposes China’s military AI lag versus US: Beijing adviser

Zheng Yongnian cites precision strikes on Iran and earlier Venezuela raid to warn about risks posed by deep AI integration in US military.

Africa emerges as new arena in US-China competition over artificial intelligence

With a fast-growing digital economy and young population, the continent is becoming a critical front in the global race to shape AI’s future.

How Southeast Asia’s coffee chains are brewing cross-border success

Home-grown brands such as Zus Coffee are betting on cultural fluency, halal positioning and digital tools to make further inroads.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Deepa Jivan, CEO of J.Gordhan & Co, says bank’s tailored financial solutions and expertise give it the agility to navigate global marketplace.

Trump’s 15% global tariffs likely to start this week, US Treasury chief says

US president imposed a 10 per cent levy after the Supreme Court invalidated his previous measures, then threatened to raise it further.

Why China is staying on the sidelines of the US-Iran conflict

Decision based on consideration of Beijing’s own interests as well as its ties with Washington and others, analysts say.

China in the crosshairs as EU launches sweeping plans to save industrial future

Proposals reveal EU anxiety over competing with Chinese products, security fears linked to Chinese investments and urgency to act.

China team’s space laser breakthrough takes communication speeds to high orbit

Experiment sustains uninterrupted high-speed data transmission between satellite and Earth for more than three hours, team reports.

‘My dad thought I was crazy’: Thai-American chef pushes family joint forward

Justin Pichetrungsi shares how he is transforming Anajak Thai in Los Angeles, which counts John Legend and The Bear actors as regulars.

‘Two sessions’, two paths: China prioritises AI integration amid US tech rivalry

Beijing’s open-source push in focus ahead of annual legislative meeting and coming five-year plan, as Washington chooses different approach.

US lawmakers vote to subpoena Pam Bondi over Epstein files

Five Republicans joined Democrats to support the measure, in a sharp rebuke of Trump’s attorney general.

US agency proposes English proficiency requirement for foreign call centres

The Federal Communications Commission wants to bring call centre jobs back to the US and place guard rails on those that remain abroad.

Wings, power units, sons of DRS: a rough guide to Formula 1 rule changes for 2026

‘Revolutionary’ changes including smaller, lighter and more eco-sustainable cars could make the new season a very different one.

Hong Kong tycoons say Middle East outlook remains promising despite conflict

New World scion Adrian Cheng highlights city’s status as safe haven for capital; K Wah’s Francis Lui says property and stocks holding firm.

Beijing to roll out more measures for Hong Kong as John Lee praised for work

Central government will also make further arrangements in 15th five-year plan to support Hong Kong, National People’s Congress spokesman says.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Why a TV hit in China about waging peace resonates so deeply

Opinion | Merz’s China visit shows pragmatic diplomacy still matters

Editorial | China steps up its clean energy push with electric ships

Editorial | ‘Symphony of Lights’ bowing out clears stage for new attractions

Opinion | Pakistan’s forever war and the politics of exhaustion

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Video | Chinese citizens scramble out of Iran

Middle East tensions set to strengthen Hong Kong as a gold and wealth hub

China’s ‘two sessions’: Beijing sets 2026 defence budget increase at 7%

Smart meters available to Hong Kong subdivided flats meeting new living standards

How Southeast Asia’s coffee chains are brewing cross-border success

LIV Golf Hong Kong: Lucas Herbert hoping for fast start in breakthrough bid

Bully vs sovereignty: how Manila and Beijing are sharpening their South China Sea messaging

Analysts say the Philippines’ approach of ‘assertive transparency’ may be wearing thin at home and in the region.

The Philippines wants to seal South China Sea code of conduct. Can it deliver?

Why High Seas Treaty could change ‘rules of the game’ in South China Sea row

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.

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.

Will users stick around after China’s US$1 billion AI marketing battle?

Vouchers, red packets and sponsorships drove a surge in AI users over Chinese New Year, but now the tech giants face a retention test.

Alibaba recruits Google DeepMind contributor to join Qwen AI team: sources

Zhou Hao to join as head of post-training research, sources say, as technical lead Lin Junyang departs in reshuffle.

China’s EV battery leader CATL to step up use of AI in R&D: founder

Billionaire Robin Zeng Yuqun promises higher investment, touts ‘resilient supply chain and ecosystem’ driving export growth.

China biotech outlicensing tops US$52 billion in first 2 months

The latest deals are Sino Biopharmaceutical’s partnership with France’s Sanofi and Antengene’s agreement with Belgium’s UCB.

How China is using its economic clout to give the US dollar a run for its money

Beijing is using economic clout to reshape its global financial influence – a strategy analysts say could play out over decades.

What cost foreign prestige? China says no to some Western science journal fees

Chinese researchers will no longer be reimbursed for paper publication charges in Nature Communications, among other titles.

Xi-Trump talk plans rattled by chaotic US team: ‘the worst I’ve ever seen’

Beijing poised to give final endorsement of 15th five-year plan for economic and social development as it faces complex global landscape

How Standard Chartered’s SME Banking helps Hong Kong arts and crafts design firm’s growth

Opinion | Why a TV hit in China about waging peace resonates so deeply

Video | Chinese citizens scramble out of Iran