Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Shoppers walk by a reflected art installation at an outdoor luxury shopping mall in Beijing. Photo: AP

Beijing ramps up tax crackdown, frames consumption levies as fiscal lifelines

Authorities target retailers, shell companies and off-the-books manoeuvres to lessen tax liabilities.

14 minutes ago

Brazil beckoned: China now has stock and bond ‘connect’ schemes in 5 regions

Banking & finance

China Business

Chinese EV makers target global expansion at Auto China amid energy shock

Most carmakers taking part in the exhibition have either debuted models designed for export markets or announced expansion plans.

1 hour ago

Diplomacy

Iran’s foreign minister expected in Pakistan, raising hopes for talks with US

Abbas Araghchi will arrive with a small team, a source says, with US security teams reportedly already in Islamabad.

2 minutes agovideocam

Diplomacy

Why the future is fluid for middle powers in a sea of US-China rivalry

International relations expert Kuik Cheng-Chwee says smaller states are choosing a ‘neutrality-plus’ strategy over picking sides.

14 minutes agovideocam

Military

Iran war shows ‘strategic value’ of AI for China’s military, PLA Daily says

Military

China stages navy drill as US and Philippines embark on Balikatan 2026

The Liaoning aircraft carrier appears to be among 14 large naval vessels snapped on manoeuvres in a satellite image circulating online.

2 hours agovideocam

China’s first aircraft carrier went into commission in 2012 and was named “Liaoning” after the northeastern province. Photo: Xinhua via AP

China Economy

‘Paradigm shift’: is China’s deal with mining giant BHP a global yuan milestone?

The agreement to partly link iron ore pricing to the yuan is a breakthrough but US dollar dominance in the trade remains entrenched for now, analysts say.

2 hours agovideocam

Society

Departments must communicate better, fire chief tells Tai Po blaze hearing

But Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung insists authorities have clear divisions of work for supervision of renovation projects.

1 hour ago

Tech

How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Huawei Technologies’ monitoring systems speed up real-time identification of China’s primates, coastal coral, and Norwegian salmon.

In partnership with:

Huawei

Tech

Why China’s optical communications sector is the latest AI boom beneficiary

What are optical modules, why are they so critical and which Chinese makers’ stocks are soaring?

3 hours ago

Data centres are shifting from copper wires to optical interconnect systems, which can provide the massive bandwidth that AI set-ups demand. Photo: Shutterstock

China Economy

Why China is spending billions on a robot army to run its power grid

China’s grid operators plan to purchase thousands of robots in 2026 alone, including devices to inspect and maintain vital infrastructure.

3 hours agovideocam

Politics

Chinese drone discovery sharpens focus on Asia’s undersea security race

Experts say India is playing ‘steady catch-up’ in boosting undersea surveillance, while Southeast Asian nations’ capabilities differ widely.

3 hours ago

Science

Michigan community ‘seeks answers’ to death of Chinese chip scientist Wang Danhao

Advocacy group holds vigil for scientist who took his own life after being questioned by US federal agents.

3 hours agovideocam

Wang Danhao, a young and promising Chinese semiconductor researcher at the University of Michigan, took his own life after being subjected to ‘hostile questioning’ by US federal agents. Photo: Lindan Wan

Hong Kong Economy

Over 50 Central restaurants, shops join drive to boost spending, lure tourists

Merchants taking part in scheme promoting hidden delicacies and goods will offer discounts to residents and tourists.

2 hours ago

Visitors in Central. The initiative is aimed at encouraging tourists to explore the art, historical sites, local culture and delicacies of Central and Sheung Wan. Photo: Jelly Tse

China Business

China opens government bond futures to select foreign investors in reform push

Qualified foreign investors can trade government bond futures, enhancing market access and boosting the yuan’s appeal amid global tensions.

3 hours ago

China Economy

‘It’s a tightrope’: why Europe’s wind industry faces a growing China dilemma

A debate is swirling in Europe over what role China should play in its wind power push, as the continent confronts the Middle East energy crisis.

4 hours agovideocam

China Business

China’s Pop Mart eyes expansion at home and abroad for its Pop Land theme park

The company’s sole theme park in Beijing will launch its upgraded Labubu Forest Zone on Thursday.

3 hours ago

Pop Mart’s Pop Land theme park in Beijing. Photo: AFP

Europe

A month after elections, Danish government talks remain in stalemate

Caretaker PM Mette ‌Frederiksen has so far only won support from left-wing groups, which is not enough to secure a parliamentary majority.

51 minutes agovideocam

Denmark’s acting Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in front of the Prime Minister’s Office in the Danish Parliament in Copenhagen on April 7. Photo: via Reuters

Football

4 tickets to World Cup final listed on Fifa’s resale site for US$2 million each

The $2,299,998.85 seats for the July 19 match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, are located behind a goal in the lower deck.

14 minutes ago

Global Economy

China places EU defence, aerospace firms on export control list

Seven listed entities are barred from receiving ‘dual-use’ items originating in China, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce.

3 hours agovideocam

OPINION

Andrew Sheng

Opinion | Asia’s future depends on looking beyond the West and its institutions

2 hours ago

David Dodwell

Outside In | The Iran war is brewing a food crisis we must avert

6 hours ago

Tang Meng Kit

Opinion | Engine dilemma lies at heart of successful take-off for China’s C919

24 Apr 2026 - 9:30AM

Zohaib Altaf

Opinion | Iran war ship seizures show how dual-use claims are being weaponised

24 Apr 2026 - 8:29AM

Letters

Letters | China’s interest doesn’t lie in US failures

24 Apr 2026 - 11:30AM

Harry’s View | 24 Apr 2026

MORE COMMENT

LATEST

14 minutes ago

Football

4 tickets to World Cup final listed on Fifa’s resale site for US$2 million each

14 minutes ago

China Economy

Beijing ramps up tax crackdown, frames consumption levies as fiscal lifelines

14 minutes ago

Diplomacy

Why the future is fluid for middle powers in a sea of US-China rivalry

19 minutes ago

East Asia

Japanese protest ‘frightening’ easing of decades-old arms export curbs

24 minutes ago

China

Video | Why AI is driving a solo start-up wave in China

The photo taken on April 12, 2026 shows founder of SoloNest Karen Dai posing for a portrait photo with her new book “One Person Company” at a conference room in Shanghai. Young Chinese, many who fear age discrimination in their workplace after turning 35, are increasingly starting “one-person companies” that have artificial intelligence do most of the work. (Photo by Jade GAO / AFP) / TO GO WITH AFP STORY: China-AI-technology-science-employment, FOCUS by Mary YANG

02:14

27 minutes ago

Today in Photos

Gallery | In pictures: Chernobyl nuclear disaster, 40 years on

51 minutes ago

Europe

A month after elections, Danish government talks remain in stalemate

1 hour ago

Other Sport

Olympic Council of Asia to discuss holding Asian Games in odd-numbered years

1 hour ago

Society

Departments must communicate better, fire chief tells Tai Po blaze hearing

1 hour ago

China Business

Chinese EV makers target global expansion at Auto China amid energy shock

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SCMP Series

US-Israel war on Iran

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SCMP Series US-Israel war on Iran

Iran war: is the US shifting away from its strategy of precision strikes?

As the conflict has intensified, more energy and civilian sites have been targeted in what is seen as a broader approach.

9 Apr 2026 - 9:26AMvideocam

What is the war on Iran teaching China about the United States’ resilience?

8 Apr 2026 - 11:10AMvideocam

How lessons from Iran war could shape mainland China’s Taiwan calculus

7 Apr 2026 - 2:20AMvideocam

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

20 Apr 2026 - 10:05AMvideocam

Science

Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang

Kunyu Wanguo Quantu and maritime artefacts prove China explored the world earlier than Eurocentric accounts suggest, scholar argues.

13 Apr 2026 - 8:15AMvideocam

China Economy

Open Questions | Andrew Tilton on China’s economic trajectory in wake of Iran war

Goldman Sachs’ chief Asia-Pacific economist says worst is over in terms of property slump’s impact on China’s economic growth.

6 Apr 2026 - 10:01AMvideocam

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

Key Industries:

Tech

Can ‘token exports’ give China an edge in the AI era?

As AI tokens emerge as a new commodity, China’s cost advantage is reshaping global model competition, though monetisation gaps remain.

22 Apr 2026 - 11:20PM

Starting this year, models from Chinese companies have intermittently ranked among the global top tier in token usage. Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

China Business

Chinese EV makers target global expansion at Auto China amid energy shock

Most carmakers taking part in the exhibition have either debuted models designed for export markets or announced expansion plans.

1 hour ago

Tech

Why China’s optical communications sector is the latest AI boom beneficiary

What are optical modules, why are they so critical and which Chinese makers’ stocks are soaring?

3 hours ago

China Economy

Why China is spending billions on a robot army to run its power grid

China’s grid operators plan to purchase thousands of robots in 2026 alone, including devices to inspect and maintain vital infrastructure.

3 hours agovideocam

An employee of China Southern Power Grid demonstrates controlling a humanoid robot at the company’s robotics laboratory in Guangzhou. Photo: Reuters

Hong Kong

How fire safety failures worsened Hong Kong’s deadly inferno

The second round of hearings from April 8 to April 17 exposed a series of failures that allowed the fire equipment and alarm system in Wang Fuk Court to be deactivated for months, and eventually contributed to the heavy death toll.

23 Apr 2026 - 6:04PM

How fire safety failures worsened Hong Kong’s deadly inferno

Hong Kong Economy

Hongkongers find value, space and style in Shenzhen’s new cultural hotspots

Short cross‑border getaways emerging as the ‘quick escape’ of choice, with the newly opened Shenzhen Bay Culture Square adding to appeal.

24 Apr 2026 - 8:35AM

China Economy

How a Chinese plastics hub shapes Tesla’s supply chain – and moulds the modern world

From car components to keyboards, this little-known industrial district in eastern China is crafting the small parts the world relies on.

23 Apr 2026 - 6:54AMvideocam

Politics

Trump’s military push confronts US lawmakers and China’s shipbuilding edge

Congressional resistance, war costs and industrial limits could constrain ambitions, even as Beijing expands its naval capacity.

22 Apr 2026 - 12:55AMvideocam

Beijing ramps up tax crackdown, frames consumption levies as fiscal lifelines

Authorities target retailers, shell companies and off-the-books manoeuvres to lessen tax liabilities.

Brazil beckoned: China now has stock and bond ‘connect’ schemes in 5 regions

Chinese EV makers target global expansion at Auto China amid energy shock

Most carmakers taking part in the exhibition have either debuted models designed for export markets or announced expansion plans.

Iran’s foreign minister expected in Pakistan, raising hopes for talks with US

Abbas Araghchi will arrive with a small team, a source says, with US security teams reportedly already in Islamabad.

Why the future is fluid for middle powers in a sea of US-China rivalry

International relations expert Kuik Cheng-Chwee says smaller states are choosing a ‘neutrality-plus’ strategy over picking sides.

Iran war shows ‘strategic value’ of AI for China’s military, PLA Daily says

China stages navy drill as US and Philippines embark on Balikatan 2026

The Liaoning aircraft carrier appears to be among 14 large naval vessels snapped on manoeuvres in a satellite image circulating online.

‘Paradigm shift’: is China’s deal with mining giant BHP a global yuan milestone?

The agreement to partly link iron ore pricing to the yuan is a breakthrough but US dollar dominance in the trade remains entrenched for now, analysts say.

Departments must communicate better, fire chief tells Tai Po blaze hearing

But Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung insists authorities have clear divisions of work for supervision of renovation projects.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Huawei Technologies’ monitoring systems speed up real-time identification of China’s primates, coastal coral, and Norwegian salmon.

Why China’s optical communications sector is the latest AI boom beneficiary

What are optical modules, why are they so critical and which Chinese makers’ stocks are soaring?

Why China is spending billions on a robot army to run its power grid

China’s grid operators plan to purchase thousands of robots in 2026 alone, including devices to inspect and maintain vital infrastructure.

Chinese drone discovery sharpens focus on Asia’s undersea security race

Experts say India is playing ‘steady catch-up’ in boosting undersea surveillance, while Southeast Asian nations’ capabilities differ widely.

Michigan community ‘seeks answers’ to death of Chinese chip scientist Wang Danhao

Advocacy group holds vigil for scientist who took his own life after being questioned by US federal agents.

Over 50 Central restaurants, shops join drive to boost spending, lure tourists

Merchants taking part in scheme promoting hidden delicacies and goods will offer discounts to residents and tourists.

China opens government bond futures to select foreign investors in reform push

Qualified foreign investors can trade government bond futures, enhancing market access and boosting the yuan’s appeal amid global tensions.

‘It’s a tightrope’: why Europe’s wind industry faces a growing China dilemma

A debate is swirling in Europe over what role China should play in its wind power push, as the continent confronts the Middle East energy crisis.

China’s Pop Mart eyes expansion at home and abroad for its Pop Land theme park

The company’s sole theme park in Beijing will launch its upgraded Labubu Forest Zone on Thursday.

A month after elections, Danish government talks remain in stalemate

Caretaker PM Mette ‌Frederiksen has so far only won support from left-wing groups, which is not enough to secure a parliamentary majority.

4 tickets to World Cup final listed on Fifa’s resale site for US$2 million each

The $2,299,998.85 seats for the July 19 match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, are located behind a goal in the lower deck.

China places EU defence, aerospace firms on export control list

Seven listed entities are barred from receiving ‘dual-use’ items originating in China, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Asia’s future depends on looking beyond the West and its institutions

Outside In | The Iran war is brewing a food crisis we must avert

Opinion | Engine dilemma lies at heart of successful take-off for China’s C919

Opinion | Iran war ship seizures show how dual-use claims are being weaponised

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | China’s interest doesn’t lie in US failures

4 tickets to World Cup final listed on Fifa’s resale site for US$2 million each

Beijing ramps up tax crackdown, frames consumption levies as fiscal lifelines

Why the future is fluid for middle powers in a sea of US-China rivalry

Japanese protest ‘frightening’ easing of decades-old arms export curbs

.css-1t72pn8{color:#C79A00;}Video | Why AI is driving a solo start-up wave in China

Gallery | In pictures: Chernobyl nuclear disaster, 40 years on

A month after elections, Danish government talks remain in stalemate

Olympic Council of Asia to discuss holding Asian Games in odd-numbered years

Departments must communicate better, fire chief tells Tai Po blaze hearing

Chinese EV makers target global expansion at Auto China amid energy shock

Iran war: is the US shifting away from its strategy of precision strikes?

As the conflict has intensified, more energy and civilian sites have been targeted in what is seen as a broader approach.

What is the war on Iran teaching China about the United States’ resilience?

How lessons from Iran war could shape mainland China’s Taiwan calculus

Open Questions | ‘Saying you’re a geopolitical actor doesn’t make it so’: Sven Biscop on Europe

The Belgian political scientist on what the Iran war and the transatlantic collision reveal about Europe’s place in a fast-changing world.

Open Questions | What an ancient Chinese map reveals about global history: Sheng-Wei Wang

Kunyu Wanguo Quantu and maritime artefacts prove China explored the world earlier than Eurocentric accounts suggest, scholar argues.

Open Questions | Andrew Tilton on China’s economic trajectory in wake of Iran war

Goldman Sachs’ chief Asia-Pacific economist says worst is over in terms of property slump’s impact on China’s economic growth.

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.

Can ‘token exports’ give China an edge in the AI era?

As AI tokens emerge as a new commodity, China’s cost advantage is reshaping global model competition, though monetisation gaps remain.

Chinese EV makers target global expansion at Auto China amid energy shock

Most carmakers taking part in the exhibition have either debuted models designed for export markets or announced expansion plans.

Why China’s optical communications sector is the latest AI boom beneficiary

What are optical modules, why are they so critical and which Chinese makers’ stocks are soaring?

Why China is spending billions on a robot army to run its power grid

China’s grid operators plan to purchase thousands of robots in 2026 alone, including devices to inspect and maintain vital infrastructure.

How fire safety failures worsened Hong Kong’s deadly inferno

The second round of hearings from April 8 to April 17 exposed a series of failures that allowed the fire equipment and alarm system in Wang Fuk Court to be deactivated for months, and eventually contributed to the heavy death toll.

Hongkongers find value, space and style in Shenzhen’s new cultural hotspots

Short cross‑border getaways emerging as the ‘quick escape’ of choice, with the newly opened Shenzhen Bay Culture Square adding to appeal.

How a Chinese plastics hub shapes Tesla’s supply chain – and moulds the modern world

How AI technology supports conservation of endangered species

Opinion | Asia’s future depends on looking beyond the West and its institutions

Letters | China’s interest doesn’t lie in US failures

Video | Why AI is driving a solo start-up wave in China