Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Farmers harvest rice in Aceh Besar, Indonesia. The first planting season of the year is just months away in much of Asia. Photo: EPA

Why spike in fertiliser prices could boost China’s political clout

Beijing could see its regional leverage grow as the Iran war hits supply, though weaponisation of exports is unlikely, analysts say.

6 hours ago

China rushes to stabilise fertiliser market as Iran war chokes off imports

US-Israel war on Iran

China Economy

China has ‘room’ for imported inflation, but economic risks rising: PBOC adviser

As US-Israel war with Iran sends prices up, a monetary expert says impact on China depends on conflict’s severity, while higher energy costs are worrying.

31 Mar 2026 - 9:00PM

Military

China tests ‘heaviest cargo drone’ suited to high-altitude and island operations

Designed for both military and civilian use, it has 7-tonne take-off weight and is the world’s heaviest cargo drone in full-scale flight.

31 Mar 2026 - 10:13PMvideocam

Society

Tai Po blaze hearing: property management worker unaware fire alarms deactivated

Clerk tells hearing she knew hose reel system had been shut down for months but did not know alarms would also be deactivated.

2 hours ago

Diplomacy

Kenyan President William Ruto tightens a railway line bolt during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Naivasha-Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway extension in Narok, Kenya, on March 19. Photo: Xinhua

China and Kenya partner to finish ‘most consequential’ rail project

Politics

No deals on mainland China visit, Taiwan’s opposition KMT chairwoman warned

Kuomintang chair Cheng Li-wun is expected to lead a delegation to mainland China from April 7 to 12.

31 Mar 2026 - 7:13PMvideocam

Cheng Li-wun’s coming cross-strait visit has rattled Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party and exposed unease even within KMT ranks. Photo: Reuters

Diplomacy

China, Pakistan launch five-point plan to ease Iran crisis, push ceasefire

Beijing backs Islamabad’s mediation push as both call for truce, Hormuz reopening and talks to restore regional stability.

2 hours agovideocam

China Economy

3 Chinese ships exit Strait of Hormuz as PetroChina stresses operations stable

PetroChina chairman addresses annual results conference as three Chinese vessels transit Strait of Hormuz and Iran passes law on transit fees.

31 Mar 2026 - 7:00PM

Business

From waste to bottle: the technology that gives packaging waste a verifiable second life

Dow’s digital tracking system in China proves to consumers and businesses how waste can be recycled into new products.

In partnership with:

Dow

Caption: Dow’s Track and Trace Platform makes it possible to follow a recycled bottle’s journey from disposal to its rebirth as a new plastic bottle. Photo: Shutterstock

Southeast Asia

Malaysia court orders ex-PM Najib to pay US$1.3 billion to 1MDB unit

Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that Najib was liable for losses incurred by ‌SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1MDB.

31 Mar 2026 - 6:20PMvideocam

Malaysia’s former prime minister Najib Razak is escorted by prison guards at Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex, on the day he attends the verdict of his house arrest bid, at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on December 22, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Middle East

Iran says it has ‘will’ to end war, as Trump zigzags on escalation

President Masoud Pezeshkian stresses, however, that Tehran wants guarantees that the conflict with the US and Israel will not flare up again.

2 hours agovideocam

Europe

Wolf bites woman on the face at German shopping centre in rare attack

The animal, which had previously avoided humans, was captured and taken to a wildlife park.

4 hours ago

Southeast Asia

Philippines to rename disputed South China Sea islands

The features to be renamed belong to the Spratly archipelago, site of repeated confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels.

5 hours ago

A screen capture of a video of the Philippines setting up at monitoring station on Thitu Island, which is part of the contested Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea. Image: SCMP

Chinese culture

The origin of triads, from secret societies to global criminal networks

While Hong Kong triads are now known for their criminal enterprises, their roots lie in secret societies that stretch back hundreds of years.

31 Mar 2026 - 7:15AMvideocam

Suspected members of triad societies are guarded by officers in Tung Tau Estate, Kowloon, in 1973. Hong Kong’s triads have evolved from secret societies into global criminal networks. Photo: SCMP

Middle East

Iran says will target Apple, Google and Meta if more of its leaders are killed

A list of 18 US tech firms released by the Revolutionary Guards also included Microsoft, Nvidia, Tesla, Oracle and Palantir.

3 hours agovideocam

United States & Canada

Judge halts Trump’s White House ballroom project unless Congress approves it

The US$400 million ballroom is part of the US president’s broader push to reshape Washington’s core.

49 minutes agovideocam

Big Tech

Huawei’s profit rises 8.6% in 2025 as overall performance remains steady

‘We are moving towards a future that is full of uncertainty, so we have to remain true to our strategy,’ rotating chairwoman Meng says.

31 Mar 2026 - 9:11PM

Huawei spent a record 192.3 billion yuan on research and development last year. Photo: Xinhua

Diplomacy

Born in the USA? China targeted in Trump’s birthright citizenship fight

As Supreme Court decision looms, Chinese nationals find themselves at the centre of disputed core constitutional issue: who is an American?

31 Mar 2026 - 6:19AMvideocam

Protester Hannah Liu holds a sign in support of birthright citizenship outside the US Supreme Court in May, 2025. Photo: AP

Entertainment

Review | The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: Nintendo sequel looks great but lacks laughs

Donald Glover, Brie Larson and Benny Safdie join the cast in this sequel to 2023’s hugely successful The Super Mario Bros Movie.

2 hours agovideocam

East Asia

Japan rape accuser condemns prosecution’s failure to protect victims

The victim, a prosecutor herself, in 2024 accused Osaka’s then-top prosecutor of raping her 6 years ago.

5 hours ago

OPINION

Richard Heydarian

Opinion | How US war in Iran is pushing Philippines closer to China

31 Mar 2026 - 8:30PM

Marco Vicenzino

Opinion | In age of US-China rivalry, supply chain statecraft counts

31 Mar 2026 - 4:30PM

Letters

Letters | Unfinished business: the delay of Trump’s China visit

31 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

Kun Tian

Opinion | Dubai’s loss could be Hong Kong’s gain, but only if city is ready

31 Mar 2026 - 9:30AM

Neeta Lal

Opinion | Why India is quietly deepening its engagement with the Taliban

31 Mar 2026 - 5:30AM

Harry’s View | 1 Apr 2026

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Diplomacy

Trump-Xi summit: US trade chief casts doubt on pre-meeting Beijing visit

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United States & Canada

Judge halts Trump’s White House ballroom project unless Congress approves it

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Middle East

Iran says it has ‘will’ to end war, as Trump zigzags on escalation

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Entertainment

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Traditional Russian wooden dolls depict Chinese President Xi Jinping, then US president-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a souvenir shop in St Petersburg, Russia, on November 21, 2024. Photo: AP

SCMP Series Trump’s 2026 trip to China

Exclusive | What does it mean for China if Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin visit back to back?

Expected trips in close succession highlight Beijing’s strategic effort to manage relations with the two in turbulent times, analysts say.

27 Mar 2026 - 11:40PMvideocam

Exclusive | What are the real reasons behind the change of date for Trump’s China visit?

21 Mar 2026 - 2:39PMvideocam

Exclusive | Trump ally Steve Daines will be first US senator to visit Hong Kong since 2019

20 Mar 2026 - 6:28PMvideocam

Open Questions series

China Economy

Open Questions | Kenneth Rogoff on why China’s yuan will be a reserve currency within 5 years

Harvard economist explains why cryptocurrencies will never take the US dollar’s place, despite their popularity in underground economies.

30 Mar 2026 - 10:03AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

As investors await Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences, two experts discuss the assets’ integration with the city’s economy – and the world’s.

25 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

Former diplomat posted to Beijing speaks on Iran, Taiwan and global supply chains as details of Xi-Trump meeting are worked out.

23 Mar 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

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

Key Industries:

Big Tech

Nvidia’s Huang calls China ‘formidable’ in robotics as firm bets on physical AI

China’s microelectronics, motors, rare earth and magnets – which are foundational to robotics – are the world’s best, says Huang.

21 Mar 2026 - 6:18PM

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks during the company’s global AI conference in San Jose, California, March 17, 2026. Photo: Reuters

Big Tech

Shenzhen activates China’s first 10,000-card AI cluster with domestic chips

Hub launches new cluster built with Huawei advanced chips, delivering 11,000 petaflops of computing power in push for home-grown tech.

31 Mar 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

Tech Trends

Zhipu AI revenue jumps 132% in first post-IPO report, missing estimates

Total losses soar 59.5 per cent to 4.72 billion yuan driven by mounting research and development spending.

31 Mar 2026 - 8:45PM

Big Tech

Xiaomi, Alibaba ramp up AI recruitment amid global talent war

AI-related positions account for more than 80 per cent of Alibaba’s open roles, up from around 60 per cent last year.

30 Mar 2026 - 10:00PM

People test the latest Xiaomi smartphones at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, February 28, 2026. Photo: Reuters

Diplomacy

China’s looted heritage campaign: assertive, ambitious – and complicated

As the United States steps back from cultural governance, China aims to reshape how the world reclaims looted heritage – with Japan its biggest test.

29 Mar 2026 - 6:17AM

Politics

How a Tang dynasty tablet became a test for China-Japan restitution

Fresh calls involving Tokyo’s Imperial Palace could spell turning point for repatriating looted war relics after decades of inertia.

28 Mar 2026 - 3:50PM

Diplomacy

Why China’s Iran war strategy is working – and may even be an opportunity

Beijing happy to watch, wait and safeguard core interests – oil flows, Taiwan and trade – as its geopolitical rival spends resources on war.

26 Mar 2026 - 8:09AMvideocam

China Economy

Chinese island province wants more than beachgoers as it chases economic growth

After three speculative booms – and busts – the island province is seeking sustainable growth based on new status as a free-trade port.

24 Mar 2026 - 9:38AMvideocam

Why spike in fertiliser prices could boost China’s political clout

Beijing could see its regional leverage grow as the Iran war hits supply, though weaponisation of exports is unlikely, analysts say.

China rushes to stabilise fertiliser market as Iran war chokes off imports

China has ‘room’ for imported inflation, but economic risks rising: PBOC adviser

As US-Israel war with Iran sends prices up, a monetary expert says impact on China depends on conflict’s severity, while higher energy costs are worrying.

China tests ‘heaviest cargo drone’ suited to high-altitude and island operations

Designed for both military and civilian use, it has 7-tonne take-off weight and is the world’s heaviest cargo drone in full-scale flight.

Tai Po blaze hearing: property management worker unaware fire alarms deactivated

Clerk tells hearing she knew hose reel system had been shut down for months but did not know alarms would also be deactivated.

China and Kenya partner to finish ‘most consequential’ rail project

No deals on mainland China visit, Taiwan’s opposition KMT chairwoman warned

Kuomintang chair Cheng Li-wun is expected to lead a delegation to mainland China from April 7 to 12.

China, Pakistan launch five-point plan to ease Iran crisis, push ceasefire

Beijing backs Islamabad’s mediation push as both call for truce, Hormuz reopening and talks to restore regional stability.

3 Chinese ships exit Strait of Hormuz as PetroChina stresses operations stable

PetroChina chairman addresses annual results conference as three Chinese vessels transit Strait of Hormuz and Iran passes law on transit fees.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}From waste to bottle: the technology that gives packaging waste a verifiable second life

Dow’s digital tracking system in China proves to consumers and businesses how waste can be recycled into new products.

Malaysia court orders ex-PM Najib to pay US$1.3 billion to 1MDB unit

Kuala Lumpur High Court ruled that Najib was liable for losses incurred by ‌SRC International, a former subsidiary of 1MDB.

Iran says it has ‘will’ to end war, as Trump zigzags on escalation

President Masoud Pezeshkian stresses, however, that Tehran wants guarantees that the conflict with the US and Israel will not flare up again.

Wolf bites woman on the face at German shopping centre in rare attack

The animal, which had previously avoided humans, was captured and taken to a wildlife park.

Philippines to rename disputed South China Sea islands

The features to be renamed belong to the Spratly archipelago, site of repeated confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels.

The origin of triads, from secret societies to global criminal networks

While Hong Kong triads are now known for their criminal enterprises, their roots lie in secret societies that stretch back hundreds of years.

Iran says will target Apple, Google and Meta if more of its leaders are killed

A list of 18 US tech firms released by the Revolutionary Guards also included Microsoft, Nvidia, Tesla, Oracle and Palantir.

Judge halts Trump’s White House ballroom project unless Congress approves it

The US$400 million ballroom is part of the US president’s broader push to reshape Washington’s core.

Huawei’s profit rises 8.6% in 2025 as overall performance remains steady

‘We are moving towards a future that is full of uncertainty, so we have to remain true to our strategy,’ rotating chairwoman Meng says.

Born in the USA? China targeted in Trump’s birthright citizenship fight

As Supreme Court decision looms, Chinese nationals find themselves at the centre of disputed core constitutional issue: who is an American?

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Review | The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: Nintendo sequel looks great but lacks laughs

Donald Glover, Brie Larson and Benny Safdie join the cast in this sequel to 2023’s hugely successful The Super Mario Bros Movie.

Japan rape accuser condemns prosecution’s failure to protect victims

The victim, a prosecutor herself, in 2024 accused Osaka’s then-top prosecutor of raping her 6 years ago.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | How US war in Iran is pushing Philippines closer to China

Opinion | In age of US-China rivalry, supply chain statecraft counts

Letters | Unfinished business: the delay of Trump’s China visit

Opinion | Dubai’s loss could be Hong Kong’s gain, but only if city is ready

Opinion | Why India is quietly deepening its engagement with the Taliban

Trump-Xi summit: US trade chief casts doubt on pre-meeting Beijing visit

Judge halts Trump’s White House ballroom project unless Congress approves it

Iran says it has ‘will’ to end war, as Trump zigzags on escalation

Review | The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: Nintendo sequel looks great but lacks laughs

Iran says will target Apple, Google and Meta if more of its leaders are killed

Gallery | Harry's View: April 2026

Exclusive | What does it mean for China if Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin visit back to back?

Expected trips in close succession highlight Beijing’s strategic effort to manage relations with the two in turbulent times, analysts say.

Exclusive | What are the real reasons behind the change of date for Trump’s China visit?

Exclusive | Trump ally Steve Daines will be first US senator to visit Hong Kong since 2019

Open Questions | Kenneth Rogoff on why China’s yuan will be a reserve currency within 5 years

Harvard economist explains why cryptocurrencies will never take the US dollar’s place, despite their popularity in underground economies.

Open Dialogue | Gary Liu and Liu Xiaochun on the US and China’s divergent paths for stablecoins

As investors await Hong Kong’s first stablecoin licences, two experts discuss the assets’ integration with the city’s economy – and the world’s.

Open Questions | Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

Former diplomat posted to Beijing speaks on Iran, Taiwan and global supply chains as details of Xi-Trump meeting are worked out.

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.

Nvidia’s Huang calls China ‘formidable’ in robotics as firm bets on physical AI

China’s microelectronics, motors, rare earth and magnets – which are foundational to robotics – are the world’s best, says Huang.

Shenzhen activates China’s first 10,000-card AI cluster with domestic chips

Hub launches new cluster built with Huawei advanced chips, delivering 11,000 petaflops of computing power in push for home-grown tech.

Zhipu AI revenue jumps 132% in first post-IPO report, missing estimates

Total losses soar 59.5 per cent to 4.72 billion yuan driven by mounting research and development spending.

Xiaomi, Alibaba ramp up AI recruitment amid global talent war

AI-related positions account for more than 80 per cent of Alibaba’s open roles, up from around 60 per cent last year.

China’s looted heritage campaign: assertive, ambitious – and complicated

As the United States steps back from cultural governance, China aims to reshape how the world reclaims looted heritage – with Japan its biggest test.

How a Tang dynasty tablet became a test for China-Japan restitution

Fresh calls involving Tokyo’s Imperial Palace could spell turning point for repatriating looted war relics after decades of inertia.

Why China’s Iran war strategy is working – and may even be an opportunity

Beijing happy to watch, wait and safeguard core interests – oil flows, Taiwan and trade – as its geopolitical rival spends resources on war.

Chinese island province wants more than beachgoers as it chases economic growth

After three speculative booms – and busts – the island province is seeking sustainable growth based on new status as a free-trade port.

From waste to bottle: the technology that gives packaging waste a verifiable second life

Review | The Super Mario Galaxy Movie: Nintendo sequel looks great but lacks laughs

Opinion | How US war in Iran is pushing Philippines closer to China