Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

A THAAD missile defense launcher sits at a US military base in Seongju, South Korea, on March 5. Photo: AFP

The US is shifting THAAD to the Middle East. What does that mean for China?

Analysts warn of a regional capability gap in the wake of US redeployment of anti-missile system to the Middle East.

5 hours agovideocam

South Korea gets wake-up call as US diverts military assets to Middle East

US-China relations

China Economy

Will China’s yuan lift Strait of Hormuz blockade? Analysts urge caution

The world’s most vital energy artery has been largely paralysed since the launch of US-Israeli strikes on Iran last month.

6 hours agovideocam

Middle East

Iran war: Trump urges China, other nations, to send warships to secure Hormuz

The president insisted that Iran’s military capability had been eliminated but admitted it was still able to attack the strait.

13 minutes ago

Society

Hong Kong OpenClaw users say tool is helpful ‘family member’ who must be watched

They describe convenience of automating life tasks but say AI agent springs surprises, such as bots fighting and asking about existence.

6 hours ago

Economy

A police officer helps an American tourist fill out an entry registration card at Beijing Capital International Airport. Photo: Xinhua

Here are 5 ways to enter China without a visa – by land, sea or air

Science

This weird-looking humanoid robot could help China conquer the moon: scientists

Highly dexterous robot built on a wheeled platform will traverse the lunar surface while performing construction, maintenance and sampling.

14 Mar 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

Researchers at the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering have unveiled a semi-humanoid wheeled robot designed to build, maintain, and conduct research at China’s lunar base slated to take shape by 2035. Photo: Handout

Middle East

Israel may commit ‘new genocide’ in Lebanon with Iran as pretext, Turkey warns

Lebanon was dragged into the conflict when Iran-backed Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei.

1 hour agovideocam

Middle East

Iran war entering ‘decisive phase’, Israel says, as attacks continue

Washington’s embassy in Iraq was hit by a drone, while clouds of black smoke rose over the Fujairah energy facility in the UAE.

3 hours 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

Middle East

Trump says US bombed Iran’s Kharg Island, threatens oil infrastructure

Nearly all of Iran’s oil exports pass through the island, and an attack could trigger severe retaliation in the Strait of Hormuz.

5 hours agovideocam

A satellite image shows Iran’s Kharg Island, which hosts the country’s main crude export terminal and is responsible for the overwhelming majority of its oil shipments to the world. Image: Planet Labs PBC via AFP

Diplomacy

Air China to resume North Korea flights after 6 years amid warming ties

The revival of tourism is seen as a test of Pyongyang’s willingness to reignite economic ties with Beijing, its largest trading partner.

14 Mar 2026 - 7:02PMvideocam

Europe

Habermas, the philosopher who shaped Germany’s post-war conscience, dies at 96

A critic of fascism and nationalism, his ideas remain relevant as post-war pacifism wanes and the far-right gains influence in Germany.

26 minutes ago

People

No longer safe: Iran war puts 9 million Indian workers in the line of fire

As missiles fly, drone strikes from Dubai to Doha are shattering the illusion of safety for millions of Indian expats living in the Gulf.

14 Mar 2026 - 4:00PMvideocam

A worker assesses the damage after a drone strike on a building in Dubai’s Creek Harbour neighbourhood on Thursday. Photo: Getty Images/AFP

Diplomacy

China’s new security era in Africa: protecting assets, citizens in volatile nations

Analysts say China’s five-year plan suggests layered security, and PLA training to protect diplomats, nationals and assets from terror hits.

14 Mar 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, whose visit to Somalia in January was cancelled over safety concerns, has highlighted the “complex and severe risks of terrorism”. Photo: EPA

Middle East

UN chief says ‘diplomatic avenues are available’ to end war in Lebanon

Antonio Guterres has also urged support for the Lebanese government, which last year committed to disarming Hezbollah.

3 hours agovideocam

Transport

Hong Kong to boost direct flights, transfer capacity amid Middle East turmoil

Transport chief Mable Chan says authorities ‘seizing opportunity’ presented by aviation disruption to coordinate with local airlines.

14 Mar 2026 - 8:00PM

Global Economy

‘Win the future’: top China entrepreneurs commit to Middle East despite Iran war

TCL and Xpeng founders also vow to keep investing in Latin America – despite US intervention in Venezuela this year.

14 Mar 2026 - 12:00PM

He Xiaopeng, co-founder and CEO of Xpeng, speaks to members of the media before the opening session of the National People’s Congress at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Swing and a miss? Taiwan’s premier under fire over baseball trip to Tokyo

Beijing has lashed out over Cho Jung-tai’s one-day visit to Japan, which was described as a ‘private itinerary’ to support the island’s team.

14 Mar 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai says his trip to Tokyo for the World Baseball Classic on March 7 was paid for out of his own pocket and had “no other purpose”. Photo: Facebook/Cho Jung-tai

Americas

Protesters in Cuba attack Communist party office amid blackout fury

Videos on social media show a large fire and ‌people throwing rocks through the windows of a building.

4 hours ago

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong to tighten moneylending rules to tackle debt collector harassment

Authorities will impose measures such as stricter borrowing caps and ban loan referees in August.

6 hours ago

OPINION

Cliff Buddle

My Take | Mandelson scandal could be the tipping point that costs Starmer his job

5 hours ago

Anthony Rowley

Macroscope | Trump hasn’t counted on financial blowback from his war with Iran

14 Mar 2026 - 6:50PM

Ben Dunant

Opinion | Myanmar’s junta staged an election. It couldn’t stage legitimacy

14 Mar 2026 - 12:00PM

Letters

Letters | What Lee Kuan Yew knew: leaders’ psychological fitness matters

14 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

Brian Y. S. Wong

Opinion | Hong Kong can play vital part in boosting crucial Sino-India relations

14 Mar 2026 - 12:16PM

Harry’s View | 15 Mar 2026

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26 minutes ago

Europe

Habermas, the philosopher who shaped Germany’s post-war conscience, dies at 96

1 hour ago

Middle East

Israel may commit ‘new genocide’ in Lebanon with Iran as pretext, Turkey warns

2 hours ago

Middle East

Iran war: Trump urges China, other nations, to send warships to secure Hormuz

3 hours ago

Middle East

Iran war entering ‘decisive phase’, Israel says, as attacks continue

3 hours ago

Middle East

UN chief says ‘diplomatic avenues are available’ to end war in Lebanon

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Americas

Protesters in Cuba attack Communist party office amid blackout fury

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SCMP Series

‘Two sessions’: China’s economic agenda

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Staff members dispense medicines at a pharmacy in Wuhan, in central China’s Hubei province, on February 27, 2020. Photo: Xinhua

SCMP Series ‘Two sessions’: China’s economic agenda

Healthcare investors keeping an eye on ‘two sessions’ for clarity on drug pricing

Healthcare and insurance sectors will see policy fine-tuning, ‘moral support’ rather than ‘groundbreaking news’ from Beijing, analysts say.

4 Mar 2026 - 9:05AM

Can China’s ‘two sessions’ find a strategy to fix the property rot?

4 Mar 2026 - 9:18AM

Investors lock onto NPC as markets seek policy lift amid AI jitters

3 Mar 2026 - 7:30AM

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

Tech

Flying car dreams gain altitude as Xpeng affiliate Aridge raises US$200 million

Fresh capital comes as the company ramps up manufacturing of its Land Aircraft Carrier vehicle and pushes towards commercial deliveries.

14 Mar 2026 - 4:45PM

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

Banking & Finance

In a first for China, Neuracle’s brain-computer interface wins approval

China’s BCI start-ups, seen as potential rivals to Elon Musk’s Neuralink, gain momentum as regulatory support and new capital fuel growth.

14 Mar 2026 - 12:54AM

A man demonstrates a robotic hand with a brain-computer interface at the China International Import Expo on November 7, 2025. Neuracle’s regulatory milestone underscores China’s accelerating push in neurotechnology. Photo: AFP

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

Politics

Why China’s cadres must master rare earths as economic security becomes a KPI

Beijing’s decision to instruct promising cadres on logistics and resources reflects a sober outlook on trade relations, observers say.

10 Mar 2026 - 10:04AMvideocam

The US is shifting THAAD to the Middle East. What does that mean for China?

Analysts warn of a regional capability gap in the wake of US redeployment of anti-missile system to the Middle East.

South Korea gets wake-up call as US diverts military assets to Middle East

Will China’s yuan lift Strait of Hormuz blockade? Analysts urge caution

The world’s most vital energy artery has been largely paralysed since the launch of US-Israeli strikes on Iran last month.

Iran war: Trump urges China, other nations, to send warships to secure Hormuz

The president insisted that Iran’s military capability had been eliminated but admitted it was still able to attack the strait.

Hong Kong OpenClaw users say tool is helpful ‘family member’ who must be watched

They describe convenience of automating life tasks but say AI agent springs surprises, such as bots fighting and asking about existence.

Here are 5 ways to enter China without a visa – by land, sea or air

This weird-looking humanoid robot could help China conquer the moon: scientists

Highly dexterous robot built on a wheeled platform will traverse the lunar surface while performing construction, maintenance and sampling.

Israel may commit ‘new genocide’ in Lebanon with Iran as pretext, Turkey warns

Lebanon was dragged into the conflict when Iran-backed Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Supreme Leader Khamenei.

Iran war entering ‘decisive phase’, Israel says, as attacks continue

Washington’s embassy in Iraq was hit by a drone, while clouds of black smoke rose over the Fujairah energy facility in the UAE.

.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.

Trump says US bombed Iran’s Kharg Island, threatens oil infrastructure

Nearly all of Iran’s oil exports pass through the island, and an attack could trigger severe retaliation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Air China to resume North Korea flights after 6 years amid warming ties

The revival of tourism is seen as a test of Pyongyang’s willingness to reignite economic ties with Beijing, its largest trading partner.

Habermas, the philosopher who shaped Germany’s post-war conscience, dies at 96

A critic of fascism and nationalism, his ideas remain relevant as post-war pacifism wanes and the far-right gains influence in Germany.

No longer safe: Iran war puts 9 million Indian workers in the line of fire

As missiles fly, drone strikes from Dubai to Doha are shattering the illusion of safety for millions of Indian expats living in the Gulf.

China’s new security era in Africa: protecting assets, citizens in volatile nations

Analysts say China’s five-year plan suggests layered security, and PLA training to protect diplomats, nationals and assets from terror hits.

UN chief says ‘diplomatic avenues are available’ to end war in Lebanon

Antonio Guterres has also urged support for the Lebanese government, which last year committed to disarming Hezbollah.

Hong Kong to boost direct flights, transfer capacity amid Middle East turmoil

Transport chief Mable Chan says authorities ‘seizing opportunity’ presented by aviation disruption to coordinate with local airlines.

‘Win the future’: top China entrepreneurs commit to Middle East despite Iran war

TCL and Xpeng founders also vow to keep investing in Latin America – despite US intervention in Venezuela this year.

Swing and a miss? Taiwan’s premier under fire over baseball trip to Tokyo

Beijing has lashed out over Cho Jung-tai’s one-day visit to Japan, which was described as a ‘private itinerary’ to support the island’s team.

Protesters in Cuba attack Communist party office amid blackout fury

Videos on social media show a large fire and ‌people throwing rocks through the windows of a building.

Hong Kong to tighten moneylending rules to tackle debt collector harassment

Authorities will impose measures such as stricter borrowing caps and ban loan referees in August.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}My Take | Mandelson scandal could be the tipping point that costs Starmer his job

Macroscope | Trump hasn’t counted on financial blowback from his war with Iran

Opinion | Myanmar’s junta staged an election. It couldn’t stage legitimacy

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | What Lee Kuan Yew knew: leaders’ psychological fitness matters

Opinion | Hong Kong can play vital part in boosting crucial Sino-India relations

Habermas, the philosopher who shaped Germany’s post-war conscience, dies at 96

Israel may commit ‘new genocide’ in Lebanon with Iran as pretext, Turkey warns

Iran war: Trump urges China, other nations, to send warships to secure Hormuz

Iran war entering ‘decisive phase’, Israel says, as attacks continue

UN chief says ‘diplomatic avenues are available’ to end war in Lebanon

Protesters in Cuba attack Communist party office amid blackout fury

Healthcare investors keeping an eye on ‘two sessions’ for clarity on drug pricing

Healthcare and insurance sectors will see policy fine-tuning, ‘moral support’ rather than ‘groundbreaking news’ from Beijing, analysts say.

Can China’s ‘two sessions’ find a strategy to fix the property rot?

Investors lock onto NPC as markets seek policy lift amid AI jitters

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.

Flying car dreams gain altitude as Xpeng affiliate Aridge raises US$200 million

Fresh capital comes as the company ramps up manufacturing of its Land Aircraft Carrier vehicle and pushes towards commercial deliveries.

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.

In a first for China, Neuracle’s brain-computer interface wins approval

China’s BCI start-ups, seen as potential rivals to Elon Musk’s Neuralink, gain momentum as regulatory support and new capital fuel growth.

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.

Why China’s cadres must master rare earths as economic security becomes a KPI

Beijing’s decision to instruct promising cadres on logistics and resources reflects a sober outlook on trade relations, observers say.

How Schneider Electric powers Hong Kong’s ecosystem innovation

My Take | Mandelson scandal could be the tipping point that costs Starmer his job

Letters | What Lee Kuan Yew knew: leaders’ psychological fitness matters