Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Why Japan thinks China’s growing cultural clout is something it needs to counter

The global success of Chinese video games and animation – as well as the appeal of traditional culture – has triggered a reaction in Tokyo.

18 minutes agovideocam

How foreign students can amplify China’s narrative in its push for soft power

China-Japan relations

US

Trump confirms delay of Beijing meeting with Xi amid Iran conflict

Visit with Chinese leader pushed back by up to six weeks as Trump stays in Washington during escalating US-Israeli war with Iran.

3 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Why Trump’s China trip delay could open the door for ‘more substantive’ results

Analysts say postponement of US president’s trip to Beijing is a strategic opportunity and unlikely to derail momentum in stabilising ties.

17 Mar 2026 - 11:00PM

Society

Measures to streamline Northern Metropolis land-use procedures unveiled

Proposed Development Bureau legislation aims to cut process from nine months to just two and remove bottlenecks.

17 Mar 2026 - 11:38PM

Science

A mini-fridge built with the alloy has achieved temperatures extremely close to absolute zero using no moving parts. Photo: Shutterstock

A rare earth ‘China solution’ that leaves US defence agency in the cold

Politics

US sounds alarm over China’s humanoid robots amid security concerns

AI and robotics executives warn American lawmakers that China’s rapid advances – led by Unitree – threaten US dominance.

18 minutes agovideocam

Humanoid robots by Unitree Robotics on display at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on March 3, 2026, where Chinese firms showcased advances in AI and mobile technology. Photo: Xinhua

China Economy

China, Russia look to boost transport links amid Middle East disruption

Increased use of Arctic shipping route among topics covered at inaugural China-Russia Logistics Business Forum.

17 Mar 2026 - 10:00PM

Diplomacy

US tracks 23 Chinese port projects in Latin America, general tells Congress

Top US commander says Chinese port and space projects across Latin America are all seen as potential dual-use military assets.

1 hour agovideocam

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

Tech

Can Nvidia’s inference push at GTC help or hinder China’s catch-up efforts?

Nvidia’s Groq 3 LPU chip widens the AI gap with China, but offers Chinese firms niche inference market opportunities, analysts say.

17 Mar 2026 - 10:00PM

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks during the company’s annual GTC conference in San Jose on Monday. Photo: Bay Area News Group via AP

Europe

Zelensky, Starmer urge support for Ukraine as Iran conflict steals focus

‘Putin can’t be the one who benefits from the conflict in Iran,’ said Starmer during a meeting with Ukraine’s president in London.

34 minutes agovideocam

United States & Canada

US House panel subpoenas Pam Bondi in Epstein probe

US attorney general faces accusations that the Justice Department has concealed the names of Epstein associates in its release of documents.

2 hours agovideocam

Politics

Why US warships’ pit stop in Malaysia is raising eyebrows

The USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara were seen in Penang on Sunday, despite Malaysia’s criticism of Washington over the Iran war.

17 Mar 2026 - 11:45PMvideocam

The United States Navy’s USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara are seen docked at the North Butterworth Container Terminal in Penang, Malaysia, on Sunday. Photo: Facebook / Sherwynd Kessler

Middle East

Fire at Baghdad’s US embassy as security official reports drone, rocket strikes

Attack came as Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah in Iraq on Tuesday demanded that every 'foreign soldier' leave the country.

3 hours ago

Smoke rises after an explosion at the US embassy compound in Baghdad, Iraq, following a reported rocket and drone attack on Tuesday, in an image taken with a mobile phone. Photo: Reuters

Global Economy

With Trump’s China trip in limbo, further trade talks loom: analysts

As the US president cites the Iran war for his delay and Paris talks see only minor progress, experts said more negotiations were likely.

17 Mar 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Politics

Singapore’s Lawrence Wong seeks stronger ties with Japan amid global tensions

Wong and Takaichi are expected to discuss economic stability and AI, and tread cautiously amid superpower rivalries, analysts say.

17 Mar 2026 - 11:15PM

United States & Canada

US counterterrorism chief quits, says Israel tricked Trump into joining Iran war

‘Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel,’ said Joseph Kent.

6 hours agovideocam

Joseph Kent speaks at a congressional debate on October 7, 2024. Photo: AP

China Economy

Unlimited petrol? Chinese firm claims it can produce fuel from air and water

The start-up plans to build ‘large-scale’ facilities to convert carbon dioxide into synthetic fuel, though some question its commercial feasibility.

17 Mar 2026 - 6:09PMvideocam

Employees inspect equipment at a petrochemical refinery in northeast China’s Heilongjiang province. China is exploring alternatives to fossil fuels as part of an effort to reduce its reliance on imported crude oil. Photo: VCG

United States & Canada

Bill, George, Barack or Joe: which ex-president gave Trump backing for Iran war?

Trump said his presidential pal told him, ‘I wish I did it.’ But all four living ex-presidents said they had not been in touch.

17 Mar 2026 - 10:15PM

Europe

Northern Ireland’s Gerry Adams tells bombings trial he was never in IRA

The ex-Sinn Fein leader is being sued in a civil case at London’s High Court by 3 people injured in UK bombings during the 1970s and 1990s.

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OPINION

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17 Mar 2026 - 4:30PM

Cui Jianchun

Opinion | White paper documents the strength of Hong Kong’s security shield

17 Mar 2026 - 10:46AM

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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

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Open Questions series

Military

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

Carnegie nuclear policy expert says law of the jungle signalled by US actions could spur more countries to pursue nuclear weapons.

16 Mar 2026 - 10:04AMvideocam

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.

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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.

16 Mar 2026 - 8:00AM

China is expanding the scope of its chip self-sufficiency drive under the new 15th five-year plan amid an intensified race with the US in advanced chipmaking. Photo: Xinhua

Tech

Can Nvidia’s inference push at GTC help or hinder China’s catch-up efforts?

Nvidia’s Groq 3 LPU chip widens the AI gap with China, but offers Chinese firms niche inference market opportunities, analysts say.

17 Mar 2026 - 10:00PM

China Business

US reshoring drive casts shadow over China’s contract drug makers, analyst says

Strong order backlogs underpin earnings through 2027, but analysts warn longer-term demand is less certain as US firms reshore production.

17 Mar 2026 - 7:48PM

Tech

HKGAI to launch world’s first governed AI agent network amid OpenClaw frenzy

System aims to let AI agents collaborate under strict rules, as HKGAI rolls out tools for school selection, budgeting and racing data.

17 Mar 2026 - 1:12PM

HKGAI said it would soon offer on an open-source basis a human-AI agent collaboration network named “ClawNet”, designed to ensure AI agents “only do things that are allowed”. Photo: HKUST

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

Why Japan thinks China’s growing cultural clout is something it needs to counter

The global success of Chinese video games and animation – as well as the appeal of traditional culture – has triggered a reaction in Tokyo.

How foreign students can amplify China’s narrative in its push for soft power

Trump confirms delay of Beijing meeting with Xi amid Iran conflict

Visit with Chinese leader pushed back by up to six weeks as Trump stays in Washington during escalating US-Israeli war with Iran.

Why Trump’s China trip delay could open the door for ‘more substantive’ results

Analysts say postponement of US president’s trip to Beijing is a strategic opportunity and unlikely to derail momentum in stabilising ties.

Measures to streamline Northern Metropolis land-use procedures unveiled

Proposed Development Bureau legislation aims to cut process from nine months to just two and remove bottlenecks.

A rare earth ‘China solution’ that leaves US defence agency in the cold

US sounds alarm over China’s humanoid robots amid security concerns

AI and robotics executives warn American lawmakers that China’s rapid advances – led by Unitree – threaten US dominance.

China, Russia look to boost transport links amid Middle East disruption

Increased use of Arctic shipping route among topics covered at inaugural China-Russia Logistics Business Forum.

US tracks 23 Chinese port projects in Latin America, general tells Congress

Top US commander says Chinese port and space projects across Latin America are all seen as potential dual-use military assets.

.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.

Can Nvidia’s inference push at GTC help or hinder China’s catch-up efforts?

Nvidia’s Groq 3 LPU chip widens the AI gap with China, but offers Chinese firms niche inference market opportunities, analysts say.

Zelensky, Starmer urge support for Ukraine as Iran conflict steals focus

‘Putin can’t be the one who benefits from the conflict in Iran,’ said Starmer during a meeting with Ukraine’s president in London.

US House panel subpoenas Pam Bondi in Epstein probe

US attorney general faces accusations that the Justice Department has concealed the names of Epstein associates in its release of documents.

Why US warships’ pit stop in Malaysia is raising eyebrows

The USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara were seen in Penang on Sunday, despite Malaysia’s criticism of Washington over the Iran war.

Fire at Baghdad’s US embassy as security official reports drone, rocket strikes

Attack came as Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah in Iraq on Tuesday demanded that every 'foreign soldier' leave the country.

With Trump’s China trip in limbo, further trade talks loom: analysts

As the US president cites the Iran war for his delay and Paris talks see only minor progress, experts said more negotiations were likely.

Singapore’s Lawrence Wong seeks stronger ties with Japan amid global tensions

Wong and Takaichi are expected to discuss economic stability and AI, and tread cautiously amid superpower rivalries, analysts say.

US counterterrorism chief quits, says Israel tricked Trump into joining Iran war

‘Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel,’ said Joseph Kent.

Unlimited petrol? Chinese firm claims it can produce fuel from air and water

The start-up plans to build ‘large-scale’ facilities to convert carbon dioxide into synthetic fuel, though some question its commercial feasibility.

Bill, George, Barack or Joe: which ex-president gave Trump backing for Iran war?

Trump said his presidential pal told him, ‘I wish I did it.’ But all four living ex-presidents said they had not been in touch.

Northern Ireland’s Gerry Adams tells bombings trial he was never in IRA

The ex-Sinn Fein leader is being sued in a civil case at London’s High Court by 3 people injured in UK bombings during the 1970s and 1990s.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Frenzy over AI agent OpenClaw shows the lobster has escaped the pot

Opinion | Who will be the real winner from the Iran war fallout? Not the US

Opinion | China is re-engineering its economy for a more complex world

Opinion | White paper documents the strength of Hong Kong’s security shield

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | How Hong Kong can better support its Nepali youth

US sounds alarm over China’s humanoid robots amid security concerns

Why Japan thinks China’s growing cultural clout is something it needs to counter

Zelensky, Starmer urge support for Ukraine as Iran conflict steals focus

Opinion | Frenzy over AI agent OpenClaw shows the lobster has escaped the pot

US tracks 23 Chinese port projects in Latin America, general tells Congress

US House panel subpoenas Pam Bondi in Epstein probe

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

Carnegie nuclear policy expert says law of the jungle signalled by US actions could spur more countries to pursue nuclear weapons.

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.

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.

Can Nvidia’s inference push at GTC help or hinder China’s catch-up efforts?

Nvidia’s Groq 3 LPU chip widens the AI gap with China, but offers Chinese firms niche inference market opportunities, analysts say.

US reshoring drive casts shadow over China’s contract drug makers, analyst says

Strong order backlogs underpin earnings through 2027, but analysts warn longer-term demand is less certain as US firms reshore production.

HKGAI to launch world’s first governed AI agent network amid OpenClaw frenzy

System aims to let AI agents collaborate under strict rules, as HKGAI rolls out tools for school selection, budgeting and racing data.

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

Opinion | Frenzy over AI agent OpenClaw shows the lobster has escaped the pot

Letters | How Hong Kong can better support its Nepali youth