Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

“Scare Out”, directed by Zhang Yimou, will debut in mainland China cinemas on February 17. Photo: Weibo

Will China’s state-backed thriller spill details of little-known spy cases?

‘Scare Out’ depicts leak of PLA jet secrets, and some speculate the plot could be based on true story involving stealth fighter tech.

2 hours ago

Xi’s new year greeting reveals PLA Cyberspace Force post in South China Sea

China's military weapons

Diplomacy

Rubio, Wang Yi manage US-China rivalry in Munich as underlying tensions linger

Back-to-back speeches appear to continue relative thaw in run-up to Trump’s expected China trip but sharp swipes are also traded.

14 Feb 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

Diplomacy

Trump-style diplomacy could win friends for China but harm US ties with Beijing

Observers say even Washington’s close allies need to hedge against a more assertive foreign policy, with some already courting Beijing.

14 Feb 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Society

‘Small but precious breakthrough’ for paralysed Hong Kong dancer Mo Li

Father reveals progress in rehabilitation but says ‘path to recovery is still a marathon’.

15 Feb 2026 - 12:02AM

Focus

Pop Mart balances boom and bust: can Labubu’s leap match Molly’s momentum?

Diplomacy

China and US must talk – we owe it to the world, Rubio tells Munich conference

US secretary of state reaffirms American commitment to the transatlantic alliance, saying ‘Europe must survive’.

14 Feb 2026 - 7:03PMvideocam

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is the highest-ranking US speaker at the annual security conference this year. Photo: AP

Diplomacy

Future of China-US ties rests on Washington’s will, Wang Yi says in Munich

At Munich Security Conference, Chinese foreign minister also accuses Japan of ‘angry ambitions for the invasion and colonisation of Taiwan’.

14 Feb 2026 - 10:43PMvideocam

Lifestyle & Culture

Why do South Korea’s Hallyu heroes find taxes so … taxing?

As K-culture conquers the world, its wealthy stars keep falling foul of a tax system ‘that has not yet fully caught up’.

41 minutes ago

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.

Russia & Central Asia

Russia poisoned Alexei Navalny with dart frog toxin, European nations say

Epibatidine, a deadly chemical not found naturally in Russia, was detected in samples taken from the body of the late Putin critic.

6 minutes ago

A worker paints over graffiti of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny in St Petersburg in April 2021. The inscription reads: “The hero of the new times.” Photo: AFP

United States & Canada

Epstein’s girlfriend married a woman, showing how he gamed immigration

The late sex offender used student visas, English language courses and sham marriages to keep foreign women in the US.

15 Feb 2026 - 1:30AM

China Economy

China’s gold rush: why families are doubling down on precious metals

Gold is becoming more popular in China ahead of the Lunar New Year, with households viewing the asset as a safety net amid an uncertain economy.

14 Feb 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

United States & Canada

4 astronauts arrive at International Space Station to replace Nasa’s crew

The unprecedented medical evacuation meant spacewalks were paused and research cut down due to the small crew remaining.

1 hour ago

A SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying Americans Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, France’s Sophie Adenot and Russia’s Andrei Fedyaev, approaches the International Space Station for docking on Saturday. Photo: Nasa via AP

Diplomacy

Tokyo releases captain of Chinese fishing boat found in Japanese EEZ

Zheng Nianli freed after China files bail payment guarantees, broadcaster NHK reports.

14 Feb 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

A Japanese fisheries agency patrol vessel follows the Chinese fishing vessel Qiong Dong Yu in waters off Japan’s southwest Nagasaki prefecture on Thursday. Photo: Handout

Transport

Star Cruises ‘fully prepared’ for next sailing after anger over axed trip

Cruise operator apologised for cancelling three-day, two-night voyage to Xiamen on Friday evening.

14 Feb 2026 - 10:33PM

Middle East

US-Iran talks to be held in Geneva next week, hosted by Oman

The son of Iran’s last shah called for US action, as Trump sends a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East.

2 hours ago

Tech

The AI future is now, and markets are reacting differently in the US and China

Investor jitters grow in the US as AI reshapes expectations, but China’s markets have so far reacted with caution rather than panic.

14 Feb 2026 - 6:00PM

Software-as-a-service (SaaS) stocks came under pressure this week amid concerns their business models could be undermined in an AI-driven economy. Photo: AFP

SERIES: Year of the Horse 2026

Feng shui advice for Rats for the Year of the Horse, from career to love

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Rats can put lucky coloured items at home and work for good fortune in the Year of the Fire Horse.

1 hour agovideocam

How can those born in the Year of the Rat use feng shui to improve their luck in love, money and health this coming year? Feng shui practitioner Andrew Kwan shares advice. Photo: Shutterstock

China

Over 3 million Taiwanese visited mainland China in 2025, Taipei says

Taiwanese media attributes slow post-pandemic recovery to cross-strait tensions, partial travel bans.

14 Feb 2026 - 7:45PMvideocam

South Asia

Bangladesh PM-to-be celebrates landslide win, thanks protesters

Prime minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman dedicated his victory to those who ‘sacrificed for democracy’ after the first polls since a deadly 2024 uprising.

14 Feb 2026 - 7:21PM

OPINION

Cale Holmes

Opinion | More than funding, the UN needs restructuring

3 hours ago

Cliff Buddle

My Take | Social media’s ‘becoming Chinese’ trend can only be a force for good

14 Feb 2026 - 11:15PM

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Steady recovery in Hong Kong’s property market a vote of confidence

1 hour ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Growing Hong Kong sporting culture means beating booking touts

2 hours ago

Anthony Rowley

Macroscope | How robust domestic financial markets could ease era of AI uncertainty

14 Feb 2026 - 4:30PM

Harry’s View | 15 Feb 2026

MORE COMMENT

LATEST

26 minutes ago

Chinese Zodiac

How Horses can find success with their 3 ‘enemy signs’ in the Chinese zodiac

41 minutes ago

Lifestyle & Culture

Why do South Korea’s Hallyu heroes find taxes so … taxing?

41 minutes ago

People

In conversation: Artists Michele Chu and Nicholas Wong on grief and intimacy

41 minutes ago

Celebrities

JFK Jr: his story and style remembered in FX bio Love Story

41 minutes ago

Travel

Sumba – where horses, black magic and beaches shape island life

1 hour ago

United States & Canada

4 astronauts arrive at International Space Station to replace Nasa’s crew

MORE LATEST NEWS

SCMP Series

Challenges and pathways in the South China Sea

Year of the Horse 2026

Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

China Inc. goes global

SCMP Series Challenges and pathways in the South China Sea

Bully vs sovereignty: how Manila and Beijing are sharpening their South China Sea messaging

Analysts say the Philippines’ approach of ‘assertive transparency’ may be wearing thin at home and in the region.

12 Feb 2026 - 11:07AMvideocam

The Philippines wants to seal South China Sea code of conduct. Can it deliver?

11 Feb 2026 - 6:14AMvideocam

Why High Seas Treaty could change ‘rules of the game’ in South China Sea row

10 Feb 2026 - 9:43AMvideocam

Open Questions series

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.

13 Feb 2026 - 9:03AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Trump’s ‘imperial’ agenda and the end of the old world order: Luuk van Middelaar

Political theorist says rapid acceleration of the US president’s ‘offensive, almost imperial’ agenda has left Europe disoriented.

9 Feb 2026 - 1:10PMvideocam

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

Key Industries:

China’s AI arms race sees sector brace for major flagship model launch week

A ‘stealth’ model has emerged, while advancements by Alibaba’s Qwen-3.5 and Zhipu’s GLM-5 aim to spur domestic competition following releases by US heavyweights.

9 Feb 2026 - 8:02PM

China’s AI sector is bracing for a monumental week, with a flurry of anticipated model releases. Photo: Shutterstock

Tech

The AI future is now, and markets are reacting differently in the US and China

Investor jitters grow in the US as AI reshapes expectations, but China’s markets have so far reacted with caution rather than panic.

14 Feb 2026 - 6:00PM

China EVs

Chinese cars now can’t be sold for less than it costs to make them

Regulator bans tactics that result in a net loss per vehicle after a 7 per cent drop in the average car price.

13 Feb 2026 - 4:23PM

Tech Trends

Hua Hong reports record Q4 revenue as AI-driven memory crunch fuels price hikes

Revenue growth primarily driven by increases in wafer shipments and improved average selling prices, company says.

13 Feb 2026 - 4:31PM

A view of Hua Hong’s headquarters in Shanghai. Photo: Handout

Diplomacy

How Manila’s ‘naming and shaming’ challenges Beijing’s South China Sea stance

Analysts say the Philippines’ approach of ‘assertive transparency’ may be wearing thin at home and in the region.

12 Feb 2026 - 11:07AMvideocam

Diplomacy

The Philippines wants to seal South China Sea code of conduct. Can it deliver?

As 2026 Asean chair, Manila has highlighted its push to finalise within its term a code of conduct covering the contested waters.

11 Feb 2026 - 6:14AMvideocam

Law and Crime

Key dates in Jimmy Lai’s Hong Kong national security case

10 Feb 2026 - 5:00PM

Diplomacy

Why High Seas Treaty could change ‘rules of the game’ in South China Sea row

Effective January 17, the framework protects unique marine biodiversity and ecosystems in areas beyond any individual country’s jurisdiction.

10 Feb 2026 - 9:43AMvideocam

Will China’s state-backed thriller spill details of little-known spy cases?

‘Scare Out’ depicts leak of PLA jet secrets, and some speculate the plot could be based on true story involving stealth fighter tech.

Xi’s new year greeting reveals PLA Cyberspace Force post in South China Sea

Rubio, Wang Yi manage US-China rivalry in Munich as underlying tensions linger

Back-to-back speeches appear to continue relative thaw in run-up to Trump’s expected China trip but sharp swipes are also traded.

Trump-style diplomacy could win friends for China but harm US ties with Beijing

Observers say even Washington’s close allies need to hedge against a more assertive foreign policy, with some already courting Beijing.

‘Small but precious breakthrough’ for paralysed Hong Kong dancer Mo Li

Father reveals progress in rehabilitation but says ‘path to recovery is still a marathon’.

Pop Mart balances boom and bust: can Labubu’s leap match Molly’s momentum?

China and US must talk – we owe it to the world, Rubio tells Munich conference

US secretary of state reaffirms American commitment to the transatlantic alliance, saying ‘Europe must survive’.

Future of China-US ties rests on Washington’s will, Wang Yi says in Munich

At Munich Security Conference, Chinese foreign minister also accuses Japan of ‘angry ambitions for the invasion and colonisation of Taiwan’.

Why do South Korea’s Hallyu heroes find taxes so … taxing?

As K-culture conquers the world, its wealthy stars keep falling foul of a tax system ‘that has not yet fully caught up’.

.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.

Russia poisoned Alexei Navalny with dart frog toxin, European nations say

Epibatidine, a deadly chemical not found naturally in Russia, was detected in samples taken from the body of the late Putin critic.

Epstein’s girlfriend married a woman, showing how he gamed immigration

The late sex offender used student visas, English language courses and sham marriages to keep foreign women in the US.

China’s gold rush: why families are doubling down on precious metals

Gold is becoming more popular in China ahead of the Lunar New Year, with households viewing the asset as a safety net amid an uncertain economy.

4 astronauts arrive at International Space Station to replace Nasa’s crew

The unprecedented medical evacuation meant spacewalks were paused and research cut down due to the small crew remaining.

Tokyo releases captain of Chinese fishing boat found in Japanese EEZ

Zheng Nianli freed after China files bail payment guarantees, broadcaster NHK reports.

Star Cruises ‘fully prepared’ for next sailing after anger over axed trip

Cruise operator apologised for cancelling three-day, two-night voyage to Xiamen on Friday evening.

US-Iran talks to be held in Geneva next week, hosted by Oman

The son of Iran’s last shah called for US action, as Trump sends a second aircraft carrier to the Middle East.

The AI future is now, and markets are reacting differently in the US and China

Investor jitters grow in the US as AI reshapes expectations, but China’s markets have so far reacted with caution rather than panic.

Feng shui advice for Rats for the Year of the Horse, from career to love

Feng shui master Andrew Kwan shares where Rats can put lucky coloured items at home and work for good fortune in the Year of the Fire Horse.

Over 3 million Taiwanese visited mainland China in 2025, Taipei says

Taiwanese media attributes slow post-pandemic recovery to cross-strait tensions, partial travel bans.

Bangladesh PM-to-be celebrates landslide win, thanks protesters

Prime minister-in-waiting Tarique Rahman dedicated his victory to those who ‘sacrificed for democracy’ after the first polls since a deadly 2024 uprising.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | More than funding, the UN needs restructuring

My Take | Social media’s ‘becoming Chinese’ trend can only be a force for good

Editorial | Steady recovery in Hong Kong’s property market a vote of confidence

Editorial | Growing Hong Kong sporting culture means beating booking touts

Macroscope | How robust domestic financial markets could ease era of AI uncertainty

How Horses can find success with their 3 ‘enemy signs’ in the Chinese zodiac

Why do South Korea’s Hallyu heroes find taxes so … taxing?

In conversation: Artists Michele Chu and Nicholas Wong on grief and intimacy

JFK Jr: his story and style remembered in FX bio Love Story

Sumba – where horses, black magic and beaches shape island life

4 astronauts arrive at International Space Station to replace Nasa’s crew

Bully vs sovereignty: how Manila and Beijing are sharpening their South China Sea messaging

Analysts say the Philippines’ approach of ‘assertive transparency’ may be wearing thin at home and in the region.

The Philippines wants to seal South China Sea code of conduct. Can it deliver?

Why High Seas Treaty could change ‘rules of the game’ in South China Sea row

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}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.

Open Questions | Trump’s ‘imperial’ agenda and the end of the old world order: Luuk van Middelaar

Political theorist says rapid acceleration of the US president’s ‘offensive, almost imperial’ agenda has left Europe disoriented.

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.

China’s AI arms race sees sector brace for major flagship model launch week

A ‘stealth’ model has emerged, while advancements by Alibaba’s Qwen-3.5 and Zhipu’s GLM-5 aim to spur domestic competition following releases by US heavyweights.

The AI future is now, and markets are reacting differently in the US and China

Investor jitters grow in the US as AI reshapes expectations, but China’s markets have so far reacted with caution rather than panic.

Chinese cars now can’t be sold for less than it costs to make them

Regulator bans tactics that result in a net loss per vehicle after a 7 per cent drop in the average car price.

Hua Hong reports record Q4 revenue as AI-driven memory crunch fuels price hikes

Revenue growth primarily driven by increases in wafer shipments and improved average selling prices, company says.

How Manila’s ‘naming and shaming’ challenges Beijing’s South China Sea stance

Analysts say the Philippines’ approach of ‘assertive transparency’ may be wearing thin at home and in the region.

The Philippines wants to seal South China Sea code of conduct. Can it deliver?

As 2026 Asean chair, Manila has highlighted its push to finalise within its term a code of conduct covering the contested waters.

Key dates in Jimmy Lai’s Hong Kong national security case

Key dates in Jimmy Lai’s Hong Kong national security case

Why High Seas Treaty could change ‘rules of the game’ in South China Sea row

Effective January 17, the framework protects unique marine biodiversity and ecosystems in areas beyond any individual country’s jurisdiction.

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

Opinion | More than funding, the UN needs restructuring

Open Questions | Why Trump’s April trip to China may not deliver ‘grand bargain’: James Zimmerman