Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

Janusz Pawliszyn, inventor of two widely used analytical chemistry techniques, has taken up a professorship at Sun Yat-sen University’s school of chemical engineering and technology. Photo: Handout

Canada Research Chair chemist Janusz Pawliszyn joins Chinese university

The Polish scientist who invented two widely used analytical chemistry techniques has been hired by one of his former students.

6 hours ago

Zhang Kai: why I left Yale for China at the peak of my career in life science

Science

Diplomacy

Is Japan’s treaty-day Taiwan Strait warship transit a new flashpoint with China?

The JS Ikazuchi’s passage through the waterway on Friday ‘harmed the feelings of the Chinese people’.

4 hours agovideocam

Military

How the PLA may use stealth drones in a swarming boat attack from Taiwan

Beijing could send in GJ-21s – which have long endurance and high manoeuvrability – to counter uncrewed combat boats, military magazine says.

19 Apr 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Film Awards: Ciao UFO wins top prizes as Sons of the Neon Night glows

Sci‑fi drama Ciao UFO named best film while crime thriller Sons of the Neon Night wins eight prizes.

3 hours ago

Focus

The rupture: how Europe fell out of love with America

Exclusive | Iran keen on deal with US but has higher ‘pain tolerance’: think tank chief

Mohamed Amersi, who is close to Iranian negotiators, says regime is prepared for long haul and will not give up its missile programme.

6 hours agovideocam

Mohamed Amersi, an Iranian based in Britain, says Tehran is keen for a memorandum or framework of understanding with the United States. Photo: WANA via Reuters

Science

How hydrogen could help China cut natural gas use and carbon emissions

A large-scale project in Shandong province is part of a national green energy push.

19 Apr 2026 - 9:00PMvideocam

Science

China’s ‘land aircraft carrier’ charges flying drone with microwave beam

While the technology is still at an early stage, it may one day allow drones to fly indefinitely.

19 Apr 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

China Economy

Shanghai mobilises seniors to work longer amid China’s demographic crisis

With one in three residents above retirement age, Shanghai’s 28-department plan aims to mobilise retirees to offset shrinking payrolls and rising pension strains.

19 Apr 2026 - 4:00PM

A group of older Chinese people gather at Shanghai’s Fuxing Park. The city is now encouraging seniors to return to work. Photo: Shutterstock

Europe

UK investigating Iran link to arson attacks on Jewish sites in London

Metropolitan Police said counterterror officers are investigating whether a string of fires at synagogues are the work of Iranian proxies.

14 minutes ago

United States & Canada

Canada’s Carney says economic ties with US are a weakness that must be corrected

In a video address, the PM said he plans to give Canadians regular updates on his government’s efforts to diversify away from the US.

54 minutes ago

Europe

Allies back Starmer as Mandelson decision leaves UK leader fighting for his job

Deputy PM David Lammy said if Starmer had known of Mandelson’s Epstein ties, ‘he would never, ever’ have appointed him US ambassador.

2 hours agovideocam

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the House of Commons in London. Photo: PRU / AFP / Handout

Africa

Pope prays at Catholic shrine in Angola that was a centre of African slave trade

Leo, whose ancestors include enslaved people and slave owners, urged the faithful at the Sanctuary of Mama Muxima to build a ‘better’ world.

1 hour ago

Pope Leo leads the Holy Rosary Prayer at the Mama Muxima Shrine, accompanied by Bishop Monsignor Emilio Sumbelelo, during his apostolic journey in Africa, in Muxima, Angola on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

United States & Canada

8 children killed after shootings in Louisiana, police say

The domestic-related shootings at different homes in Shreveport left victims ranging in age from 1 to 14. The gunman was shot dead by police.

3 hours ago

Europe

Police patrol chief quits over ‘shameful’ response to Kyiv shooting

Yevhen Zhukov resigned after 2 officers were seen fleeing the scene when a gunman killed 6 people in the Ukrainian capital on Saturday.

3 hours ago

Hong Kong Economy

Hong Kong Sevens a treat for fans but local restaurants hungry for more trade

Over three action-packed days of rugby, a record 113,000 fans pass through the turnstiles.

3 hours ago

Fans are in high spirits in a packed South Stand. Photo: Elson Li

Lifestyle & Culture

Meet the Filipino spouses turning their migration journeys into viral content

Women make up 90 per cent of Filipino marriage migrants, moving mainly to the US, Canada, Japan and Australia.

19 Apr 2026 - 3:00PM

Lea Albritton, the influencer behind “Pinay sa America” and her husband, Timothy. Photo: Lea Albritton

United States & Canada

US animal rights activists clash with police over Wisconsin dog breeder

About 1,000 animal welfare activists faced rubber bullets and pepper spray as they tried to gain entry to a beagle breeding and research facility.

5 hours ago

Rugby

Hong Kong Sevens: Blitzboks win first title, Black Ferns go unbeaten again

Hong Kong’s men defend their Melrose Claymores title, South Africa claim first title and New Zealand’s women make it two from two.

19 Apr 2026 - 8:17PM

LATEST

14 minutes ago

Europe

UK investigating Iran link to arson attacks on Jewish sites in London

58 minutes ago

United States & Canada

Canada’s Carney says economic ties with US are a weakness that must be corrected

1 hour ago

Africa

Pope prays at Catholic shrine in Angola that was a centre of African slave trade

2 hours ago

Europe

Allies back Starmer as Mandelson decision leaves UK leader fighting for his job

3 hours ago

United States & Canada

8 children killed after shootings in Louisiana, police say

3 hours ago

Europe

Police patrol chief quits over ‘shameful’ response to Kyiv shooting

4 hours ago

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Film Awards: Ciao UFO wins top prizes as Sons of the Neon Night glows

4 hours ago

Diplomacy

Is Japan’s treaty-day Taiwan Strait warship transit a new flashpoint with China?

5 hours ago

Hong Kong

Ceci Lee crashes out of contention, but Hong Kong coach strikes positive tone

5 hours ago

HK Sevens

Hong Kong a ‘global player’ in world rugby after record-breaking Sevens party

MORE LATEST NEWS

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

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

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

Key Industries:

China Business

China’s drug makers are speeding up – will AI be their secret weapon?

Chinese biotech firms are striking big global deals as drug makers, but could artificial intelligence take them to the next level?

18 Apr 2026 - 11:05AM

Big Tech

‘State-of-the-art’ models can struggle with basic office work, says AI executive

Advanced AI can ace Olympiad maths yet falters in routine office tasks as enterprises turn to smaller models for everyday use: David Meyer.

19 Apr 2026 - 6:00PM

China Business

Chinese drug makers take on Western dominance in US$16 billion Parkinson’s race

The future of treating brain diseases could lie in non-invasive technologies, according to Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology.

19 Apr 2026 - 5:00PM

Markets

Asia’s supply chains could give it edge over US in AI race: Granite Asia’s Foo

Asia’s industrial ecosystem could deliver faster deployment of robotics and embodied AI systems, veteran venture capitalist says.

19 Apr 2026 - 2:00PM

The current wave of AI development has entered a new phase where physical applications – from robotics to industrial automation – are becoming increasingly important, playing to Asia’s long-standing manufacturing strengths, according to a veteran venture capitalist. Photo: Xinhua

Sport

Rugby’s greatest weekend: 50 years of the Hong Kong Sevens - an infographic

See the world’s top teams compete at Kai Tak Stadium on April 17-19 and celebrate 50 years of Hong Kong Sevens history, tries and triumphs.

16 Apr 2026 - 8:15PM

Rugby’s greatest weekend: 50 years of the Hong Kong Sevens - an infographic

China Business

China’s drug makers are speeding up – will AI be their secret weapon?

Chinese biotech firms are striking big global deals as drug makers, but could artificial intelligence take them to the next level?

18 Apr 2026 - 11:05AM

China Economy

Iran war energy shock sees Chinese firms recalibrate overseas expansion plans

Businesses are rethinking short-term strategies as they adapt to rising costs and slowing growth across major economies.

18 Apr 2026 - 6:33AMvideocam

Tech Trends

How the rise of AI agents could finally make China’s open-source models pay

Free models helped Chinese firms find rapid success – but thin margins are forcing a shift towards hybrid business strategies.

17 Apr 2026 - 8:38PMvideocam

Canada Research Chair chemist Janusz Pawliszyn joins Chinese university

The Polish scientist who invented two widely used analytical chemistry techniques has been hired by one of his former students.

Zhang Kai: why I left Yale for China at the peak of my career in life science

Is Japan’s treaty-day Taiwan Strait warship transit a new flashpoint with China?

The JS Ikazuchi’s passage through the waterway on Friday ‘harmed the feelings of the Chinese people’.

How the PLA may use stealth drones in a swarming boat attack from Taiwan

Beijing could send in GJ-21s – which have long endurance and high manoeuvrability – to counter uncrewed combat boats, military magazine says.

Hong Kong Film Awards: Ciao UFO wins top prizes as Sons of the Neon Night glows

Sci‑fi drama Ciao UFO named best film while crime thriller Sons of the Neon Night wins eight prizes.

The rupture: how Europe fell out of love with America

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Exclusive | Iran keen on deal with US but has higher ‘pain tolerance’: think tank chief

Mohamed Amersi, who is close to Iranian negotiators, says regime is prepared for long haul and will not give up its missile programme.

How hydrogen could help China cut natural gas use and carbon emissions

A large-scale project in Shandong province is part of a national green energy push.

China’s ‘land aircraft carrier’ charges flying drone with microwave beam

While the technology is still at an early stage, it may one day allow drones to fly indefinitely.

.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.

Shanghai mobilises seniors to work longer amid China’s demographic crisis

With one in three residents above retirement age, Shanghai’s 28-department plan aims to mobilise retirees to offset shrinking payrolls and rising pension strains.

UK investigating Iran link to arson attacks on Jewish sites in London

Metropolitan Police said counterterror officers are investigating whether a string of fires at synagogues are the work of Iranian proxies.

Canada’s Carney says economic ties with US are a weakness that must be corrected

In a video address, the PM said he plans to give Canadians regular updates on his government’s efforts to diversify away from the US.

Allies back Starmer as Mandelson decision leaves UK leader fighting for his job

Deputy PM David Lammy said if Starmer had known of Mandelson’s Epstein ties, ‘he would never, ever’ have appointed him US ambassador.

Pope prays at Catholic shrine in Angola that was a centre of African slave trade

Leo, whose ancestors include enslaved people and slave owners, urged the faithful at the Sanctuary of Mama Muxima to build a ‘better’ world.

8 children killed after shootings in Louisiana, police say

The domestic-related shootings at different homes in Shreveport left victims ranging in age from 1 to 14. The gunman was shot dead by police.

Police patrol chief quits over ‘shameful’ response to Kyiv shooting

Yevhen Zhukov resigned after 2 officers were seen fleeing the scene when a gunman killed 6 people in the Ukrainian capital on Saturday.

Hong Kong Sevens a treat for fans but local restaurants hungry for more trade

Over three action-packed days of rugby, a record 113,000 fans pass through the turnstiles.

Meet the Filipino spouses turning their migration journeys into viral content

Women make up 90 per cent of Filipino marriage migrants, moving mainly to the US, Canada, Japan and Australia.

US animal rights activists clash with police over Wisconsin dog breeder

About 1,000 animal welfare activists faced rubber bullets and pepper spray as they tried to gain entry to a beagle breeding and research facility.

Hong Kong Sevens: Blitzboks win first title, Black Ferns go unbeaten again

Hong Kong’s men defend their Melrose Claymores title, South Africa claim first title and New Zealand’s women make it two from two.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}My Take | Is China just an emerging electro-state or an electro-civilisation state?

Opinion | As Iran war fallout hits Southeast Asia, US is losing influence to China

Opinion | As AI evolves, school syllabuses must evolve with it

Opinion | How markets will test Hong Kong’s new economic model

Asian Angle | The Thucydides Trap is a lie created to justify a US-China war

UK investigating Iran link to arson attacks on Jewish sites in London

Canada’s Carney says economic ties with US are a weakness that must be corrected

Pope prays at Catholic shrine in Angola that was a centre of African slave trade

Allies back Starmer as Mandelson decision leaves UK leader fighting for his job

8 children killed after shootings in Louisiana, police say

Police patrol chief quits over ‘shameful’ response to Kyiv shooting

Hong Kong Film Awards: Ciao UFO wins top prizes as Sons of the Neon Night glows

Is Japan’s treaty-day Taiwan Strait warship transit a new flashpoint with China?

Ceci Lee crashes out of contention, but Hong Kong coach strikes positive tone

Hong Kong a ‘global player’ in world rugby after record-breaking Sevens party

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 | 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.

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.

China’s drug makers are speeding up – will AI be their secret weapon?

Chinese biotech firms are striking big global deals as drug makers, but could artificial intelligence take them to the next level?

‘State-of-the-art’ models can struggle with basic office work, says AI executive

Advanced AI can ace Olympiad maths yet falters in routine office tasks as enterprises turn to smaller models for everyday use: David Meyer.

Chinese drug makers take on Western dominance in US$16 billion Parkinson’s race

The future of treating brain diseases could lie in non-invasive technologies, according to Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology.

Asia’s supply chains could give it edge over US in AI race: Granite Asia’s Foo

Asia’s industrial ecosystem could deliver faster deployment of robotics and embodied AI systems, veteran venture capitalist says.

Rugby’s greatest weekend: 50 years of the Hong Kong Sevens - an infographic

See the world’s top teams compete at Kai Tak Stadium on April 17-19 and celebrate 50 years of Hong Kong Sevens history, tries and triumphs.

China’s drug makers are speeding up – will AI be their secret weapon?

Chinese biotech firms are striking big global deals as drug makers, but could artificial intelligence take them to the next level?

Iran war energy shock sees Chinese firms recalibrate overseas expansion plans

Exclusive | Iran keen on deal with US but has higher ‘pain tolerance’: think tank chief

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

My Take | Is China just an emerging electro-state or an electro-civilisation state?