Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

China’s biopharma sector ‘in prime position to challenge US leadership’

American commission issues stark warning, as analytics firm Clarivate reports that Chinese innovative drug development has entered new phase.

1 hour agovideocam

China’s pharmaceutical industry transforms into a global innovation powerhouse

Science

Diplomacy

Trump orders Chinese-linked firm HieFo to divest US chip assets

Chinese-linked company ordered to unwind its acquisition of US semiconductor assets, citing national security concerns.

2 hours agovideocam

Diplomacy

Trump to meet US’ China envoy after call with Japanese PM Takaichi

Trump and Takaichi telephone conversation reaffirms ‘close coordination’ of US-Japan alliance and hopes of a ‘new chapter’ for partnership.

6 hours agovideocam

Hong Kong Economy

New Hong Kong lawmaker Julia Lau vows to strengthen oversight after Tai Po fire

Architectural sector legislator urges better use of public funds, and has ideas on how to boost development of the Northern Metropolis and tourism.

51 minutes ago

Literature

Arthur Sze has woven the translation of classical Chinese poetry into his work across a five-decade career. Photo: by Shawn Miller

US poet laureate Arthur Sze on slowing down to translate poetry across cultures

Science

SpaceX will move 4,400 satellites to a lower orbit after China cited safety risk

Starlink’s Michael Nicolls declares ‘significant reconfiguration’ to be coordinated with regulators, other operators and US Space Command.

2 Jan 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

Starlink says taking its satellites to a lower orbit this year will allow a more than 80 per cent cut to ballistic decay time. Photo: TNS

Diplomacy

Chinese public warms to US while strongly backing Beijing’s trade stance: survey

‘Substantial’ uptick in favourability towards America compared with previous year, but still lower than scores for Britain, the EU and Asean.

3 Jan 2026 - 1:25AMvideocam

Economics

Fair or foul? Malaysia struggles to stomach its US trade pact

Local chefs fume over ‘lousy’ US poultry flooding the market, as critics call the trade agreement hastily reached and unfairly lopsided.

1 hour ago

People & Culture

How this year’s Yidan Prize laureates reshape modern literacy and skills worldwide

Mamadou Amadou Ly and Uri Wilensky help transform teaching and learning through multilingual education and computational thinking.

In partnership with:

Yidan Prize Foundation

The 2025 Yidan Prize laureates Professor Uri Wilensky (left) and Mamadou Amadou Ly help remove barriers to education by transforming how learners access and engage with knowledge.

United States & Canada

China’s BYD dethrones Tesla as world’s top electric vehicle maker

A customer revolt against Musk’s right-wing politics contributed to a 9 per cent sales drop, allowing BYD to overtake Tesla as the top EV maker.

4 hours ago

Tech Trends

China’s top contract chipmakers pursue acquisitions amid self-sufficiency drive

Hua Hong Semiconductor set to close a US$1.2 billion deal, days after SMIC says it will take full control of a subsidiary for US$5.8 billion.

2 Jan 2026 - 9:00PM

China Economy

No ‘piecemeal’ steps: Chinese journal urges more support for property sector

Top Communist Party journal calls on officials to roll out a stronger policy package in one go, rather than following ‘piecemeal-style’ approach.

2 Jan 2026 - 8:30PM

Hong Kong Economy

Back to the Past, starring Louis Koo and Raymond Lam, smashes Hong Kong record

Historical sci-fi action film earns HK$10.91 million in debut, the most for a Chinese film opening in city.

2 Jan 2026 - 9:27PM

Louis Koo and Raymond Lam star in a new historical sci-fi film Back to the Past. Photo: Nora Tam

Europe

Champagne sparklers blamed for Swiss inferno that killed 40 people

Witnesses saw a candle in a bottle ignite the ceiling at Le Constellation bar. Officials say the flashover trapped revellers in the basement.

3 Jan 2026 - 1:20AMvideocam

The entrance to Le Constellation bar is seen on Friday, a day after a deadly New Year’s Eve fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. Photo: AFP

Military

Just how close did a PLA drone come to the heart of Taipei during drill?

Footage shared by a mainland military social media account shows Taipei 101 but it’s not clear when it was taken.

2 Jan 2026 - 6:00AMvideocam

Society

2 cats found at Tai Po inferno site a month after Hong Kong blaze, SPCA says

Animal protection group calls discovery a ‘miracle’ and expresses hope of finding more missing pets.

3 Jan 2026 - 12:55AM

Economics

Netflix-Warner deal sparks concern in India’s entertainment sector

Films in Indian cinemas could be screened for a shorter period before they move to Netflix’s streaming platform, an association warns.

2 Jan 2026 - 8:58PM

A Netflix sign atop a building in Los Angeles, with the Hollywood sign in the distance. Photo: AP

China

Towering teen boy and girl, 9, in China figure skating partnership raise eyebrows

Commentators consider contrast in height and seven-year age gap to be ‘uncomfortable’, raise questions over safety, ethics.

1 hour ago

Li Xinze, a nine-year-old girl, skated with 16-year-old Li Mingda, creating a dramatic visual contrast on the ice. Photo: Bilibili

Boxing

Driver in fatal Anthony Joshua car crash charged with dangerous driving

Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode was driving the British boxer and 2 of his friends when their car crashed on Monday, killing Joshua’s friends.

3 Jan 2026 - 1:08AM

Americas

Earthquake with 6.5 magnitude rattles southern and central Mexico, killing 2

A 60-year-old man died of his injuries after falling while evacuating his second-floor flat in the capital, local authorities said.

3 hours ago

OPINION

Andrew Sheng

Opinion | Can Europe survive its crippling paralysis?

4 hours ago

Wee Kek Koon

Reflections | Chinese diners’ preference for warm water is not as ancient as you’d think

1 hour ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | As Hong Kong’s public hospital fees rise, balance must be the watchword

2 hours ago

SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Tourists must put safety first in quest for the perfect photo

3 hours ago

Audrey Jiajia Li

Opinion | As the US struggles with affordability, consumer confidence eludes China

2 Jan 2026 - 9:09PM

Harry’s View | 3 Jan 2026

MORE COMMENT

LATEST

4 minutes ago

Americas

Argentina targets US dollars hoarded under mattresses, eases tax evasion rules

21 minutes ago

Asia

Video | As bear attacks rise in Japan, diners bite back

Hunter Katsuo Harada, 84, holds the skull of the bear that attacked him more than 20 years ago, during an interview with Reuters at his home in Iwamizawa, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan October 15, 2024. (Reuters/Sakura Murakami)

06:28

21 minutes ago

Trending in China

Video of Chinese uncle joining dancers with funny pose gets 10 million views

51 minutes ago

Hong Kong Economy

New Hong Kong lawmaker Julia Lau vows to strengthen oversight after Tai Po fire

1 hour ago

Chinese culture

Reflections | Chinese diners’ preference for warm water is not as ancient as you’d think

1 hour ago

Economics

Fair or foul? Malaysia struggles to stomach its US trade pact

MORE LATEST NEWS

SCMP Series

Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Revisiting US-China relations

Year of the Horse 2026

China Inc. goes global

SCMP Series Beijing’s recalibration of its Taiwan policy

Why has Beijing turned down the heat in the Taiwan Strait in the second half of 2025?

PLA warplanes and ships have been less active around the island in the second half of the year, Taiwanese data shows.

25 Dec 2025 - 9:58AMvideocam

Beijing is pinning hopes for Taiwan reunification on KMT – but not all of them

24 Dec 2025 - 9:53PMvideocam

‘Urgent’: has mainland China changed tone for Taiwan peaceful reunification?

23 Dec 2025 - 3:43PMvideocam

Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | How new C100 chief plans to foster ties between Chinese-Americans and China

The Committee of 100’s president Paul Cheung has high hopes for Chinese-Americans’ relationship with China in these uncertain times.

3 Jan 2026 - 12:33AMvideocam

Paul Cheung, the new president of the Committee of 100, is hoping his organisation can provide context and nuance to the fractious US-China relationship for Chinese-Americans. Photo: Handout

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Political scientist Ivan Krastev on European vertigo in a post-American world

While melancholy Europe frets that the US and China will shape the future, middle powers are jostling for a place at the big table.

29 Dec 2025 - 9:04AMvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | George Yeo on superpower ‘headaches’ and why the US dollar could crack

Singapore’s former foreign minister also discusses Trump, the latest China-Japan dust-up, and rivalry between Hong Kong and the city state.

22 Dec 2025 - 10:02AMvideocam

Science

Open Questions | Sci-fi writer Liu Cixin on why he’ll be happy if AI surpasses humans

Acclaimed author of the Three-Body trilogy also discusses his ‘dark forest’ theory, and the struggle to come up with original ideas.

15 Dec 2025 - 10:05AMvideocam

Key Industries:

Tech

China’s Qwen and DeepSeek edge out US AI models in Christian values benchmark

US start-up Gloo’s Flourishing AI Christian benchmark tested how the output of AI models ‘help people flourish’, CEO Pat Gelsinger said.

17 Dec 2025 - 7:00AM

The questions in FAI-C were reviewed by a panel of Biblical experts, including theologians, pastors, psychologists and scholars of ethics. Photo: SCMP

Tech Trends

China’s top contract chipmakers pursue acquisitions amid self-sufficiency drive

Hua Hong Semiconductor set to close a US$1.2 billion deal, days after SMIC says it will take full control of a subsidiary for US$5.8 billion.

2 Jan 2026 - 9:00PM

Tech Trends

DeepSeek proposes fundamental AI shift with ‘mHC’ architecture to upgrade ResNet

The paper comes at a time when most AI start-ups have been focusing on turning AI capabilities in LLMs into agents and other products.

2 Jan 2026 - 6:30PM

Semiconductors

Baidu spin-off Kunlunxin joins wave of Chinese semiconductor IPOs in Hong Kong

Last year, 20 Chinese semiconductor IPOs raised over 45 billion yuan (US$6.4 billion), with six of them listing in December.

2 Jan 2026 - 4:49PM

Law and Crime

Hong Kong’s sex offence laws are to be overhauled. What needs to be updated?

Consent and gender issues are key areas the government will look at when it starts the review process.

2 Jan 2026 - 8:34AM

China Economy

How the ‘world’s supermarket’ rode out Trump’s tariffs – and grew even stronger

Yiwu, one of China’s biggest export hubs, was expected to take a hit from US tariffs. Instead, it has seen trade surge.

1 Jan 2026 - 10:39PMvideocam

Military

Is China’s truck-mounted catapult system enabling merchant aircraft carriers?

Scalable truck-based launch track pictured on modified cargo ship raises questions about drone war potential.

1 Jan 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Politics

‘No fixed identity’: new Chinese-American writers are telling their own stories

They’re not shaped by history like the previous generation, and observer says US-China tensions can give them ‘more space’ to explore issues.

31 Dec 2025 - 8:23AMvideocam

China’s biopharma sector ‘in prime position to challenge US leadership’

American commission issues stark warning, as analytics firm Clarivate reports that Chinese innovative drug development has entered new phase.

China’s pharmaceutical industry transforms into a global innovation powerhouse

Trump orders Chinese-linked firm HieFo to divest US chip assets

Chinese-linked company ordered to unwind its acquisition of US semiconductor assets, citing national security concerns.

Trump to meet US’ China envoy after call with Japanese PM Takaichi

Trump and Takaichi telephone conversation reaffirms ‘close coordination’ of US-Japan alliance and hopes of a ‘new chapter’ for partnership.

New Hong Kong lawmaker Julia Lau vows to strengthen oversight after Tai Po fire

Architectural sector legislator urges better use of public funds, and has ideas on how to boost development of the Northern Metropolis and tourism.

US poet laureate Arthur Sze on slowing down to translate poetry across cultures

SpaceX will move 4,400 satellites to a lower orbit after China cited safety risk

Starlink’s Michael Nicolls declares ‘significant reconfiguration’ to be coordinated with regulators, other operators and US Space Command.

Chinese public warms to US while strongly backing Beijing’s trade stance: survey

‘Substantial’ uptick in favourability towards America compared with previous year, but still lower than scores for Britain, the EU and Asean.

Fair or foul? Malaysia struggles to stomach its US trade pact

Local chefs fume over ‘lousy’ US poultry flooding the market, as critics call the trade agreement hastily reached and unfairly lopsided.

.css-f84qeq{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;font-style:italic;}How this year’s Yidan Prize laureates reshape modern literacy and skills worldwide

Mamadou Amadou Ly and Uri Wilensky help transform teaching and learning through multilingual education and computational thinking.

China’s BYD dethrones Tesla as world’s top electric vehicle maker

A customer revolt against Musk’s right-wing politics contributed to a 9 per cent sales drop, allowing BYD to overtake Tesla as the top EV maker.

China’s top contract chipmakers pursue acquisitions amid self-sufficiency drive

Hua Hong Semiconductor set to close a US$1.2 billion deal, days after SMIC says it will take full control of a subsidiary for US$5.8 billion.

No ‘piecemeal’ steps: Chinese journal urges more support for property sector

Top Communist Party journal calls on officials to roll out a stronger policy package in one go, rather than following ‘piecemeal-style’ approach.

Back to the Past, starring Louis Koo and Raymond Lam, smashes Hong Kong record

Historical sci-fi action film earns HK$10.91 million in debut, the most for a Chinese film opening in city.

Champagne sparklers blamed for Swiss inferno that killed 40 people

Witnesses saw a candle in a bottle ignite the ceiling at Le Constellation bar. Officials say the flashover trapped revellers in the basement.

Just how close did a PLA drone come to the heart of Taipei during drill?

Footage shared by a mainland military social media account shows Taipei 101 but it’s not clear when it was taken.

2 cats found at Tai Po inferno site a month after Hong Kong blaze, SPCA says

Animal protection group calls discovery a ‘miracle’ and expresses hope of finding more missing pets.

Netflix-Warner deal sparks concern in India’s entertainment sector

Films in Indian cinemas could be screened for a shorter period before they move to Netflix’s streaming platform, an association warns.

Towering teen boy and girl, 9, in China figure skating partnership raise eyebrows

Commentators consider contrast in height and seven-year age gap to be ‘uncomfortable’, raise questions over safety, ethics.

Driver in fatal Anthony Joshua car crash charged with dangerous driving

Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode was driving the British boxer and 2 of his friends when their car crashed on Monday, killing Joshua’s friends.

Earthquake with 6.5 magnitude rattles southern and central Mexico, killing 2

A 60-year-old man died of his injuries after falling while evacuating his second-floor flat in the capital, local authorities said.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Can Europe survive its crippling paralysis?

Reflections | Chinese diners’ preference for warm water is not as ancient as you’d think

Editorial | As Hong Kong’s public hospital fees rise, balance must be the watchword

Editorial | Tourists must put safety first in quest for the perfect photo

Opinion | As the US struggles with affordability, consumer confidence eludes China

Argentina targets US dollars hoarded under mattresses, eases tax evasion rules

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | As bear attacks rise in Japan, diners bite back

Video of Chinese uncle joining dancers with funny pose gets 10 million views

New Hong Kong lawmaker Julia Lau vows to strengthen oversight after Tai Po fire

Reflections | Chinese diners’ preference for warm water is not as ancient as you’d think

Fair or foul? Malaysia struggles to stomach its US trade pact

Why has Beijing turned down the heat in the Taiwan Strait in the second half of 2025?

PLA warplanes and ships have been less active around the island in the second half of the year, Taiwanese data shows.

Beijing is pinning hopes for Taiwan reunification on KMT – but not all of them

‘Urgent’: has mainland China changed tone for Taiwan peaceful reunification?

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Open Questions | How new C100 chief plans to foster ties between Chinese-Americans and China

The Committee of 100’s president Paul Cheung has high hopes for Chinese-Americans’ relationship with China in these uncertain times.

Open Questions | Political scientist Ivan Krastev on European vertigo in a post-American world

While melancholy Europe frets that the US and China will shape the future, middle powers are jostling for a place at the big table.

Open Questions | George Yeo on superpower ‘headaches’ and why the US dollar could crack

Singapore’s former foreign minister also discusses Trump, the latest China-Japan dust-up, and rivalry between Hong Kong and the city state.

Open Questions | Sci-fi writer Liu Cixin on why he’ll be happy if AI surpasses humans

Acclaimed author of the Three-Body trilogy also discusses his ‘dark forest’ theory, and the struggle to come up with original ideas.

China’s Qwen and DeepSeek edge out US AI models in Christian values benchmark

US start-up Gloo’s Flourishing AI Christian benchmark tested how the output of AI models ‘help people flourish’, CEO Pat Gelsinger said.

China’s top contract chipmakers pursue acquisitions amid self-sufficiency drive

Hua Hong Semiconductor set to close a US$1.2 billion deal, days after SMIC says it will take full control of a subsidiary for US$5.8 billion.

DeepSeek proposes fundamental AI shift with ‘mHC’ architecture to upgrade ResNet

The paper comes at a time when most AI start-ups have been focusing on turning AI capabilities in LLMs into agents and other products.

Baidu spin-off Kunlunxin joins wave of Chinese semiconductor IPOs in Hong Kong

Last year, 20 Chinese semiconductor IPOs raised over 45 billion yuan (US$6.4 billion), with six of them listing in December.

Hong Kong’s sex offence laws are to be overhauled. What needs to be updated?

Consent and gender issues are key areas the government will look at when it starts the review process.

How the ‘world’s supermarket’ rode out Trump’s tariffs – and grew even stronger

Yiwu, one of China’s biggest export hubs, was expected to take a hit from US tariffs. Instead, it has seen trade surge.

Is China’s truck-mounted catapult system enabling merchant aircraft carriers?

Scalable truck-based launch track pictured on modified cargo ship raises questions about drone war potential.

‘No fixed identity’: new Chinese-American writers are telling their own stories

They’re not shaped by history like the previous generation, and observer says US-China tensions can give them ‘more space’ to explore issues.

How this year’s Yidan Prize laureates reshape modern literacy and skills worldwide

Opinion | Can Europe survive its crippling paralysis?

Video | As bear attacks rise in Japan, diners bite back

Open Questions | How new C100 chief plans to foster ties between Chinese-Americans and China