Breaking China, Asia, HK News, Opinions and Insights

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly predicted a breakthrough with Tehran, even as fighting persisted and negotiations faltered. Photo: TNS

Breaking | Trump calls off Iran strikes, citing progress in talks

After warning of imminent military action, US president says negotiations with Tehran have advanced significantly.

30 minutes ago

US-Israel war on Iran

Politics

What’s behind Beijing’s seabed mapping east of Taiwan?

Expert says knowledge of the waters and seabed could allow ‘more effective submarine and anti-submarine operations’.

3 hours agovideocam

China

Nvidia denies Latin America role in China chip smuggling

Suspicious bulk orders from unfamiliar countries are screened out, Nvidia’s regional chief says, as Chinese capital courts Brazil.

47 minutes ago

Society

No barriers for 50,000 users of new ‘seamless’ e-channels at mega bridge

Facial recognition technology will allow people to clear immigration in five seconds using new e-channels at Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

1 hour ago

Infographic

A city remembers: the names of the 168 people who died in the Tai Po fire

Politics

Iran’s ‘unity of theatres’ strategy exposes US-Israel rift

Analysts say Iran’s new tactic is both an attempt to reassert strategic deterrence and a political bargaining chip ahead of negotiations.

11 Jun 2026 - 6:00PMvideocam

A man checks a fallen rocket half-buried in the ground on the outskirts of Jericho on Monday, following Iranian and Iran-backed Houthi rebel attacks. Photo: TNS

Economic Indicators

Citic Securities breaks ceiling with first ‘A’ class rating for China brokerage

Award of an A-minus rating seen as a milestone in China’s efforts to build globally competitive investment banks.

6 hours ago

Big Tech

China leads US in everyday AI apps but firms are overvalued, experts say

Chinese labs have unveiled new models that trail closely behind those from US peers such as OpenAI and Anthropic in capabilities.

6 hours ago

Business

How Changan Automobile’s design-driven brand strategy shapes its global expansion plans

Klaus Zyciora, vice-president of the Chinese carmaker, says its innovative, smart, low-carbon vehicles can entice customers around the world.

In partnership with:

Changan Automobile

China Business

China’s BYD challenges iconic auto giants as hybrid demand surges in Germany

A three-fold jump in BYD’s German registrations highlights shift towards lower-tariff models, as company chairman says ‘the worst is over’.

6 hours agovideocam

A hybrid vehicle is seen at a BYD showroom in Beijing earlier this year. The Chinese company’s hybrid models are selling increasingly well in Germany. Photo: AP

Football

Excitement, chaos: Mexico set, but not so ready, for first World Cup in 40 years

Organisational issues abound and ‘nowhere looks special’ but the capital is in carnival mode and the football, as usual, will make it all OK.

3 hours ago

Tech

From cars to humanoids: Xpeng boss takes over robotics unit in ‘strategic pivot’

Billionaire founder discloses that over the past year he spent at least one full day each week engaged in the robotics operations.

11 Jun 2026 - 8:00PM

World

El Nino is back – and it could be ‘one for the history books’

The weather event – which can bring droughts, floods and record temperatures – has officially arrived, and could grow to peak strength.

1 hour ago

A firefighter monitors flames caused by the Hughes Fire in California, in January 2025. Scientists fear El Nino will exacerbate the heat of a planet already warming from burning fossil fuels. Photo: AP

Science

Don’t panic if you see a snake on a Chinese power line. It might be a robot

In Kunming, robot dogs are also being deployed to ensure the energy supply during the high-stakes college entrance exams.

11 Jun 2026 - 2:00PM

The robotic snake’s head is equipped with a camera and sensors to identify safety hazards, while the tail has a power harvesting device that lets it draw power from the lines it is inspecting. Photo: qq.com

Diplomacy

China sanctions Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro

Chinese foreign ministry says Teodoro is banned from entering China because of his ‘erroneous remarks’ on the country.

5 hours agovideocam

Europe

Fury over Jared Kushner’s Albania project reaches doors of political elite

Protesters want the entire political establishment to step aside, including PM Rama, who insists the development will create jobs.

6 hours ago

Society

Board backs proposal to give temple, mosque highest level of heritage protection

Hung Shing Temple in Wan Chai and Stanley Mosque should be classified as statutory monuments, Antiquities Advisory Board says.

2 hours ago

Hung Shing Temple is believed to have been built between 1847 and 1852. Photo: Karma Lo

Europe

Bag made from ‘T. rex leather’ to be auctioned in Paris

The material was created using cells from a dinosaur femur found in the US state of Montana 25 years ago.

2 hours ago

The auction house estimates the value of the T. rex leather bag to be between US$346,000 and US$576,000. Photo: AFP

Europe

Belfast stabbing victim ‘improving’ and may soon wake from coma

Stephen Ogilvie lost his left eye and suffered deep head and back wounds in a brutal attack that sparked violent unrest in Northern Ireland.

26 minutes ago

United States & Canada

US man pleads guilty to assassinating Minnesota lawmaker and husband

Vance Boelter was charged with murdering Melissa and Mark Hortman, and with the non-fatal shootings of John and Yvette Hoffman.

1 hour ago

OPINION

James David Spellman

Opinion | Why tech titans’ IPOs matter as much in China as in the US

11 Jun 2026 - 8:30PM

Nicholas Spiro

Macroscope | Investors expecting a US interest rate rise could be in for a surprise

11 Jun 2026 - 4:30PM

Chow Chung-yan

Opinion | Why Hongkongers should be very interested in the Pinglu Canal

11 Jun 2026 - 8:07PM

Charmaine Mok

On the Menu | How one bite of oyster in Hong Kong ruined food trip but taught valuable lessons

11 Jun 2026 - 12:23PM

Letters

Letters | Animal abuse cases must force Hong Kong to finally update its law

11 Jun 2026 - 11:28AM

Harry’s View | 12 Jun 2026

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Europe

Belfast stabbing victim ‘improving’ and may soon wake from coma

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US

Breaking | Trump calls off Iran strikes, citing progress in talks

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United States & Canada

US man pleads guilty to assassinating Minnesota lawmaker and husband

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El Nino is back – and it could be ‘one for the history books’

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SCMP Series

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US President Donald Trump listening to a speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping at a state banquet at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, last week. Photo: Reuters

SCMP Series Trump’s 2026 trip to China

China will buy at least US$17 billion of US farm goods annually, White House says

The agreement was struck at the recent summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to US fact sheet.

3-MIN READ

How will Beijing judge Trump’s take on Taiwan? Look for 1 critical factor

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How China and the US felt the weight of history behind Trump and Xi’s meeting

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Open Questions series

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Economist James Heckman on the value of risk-taking, and China’s ‘common goal’

He also discusses the economic outlook, youth unemployment and whether the country can overtake the US in science and tech.

14-MIN READvideocam

China Business

Open Questions | Hong Kong must embrace ‘bipolar’ role to thrive in its ‘Stage 3.0’: Charles Li

Veteran deal maker urges an IPO link to lure global resource giants and turn Chinese buyers into owners as city solidifies role as East-West bridge and global capital hub.

9-MIN READvideocam

Diplomacy

Open Questions | Stable US-China ties? It won’t last long, Evan Medeiros says

After Trump’s China trip, political scientist gives his assessment on Taiwan, trade leverage, the Iran war and Beijing’s tensions with Tokyo.

9-MIN READvideocam

Politics

Open Questions | Mainland China’s Wu Yongping on what the Xi-Trump summit means for Taiwan

Regardless of the meeting’s outcome, the trend towards resolution of the Taiwan question won’t change, according to the Tsinghua academic.

12-MIN READ

Key Industries:

United States & Canada

US takes step to halt Nvidia AI chip shipments to Chinese overseas subsidiaries

Surprise move suggests US chips may have been making their way to the subsidiaries of Chinese firms based in places such as Malaysia.

2-MIN READvideocam

The Nvidia headquarters in Santa Clara, California. Photo: Getty Images / TNS

China Business

China’s space start-ups eye IPO boom as SpaceX heads for record listing

China’s emerging aerospace firms are lining up to list as SpaceX’s blockbuster flotation shines a spotlight on the sector.

3-MIN READ

China Business

China’s BYD challenges iconic auto giants as hybrid demand surges in Germany

A three-fold jump in BYD’s German registrations highlights shift towards lower-tariff models, as company chairman says ‘the worst is over’.

3-MIN READvideocam

Big Tech

China leads US in everyday AI apps but firms are overvalued, experts say

Chinese labs have unveiled new models that trail closely behind those from US peers such as OpenAI and Anthropic in capabilities.

2-MIN READ

An ad for Doubao, ByteDance’s AI assistant, is seen at the Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on May 16, 2026. Photo: Getty Images

China Economy

China’s gig economy is an employment reservoir – but is the well drying up?

More than 200 million people in China are flexibly employed, but AI adoption, unstable income and poor social security make positions precarious.

5-MIN READvideocam

US

How Chinese drink chains are testing the limits of soft power

New tea and coffee brands from China are winning customers across America, but their broader influence remains unclear.

6-MIN READvideocam

Health & Environment

‘Silent killer’: the race to beat cancer in Hong Kong

Despite a rising number of cancer cases in Hong Kong, survival rates are improving. Here is what you need to know.

1-MIN READ

Global Economy

China and Japan aren’t talking. Will their rare earth trade go quiet?

With bilateral relations at a low and Beijing already enacting limited export controls on critical minerals, fears of a broader ban grow.

7-MIN READvideocam

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Breaking | Trump calls off Iran strikes, citing progress in talks

After warning of imminent military action, US president says negotiations with Tehran have advanced significantly.

What’s behind Beijing’s seabed mapping east of Taiwan?

Expert says knowledge of the waters and seabed could allow ‘more effective submarine and anti-submarine operations’.

Nvidia denies Latin America role in China chip smuggling

Suspicious bulk orders from unfamiliar countries are screened out, Nvidia’s regional chief says, as Chinese capital courts Brazil.

No barriers for 50,000 users of new ‘seamless’ e-channels at mega bridge

Facial recognition technology will allow people to clear immigration in five seconds using new e-channels at Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

A city remembers: the names of the 168 people who died in the Tai Po fire

Iran’s ‘unity of theatres’ strategy exposes US-Israel rift

Analysts say Iran’s new tactic is both an attempt to reassert strategic deterrence and a political bargaining chip ahead of negotiations.

Citic Securities breaks ceiling with first ‘A’ class rating for China brokerage

Award of an A-minus rating seen as a milestone in China’s efforts to build globally competitive investment banks.

China leads US in everyday AI apps but firms are overvalued, experts say

Chinese labs have unveiled new models that trail closely behind those from US peers such as OpenAI and Anthropic in capabilities.

.css-12ooj4n{font-family:Roboto Condensed,Roboto Condensed fallback,sans-serif;}How Changan Automobile’s design-driven brand strategy shapes its global expansion plans

Klaus Zyciora, vice-president of the Chinese carmaker, says its innovative, smart, low-carbon vehicles can entice customers around the world.

China’s BYD challenges iconic auto giants as hybrid demand surges in Germany

A three-fold jump in BYD’s German registrations highlights shift towards lower-tariff models, as company chairman says ‘the worst is over’.

Excitement, chaos: Mexico set, but not so ready, for first World Cup in 40 years

Organisational issues abound and ‘nowhere looks special’ but the capital is in carnival mode and the football, as usual, will make it all OK.

From cars to humanoids: Xpeng boss takes over robotics unit in ‘strategic pivot’

Billionaire founder discloses that over the past year he spent at least one full day each week engaged in the robotics operations.

El Nino is back – and it could be ‘one for the history books’

The weather event – which can bring droughts, floods and record temperatures – has officially arrived, and could grow to peak strength.

Don’t panic if you see a snake on a Chinese power line. It might be a robot

In Kunming, robot dogs are also being deployed to ensure the energy supply during the high-stakes college entrance exams.

China sanctions Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro

Chinese foreign ministry says Teodoro is banned from entering China because of his ‘erroneous remarks’ on the country.

Fury over Jared Kushner’s Albania project reaches doors of political elite

Protesters want the entire political establishment to step aside, including PM Rama, who insists the development will create jobs.

Board backs proposal to give temple, mosque highest level of heritage protection

Hung Shing Temple in Wan Chai and Stanley Mosque should be classified as statutory monuments, Antiquities Advisory Board says.

Bag made from ‘T. rex leather’ to be auctioned in Paris

The material was created using cells from a dinosaur femur found in the US state of Montana 25 years ago.

Belfast stabbing victim ‘improving’ and may soon wake from coma

Stephen Ogilvie lost his left eye and suffered deep head and back wounds in a brutal attack that sparked violent unrest in Northern Ireland.

US man pleads guilty to assassinating Minnesota lawmaker and husband

Vance Boelter was charged with murdering Melissa and Mark Hortman, and with the non-fatal shootings of John and Yvette Hoffman.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Why tech titans’ IPOs matter as much in China as in the US

Macroscope | Investors expecting a US interest rate rise could be in for a surprise

Opinion | Why Hongkongers should be very interested in the Pinglu Canal

On the Menu | How one bite of oyster in Hong Kong ruined food trip but taught valuable lessons

Letters | Animal abuse cases must force Hong Kong to finally update its law

Belfast stabbing victim ‘improving’ and may soon wake from coma

Nvidia denies Latin America role in China chip smuggling

Breaking | Trump calls off Iran strikes, citing progress in talks

US man pleads guilty to assassinating Minnesota lawmaker and husband

El Nino is back – and it could be ‘one for the history books’

Bag made from ‘T. rex leather’ to be auctioned in Paris

China will buy at least US$17 billion of US farm goods annually, White House says

The agreement was struck at the recent summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to US fact sheet.

How will Beijing judge Trump’s take on Taiwan? Look for 1 critical factor

How China and the US felt the weight of history behind Trump and Xi’s meeting

Open Questions | Economist James Heckman on the value of risk-taking, and China’s ‘common goal’

He also discusses the economic outlook, youth unemployment and whether the country can overtake the US in science and tech.

Open Questions | Hong Kong must embrace ‘bipolar’ role to thrive in its ‘Stage 3.0’: Charles Li

Veteran deal maker urges an IPO link to lure global resource giants and turn Chinese buyers into owners as city solidifies role as East-West bridge and global capital hub.

Open Questions | Stable US-China ties? It won’t last long, Evan Medeiros says

After Trump’s China trip, political scientist gives his assessment on Taiwan, trade leverage, the Iran war and Beijing’s tensions with Tokyo.

Open Questions | Mainland China’s Wu Yongping on what the Xi-Trump summit means for Taiwan

Regardless of the meeting’s outcome, the trend towards resolution of the Taiwan question won’t change, according to the Tsinghua academic.

US takes step to halt Nvidia AI chip shipments to Chinese overseas subsidiaries

Surprise move suggests US chips may have been making their way to the subsidiaries of Chinese firms based in places such as Malaysia.

China’s space start-ups eye IPO boom as SpaceX heads for record listing

China’s emerging aerospace firms are lining up to list as SpaceX’s blockbuster flotation shines a spotlight on the sector.

China’s BYD challenges iconic auto giants as hybrid demand surges in Germany

A three-fold jump in BYD’s German registrations highlights shift towards lower-tariff models, as company chairman says ‘the worst is over’.

China leads US in everyday AI apps but firms are overvalued, experts say

Chinese labs have unveiled new models that trail closely behind those from US peers such as OpenAI and Anthropic in capabilities.

China’s gig economy is an employment reservoir – but is the well drying up?

More than 200 million people in China are flexibly employed, but AI adoption, unstable income and poor social security make positions precarious.

How Chinese drink chains are testing the limits of soft power

New tea and coffee brands from China are winning customers across America, but their broader influence remains unclear.

‘Silent killer’: the race to beat cancer in Hong Kong

Despite a rising number of cancer cases in Hong Kong, survival rates are improving. Here is what you need to know.

China and Japan aren’t talking. Will their rare earth trade go quiet?

With bilateral relations at a low and Beijing already enacting limited export controls on critical minerals, fears of a broader ban grow.

Breaking | Trump calls off Iran strikes, citing progress in talks

How Changan Automobile’s design-driven brand strategy shapes its global expansion plans

Opinion | Why tech titans’ IPOs matter as much in China as in the US