Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Social media users abroad are believed to be increasingly learning about China through entertainment, food and lifestyle routines, rather than headlines and political messaging. Photo: Shobserver.com

A very Chinese time? How memes are paving the way for a soft power shift

Western social media trends paint ‘Chineseness’ in a positive light, but observers question whether Beijing will benefit.

8 Feb 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

US looking inward under Trump made room for China’s development, expert says

China

Diplomacy

China, Philippines hold first talks in over a year: South China Sea thaw ahead?

Philippine president rejects calls for Manila to declare Chinese ambassador persona non grata even as frictions spike in South China Sea.

8 Feb 2026 - 8:34PMvideocam

Science

Could this thrust device give Chinese drones an edge over F-35s?

An aerodynamic tail nozzle designed in Nanjing proves its mettle in a high-subsonic speed drone test.

4 hours ago

Politics

Conservatives storm to victory in Thailand’s election

The Bhumjaithai Party is forecast to win nearly 200 seats as People’s Party concedes election.

3 hours ago

Year of the horse

All you need to know about the Year of the Horse

Lifestyle & Culture

Indonesia’s 68,000-year-old handprint: the birth of human art?

Found hiding beneath a chicken sketch, the faded outline proves ancient humans were capable of reflecting on their existence, scientists say.

1 hour ago

Handprints with sharpened fingertips on a cave wall in the Maros region of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Photo: Ahdi Agus Oktaviana/Maxime Aubert/AP

Politics

Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ Takaichi projected to sweep election

Takaichi’s LDP and its coalition partner Japan Innovation Party are forecast to win as many as 328 of the 465 lower house seats.

5 hours agovideocam

China

8 dead in biotech workshop blast in central China

Emergency crews remain at the site in Shanxi province as smoke continues to billow from the wreckage.

8 Feb 2026 - 6:17PM

Business

The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Found everywhere from food products to biofuel, this vegetable oil is preferred for its versatility, safety and sustainable production.

In partnership with:

MPOC

Palm oil is a versatile ingredient found in a wide range of everyday items, from ice cream and cake to lipstick and biofuel.

Business

AutoFlight unveils world’s largest flying car as China races to lead the skies

CATL-backed AutoFlight debuts Matrix, targeting global expansion, as Beijing moves to set standards for domestic eVTOL makers and operators.

8 Feb 2026 - 5:15PM

AutoFlight describes eVTOL aircraft Matrix as the largest of its kind in the world. Photo: Handout

Europe

Senior diplomat resigns as Norway investigates Epstein links

Norwegian media said Epstein left US$10 million in his will to the children of Mona Juul, who was Norway’s ambassador to Jordan and Iraq.

58 minutes ago

China Economy

Farmers’ son banker Xu Yiding under probe by China’s anti-corruption watchdog

The Agricultural Development Bank of China vice-president was once held up as a model figure for finance-driven poverty reduction.

5 hours agovideocam

Transport

New rail routes to mainland China nearly sold out ahead of Lunar New Year

All classes of tickets from Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Station to 14 of 16 new mainland stops fully booked from Friday through next Sunday.

8 Feb 2026 - 9:56PM

Nanjing and Wuxi in Jiangsu province and Hefei in Anhui are among the most sought-after new destinations. Photo: Jelly Tse

Entertainment

Explainer | Why realism doesn’t matter in Hong Kong martial arts movies

Flying, ‘weightless’ leaps, unrealistic injuries and long fight scenes are all part and parcel of Hong Kong martial arts movies. Here’s why.

8 Feb 2026 - 5:15PM

Jackie Chan in a still from The Young Master (1980). Hong Kong martial arts films blend myth and physical poetry, prioritising style over realism. Photo: Golden Harvest

Europe

Portugal elects Socialist as president by landslide, exit polls show

Antonio Jose Seguro appeared to ‌be headed for a clear ‍victory, well ahead of his far-right, anti-establishment rival Andre Ventura.

24 minutes ago

United States & Canada

Romania, Argentina leaders invited to Trump’s Board of Peace meeting in US

Romania’s Dan said his country had not decided whether it would take part in the meeting while Argentina’s Milei said he would attend.

2 hours ago

Other Sport

Hurtling head first down an icy chute on a sled – skeleton at Winter Olympics

The sport, which has been in the Olympics since 1928, will be the event for thrill-seekers to watch during the Milano Cortina Games.

4 hours ago

Britain’s Matt Weston is seen in action during the men’s skeleton heat 1 at the IBSF World Championships in Switzerland on Monday. Photo: Reuters

Science

How a deadly tumour cell protein could help fight Alzheimer’s: Chinese study

Chinese scientists’ research could open new doors for ‘precision-targeted’ treatment of the most common form of dementia.

8 Feb 2026 - 10:59AMvideocam

Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behaviour. Photo: Shutterstock

China Economy

As jobs dry up, China’s graduates turn to booming ‘micro drama’ industry

The bite-sized series now rival box office hits in popularity – and with that success comes opportunity.

8 Feb 2026 - 5:00PM

East Asia

Japan bear intrusions driven by fruit, not hunger, study finds

Japan’s bears enter towns for leftover crops, not starvation – revealing an urgent need for residents to clear fallen fruit from farms.

8 Feb 2026 - 7:49PM

OPINION

Alex Lo

My Take | TikTok deal good for Chinese owners but terrible for users in the United States

8 Feb 2026 - 10:15PM

Justin Diamond

Opinion | Why the US really fears Chinese ‘overcapacity’

8 Feb 2026 - 5:39PM

Brian Y. S. Wong

Opinion | How Hong Kong can bring China and Britain closer: it’s not just finance

8 Feb 2026 - 8:30PM

Regina Ip

Opinion | Hong Kong’s budget should move the city towards ‘inspirational’ development

8 Feb 2026 - 9:30AM

Letters

Letters | UK needs an independent China policy, not just a Trump hedge

8 Feb 2026 - 11:30AM

Harry’s View | 9 Feb 2026

MORE COMMENT

LATEST

2 minutes ago

Other Sport

Trump insults US Olympic skier Hunter Hess, calling him a ‘real loser’

35 minutes ago

Europe

Portugal elects Socialist as president by landslide, exit polls show

2 hours ago

Europe

Senior diplomat resigns as Norway investigates Epstein links

2 hours ago

United States & Canada

Romania, Argentina leaders invited to Trump’s Board of Peace meeting in US

3 hours ago

Middle East

Rescuers search for survivors after building collapse kills 5 in Lebanon

4 hours ago

Middle East

Iran sentences Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi to over 7 more years in prison

MORE LATEST NEWS

SCMP Series

Year of the Horse 2026

China Inc. goes global

Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Jackie Chan in a still from Ride On, one of five films we examine that feature horses in important roles.

SCMP Series Year of the Horse 2026

5 horse-themed Chinese-language movies to watch, from Jackie Chan drama to Tibetan epics

In films, horses often symbolise strength, gracefulness and agility. Here are five Chinese-language movies where the animal plays a big role.

8 Feb 2026 - 11:15AMvideocam

All you need to know about the Year of the Horse

8 Feb 2026 - 11:00AM

Year of the Horse 2026 feng shui advice for Horses for prosperity and love

8 Feb 2026 - 7:15AM

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Lawrence Lau on why China must ‘work smarter’ and how it can invent from scratch

China must shift from quantity to quality by focusing on 12-year schooling, more basic research and GBA integration, renowned economist says.

2 Feb 2026 - 10:02AMvideocam

China

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

29 Jan 2026 - 11:50AMvideocam

Tech Trends

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

4 Feb 2026 - 3:48PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

19 Jan 2026 - 6:57PMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech Trends

‘Optimus chain’: Chinese suppliers form backbone of Tesla’s humanoid robot plans

Tesla’s pivot to producing humanoid robots is expected to engage a network of key Chinese component makers.

1 Feb 2026 - 2:00PMvideocam

Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot is seen on display at a company showroom in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Shutterstock

Business

AutoFlight unveils world’s largest flying car as China races to lead the skies

CATL-backed AutoFlight debuts Matrix, targeting global expansion, as Beijing moves to set standards for domestic eVTOL makers and operators.

8 Feb 2026 - 5:15PM

China Business

Tesla launches China AI training centre as self-driving race accelerates

US EV giant opens hub to advance its Full Self-Driving software, as Chinese carmakers step up their own L3 autonomous driving plans.

6 Feb 2026 - 11:07PM

China Business

Fosun Pharma unit licenses lung cancer drug to Eisai in US$1.55 billion deal

The deal comes as Chinese novel drug makers are having more say in how their new medicines are developed with global partners.

6 Feb 2026 - 5:00PM

A view of the Shanghai facility of Fosun Pharma’s biopharma unit Henlius. Photo: Handout

Business

How Western brands are adapting to China’s changing consumer landscape

Starbucks’ China stake sale signals a seismic shift, as global firms retreat amid rising competition, price wars and evolving consumer tastes.

7 Feb 2026 - 10:07AM

Global Economy

As Beijing and Moscow tout ties, China’s companies keep Ukraine’s lights on

Ukrainians are buying Chinese batteries and emergency items en masse after Russian strikes, with Beijing’s ties to Moscow no damper on trade.

7 Feb 2026 - 6:39AMvideocam

Hong Kong Economy

Is Hong Kong barking up the wrong tree with dog-friendly restaurants?

Can pet-friendly premises really give Hong Kong’s economy a boost?

6 Feb 2026 - 8:32AM

Diplomacy

US and China defence sectors emerge as key battlegrounds in the race for AI

As both military powers vie to integrate innovative technology first, the race is on to develop and fast-track the latest advancements.

5 Feb 2026 - 1:41AMvideocam

A very Chinese time? How memes are paving the way for a soft power shift

Western social media trends paint ‘Chineseness’ in a positive light, but observers question whether Beijing will benefit.

US looking inward under Trump made room for China’s development, expert says

China, Philippines hold first talks in over a year: South China Sea thaw ahead?

Philippine president rejects calls for Manila to declare Chinese ambassador persona non grata even as frictions spike in South China Sea.

Could this thrust device give Chinese drones an edge over F-35s?

An aerodynamic tail nozzle designed in Nanjing proves its mettle in a high-subsonic speed drone test.

Conservatives storm to victory in Thailand’s election

The Bhumjaithai Party is forecast to win nearly 200 seats as People’s Party concedes election.

All you need to know about the Year of the Horse

Indonesia’s 68,000-year-old handprint: the birth of human art?

Found hiding beneath a chicken sketch, the faded outline proves ancient humans were capable of reflecting on their existence, scientists say.

Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ Takaichi projected to sweep election

Takaichi’s LDP and its coalition partner Japan Innovation Party are forecast to win as many as 328 of the 465 lower house seats.

8 dead in biotech workshop blast in central China

Emergency crews remain at the site in Shanxi province as smoke continues to billow from the wreckage.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Found everywhere from food products to biofuel, this vegetable oil is preferred for its versatility, safety and sustainable production.

AutoFlight unveils world’s largest flying car as China races to lead the skies

CATL-backed AutoFlight debuts Matrix, targeting global expansion, as Beijing moves to set standards for domestic eVTOL makers and operators.

Senior diplomat resigns as Norway investigates Epstein links

Norwegian media said Epstein left US$10 million in his will to the children of Mona Juul, who was Norway’s ambassador to Jordan and Iraq.

Farmers’ son banker Xu Yiding under probe by China’s anti-corruption watchdog

The Agricultural Development Bank of China vice-president was once held up as a model figure for finance-driven poverty reduction.

New rail routes to mainland China nearly sold out ahead of Lunar New Year

All classes of tickets from Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Station to 14 of 16 new mainland stops fully booked from Friday through next Sunday.

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Explainer | Why realism doesn’t matter in Hong Kong martial arts movies

Flying, ‘weightless’ leaps, unrealistic injuries and long fight scenes are all part and parcel of Hong Kong martial arts movies. Here’s why.

Portugal elects Socialist as president by landslide, exit polls show

Antonio Jose Seguro appeared to ‌be headed for a clear ‍victory, well ahead of his far-right, anti-establishment rival Andre Ventura.

Romania, Argentina leaders invited to Trump’s Board of Peace meeting in US

Romania’s Dan said his country had not decided whether it would take part in the meeting while Argentina’s Milei said he would attend.

Hurtling head first down an icy chute on a sled – skeleton at Winter Olympics

The sport, which has been in the Olympics since 1928, will be the event for thrill-seekers to watch during the Milano Cortina Games.

How a deadly tumour cell protein could help fight Alzheimer’s: Chinese study

Chinese scientists’ research could open new doors for ‘precision-targeted’ treatment of the most common form of dementia.

As jobs dry up, China’s graduates turn to booming ‘micro drama’ industry

The bite-sized series now rival box office hits in popularity – and with that success comes opportunity.

Japan bear intrusions driven by fruit, not hunger, study finds

Japan’s bears enter towns for leftover crops, not starvation – revealing an urgent need for residents to clear fallen fruit from farms.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}My Take | TikTok deal good for Chinese owners but terrible for users in the United States

Opinion | Why the US really fears Chinese ‘overcapacity’

Opinion | How Hong Kong can bring China and Britain closer: it’s not just finance

Opinion | Hong Kong’s budget should move the city towards ‘inspirational’ development

Letters | UK needs an independent China policy, not just a Trump hedge

Trump insults US Olympic skier Hunter Hess, calling him a ‘real loser’

Portugal elects Socialist as president by landslide, exit polls show

Senior diplomat resigns as Norway investigates Epstein links

Romania, Argentina leaders invited to Trump’s Board of Peace meeting in US

Rescuers search for survivors after building collapse kills 5 in Lebanon

Iran sentences Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi to over 7 more years in prison

5 horse-themed Chinese-language movies to watch, from Jackie Chan drama to Tibetan epics

In films, horses often symbolise strength, gracefulness and agility. Here are five Chinese-language movies where the animal plays a big role.

All you need to know about the Year of the Horse

Year of the Horse 2026 feng shui advice for Horses for prosperity and love

Open Questions | Lawrence Lau on why China must ‘work smarter’ and how it can invent from scratch

China must shift from quantity to quality by focusing on 12-year schooling, more basic research and GBA integration, renowned economist says.

Open Questions | How China’s 15-fold rise in Latin America dents US influence: Francisco Urdinez

A leading scholar says US action in Venezuela shows how Beijing’s economic ties now face rising geopolitical pushback.

Open Questions | Jeffrey Ding on why diffusion, not innovation, is the secret to AI success

Professor says a ‘diffusion marathon’, where AI is gradually embedded in an economy over decades, will determine the winner of US-China tech war.

Open Questions | Why US raid on Venezuela could ‘work to China’s advantage’: John Mearsheimer

International relations scholar says US could easily take Greenland, while regime change in Tehran would be more difficult.

‘Optimus chain’: Chinese suppliers form backbone of Tesla’s humanoid robot plans

Tesla’s pivot to producing humanoid robots is expected to engage a network of key Chinese component makers.

AutoFlight unveils world’s largest flying car as China races to lead the skies

CATL-backed AutoFlight debuts Matrix, targeting global expansion, as Beijing moves to set standards for domestic eVTOL makers and operators.

Tesla launches China AI training centre as self-driving race accelerates

US EV giant opens hub to advance its Full Self-Driving software, as Chinese carmakers step up their own L3 autonomous driving plans.

Fosun Pharma unit licenses lung cancer drug to Eisai in US$1.55 billion deal

The deal comes as Chinese novel drug makers are having more say in how their new medicines are developed with global partners.

How Western brands are adapting to China’s changing consumer landscape

Starbucks’ China stake sale signals a seismic shift, as global firms retreat amid rising competition, price wars and evolving consumer tastes.

As Beijing and Moscow tout ties, China’s companies keep Ukraine’s lights on

Ukrainians are buying Chinese batteries and emergency items en masse after Russian strikes, with Beijing’s ties to Moscow no damper on trade.

Is Hong Kong barking up the wrong tree with dog-friendly restaurants?

Can pet-friendly premises really give Hong Kong’s economy a boost?

US and China defence sectors emerge as key battlegrounds in the race for AI

As both military powers vie to integrate innovative technology first, the race is on to develop and fast-track the latest advancements.

The secret ingredient in your daily life: why Malaysian palm oil is used around the world

Explainer | Why realism doesn’t matter in Hong Kong martial arts movies

My Take | TikTok deal good for Chinese owners but terrible for users in the United States